Category Archives: Seek God’s Will

You Need to Know this Truth About Loving Yourself

There are many opinions about what it means to love yourself and how that looks but I wonder what does loving yourself the ways God wants look like? #Faith #LoveYourself #Self-Love #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I have always struggled with the idea of loving myself. As someone who was at church every time the doors were open … I was taught a lot about the importance of loving others but not so much about loving myself.

But if you look around today … talk about “self-love” is everywhere.

For example, if you do a Google search of the words “love yourself,” you’ll find a plethora of thoughts on the subject . . . some good, some not.

Everything from a song by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber to health facts to yoga tips to well, you get the idea.

Then I went to the Bible and searched for “love yourself” and I found…

10 places in the Bible it says, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

But I wondered what exactly does it mean to “love yourself” based on God’s Word?

Does it mean pampering and taking time for self-interests? Eating well and repeating daily affirmations? Giving in to your flaws and doing what you want?

Or, is it something else?

What if self-love is supposed to look child-like?

And Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” 

Matthew 18:3

Think about it … you don’t have to tell little children to love themselves. They are comfortable in their own skin. They know when they’re hungry, tired, and when they need comfort and nurturing.

But even more important for our discussion today little children are humble, sincere, trusting, and dependent.

That seems counterintuitive though, doesn’t it?

I don’t think most adults would describe self-love as being humble, sincere, trusting, or dependent.

But what if we should?

What if self-love is supposed to look more like humility?

Warren Wiersbe defines true humility as:

  1. Knowing yourself.
  2. Accepting yourself.
  3. Being yourself.

He adds . . . “Humility begins with self-examination and continues with self-denial.”

Self-examination and self-denial—again not what we think of when we think self-love. But what if…

LOVING YOURSELF GOD’S WAY … ALWAYS BEGINS WITH HUMILITY

There are many opinions about what it means to love yourself and how that looks but I wonder what does loving yourself the ways God wants look like? #Faith #LoveYourself #Self-Love #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Let’s take a closer look at Wiersbe’s definition of true humility.

  1. Knowing yourself means getting to know your personality, your values, your gifts and abilities, and your hopes and dreams . . . the you God created.
  2. Accepting yourself comes from having and keeping a vertical perspective. Fixing your eyes on Jesus. NOT COMPARING yourself to others.
  3. Being yourself means living obediently as the one of a kind, God designed person you are. Being yourself means allowing God to use you to fulfill His plans and purposes. It is allowing Him to use you to love others in ways only you are able.

You made my whole being; You formed me in my mother’s body. I praise you because You made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.

Psalm 139:13–14 (NCV)

I’m not very good at “loving myself” when it comes to giving myself regular “atta girl” pats on the back. I’m not great at self-pampering and I’m definitely not good at getting all warm and fuzzy when I look in the mirror.

But maybe that’s okay because maybe that’s not what it means to love myself.

Maybe I’m loving myself because I’m taking the time to humbly get to know the person God created me to be.

Knowing Myself

  1. Personality – I’m a Phlegmatic/Sanguine which means I just want everyone to get along and have fun.
  2. Values – My core values are grounded in my love for Jesus. Values that make me want to follow Jesus’ example of loving God and others.
  3. Gifts and Abilities – I’m a student who loves to teach. I have the gift of gab and I’m getting better at the gift of listening. And I love writing. If you want to know more and you’ve never read my About Deb Page  … head over, you’ll learn even more about me than you probably wanted to.
  4. Hopes and Dreams – My greatest desire is to stay focused on eternal things – loving and obeying God and loving well the people He puts around me. (I probably would have answered something about my kids 20 years ago. So, don’t put too much holiness into today’s goals. I’m at my stage of life. You’re at yours.)

For the most part, I’ve gotten to know the girl God created. But I’m a work in progress when it comes to the accepting part.

Accepting Myself

I am realizing though that if I stay focused on Jesus and stop comparing myself to others, I will do a better job there.

Because I believe that part of loving yourself the way God wants is to always try to do better while trusting that you and I are loved and accepted just the way we are.

I loved you as the Father loved me. Now remain in my love.

The Father gives me the people who are mine. Every one of them will come to me, and I will always accept them.

John 15:9, John 6:37 (NCV)

Being Yourself

As far as being myself . . . I think I’m okay there. Honestly, if I can’t be myself in my sixties when in the world will I start.

So, how does God want you and me to love ourselves?

Here’s what I think.

25 Humble Childlike Ways to Love Yourself

  1. Remember you are valued and precious to God.
  2. Be yourself – known, loved, and accepted by God.
  3. Forgive yourself trusting that God forgives you.
  4. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.
  5. Take care for your physical needs . . . diet, move, and rest.
  6. Refuse to waste time on stinkin’ thinkin’.
  7. Ask for help when you need it.
  8. Sing, dance, and laugh more.
  9. Refuse to speak an unkind word to yourself.
  10. Say ‘no’ when you need to.
  11. Do something you were created to do every day.
  12. Pursue your hopes and dreams.
  13. Be honest with yourself and others.
  14. Pray – ask God to help you know your strengths.
  15. Pray – ask God to show you your weaknesses.
  16. Pray – ask God to help you change what needs to change.
  17. Pray – ask God to guide and direct you each day.
  18. Stop and give thanks for your life every day.
  19. Spend time with people you love.
  20. Forgive others. 
  21. Be bold and try something new.
  22. Believe God has a plan and purpose for you.
  23. Live fully engaged in every moment.
  24. Be patient with yourself.
  25. Be still – know, love, and trust God.

So, what do you think?

Are you ready to humbly love yourself God’s way?

Are you ready to know yourself, accept yourself, and fully be yourself?

There are many opinions about what it means to love yourself and how that looks but I wonder what does loving yourself the ways God wants look like? #Faith #LoveYourself #Self-Love #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

To know the beautiful you God created? To accept that He knew exactly what He was doing when He created you? And to fully live each day for His glory … be yourself.

You are so very loved!

Stop and go to the closest mirror … look at yourself and say, “I am so very loved!”

The Kings of kings, the Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, Creator, Redeemer, Spirit of Truth … loves and accepts you. He made you just the way He wanted you. You are important to the kingdom. You are a Child of God!

And I believe the One who loves you most and best wants you to love yourself humbly like a faith-filled child.

May you be blessed today as you are filled with His love!

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

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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!

Gossip Hurts – The Best Ways to Avoid Its Damage

Whatever we call it, why ever we do it, gossip hurts everyone involved. Here are 10 things to remember and avoid the pain caused by gossip. #Gossip #Friendship #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I found several definitions for gossip:

  • Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.
  • A rumor or report of an intimate nature.
  • Conversations or reports about other people’s private lives that might be unkind, disapproving, or not true.

And it’s everywhere, isn’t it?

We call it entertainment when it’s about celebrities. We call it news if it’s about our political opponents. We call it social media … when it’s shared on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

At church we call it … sharing a “need for prayer.”

But whatever is said or wherever it’s shared … gossip hurts.

If you’ve ever been the victim of hearsay or slander, if you’ve experienced it firsthand, you know gossip hurts.

There are lots of reasons people share gossip…

  • To feel superior.
  • To get attention.
  • To gain control or power.
  • To get revenge or because of jealousy.
  • To bring attention to themselves.
  • To get someone’s approval.
  • Or just because they’re. bored or unhappy.

The bottom line is … gossip hurts and it hurts everyone involved.

Solomon wrote:

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

Proverbs 16:28

If you’re looking for happiness – avoid gossip!

Whatever we call it, why ever we do it, gossip hurts everyone involved. Here are 10 things to remember and avoid the pain caused by gossip. #Gossip #Friendship #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

10 Things to Remember to Avoid the Hurts of Gossip

1. Remember – gossip is a sin. 

Paul listed gossip alongside murder, lies, selfish ambition and haters of God. It seems harsh but if we think about why people gossip and recognize the too-often devastating consequences or if we’ve been the victim of someone else’s gossip … it’s easy to remember that gossip is sin.

Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. 

Romans 1:29–30a

2. Remember – everyone has a right to privacy.

You don’t want everyone to know everything about you! I think avoiding gossip is a great application of 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

3. Remember – You can’t repeat what you don’t know.

“Gossip needn’t be false to be evil — there’s a lot of truth that shouldn’t be passed around.” ~Frank A. Clark

Be the person who asks to not know the gossip that’s being shared. You need to…

4. Remember – Be prepared.

Go into every conversation ready to end gossip with potential subject-changers. Most people love to talk about themselves; so, ask a question to change the focus from the person being talked to the people in the room.

“I resolve to speak ill of no man whatever, not even in a matter of truth; but rather by some means excuse the faults I hear charged upon others, and upon proper occasions speak all the good I know of everybody.” ~Benjamin Franklin

5. Remember – Be loyal and kind.

Invite the gossiper to talk directly to the person they are concerned about. If you’re with a group, wait until you have a minute to talk to the gossiper privately and encourage them to talk directly to the person they’re concerned about.

Rather than doing something that could potentially hurt a relationship … they might actually be able to encourage and help.

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.

Proverbs 3:3

6. Remember – Be positive, encouraging, and loving.

Be known as the person who speaks well of everyone and in that way you can shine the light of God’s love.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Ephesians 5:1–2

7. Remember – There is fallout from shared gossip.

You can’t control what others do with the things you tell them. Once gossip is shared, it’s out of your control and often spreads like a wildfire.

“We always feel the brunt of the blow dealt to us, but hardly ever do we feel the impact we have on others. Why is that?” ~Richelle E. Goodrich

8. Remember – To imagine yourself in the other person’s life.

You don’t know the whole story. You never know the whole story. So, before you listen to or share a small true or untrue segment of someone else’s story … stop for a minute and put yourself in their place. When you haven’t lived their life it’s impossible to understand their decisions. Offer them the same grace and mercy you would like them to give you.

All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

1 Peter 3:8

9. Remember – Every bit of gossip can end with you.

Sometimes you can’t avoid hearing tidbits of gossip. The information is shared with you before you have time to breathe and walk away. But you are always able to pause and decide what you will do with gossip. So,
resolve that gossip will always end with you. Determine in advance to never speak negatively about anyone ever.

“How would your life be different if … You walked away from gossip and verbal defamation? Let today be the day…You speak only the good you know of other people and encourage others to do the same.” ~Steve Maraboli

Whatever we call it, why ever we do it, gossip hurts everyone involved. Here are 10 things to remember and avoid the pain caused by gossip. #Gossip #Friendship #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

10. Remember – Prayers don’t need details.

God knows the need even when the people praying do not. It is possible to pray for each other publicly without revealing secrets or sharing personal problems.

So, pray like crazy. Pray for your friends who are hurting. Pray for the gossipers you know. Pray and ask for forgiveness when you’ve passed along something you should have kept to yourself.

Just pray! Ask God to help and strengthen you and ask Him to help and strengthen your friends.

“Notice, we never pray for folks we gossip about, and we never gossip about the folk for whom we pray! For prayer is a great deterrent.” ~Leonard Ravenhill

I think the following poem says it all.

My Name is Gossip ~Author Unknown

My name is Gossip.
I have no respect for justice.
I maim without killing.
I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted the more I am believed.
I flourish at every level of society.
My victims are helpless.
They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.

To track me down is impossible.
The harder you try, the more elusive I become.
I am nobody’s friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.
I topple governments and ruin marriages.
I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartache and indigestion.
I spawn suspicion and generate grief.

I make innocent people cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses.

I AM CALLED GOSSIP.

And one more thing I believe will help…

Remember – Picture Jesus present at every conversation.

He is with you. He loves and cares about you. He loves and cares about the people you are with and He loves and cares about the people you’re discussing.

So, stop and ask yourself … #WWGGG – What would give God glory?

Remember that everyone you meet is someone for whom Christ died! Someone who is dearly loved by Him.

And then ask yourself … Is it True? Is it Kind? Is it Necessary?

Then talk about something else.

Can you imagine if we all decided to do our best to avoid the hurts of gossip?

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!

12 of the Best Ways to Make Worship Part of Every Day

 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me. 

Jeremiah 32:40

It sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

The Bible says to worship every day by taking our ordinary sleeping, eating, going to work lives, and giving them to God as an offering ... here are 12 ways. #WorshipGod #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

David Jeremiah wrote the following about worship…

“Since the days of our first parents in the Garden of Eden, worship has walked a tightrope between lifestyle and liturgy. When God walked in the Garden with His first children in the cool of the day, Adam and Eve worshiped Him as we should—without interruption. The Creator and His creatures experienced a continual, ongoing exchange of provision and praise. God provided everything Adam and Eve needed, and they responded with praise—with gratitude, reverence, honor, submission, and holy fear.”

We get the liturgy part of worship but the lifestyle part is harder, isn’t it? So many things get in the way of our making worship part of every day.

Busyness.
Discouragement.
Worry and Anxiety
Distractions.
… All the consequences of sin!

But I want my life to be the kind of worship offering Paul wrote about…

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Romans 12:1–2 (MSG)

I’m making it a goal to add intentional worship to every day and with God’s help … experience that “ongoing exchange of provision and praise” that the Prophet Jeremiah and David Jeremiah wrote about.

Ways to Make Worship a Part of Every Day

The Bible says to worship every day by taking our ordinary sleeping, eating, going to work lives, and giving them to God as an offering ... here are 12 ways. #WorshipGod #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

1. Start the day with God.

Before my feet hit the floor, I want to spend a few minutes thinking about and thanking God for the blessing of knowing that He is with me every moment of the day.

I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I will help you.’

Isaiah 41:13

2. Get down on your knees to pray.

There is something about humbly kneeling to pray that changes my attitude from self to submission. That’s worship. I want to be intentional about kneeling for prayer and surrendering my day to the Lord.

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care.

Psalm 95:6–7

3. Intentionally surrender your day to God.

A dear friend taught me this morning prayer…

Lord, I have surrendered this day to You. With Your help, I will follow where You lead me and do Your will as You reveal it to me. Please help me to fulfill this promise that my life might glorify You alone. Amen.

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

Galatians 2:20

4. Read the Bible to start the day.

It doesn’t have to be chapters and you don’t have to spend hours but when you and I take some time to begin the day with a Psalm, the wisdom of Proverbs, the words of Jesus, or the counsel of Peter, John, or Paul … it sets the tone for the day.

Reading and rereading God’s promises gives me strength and courage to face whatever the day brings.

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.

Psalm 19:7–8

5. Write 7 things you’re thankful for every day.

The number 7 represents completion and perfection throughout the Bible. Writing 7 things I’m thankful for just seems like the perfect way to remember God’s completely perfect provision.

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

6. Be aware and awe-mazed at who God is and what He does.

I want to watch for miracles … to write down answers to prayer and notice the variety and beauty in creation. I want to pay attention to the ways God is working around me, to celebrate who He is and all He has done…

All that He’s doing today. And helps me have hope remembering tomorrow looks good, too! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim Your greatness.

Psalm 145:6

7. Sing and dance like David.

I love this one … turn up the praise music and dance with joy.

It’s fun! It’s great for your body, mind, and soul. And your kids will love it. What a great way to add joy to our homes and teach our children

And David danced before the Lord with all his might.

2 Samuel 6:14

I trust in your love. My heart is happy because You saved me. I sing to the Lord because He has taken care of me.

Psalm 13:5–6 (NCV)

8. Take a fast from grumbling and complaining.

If you’re like me, you don’t realize how much you grumble and complain.

I’m making it a goal to set aside specific times when I will absolutely refuse to be negative. I will surrender the junk in my life to God, do what I can, and do my best to shine…

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in [the] world…

Philippians 2:14–15 (NLT)

9. Go outside and take a walk—enjoy God’s creation.

It’s so easy to get distracted by entertainment, social media, and life’s demands. I want to remember to take a break and enjoy the beauty of creation that’s right outside my front door.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known.

Psalm 19:1–2

10. Remember blessing anniversaries and celebrate the moments of God’s grace.

This is another favorite … we mark our calendar and celebrate blessing anniversaries like the Children of Israel celebrated the Passover. A few ideas are … Baptism birthdays. The day you met your spouse. The day you got engaged. The day you received good news from the doctor. Etc.

I will remember the things the Lord has done. Yes, I will remember the powerful works of long ago. I will think of all Your work and keep in mind all the great things You have done.

Psalm 77:11–12

11. Worship God by loving the people in Your life.

You and I were born for this time and place. One of the ways we can show God our worship and love is to intentionally love the people in our lives. 

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

John 13:34

12. Take care of yourself.

If you’re like me, it’s easy to put self-care on the bottom of your to-do list. (Hmm, I guess I did that here too, didn’t I?) But God made us. He loves, cares, and provides for us. And He expects us to love and care for ourselves as well.

We can honor and worship Him by getting enough rest, eating well and staying fit … then we can be fully equipped to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to the Father as we worship Him every day.

Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You.

Psalm 143:8
The Bible says to worship every day by taking our ordinary sleeping, eating, going to work lives, and giving them to God as an offering ... here are 12 ways. #WorshipGod #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

Do you ever wonder if we make worship too complicated?

We have plans and formulas, music and liturgies, structures and organizations … and we leave it all at the door when we walk through the church doors.

I just want to worship every day!

But now, many of us are worshipping at home as our churches have been asked to close their doors to keep us safe from this virus. And maybe that makes this the perfect time to make worship part of every day.

Because it’s when we offer our everyday ordinary life and offer it to God as a daily act of worship … we begin to SEEK Him first, LOVE Him best, and LIVE our lives for His glory!

And that sounds like the perfect way to respond to God’s amazing grace, mercy, and love.

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!

Simple Prayers That will Help You be a Better Parent

Parenting is an adventure that needs to be covered by prayer. If you want to be a better parent you need to pray a lot. These prayers will get you started. #Parenting #PrayerforFamily #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I wish I’d read this quote years ago…

“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.”

Anne Frank

She certainly shared a lot of wisdom for her young age … and for someone who never lived long enough to have children of her own.

When I was a young parent and my children were young I believed that good parents had good successful children … that great input always resulted in great outcomes.

I’ve grown up and so have my children.

I’m both older and wiser now than I was then.

And today, as I look around at our peers and their grown children … I can honestly say, “that ain’t necessarily so.”

I’ve known many great parents whose children decided to ignore their parent’s helpful advice and example as they chose to live a more challenging path. Ones that were difficult and sometimes painful for them and for their parents. I now fully believe the truth of Anne’s words.

And I’m sorry. I know that if you are the young parent with young children that’s not very encouraging. But…

I’m not saying you should throw your hands in the air and give up. I still believe parents should give the important job of parenting everything they’ve got.

But I also believe…

That you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself. There is no such thing as a perfect parent and there are no perfect children. But you probably knew that already!

We celebrated Mother’s Day a couple of weeks ago and for many it’s a day full of emotions and one of them that rises up often is guilt.

Mom guilt is something that goes with the job. But they’re not completely alone, I believe dads suffer from feelings of guilt, too.

Today I want to encourage you and give you a little of what I believe is helpful advice for being a better parent.

The two most important things to remember as you live out the parenting adventure are:

  1. Always remember you are covered by God’s grace.
  2. Pray more than you believe is necessary and then pray again.

And because I believe prayer is the most important part of parenting … I’m sharing a few prayers to help you get started.

Simple Prayers That will Help You be a Better Parent

Parenting is an adventure that needs to be covered by prayer. If you want to be a better parent you need to pray a lot. These prayers will get you started. #Parenting #PrayerforFamily #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

1. Lord, Thank You for My Children.

Children are a gift from the Lord. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!

Psalm 127:3,5

Father, Thank you so much for my children. Help me to celebrate this awesome blessing every day, even the hard days. Help me celebrate each of my children’s unique personality and abilities.

I believe You made them exactly the way You wanted and that You will use them for Your plans and purposes. Thank you. I am humbled that you would entrust these precious children to me. Give me a grateful heart and help me show them and You how thankful I am for them … even when I’m exhausted and having to repeat myself for the millionth time. Thank you for the grace and mercy You show me. Please help me love as You love me.

2. Lord, I want to be a better parent. Please forgive me. 

Remember there are no perfect parents or children. Everyone needs forgiveness parents and children. Praise God…

He does not punish us for all our sins; He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.

Psalm 103:10–11

Father, please forgive me. I want to guide my children according to Your perfect will but I know I fall short every day.

I lose patience, I get angry, and I miss opportunities to show them Your love. Please help me, Father, I want to honor this awesome responsibility You’ve given me. Help me to be the parent You want me to be … the parent my children need. Help me raise them by Your grace and for Your glory.

Help me ask my children for forgiveness when I hurt them and help me quickly forgive them when they misbehave. We all sin. We all need forgiveness. You say you have removed our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12) Thank you for Your merciful forgiveness. Help me forgive as I have been forgiven.

 3. Lord, Give me the courage I need today. 

Almost every day comes with at least one difficult parenting decision. Ask God for wisdom and courage to obey His will and to encourage your children to do the same.

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Father, yesterday was hard and today’s not starting out well. It would so much easier if I could just pull the covers over my head and ignore this problem. But my children need me to stand strong on Your truth. They need to be strong and courageous. They don’t always see the potential consequences of their choices. It’s hard to let them try new things. It’s hard to think about the possibility of my children having to live out the consequences of their foolish choices. Please give me the courage I need to remain strong when I’m worn out and hard days continue.

4. Lord, Please help me guide my children with wisdom according to your will.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God

James 1:5º6

Father, Please give me the wisdom I need to guide my children according to Your will. I so wish I had an individualized set of parenting instructions. It seems like some things work with one child and they don’t with another. I need Your help. I need to know the wise thing to say and do with each of my children. I want to parent these wonderfully made gifts You’ve given me well, not for me but for their good and Your glory. Amen.

5. Lord, Please help me parent my child with patience. 

Parents and children need patience and goodness, it’s easy to run short of it in the moments when we need it most.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

Romans 15:5

Father, I need patience and I need it right now!

I’ll admit that I sometimes pause before asking for patience because I really don’t want any more challenging learning opportunities to put it into practice. I just want You to magically give me all that I need today and again tomorrow … the next day would be good too.

Please help me remember that You are always with me and that You are willing to give me all I need. You say You are willing to help me carry my burdens … even impatience. You even say that the Spirit is able to give me the patience I need to love my child well. Please help me. Make me slow to anger and remind me pause and laugh as often as possible.

Parenting is an adventure that needs to be covered by prayer. If you want to be a better parent you need to pray a lot. These prayers will get you started. #Parenting #PrayerforFamily #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

6. Lord, Fill our home with respect and kindness. 

We all want peace-filled homes and need God’s help to make speaking with kindness and respect a priority.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:!2

Father, forgive me for the times I’ve allowed snarkiness in my home. Especially my own. Please help me measure my words and speak with respect to my spouse and my children. Please help us remember how we honor and glorify You when we show kindness, humility, mercy, and patience.

By Your grace, please help me model this for my children and lovingly remind them when they forget. May we faithfully love each other as You have loved us with Your help and for Your glory.

7. Lord, Fill our home with peace, joy, and love. 

A happy loving family. Everyone wants one … we need God’s help to fill our homes with His peace, joy, and love.

 Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11

Father, Fill our home with joy. Help us remember and celebrate Your many blessings … big and small. You have been so good to us.

We surrender ourselves to You and ask You to give us all we need. Please bless us with the gift of contentment. Please help us to keep our focus on You … to SEEK You and Your Kingdom above everything and anything else. May we faithfully study Your Word, join together in prayer, and worship and praise You for who You are and all You’ve done. Your grace is sufficient for our every need. May Your love be the foundation of our home. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

If you want to be a better parent – PRAY!

Friend – parenting is an adventure. Anyone who has been a parent for more than 30 seconds, knows it can feel like you’re traveling an unknown journey with a surprise around every corner.

And from someone who has traveled the unexpected and emotional highs and lows of parenting, I’d like to tell you the one thing I wish I’d done more along the way…

While I prayed a lot … I wish I had prayed more!

You just can’t possibly pray too much for those precious gifts God has entrusted to your care.

I’m praying for you today and asking God to bless your family … to fill Your home with His love, to cover you with His grace and help you live each day for His glory.

For additional prayers – Check out:

Prayers for Your Spouse, Prayers for Your Son, Prayers for Your Daughter, Pray for Your Family.

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 Control Your Thoughts to Bless Your Life

What you think has a huge effect on your life. You're not stuck with whatever pops into your head ... you can control your thoughts and improve your life. #PositiveThoughts #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

There’s a saying out there that the average person has about 50,000 thoughts per day. Some say that number is too high.

But many neuroscientists who have investigated the issue believe that most people have about 35 thoughts per minute, or one thought every other second. So assuming you take time for sleep … most people average about 20,000 thoughts in a 24 hour period. Of course, on those sleepless nights when your you can’t quiet your thoughts to rest … that number goes up!

Is it any wonder that our thoughts have a huge influence on the way our days seem to go.

We filter every little thing through the lens of our personal perception. A lens that is shaped by our thoughts.

Let’s face it – you and I are happier on the days we’re thinking positive thoughts and we’re … well, NOT on days that we don’t.

Solomon wrote…

As water reflects your face, so your mind shows what kind of person you are.

Proverbs 27:19 (NCV)

This quote made me stop and think…

“Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.” ~ Ernest Holmes

And then ask myself … what are you thinking about today?

Maybe you’d like to join me…

  • Are you focused on what is or what isn’t?
  • Are you thankful or dissatisfied?
  • Are you anxious or courageous?
  • Are you patient or annoyed?
  • Are you angry or contented?
  • Are you filled with regret or forgiveness?

If you’re like me, you’ve been guilty of thinking – “Well, I can’t help how I feel.”

But, what if we can?

I like the way The Message states the following words of Paul:

The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

2 Corinthians 10:3–6

Based on this … maybe we do have the God-given tools we need to control our thoughts!

And even if we’re not focused on what the Bible says about controlling our thoughts, take a look at the following quote…

“Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habit.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”

~ Frank Outlaw, Late President of Bi-Lo Stores

Maybe this whole thing is more important than we think.

You are and I constantly being bombarded by the negative thoughts, comment, and actions of grumpy people. If you watch the news … you don’t know what to believe and what to toss as fake.

All of that “dog-eat-dog unfair fighting and manipulation” leaves a mark on our thought life.

So, what are we supposed to do … especially when those thoughts are popping up every other second.

The truth…

“We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God!”

Because even though our thoughts and feelings can come on quickly and unexpectedly, you and I can choose the length of time we let them hang around. The length of time we think about things, positive or negative, is up to us. Thoughts don’t have to control us, if you decide to, with God’s help, you can control them. He has given us the TOOLS we need to fight the battle.

Let’s take a closer look and check them out.

What you think has a huge effect on your life. You're not stuck with whatever pops into your head ... you can control your thoughts and improve your life. #PositiveThoughts #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

How to Control Your Thoughts and Bless Your Life

1. Identify the emotion.

It sometimes takes a gentle word from Rev to make me aware that I’ve let negative thoughts take over. Thankfully he really is kind about the way he lets me know. There would probably a few more negative thoughts and words if he didn’t. I know I’m not proud of it. But back to the point…

It’s healthy to do a thought assessment throughout the day. Because the truth is our thoughts affect our attitudes and then they become our words and our actions and it goes on and on from there.

2. Identify what you were thinking about when the feelings began.

Stop for a minute and do your best to identify what started these thoughts and feelings. Was it a memory, a news report, a phone call, an angry comment, a loss, a pain, fatigue, etc.

3. Determine whether your thoughts were truth or lies.

Then question – are these thoughts true or not? Can I really do something about this thing that’s frustrating me or not?

If your negative thoughts begin with the words always or never … they are probably not true.

For example: They’re out to get me. Everyone picks on me. No one ever helps me. I’m a failure. I never…

The truth may be as simple as you need a break from the noise or you need a nap. Maybe you need to ask for help or you need to sit down and have a good cry.

I’ve learned to do something that really helps me and that’s to simply share what I’m feeling out loud. Just expressing the feelings out loud to Rev, a counselor, or a friend helps them to lose some of their power over me.

And now finally we get to the most important ways to control our thoughts!

4. Pray to change your thoughts and perspective.

Because the best person you and I can talk to about our thoughts and feelings is our VERY BEST FRIEND – the One who loves us most and best. He cares and wants us to come to Him with every negative thought that is burdening us.

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

Matthew 11:28

I truly believe the first part of learning to control our thoughts is to KNOW we can honestly and openly take them to Jesus. He cares. He already knows what we’re thinking. You won’t surprise Him or upset Him. He loves you and He wants to help You carry your burdens.

He says, “Let me help you. Let me teach you.”

5. Memorize God’s truth.

And that’s when we turn to God’s Word for truth.

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
What you think has a huge effect on your life. You're not stuck with whatever pops into your head ... you can control your thoughts and improve your life. #PositiveThoughts #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

So let’s do that for a minute…

God loves you.

God so loved _____________ (your name) that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

You are His child.

But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:12

You are forgiven.

“Everyone who believes in Him will have their sins forgiven through His name.”

Acts 10:43

You can do everything through His strength.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

I feel so much better! I hope you do, too!

What are you going to do with your 20,000 thoughts today?

Are your thoughts making you sad, anxious, frustrated, or angry? Or are they filling you with gratitude, peace, and joy? Do your thoughts fill you with doubt or increase your faith?

Take some time over the next few days to write down your thoughts and feelings throughout the day; then spend a little time each evening looking over your notes and praying about them.

I’m starting today. I’ll get back with you and let you know what happens. Honestly, I’m a little nervous. I’m afraid I’m going to find a little more “stinkin’ thinkin'” than I’d like to admit. Which may be the very reason why I need this.

Care to join me?

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!

Pray When You Need to be Confident of God’s Goodness

The most common question about faith is "How can I believe in God's goodness when He allows suffering?" When doubts arise it's time to turn to Him in prayer. #Prayer #GodisGood #BibleStudy #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Do you trust God’s goodness?

We say God is good, but do we really believe it?

I recently shared this on social media…

After you have suffered a little while, [God] will restore, support, and strengthen you.

1 Peter 5:10

And an individual responded by saying … “a load of nonsense.”

I don’t think you or I would say it like that but if we’re honest, we have our doubts. We wonder … God will you let me suffer like this indefinitely? Are you really good?

We want to trust those words God’s goodness completely but sometimes when we’ve prayed and prayed and asked God to help and then we have what seems like an endless wait something happens. Occasionally in the wait, worry is followed by a little doubt and before we know it we’re questioning God’s goodness.

And that’s when I need to pause and ask for His help.

Because I need His Holy Spirit to give me confidence that God’s goodness is personal. I need His help to know God sees me, forgives me, provides for me, and that He has a plan and purpose for my life. I need His Spirit’s help to remind me of His perfect love when I grow impatient in the waiting.

I need the Spirit’s help to know with everything in me that . . . God is good!

Jesus said,

When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 14:26

That’s what I need … maybe you do too! That reminder of God’s promises of His love and goodness.

So, that’s where I’m going today …. to God’s promises and I’m praying them back to Him because the more turn to Him through His Word and prayer, the more confident I become that He is who He says He is.

I’d love for you to pray with me…

Pray When You Need to be Confident of God’s Goodness

The most common question about faith is "How can I believe in God's goodness when He allows suffering?" When doubts arise it's time to turn to Him in prayer. #Prayer #GodisGood #BibleStudy #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Everything God made is good. That includes you! 

God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was very good!

Genesis 1:31

Lord, Everything You make is good. Your Word says, in the beginning, it was very good. And through Your love, You suffered and died to forgive my sins and give freedom to the goodness You created in me. It also says that because of Your goodness and love, You will give me everything I need. maybe not everything I want … but everything I need. Help me believe that, Lord. Help me trust Your promises and give me patience and peace when worry creeps in and doubts arise.

God loves you. Always and perfectly. You are His child. 

The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God. And we really are His children.

1 John 3:1

Father, You call me your child. I was an orphan, lost and alone and You adopted me. Through Jesus, You made me part of Your family. That defines Your goodness. There is no way to sufficiently thank you.

When I am tempted to focus on my current problems, please help me focus on Your grace, mercy, and love. Help me remember what an awesome blessing it is to be called Your child. You are my Father and You are good. Help me love You with all that I am and by Your grace, help me live each day with the confidence that Your will is always for my good.

God sees and knows everything about you. 

“You are ‘God who sees me,’” because she said to herself, “Have I really seen God who sees me?”

Genesis 16:13

Father, You are the God who sees me. Thank you! Nothing is hidden from you.

Like David, I can say, “You know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” (Psalm 139) And Jesus said, You even know how many hairs there are on my head. (Matthew 10:30)

I can have peace for today and hope for the future when I remember that I am constantly under Your watchful care.

God is good, kind, and merciful to you. 

The Lord is kind and shows mercy. He does not become angry quickly but is full of love. The Lord is good to everyone; He is merciful to all He has made.

Psalm 145:8–9

Father, Your Word tells me You are kind and merciful, patient, and loving.

I want to trust and follow wherever You lead … but I have to admit, I fail. I don’t love You and trust You with all I am. I don’t love my neighbors as I love myself. I get angry. I worry. I procrastinate and I find comfort in things. Please forgive me. I need your merciful goodness. By Your grace, please help me do better. Help me trust Your perfect will for me. Help me faithfully live confident of Your goodness, kindness, mercy, and love.

God is ready and willing to forgive and help you. His perfect love never fails.

O Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help.

Psalm 86:5

Father, This promise fills me with hope. You are always ready to forgive those who come to You. You don’t want me to live with the guilt that so often creeps in. You don’t want me weighed down by the past. Your plan for me is a life of freedom through Your goodness and grace.

Through Jesus, You endured my punishment. The price for my sins has been paid. Help me quickly bring my sins to You in repentance, trusting Your promise of unfailing love and forgiveness. Help me live free of doubt and worry … trusting You are faithful to do what You say You will do.

God is your provider. Don’t be afraid or worry. He will meet your every need.

“Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to Him than any birds! Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 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 12:24, 27, 31–32

Father, You don’t want me to be afraid or worry. You want me to live free of anxiety and doubt. You promise that You will meet every need.

Please forgive me for too often believing my wants are needs. By Your grace help me trust You. Make me satisfied with what You want for me. Help me help others out of the abundance You provide. Be my heart’s desire. With Your help, I will seek Your Kingdom above all else. Help me trust Your goodness without worry or fear.

The most common question about faith is "How can I believe in God's goodness when He allows suffering?" When doubts arise it's time to turn to Him in prayer. #Prayer #GodisGood #BibleStudy #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

God meets every spiritual need and gives you everything you need to live for His glory. 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.

2 Peter 1:2–3

Father, through Your goodness and love You meet every one of my spiritual needs. You make it possible for me to know You. You show me Your will. You hear my prayers. You comfort and strengthen me. You give me hope for the future and the peace I need today.

Thank you. Forgive me for foolishly and selfishly doing things on my own, for thinking my way is better. I’m sorry, Lord. With Your help, I surrender this day to You. I will follow where You lead and trust Your will as You reveal it to me. You are good, Father. May I live today covered by Your grace for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

 God is good!

His love for you and me is personal. He provides for every physical and spiritual need. His unfailing forgiveness is always available. He sees, knows, and cares. He is good.

You and I can be confident of God’s goodness!

And just a quick follow-up to tell about the comment to my social media post. I responded by telling him I was sorry that he felt that way but that based on my experience, God is faithful to restore support and strengthen when we need Him.

That began a dialogue where I’ve been able to share my testimony and tell him why I believe in God’s goodness.

I’m so thankful that when I begin to doubt … His Spirit draws me back through the truth of God’s promises.

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!

12 Truths about God that will Make You Humble

The truth is, the measure of how humble we are will always be in direct proportion to what we believe to be the truths about God. Here are 12 things to know. #TruthaboutGod #BibleStudy #Faith #WWGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

How humble are you?

It sounds like a trick question doesn’t it?

The truth is … the measure of our humility will always be in direct proportion to what we believe to be the truths about God.

Simply put – greater God equals lesser me and that translates into humility.

So, to inspire myself toward greater humility … I thought it might be a blessing to look at the awesomeness of God. The One you and I live for and love.

Who is God? What are the truths about God?
The truth is, the measure of how humble we are will always be in direct proportion to what we believe to be the truths about God. Here are 12 things to know. #TruthaboutGod #BibleStudy #Faith #WWGG #CountingMyBlessings

God is…

Creator

He is the maker of the vast universe and the tiniest microorganism. He is the designer of plants and animals … each demonstrating His incomprehensible imagination. And He is a personal enough Father to create one of a kind unique you.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

From the very beginning, the Word was with God. Through Him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without Him.

John 1:2–3

O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by Your hand.

Isaiah 64:8

Redeemer 

God’s love His creation, for you and me, is so amazing He would rather die for us than live without us. He made a plan from the moment sin entered into the world to save us from the power of sin, death, and satan’s power … and through Jesus, He accomplished every detail.

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:23–24

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Romans 8:1–2

Spirit

He is truth and wisdom given to you to show His immeasurable love. He lives with us and within us pointing to the truth and giving us the blessings of peace, joy, hope, contentment, and so much more.

We know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Romans 5:5

From His glorious, unlimited resources He will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 

Ephesians 3:16–17

All-knowing 

He is big enough to create it all. Redeem it all. Guide it all. And He understands it all. He is even personal enough to know every detail about you and me … our thoughts, our needs, and the number of hairs on each and every head.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:13

All-powerful 

He is big enough to care for everything and keep the entire universe working in perfect order through His power and might; and yet, He is personal enough to take care of you and me and provide for each and every need.

But God made the earth by His power; He founded the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.

Jeremiah 10:12

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:7

Ever Present

He is big enough to cover the vast reaches of space, and still, He is personal enough to know the longings of your heart and hear every word you lift to Him in prayer.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, You are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there Your hand will guide me,
    Your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139:7–10
The truth is, the measure of how humble we are will always be in direct proportion to what we believe to be the truths about God. Here are 12 things to know. #TruthaboutGod #BibleStudy #Faith #WWGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

Everlasting

No one invented Him or made Him. He is Almighty God! He had no beginning and He will have no end. And because He loves us so much, He wants to spend a perfect and unending future with us.

To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:17

Just 

He is fair and unbiased. He is perfect everything He does and He shows us the truth about sin … all because His justice is surrounded by His love.

He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.

Deuteronomy 32:4

Merciful

And though He is fair and just … He is quick to forgive. His love is perfect and personal not giving us the punishment our sins deserve because He offered Jesus as the sacrifice to suffer for us.

The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out…

“Yahweh! The Lord!
    The God of compassion and mercy!
I am slow to anger
    and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.
    I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.

Exodus 34:6–7a

Gracious 

He gives us everything we need today and always. He meets every need and gives us blessings we could never deserve.

God, in his grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins.

Romans 3:24

The Way, The Truth, The Life 

He is our way of salvation, absolute truth, and the promise of life. He not only made a way for us to be saved but He daily provides what we need to receive it.

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

John 14:6

Love 

He is perfect unimaginable love … poured out until it overflows in our lives. He is our Savior. Our King. And the One who alone is worthy of our worship, praise, and complete love forever and always.

God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4:9–10

Oh, friend, I’ve only touched the surface. There is no way to completely describe how amazing and awesome God is.

John said:

Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.

John 21:25

And Jesus said:

Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!

John 14:9
The truth is, the measure of how humble we are will always be in direct proportion to what we believe to be the truths about God. Here are 12 things to know. #TruthaboutGod #BibleStudy #Faith #WWGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls
I pray you’ve been blessed by these truths about God!

When I think about how awesome God is, how amazing His creation, how immeasurable His love . . . I am flattened.

And that’s humility.

When you and I are still before Him, when we worship and praise Him, when we love the One who first loved us. When we realize how much we need Him and surrender to His grace, mercy, and love…

That’s humility.

Pausing to think about who He is makes me humble.

We are loved with perfect immeasurable love by an awesome God.

Stop for a few minutes today to celebrate who God is. Then surrender yourself in humility to Him, the One who is Creator, Redeemer, Spirit, All-knowing, All-powerful, Ever-present, Everlasting, Just, Merciful, Gracious, The Way, Truth, and Life … the One who loves you with immeasurable perfect unending love.

Now that’s humbling.

May God bless you by His grace as You live today for His glory.

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

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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!

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

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Verses to Pray When You Need Help to Love God More

Even when you and I want to love God more by showing Him our love perfectly 100% of the time, we can't. But He loves us so much we can pray & ask Him to help. #Prayer #LoveGod #BibleStudy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Do you ever feel frustrated with yourself when you read…

Jesus said, “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.”

Mark 12:29–30

I don’t know about you, but I fall so far short of the “all” part.

All my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength … that’s 100% intentional love and focus 24/7. That’s ALWAYS!

And that’s where I fall short. It’s what I want! I want to obey Him. I want to show Him how much I love Him by trusting and obeying His will consistently but like Paul, I miss that mark way too often.

I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

Romans 7:18–19

And even when what I do is right, I’m often guilty of doing it with the wrong motives. And I know the loving Him with my “all” falls short!

I’m not telling you this so we can both sit around and wallow in the guilt of our failures. I don’t believe that’s what God wants for us. I believe this realization is supposed to do two things in us.

  1. Send us running to Jesus.

Look what Paul said next…

Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Romans 7:24b–25a

And 2. Ask God for the Holy Spirit to help us change.

Jesus promised…

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”

John 14:15–16

Isn’t that awesome!

When you and I recognize our sins and run to Jesus in repentance … He not only forgives us but He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us in the future.

And although we will never trust and obey Him perfectly this side of heaven … He will never stop forgiving us and giving us what we need through His Spirit.

And that’s why we don’t have to wallow in guilt … Jesus carried it all to the cross. You and I can surrender it all to Him and rejoice because…

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 

2 Corinthians 5:17

So, I’m praying today and asking God to:

  1. Help me quickly run to Jesus each time I fail.
  2. Fill me with the Spirit, my Helper, that I might more faithfully love Him with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Verses to Pray When You Need Help to Love God More

Even when you and I want to love God more by showing Him our love perfectly 100% of the time, we can't. But He loves us so much we can pray & ask Him to help. #Prayer #LoveGod #BibleStudy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love Him. That is how we know we are living in Him.

1 John 2:5

Oh, Father, this is a hard word. It’s easy to say we trust You for salvation but harder to live in obedience. And it’s impossible to perfectly obey because I don’t perfectly love.

The 10 Commandments can be summed up in … loving You and loving others. Jesus said that to love is the “Greatest Commandment.” And I know I don’t love perfectly. I don’t show You my love through obedience and I don’t show others my love … I can so easily become selfish and prideful. I’m sorry. Please forgive me and help me. I want to love You with every part of me all the time. I want to love like Jesus.

“Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

“In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

Luke 7:48, Luke 15:10

Father, Thank you! You are faithful to forgive. Always!

And what a wonderful word! The angels rejoice when I repent! You forgive me and the angels rejoice. It simply doesn’t get any better than that! There are no words to fully express my gratitude. And this is why my heart’s desire is to trust and obey You faithfully. Please help me!

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever … for He dwells with you and will be in you.”

John 14:15–16, 17b

Father, I do love you and I want to keep your commands. I want to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and I want to love people like Jesus loved them. It makes me sad when I realize how far short I fall of my own goal … I know I’m not even close to Yours.

So, I run to You. I lay my failures at the foot of the cross and ask that You will forgive me through Jesus. I’m so sorry! And Lord, I want to do better in the future. Will you please fill me with Your Spirit and give me all I need to love, trust, and obey as You want. Help me keep my heart and mind focused on You and trust that if You ask anything of me … You will give me everything I need to obey You in love.

I’ll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I’ll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s God-willed, not self-willed. I’ll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands.

Ezekiel 36:26–27

Father, what an amazing promise! You take my stubborn prideful selfish heart of stone and replace it with a heart that loves You and wants to live by Your commands.

I am so well aware that I can’t love and obey You well in my own strength. But with Your Sprit’s help … everything changes. You give me everything I need to live in Your love each day. Help me faithfully SEEK to KNOW Your TRUTH. Help me walk in Your love. Help me love You and show Your love to others in ways that will give You glory.

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

Romans 8:26–27

This promise gives me hope, Father! Thank you!

Thank you for your Spirit who not only guides and directs me according to Your will but He goes to You on my behalf and tells You my needs. Your Spirit knows my every need and the intentions of my heart. Good and yes, even the not so good. And He pleads for me … telling You what I need to grow closer to You. He knows exactly what I need to be able to love You with all my heart and soul, my mind and my strength.

There really are no appropriate words to fully express my gratitude. Thank you for hearing my prayers. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit to help me. Thank you for Your grace and mercy to help me focus my heart and mind on You. Thank you for helping me love You more and more each day. You are my greatest blessings! Thanks and praise now and forever. Amen.

Even when you and I want to love God more by showing Him our love perfectly 100% of the time, we can't. But He loves us so much we can pray & ask Him to help. #Prayer #LoveGod #BibleStudy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings
We need help to love God more.

And when you and I reach that place where we recognize that we want to love God more we typically also come to the realization that we can’t do it on our own. The Good News is we don’t have to.

Our past is forgiven through Jesus. And our future is blessed through the gift of His Spirit to help us.

So, stop today and give it all to the Lord in prayer … all your faults and failures, humbling admitting that you aren’t capable of loving perfectly on your own. Then rest in the truth that when you want to love God more … He is perfectly able to give you everything you need.

May you be blessed today by His grace as you live for His glory!

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!

This is A Simple Truth Christians Often Get Wrong

As Christians, we're wrong if we obey God for selfish motives ... there is only one way to obey God that glorifies Him. Find out what that is here... #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LoveGod #HisGraceGirls #LoveOthers #Blessings

I had an AHA moment not too long ago … I realized Christians often get something wrong. At least, I know I occasionally get it wrong.

What’s it?

Obedience.

We get obedience wrong when our motives are wrong. (Wait, don’t leave now. I promise, it’s a good thing to obey anyway but we’ll talk about that in a minute.)

So I asked myself the following questions…

Why do you obey God or maybe the better question is why do you try to obey God?

  • To earn His favor?
  • To look good at church?
  • To make friends?
  • To influence others?
  • To feel good about yourself?
  • So “it will go well for you?”
  • All of the above?

God promised it would go well for those who obey Him…

Be careful to obey all my commands, so that all will go well with you and your children after you because you will be doing what is good and pleasing to the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 12:28

But I’ve been wondering if wanting a blessed and comfy life is really the best motive for my obedience.

Is it God-pleasing for me to want to obey Him to earn His favor, to look good to my friend, to feel good about myself, or even because I want His blessings?

My honest answer is “I don’t think so!”

Why?

Because everything on my list is ME focused!

And that’s what we can so easily get wrong.

The Truth Christians Often Get Wrong

As I read in Deuteronomy recently, the following words practically jumped off the page:

“If you obey the commands of the Lord your God and walk in his ways, the Lord will establish you as his holy people as he swore he would do. Then all the nations of the world will see that you are a people claimed by the Lord, and they will stand in awe of you.”

Deuteronomy 28:9–10

God does not want us to obey to show the world who we are … He wants us to obey to show the world who He is.

Not to show that we are good, but to show that He is good, loving, and kind.

Not to show that we are better than those who don’t obey, but to show that His ways are best … that treating others with respect, compassion, and love represents Jesus. 

Not to show that what the Bible says is right, but to show that God’s commands are perfect … commands that show how His perfect love has the power to change hearts and lives.

As Christians, we're wrong if we obey God for selfish motives ... there is only one way to obey God that glorifies Him. Find out what that is here... #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LoveGod #MondayMuse

So, my goal is to imprint the following words on my heart.

“I don’t obey God to show who we are . . . we obey to show who God is because we love Him.”

Simply put…

Obedience glorifies God!

Obeying God’s commands is not about you. It’s not about me. It’s not about theology or doctrine. It’s not about being right. It’s not even about being holy.

Obedience is about God. It’s about living to bring glory to the One who loves us so much He died to show us.

Friend, I think the point is that you and I need to take ourselves out of the obedience equation.

If we could only begin to obey God’s will to show how much we love Him.

Jesus gave us an example when He prayed…

And this is the way to have eternal life—to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent to earth

John 17:3

David said to his son, Solomon…

My son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve Him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If You seek Him, you will find Him.

1 Chronicles 28:9

And Jesus also said…

I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Luke 11:9–10

What awesome promises!

I think you and I obey “to know Him and to make Him known.”

Imagine if we obeyed to love Him and to show His love!

This simple Holy Spirit empowered attitude adjustment has the power to change everything.

  • No more judgmental pride.
  • No more rejection.
  • No more unforgiveness.
  • No more division.
  • No more ___________.

Just loving the Lord and loving others for His glory.

And the Good News … is Jesus promises to help us!

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

Matthew 11:28–29

You and I can trust Him! We can follow where He leads us because He is there to help us every step of the way.

So, what’s the bottom line?

Obedience is not about you or me. It’s not about following the rules. About seeing to it others obey the rules. About judgment, fitting in, or doing it right.

Obedience is about KNOWing God’s will, ASKing for His help to obey, and making known His LOVE … that the world might want to know more about the One who gives us the power to love when it seems impossible.

Knowing Him and Making Him Known!

You and I show God we love Him by loving others.

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

John 13:34–35

This is OBEDIENCE – Showing God’s love and reflecting His glory!

Friend, any other reason for obedience is wrong.

As Christians, we're wrong if we obey God for selfish motives ... there is only one way to obey God that glorifies Him. Find out what that is here... #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LoveGod #HisGraceGirls #LoveOthers #Blessings

I will add, obeying is always the right thing to do even when we do it with the wrong attitude. Honestly, I have to admit that has happened in my life more often than I care to say.

But…

I am working on an attitude adjustment and I believe that’s what the Lord wants us all to do. To admit we can’t obey Him with the right motives on our own but with His help, you and I can…

… do everything through Christ, who gives [us] strength.

Philippians 4:13

So, I’m praying…

Father, I love you! I want to KNOW YOU and OBEY YOU. Your Word says You know my heart … my motives. I want to obey You with motives that please You … that glorify You, that will make You known to others. Father, I want the world to know and love You the way I do. 

Your Word also tells me that I don’t have to do my life on my own … that may be especially true when it comes to obedience. I love this promise…

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.

Philippians 2:13

Thank you for faithfully giving me everything I need to live for Your glory each day.

I come to You, Jesus, asking Your Spirit to help me obey the Law of Love that everyone I meet might want to KNOW You because they have seen You in me. By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen. 

One last thing, if you have checked out the #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory post and the #WWGGG Facebook Page, make sure you take a minute to find out more.

I’m praying your day is filled with blessings and countless reasons to praise the One who loves you most and best!

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 Find the Joy You Want When Life is Hard

Everyone wants to live with joy, but it can feel impossible when life is hard. How are you and I supposed to find the joy we want. Let's take a closer look... #WWGGG #BlessingCounters #HisGraceGirls #CountingMyBlessings #ChooseJoy

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 

James 1:2

This is how Jesus’ half brother, James, began his letter to Christian Jews who had scattered to other parts of the Mediterranean world because of persecution.

Can you imagine?

Other translations say…

  • Consider it nothing but joy.
  • Count it all joy.
  • Be glad.
  • Be very happy.
  • Consider it a gift.

I don’t know about you, but the last thing I typically think when trouble comes is … I’m so glad for this wonderful opportunity to have great joy!

I’m more likely to ask, “WHY?”

Not so much, “Why is this happening to me?”

But just, “WHY?”

Why is there so much suffering?

Why are there crimes? Storms? Tragedies? Terrorism? Wars? Storms? Illnesses?

Why is there persecution?

Our heads ache and our hearts hurt. And it’s hard to live with joy when our thoughts and emotions are dealing with every emotion but that one.

So what are you and I supposed to do? Do we just put on a fake happy face and pretend everything is okay.

I don’t think so!

Then is it really possible to experience joy when “trouble” surrounds us?

I think the first thing I had to learn about this verse was that it’s okay to not feel joy about the situation.

Jesus showed real emotions. He cried at Lazarus’ tomb. (John 11:5) Was angry at the sin He saw on display in the Temple Courtyard. (John 2:15) And cried out in fear in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Mark 14:35–36)

So, I don’t believe you and I are called to find joy in our troubles.

I don’t believe our joy has anything to do with our troubles at all.

James continued this way…

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James 1:3–4

I don’t really like faith-testing and growth but I do want my faith to be strong and fully developed. And I do want to be at that place of knowing I have everything I need … even in the face of trouble.

So, the question is … how? How do we face our troubles with joy and grow in faith?

I’ve shared with you in several posts about my life-long struggle with fear and anxiety.

I can remember lying in bed awake in the middle of the night … frightened by every shadow, sound, and imagination.

I was afraid of…

  • bad dreams.
  • the dark.
  • storms.
  • or something hurting me or my family.

My thoughts would run wild as I gazed at the ceiling in dark.

But when it got to be too much, I’d call out to my parents and my fear faded in the presence of my mom or dad who could immediately remind me that I was loved, safe, and protected.

And I think that’s the the answer to our question.

How to Find the Joy You Want When Life is Hard

The Bible tells us to find joy even when we are facing problems. How is that even possible? Let's takes a look at what the Bible says about having joy. #Joy #WWGGG #MondayMorning #CountinMyBlessings #FindingMyJoy

We can experience joy, not in our troubles, or even in spite of our troubles. Our joy is in the fact that no matter what the “trouble” is … we don’t have to face it alone.

We find joy in knowing that our Father is with us!

He has promised…

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

Isaiah 41:10

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

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

Matthew 28:20

You and I can have joy even when we’re facing troubles because we are never alone. The God of the universe is with us.

I’ve absolutely hated some of the things our family has gone through, but God has been true to His promises. He faithfully walked with us and gave us everything we needed to get through each loss and illness with strength and courage that could have only come from Him.

He helped us find joy when our circumstances were anything BUT joyful!

I no longer live with fear and that is a miracle. God has proven His promise to always be with me.

And let me tell you…

Living without fear because of God’s faithful presence . . . gives me joy!

The truth is, it’s okay if we’re not particularly joy-filled when we look at our troubles.

And it’s okay if we’re not particularly joy-filled when life is hard … pain, grief, sorrow, and disappointment are all part of living in a sinful world.

But it’s in those moments when God invites us to call out to Him in faith. And each time we do … our faith grows and we begin to find joy.

The Life Application Bible Notes say…

We can face pain with a positive outlook because of what troubles can produce in our life.

We can face pain with a positive outlook because of what troubles can produce in our life.

God promises to be with us when life is hard. He promises to give us the strength we need to endure and the patience we need to wait with hope. He will show Himself true to His promises and help our faith grow.

And that’s how we can consider having troubles an opportunity for joy!

Here are just a few more verses that give me joy…

God loves us even when life is hard. 

No matter what is going on in my life. No matter how I feel … God’s love never ends.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.

Lamentations 3:22–23

God’s love gives us power.

I am humbled and grateful by the way God gave us everything we needed when we went through the worst of troubles. He gave the power to endure when we had none of our own and the courage to keep going when it would have been easier to just give up.

Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Ephesians 3:17–19

God’s love gives us strength when we are weak.

God promises to give us the strength we need to fight temptation and the grace we need to endure hardship.

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

1 Corinthians 10:13

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, [with God] then I am strong. 

2 Corinthians 12:10
Everyone wants to live with joy, but it can feel impossible when life is hard. How are you and I supposed to find the joy we want. Let's take a closer look... #WWGGG #BlessingCounters #HisGraceGirls #CountingMyBlessings #ChooseJoy

God’s love is personal, faithful, and unfailing.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

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 8:35,38–39

And that my friend, is how and why you and I can have joy even when trouble comes our way.

Not joy in or in spite of the trouble. But joy because God, our perfect parent, loves us and gives us everything we need to live in this sinful troubled world with strength, courage, hope, and love.

May you be blessed as you find your joy in His presence and love.

I’m praying for you today!

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!

Pray When You are Confused and Nothing Makes Sense

When life is confusing and nothing makes sense, it's a blessing to take every care and concern to God in prayer trusting Him to give us whatever we need. #Prayer #Faith #Hope #MentalHealth #NothingMakesSense #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

I have to admit, I’m confused and nothing makes sense!

Almost every news report, ad, tweet, and post seems to have an agenda. It’s hard to know what to believe when contradicting points of view all claim to be “fact-based” truth.

One thing I know for sure is that nothing feels normal and no one can tell us how our future “normal” is going to look or feel.

It’s unsettling isn’t it?

And we don’t like it!

We want to be in control!

We shouldn’t be surprised. It was the enemy’s first temptation…

“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 3:5

Eat the apple and you’ll be in control … you won’t have to live under God’s control. “You’ll be like God.”

And as tempting as it was then, it’s still tempting today.

It takes faith and dependence to be okay with surrendering our control to someone or something else. And that is the million-dollar question…

Who or what will you and I place our trust enough to surrender our control?

Will we put our trust in…

  • careers
  • people
  • wealth
  • power
  • position
  • government
  • education

The truth is … those things have let us down lately, haven’t they? But maybe they’re supposed to! Maybe God allows us to lose our control so we will consider trusting Him enough to give Him control.

God started The Commandments with…

“You must not have any other god but me.”

Exodus 20:3

Why? Because He knows we need Him!

When we place our surrendered faith in anything or anyone other than God Himself, we set ourselves up to live a life of confusion where nothing makes sense.

So today, I’m going to the Lord and asking Him to help me understand. I’m asking Him to take my unsettled feelings and fill me with the assurance of His love. And I’m asking Him to give me the wisdom to surrender myself to Him in faith … knowing I can trust Him completely even when I’m confused and nothing makes sense.

Pray When You are Confused and Nothing Makes Sense

When life is confusing and nothing makes sense, it's a blessing to take every care and concern to God in prayer trusting Him to give us whatever we need. #Prayer #Faith #Hope #MentalHealth #NothingMakesSense #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

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

Isaiah 55:8–9

Father, forgive me. I can be so foolish. I can so easily focus on the rantings and ravings of “world authorities.” I can listen to those who claim to have “wisdom” rather than fully turning to the solid foundation of faith and truth You have given me in Your Word.

Forgive us, Lord! Forgive me! We can foolishly try to make You fit into a mold of our own creation rather than fully trusting that You are who You say You are and that You will always do what You say You will do.

By Your grace, turn us (turn me) from foolishness. Turn us (turn me) to Your Word. Please help us (help me) trust You and look to You for understanding and wisdom.

And help me cling to You in faith … for You alone are the One who can and will give me what I need today and always.

I cried out, “I am slipping!” but Your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Psalm 94:18–19

Father, I’m feeling restless and uncertain. I don’t understand. I sometimes feel like I’m drowning in contradictory information. I’ll admit, doubts fill my mind because I don’t know who or what to believe anymore.

So, I’m coming to You! I’m crying out for You to give me wisdom and peace. I’m asking for renewed hope and joy! I trust Your unfailing love. You hear my prayers. You are righteous and faithful in everything You do. (Psalm 33:4) You encourage me through Your Word.

I believe nothing can separate me from Your love, (Romans 8:38) and I trust that You defend and protect me by Your grace. (Psalm 94:22)

Thank you, Lord! You are my hope … even when nothing makes sense and I don’t understand.

As for God, His way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    He shields all who take refuge in Him.
For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with
strength and keeps my way secure.

Psalm 18:30–32 (NIV)

Lord, thank you for allowing me to come to You when I am weak and upset. I trust Your promises. I believe You have a plan for me. (Jeremiah 29:11) I believe You want me to have hope. (Psalm 25:5) So, I come to You asking for strength and direction.

You do not promise to remove all my challenges but even when I don’t understand the what or the why … I rely on You to give me all I need to live with hope and courage each day. And I need that today, Lord. I need faith-filled hope to KNOW that You are greater than my circumstances and I need the courage to LIVE boldly because You are right beside me.

When life is confusing and nothing makes sense, it's a blessing to take every care and concern to God in prayer trusting Him to give us whatever we need. #Prayer #Faith #Hope #MentalHealth #NothingMakesSense #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

For the Lord is God, and He created the heavens and earth and put everything in place. He made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos. “I am the Lord,” He says, “and there is no other.

Isaiah 45:18

Father, I love Your Word. Even when nothing makes sense – Your Word reminds me that all creation is Yours. If You can hold every planet in place and cause the sun to shine and moon to glow, You can certainly take care of my needs.

I ask You to help me focus on Your promises. Help me examine every one of the enemy’s lies against the truth of Your Word. When he tempts me with words of doubt that say the chaos and confusion are too great this time, help me remember that there has always been chaos and confusion. Your Word says, “History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

But I will trust in You! The One who sees the end from the beginning. Nothing is new or unexpected to You. When I’m confused … You’re not! You are forever unfailing love, truth, and righteousness. There is none like You. By Your grace and with Your help, I will “be still” and rest in You.

Since all His “children” have flesh and blood, so Jesus became human to fully identify with us. He did this so that He could experience death and annihilate the effects of the intimidating accuser who holds against us the power of death. 

He suffered and endured every test and temptation so that He can help us every time we pass through the ordeals of life.

Hebrews 2:14, 18 (TPT)

Lord Jesus, words are not enough to thank you for all You have done for us. You experienced life’s emotions, temptations, and pain. You suffered my punishment and defeated the power of sin and death in the world.

You became fully human that I might know You identify with my troubles.

So, I will come to You with simple words of thanks…

Thank you for understanding. Psalm 147:5) Thank you for walking with me. (Psalm 23:4)Thank you for helping me carry my burdens. (Matthew 11:28) Thank you for giving me life (Psalm 139:13). For giving me hope and strength (Isaiah 40:31), and everything else I need each day.

I praise You. I worship You. I love You and give myself to You. By Your grace, help me live for Your glory now and forever. Amen.

The truth is…

You and I are going to have seasons when we’re confused and nothing makes sense.

But the wonderful thing I’ve learned is that when I honestly take my confusion to God in prayer and trust Him to make sense out of the nonsense … I have what I need. I have peace and strength and hope.

I’ve been reading in Jeremiah lately and most days my heart is moved when I realize how many of the prophecies God was speaking to the nations through Jeremiah … could also be said today.

But in the midst of God calling out all the ways the people had turned away from Him and warning them of the coming chaos and confusion … He gave them the following words of hope and truth:

Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7–8

My prayer today is that you and I will have deeply rooted faith in Christ Jesus. Faith that will give us hope when we’re confused and worried, peace when nothing makes sense, and strength to never stop producing fruit for the Lord in ways that will forever give Him glory.

May you be beautifully blessed today and every day by His unfailing love!

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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Psalms to Pray When You Feel Like Something is Missing

If you feel like something is missing right now, you're not alone. When life is hard and your heart hurts, it helps to go to the Psalms to pray with honesty and faith. #Prayer #Psalms #Faith #BibleStudy #Hope #BrokenHeart #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

If you feel like something is missing right now, you’re not alone.

I think most of us feel like we’re experiencing an unending cycle of missing out. We’re missing…

  • time with loved ones.
  • going to school.
  • going to work and having a steady income.
  • weddings, graduations, birthdays, and group celebrations.
  • coffee and visiting with friends.
  • going to church.
  • getting haircuts.
  • going to sporting events, movies, and concerts.
  • going shopping for “non-essentials.”

And I’m guessing those are just the big ones on your list. You could probably fill a page or more of with your missing somethings. And if you asked your kids … well, you might be able to fill a book.

And yet…

I’ll bet you and your family can also think of some good things that have been added to your home in the past weeks. Maybe it’s not all bad that our busyness has been put on hold for a bit.

In an article from Ball State University’s Center for Peace and Conflict offering – COVID-19 Peace and Self-Care Strategies, there’s a quote I love…

In this time to rush to return to “normal,” use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.

It’s good advice, isn’t it?

Maybe, just maybe … it’s a blessing to be “missing” some of the things on our lists.

And when I stop to think about it, I realize it has a lot to do with where you and I put our focus. If we dwell on the things we can’t do at the moment and continually think about being shut-in … we can’t help but feel unsettled, disappointed, discouraged, anxious, and yes, even afraid.

So today, I’m asking God to help me focus on Him. I want to “fix my thoughts” on the blessings He continues to give me even when the list of things I’m missing is longer than I’d like or when something on my list is something or someone I feel like I can’t live without.

I’m turning to Psalms to pray and ask God to give me a perspective filled with His hope-filled truth.

Psalms to Pray When You Feel Like Something is Missing

If you feel like something is missing right now, you're not alone. When life is hard and your heart hurts, it helps to go to the Psalms to pray with honesty and faith. #Prayer #Psalms #Faith #BibleStudy #Hope #BrokenHeart #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.

Psalm 91:14–15

Father, I do love you! Thank you for the many times you have rescued me in the past. Countless times You have been with me and protected me. And even more times of which I am not aware. Your Word repeats the truth of Your unfailing love. Love You pour into my life every day.

I’m coming to You, Lord, asking You to remind me of Your presence through this struggle. I’m asking You to rescue us from this time of illness and confusion. Please be with our leaders and give them wisdom and understanding. May they turn to You and trust You to guide them. Please be with me and give me peace and patience. And please give me wisdom to choose wisely when this is over and I can begin to add some of the missing things back into my life.

Satisfy us each morning with Your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.

Psalm 90:14

Father, I pray to simply be satisfied in You. Give me child-like faith to trust You in all things. Help me focus on who You are and all You’ve done. May I live with gratitude, peace, and joy trusting in Your all-sufficient grace to give me everything I need.

I have Jesus. I am forgiven. I have a future filled with hope.

I will bless the Lord who guides me;
    even at night, my heart instructs me.
I know the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.

You will show me the way of life,
    granting me the joy of Your presence and
the pleasures of living with You forever.

Psalm 16:7–8, 11

Father, It is so easy for me to make plans and then ask You to bless them. Please forgive me. Your Spirit is with me to guide and instruct me. Please help me to simply trust and follow … even when I don’t understand. Help me keep my heart and mind focused on You, trusting that in Your presence nothing can shake the foundation of my faith.

Thank you for Your Word. Help me take the time to “be still” with You because when I sit quietly at Your feet, I learn Your will for me, I know Your truth, I am reminded of Your unfailing love, and I feel Your presence. That Father, is a sweet taste of living with Your forever … fully satisfied and at peace.

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything You do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you.

Psalm 37:4–5

Father, I commit this time to You. Even though so many of the things that have become my normal and expected way of life have been temporarily removed … I trust You.

I’ve had things in this life I believed were my “heart’s desires.” And when You said “no” … my heart was crushed. I didn’t understand. I now know that You give me my heart’s desire when You are my heart’s desire. When I delight in You, I begin to want what You want and I trust Your perfect will for me.

By Your grace and with Your help, I commit my life to You. I believe when something is missing, even when it’s many somethings, You are with me. My circumstances are known to You. Everything about me is known to You. I believe You help me and that You always want what is best for me.

Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and never forget all the good He has done:
He is the One who forgives all your sins,
the One who heals all your diseases,
the One who rescues your life from the pit,
the One who crowns you with mercy
and compassion, the One who fills
your life with blessings

Psalm 103:2–5 (GW)

Father, please forgive me for focusing on the things I feel I’m missing. Please help me think about You. Help me focus on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Help me ponder things that are excellent and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8)

By Your grace and the power of Your Spirit, I will faithfully thank and praise You. I will remember all the wonderful undeserved blessings You pour into my life. No matter how difficult my circumstances, no matter what I feel like I’m missing, I will remember Your unfailing unending love. I will praise You for forgiving me, healing me, pulling me out of the pit of despair and surrounding me with Your grace and mercy.

I will count my blessings and never forget the good things You do for me every day. Thank you, Father. Your grace is sufficient. Your love is enough. It is well with my soul. Amen.

If you feel like something is missing right now, you're not alone. When life is hard and your heart hurts, it helps to go to the Psalms to pray with honesty and faith. #Prayer #Psalms #Faith #BibleStudy #Hope #BrokenHeart #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

The truth is I need the peace that only God is able to give me. I need a perspective that trusts His help for the impossible. I need hope that He is forever and always in full control.

It’s why I love going to the Psalms to pray … like those writers, you and I can take our honest feelings to God in prayer with faith.

And then, with His help, we can fully trust…

The Lord is King! He is robed in majesty.
    Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty
and armed with strength.
The world stands firm
and cannot be shaken.

Psalm 93:1

Whatever shakes us … does not shake Him. Our God is fully and capably reigning over all He has made. We can rest secure in His loving care and His perfect timing … even when we feel like something is missing.

This weekend is the 15th anniversary of a very painful loss in our family. A loss that not only changed our lives but one God used to begin a powerful change in me.

I’m looking forward to sharing with you how God used the “worst” to give me His “best.” How He personally blessed me with His all-sufficient grace.

Until next time…

God bless 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!

10 Things You Need to Do If You Want to Be Satisfied

Are you satisfied? Do you want to be? If you want to live with peace and contentment, here are the things you need to do to be satisfied no matter what is going on in your life. #besatisfied #Contentment #BeHappy #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Are you satisfied?

Especially right now, when we’re not doing so many of the things we’re used to doing. No matter how hard we try … we just can’t seem to find satisfaction.

So, I wonder…

Are you satisfied?

The dictionary defines being satisfied as being content or having peace. Does that help?

Are you contented? Are you experiencing peace?

I’ve been thinking about the day of Jesus’ resurrection … picturing the disciples locked in the upper room. For hours after Mary, Peter, and John had proclaimed Him alive, they remained confined (quarantined if you will), hidden away from the rest of the world.

Questioning. Uncertain. Afraid. Wondering. Hopeful.

Sound familiar? Can you relate to what they were experiencing?

The thing is … it doesn’t sound like satisfaction, does it?

And Jesus’s said…

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

John 10:10

And I wonder, have we bought into the “thief’s” lies … that we need more than Jesus to give us everything we need.

Kyle Idleman told a story in the book, Not a Fan Daily Devotional.

His four-year-old daughter wanted a pet. He said it had to be something that didn’t bark, meow, or make any kind of noise. It couldn’t shed and had to cost less than five dollars.

They decided on a goldfish and named it Nemo.

From here … I’m going to quote him…

She wanted to play with her new pet, but how do you play with a fish? You can’t take it for a walk or teach it to fetch. But you can take it swimming. So we took a trip to the swimming pool. I explained to my daughter that the chemicals in the pool would not be good for a fish, so we brought Nemo in a glass cup filled with water and set the cup on the very edge of the pool. While my daughter and I were splashing in the water, I noticed that Nemo was watching us. I figured he wanted to get out of the cup and into the vast ocean that the swimming pool must have looked like to him.

After a few minutes, I looked over again to check on Nemo, but the cup was empty. Apparently the lure of freedom on the high seas was so strong that Nemo had flip-flopped out of the cup and into the pool. I tried to catch him, but catching a goldfish in a swimming pool is more difficult than you might think. Eventually, Nemo rose to the surface, belly up…

I wonder how often the lure of “freedom” robs me of my satisfaction. I wonder how often I look past the “rich and satisfying life” Jesus wants for me because I let my mind entertain the “thief’s” temptations and deceptions.

The disciples waited with questions through the days and weeks following Jesus’ resurrection. We don’t know the exact amount of time Jesus actually spent with His followers during those 40 days between the resurrection and ascension. We do know He told them to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came … and that meant waiting for another 10 days.

50 days of waiting and wondering.

How satisfied were they?

Like us, they knew Jesus’ teachings about being satisfied…

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.”

Matthew 5:6 (NET)

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

John 6:35

“Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.”

Matthew 6:33 (NCV)

Like us, they knew that Jesus had conquered death…

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 14:3b–4

It is my Father’s will that all who see His Son and believe in Him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.”

John 6:40

I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. The Father has life in himself, and He has granted that same life-giving power to His Son. And He has given Him authority to judge everyone because He is the Son of Man. Don’t be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son,  and they will rise again.

John 5:25–29a

He had proven it with Lazarus and with His own resurrection and He promised it to His followers.

And I believe that’s the secret to a satisfied life.

That you and I trust God to give us everything we need today … knowing that because of Jesus our eternal future is secure as well.

Whether we’re closed up in our homes or living life with calendars full of activities and provision. Whether we have a little or a lot. Whether we’re in perfect or poor health. Whether our relationships are thriving or fragile. Whatever our circumstances being truly satisfied is a blessing we choose when we surrender our lives to Christ Jesus.

We recently received a prayer on the Blessing Counters Prayer Page…

I can’t call it a request because she didn’t ask for prayer … she simply shared her own personal testimony through prayer and it was beautiful. Even through the pain, she is choosing to place her hope in Christ Jesus trusting in His strength to give her everything she needs.

When you and I hear someone testify to being satisfied through terminal illness or the death of a loved one, when they are satisfied through pain and heartbreak, or through waiting and uncertainty … it is always the power of Christ in their lives.

Are you satisfied? Do you want to be? If you want to live with peace and contentment, here are the things you need to do to be satisfied no matter what is going on in your life. #besatisfied #BeHappy #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I promised in the title that I would share 10 things you need to do if you want to be satisfied.

So, here’s my promised list…

10 Things You Need to Do If You Want to Be Satisfied

  1. Choose to praise God for who He is. (Psalm 42)
  2. Choose to avoid comparing your circumstances with anyone else’s. (Romans 12:1–16)
  3. Choose to stop chasing the enemy’s lie that freedom exists outside of God’s will. (John 8:44)
  4. Choose to do your best and use what God has given you for His glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
  5. Choose to trust God to take care of you and will supply everything you need. (Philippians 4:19)
  6. Choose to count your blessings. (Psalm 103:1–6)
  7. Choose to trust and obey God’s plans and purposes. (Romans 12:2)
  8. Choose to give your burdens to the Lord and ask Him to take care of you. (Psalm 55:22)
  9. Choose to live with a grateful heart. (Psalm 138)
  10. Choose to believe God’s promise to never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

How is it possible to “choose” a list atypical of our sinful human nature?

Jesus said…

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.

When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:15–17, 26–27
Are you satisfied? Do you want to be? If you want to live with peace and contentment, here are the things you need to do to be satisfied no matter what is going on in your life. #besatisfied #Contentment #BeHappy #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

And Paul wrote the following about the Holy Spirit…

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. 

Romans 8:26

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

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 guessing the title of this post drew you in because you want to be satisfied but you’re struggling in the midst of your current circumstances.

If so, I’d love for you to pray with me…

Dear Jesus, You said that Your purpose was to give Your followers a “rich and satisfying” life. I want that! But You also know that my current circumstances make feelings of satisfaction seem like they are just a bit beyond my reach. I need Your help, Lord.

So, I surrender myself and this moment to You. I ask You to increase my faith and fill me with Your Spirit. I ask You to help me choose to do the things I need to do to rest on the truth of Your promises with confidence that today and each day in the future, one moment at a time, You will give me everything I need to be satisfied. I trust Your Spirit to fill me with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I believe You are with me. I believe that with Your help I can get up each day in faith, assured that with Your help I will be satisfied. Thank you, Jesus. Please receive my prayer by Your grace and help me live for Your glory. Amen.

Friend, I’m praying for you! May you be satisfied in Christ Jesus … trusting His promise to give you everything you need.

May I ask you one last time…

Are you satisfied? Do you want to 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!

A Holy Week Bible Study that will Help You Focus on Jesus

A Holy Week Bible Study for individuals and families - Walk through the Gospels and spend time with Jesus. Questions and prayers to help you experience His love #HolyWeek #Jesus #PassionofChrist #God'sLove #PalmSunday #MaundyThursday #GoodFriday #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Anne Graham Lotz wrote…

Why did Jesus have to die?

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

I’m taking closer look at Holy Week because I want to make it personal. I want to see myself standing with the cheering crowds, sitting at the table in the upper room, asleep in the garden, and standing at the foot of the cross.

I’d love for you to join me and maybe even spend some time talking about the questions with your family.

I don’t want to rush through the pain to get to the promise. This year, I want to pause and see myself with His disciples … fully experiencing the Jesus’ gift of love that gave me the freedom to LIVE in LOVE!

A Holy Week Bible Study

A Holy Week Bible Study for individuals and families - Walk through the Gospels and spend time with Jesus. Questions and prayers to help you experience His love #HolyWeek #Jesus #PassionofChrist #God'sLove #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Palm Sunday

Let’s start with a prayer…

Help me stop this week and look at my heart. Show me where I’m wrong. Show me my sin. Forgive me and help me change.

Thank you for saving me through Jesus. Thank you for saving the words of those who walked with Him. Thank you for allowing me to look closely and marvel at amazing grace. Teach me. Guide me. Draw me close in Jesus name. Amen.

So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for Him to ride on.

As He rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of Him. When He reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of His followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

Luke 19:35–38

Pause with me for a moment and let your heart and mind imagine the scene.

  • What do you see?
  • What do you hear?
  • What do you smell?
  • Who are you?
    • A follower?
    • A Pharisee?
    • A bystander?
    • A fan?

Are you being swept along by the excitement? Are you skeptical of the man they say can raise the dead? Are you angry? Are you confused?

  • Do you believe?

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–40, John 12:12–19

Later that day, Jesus said…

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to Your name.”

John 12:27
  • What would you like to say to Him?

Holy Monday

Back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and He stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”

Mark 11:15–18

Pause for moment…

  • What do you see?
  • What do you hear?
  • How does it smell?
  • Who are you?
    • A worshipper?
    • A priest?
    • An observer?
    • A disciple?
    • A buyer? A seller?
  • How do you feel?
  • Do you believe?

My prayer…

Father, forgive me. I’m ashamed. I’m afraid I would likely stand in the courtyard surprised by Jesus’ passion and conviction. It’s probably I would find normal and satisfactory the way things have “always” been done. I wonder if I would even realize that a place of prayer had become a marketplace.

I’m challenged to ask if I’ve allowed subtle changes in culture to distort my perception of holiness and worship.

I want a passion for Your holy presence. I want to cherish what You call holy. I want to give the highest value to truth and honesty. I want to know Your truth. I want my heart to break for those things that break Your heart and I want to hold sacred that which is precious to You.

Please help me, Father. Forgive me. Guide me by the power of Your Spirit. Draw me close. Hear my prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 12:12–17, Mark 11:15–25, Luke 19:45–48,

Maundy Thursday

A Holy Week Bible Study for individuals and families - Walk through the Gospels and spend time with Jesus. Questions and prayers to help you experience His love #HolyWeek #Jesus #PassionofChrist #God'sLove #PalmSunday #MaundyThursday #GoodFriday #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

In the Upper Room…

He got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel He had around Him.

After washing their feet, He put on His robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

John 13:4–5, 12–15

Let’s pause…

  • What do you see?
  • How does it smell?
  • What do you hear?
  • How do you feel?
  • Who are you?
    • Matthew?
    • Nathaniel?
    • James or John?
    • Judas?
    • Peter?
    • An observer watching from the corner?
  • Are you humbled? Are you ashamed? Are you confused or embarrassed?
  • Are you willing to serve those with stinky feet?
  • Do you believe?

Father, I picture myself with teachers I’ve respected and admired; and I can’t imagine one of them washing my feet. It seems awkward and embarrassing. It’s easy to relate to Peter’s word, “You will never wash my feet.”

But then I hear Jesus’ words and I see His humble love and I want to follow His example and love like Him.

Please forgive me. I fail repeatedly. I allow “self” to get in the way of love and service. I’m self-protective and self-righteous. Help me. Open my eyes to see those who need me to love them with humble love. Help me to follow Jesus’ example. Help me trust and obey. Amen.

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 26:17–30, Mark 14:12–26, Luke 22:7–30, John 13:1–17

In Gethsemane’s Garden

Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and He said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 

He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

He went on a little farther and bowed with His face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine.”

Then He returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Matthew 26:36,38–41

And again, let’s pause…

  • What do you see?
  • What do you hear?
  • What do you smell?
  • Who are you?
    • Peter?
    • James?
    • John?
    • Thomas? Philip? Matthew?
    • Judas?

Are you embarrassed? Are you trying to stay awake? Are you confused by Jesus’ emotion on this night of celebration? Are you afraid?

  • Do you watch and pray?
  • Do you believe?

Lord, I can’t imagine the anguish of that hour. The pain of knowing what was about to happen. The pain of knowing the beginning to the end. Knowing the pain, the betrayal, denials, lies, rejection…

I am so sorry. Please forgive me. My sin. My shame. My punishment.

Help me to live by the power of Your Spirit. Help me to embrace the freedom you’ve given. Help me to love You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Help me to love like Jesus. In His name and for His sake I pray. Amen.

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 26:36–46, Mark 14:32–42, Luke 22:39–45,

Good Friday

Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put a purple robe on Him. “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped Him across the face.

John 19:1-3

Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by Himself, He went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). There they nailed Him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

John 19:16–19

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Mark 15:33–34

Jesus knew that His mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”

When Jesus had tasted it, He said, “It is finished!” Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

John 19:28,30

And finally, let’s pause to make it personal one more time…

  • What do you see?
  • What do you hear?
  • What do you smell?
  • Who are you?
    • John?
    • Mary Magdalene?
    • A Soldier?
    • Mary, His mother?
    • A Mocker?
    • An Observer?
    • A Thief?
    • A Priest?
  • How do you feel?

Are you afraid? Are you appalled? Are you ashamed? Self-righteous? Devastated? Confused? Satisfied?

  • Who is this man? Who is Jesus to you?
  • Do you believe?

Father, Jesus said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 

Draw me close, Father. Pull me to the foot of the cross. I don’t want to look away . . . to shrug off hard to face truths. That my sin caused Jesus suffering and death. My hand held the hammer. I stand with the mockers and Pharisees.

I want to see myself as John or one of the Marys. But that’s just my foolish pride. It allows me to judge those who history credits as causing your death. It allows me to separate myself. It makes it possible for me to think—at least I’m not as bad as…

But, I’m wrong. Forgive me. I am a sinner. As hard as I try, I will always fall short of Your perfect will for me. I’m so sorry.

Thank you for never giving up on me. Help me to keep my eyes, my heart, and my mind focused on Jesus—the One who authored and perfected my relationship with You through faith. I come to the cross that brings me to You. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 32 27:32–56, Mark 15:21–41, Luke 23:26–49, John 19:16–27

A Holy Week Bible Study for individuals and families - Walk through the Gospels and spend time with Jesus. Questions and prayers to help you experience His love #HolyWeek #Jesus #PassionofChrist #God'sLove #PalmSunday #MaundyThursday #GoodFriday #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I’m praying for you this Holy Week.

I’m asking God to bless you and remind you once again of how very much He loves you…

 God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, “I love you.” ~ Billy Graham

And I’d love for you to join me on Friday when I’m going to God with prayers inspired by the things Jesus said from the cross.

May God encourage you and hold you close as you SEEK Him.

Don’t forget to bookmark this Holy Week Bible Study so you can refer back to it throughout the week and focus your heart and mind on Jesus.

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

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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!

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How to Replace Fear with Strength and Courage

When we take our fear to God, He does not give us a magical infusion of strength and courage that lasts forever ... but He does give enough for this moment and that's all we need. #Courageous #Strong #LivewithHope #CountingMyBlessings #FaithOverFear #WWGGG

It only took one terrifyingly turbulent flight to convince me that staying on the ground was better than being in the air. So much better that it took years before I was willing to go anywhere that required air travel.

But flying was just one of my many fears.

As a child, I was afraid of the dark, bugs, heights, and rejection. Then I grew up and realized that although bugs and the dark weren’t that scary there were plenty of other things that were … eventually, I was diagnosed with agitated anxiety.

There are more than a dozen verses in Scripture that speak to God’s children being strong and courageous.

Me … strong and courageous. Not even close!

That was a little over a decade ago when…

  • Someone I deeply loved rejected me.
  • Rev suffered from an undiagnosed illness for over a year. Although, the doctors determined that heart surgery was the only thing that could save him … we were told not to expect it to be successful.
  • My mom went home to heaven.
  • And our first grandchild was born at 24 weeks, weighing 1lb. 9oz.

Our friends started calling us – the “high maintenance” prayer family.

My worst fears were coming to pass and I had to a choice to make … either run to God or pull the covers over my head and give up.

Giving up didn’t seem like an option. So, I grabbed my Bible and I prayed. Again and again and again.

Each time I gave a problem to God, He gave me enough strength for that moment. Not a magical infusion of strength and courage that made me fearless, but enough to make it through one moment at a time.

That’s really all we need, isn’t it? Enough strength and courage for this moment?

If you struggle with fear, I’d love to share some things God has taught me to do that help me when I’m tempted to fall back into that place of fear and anxiety.

How to Replace Fear with Strength and Courage

When we take our fear to God, He does not give us a magical infusion of strength and courage that lasts forever ... but He does give enough for this moment and that's all we need. #Courageous #Strong #LivewithHope #CountingMyBlessings #FaithOverFear #WWGGG

1. Decide that You Want to be Strong and Courageous – Living with fear became a bad habit for me. I had to make up my mind that I no longer wanted to live that way … that I wanted to have strength and courage.

“Fear is 100% dependent on you for its survival.” ~ Steve Maraboli

2. Admit You’re Afraid – There will always be something to be fear. It’s the nature of the world in which you and I live. Everyone is afraid sometimes. In fact, it’s not always a bad thing. It can keep us from putting ourselves in harm’s way. So, it’s important for me to admit and identify my fear, refuse to spin on it, and face it head-on.

“The first step forward is to admit your fear, then you can take the next step to conquer it.” ~ Ken Poirot

3. Analyze Your Fear – Once you’ve identified your fear, remember…

Fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat.

So, I’m asking myself if my “perceived threat” is real and true or if it is simply something I feel. Is it based on facts and information or rumor and speculation? Is it something I can change or control? How is it affecting my life and my relationships? Have a talked to God about it?

You have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what istrue. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true—it is not a lie.

1 John 2:27

4. Pray and Ask – Paul wrote, “Never stop praying.” I Thessalonians 5:17 In all circumstances, whatever is going on in the world or in my head … I want to take it to Jesus and ask Him to give me His peace. You and I can trust His promises.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27

 5. Talk to a Strong and Courageous Mentor – I’ve had several times in my life when I’ve gone to a Christian counselor because I needed someone to help me look at my circumstances with fresh eyes and help me see it from a different perspective. I’ve also asked friends to talk with me about the ways God has gotten them through times of fear.

Talk to a counselor. Or ask a friend to tell you how they were able to get through a fearful time.

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:17

6. Don’t Borrow Fear from Others – If the news and your friend’s posts on Facebook bring your fears to the surface. Take a break. I’ve learned to turn off my television and take breaks from social media so I can avoid the “ain’t it awful” out there.
My head is always spinning with thoughts. I want to remember that I get to choose what those thoughts are about. You can even call it taking every thought captive…

We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLV)

7. Stay Focused on the Present – Why do “what if” thoughts rarely have happy endings? Worry and fear are close cousins. I don’t want to give in to worry or allow fear to rob me of what God wants for me right now. So, with His help, I want to focus on today, change what I can, and entrust tomorrow to His mercy and grace.

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

8. Keep a Prayer Journal and Gratitude List – When I remember the countless times and ways I know God has helped me in the past in addition to those I can only imagine … I am more likely to count on Him to help me and give me what I need when I’m afraid today.

So, I keep journals and lists and memories close to remind me of His unfailing love and bountiful blessings.

Don’t be afraid of them! Just remember what the Lord your God did…

Deuteronomy 7:18
When we take our fear to God, He does not give us a magical infusion of strength and courage that lasts forever ... but He does give enough for this moment and that's all we need. #Courageous #Strong #LivewithHope #CountingMyBlessings #FaithOverFear #WWGGG

9. Live Your Life – Even if we have to do it afraid, it’s important to get up and live, trusting that God will provide for every need.

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

Psalm 28:7

10. Hold On to His Promises – Carry note cards with quotes and verses that remind you to have courage.

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

Isaiah 41:10

When my worry is great within me, Your comfort brings joy to my soul.

Psalm 94:19 (NLV)

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Matthew 14:27

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So [I] will not fear…

Psalm 46:1–2a

I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4

“I am leaving __________ with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” 

John 14:27

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 [me] from God’s love.

Romans 8:38

I praise God for what He has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

Psalm 56:4

(Click here or on the graphic for a free
printable of verses to keep close to you.)

You and I can trust God to replace our fear with strength and courage.

All of the fear I talked about at the beginning of this post … God has redeemed it. He has given me freedom.

Oh sure, I have fearful thoughts occasionally … but I’ve learned where to take them. I trust God to replace my fear-filled thoughts with His promises.

I believe…

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.

Hebrews 10:23

So, I will continue to faithfully work through this list of ways to replace my fear with strength and courage … not because of anything I will think, do, or say but because I have placed my faith in the One who has promised to give me everything I need—even when I’m afraid.

I’m praying for you today and asking God to give you whatever you need to replace your fear with His perfect love. Love that drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)

Let’s talk: What fears has God helped you past? How has He helped you by giving you the strength you needed to do something you feared?

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!