How Faith & Prayers Will Make a Difference in Your Life Every Day

God will give you everything you need to change your life. He gives faith and prayer that give strength in weakness and peace that passes understanding. #BibleStudy #Faith #Strength #Hope #Blessings

Every time I sit down to write, I feel overwhelmed because I want everyone who visits this space to know how God can change their lives the way He’s changed mine.

No matter how you are feeling . . . on top of the world or in the pits of despair, I want you to leave here having a sense of the overwhelming power of God’s love.

And that’s the very thing the enemy wants us to doubt, isn’t it?

It’s the first temptation . . . “Did God really say..?”

Did He really give that command? Does He really expect you to obey Him? Can you really trust His promise?

You know the questions.

They’re whispered to you when life is hard. In the quiet when…

The past haunts and hurts.
Friends betray.
Old bad habits return.
A loved one is gone.
Your heart is broken.

That’s when you and I hear the enemy ask, “Did God really say..?”

That:

“He loves you. He will never leave. You are forgiven. You belong to Him. Nothing can snatch you from His hand.”

Yes, He did! He does!

When the enemy whispers doubt we have God’s Word and Spirit. We can run to Him in prayer. We can ask, seek, and knock. We can believe His promises. We can trust His love.

God is who He says He is. He is able to do what He says. And He will always accomplish His plans and purposes.

And that’s why I want everyone to KNOW the difference faith and prayer will make in their lives and the lives of the people around them.

Faith and Prayers

Faith…

Believes Jesus is who He says He is.

Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. John 14:6

Shines the light of God’s love.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Shows the hope that God gives.

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1

Displays God’s ability to give strength in weakness.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Reveals God’s willingness to give the peace that passes understanding.

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Faith pours the blessings of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control from God into and through
the lives of those who know, love, and trust in Jesus.

Prayer…

Brings us closer to God.

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

Moves the heart of God.

But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. 2 Chronicles 33:12–13

Prayer connects believers to the heart of God.

A Prayer to Grow in Faith with a Heart of Prayer

Father, I believe You sent Jesus to suffer my punishment and save my soul. I believe He is the way, the truth, and the life. I believe Your Word and trust Your promises.

Please keep my heart and mind focused on You. When life is hard and the enemy tempts me with doubt . . . please strengthen me and give me everything I need to stand strong in faith. Please give me wisdom and fill me with Your perfect peace.

I ask that You will give me a heart full of prayer. Help me remember that You are always with me. Give me a desire to pray without ceasing . . . to thank and praise You, to talk with You about my joys and struggles and the joys and struggles of others. By Your grace, connect my heart to Yours.

Thank you! You give me everything I need through faith and prayer. I praise You. Amen.

Friend, when your days are hard, possibly harder than you imagined, hold on in faith – dig deep into God’s loving presence and pray faithfully because God’s love and presence are greater than any blessing you and I can imagine.

May God bless you today, fill you with faith, and grant your every prayer.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

I would love it if you would subscribe to Counting My Blessings and join more than 15,000 of us as we apply God’s Word together. I’ll share a short post and prayer every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday that I pray will bless you with God’s peace and fill you with the hope of His promises.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
Blessing Counters Prayer Page…

and take a moment to pray for someone else.

If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
in just 5 minutes a day this year head over to
5 Min. A Day N. T. Devotions

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

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

5 Minute Faith-filled Devotions and a Prayer for Hope in the New Year

1 / 3 / 221 / 3 / 22

A plan to search God's Word and prayerfully live with hope throughout the new year. Share your verses and tell us about your hopes and dreams. #Hope #5MinDevo #Prayer #Blessings #Faith

Happy New Year!

I think many of us were thankful to turn the calendar page and start the new year.

Each January 1st, we dream of new opportunities, fresh starts, and endless possibilities.

Have you made your list of goals and resolutions for the year?

Last year, I made it a goal to write a devotion and prayer for every chapter of the New Testament and I loved it! It was a wonderful blessing to be able to dig more deeply into the truths of God’s Word and share with you some of the things the Lord was teaching me.

And you blessed me so much with your encouragement! Thank you!

The Lord gave me so much joy as I wrote and interacted with all of you last year that I want to do something similar this year.

5 Minute Faith-filled Devotions and Prayers

I’ll start the year with some of my favorite verses but I really want to focus on your favorite verses and the verses that make you pause with questions.

I want to talk about what you want to talk about.

So, I need your help. I need you to share your favorite verses or the ones you’d just like to talk about.

I want us all to dig deeper and grow together.

Today, I want to start with a couple of verses written by Jeremiah.

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

I’ll bet you didn’t expect to start with verses from Lamentations!

Jeremiah wrote these words after Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon. He had seen people tortured, killed, and taken captive.

In chapter 2, he wrote…

I have cried until the tears no longer come; my heart is broken.
Lamentation 2:11a

As we look back at the last couple of years, there have been plenty of reasons to feel sad and anxious. But like Jeremiah, we are not without hope.

God is great! His love and mercy never end . . . they are greater than the past however it looks.

Jeremiah continued…

“The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!”
Lamentations 3:24

When we have His grace, mercy, and love through Jesus . . . we have hope!

A Prayer for Hope in 2022

Lord, thank you for the fresh start of a new year. Thank you for Your loving mercy . . . for forgiveness and clean slates. Thank you for hearing my humble repentance and for removing my sins as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12)

Your Word says that repentance is not only being sorry for my sins but it’s turning to You. Repentance is admitting that Your commands are right and good. Repentance is surrendering my stubborn will to Your perfect will. Repentance is faith in You, my Lord and Savior. (Acts 20:21)

I come to You and give you every moment of this year. I surrender my thoughts, my words, and my actions to You. Please, by the power of Your Spirit, guard my eyes and ears . . . help we choose what I watch and hear carefully. Guide me and help me wisely choose what I say and do.

By Your grace, fill me with hope. Give me eyes to see what You are doing in the world around me. Give me ears to hear Your truth and know Your heart. Give me all I need to say and do things that will build up those around me. Give us Jesus!

Lord Jesus, You are the Way of Salvation, the Truth that sets us free, and the Life that lasts forever. You are the hope that never fails. And it is in Your name, I pray. Amen.

Jesus is our hope . . . today, tomorrow, and always.

I’m praying for you and asking the Lord to give you peace and fill you with hope throughtout the year ahead!

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe today and always.

Please let us know how we can pray for you in the comments below or on the Blessing Counters Prayer Page. And don’t forget to share the verses you’d like us to talk and pray about.

I’d also like to invite you to check out the 5 Minute New Testament Devotions Page – where you can read, study, and pray through the New Testament again this year. Take a peek and please tell your friends!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
Blessing Counters Prayer Page…

and take a moment to pray for someone else.

If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
in just 5 minutes a day this year head over to
5 Min. A Day N. T. Devotions

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

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

What to Do When You’re Tempted to Reject Your Faith in God

10 / 19 / 2110 / 19 / 21

Where do you take your questions and doubts when you're tempted to reject your faith? Here's a closer look at the best place to go with questions about God. #Faith #Doubt #BibleStudy #Blessings

Every once in a while there will be a headline that broadcasts the news of a famous Christian who has walked away from their faith.

And I wonder if that isn’t a major goal of the enemy of our souls. Famous or not the enemy wants people to doubt and reject their faith in God.

So he taunts and tempts us with messages like…

“There can’t be a God because a loving God wouldn’t let this to happen to me.”
“There can’t be a God because – I can’t believe in a God who would allow all of this suffering.”
“There can’t be a God or people who claimed to follow Him wouldn’t be such hypocrites.”
“There can’t be a God because __________”

The enemy uses culture, social justice, and politics as a more appealing “religion” than the truth about Jesus.

And the persecution of believers is a real and harsh truth in many places around the world.

So the writer of this letter to the Jewish believers, who were dealing with people being tempted to reject their faith, wrote:

Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.
Hebrews 3:12–13

In the face of questions, doubt, discouragement, persecution, and culture . . . we must lift each other up in prayer and stand together so that we might encourage one another to cling to the One who begins and perfects our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

Why? Because…

If we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
Hebrews 3:14

That’s the faith and hope found in the blessing of God’s love.

A Prayer for Faith and Hope When
the Enemy Tempts You to Reject Our Faith in God’s Love

Father, the enemy constantly tempts and taunts us to question Your goodness and doubt Your love. It’s really nothing new . . . he’s been doing it since the Garden. Yet, it’s still hard. But You know that. Your Son withstood a full assault of the enemy’s efforts and still remained perfect and without sin all so He could show us Your love by suffering our punishment. By suffering my punishment.

Please forgive me for allowing myself to listen to the temptings of the world around me. Forgive me for allowing busyness and the louder voices to distract me. Forgive me for failing to keep my eyes on Jesus the One who is my source of hope and life.

Please help me, Father. Empower me with Your Spirit that I might cling to You in faith. Help me fight my spiritual battles equipped with Your Truth, covered by Your righteousness, filled with Your peace, and armed with Your Word. Give me a heart for prayer that I might sit with You and know Your heart. And bless me with a community of faith that stands together on the Good News of Your grace, mercy, and love. A fellowship that holds each other accountable to Your will and makes loving You and living for Your glory the goal of their hearts. I thank you and praise You. And come to You in the name of Jesus. Amen.

When I was a little girl, our pastor made it really clear that it was okay to have questions about God as long as we knew where to take them.

I’m so thankful for His encouragement. Because when I have questions and doubts, I want to know the truth. I don’t want someone’s ideas and opinions. I don’t want to hear from those who have rejected their faith. I want the unchanging everlasting gospel truth.

And I’ve found that in Jesus.

When I look at the men who were closest to Him. Men who were riddled with questions and doubts, who fled when he was arrested and hid when He was crucified. Men who following His resurrection and being filled by His Spirit boldly proclaimed:

“Let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
Acts 2:36

So, I take my questions to God’s Word and I take to heart the words of those who walked with Jesus. And I take my doubts to the Lord in prayer and I trust His Spirit to fill me with faith and hope.

He is the One who helps me fight the enemy.

On today’s note write:

I will run to Jesus when the enemy tempts me to reject my faith.

May God be with you today as you go to Him with Your questions and SEEK His lasting TRUTH.

Click here to read the rest of Hebrews 3.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
Blessing Counters Prayer Page…

and take a moment to pray for someone else.

If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
in just 5 minutes a day this year head over to
5 Min. A Day N. T. Devotions

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

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

5 Blessings God Wants You to Celebrate Every Day

8 / 27 / 218 / 27 / 21

Maybe you've heard the saying, "God is good all the time. All the time God is good." His blessings are something to celebrate every day. #Faith #Blessings #GodisGood #BibleStudy

Two of my favorite words in the Bible are, “But God…”

You and I are sinners “but God’s” love is faithful and unfailing.
You and I are weak “but God” is our strength.
You and I are disappointed and discouraged “but God” is our helper.
People will let us down “but God” is always with us.

And the list could go on and on.

Yesterday we talked about the truth that even when we know we have fallen short . . . when we’re disappointed in ourselves and feel like God must be disappointed with us as well, God sees us as faultless because of Jesus.

Today, Paul wrote 5 more truths (blessings to celebrate) because we have a God who says – I know you and love you just the way you are but I love you too much to leave you that way. He wants us to KNOW that’s why He gave Jesus.

5 Blessings to Celebrate Every Day

God gave Jesus to save you (and me) by suffering our punishment for us.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)
Ephesians 2:4–5

2. God saved you (and me) by His grace through the gift of faith.

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
Ephesians 2:8

3. God made you (and me) a masterpiece, created for His glory.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10

4. God invites you (and me) to come to Him in prayer and promises to hear us.

All of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
Ephesians 2:18

5. God made you (and me) members of His family so we can live together in peace and unity.

You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
Ephesians 2:19b–20

You know, it’s easy for me to get so focused on the things that are right in front of me (you know the old saying, “the squeakiest wheel gets the grease”) that I allow myself to neglect thanking God for the blessings He pours into my life every day.

So, I’m making it a goal to remember that I was lost, “but God” found me and He gives me blessings to celebrate every single day!

A Prayer Thanking God for His Every Day Blessings

Father, Your love surrounds me. You call me a masterpiece. You say I’m loved. You declare me a member of Your family. Your grace truly amazes me! I am undeserving. I am a sinner who deserves Your punishment.

But then I read Your Word and it says, “but God…” Your Word tells me that who You are is not dependent upon who I am. Your Word tells me You are LOVE! You are FAITHFUL. You are my SAVIOR. You are FAITHFUL and UNFAILING.

And I am blessed! Thank you, Lord. I deserve none of the blessings You give me but You deserve my all. You are worthy of my worship and praise. You deserve all glory and honor. You deserve all my thanks.

So, I come into Your presence and offer You my life. Please fill me with Your love, increase my faith, and make help me trust and obey Your commands. By Your grace, help me follow where You lead and live my life in ways that give You glory.

I thank and praise You! Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

When the enemy tries to tempt you with problems and frustrations today. When he distracts you with lies that say you are unimportant and unloved. Remember…

But God says…

You are loved. You are His masterpiece. You are saved by His grace. And You are part of His forever family.

On today’s note write:

God has given me blessings to celebrate every day.

May the Lord fill you with His peace and joy and you celebrate His blessings today.

Click here to read the rest of Ephesians 2.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
Blessing Counters Prayer Page…

and take a moment to pray for someone else.

If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
in just 5 minutes a day this year head over to
5 Min. A Day N. T. Devotions

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

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

How God Answers Prayers In New or Unexpected Ways

5 / 24 / 215 / 3 / 21

God often answers our prayers in unexpected ways . . . ways that may not even be what we thought we wanted but ways that will always be for our best. #Prayer #Godanswersprayer #Faith #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Herod Agrippa was the fourth Roman-appointed king in his family to rule in Jerusalem. He was also a smooth politician who found an opportunity to gain approval from the Jewish leaders by jumping on the Christian persecution bandwagon—ordering the death of the Apostle James and the arrest of Peter.

Can you imagine how Peter must have felt? He had denied knowing Jesus out of fear. Jesus had forgiven him and appointed him to “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). And foretold that his future would include suffering and death…

“When you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.”
John 21:18b

He was in prison and the church prayed.

While Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
Acts 12:5

And God miraculously sent an angel to free him.

Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. [The angel awakened him] and said, “Quick! Get up!” So, Peter left the cell, following the angel.
Acts 12:7, 9a

And I love the next part…

[Peter] knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”

“You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.”
Acts 12:13–15

Don’t you love it! They prayed. God answered. And, they didn’t believe it!

It would be almost funny if I didn’t see myself in the sandals of the believers.

I’m ashamed to admit there are times when I pray and don’t sincerely believe God will answer.

I know I should pray with faith and confidence every time. I know God hears and answers my prayers and I believe He answers each plea in a way that is eternally best for me. But there can still be a weak part of me that doubts.

It’s why so often I add the following to my intercessions…

“Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.” because I know “anything is possible if a person believes.” (Mark 9:23 and 24)

It’s easy for you and me to go to God with a plan already in mind . . . a plan that is simply asking God to “get on board” and fulfill our expectations.

But His plan is always best!

May we surrender ourselves to God’s infinite wisdom and faithfully remain alert for His sovereign answers to our prayers. Answers that will always be perfect and loving but just might be something new or unexpected.

Praying to Trust God’s Answer to Our Prayers

Father, please forgive me for the times I have doubted Your love because of the way You’ve answered a prayer. This sinful world is abundant with pain and problems. And bad things happen. James was executed and Peter was in prison. It’s easy to understand why the church was “earnestly” praying. I’m sure they trusted in You but I imagine they may have wondered if they would actually receive the answer they wanted.

But praying in faith is not believing that I will receive the answer I want. It’s believing that I will receive the answer that You know is best for my eternal future. It’s easy for us to question “why” when your answer is unexpected. We don’t see what You see. We don’t know what You know.

Please help me. I love and trust You. I believe Your promises that You love me. I trust in Your care and provision. With Your Spirit’s help, I will pray with faith. I will trust You to give me the strength I need through whatever You allow. And I ask that my life might give You glory.

Thank you for always being with me and for faithfully hearing and answering my prayers. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

It’s a wonderful blessing to know that God answers our prayers when we earnestly go to Him. His answers may be something new or unexpected but they will always be what’s best!

On today’s note write:

God answers my prayers with His best!

May the Lord bless you today as you take every need to Him in prayer and anticipate His loving “best.”

Click here to read the rest of Acts 12.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
Blessing Counters Prayer Page…

and take a moment to pray for someone else.

If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
in just 5 minutes a day this year head over to
5 Min. A Day N. T. Devotions

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

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

Why You Need to Pray First

2 / 11 / 211 / 27 / 21

Jesus taught His disciples how to pray and He showed them it is important to pray first to equip them to live with the faith they need to "go and tell." #Faith #BibleStudy #Prayer #ReadtheBible #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

Mark was probably the first Gospel written. It was penned by John Mark, who was not one of the 12 Disciples but was a follower of Jesus and a companion of Paul and Barnabas on their mission journeys to “go and make disciples.”

The 1st Chapter skips over everything prior to the start of Jesus’ public ministry only lightly touching on John the Baptist, Jesus’ Baptism, and His Temptation by Satan. Then quickly taking the reader through an intimate look at the person, work, and teachings of “Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1)

As I read today’s verses, two stood out to me . . . one prompted a question and the other provided an answer.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Mark 1:35

The question – Why did Jesus pray?

“We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.”
Mark 1:38

The answer – Jesus came to preach and testify to the truth about the Kingdom of God. (John 18:37)

Jesus who was and is fully God and fully man prayed…

Because He wanted to spend time talking with His Father.
To show His followers the importance and blessing of prayer.

And then He preached. It’s why He came . . . to “go and tell.”

If you and I are to “go and tell” the Good News, like Jesus, we need to pray first!

Thankfully, we have some clear examples of many of the things Jesus prayed for Himself…

That the Father would be glorified. (Matthew 5:16)
That His followers would be united. (John 17:23)
That God’s will would be done. (Matthew 6:10)
In times of anguish and suffering. (Luke 22:44)
With thanks for His blessings. (John 6:11)
And praise. (Luke 10:21)

We are also to pray for forgiveness. (Matthew 6:12)
For strength in times of temptation. (Matthew 6:13)

These are prayers God wants to answer with a huge “YES” because He knows that they are things we need to “go and tell” the Good News with TRUTH and LOVE.

You Need to Pray First

Will you pray with me.

Father, Your Word says “never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) I want that! I want my heart and mind in constant communication with You. I want to know and do Your will so that I might glorify with my life.

I want to share Your love and tell everyone I meet about Your goodness and grace. I want to publicly thank and praise You for Your countless blessings.

Father, please forgive me for falling short of Your plans and purposes and help me forgive those who fall short in ways that have hurt me. Please deliver me from evil and give me everything I need to endure when I am tempted.

I give myself to You. Please use me today for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friend, whatever you are facing today . . . PRAY FIRST! The Father is waiting for you and you don’t have to have the perfect words, you don’t have to have any words—just go to Him with a surrendered heart and trust His love.

He [Jesus] is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
Romans 8:34

And if He thought it was important to pray first should we do any less!

So, on today’s note, simply write…

PRAY FIRST!

God bless you today as you give yourself in faith and prayer to the One who loves you more than you can even imagine!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
Blessing Counters Prayer Page…

and take a moment to pray for someone else.

If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
in just 5 minutes a day this year head over to
5 Min. A Day N. T. Devotions

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

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

Pray When You are Confused and Nothing Makes Sense

4 / 24 / 204 / 24 / 20

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

“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.

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.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
Blessing Counters Prayer Page…

and take a moment to pray for someone else.

If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
in just 5 minutes a day this year head over to
5 Min. A Day N. T. Devotions

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

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

5 Prayers that will Increase Your Faith When You are Worried

3 / 14 / 198 / 28 / 21

Praying God's promises and asking Him to help us seek Him first, increase our faith, and trust His promises ... things we need to have courage and strength when we're worried. #TrustGod'sPromises #Faith #BibleStudy #Hope #CountingMyBlessings

Why do I put myself out there week after week telling you about my struggle with worry and anxiety?

Because I hated it! And if, by God’s grace, one or two of you might be spared the emotional, mental, and physical suffering that accompanies perpetual worry … I will shout my story from the rooftops.

In all honesty, the problem for me was … weak faith.

I had a list of things that terrified me. Things I believed I couldn’t survive even with all of God’s promises to the contrary.

Luke chapter 12 begins with these words spoken by Jesus…

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

And then the promise…

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

Everything! No qualifiers. No exceptions.

Look at what follows…

“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Luke 12:32

“Great happiness” … your Father will not withhold a thing from those who seek Him.

The Life Application Notes say…

To “seek the Kingdom of God above all else” means to put God first in your life, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take His character for your pattern, and to serve and obey Him in everything.

Oh, how I wish I could consistently do that!

I know, when I put God first, when I fill my thoughts with His truth and promises, when I prayerfully want what He wants for me, and when I spend my time living for Him – I’m not worried!

So, today I’m praying God’s promises and asking Him to help me seek Him first, to increase my faith, and trust His promises to give me everything I need when I’m worried. I’d love for you to join me…

5 Prayers that will Increase Your Faith When You are Worried

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

Father, I need You to hold me up. I need You to strengthen me and help me.

I don’t want to worry. I don’t want to be afraid or discouraged. My heart wants to seek You first and trust You completely.

Please help me. By the power of Your Spirit, fill my thoughts with Your truth, Your promises. Help me want what You want for me. Help me know that if You have not allowed something … if it’s not in Your will then it’s not for my good. Even when I don’t understand.

With Your Spirit’s help, I will surrender this day to You trusting that You will give me everything I need. Amen.

“Be still, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.”
¹The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
    the God of Israel is our fortress.
Psalm 46:10–11

Father, for this moment … quiet my mind and my spirit as I sit here with You. I know You are sovereign, Lord of lords and King of kings. Whether people realize it today or not, at some point every knee will bow before You. You will be honored everywhere by everyone.

And the overwhelming miracle … You love me. You are with me. You care for me. You call me Your child.

So, like a little child is unafraid curled up in her daddy’s lap … I will rest in You! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is with me protecting me. I have nothing to worry about! Amen.

So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail you.
1 Peter 4:19

Father, suffering is never pleasant and honestly, it’s hard to imagine that any suffering “pleases” You. Yet, Your Word tells us there is evil in this world and You sometimes allow it to touch Your children that they might show others Your ability to give them everything they need as they suffer.

You never fail Your children. I believe that! You have proven it time after time. Thank you! I will trust You! I will stand secure on the promise that Your grace is sufficient to meet every need every day. Amen.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:33–34

Father, Help me want You more than anything.

Jesus said that Your Kingdom is a priceless treasure, (Matthew 13:44) worth more than anything this world can offer; yet, You give it as a gift. By Your grace, You give Your children … peace, joy, patience, hope, love, and so much more. I have no reason to worry when I know You will give me what I need.

Please help me keep my heart and mind focused on You today, trusting that whatever this day offers You are with me and You are all I need. Amen.

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.
Psalm 73:26

Father, thank you for giving me this promise to hold in my heart as I lived through that painful and difficult time. You proved to me that You are able to give me the strength I need each moment. Day after day, You showed me that You will never leave or forsake me. You are mine forever. Whatever happens I can trust in You and that is a truth I can hold close any time I am tempted to worry. Amen.

I’d love to be able to tell you that I’m worry-free but you probably wouldn’t believe me anyway. Understandably!

Although, I’ll admit I still have “what-if” thoughts … I no longer live consumed by those thoughts. With God’s help, I’m able to prayerfully give my worries to God as I ask Him to replace them with “everything I need.”

And He is faithful, which is why…

I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do.
Psalm 73:28

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave a prayer request on the
Blessing Counters Prayer Page…

and take a moment to pray for someone else.

If you’d like to read and study the New Testament
in just 5 minutes a day this year head over to
5 Min. A Day N. T. Devotions

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

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

Day 30 – God, Help My Loved Ones to Love and Trust Jesus

12 / 21 / 18

The first Bible verse most of us learn is…

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

God’s only Son, Jesus … His amazing and gracious gift of love.

The Bible also says about Jesus:

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

I believe we all know people who do not love and trust, Jesus, God’s precious gift. So today, I’m praying…

God, Help My Loved Ones to Love and Trust Jesus

Father, Your amazing love overwhelms me. Knowing and loving Jesus as my Lord and Savior has changed and blessed every part of my life. On top of the blessings I enjoy today, You promise me eternal life with You and Your Son.

How my heart aches for my loved ones who are not experiencing the peace, hope, joy, love, and more that You are offering them.

Please Father, help my loved one love and trust Jesus.

Jesus … “the way, the truth, and the life.” The only One through whom sinners can have a restored relationship with You. (based on John 14:6)

Jesus … the One who gives victory over sin and death. (based on 1 Corinthians 15:57)

Jesus … the One who gives freedom. (based on John 8:36)

Jesus … the One who makes us holy and blameless. (based on Ephesians 1:4)

Jesus … the One who is perfect peace. (based on John 14:27)

Jesus … the One who helps us. (based on Hebrews 13:6)

Jesus … the One through whom we have eternal life. (based on John 17:3)

Father, I want these awesome blessings for my loved ones.

So, I ask that You will help them love and trust Jesus.

May ________________ openly declare that Jesus in Lord and believe in his/her heart that You raised Him from the dead. May they know the blessing of Your salvation. For Your Word says that it is by believing in our hearts that we are made right with You and by openly declaring our faith we are saved. (based on Romans 10:9–10)

Father, before His suffering and death, Jesus prayed…

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. John 17:20–21

By Your grace and through the power of Your Holy Spirit, please help my love ones to love and trust Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is in His name I pray. Amen.

I am so excited you’re here…

You’ll want to subscribe to Counting My Blessings (if you haven’t already), to receive a link to 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers in your inbox each morning.

It’s true! This is the busiest time of the year but I promise this will only be a 2-minute a day commitment…

One that will ask and seek and knock through bold prayers and watch what only God can do when we go to Him with anything is possible mountain moving prayers.

Subscribe here!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

Bright Shiny Objects

by Diane Ferreira
@ Worth Beyond Rubies

How Do We Experience a Special Kind
of Joy at Christmas

by and @ Lori Schumaker

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

<div align="center"><a href="https://countingmyblessings.com/" rel="nofollow" title="Counting My Blessings"><img src="https://countingmyblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Link-Party-Button-Pic.jpg" alt="Counting My Blessings" style="border: none; height: auto; width: 200px;" /></a></div>

I’m so glad you’re here!

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

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

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

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

[inlinkz_linkup id=810468 mode=1]

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

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

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

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

Thank you and God bless!

Mountain Moving Prayers that will Empower Your Faith

11 / 19 / 1811 / 19 / 18

What’s your one thing?

Well, let me back up for a minute.

The other morning I woke up with this thought on my heart and mind…

End the Year with 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers

I’ve finally realized that the Lord often wakes me with a prompting because it’s one of the few times during the day that my head isn’t full of thoughts racing around like a toddler on a sugar high.

That morning’s prompt challenged me to pray bold prayers every day for the last 40 days of the year.

Which is why I began with the question … what’s your one thing?

What’s that thing you’ve been praying for as long as you can remember. And if you’re honest, it’s that thing you’ve prayed for so long you’ve started to lose hope.

I have one! Really, I have more than one. And I’ll bet you do too.

Maybe you’ve prayed for…

A loved one to know and love Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
The chronic pain that is limiting you to end.
The broken relationship with a parent, child, sibling, or friend to be healed.
The job opportunity that you long for to finally come along.
A church family where you can feel like you finally belong.
The healing of a loved one who needs a miracle.

Or maybe your prayer is for…

A stronger faith.
More hope.
Increased wisdom.
Or courage and strength.

Maybe your one thing is something else, some burden that’s always with you … just below the surface.

You need a mountain to be moved!

There is an account in the Gospels where Jesus had revealed His divinity to Peter, James, and John through a literal “mountaintop” experience. And as they stepped back into ministry, they were encountered by a father pleading for his son. Jesus challenge to them all was…

“You don’t have enough faith, I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20

I’ve always felt convicted by those words as I’m well aware that I fall short of having “enough” faith for the impossible.

Mark fleshed it out with a few more details…

“One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so You could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it … Have mercy on us and help us, if You can. v. 17–18, 22

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve entered the heavenly throne room feeling helpless and hopeless praying, “Have mercy on me and help me, if You can.”

And every time, Jesus reply is the same…

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” v. 23

Anything is possible! Even mountain moving.

Yet, like the father pleading for his son, my cry is …

“Lord, I believe. Please help me overcome my unbelief.” v. 24

Oh, how I want anything is possible mountain moving faith. I want to go into 2019 completely surrendered, watching for miracles. I want to fully trust that when mountains move in my life, it’s not the size of my faith but the greatness of God that made it happen.

You see, anything is possible!

But mountain moving faith isn’t about you or me…

Mountain moving faith is about trusting that God is sovereign and completely in control. Mountain moving faith is keeping our focus on Jesus, “Our faith comes from Him and He is the One Who makes it perfect.” (Hebrews 12:2 NLV)

Too often I feel like there’s something I need to do to have mountain moving faith. I need to spend more time studying the Bible or praying without ceasing. I need to be more obedient or do more ministry.

And although those things are all great and certainly bless my relationship with the Lord and His people, I wonder if maybe anything is possible mountain moving faith is as simple as asking, seeking, and knocking…

“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.” Matthew 7:7

And that’s why I’m inviting you to join me for 40 days beginning this Thursday…

I want to ask, seek, and knock.

I want to Pray 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers.

So…

Every day from November 22nd through December 31st, I’m going to share a 2-minute post that will inspire you to keep praying bold prayers for your one thing.

♥ We will ask God for mountain moving faith.

♥ We will seek Him through the verses of Scripture.

♥ We will knock on the door of the heavenly throne room in prayer.

I would love for you to subscribe to Counting My Blessings, if you haven’t already, so you can receive the link each morning in your inbox.

I know! This is the busiest time of the year and I’m asking you to sign up for one more thing but I promise this will only be a 2- minute a day commitment…

Honestly, I think I’m a little crazy to be committing to writing every day right now. But God is inviting us into something I believe will be life-changing.

I believe we are going to see mountains move.

Because I believe … with God everything and anything is possible.

So, let’s ask and seek and knock … and watch what only God can do when we go to Him with anything is possible mountain moving prayers.

You can subscribe here!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Leave your prayer requests…

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

And 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…

Imagine what God will do as His people come to Him in faith and prayer!