Category Archives: Seek God’s Will

How to Have a Positive Thinking Plan that will Bless Your Life

If you and I are hoping to make a positive impact on the world to glorify God and bless us, we need a positive thinking plan and ways to follow through. #PositiveThinking #WWGGG #SocialMedia #GoodThoughts #CountingMyBlessings

Nothing . . . absolutely nothing is ever accomplished through negativity!

And yes, I said that negatively.

It’s easy for us to see what’s wrong, isn’t it?

It’s easy to make a list of flaws and faults we see in our neighbors, at church, at work, at our kid’s school, in our community and our nation … and yes, even in the people with whom we live.

It’s just so easy to see and point out what’s wrong in the world, in people, in life.

If only everyone would just see things my way. Right?!

But I want to stop for a minute and imagine what might happen if we all made a sincere effort to change our thoughts.

Paul wrote…

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

Philippians 4:8

I like how the Amplified Bible expands on it…

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

(AMP)

The chapter begins with Paul’s appeal to Euodia and Syntyche to stop their bickering because it was starting to affect the unity of the church. People were taking sides.

So Paul says, rather than disagreeing…

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. 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 4:4–7

Change your focus. Change your thinking.

Can you imagine…

The truth is whatever we consistently think about will eventually come out in our words and action.

So changing our thoughts to the true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable things of God will inevitably help us interact with each other more positively.

If you and I really want to make things better. If we want to do more than just be negative. If we’re hoping to make a positive impact in ways that will glorify God, we need a positive thinking plan.

How to Have a Positive Thinking Plan that will Bless Your Life

If you and I are hoping to make a positive impact on the world to glorify God and bless us, we need a positive thinking plan and ways to follow through. #PositiveThinking #WWGGG #SocialMedia #GoodThoughts #CountingMyBlessings

1. Choose carefully the things you allow in your head.

If you and I are going to know what is “true and honorable and right and pure,” we need to know how God defines those things.

So, I want to take His Word into my heart and mind. And I also want to wisely choose what I watch and read and listen to.

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

Romans 12:2

2. Walk away from all online or in-person “ain’t it awful” groupthink.

Online – Take a break from social media or block the commenters who are always negative and confrontational.  In person – Invite a complainer to tell you what they would do to make the situation better. If that doesn’t work change the subject or walk away.

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Colossians 4:6

3. Set positive goals and work toward accomplishing them.

What are you passionate about? What makes your heart beat faster? Invest your time in finding ways to pursue your passion and set achievable goals. I promise the fastest way to stop being negative is to pursue what you love.

My friend, Marva, wrote a wonderful post that will help you set your goals and she added 5 steps that will actually help you achieve them.

4. Talk about your goals, hopes, and dreams for the future.

Are you crazy about your family? Do you love music, art, gardening, decorating, cooking, or all the above? Talk about what you love. Do you love Jesus? Tell someone. Share your enthusiasm and let the people in your life join in the fun.

I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.

Psalm 40:10

5. Praise and encourage the positive things you see in others.

Ask your friends about their hopes and dreams. Lift them up. Get excited about the possibilities with them and cheer on their efforts. Pray for them and with them. Be a cheerleader and encourager.

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Ephesians 4:29

6. Do something kind for someone.

Busy people don’t have time to complain and they say being kind to others makes you happy, too. That sounds like a bonus to me!

I wrote a post about the ways being kind is good for you because I wondered … what if kindness matters most when it’s hardest to give?

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:31–32

7. Talk online and in-person about the good things you see people doing.

It’s just so easy to click on the like and share buttons. What if we stopped passing along all the negative stuff?

If you’re looking for something to post online . . . find a good news story or a funny picture or video. And click that like button on things that qualify under the “true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable things of God” category.

Have you visited the #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory? Page on Facebook, yet? I’d love for you to join the movement! We’re sharing stories of the ways we can change the world (and ourselves) one God-glorifying moment at a time.

8. Pray about the good, bad, and ugly! Ask God to show Himself strong in life’s messiness.

God is on His throne and He’s well aware of the messiness of our lives. I’m making it a goal to pray more and complain less. I want to take Him every fear and frustration, each concern and care to Him.

He is sovereign and more than able to accomplish His will. Because I want to give God glory with my life, I’m praying and asking Him to help me align my life with His will, to be willing to wait on His timing, and follow His Spirit’s direction as He reveals it.

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

Mark 12:29–31

9. Listen to different points of view, you might learn something.

If someone is respectfully sharing their opinion, even if you don’t agree, be kind and listen. Shutting down ideas with which we disagree doesn’t help anyone. And who knows . . . they might return the favor and listen to you.

“Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you. Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you.” ~Anonymous

10. Finally – Before you complain about something you can’t change, do something to change what you can!

There are ministries that need our help. Groups that need your specific gifts and abilities. People who need your prayers. There is so much to do . . . why would we waste our time and energy complaining about something we can do nothing about!

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” ~ John Wesley

How to Have a Positive Thinking Plan that will Bless Your Live - If you and I are hoping to make a positive impact on the world to glorify God and bless us, we need a positive thinking plan and ways to follow through. #PositiveThinking #WWGGG #SocialMedia #GoodThoughts #CountingMyBlessings

That’s my list...

I still believe it’s possible for God’s people, with God’s help, to positively change themselves and make a difference in the lives God touches through them.

But it all begins with the Lord who loves the people He created so much He chose to give up everything including His very life, to save them and give them a better way to live.

A positive way to live!

And I believe that because of His love, He wants us to have a “positive thinking plan!” A plan that will bless us, the people around us, and maybe … just maybe the world at large!

Because when you and I focus on His positive and live for His glory amazing and wonderful things happen.

I can’t wait to hear about the positive things God is doing in, through, and around you!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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.

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!

5 Verses to Pray When You Doubt Your Value

If you doubt your value today because someone has failed to love you well or you are lacking something you need to be lovable ... I'd love to pray with you. #DoubtSelf #Unlovable #GodLovesYou #VersesandPrayers #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I believe we all want to be emotionally healthy … and there are several things required to make that desire a reality.

Those things are a need for love, security, and significance.

The need to be valued!

And I believe we are hardwired by God with this need for two very important reasons…

  1. He is love and He loves us.
  2. He wants us to know and experience His love because we are precious to Him.

The Lord has placed a craving within us that He alone is able to satisfy.

We can chase after people, possessions, power, professions, and popularity and never feel the love, security, and significance we so desperately want.

And maybe, we’re not supposed to.

It’s especially difficult in our relationships with people, isn’t it?

We want to be loved. We need to be loved.

It’s how we’re made.

So, we seek love from people … longing for perfect relationships with spouses, children, parents, siblings, and friends. Oh sure, we try harder with some than with others. But we all have someone or several someones whose love we will do almost anything to get and keep.

But there’s a problem…

People will never love us perfectly no matter how hard we try or what we do. People will let us down. And truthfully, there will be times when we will let them down as well.

So, if you and I seek our value from the approving love of other people … you will always doubt your worth and so will I. If we’re trying to find self-worth in any temporary thing this world has to offer … we will always be left wanting and disappointed.

So, I’m going to the Lord today and asking Him to help us KNOW how much He loves and values us. I’m asking Him to remind us that we are precious to Him. And I’m asking Him to assure us that when it comes to the perfect love we need in order to be emotionally healthy … His love is more than enough!

If you doubt your value today because someone has failed to love you well or because you believe you’re lacking something you need to be more lovable … I’d love for you to pray with me.

5 Verses to Pray When You Doubt Your Value

If you doubt your value today because someone has failed to love you well or you are lacking something you need to be lovable ... I'd love to pray with you. #DoubtSelf #Unlovable #GodLovesYou #VersesandPrayers #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.

Ephesians 1:4–5

Father, it’s hard for me to get my brain around this promise.

You say I was on your mind before You spoke creation into being … before You made a grain of sand or a star in the sky. You say You chose me in Christ Jesus to be Your child and that You wanted me so much it gave You great pleasure.

It gave you pleasure to sacrifice everything to make me Your own. Pleasure. Father, that is unimaginable impossible to explain love.

Implant this on my heart that I might never doubt my value again. I am Yours and that makes me precious and treasured … and loved.

Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:9–10

Father, I’ve heard it said that no accomplishment could make You love me more and no failure could make You love me less.

Who loves like that?! People can be so quick to reject and slow to forgive.

But You made me and call me a masterpiece. And You not only didn’t reject me but You forgave me completely and made me a new creation through Jesus. Not through what I have done but through what He has done for me.

How can I ever begin to thank you? I can’t thank you enough but I can live to bring You glory and love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

 I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

Romans 8:38

Father, it’s clear to see the enemy is alive and at work in our world. We experience attacks on our health, our homes, our careers, and our relationships.

But Your Word says “NOTHING” can ever separate me from Your love. Nothing the enemy does. Nothing I’m afraid he’ll do. Not even if he turns the powers of hell against me. YOU LOVE ME ALWAYS AND FOREVER! And You take care of me. Even when today is painful and difficult … I trust that You are at work in and around me. I am Yours. I am safe. I am valued and loved.

Cast all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 

1 Peter 5:7

Father, I love this promise. You have the deepest affection for me and watch over me carefully and nothing can change that.

You invite me to bring all my worry and anxiety to You. I wonder how often I unnecessarily carry a burden that You want to carry for me. I’m sorry Father, please forgive me and help me remember You are worthy of my complete trust. You are faithful to keep Your promises. You are my loving Father, who calls me Your precious pearl. I am overwhelmed by Your love.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.

Lamentations 3:22

Father, I am the beneficiary of Your faithful love every day. I am covered by Your grace and mercy. I am safe in Jesus … not just today but forever and always. You call me Your child. Your friend. Your masterpiece. Your beloved. You call me precious. You call me valued. You call me LOVED!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Amen.

If you doubt your value today because someone has failed to love you well or you are lacking something you need to be lovable ... I'd love to pray with you. #DoubtSelf #Unlovable #GodLovesYou #VersesandPrayers #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Friend, I’m emotional. I look at life through a lens of emotions and sometimes the way I think about myself is determined by the way someone has treated me or something they’ve said to me. I can sometimes base my value, on any given day, on the way I feel physically, the number on the scale, or the imperfections I see in the mirror. And yes, I can even occasionally allow my circumstances to distort my thoughts about my value and worth.

But all of those things are lies of the enemy.

Anything that tempts you to doubt your value … anything that makes you question God’s love is A LIE!

Look at the above verses inserting your name in the blanks.

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

For __________ is God’s masterpiece. He has created __________ anew in Christ Jesus.

Nothing can ever separate __________ from God’s love.

He cares about __________ [with deepest affection, and watches over __________ very carefully]. 

The faithful love of the Lord [for __________] never ends! His mercies never cease.

Nothing can change His love for you. No words, thoughts, or circumstances. No flaw, failure, or frustration. NOTHING!

When the enemy tempts and taunts you, when circumstances are hard, and when you doubt your value…

Remember.

GOD IS LOVE! And HE LOVES YOU!

You are perfectly precious to Him.
You always have been and you always will be!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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.

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!

“Be Happy” is the Worst Thing to Say to a Hurting Friend

There are some things we should never say to a hurting friend and some things we should do and say if we really want to help. #Grief #Sadness #WWGGG #BeHappy #CountingMyBlessings #Friendship #MondayMotivation

Last week, I wrote about God’s desire for us to be happy. Not simply momentary pleasure but true and lasting happiness.

Happiness that…

  • Trusts God is greater than our circumstances.
  • Knows our sins are forgiven.
  • Comes from wisdom that is able to guide us and keep us safe.
  • Gives the peace that comes from obedience.
  • Celebrates the joy experienced through praise and worship.
  • Has relationships blessed by truth and kindness.
  • Is found in spending time with the Lord.
  • Embraces the promise of a beautiful forever future.
  • Comes in knowing God will meet every need.
  • Enjoys freedom from fear.
  • Is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I believe that’s the kind of happiness God wants for me.

And it is what I want!

But…

The truth is—life is hard and bad things happen. You and I will experience sadness, pain, and loss. And it’s hard, in fact, it can seem impossible to be happy under those circumstances.

I had a reader leave an excellent comment/question on Friday.

She said that although she agreed and understood the Biblical principles I was sharing about the happiness God wants for us, she struggled with the following:

I don’t understand how to explain it to people when they ask me. When they say, “what good is praying going to do, or being happy?” Or when they ask, “how is it going to help me now?” Will it heal them? Bring their child back?

I’m very perplexed about this … knowing what to do or say.

I’m so thankful she asked and opened up that conversation because I believe it’s a struggle common to almost everyone.

That’s why today, I want to talk about why…

“Be Happy” is the Worst Thing to Say to a Hurting Friend

I started reading the Book of Job over the weekend.

We all know Job’s friends are the perfect example of what NOT to say to a grieving or hurting friend. Although they had good intentions and they started out by simply being present which was perfect, they quickly turned to judgment and advice rather than patient compassion.

We know not to follow their bad example.

There are some things we should never say to a hurting friend and some things we should do and say if we really want to help. #Grief #Sadness #WWGGG #BeHappy #CountingMyBlessings #Friendship #MondayMotivation

We know what not to say to a hurting friend…

  • You must have sinned.
  • This too will pass.
  • I know how you feel.
  • If you’d just do “this” you’ll feel better.
  • God wants you to BE HAPPY!

It didn’t work for Job’s friends and it won’t work for us either.

I remember a time when I was struggling with a deep sadness over difficult circumstances that seemed to go on and on. When I finally shared my feelings with a couple of friends, one shook her finger at me and said, “Shame on you. You should count the blessings God has given you.” And the other told me what I needed to do to fix it because to quote her, “You’re not fun anymore.”

Although their comments may have been true neither changed my feelings but they did hurt my already hurting heart.

The truth is there are no easy answers to the questions…

“What good is praying going to do, or being happy?” Or when they ask, “how is it going to help me now?” Will it heal them? Bring their child back?

There is nothing to say that will magically flip the switch on their feelings and I don’t think there is supposed to be.

The Life Application Bible Notes say the following about Job’s feelings:

God created our emotions, and it is not sinful or inappropriate to express them as Job did. If you have experienced a deep loss, a disappointment, or a heartbreak, admit your feelings to yourself and others, and grieve.

That’s good advice and something for us to remember for our personal moments of grief and for times when we want to help a friend.

Now that we know what not to do; it’s important to take a look at what we should do by taking a closer look at how Jesus cared for people who were sad and grieving…

What Jesus Did Do For and Say to a Hurting Friend?

Jesus was present.

Verse after verse in the Gospels explain how Jesus was simply present with people.

I love this…

Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with His disciples around Him.

John 6:3

He was with people – the broken, flawed, sick, and hurting. Jesus spent time with hurting people … loving them and caring for them.

Jesus was compassionate.

Compassion begins when we care about what happens to people. When we make an effort to love them as Jesus loved them.

Jesus saw the huge crowd as He stepped from the boat, and He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Mark 6:34

Jesus cried.

When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within Him, and He was deeply troubled. 

Then Jesus wept. 

John 11:33,35

Jesus hates death! He hates the suffering and grief you and I experience. I am so thankful for His example to cry with those who are crying.

Paul wrote…

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15

Most often, affirming someone’s feelings and loving them through their pain is the best thing you and I can do for them.

Jesus prayed.

I love that Jesus gave us the example of getting away to pray. I can only imagine what those conversations were like between the Father and Son.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.

Mark 1:35

Jesus did what He could do.

Jesus fed the hungry, healed the sick, forgave sins, and helped the oppressed.

He took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.

Matthew 15:36

You and I may not be able to heal someone’s illness or remove their pain but we can forgive them, feed them, and help them.

We can do what we are able to do and surrender the rest to God in prayer … asking Him to do what only He can do.

And what He does is give the strength that is needed to get through each day. Ultimately, He is the One who is able to heal their hearts and restore their happiness.

There are some things we should never say to a hurting friend and some things we should do and say if we really want to help. #Grief #Sadness #WWGGG #BeHappy #CountingMyBlessings #Friendship #MondayMotivation

One last thing you and I can do…

At some point, we share our stories of weakness and pain. And when asked how we go through it … we talk about the way God has worked in our lives which is way different than telling people how He should be working in theirs.

Rather than explaining to someone that God wants them to be happy, to be strong, or to have hope. We live our lives in ways that demonstrate His all-sufficient grace.

And again, when asked … we share our stories of God’s strength and healing. We tell people how He restored our joy after a time when we thought we’d never be happy again. We speak of the hope we have in Him to meet our needs because of all He’s gotten us through in the past.

Jesus said…

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.

John 16:33

He knew!

Jesus cared so much about our pain and suffering that He lived among us and experienced it Himself.

He understands our emotions. He gave them to us. He lived them alongside us. And by His example, we can learn how to not only live with our emotions but how to love others as they live with theirs.

So, although God wants us to be happy and gives us what we need to live happy … He also knows that – here on earth we will have many trials and sorrows.

We will have pain. Our friends will have pain. And “be happy” is not the message that will heal our hurting hearts.

But our presence, our compassion, our shared tears, our prayers, and our acts of kindness and service may just be the things that God will use to begin to restore hope and happiness in a hurting friend.

That’s love, isn’t it?
That’s the Golden Rule…

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”

Matthew 7:12

That’s the love of God in us giving us everything we need to love the people around us.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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.

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!

5 Verses to Pray When You Need to Live Happy

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

I know it’s impossible to live happy 100% of the time.

Bad things happen, people are cruel, relationships end and happiness fades.

And even when you and I are trying our best to do everything “right” … a choice made by someone else has the ability to turn our happiness into pain.

Yet, I still believe God wants His children to be happy … not entitled, not indulged, not spoiled rotten, but happy. Good parents don’t give their children everything they want. They allow them to live out the consequences of their poor choices. They don’t give them cake and ice cream at every meal nor do they take them to Disneyland every day.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t want their children to be happy.

They do!

They just care more about the long-term happiness of the children than they do about their momentary pleasure.

I don’t know about you, but I can act like a pouty indulged child sometimes … moments when I focus on what I want more rather than on what I already have.

I want to be more like Sadie.

Our Cavapoo, Sadie, was sick earlier this year and due to that illness, she will have to be on prescription dog food and treats for the rest of her life. No tastes of “people” food or bites of her former favorites.

Every meal and every treat tastes exactly the same every day … and it will forever!

But Rev and I get the giggles every time we feed her. You would think she was getting a gourmet steak dinner the way she dances around the room completely delighted with life!

If only I could be more like Sadie and less like the Children of Israel…

The people grew impatient with the long journey, and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!”

Numbers 21:4–5

God had rescued them from slavery and was providing for them each day but rather than choosing to count their blessings and live contented and happy, they grumbled and complained.

So, I’m going to God today and I’m asking Him to help me count my blessings and focus on the fact that He is a generous and loving Father.

Will you pray with me?

5 Verses to Pray When You Need to Live Happy

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

“God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through Him.”

John 3:16–17 (NCV)

Father, You not only knew my greatest need but You provided Jesus to meet that need. I was lost and broken by sin, selfish and without hope. And even after You saved me from slavery to sin, I can still be like the grumbling Israelites. But still, You forgive me again and again.

Your love overwhelms me! If You never gave me another thing, the gift of Jesus would be enough! Through Him I have life. Through Him I am free.

Happy is the person
    whose sins are forgiven,
    whose wrongs are pardoned.
Happy is the person
    whom the Lord does not consider guilty
    and in whom there is nothing false.

Psalm 32:1–2 (NCV)

Father, You forgive me! You forgive my grumbling and complaining. You forgive my selfishness and foolishness. Because of Jesus, I can bring all of my guilt and shame to You and receive the blessing of unconditional love and forgiveness. You don’t see my guilt and shame. You see Your Son in me making me clean and redeemed.

Happy is the person whose sins are forgiven! Thank you!

Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Psalm 119:34–35

Father, by Your grace and with the help of Your Spirit, please help me SEEK to know, trust, and obey Your will. Give me wisdom and understanding to know what to do, when to do it, and when to stay out of the way and leave it to You.

I will study Your Word to know Your commands. I will follow wherever You lead me – trusting that You will always go with me, giving me whatever I need one day at a time. And having what I need each day … that is where true happiness is found. Please help me remember and appreciate all I have in You that I might live happy for Your glory.

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

Romans 8:38–39

Father, Your love is my source of joy and happiness. That is Your will for me. And this promise, that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate me from Your love gives me peace and everything I need to live with hope.

I am Yours no matter what I’m worried about or what frightens me. I am Yours no matter what happens. Thank you, Father. In You, I am secure today, tomorrow, and always and that is the perfect reason for me to live happy. By Your grace, help me keep my eyes on You.

Be happy in your faith at all times. Never stop praying. Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (Phillips)

Father, forgive me for failing to celebrate my faith each day. It’s so easy for me to get distracted by stuff and people and circumstances. Once again, I come to You in prayer, thanking You for Your grace, mercy, and love. You have walked with me through painful and difficult times. You have forgiven me and given me strength and indescribable peace. Thank you!

Please help me live happy in ways that give You glory. Help me be so happy in You that others want to know You … my source of peace and joy! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

Something I’ve realized lately is that many of my attitude issues have to do with my perspective.

Before you get the wrong idea … you need to know that my life is far from perfect. I have relationships that are not even close to what I’d like them to be. I have family members struggling with difficult health issues. I have aches and pains that gnaw at me. And plenty of additional things that nip at me trying to get me to settle in to worry and anxiety.

But God…

Two of my favorite words … words that speak a life-changing truth for people of faith.

But God:

  • loves.
  • forgives.
  • delivers.
  • strengthens.
  • comforts.
  • cares.
  • provides.
  • guides.
  • helps.
  • renews.
  • transforms.

God gives us hope.

And the hope He gives changes everything!

When you and I have hope, we can count on the truth that whatever is happening in our lives today, whatever is not perfect, whatever is painful, whatever is missing … God is able to give us everything we need because He is faithful to keep His promises.

Promises like…

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

And…

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

Luke 12:31

Everything includes all we need to live happy!

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

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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.

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!

Does God Want Me to Be Happy?

Does God Want Me to Be Happy? If you've ever wondered if God wants you to be happy, you may be surprised by what the Bible has to say about it. Taking a look at what the Bible says about happiness. #BeHappy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #TheEmotionProject #Faith #Hope

Everyone wants to be happy!

Yes, everyone longs for happiness.

But maybe like me, you’ve seen quotes that say…

“God doesn’t care if you’re happy. He wants you to be holy.”

Rick Warren said something similar…

“God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.”

Although I agree that God’s primary goal for us is to know, love, and trust Him … I also believe that God would not have repeatedly told us how to be happy in the words of Scripture if He didn’t care whether or not we are happy!

So, I thought it might be a blessing for us to take a closer look at what God says in the Bible about happiness.

Does God Want Me to Be Happy?

The definition of happiness is:

  • the feeling of experiencing pleasure, contentment, or joy.

And we all want that – right?!

For many, being happy seems to be their goal in life. So, they chase after experiences, relationships, and things that claim to offer happiness but fall short in the long run. They try, test, and indulge in things the world says will make them happy only to learn that their momentary rush of “bliss” has either passed or lost its luster … leaving only sadness, dissatisfaction, and consequences in its place.

The Good News is there are ways the Bible tells us we can enjoy happiness … ways that will not leave us discouraged or disappointed but that we can count on to last and satisfy.

Did you know several translations of the Bible – substitute the word happy for the word blessed?

Which makes sense because one of the definitions of blessed is … blissfully happy or content. Another definition is holy and sanctified.

I love that!

There seems to be a connection between living under the blessings of God’s will and enjoying happiness.

Which is exactly what God’s Word has been telling us all along.

We shouldn’t be surprised, however, that satan has been twisting God’s truth and tempting people to believe God is holding out on them. He started in the Garden…

“Did God really say?”

“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman.  “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”

Genesis 3:1, 4–5

The clear message is … if you want to be “happy” don’t listen to God, listen to me.

So the enemy of our souls goes after our natural desire to be happy, a desire given to us by God, and he slyly smiles and tells us what we really want is to live without God and do what we want.

But as I look around at the world’s idea of”freedom,” I can’t help but notice how miserable the people who have bought into satan’s lies seem to be.

I want true happiness, don’t you?

I’m not as interested in a quick moment of something the world wants me to believe will make me happy … especially when I look around and see the lasting consequences of their choices.

I want happiness that is lasting, blessed, and filled with contentment.

Let’s take a couple of minutes and look at what God’s Word says will give us the kind of happiness we really want … the kind that lasts.

Does God Want Me to Be Happy? If you've ever wondered if God wants you to be happy, you may be surprised by what the Bible has to say about it. Taking a look at what the Bible says about happiness. #BeHappy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #TheEmotionProject #Faith #Hope

10 Things the Bible Says Will Make You Happy

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

Jeremiah 17:7

“Blessed are those
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

Romans 4:7–8

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.

Proverbs 3:18

Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Psalm 119:34–35

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.

Psalm 89:15

“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

1 Peter 3:10

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

Luke 11:28

What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.

Luke 6:22–23a

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

 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

Luke 12:31–32

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

I’m not sure what you think but to me … that sounds like happiness.

True happiness.

The kind of happiness that lasts.

  • Trust that God is greater than my circumstances.
  • Knowing my sins are forgiven.
  • Wisdom to guide me and keep me safe.
  • Happiness and peace that comes from obedience.
  • Joy experienced through praise and worship.
  • Relationships blessed by truth and kindness.
  • Contentment found in spending time with the Lord.
  • The promise of a beautiful forever future.
  • The peace that comes in knowing God will meet every need.
  • Freedom from fear.
  • Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Isn’t that the kind of happiness you want?
Isn’t it the kind of happiness you need?

To answer the original question…

Does God Want Me to Be Happy?

I believe the answer is YES! God, absolutely wants us to be happy!

In fact, He wants it so very much that He sent Jesus to make it possible for us to be forgiven and to be called His children forever.

What parent doesn’t want their children to be happy?

The thing is, every good parent cares more about their children’s long term happiness. So, they counsel, guide, discipline, and instruct them, even if it doesn’t make them “happy” at the moment because they know what is best for them in the long run.

They care more about their future happiness than their momentary pleasure.

Our perfect heavenly Father cares most of all about our eternal future. So, He guides, disciplines, and instructs us with a perspective that sees our lives from beginning to eternal.

For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Proverbs 3:12

And…

For I alone am God!
    I am God, and there is none like me.
Only I can tell you the future
    before it even happens.

Isaiah 46:9b–10a

I believe if you and I want to be truly happy … we need to look to God’s will and plan for making us happy. Even in moments of grief and sadness, we can be sure of Jesus’ eternal promise…

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

John 14:1–3

The bad and the even the good the world offers is temporary. But there is a happiness found in Jesus … a happiness we can enjoy today, tomorrow, and forever.

A happiness that God wants for us.

Does God Want Me to Be Happy? If you've ever wondered if God wants you to be happy, you may be surprised by what the Bible has to say about it. Taking a look at what the Bible says about happiness. #BeHappy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #TheEmotionProject #Faith #Hope

I think the following quote sums it up perfectly…

“If you hope for happiness in the world, hope for it from God, and not from the world.” ~David Brainerd

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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.

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 2020 the Year of The Emotion Project

Looking at the best ways to manage our feelings and emotions and those expressed by others ... making 2020 the Year of The Emotion Project #TheEmotionProject #WWGGG #SeekGod'sWill #CountingMyBlessings #EmotionalHealth #Well-being #MentalHealth

I love the idea of choosing a focus word each year. So many of my friends testify to the ways God has used a specific word to help them grow in faith and change them in ways they never imagined.

Although I loved the idea, I always tended to take on topics that included multiple words and simply see where the Lord lead me.

Until 2018, when the Lord placed a word on my heart and mind. A word I knew would be my focus for the rest of my life.

SEEK

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

Luke 12:31

You may wonder why this word, out of all of the words in the English language … hit me the way it did?

Because 15 years ago, life circumstances shattered me and I needed help. Help I knew the world couldn’t give me because I’d already read and tried every self-help book I could find.

I truly believe it’s the Holy Spirit who prompted me to cry out in prayer, to grab my Bible, and to begin SEEKing God with all my heart.

And slowly, page after page and verse after verse God proved to me the promise part of Jesus’ words, the “He will give you everything you need” part … was absolutely true!

God has and does give me everything I need.

You see, I think it’s become easy for us to celebrate and thank God for the secure and eternal future we have through faith in Jesus, while at the same time ignoring the fact that “everything” we need includes the things necessary to apply His will to our every day lives.

So, for the past two years, I’ve gone to God’s Word and asked Him to help me know His will each day. It’s why the tagline here at Counting My Blessings is “At the intersection of faith and life.”

I believe SEEKing, knowing, trusting, and following God’s will is the best way to live a rich and satisfying life.

Which invites us to ask the question…

What is God’s will for everyday life?

Jesus summed up God’s will this way…

“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:38–40

God’s will for us is … love Him and love others!

Sounds so simple, doesn’t it?!

Yeah, not so much!

There are so many things vying for our love and attention. Things that can easily become idols and keep us from loving God completely, let alone as well as we’d like to love Him.

And we all know it would be much easier to love our neighbors if our neighbors were easier to love. Right?!

That is how I decided it might be a good idea to work on The Emotion Project.

Although we know…

Love is more than a feeling … love is the way we act on our feelings.

Most of us focus on love the emotion rather than love the action.

Truthfully, I’m all about feelings and emotions! I sometimes think my feelings have feelings!

And … I believe our emotions are given to us by God.

He wants us to experience joy, peace, gratitude, kindness, compassion, and love. But sadly because of sin, we also experience grief, sadness, fear, loneliness, and anger.

So every day we live with positive and negative highs and lows … things the dictionary calls “states of mind” or “attitudes.” Things most of us call feelings or emotions.

The Emotion Project

Looking at the best ways to manage our feelings and emotions and those expressed by others ... making 2020 the Year of The Emotion Project #TheEmotionProject #WWGGG #SeekGod'sWill #CountingMyBlessings #EmotionalHealth #Well-being #MentalHealth

In an effort to SEEK God’s will … I want to take a closer look at what the Bible says about living with emotions.

To take a closer look at verses like:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. 

I Corinthians 13:4–5

You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 

James 1:19

“Don’t sin by letting anger control you.”

Ephesians 4:26

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

But there’s more … I don’t want to simply know God’s will for living with my emotions, I want to know how to manage my emotions in ways that will give God glory. I want to take my feelings, pause, and ask myself #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory?

Paul wrote in his letter to the Colossians:

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:12–17

Based on these verses, God wants us to do the following when it comes to our emotions…

  1. Be merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient.
  2. Remember that we are sinners dependent on God’s forgiveness.
  3. Fill our hearts and minds with the truth of His Word.
  4. Prayerfully and humbly surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit.
  5. Make it our heart’s desire to love like Jesus.
  6. Let the peace we have in Christ rule over negative emotions.
  7. Live each day with gratitude for all God!

Because He promises that…

Even when it comes to our emotions, when you and I seek Him first, when we want to glorify Him with attitudes, words, and actions, and when we make loving Him and others our highest priority—He will give us everything we need.

Maybe not everything we want.

But definitely, everything we need.

It’s a promise we can count on!

His Word says…

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

Romans 8:38

 “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 13:6
Looking at the best ways to manage our feelings and emotions and those expressed by others ... making 2020 the Year of The Emotion Project #TheEmotionProject #WWGGG #SeekGod'sWill #CountingMyBlessings #EmotionalHealth #Well-being #MentalHealth

Whether our need is physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional … I believe God is true to His eternal promises.

When you and I seek Him first, He will give us what we need each day to draw us closer to Himself, to make us more like Jesus, and to help us live for His glory!

I hope you’ll join me each Monday and Thursday as I take a closer look at The Emotion Project. We’ll take a look at what the world has to say and compare it to what God’s Word says … and we’ll pray and ask God to help us know His will that might manage our emotions for His glory.

In the comments, let me know about the emotions you’d like to talk about this year because the truth is…

We all have to deal with emotions! Our own and those demonstrated by the people around us.

But by God’s grace and with His help, I believe we can learn to act and react in ways that will give Him glory. Maybe not perfectly … but better.

So, don’t forget to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update of The Emotion Project – Seeking God’s Will and Living for God’s Glory with our Emotions.

You don’t want to miss next week when we ask the question … Does God Want Me to Be Happy?

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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.

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 Prayer Full of Hope for the New Year

Verses to pray ... asking God to give you all you need to be full of hope today and throughout the new year. One resolution. One grace. One Savior. #NewYearPrayer #LivewithHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #NewYear

I love the beginning of a new year.

A clean calendar. A fresh start in Genesis.

It always feels like a do-over for…

Resolutions. Goals. Hopes. Promises.

That’s typically how I feel on December 30th and 31st. Sometimes the feeling lingers a little and I can carry in through January 1st, 2nd, and maybe even the 3rd. But inevitably, I always come to that moment of realization that no matter how hard I’m trying to maintain that “clean fresh” start … I fail. I mess up. As I bring the junk of the past year into the new one.

And maybe that’s the problem.

Did you catch that one phrase … “no matter how hard I’m trying?”

Maybe it’s not so much about “trying” as it is about surrendering.

John wrote the following words in Revelation 21:

“Behold, I am making all things new.”

verse 5

Our ascended Lord and Savior gives us the hope we need … not only for our eternal future but for our today and tomorrow as well—for the new year ahead.

David wrote:

Praise the Lord!
    For He has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust Him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.

Psalm 28:6–7

That’s exceptional news on December 30th and on January 3rd.

The Lord hears our repentant cries for mercy, forgives us of our flaws and failures, and gives us the strength we need. You and I can trust Him to help us when we surrender each day to Him.

So, today I’m praying and asking the Lord to give me all I need to faithfully follow trust and follow Him in the new year. I’m asking Him to be my hope for the New Year. I’d love for you to join me.

A Prayer Full of Hope for the New Year

Verses to pray ... asking God to give you all you need to be full of hope today and throughout the new year. One resolution. One grace. One Savior. #NewYearPrayer #LivewithHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #NewYear

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek His will in all you do,
    and He will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5–6

Father, Please help me. I want to trust You with all my heart and I believe that with Your Spirit at work within me I will have all I need to surrender my heart, mind, and soul completely to You.

I believe You will help me SEEK Your will and give me everything I need to follow the path You set before me. My faith is in You, Lord. I lay my life before You as an offering to be used by Your grace for Your glory.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness;
    His mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in Him!”

Lamentations 3:22–24

Father, Thank you! Because of Jesus, I can begin the new year trusting that Your mercy covers my sin. I can leave the struggles and failures of the past in the past and I can go into the future knowing I have been made new. I can go into the year ahead with hope trusting that You will give me whatever I need to face whatever You allow. I can get up every morning confident that I am secure in Your faithful never-ending love. By Your grace, I am healed and whole. By Your grace, I am full of hope.

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Father, Please imprint these words on my heart and mind. I have been made new in Christ Jesus. My old sinful selfish life is gone as I surrender myself to Your Spirit’s transforming work in my life.

Because of Jesus, I can run to You with my concerns, problems, failures, and emotions. I trust Your grace, mercy, and love. I believe in and with You, my new life can be full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I believe I can live each day full of hope and joy. Thanks and praise now and forever.

[Jabez] was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.

1 Chronicles 4:10

Father, thank you for wanting me to know this simple humble prayer. And thank you for allowing me to know that it is a request You granted.

So, I join with Jabez and pray…

Father God, please bless me and increase my opportunities to serve You. Some days it can be hard to live in this broken and fallen world. Please be with me in all that I say and do; protect me from evil and keep me safe as I face life’s challenges. Please guard my heart and mind and bless me this day, in Jesus’ name.

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.
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 23:1–6

Father, Thank you that I can come to You completely dependent on Your direction, protection, and provision. May I be a faith-filled obedient follower of Your will … confident that You will always lead me to the best place in the right ways.

I believe whatever You allow in the year ahead, I will not have to face it alone … You will go with me giving me everything I need. I have nothing to fear for Your grace is sufficient for anything I am permitted to endure.

Father, I trust Your grace, mercy, and love are with me every day of my life and I believe Your promise that I will spend an endless beautiful forever in Your presence. Thanks and praise now and forever. I am gifted this day by Your grace, may I live it full of hope and for Your glory. Amen.

Happy New Year!

Verses to pray ... asking God to give you all you need to be full of hope today and throughout the new year. One resolution. One grace. One Savior. #NewYearPrayer #LivewithHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #NewYear

I love this quote…

“Let’s make one resolution this year: to anchor ourselves to God’s grace.”

Churck Swindoll

Of all the resolutions you and I make for a new year, there is really only one we need.

To be attached securely to God’s grace found in Jesus.

One resolution. One grace. One Savior.

May your year be filled with the love of Christ Jesus … the One in whom we have everything we need to live full of hope.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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.

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 Know You are Precious to the Kingdom

Jesus said the Kingdom of God was like a merchant who sold everything to get a precious pearl. You are that priceless precious pearl! #KingdomofGod #YouarePrecious #GodLovesYou #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Jesus said…

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

Matthew 6:33

He taught His followers to pray…

May Your Kingdom come!

Matthew 6:10

And I realized, I wasn’t sure I knew what to say if someone asked me to explain the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven.

So, I decided to do a little research and thought you might be interested to know what I learned.

The term the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven are used more than 80 times in the New Testament, most often by Jesus Himself. One of Jesus’ earliest proclamations was…

“The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

Mark 1:15
  1. The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven are synonyms.
  2. The Kingdom of God is the Spiritual realm over which God reigns supreme.
  3. The Kingdom of God is the fulfillment of God’s will on earth.

The basic meaning of the word kingdom in the Bible is God’s kingly rule — His reign, His action, His lordship, His sovereign governance.

Jesus specifically taught a couple of things about the Kingdom through parables … and although I’ve read these verses countless times, I learned something new this week.

In Matthew 13, Jesus is quoted as saying the following about the Kingdom…

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

Matthew 13:44

And…

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!”

Matthew 13:45–46

Did you notice the difference in these verses?

In the first one, the Kingdom is the treasure but in the second, the Kingdom is the merchant.

In the first verse, Jesus is telling His followers that the Kingdom of God/Heaven is the most valuable thing they could have.

The Life Application Bible Notes say…

The man who discovered the treasure hidden in the field stumbled upon it by accident but knew its value when he found it. And although the transaction cost him everything, he paid nothing for the priceless treasure itself. It came free, with the field. Nothing is more precious than the Kingdom of Heaven, yet God gives it to us as a gift.

As you and I receive God’s gift of Jesus and surrender our all to Him in faith, God gives us everything we need. EVERYTHING!

How can we KNOW? How can we trust that promise?

Because of Jesus’ second description of the Kingdom.

There Jesus said the Kingdom is like the merchant.

The Life Application Bible Notes say here…

Jesus is displaying another aspect of the Kingdom. [Here] the Kingdom pays the ultimate price to possess the pearl, the price God was willing to pay to redeem us.

YOU ARE THE PRECIOUS PEARL OF GREAT VALUE!

I always thought the pearl of great value was faith … like the great treasure in the field I thought it was what I should seek. And this week I realized that Jesus was saying that I am the pearl of great value and so are you.

God saw you and He gave up everything to save you!

You are so precious to Him!

Jesus said the Kingdom of God was like a merchant who sold everything to get a precious pearl. You are that priceless precious pearl! #KingdomofGod #YouarePrecious #GodLovesYou #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Verses to Remind You How Precious You are to God

Need a reminder? Stop and put your name in the blanks in the verses that follow:

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

John 3:16

God created __________ in His own image. In the image of God He created __________.

Genesis 1:27

__________ is God’s masterpiece. He has created __________ anew in Christ Jesus, to do the good things He planned for us long ago.

God showed His great love for __________ by sending Christ to die for __________ while still a sinner.

Romans 5:8

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

Jeremiah 29:11

Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; __________ you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Matthew 10:30–31

“My grace is all __________ needs. My power works best in weakness.” 

2 Corinthians 12:9

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

Romans 8:32

See what great love the Father has lavished on __________, that __________ should be called a child of God!

1 John 3:1

If you’re not feeling precious and abundantly loved by the Father, the Lord of all, go back and read these verses one more time.

Because you are the precious pearl of great value. You are precious to the God of the Universe … Creator, Redeemer, and Comforting Holy Spirit. You are so precious to Him that He gave up the glories of heaven to become like you … a human being in every way except sin, so He could suffer your punishment and mine.

That’s how precious we are to Him.

Jesus said the Kingdom of God was like a merchant who sold everything to get a precious pearl. You are that priceless precious pearl! #KingdomofGod #YouarePrecious #GodLovesYou #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

And that’s the message of Christmas, isn’t it?

In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through Him,
    and nothing was created except through Him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and His life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.

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

John 1:1–5, 14

Celebrate Jesus! The One who calls you precious. The One who loves you so much He gave up everything so He could give you everything.

And so … He invites you, and me, to SEEK the Kingdom of God above all else.

Because it is life’s greatest treasure.

We are invited by God Himself to surrender all of the things we think we want or need and to make it our heart’s desire to KNOW and TRUST FATHER GOD through HIS SON, JESUS.

And I think that makes Christmas the perfect time of year to offer ourselves at the manger and make a commitment to SEEK the KINGDOM of GOD today and every day for the rest of our lives.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

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How to Give God Glory with Your Flaws and Scars

How God taught me a lesson through my chipped candle holder that He is able to shine through our lives even though we have flaws and scars. #God'sStrength #BibleVerses #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Have you ever had good intentions turn into regret?

It can happen in all kinds of ways…

Your words were misunderstood.
Actions misinterpreted.
Or simply an accident you can’t undo.

I’ve experienced all of the above but most recently it was the last one that the Lord used to teach me a lesson.

It all started the morning I decided to put up our Christmas decorations. I gathered the fall stuff up and boxed it away.

But before I carried the Christmas boxes upstairs, I decided to clean some of our year-round items … things I dust often but only “clean” occasionally.

And that’s the reason why I took a close look at this large glass candle holder that sits in a featured spot on our kitchen island. I bought it specifically for this house and that space.

I love it!

How God taught me a lesson through my chipped candle holder that He is able to shine through our lives even though we have flaws and scars. #God'sStrength #BibleVerses #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

As I took a closer look, I realized it was covered with fingerprints and remnants of seasonal “dust” – so, I decided to carry it over to the sink and give it a good scrubbing.

Did I mention that it’s large?

Well, it’s heavy, too!

Once I added water and soap, it was awkward, slippery, and hard to handle.

And that’s when the rim bumped the edge of the counter. I heard a crack and a clink. The sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach was confirmed by the chip of glass that glistened up from the bottom of the sink.

After the initial “OH NO!” I ran and grabbed some super-glue hoping a little magic would make it as good as new.

But I was wrong. Although the chip fit the space perfectly and the glue held tight … the scarred edges were still unpleasantly noticeable.

As the day went on, I checked out the flaw every time I walked by the counter. All I could think about was that it was no longer unblemished. I considered replacing it with a new and “perfect” duplicate.

And I continued to do some serious self-loathing because I hadn’t been more careful.

I thought about it as I went to sleep and it was on my mind when I woke up the next morning.

But by God’s grace, He replaced the negative thoughts from the day before with something new…

“In this sinful world you will receive bumps and bruises. Some will even leave you wounded and scarred. But I want you to remember every time you see the flaw on this candle holder … that the light still shines even though it’s damaged.

And in the same way … you can shine the light of my love even with your flaws and scars.“

How God taught me a lesson through my chipped candle holder that He is able to shine through our lives even though we have flaws and scars. #God'sStrength #BibleVerses #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

How to Give God Glory with Your Flaws and Scars

Of all the miserable things that can happen in this life … my damaged decor item falls way down on the list of things that are upsetting. I’ve experienced worse in the past and I’m sure you have too.

And yet, I love how the Lord used this one to not only remind me of an important lesson for today. He gave me a lasting reminder for the future.

A reminder to shine His love for His glory even though I will never do it flawlessly…

Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:16

Friends, our flaws and scars do not disqualify us. In fact, it might possibly be those very things that help us shine the Lord’s light in unique and personal ways. It may be that…

  • The scar of betrayal enables us to love the person who is in pain after being betrayed.
  • The scar of repentance that led to forgiveness reminds us that the Lord wants us to forgive others.
  • The scar of former fear helps us love the person who is experiencing fear right now.
  • The scar of having walked in grief strengthens us to walk with someone who is grieving.
  • The scars of worry, guilt, shame, rejection, and loneliness … help us love hurting people in a broken world.
God can help us use our flaws and scars to love the people around us who are struggling and in pain.

Not on our own.

Well, at least not on my own…

But with God’s grace.

In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. All power to Him forever! Amen.

1 Peter 5:10–11

I have to admit that I struggle to stay on that “firm foundation.” I need God’s help which is why I’m so thankful He gave me this tangible reminder.

I’m also thankful for Paul’s honesty in writing about his struggle. I’m glad we don’t know the actual source of his “thorn in the flesh.”

Some think it was a physical ailment, others wonder about an ongoing disability. Some question whether it was the result of persecution and the problems he endured.

I’ve even wondered if it might not be the continuous taunting of the enemy attacking Paul’s heart and mind for persecuting Jesus’ followers before the Lord reached out to him on the road to Damascus.

Whatever it was, God wanted you and me to be able to see ourselves in Paul’s tri-fold plea for deliverance and hold tight to His loving response…

God said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And God’s grace is enough. It’s all we need.

How God taught me a lesson through my chipped candle holder that He is able to shine through our lives even though we have flaws and scars. #God'sStrength #BibleVerses #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

God’s grace is enough for us to shine the light and love of Jesus to a broken and hurting world. Enough for us to use our scars to remember that everyone is wounded … everyone needs to know His grace, mercy, and love.

His grace is enough to give us everything we need to glorify Him … even with our flaws and scars.

After writing words of God’s promise to give him all-sufficient grace, Paul said…

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (MSG)

Paul didn’t deny or ignore the flaws and scars, he invited God to use them to make him stronger … to help him. He wrote in his letter to the Ephesians…

Once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Ephesians 5:8–9

You know, a funny thing happened as I looked closely at my flawed candle holder…

I saw light shining right through the middle of the chipped glass.

And I realized I really am thankful for this daily reminder of God’s sufficient grace, mercy, and love.

Whatever happens … the things I do that cause me pain, the things done by others or the problems I experience because the world is broken by sin, the Lord is able to give me everything I need to shine the light of His love.

And He’s able to give you everything you need too!

By His grace may we shine His light for His glory through our flaws and scars!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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.

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 Advice to Love Holiday Time with Your Family

Everyone has a dysfunctional family! Everyone! These 10 tips will help you love spending holiday time with your family ... even the difficult ones. #FamilyGathering #Holidays #DysfunctionalFamily #WWGGG


It’s almost here! Many of you may be traveling as you read this.

Social media is full of goal setting and planning posts to make this year the very best holiday ever.

But as I talk to friends and friends of friends for some of you the hardest part of celebrating the holidays is the mandatory extended family get together.

Oh sure, everyone puts their perfectly posed pictures online wanting everyone to believe their family is the exception. Forced smiles hide the fact that several people in the group … drive you crazy!

It’s okay. You can admit it.

Many of us have family members we’ve labeled the…

Meddler
Grouch
Know-it-all
Braggart
Critic
Snarkmaster
Political Corrector
Whiner
Pharisee
Arguer

And those are just the adults.

When you add the children and you get the…

Out of Control
Unappreciative
Entitled
Tantrum Thrower
Bully
Annoying and Obnoxious

It’s almost enough to make you consider avoiding the festivities altogether. In fact, there are plenty of articles out there that will encourage you to do just that.

But let’s be honest for a minute.

If you and I stopped to take a good look inside … we can probably imagine that at least one of those labels have been applied to us and others may have been applied to our spouses and children.

Still, in a few days and then again in a few weeks, you and I will pile in our cars or hop on planes to go home for the holidays because . . . well, they’re our family.

And like it or not, they’re the people God gave us … given both to bless us and to help us grow.

Maybe it’s with our families we are supposed to learn how to be kind and patient even when it’s hard. Maybe it’s with our families that God wants to teach us the importance of unconditional love.

So, I’ve been doing some praying and thinking about the attitudes I’d like this holiday and truthfully, those, I’m praying my family will bring as we get together. I believe it’s possible to love holiday time even if it’s with our dysfunctional families.

Just in case you need some help in advance, too … here’s:

The Best Advice to Love Holiday Time with Your Family

Everyone has a dysfunctional family! Everyone! These 10 tips will help you love spending holiday time with your family ... even the difficult ones. #FamilyGathering #Holidays #DysfunctionalFamily #WWGGG
1. Leave the Past Where It Belongs … in the Past

If it’s not a happy memory for everyone don’t bring it up.

No one knows our hot buttons better than our family and avoiding them is one of the best gifts we can give each other.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.Ephesians 4:31–32

2. Don’t Expect Things to be Different

If the person who upsets and annoys you is on their best behavior enjoy being pleasantly surprised, but don’t expect it … you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment and agitation.

Pray and ask God to help you have a good day no matter how others behave.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.James 1:19–20

3. Avoid Asking Prying Personal Questions.

When are you __________?
Why don’t you __________?
Are you ever going to __________?

You don’t want to be asked when you’re going to get married, have a baby, get a job, etc. And guess what? No one else likes it either.

“Family is a blessing. – Just keep saying that when you are irritated by something a family member says.” Marcelina Hardy

4. And You Don’t have to Answer Prying Personal Questions.

It’s perfectly okay to smile and say, “Hmm, I don’t think I have an answer for that one right now.” Then move on. 

I love this tip from a CMB reader…

My mother-in-law had a great response to such questions: “I’ll forgive you for asking if you’ll forgive me for not answering.”Gail

5. Don’t Compare Yourself to Anyone.

Jealousy and comparisons can be frequent causes of family conflicts.

When rivalry and envy raise their ugly heads … stop, breathe, and choose love.

You and I don’t know anyone else’s complete story! Everyone in your family is dealing with good and bad. Comparing your bad to their good, will only make you sad and hurt your relationship … and the opposite is true as well.

Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others. Then he can be proud for what he himself has done.Each person must be responsible for himself.Galatians 6:4–5 (NCV)

Everyone has a dysfunctional family! Everyone! These 10 tips will help you love spending holiday time with your family ... even the difficult ones. #FamilyGathering #Holidays #DysfunctionalFamily #WWGGG
6. Listen More than You Talk.

This one is so hard for me but I’m learning that it’s okay for me not to share my opinion about everything.

If a conversation is getting on your nerves … offer to help in the kitchen or play with the kids, both are always appreciated.

Haughtiness goes before destruction;
    humility precedes honor.
Spouting off before listening to the facts
    is both shameful and foolish.Proverbs 18:12–13

7. Give More than You Get.

I’m not talking about gifts.

Can you imagine the difference we could make if we went into every gathering with a desire to give more kindness, encouragement, praise, compliments, forgiveness, etc.

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

8. Be Prepared with Light-hearted Conversation Starters.

Take a stack of fun questions to keep the conversation light or to redeem it if it goes sideways. You can find a printable version of some of my favorite questions here.

A few of my favorites are:

What’s your favorite family tradition. ?
Who is the funniest person at the table?
What is something you use every day for which you’re thankful?

9. Ask 3 Questions that will Bless Your Family

Several years ago, I learned 3 simple questions that I believe are the best questions you can ask your family to help them grow closer and understand each other a little better.

Find out how to ask your family about Joy, Junk, and Jesus here.

Give thanks to the Lord and
proclaim His greatness.
    Let the whole world know what He has done.
Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises.
    Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds.1 Chronicles 16:8–9

10. Pray before you go and while you’re there.

Ask God to give you patience, kindness, and compassion for each difficult person by name. Ask Him to help you forgive the past and to bless your time with your family. Ask Him to help you find the joy in spending time with the people He created to be your family.

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

A Prayer Before You See Your Family

Father, Thank you for my family! Please help me remember they are a gift from You. Good and not so good, You have given them to me to help me grow.

As we gather together, please help us forgive the past and simply be able to love one another. Help us by the power of Your Spirit, to be patient and kind, encouraging and helpful.

Please help us treat each other the way we want them to treat us. Help us love holiday time together. Bless us with love, joy, and laughter. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

And finally, a quote to remember…

“Family life is too intimate to be preserved by the spirit of justice. It can only be sustained by a spirit of love which goes beyond justice.” Reinhold Niebuhr

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is May-we-2-300x300.jpg

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

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 Describe God’s Glory to a Hurting World

The Bible says God is glorious but how can you and I describe God's glory in ways that people who need Him can understand? #WWGGG #DescribeGod'sGlory #Faith #Blessings

If someone asked you, “How would you describe God’s glory?”

What would you say?

You and I live in a world full of suffering and conflict … a world that desperately needs the truth about God.

And because of that, I want everyone to know about a glorious righteous God who transforms broken and hurting people into individuals who are strengthened and filled with hope … into communities of made over through God’s love.

For me, a huge part of telling people about God has been explaining all He has done for me.

But I also want to be able to tell them about Him … about who He says He is in the Bible.

And the Bible tells me He is glorious…

Moses asked to see God’s glory.

 “Please show me your glory.”

Exodus 33:18 (NCV)

And although God would not allow him to see His face, He did reveal a glimpse and a description…

“Yahweh, the Lord, is a kind and merciful God. He is slow to become angry. He is full of great love. He can be trusted. He shows his faithful love to thousands of people. He forgives people for the wrong things they do, but he does not forget to punish guilty people.

Exodus 34:6–7

David wrote this about God’s glory…

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies announce what his hands have made.

Psalm 19:1

And John wrote…

The Word became a human and lived among us. We saw His glory—the glory that belongs to the only Son of the Father—and he was full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

And finally, Jesus said.

“Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

John 11:40

You see, the struggle we have in describing God’s glory is that His glory is not a part of Him. It’s a trait like height, hair color, or personality.

God’s glory is who He is!

God’s glory is His character, His nature, His way of relating to His creation.

God did not give Moses a vision of His power and majesty (although He certainly could have)…

He showed Moses His love.

God glory is demonstrated in His love and He has revealed His glory to you and me through His mercy and grace … through Jesus.

Through Jesus, He is always ready to forgive us and willing to help when we ask. He is faithful and just, slow to get angry willing to give us time to repent.

And He is always generous and gracious with His goodness, truth, compassion, and love.

Paul wrote to the Ephesians…

[ The God of Glory ] How blessed is God! And what a blessing He is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in Him. Long before He laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love. Long, long ago He decided to adopt us into His family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure He took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of His lavish gift-giving by the hand of His beloved Son.

Ephesians 1:3–6 (MSG)

How beautiful is that?!

Through His glory, God has chosen you and me. He has adopted us into His family. He has blessed us with His lavish love!

Lavish!

The dictionary defines lavish as … being given in great amounts or without limit.

Think about that for a minute.

The Bible says God is glorious but how can you and I describe God's glory in ways that people who need Him can understand? #WWGGG #DescribeGod'sGlory #Faith #Blessings

God pours out His love without limit!

Satan’s greatest temptation is the lie that we should question and doubt God’s goodness and love.

But God refutes that lie through the gift of Jesus who has shown us the lavishness of His love.

Jesus … fully God and fully man is God’s glory in a human body.

He said…

The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does His work through me.

John 14:10

The Way, the Truth, and the Life – shows us God’s redeeming love.

I love this quote from John Piper…

Consider Jesus. Know Jesus. Learn what kind of Person it is you say you trust and love and worship. Soak in the shadow of Jesus. Saturate your soul with the ways of Jesus. Watch Him. Listen to Him. Stand in awe of Him. Let Him overwhelm you with the way He is.

I invited my friends to share some ways to describe God’s glory and share it with others…

Exercising a Heart of Obedience by Nicki Schroeder

… Trusting God’s plan even when it’s hard and using it to tell of His grace and give Him glory.

How to Set Goals that Glorify God Every Day, Every Year by Diana Abe

… 3 ways to plan and set goals to intentionally give God glory.

6 Marvelous Maxims that are True for Every Child of God by Melanie Redd.

… What is a maxim? A brief short expression of truth! These maxims are perfect truths to give God glory.

An Intimate Portrait of the God Who Pursues Me by Marva Smith

… God pursues you and me because He loves us so very much! His love reflects His glory.

Powerful Ways God Shows Up When You Least Expect It by Valerie Murray

… Beautiful ways simple acts of unexpected kindness show us God’s glory.

The Purpose Behind Christian Hospitality by Dawn Klinge

… Beautiful ways of opening our homes to others give God glory.

Friend, when you want to describe God’s glory … tell your story!

Tell people! Show people. Gentle and respectfully describe how…

God is your Provider…

This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:!9

God is your Healer…

O Lord, if You heal me, I will be truly healed; if You save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for You alone!

Jeremiah 17:14

God is your Savior…

Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard Him ourselves. Now we know that He is indeed the Savior of the world.”

John 4:42

God is LOVE…

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16

John 4:16
The Bible says God is glorious but how can you and I describe God's glory in ways that people who need Him can understand? #WWGGG #DescribeGod'sGlory #Faith #Blessings

That’s it! Simply…

Tell the nations of His glory; tell all peoples the miracles He does, because the Lord is great; He should be praised at all times.

Psalm 96:3–4a

Oh, there’s one more thing…

After Moses had been with God:

… he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. 

Exodus 34:29b

Don’t you just love that?!

Moses’ face reflected God’s glory!

Oh, how I want that!

Can you imagine the difference it could make if the faces of God’s children reflected His glory?

I want that! I want people to be able to tell that I’ve spent time with God because it shows. I want God’s glory to be reflected in everything I say and do … and even if I don’t say or do a thing. I want people to see His glory in the expression on my face.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

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You can also…

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

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

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I’m asking God to bless you today!

Verses that will Inspire and Encourage You to Glorify God

To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

What does it mean to glorify God?

Henry Blackaby wrote:

“Will God ever ask you to do something you are not able to do? The answer is yes–all the time! It must be that way, for God’s glory and kingdom. If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function according to the power of the Spirit within us, God gets the glory. He wants to reveal Himself to a watching world.”

And every day, I can think of countless things I am unable to do on my own. Things the Bible says God asks of you and me … things I know would be impossible without Him also giving us the counsel, courage, and comfort of His Holy Spirit.

And just to remind myself how very much I need His Spirit’s help, I decided to make a list of things the Bible says I should do … things that will glorify God.

So, from A to Z here’s a list of…

Verses to Encourage and Inspire You to Glorify God

To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. John 15:4 (NRSV)

  • Father, please help me remain connected to You through Your Word, prayer, and the power of Your Spirit.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

  • Lord, please help me sit at Your feet, know Your heart, and trust Your will.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

  • Lord, please help me bring every concern and problem to You in prayer … knowing You will give me everything I need.

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4 (NLT)

  • May I delight in You, Lord … loving You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

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 12:16 (NLT)

  • Father, please give me all I need to love others in ways that glorify You.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me. John 10:27–28 (NLT)

  • Lord, it can be hard to follow You when the road ahead appears challenging. Please help me trust You to go before and behind me to keep me safe. With Your Spirit’s help … I will follow wherever You lead.

Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

  • Father, grace is a gift I don’t deserve and I definitely don’t deserve all that You have given me in and through Jesus. Please help me grow in wisdom and knowledge that I might grow closer to Him and live for Your glory.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)

  • Lord, please keep me humble and kind … remembering that all I am and all I have is a gift from Your loving hand.

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Psalm 119:1 (NLT)

  • Father, please help me trust and obey You always … even when I don’t believe anyone is watching.

I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart.” Psalm 40:8 (NLT)

  • Lord, may trusting and obeying Your will be my joy and not an obligation or burden.
To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. Psalm 16:8 (NLT)

  • Father, may I rest in the knowledge of Your sweet presence today and every day.

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. Mark 12:30 (NLT)

  • More than anything, I want to love You with all that I am, Lord. Please help me by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. Luke 6:36 (NLT)

  • Father, may I glorify You by extending the same mercy to others that You have so lovingly given to me.

You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you. This new life brings you the true knowledge of God. Colossians 3:10 (NLT)

  • Father, thank you for the new life you have given me in Jesus. May it shine Your light and give You glory.

If you love me, you will obey my commands. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:15–16 (NLT)

  • Oh, Lord, I want to obey You but I stumble and fall on my own. Thank you for the gift of Your Spirit. Please help me rely on His strength each day.

I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146:2 (NCV)

  • By Your grace and with Your help, I will praise You now and forever.

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

  • Quiet is hard in this world, Father. It’s hard to slow down and wait in faith when the world is shouting at me. When I can’t, I will trust Your all-sufficient grace to give me strength and hope.

Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 (NLT)

  • Father, I am so sorry. You have shown me countless times that Your way is better than mine. Please forgive me and give me all I need to trust You and obey.

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

  • Lord, this will be my prayer every day the rest of my life … that You will help me SEEK You above all else.
To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you. Psalm 37:5 (NLT)

  • When I SEEK You first, Lord … I can trust You to guide me and help me through Your grace, mercy, and love.

I am in them and You are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent me and that You love them as much as You love me. John 17:23 (NLT)

  • Father, please help me glorify You by doing all I can to honor Your prayer for unity among Your children. Forgive us and help us to love like Jesus.

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)

  • Thank you for the victory we have in Jesus! Help me live in victory today … free of the past and confident of the future.

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Ephesians 5:15 (NLT)

  • Father, please give me the wisdom I need to live each day for You.

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise Your name forever and ever. Psalm 145:1 (NLT)

  • Lord, You are the X … the Christ (Χριστός) and I will exalt You and lift Your name high forever.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:17 (NLT)

  • May I be humble, Father … willing to yield my will to You and to others out of love.

“I am the A and the Z,” says the Lord God, the one who is, the One who was, and the One who is coming, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8 (MSG)

  • Lord Jesus, You are eternal … present before creation and You will reign forever and ever. May I live every day by Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

A Heart Prepared to Glorify God

Whenever I’m inclined to be a little self-righteous and Pharisaical, all I have to do is pray through a list of verses I know God wants me to obey. I’m always humbled when His Spirit affirms the ways I know the Lord wants me to demonstrate my love and trust for Him and my love for others.

On my own, I will consistently fail because as Blackaby wrote, when we “function according to our ability alone, we get the glory” or maybe another way of saying it is … we take the glory.

But when you and I humbly surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we not only receive the counsel and courage we need to more consistently trust and obey God’s will but we are able to humbly admit our failures and share God’s grace, mercy, and love to a hurting world.

And that, my friends, is one of the best ways to Glorify God!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Because of Jesus, My Home is Overflowing with Thankfulness by Tiffiney Holmes @ Welcome Home Ministry

Because of Jesus,
My Home is Overflowing with Thankfulness

by Tiffiney Holmes
@ Welcome Home Ministry

One Simple Truth to Help Your Heart Feel Grateful by Betsy de Cruz @ Faith Spilling Over

One Simple Truth to Help Your Heart Feel Grateful

by Betsy de Cruz
@ Faith Spilling Over

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings
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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! Click to Tweet

Deb Wolf
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No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
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Thank you so much for partying with us!

I’d love it if you would invite your friends to join us.
I visit every linked post and share many of them on social media.

May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

And I’d love for you to join our new Facebook Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. Click on the link to learn more!

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you visited the Faith ‘n Friends Link Party Board on Pinterest? It’s a great place to catch up with past posts you may have missed here at the party and/or save them for a future read! If you’d like to become a contributor to my Pinterest Group Boards – email me at deb@debwolf.com with a link to your Pinterest home page.

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How to Give God Glory Every Day

If you and I are going to ask what would give God glory, we need to know how to give God glory! The Bible gives the following 5 ways to glorify God consistently. #WWGGG #GiveGodGlory #HopeinGod #CountingmyBlessings

I’m so excited about the response to #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory?

Many of you have already joined the #WWGGG Facebook Group and committed to asking yourself the question as you maneuver the joys and challenges of life each day. Some are sharing it with their own children and their church’s youth groups. Others are inviting their extended family and friends to join us on Facebook and begin a movement of people living for God’s glory.

The following quote sums up what it means to give God glory…

“We do not segment our lives, giving some time to God, some to our business or schooling, while keeping parts to ourselves. The idea is to live all of our lives in the presence of God, under the authority of God, and for the honor and glory of God. That is what the Christian life is all about.”

R. C. Sproul

I want to look at 5 ways you and I can give God glory every day.

Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans…

I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:1–2 (NLT)

I’ve read that verse hundreds of times but today I want to pull it apart and make it practical. I don’t want to just read it, nod my head in agreement, and move on … I want to take it to heart and live.

So, I’m learning…

How to Give God Glory Every Day

If you and I are going to ask what would give God glory, we need to know how to give God glory! The Bible gives the following 5 ways to glorify God consistently. #WWGGG #GiveGodGlory #HopeinGod #CountingmyBlessings

You and I can give God glory every day by taking a closer look at His Word and applying it to every area of who we are.

1. Give God Glory by Surrendering the Day to Him

As I open my eyes and begin to start the day, I want to surrender myself to God.

The Message version of those verses above say:

Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.

Romans 12:1

That’s surrender! Giving every part of my life to God as an offering to be lifted up for His glory.

Years ago, a friend taught me his morning prayer. I’ve always loved it…

Lord, I surrender this day to You. I will follow where You lead and trust Your will as You reveal it to me. Please help me fulfill this promise that my life might give You glory. In Jesus name by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. Give God Glory with Your Body (Physically)

Paul wrote in one of his letters to the people in Corinth…

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20

I really want to be a good steward of the body God has given me but I have to admit that often when it comes to diet and exercise and the stewardship of taking care of myself physically, my intentions are better than my actual follow-through.

Paul also wrote…

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

So, I’m challenging myself to do better. When I’m tempted to binge or miss my appointment with a workout or ignore important healthy routines … I want to ask and apply #WWGGG!

In addition, verse 18 in chapter 6 says…

Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.

1 Corinthians 6:18

You and I can glorify God with our bodies by honoring who He created us to be sexually as well as trusting and obeying His Word on marriage – things that definitely give Him glory.

3. Give God Glory with Your Thoughts (Mentally)

Whew, this one’s hard, isn’t it?

I think intentionally controlling my thoughts throughout the day is one of my life’s greatest challenges.

The enemy of our souls is continuously taunting us with past hurts, past mistakes, worldly pleasures, greed, judgments, self-righteousness, doubt … okay, you get the idea! We can also add countless “entertainment” choices that can either bless or harm our mental well-being.

Paul also wrote…

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:3–5

It’s so encouraging to know that God hasn’t abandoned us to control our thoughts on our own. He has given us His Spirit to help us.

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

Romans 8:11

You and I can’t and won’t control our thoughts on our own. We will follow the enemy’s taunts down into the pit every time. But we’re not alone. We have the Holy Spirit with us and within us to guide us to help us stay out of those pits of defeat and discouragement and anything else we might be tempted to put in our heads that fail to glorify God.

And that’s an awesome reason to give God glory!

4. Give God Glory with Your Feelings (Emotionally)

I’m super emotional. Highs, lows, and everything in between. When Rev asks me if I remember an event or an experience, I will typically reply with…

“I don’t know. Did I cry?”

I don’t remember facts and details but whew, do I remember emotions.

So glorifying God with my emotions is important to me.

Paul also wrote:

You have never been tempted to sin in any different way than other people. God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tempted more than you can take. But when you are tempted, He will make a way for you to keep from falling into sin.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLV)

God gave us our emotions.

He not only gave them to us – Jesus lived them for us.

Jesus understands our emotions! He experienced life here on earth in a body with all its feelings and emotions.

The difference … Jesus managed His emotions perfectly for God’s glory.

When You and I are tempted with out of control emotions – praise God for His promise to “make a way to keep us from falling into sin.” So, I’m praying and asking God to help me ask #WWGGG before I write that snarky reply in person or in an email, text, or comment. With God’s help, I believe I can do a better job of taking an emotional pause first.

And for this emotional Sanguine, being able to manage my emotions with godly wisdom would be an awesome reason to thank and praise God.

If you and I are going to ask what would give God glory, we need to know how to give God glory! The Bible gives the following 5 ways to glorify God consistently. #WWGGG #GiveGodGlory #HopeinGod #CountingmyBlessings

5. Give God Glory with Your Soul (Spiritually)

When you and I repent of our sins and entrust our lives to God through faith in Jesus … we are glorifying God spiritually.

And when we share our stories of how the Lord has changed our lives through His grace, mercy, and love …. we are glorifying God.

Glorifying God with our souls is to glorify Him with who we are completely … which is why giving God the glory with my soul is my favorite one of all.

You see, everything else will fade away.

Our bodies will eventually fail and die, needing to be replaced with a new and perfect body when Jesus returns. Our minds and emotions will be cleansed and purified and the junk that haunts and taunts us will be overwhelmed by all that is good and God-pleasing.

But our souls … the total of who we are inside, the inside wiring and creation of God that we surrender back to Him in faith, that will live on to glorify Him for all eternity.

How awesome is that?!

So, after pulling apart the question “How to give God glory”, we can put it back together like this…

To give God glory every day – we surrender ourselves to God who loves us so much He provided Jesus, the sacrifice for our sin and who through His Spirit is able to give us everything we need to live each moment for His glory physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

We can live to lift His name HIGH for…

“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since He is Lord of heaven and earth, He doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve His needs—for He has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and He satisfies every need. 

“His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him—though He is not far from any one of us. For in Him we live and move and exist.

Acts 17:24–25, 27–28

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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.

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!

5 Prayers for the Holidays (Soon to be Upon Us)

The holidays are full of both excitement and anxiety. I love these prayers for the holidays. They are the hope & attitude adjustment I need. #Prayer #Hope #Holidays #Hospitality #WWGGG

It’s November! What?!

We’re less than three weeks away from Thanksgiving and it always seems like Christmas follows in a blink after that. And for most of us, we can’t help but think about what that means for us and for the other people with whom we’ll interact over the holidays.

Because there are always emotions attached to the way we look at the holidays. Emotions attached to past memories and emotions connected to our current relationships.

Praise God, He understands our emotions, loves us, and invites us to bring all of those amped up feelings to Him in prayer so He can help us.

I’m so excited that my friend Sue Donaldson, of Welcome Heart, is sharing wisdom concerning many of the ways our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions can affect us over the weeks ahead. And I love that she’s doing it by taking it all to the Lord in prayer.

So, please make her feel welcome and don’t forget to say “hello” and bless her with a comment.

5 Prayers for the Holidays
(Soon to be Upon Us)

How we feel about the holidays-soon-approach may have everything to do with how we were raised, whose turn it is to host, or how badly the turkey turned out in 2008 which is now the stuff of family legend, no (stuffing) pun intended.

Here are 5 Scriptures and prayers for the holidays to ready our minds and hearts for seasonal festivities. May this be the best year yet all because God invites us to know Him deeper and follow Him better.

The holidays are full of both excitement and anxiety. I love these prayers for the holidays. They are the hope & attitude adjustment I need. #Prayer #Hope #Holidays #hospitality #WWGGG

PRAYER FOR EXPECTATIONS

Expectations are great in their place but their place may only be in my imagination. I get into trouble when I expect someone to read my mind and do and say exactly as I was thinking they would do or say.

My favorite Scripture that helps me balance my best-laid plans and the reality of the moment…

 “My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.”

Psalm 62:5 (NKJV)

Father, I give you all my hopes and dreams for the holidays. Please grant the ones that glorify you most and which grow me best into Your likeness. May I allow You to be in control. And when things don’t turn out exactly as I thought they might, may I let it go and rest in You. Thank You and Amen. 

PRAYER FOR COMMUNICATION

Whether or not your family is a talkie-bunch, how we communicate can make or break a holiday event. I was anxious about how I might talk with an almost-relative who I knew I would be seeing soon. A friend counseled me: “Brag on her son when you see her.” That was great advice and smoothed over any awkwardness. You don’t need to make things up to be nice, but you can always be kind with your words.

Paul wrote…

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Lord God, I want to use my words for blessing (not cursing!) this holiday season. I will see some people I don’t know well nor see very often, and only You know what’s going on in their lives. May I look for ways to say kind things and believe the best about another even if they say something offensive to me. Help me respond rather than react, and if I know I’m getting impatient, may I give myself a time-out until I spend time communicating with You. Thank You and Amen.

PRAYER FOR PEACE

God’s presence brings peace so I wonder, “Why don’t I always feel peaceful?” It’s a matter of the mind. Preparations for the holidays can fill my mind so much so I leave God on the perimeter and start wringing my hands in worry instead of folded in prayer to the One Who can actually do something about my anxieties. Jesus understood our proclivities to stew in the details of how much stew to make for how many guests as He recalls His Father’s loving care…

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Matthew 6:31–33 (NLT)

Father God, I’m so glad you are in the details. Remind me every day that You’ve got it all under control even if I don’t have it on the list or, God forbid, I lose those precious lists. Thank you that You know what I need and what my guests and family needs. Teach me how to seek Your kingdom above all else. As I set each table may I set my mind on things above. Thank You and Amen. 

PRAYER FOR FORBEARANCE 

I love that old-fashioned word. Think: patience. My sister heard this great definition: “Forbearance is putting up with more than you are due (or that you THINK you are due!)” The funny thing about forbearance is that we want everyone else to “forbear” with us but forget to forbear with everyone else, depending on how much coffee we’ve had or how little sleep we’ve managed. It can be tricky to rub shoulders and hips in close proximity in a kitchen meant for one and now there are five, and you just wish everyone would go away for thirty minutes so you could get yourself together. Instead, we are called to forbear…

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Dear Father, I have no excuse for not exercising patience with others. After all, You are amazingly patient with me. Grant me the grace to forgive, the cognizance to hold my tongue, and the humility to keep my huffiness at bay. May I love lavishly and find You at every turn of the shopping aisle and what space is left at the kitchen island. Thank You and Amen.

The holidays are full of both excitement and anxiety. I love these prayers for the holidays. They are the hope & attitude adjustment I need. #Prayer #Hope #Holidays #Hospitality #WWGGG

PRAYER FOR CELEBRATING

Holidays are for celebrating! I love a great tradition that brings joy and sweetness to friends and family. However, my love for Christ and my purpose to make all my life all about Him gets lost in the trappings of tradition and wrappings of “we-must-do-it-this-way-again-because-that-is-what-we’ve-always-done.” I’m fairly certain flexibility–not cleanliness–is next to godliness.

When I remember Who I treasure and surrender each event to God–no matter how small, commit each task to His favor–no matter how simple, I can celebrate with abandon: my family and friends, the music, food, decor, the dark nights and special lights, the fire in the fireplace or a simple candle.

I want my heart’s cry to be like the Psalmist’s…

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 73:25–26 (ESV)

Oh, God, I love You so! I celebrate You and what You purpose through my life. May I not be trapped by my traditions. I offer them all to You. Show me how to celebrate You best and foremost. May your love and sacrifice sink deep into my bones so that when people come into my home they know that they have been with Jesus. Now that’s something to celebrate! Thank You and Amen.

Sue Donaldson and her husband, Mark, live in San Luis Obispo, California. Sue taught high school English, part of the time in Brazil with Wycliffe Bible Translators. She and her husband, Mark, have raised 3 semi-adult daughters who keep them at the bank and on their knees. Sue loves connecting people to one another, to God, and to His Word, and has been speaking for the last 20 years or so with long pauses for babies, diapers and soccer pasta parties. She blogs at Welcome Heart.com – Ordinary Hospitality, Extraordinary God. 

Sue’s books include:

Come to My Table: God’s Hospitality and Yours
Hospitality, 101: Lessons from the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study
Table Mentoring: A Simple Guide to Coming Alongside

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Answer Me When I Call - Psalm 4 Devotional by April Schwarz @ Fishy Mom

Answer Me When I Call
Psalm 4

by April Schwarz
@ Fishy Mom

How to Experience Peace While You Wait by Debbie Wilson @ Refreshing Faith

How to Experience Peace While You Wait

by Debbie Wilson
@ Refreshing Faith

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How #WWGGG Can Change Your Life

There's a simple question you and I can ask ourselves that will not only change our lives but one that can change the lives of people everywhere. #WWGGG #WWJD #Question #ChangetheWorld

I remember the first time I read Charles Sheldon’s book, In His Steps.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.

2 Peter 2:21

The Holy Spirit used seven words…

“That you should follow in His steps.”

A simple phrase inspired a group of people to ask a question.

What would Jesus do?

And lives were changed … their lives and the lives of people around them.

Because they quickly learned that a question like “What would Jesus do?” is easy to ask but not easy to consistently apply. You see, before someone can do what Jesus would do they have to KNOW what Jesus would do.

Which is something I’ve been thinking a lot about this year.

I’ve wondered if #WWJD has become an easy phrase to use to tell other people what they should be doing and saying rather than being a personal commitment to actually knowing, loving, and obeying Jesus.

When I hear someone proclaim that Jesus wants people to affirm something that clearly goes against God’s Word, I fear that a phrase like “What would Jesus do?” has lost a bit of its significance for a few of the people who use it.

So, earlier this year, I started asking myself a new question…

What would give God glory?

Based on the verse…

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

And I’ve discovered this is a question that has the power to change lives. Well, at least it’s changed mine.

Before I explain that, I want to take a minute to explain what I believe it means to do everything for the glory of God.

Paul Tripp defines glory in this way…

Glory isn’t a part of God; it’s all that God is. Every aspect of who God is and every part of what God does is glorious. But even that’s not enough of a description. Not only is He glorious in every way, but His very glory is glorious!

God’s glory encompasses the greatness, beauty, and perfection of all that He is.

If the intent of my life is to live for God’s glory … then everything I do and say needs to point others to want to know Him – know the greatness, beauty, and perfection of all that He is.

There's a simple question you and I can ask ourselves that will not only change our lives but one that can change the lives of people everywhere. #WWGGG #WWJD #Question #ChangetheWorld

So, asking the question, “What would give God glory?” causes me to stop and pause and think before I speak or act.

#WWGGG

Before I do or say anything, I want to pause and ask #WWGGG.

  • Before I respond to an unkind comment … #WWGGG.
  • Before I post something online …#WWGGG.
  • Before I make a purchase … #WWGGG.
  • Before I choose a TV show, movie, or book … #WWGGG.
  • Before I eat … #WWGGG.
  • Before __________ … #WWGGG.

What would give God glory in my life? And I invite you to ask, “What would give God glory?” in yours.

Like #WWJD, we first have to know what God says gives Him glory rather than trying to make things up on our own. So let’s do a little digging…

Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 (HCSB)

Our kindness, compassion, care, and concern … our love for others gives God glory.

God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him.

1 Corinthians 6:20 (NLV)

Caring for our own bodies physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually gives God glory.

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

Romans 12:2

Discerning God’s will and following it gives God glory.

Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
    and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
Then call on me when you are in trouble,
    and I will rescue you,
    and you will give me glory.”

Psalm 50:14–15

Thankfulness and praise give God glory.

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

Ephesians 4:32

Forgiving others because God has forgiven you and me gives God glory.

“If you love me, obey my commandments.”

John 4:15

Obedience shows our love for God and gives Him glory.

I worship and praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness; for Your promises are backed by all the honor of Your name.

Psalm 138:2

When you and I worship and praise God we give Him glory.

But why is it important? Why does it matter?

Why does my signature line say – By His grace and for His glory?

Because I believe it’s why I was created…

Bring all who claim me as their God,
    for I have made them for my glory.
    It was I who created them.

And

“You are worthy, O Lord our God,
    to receive glory and honor and power.
For You created all things,
    and they exist because
You created what You pleased.”

Isaiah 43:7 and Revelation 4:11

You and I were created for God’s pleasure and His glory! It’s the very reason we are here.

So, are you ready?

There's a simple question you and I can ask ourselves that will not only change our lives but one that can change the lives of people everywhere. #WWGGG #WWJD #Question #ChangetheWorld

Let’s start by making a commitment to stop and pause and ask … “What would give God glory?”

Then let’s invite our friends and family to join us.

Who knows … maybe we could start a movement that could not only change our lives but one that would change the lives of people everywhere.

Let’s make #WWGGG a way of life for those who love and follow Jesus. Because the truth is … if you and I want to do what Jesus would do, we need to live for God’s glory. That’s what Jesus did!

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
    but to Your name goes all the glory
    for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.

Psalm 115:1

If you’re in let me know in the comments. I can’t wait to hear from you!

And if you’d like to join a community of people who are committing to ask themselves #WWGGG as they live each day for Him – click here.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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