Jesus, Help Me Obey and Love with Faith and Patience

The Lord spent the Tuesday of Holy Week teaching important truths, so we're praying Jesus, help me obey and love... #Faith #BibleStudy #TrustJesus #CountingMyBlessings

On Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus spent one last day teaching in the Temple Courtyard and the leading priests and elders came to Him with a challenge…

“By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?”
Matthew 21:23

After answering their question with a question … He began teaching some very important lessons about obedience, love, patience, and faithfulness.

So today, we’re going to pray and ask the Lord to help us sit with Him and learn the important truths we need to love and obey His commands and patiently wait with unwavering faith.

Jesus, Help Me Obey and Love with Faith and Patience

Jesus, I am overwhelmed that even though You had cleared the Temple courtyard the day before and You knew the very leaders of that Temple would succeed in their efforts to have You tortured and killed … You returned yet again to teach them the truth. To give them one more opportunity to change their hearts and minds and believe.

Your love amazes me. You continue to pursue each one of us … offering Yourself, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Offering the transforming power of faith.

Please forgive me for the hurriedness that prevents me from sitting with You — listening and learning. Please forgive me for the times I’ve believed lies without examining them against the truths that You taught. Forgive me the many times I’ve failed to love the way You want and wait the way You ask. I’m so sorry.

I’m asking You to help me sit with Your Word today and hold the truths You taught in my heart praying…

Please Lord Jesus, help me…

Obey when You ask me to go and work. Matthew 21:28–32
Surrender my heart, my life, my all to You, the Cornerstone of our faith. Matthew 21:33–44
Prepare my heart and mind for heaven knowing that to enter, I am completely dependent upon You, my Lord and Savior. Matthew 22:1–14
Trust and obey Your commands to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And love your neighbor as you love yourself. Matthew 22:34–40
Sit and learn both the Old and New Testaments that I might know and understand the way every account and testimony points to You. Matthew 22:41–45
Help me to test the teachings of people against the teachings of Scripture that I might know the Truth that gives me forgiveness and freedom. Matthew 23:2–12
Surrender my life completely to You that I might reject hypocrisy and be clean inside and out. Matthew 23:23:13–36
Give You my all. Luke 21:1–4
Faithfully wait and watch … always prepared and ready for You to come for me personally or for Your triumphant return for us all. Matthew 25:1–13
Invest in things that matter. Make me a faithful servant. Matthew 25:14–30
Do for others in love as if I were doing for You … for this is your will for me. Matthew 25:31–46

Lord, thank you for seeing to it that Your teachings were written for us. Thank you for being the Way for us to be forgiven and restored to the Father. Thank you for being the Truth that gives us freedom today and hope for tomorrow. Thank you for being the Life we need … life that lasts forever and always.

Thank you for being all we need to heal our past, to live in the present, and to face the future with anticipation and joy.

Thanks and praise forever and always. Amen.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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5 Verses and Prayers that will Draw You Closer to Jesus

3 / 7 / 193 / 7 / 19

Verses and prayers for the season of Lent that will draw you closer to Jesus through reflection, anticipation, and hope. #Jesus #Lent #BibleStudy #VersestoPray #CountingMyBlessings

Why in the world do we talk about Lent anyway?

Many churches have stopped making much of this season of preparation but I’ve always found it a blessing to slow down a little and prayerfully think about all Jesus has graciously done for me through His life, death, and resurrection.

I see comments out there from people who are giving something up as a way of fasting … not as a diet or to better the environment (I understand there’s a push to give up plastic this year) but as a way to consider what Jesus may have felt as He lived out 40 Days of fasting in the wilderness.

And actively taking on some small form of self-sacrifice as a way of remembering Jesus’ far greater sacrifice can be a beautiful way of drawing closer to Jesus.

However…

For the past few years, I’ve chosen to add rather give up. So, I make a plan each Lenten season to intentionally spend even more time in prayer and Bible study than I do throughout the rest of the year.

Why?

Because I want to use this time to reflect on being humble, repentant, and grateful for Jesus gracious sacrifice that saved me.

And … I also want to use it as a time of anticipation…

Not just the anticipation of remembering and celebrating Jesus’ “Easter” resurrection but as a time of heartfelt preparation for His glorious promised return.

So, what is Lent for me?

It’s living in awe and wonder at God’s amazing grace, underserved mercy … and unfailing love! The reasons that bring me to my knees in humble repentance, reflection, and anticipation.

So, I’m praying today and asking God to fill me with His Spirit and to draw me closer to Jesus.

Most of all, I’m praying that He will help me love Him more and more each day.

5 Verses and Prayers that will Draw You Closer to Jesus

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.
John 3:16–17

Father, Your love is evident in everything. In the past … the present … and the future. It is most evident through Your Son, Jesus. He told us how very much You love us … then He showed us by sacrificing everything for us.

Please, by the power of Your Spirit, help me keep my heart and mind focused on all I have been given through the gift of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. And help me live each day in humble service, overwhelmed with gratitude for all You have done for me through Him. Amen.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
Psalm 51:17

And Father, all You ask in response to this amazing sacrificial gift is the offering of a humble heart, broken in repentance. I can’t earn this gift. There is nothing I can say or do. So, I come to You today to say…

I am so very sorry. I am self-righteous, prideful, and impatient. I’m not as kind and compassionate as You want me to be. Each day there are countless things I fail to do that I should and just as many things I do that I shouldn’t … all ways I fall short of Your will for me. Father, please forgive me and by Your grace, help me to change. Amen.

[Jesus] opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.And He said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day.It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of His name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’”
Luke 24:45–47

Father, You promised a Savior, a Messiah, who would suffer my punishment as soon as sin entered Your perfect world.

I love that Jesus spoke these words to His disciples after His resurrection … after Your promise had been fulfilled.

You keep all Your promises. I can trust every Word You’ve given and count on Your faithfulness to forgive my sins.

Wow! No matter how often I come to You … You remove my sins and wash me clean. I am humbled and grateful. And yet, words of gratitude don’t seem like enough. So, I give You my surrendered heart. Amen.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

Jesus, Some days are just hard! You said there would be trials and sorrows and You knew what You were talking about … You lived through unimaginable trials and sorrows because of Your great love for me.

So, I can be confident that when You told us to “take heart”You were telling us to be encouraged and hopeful because of who You are and what You’ve done. And because I belong to You, the One who has defeated the enemy and overcome the world.

Lord, You not only give me peace … You are my peace. You are my hope. You are my Way, Truth, and Life. Thanks and praise forever. Amen.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then He said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”And He also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 21:4–6

And this is the hope I have, Father. Whatever today brings, I know that my Redeemer lives. He lives with and within me reminding me of Your promises, calming my fears, and filling me with Your love. He is making all things new! He is the Beginning and the End … my Savior, my Always!

Father, thank you! Please help me keep my heart and mind focused on Jesus and all He has done for me. And help me spend every moment of my life serving You in humble gratitude for Your grace, mercy, and undeserved love. Amen.

And one final closer to Jesus thought from Dietrich Bonhoeffer…

“Self-denial means knowing only Christ, and no longer oneself. It means seeing only Christ, who goes ahead of us, and no longer the path that is too difficult for us… . Self-denial is saying only: He goes ahead of us; hold fast to him.”

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

When a Loved One Disappoints: Six Biblical Ways to Respond

by and @ April Knapp

Walking in the Abundant Promises of the Good Shepherd:
Psalm 23

by Diana Abe
@ Diana’s Diaries

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The Most Important Thing You Need to Know About God

1 / 28 / 191 / 28 / 19

How do you picture God?

Who do you see when you pause to pray?

A fireman who will put out the fires in your life?
A genie or fairy godmother who will grant your every wish?
A judge who will punish you when you fail?
A hard to please parent who always expects more?
An administrator who makes decisions from a distance?

Is He intimate or impersonal?

The truth is … how you and I picture God will deeply influence not only our relationship with Him but it will have a huge impact on the way we live our lives.

Rev asked me recently, "What is the most important thing you'd want someone to know about God from your story?" This is my answer... #Faith #God #CountingMyBlessings

Let me explain…

For most of my life, I pictured God watching me from afar … blessing good behavior and withholding blessings for bad behavior. When things weren’t going well, I believed I needed to make life adjustments so I could once again please God and earn His favor.

I believed that “God is love” and “Jesus loves me.” I’d learned both things as a young child in Sunday School.

And because of those childhood lessons, I believed God loved me so much He gave Jesus as the sacrifice for my sins. I believed that it was through faith in Jesus, my eternal future was and is secure. All true!

This is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

The problem … I was focusing on the eternal message and missing out on the things God was offering me every single day.

I didn’t understand the intimate personal relationship He wanted with me.

Yet, this is how intimate and personal God is … He gave my childhood pastor the following verse for me.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Revelation 3:20

He told me as a child, that He wanted a personal friendship with me. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the message!

It took me another 40+ years to finally understand the truth … and in all honesty, I’m still a work in progress.

Recently, Rev asked me, “What’s the most important thing, you want people to know about God from your story?”

I have to admit, my voice cracked and my eyes filled with tears as I started to put my feelings into words. In fact, my greatest concern as I type this is that my message will fall short.

You see, because I had a distorted picture of God, I missed out on many of the blessings He wanted to give me to live each day.

♥ I missed out on experiencing God’s peace because I believed the enemy’s lie that I must obey God perfectly to gain His pleasure.

But the truth…

The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His steadfast love.
Psalm 147:11

♥ I missed out on God’s courage and strength because I believed the enemy’s lie that I was on my own for day to day living.

But God’s Word says…

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

So, the most important thing I want you to know about God from my story is…

I want you to know how very much Your Father loves you and wants to give you everything you need to live each day.

I want you to know He meant it when He said…

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

For too many years, I missed the promise part of that verse…

I was not strong and courageous.

I was afraid of:

Rejection
Death (my own or a loved one’s)
Illness
Not being good enough
Not being loved
Not being a good mom
Heights
Getting lost or losing my child in a crowd
Not being in control of my weight, my health … my life

It wasn’t pretty!

On the outside, the picture looked good but on the inside I was a mess. I craved strength, courage, peace, contentment, and a whole host of other things God promises in His Word … but I wasn’t willing to surrender control of my life.

Why?

Because of another verse:

In this world you will have trouble.
John 16:33 (NIV)

I know, I left out the other important parts of the verse, too. The…

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” and “Take heart! I have overcome the world” parts.

In my defense, all I had to do was look around. Bad things were happening everywhere and I’ll be honest with you, I saw very few people, even Christians, living in victory.

I saw people like me, who were going to church, putting on their Sunday smile … just trying to do it right and avoid “trouble.”

But troubles happen and they happened to us.

Many of greatest fears became reality.

I’d spent a lifetime trying to please God and people to control my circumstances and avoid “trouble” and it all collapsed around me.

But God in His mercy allowed me to hear the Spirit whisper Jesus’ words…

“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

And I did…

I surrendered it all at the foot of the cross, cried out to God for help, and started getting to really know for myself who God says He is in the Bible.

And I’ve spending time at His feet every day since … more than a decade of learning that God is who He says He is and that He keeps His promises.

I’ve learned…

Even when everyone else forgets, God doesn’t; when no one seems to notice, God sees; when not one seems to care, God cares; when you feel all alone, you aren’t.
Life Application Bible Notes pg. 87

I laid my junk at the foot of the cross. I gave Him my fear, my need to control, my need to please, my doubts, my “self.”

I surrendered it all!

And God replaced what I gave Him with those things I’d been craving all along … strength, courage, peace, contentment, and so much more!

What’s the most important thing you need to know about God?

Your Father loves you!
You can know Him and have a relationship with Him through Jesus.
You can trust His Spirit to teach and guide you.
You can believe that He is who He says He is.
You can count Him to keep His promises.

When you seek Him first … HE WILL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED!

My story is the reason the tagline here at Counting My Blessings is “at the intersection of faith and life.”

Because…

Once you have experienced the saving power of faith in Jesus, God is able to give you everything you need for your life right now … today!

I want you to believe that when Jesus said…

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

It is a promise you can count on.

He is not only able to give you everything you need, it also makes Him happy to do so. The next verse says…

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

Your Father loves you!

He gave Jesus for you and to you because that’s how much He loves you.

He won’t withhold the thing you need today. In fact, It makes Him happy to give you His kingdom’s blessings!

So, don’t wait! Don’t suffer with fear, anxiety, discouragement, or anything else for one more day.

Make today the day you surrender everything at the foot of the cross. The day you start seeking God with all you’ve got.

The day you start picturing Him happily giving you everything you need.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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Why You Need to Celebrate and Remember God is Good

1 / 14 / 191 / 14 / 19

The other night, Rev and I celebrated the 50th anniversary of our first date.

And we spent the evening like we’ve spent so many other evenings…

Sharing memories.

We talked about that first date and the early days of getting to know each other and falling in love. We remembered our early years of marriage. We described apartments, homes, and the love of amazing friends. We looked back at the adventure of raising a family.

And the common thread through every relived decade was God’s amazing grace.

Life is full of highs and low, moments of grief and moments of joy … failures and victories.

And God lovingly made His presence known through it all.

The following morning, all I could think about was the way God had allowed us to build an altar of remembrance. No, not a physical altar … but an altar none-the-less.

How to use anniversaries and special occasions to remember that God is good, stop to be thankful for all He's done and surrender the future in faith. #Remember #Faith #GodisLove #Hope #CountingMyBlessings

Why You Need to Celebrate and Remember God is Good

In the Old Testament, God commanded two kinds of altars.

1. Altar of Sacrifice – Where God’s people brought an offering as a sacrifice to receive God’s forgiveness and peace.

“Come to the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering to purify yourself and the people. Then present the offerings of the people to purify them, making them right with the Lord, just as he has commanded.”
Leviticus 9:7

2. Altar of Remembrance – Where God’s people offered worship and praise for God’s deliverance, protection, provision, and guidance.

Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future, your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord, your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and He kept it dry until you were all across, just as He did at the Red Sea when He dried it up until we had all crossed over. ²He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.”
Joshua 4:21–24

In the New Testament, because Jesus the Lamb of God, the perfect Sacrifice, was offered for our sins, you and I can be forgiven and have peace with God without bringing an animal sacrifice to church.

Behold the Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world.
John 1:29

But the New Testament also has something to say about the sacrifice God does want from us…

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 5:2

And…

Let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to His name.
Hebrews 13:15

I’ve realized there are two offerings God wants you and me to lay at the altar of remembrance…

1. An Offering of Praise
2. An Offering of Surrender

I want to make my life an offering of praise and thanksgiving. I want to stop and celebrate the specifics of God’s amazing grace in my life.

And I want to rejoice over every undeserved happiness and praise Him for providing all we need through every pain and heartache.

Yesterday morning I read…

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
    and He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
    out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
    and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Psalm 40:1–3

Yes, that!

I have known the pit of despair … God heard my cry and lifted me up and gave me a new song to sing.

A song of remembrance! A song of praise!

And by His grace, an offering of surrender!

It’s kind of funny … I spent much of my life holding a little of myself back from God because I was afraid.

Afraid there were things that could happen that would destroy me … things I would just not be able to endure.

Yeah, it was plain and simple lack of faith.

Although God patiently gave me countless opportunities to surrender myself completely … I couldn’t get past all the “what ifs” that flooded my mind.

Which is why an important part of remembering for me … is knowing God allowed my pit of despair to show me His love and faithfulness. And to give me a new song to sing or in my case, a post to write.

I love this verse and the way it so clearly reminds me of the offering of surrender God wants…

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 (MSG)

I’m so thankful Paul wrote, “God helping you,” because I know there is no way I can surrender every part of my life without His help.

But with His help … I can take every moment – sleeping, eating, working, walking around; yes, everything and I can entrust it to God.

An altar of remembrance to celebrate His faithfulness. And an altar of surrender to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength and love others as I love myself. (Luke 10:27)

With His help, I can be thankful for the past and hopeful for the future!

You and I talk a lot about being thankful in November and December but now it’s January and we’ve started our diets, picked up our fitness routines, and gone back to work.

Remembering to be thankful gets lost in the mundane dailiness of things we don’t really want to do.

So, I’d like to invite you to do two simple things to help you…

Set aside a basket or jar with a notepad nearby (a notebook will work too) and have your family write down daily blessings.
Keep a list of anniversaries and use those days to remember God’s goodness!

Some of the anniversaries we keep are…

The day we met.
Our first date.
The day we got engaged.
Our wedding day.
Our children’s birthdays.
Baptism birthdays
The day we moved into our home.
Birthdays of family members or friends.
The day God spared Rev’s life.

You could also remember…

Graduations
Gotcha Days
Special Awards
Healings
And anything else that helps you remember God’s grace.

I’ll be honest, I get lost in the dailiness of life, too. But when I stop and remember the countless ways God has shown me His goodness and grace—I can’t help but celebrate, praise, and with His help … surrender.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

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

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Leave your prayer requests…

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

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone?

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Day 22 – God, Please Make Me Emotionally Strong

12 / 13 / 18

How quickly and easily my thoughts and emotions can betray me and send me into a downward spiral of negativity and dissatisfaction.

I really do want to be emotionally strong … better able to stand against the things that trigger anxious what-if thoughts.

Oh, how I want to consistently control my feelings so that I am able to approach each day with a “counting my blessings” attitude.

But in all honesty, I need help! Maybe you find it hard to manage your emotions, too.

If so, will you pray with me…

God, Please Make Me Emotionally Strong

Father, Being emotional is a gift. I am so thankful I’m able to experience feelings like joy, peace, hope, contentment, happiness, and love.

But in this sinful world … anger, grief, insecurity, confusion, tension, and anxiety are also a part of life. And the enemy loves to use these negative emotions to try to defeat and discourage me.

I’m done! I don’t want to listen to his lies or play his games anymore.

I need Your help, Father. Forgive me and please make me emotionally strong.

Lord, be gracious to me;
I need You.
Be my strength every morning,
and my salvation in time of distress.
(based on Isaiah 33:2)

You are my strength. Help me remember to run to You when my I’m distressed.

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

I need Your help to be emotionally strong. I need Your Word alive and living in me.

Solomon wrote:

My child, pay attention to what I say.
    Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them.
    Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
for they bring life to those who find them,
    and healing to their whole body.
Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:20–23

Father, it’s hard to guard my heart perfectly when culture constantly bombards me with distortions of Your truth.

Keep me firmly grounded on the foundation of Your Word and help me remember that I can bring my fluctuating feelings to You in prayer.

Your Word tells me You want me to come to You with childlike faith. Matthew 18:3

So, I come to You, Father, with my honest emotions … humble and vulnerable, asking You with childlike faith to make me emotionally strong.

Please:

Make me strong and give me peace. Psalm 29:11
Be my strength in times of trouble. Psalm 37:39
Be my “possible” when circumstances appear impossible. Matthew 19:26
Replace my feelings of fear with those of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

By Your grace, help me …

Seek Your face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11
Know for certain that You will never forsake me. Deuteronomy 31:6
Live each day confident that You have overcome the world. John 16:33

And may this be the truth I live each day.

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

You are my strength. You are mine forever. That’s all I need to know. Amen.

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

Day 20 – God, Bless My Children with Faith, Hope, and Love

12 / 11 / 18

Since the moment they were born, who am I kidding, since before they were born, I’ve worried about my children.

And even though, I know I’m not supposed to worry – I’ve often been known to stress over the slightest little thing when it comes to my children and their well-being.

But Jesus said,

“Let the children come to me.” Luke 18:16

So today, I’m surrendering my worry and I’m taking my children to the Lord in prayer. I’d love for you to join me…

God, Please Bless My Children with
Faith, Hope, and Love

Father, thank you for my children … each one a precious and unique gift.

Forgive me for worrying about them the way I do. I worry about their health and well-being. I worry about their future success and relationships. I worry about … well, everything!

Your word says…

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

So, I’m bringing my children to You in prayer. They are so very loved and precious to You.

I could pray about their health, success, and relationships. I could ask You to help them make wise choices and keep them safe.

But today, I’m asking You for three things Your Word says are of utmost importance and everlasting…

Faith. Hope. And Love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Father, Please bless my children with…

Faith

Father, by the power of your Spirit, bless my children with ever-increasing faith and give them the strength and courage they need to live each day guided by Your will.

I ask that by the power of Your Spirit, my children may believe that Jesus is the Christ. That they will love You and keep Your commandments. Your Word promises …^“every child of God defeats this evil world, and this victory is achieved through faith.” (based on 1 John 5:1–4

Hope

Father, I ask that You will bless my children with the hope only You can give…

Jeremiah wrote:

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7

I ask that my children will make You their hope and confidence and that Your plans for them will be good and not too difficult and that You will give them a future filled with hope. (based on Jeremiah 29:11)

Love

Finally, I pray that You will surround and fill my children with Your love.

Father, empower my children with inner strength through Your Spirit. May they place their trust in Jesus alone. May their roots grow down into Your love that is able to keep them strong. I pray that each of my children will have the power to understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your great love truly is … that they might experience Jesus’ love so fully that they will have all they need to live each day. (based on Ephesians 3:16–19)

You are able to do more in their lives than I could ever ask or imagine. Ephesians 3:20

Guide them, hold them, and fill them with faith, hope, and love. Please bless my children in Jesus name. Amen.

I am so blessed that you are joining me for this journey…

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

Remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and tell us about the mountains God is moving in your life.

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…

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

Day 11 – God, I Want to be More Like Jesus

12 / 2 / 18

Have you ever read the book or seen the movie, In His Steps, by Charles Sheldon?

It’s the book that inspired the saying, “What Would Jesus Do?”

Sometimes I wonder if we’ve trivialized the saying.

But it’s not just a saying, it’s downright Biblical…

For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps. 1 Peter 2:21

So, today I’d love to have you join me as I pray…

God, I Want to be More Like Jesus

Father, Your Word tells me You want me to be more like Jesus … to love like He loves even if it means suffering.

I’m ashamed by how very far I fall short of that goal. Please forgive me.
Honestly, the thought of suffering frightens me. Please help me.

Your Word says:

At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know Him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:16–17

Thank you for making me a new person. You are working in me, giving me new life and working in me to make me more like Jesus.

Oh, Father, my heartfelt prayer is to be completely surrendered to Your work in my life.

To be more like Jesus, who…

Was exactly like You in everything.
But did not think being equal with You
was something to be used for His own benefit.
He gave up His place with You in heaven
and made Himself nothing.
He was born as a man,
and became a servant…
fully humbled and fully obedient,
even when it caused His death—death on a cross.
Based on Philippians 2:6–8

Yes, I want to be humble, obedient, and completely surrendered.

To have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:5

Father, I pray that from Your glorious and unlimited resources, You will empower me with inner strength through Your Spirit. And I ask that Your Son, Jesus will always be welcome and at home in my heart, that I will trust Him completely. May the roots of my faith grow down into the depth’s of Your love and keep me strong. And by Your grace, may I have the power to fully understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. Please make me completely new with the fullness of life and power that comes from Your Spirit. (Based on Ephesians 3:17–19)

It is only with Your help, that I can surrender my selfishness and become more like Jesus.

Thank you for never giving up on me and for loving me with a perfect love greater than anything I could ever hope for or desire.

Please make me more like Jesus, in whose precious name, I pray. Amen.

I am so blessed that you are joining me for this journey…

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

Remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and tell us about the mountains God is moving in your life.

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…

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

Day 8 – God, Help Me Be Still and Listen to the TRUTH

11 / 29 / 1811 / 29 / 18

So many voices claim and proclaim they are telling the truth.

Teachers, preachers, politicians, family and friends all share their personal views as the truth. The classroom, social media, entertainment, books, papers, articles, TED talks, AAAGH!

How’s a person supposed to know what’s true? Absolutely true?

Will you join me as I pray…

God, Help Me to Be Still and Listen to the TRUTH

Father, I need Your help today.

There are so many voices all claiming they have the truth and some of them even allege that they’re sharing Your truth.

Your Word says:

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10

Jesus said:

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

And:

The Helper is the Holy Spirit. The Father will send Him in My place. He will teach you everything and help you remember everything I have told you. John 14:26

Father, please help me to stop and listen for Your voice of truth. Speak to my heart and mind through Your Word and prayer and fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I might KNOW the TRUTH!

Forgive me for allowing busyness and chatter to clutter my thoughts.

With Your help, I will set aside social media and entertainment for a time each day to quietly sit with You … to be still and listen and know the truth!

May this be my prayer…

Father, I will listen to what You say,
and treasure Your commands.
I will tune my ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
Hear me as I cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
I will search Your Word as if searching for silver;
and seek truth like a hidden treasure.
May I understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and be blessed with the knowledge of God.
Grant me wisdom, Lord!
Teach me knowledge and understanding.
Make me honest and grant me a treasure of common sense.
Be my shield and help me walk with integrity.
Guard my paths and make me just and fair.
Protect me and make me faithful to You as You
are faithful to keep Your promises.
(Based on Proverbs 2:1–8)

Promises like…

Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,
    and you will find the right way to go.
For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will fill you with joy.
Wise choices will watch over you.
    Understanding will keep you safe.
Proverbs 2:9–11

Father, help me remain faithful to all Jesus taught in Your name, that I might KNOW the TRUTH and live each day with knowledge, understanding, and wisdom that enables me to walk in freedom. John 8:31–32

By Your grace, in Jesus name. Amen.

I am so blessed that you are joining me for this journey…

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

Remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and tell us about the mountains God is moving in your life.

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…

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

Day 6 – God – I Need to be Strong and Courageous

11 / 27 / 1811 / 28 / 18

Would you describe yourself as strong and courageous?

God commanded Joshua:

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

It wasn’t a suggestion, it was a command.

So, will you join me as I pray…

God – I Need to be Strong and Courageous

Father, Please help me. I need to be strong and courageous!

I’m weak and afraid. I’m exhausted. I feel like I’ve prayed and prayed and still I’m stuck … this problem, this struggle looms large in front of me.

Paul wrote about a struggle he had with something he called the “thorn in the flesh”:

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8–9

Weakness is okay? You work best in my weakness?

Is it because when I admit my weaknesses I’m ready to surrender to Your power?

Just a few sentences later, Paul wrote:

“When I am weak, then I am strong!” 2 Corinthians 12:10b

So, when I admit I can’t … I’m ready to receive Your “can.”

The “can” that is able to help me do “all things” when I’m weak and tired and afraid. When I’ve prayed and prayed and I don’t see the changes I desire.

Father, I surrender my all to You. My thorns. My weaknesses. My failures. My successes. My battles. My needs. My all!

I surrender to You in the name and by the power of Your Son and my Lord, Jesus.

Like David, I will seek You when I need to be strong…

Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually! Psalm 105:4 (ESV)

I will claim Your promises when I need to be strong…

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

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

As soon as I pray, you answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength. Psalm 138:3

Father, Please make me strong and courageous when I am weak and weary and when my fears seem greater than my faith.

I need to be strong. I need You. I love You. I surrender my all to Your amazing grace and mercy. And I trust You to give me everything I need to be strong and courageous one day at a time … today, tomorrow, and forever.

In the name of Jesus, who is “the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” Forever and ever. Amen.

I am so blessed that you are joining me for this journey…

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

Remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and tell us about the mountains God is moving in your life.

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…

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

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!

You Need to Know – Do You Believe the Bible?

4 / 30 / 184 / 30 / 18

Recently, I read a Gallup Poll Article – Record Few Americans Believe Bible Is Literal Word of God

“Fewer than one in four Americans (24%) now believe the Bible is “the actual word of God, and is to be taken literally, word for word,” similar to the 26% who view it as “a book of fables, legends, history and moral precepts recorded by man.”

In December of 2015, Gallup reported that 75% of Americans identified themselves as Christians. (I was unable to find more recent statistics.)

Based on those two numbers, we could conclude that although 3/4 of all Americans say they are Christians, only 1/3 of self-identifying Christians believe that the Bible is the Inspired (literal) Word of God.

And then this week, I read the following article … GQ Says the Bible is Overrated. Here’s What They Got Right . by David Rupert

It appears people are talking about the Bible and I told you we are going to search for the answers to hard questions, so here goes…

Is the Bible the Inspired (Infallible) Word of God

You need to know!

Why?

If the Bible is God telling man about Himself, and if God is who He says He is … then the Bible is the MOST IMPORTANT book ever written.

Eternal futures are at stake.

If you watch the news you know that people are wound up about the future of our nation. They’re worried about their relationships, their finances, and how people perceive them on Facebook.

The Bible says all those things we worry about are temporary.

Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may be wise. Psalm 90:12

But the living out of our days often seems long and difficult. Which is one of the reasons we need the Bible … it gives us perspective as well as teaching us wisdom. It gives us the information we need to live today but even more importantly it tells us what we need when our “short lives” are over.

That’s a big deal!

Believe the Bible – my personal story.

The Bible has always been in my life but I haven’t always loved it the way I do now.

Most of my life the Bible was used as an instruction manual of dos and don’ts. Bible lessons for life were part of every day both home and at school. I knew about the commandments … the thou shalts and the thou shalt nots.

Oh, I knew Jesus and I trusted in Him as my Savior but somehow my head told me that the message of the Bible for today was mostly about obedience and “right” living.

I hadn’t read the Bible thoroughly for myself, relying instead on learning about its message through religion classes, sermons, and Bible studies.

Then a life-event dumped me in a pit of grief. I cried out for God’s help and grabbed my Bible. For the first time, I read it from Genesis to Revelation and I did it in just 3 months.

It was unputdownable! (Yes, that’s a word!)

That was 13 years ago, and I’ve read through the whole Bible at least once a year since.

By His grace and through His words in the Bible, God…

lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
Psalm 40:2

God didn’t change my circumstances — He changed me! And every day I continue to learn something new about God’s love and how it applies to my life.

That’s my story – but maybe you’re more of a facts and detail person…

Believe the Bible – a look at some facts.

In the book, The Insanity of Unbelief: A Journalist’s Journey from Belief to Skepticism to Deep Faith, Max Davis wrote:

Look at the unbelievable unity of the Bible. It was penned by forty authors from diverse backgrounds living on three continents stretched out over a period of sixteen centuries. A variety of kings, peasants, warriors, and priests wrote in a variety of languages—Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic.

Without any collaboration what they produced was sixty-six books with 1189 chapters that reveal in harmonious unity the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. How is this possible without supernatural guidance?

And then he added…

After centuries and thousands of discoveries, not one single time has an archeological finding ever disproved the Bible.

I love where Davis asks…

Why? Why is the Bible so popular? Why is it so polarizing? Why do some hate it so much that they’d burn it along with its readers while others love it so much they’d willingly die to protect it? Could it be that the Bible itself is God’s Word?

Believe the Bible – what it says about itself.

The Bible is Truth.

Every word of God proves true.
He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection.
Do not add to His words,
or He may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.
Proverbs 30:5–6

The Bible is Inspired.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16

What do you believe about the Bible?

Is it the inspired Word of God?
Is the Bible – God’s Truth?

If truth is relative. Then it really doesn’t matter whether the Bible is Truth or not.

But…

If truth is absolute. Then you and I need to have a source of truth. It must come from someone or something.

I believe the Bible, God’s Word, is that source of truth!

The Psalmist wrote…

The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever. Psalm 119:160

Jesus said…

Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth. John 17:17

Peter wrote…

Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:20–21

Believe the Bible – read it!

Earlier, I mentioned the article … GQ Says the Bible is Overrated. Here’s What They Got Right.

It begins – “GQ Magazine recently ran an article called, “21 Books You Don’t Have to Read.”

So, I went over to the GQ article and found the following narrative to go with their selection of The Bible #12 on the list of books you don’t have to read…

The Holy Bible is rated very highly by all the people who supposedly live by it but who in actuality have not read it. Those who have read it know there are some good parts, but overall it is certainly not the finest thing that man has ever produced. It is repetitive, self-contradictory, sententious, foolish, and even at times ill-intentioned.

GQ is wrong in their synopsis of the Bible, wouldn’t it be awesome if we proved them wrong about people not reading it, too?

I’m reading the New Living Translation – Life Application Bible and I’ve made it a goal to not only read the Bible text but to read the notes as well.

It’s my favorite! This combination daily draws me in and fills me up.

But if you need one more bit of encouragement, think about this…

God wants you and me to know and love Him personally and intimately so much so that He used 40 writers, over 1600 years, on 3 continents to tell His message. Kings, peasants, warriors, priests and prophets wrote details of His amazing grace, His love … His truth!

I believe…

The Bible is God’s declaratory revelation to man containing the great truths about God, about man, about history, about salvation, and about prophecy that God wanted us to know. The Bible could be trusted just as much as if God had taken the pen and written the words Himself. ~John F. Walvoord, theologian, pastor, and president of Dallas Theological Seminary

What do you believe about the Bible?

Please join me on Friday, when I’ll share additional thoughts about Rupert’s article and the conversations it started.

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

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You Need to Ask the Most Important Question

2 / 19 / 182 / 19 / 18

I’ve wrestled with this post for a while. It’s so much easier to write those feel-good grace-filled posts that remind us of God’s abundant goodness and mercy.

And we’ll get to that, too … because that’s where we must land after we’ve come face to face with who we are without Him.

But after wrestling with God and asking Him again and again if I’m really the person He wants to write these words … I’m giving in and I’m writing this post to the person who finds it easy to ridicule and mock those who (like me) have surrendered their lives to God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

I’m writing this to:

The person who has rejected the “crutch” of Christianity.

The person who has decided Jesus is one of countless ways to God.

The person who believes there is no hell.

The person who is self-sufficient and too strong to need God.

The person who is too busy and doesn’t have time for God.

The person who puts their political views ahead of God’s Word.

The person who believes “good people” will go to heaven.

The person who believes this life is all there is.

If you know this person or you are this person, please keep reading … I have an important question for you.

A question God placed on my heart and mind a few weeks ago. One I’ve used to challenge myself and that I hope will challenge you and make you stop and think — and pray.

You Need to Ask the Most Important Question

What if you’re wrong?

What if there is life after death?

What if both heaven and hell are very real places?

What if you will have to stand before a holy and righteous God at the time of your death to give an account of the way you lived your life?

What if your good isn’t good enough?

What if Jesus really is the only way to heaven?

What if?

Before I go to the Bible and show you some of the reasons I believe these questions are more important than where you’ll go to school or who you’ll marry … and believe me those questions are really important, I want to tell you my answer to the question.

My answer to – What if I’m wrong?

If I’m wrong, and I believe there is overwhelming evidence to support my faith. I don’t believe anyone who has surrendered their life to God through faith in Jesus is wrong.

But, just for a moment, let’s go there, let’s assume there is no God. No Creator. No Resurrected Savior. No Comforting Holy Spirit.

If I’m wrong and there is no God … I wouldn’t change a thing.

My life has been full of hope, unexpected joy, impossible to understand peace, indescribable strength when I needed it most, and miraculous healing. I’m blessed. My life is good.

And if I get to the end of my life and I discover there is no life after this one … I can’t imagine having lived my life any other way. The things I chose to sacrifice out of obedience to God protected me from so many problems and potential consequences. I didn’t miss out on a thing.

Which is why I’m inviting you to ask yourself this important question.

When I listen to people who believe followers of Jesus are weak and foolish or border on “mental illness,” I can’t help but think about how miserable and angry many of them seem at the moment.

So, I’m inviting you to ask yourself the question…

What if I’m wrong?

I’d like you to think about what the Bible says about the “what if” questions I asked above.

What if there is life after death?

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Jesus to thief on the cross beside Him.) Luke 23:43

What if both heaven and hell are very real places?

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Jesus – Sermon on the Mount) Matthew 7:13–14

What if you will have to stand before a holy and righteous God at the time of your death to give an account of the way you lived your life?

^“God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in Him. But anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.” (Jesus to Nicodemus) John 3:17–18

What if your good isn’t good enough?

^“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” (Jesus to religious leaders) Matthew 12:36–37

And…

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them. (Jesus to His disciples) John 14:21

What if Jesus really is the only way to heaven?

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (to His disciples) John 14:6

One more word from Jesus…

Jesus told a story of The Rich Man and Poor Lazarus. You can read it here.

One of the moving parts of this story is when the rich man pleads with Abraham to allow Lazarus to return from the dead to warn His family…

“Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.” Luke 17:27–28

So, I’m inviting you to ask one more important question…

What if my loved ones – children, parents, siblings …. my relatives and friends are being influenced for eternity by my lack of faith?

So, please ask yourself the most important question.

What if I’m wrong?

And if it makes you stop and think for just moment or two, if you’re not sure about your relationship with God through Jesus, if you wonder about the future…

Please seek the truth?

Ask questions? Pray and ask God to reveal the truth to you? Talk to people who have placed their trust in Jesus. Dig for answers.

I’ve never known anyone who sought the truth, who didn’t realize the only truth that matters is that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that God is who He says He is in the Bible and that…

This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:3–6

God loves you so much, He sent Jesus to pay the price for every wrong you have ever done, every thoughtless or cruel word you have ever spoken, every single foolish mistake you’ve made.

You can trust Him. Nothing you have ever done can make Him love you less. He wants to cover you with His grace and mercy sacrificed in and through Jesus on the cross.

There is no better place to live today than with the promise of eternal life with God through Jesus.

I promise. Because even if I’m wrong and I don’t believe I am.

I wouldn’t change a thing!

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God Wants to Make You Strong and Courageous

1 / 22 / 181 / 22 / 18

If you’d known me growing up you would have seen a girl who could comfortably play the piano and organ in front of large groups of people, who could stand in front of groups and give presentations with little or no fear, and who thrived on memorizing lines and performing in plays and musicals.

If you’d only looked at those moments you would have described me as fearless.

But…

If you sat and talked with me, you would have met someone who specialized in fear and insecurity.

I did great in front of a crowd but face to face I was timid and shy. I believed people would like what I did, but didn’t believe they would like me.

I desperately wanted to be strong and courageous but fear and insecurity had become a habit. I believed God wanted me to be strong and courageous.

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

Yeah, that’s pretty straightforward.

The problem was … I was forgetting the second part of the verse.

God Wants to Make You Strong and Courageous

On my own, I’m never going to be strong or courageous.

Oh sure, maybe a moment here or there. I can fight like anything for my husband, kiddos, or grandkids.

But I don’t want to talk about those moments because well, I don’t really like talking about myself unless I’m honestly telling you about the many ways I fall short. Like my problem with procrastination or how much I hate to clean. And don’t ask me to do anything outside, I mean really . . . hasn’t anyone ever told you there are bugs and dirt out there?

It’s easier for me to talk about growing up with chronic fear or living with anxiety. I can even tell you the tough stuff like what it’s like to live with secondary infertility, be rejected by your child, or lose your best friend.

The truth is, I’m a mess.

I know what it’s like to lie curled up on my bed sobbing until it feels like every drop of moisture has been cried out. What it’s like to feel broken beyond repair.

No, I’m not strong and courageous.

But…

I know someone who is.

God is my courage and strength.

When I’ve experienced the worst God has replaced it with His best. He proved He could be my courage and strength if I let Him.

For far too long, I foolishly believed I had to do everything right. Deep down I felt like God’s unconditional love was just a little bit conditional.

So, I did everything within my ability to be a “good girl.”

It took an oversized painful brokenness for me to really receive God’s unconditional perfect love that gives strength and courage.

I hated the process. I mean, I really hated the process but it’s what God used to show me His power to change me and redeem my broken life.

I went from fear to faith, from anxiety to anticipation, from broken to blessed.

And I claimed Psalm 73:26 as my life verse:

My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I have to admit, I still don’t think of myself as either courageous or strong but I am passionate . . . maybe even a little relentless in telling people about God’s love and His power to change lives through Jesus.

God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9–10

God’s love is not dependent upon my good behavior. His love for you doesn’t need you to conform or perform. He loves you and me because love is who He is.

Nothing can ever change that.

No power, enemy or problem will ever separate us from His love.

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38–39

God doesn’t love you because of who you are or what you do; He loves you because of who He is.

[Tweet “God doesn’t love you because of who you are or what you do, but because of who HE is. #GodisLove #Seek”]

Powerful. Unfailing. Forever. Perfect. Gracious. Merciful. Personal Love.

Love that is able to make you strong and courageous.

I need that! I want that!

Before I experienced my brokenness, I used to believe … if this or that happens in my life I won’t be able to go on. It absolutely can not handle something like that.

Then one of those things happened.

And I was right!

I couldn’t handle it.

But God…

I love those two words. But God…

He showed up with His healing love. He held me close and quietly whispered that He was with me and I would be okay. And any time I doubted, He reminded me.

By His grace, I’m not just okay. I’m good! I’m content. I’m happy. I’m blessed!

And I’m no longer afraid.

So if, like me, you don’t feel like you’re strong and courageous … it’s okay.

God is fighting for you.
He is passionate for you.
He is relentless for you.
And He longs for you to surrender everything and trust His love.

If you’re broken . . . God knows.

And He wants to heal and restore you.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and He saves those whose spirits have been crushed. Psalm 34:18

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3

I never dreamed I could live without what ifs and I cant’s. But God has proven He will always be with me to give me all the strength I need for whatever He allows.

He is trustworthy.

My prayer for you…

Don’t wait for your world to fall apart. Give God your fear, your anxiety, your insecurity, your pain, your broken heart, your mess.

Surrender it all. Trust Him.

He will help you. He will change you if you let Him.

He will heal and restore you as He covers you with His mercy, grace, and love.

He will make you strong and courageous.

That my friend, is some seriously Good News!

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5 Ways Time with God Changed My Life

11 / 8 / 1711 / 8 / 17

I’m so excited to welcome my friend, Kelly R. Baker today.

Kelly wants her readers to “stay nourished and thriving in your walk with God,” and says about herself:

I knew from a very young age that God called me to the ministry, but grew up with a track record of being a slow learner of His ways. I finally stopped blaming hormones and embraced His call, including writing.

I love leading others into God’s presence and freedom found through Jesus.

The acronym Daily Time is my mantra. It means: Determining Again I Live Yielded. Today I’m Maintaining Evidence.

Please make her feel welcome … stop to say “hello” in a comment and head over to visit her at KellyR.Baker.com

5 Ways Time with God Changed My Life

Having a daily time with God changed my life, but it didn’t start that way. You can sometimes drag wrong mindsets into your meetings with God, even if you grew up with a church as your home away from home.

My parents became pastors when I was eleven and family devotions were a regular part of life. I would drag my petite-sized feet to those family devotions, dripping with dread every single time.

My view of God was backward. I didn’t understand that God loved me no matter what. Firmly convinced in my mind was good behavior—or else. So when I grew up, I brought that same mindset into my daily time with God—or lack thereof.

My life reflected the saying, “Rules without relationship breeds rebellion.” That rebellion brought me to a rejection of God as a young adult; I told God I wasn’t a Christian anymore.

Thankfully, it was a short-lived backsliding. There isn’t time to go into the details today, but God delights in delivering prodigals.

He removed the rebellion blocking the view of His goodness by giving me a fresh revelation: He still loved me if I rejected Him. I understood selfless love for the first time.

That day I experienced the most gentle healing of my entire life. There was a sweetness in God’s presence. Accustomed to only feeling conviction instead, I marveled that this presence could be God.

Since then I have desired to know this God of selfless love. My pursuit of Him thrives on having a Daily Time with Him. What is “Daily Time”? That’s when I’m fulfilling my mantra: Determining Again I Live Yielded. Today I’m Maintaining Evidence.

Keeping this Daily Time with God has changed my life! Here are five ways:

♥ Knowing God.

When I grew up in the Church, I could tell you the ending to almost any Bible story. But the character of God was lost on me. As I daily dug into His Word, I began to find verses that describe His promises. Instead of solely looking for what I was supposed to do or not do, I learned the attributes of God. He helped me experience His character when I went through unfavorable seasons.

Now I know God as constant in my life, not just hear Him called faithful by others. He continues to open my eyes to the evidence of different facets of His character as I walk with Him. I love it!

♥ Helping me see myself.

The Bible is a mirror disguised as a book. I saw my foolishness in the book of Proverbs. My unruly tongue came to light while studying the book of James. The disciple Peter’s impulsiveness hits close to home. Other people saw my shortcomings, but I grew up pridefully believing I am right and everyone else is missing it! Avoiding the truth of my sins and faults caused me to walk in deception. But applying His light to my darkness continues to transform me into His image.

I embraced His working on me (Philippians 1:6). And since I’ve seen real changes in my character that reflect God’s nature, it’s easier to surrender to this process no matter how painful it is.

♥ Enabling me to discern my calling.

Applying the Word of God results in spiritual growth and discernment. I matured enough that God saw fit to reveal my calling. I shared this exciting discovery with my spiritual mentors, and they confirmed that calling. That didn’t mean I suddenly launched into it! Oh, no.

As I said, God continues to work on me. When He felt I was ready enough, He began to give me assignments within my calling. Throughout the years if I’ve ever pulled away from it, God brings it to my attention and invites me to walk in it again. No matter how much work in ministry I do, He reminds me that I will never “arrive” until Jesus comes back. Philippians 1:6 again!

♥ Gaining wisdom to train my kids.

The same as many moms, I hold Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) dear to my heart, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Seeing that verse in the Word gives me hope. Whenever I am at a loss for what to do with my kids, I go to God in prayer. More often than not, the Holy Spirit will give me an idea or remind me of additional applicable verses in the Bible. Other times, He will lead me to talk to a particular person. When I follow through with that, the person He led me to will have the wisdom I need. Thank God for the body of Christ that helps each other!

♥ Not being my husband’s Holy Spirit.

In the earlier years of my marriage, I made a list of my husband’s imperfections. I would talk to Him about changing them. Can you say argument? Yeah, like every time. Miserable, I went to God with my ultimatum: God if you don’t change him, I’ll—I’ll—I’ll be miserable! (Divorce isn’t in our vocabulary.)

I picked up a devotional book geared toward marriage, and during my Daily Time with God, my eyes opened to the truth that I needed to work on me. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit made it clear that I had tried taking over His job. Ouch!

I released my husband to God and asked God to show me how I needed to change. Maybe I was a quarter of the problem? Or perhaps a third? He responded, “Most.” Figures. Ha! Later I did a study on love and learned to walk in the powerful wisdom that love is a choice. It took a long time, but I saw our marriage transformed because God changed me.

I’ve been a slow learner over the years, but I can affirm God’s way is the best way.

Daily Time in Your Life

You will find no higher satisfaction in life outside of God’s presence. Devour the Word every day and fill pages of newfound truths. Allow Him to transform your life to His ways. Thrive in Him and share His goodness!

Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8 (NLT)

Do you want to taste and see that the Lord is good, too? Take time with Him daily!

If building the habit of spending time with God every day seems unmanageable, I created the Daily Time Challenge just for you.

Kelly R. Baker is a Bible study teacher, writer, and mentor. She serves with her husband in leading the worship ministry at their church. You will probably find her sneaking a bite (or more) of organic dark chocolate in between wrangling her four kids. Her greatest passion is helping others seek God daily and thrive in spiritual growth.

Connect with her at Kelly R. Baker.

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Thanks! And God bless!

30 Qualities Found in the Heart Being Changed by God

10 / 4 / 172 / 3 / 18

If you didn’t actually speak words telling someone you’re a Christian, would they be able to tell just by watching that you’re a follower of Jesus and being changed by God?

I’m not asking if you tell them which church you attend or if you invite them to join you next Sunday, I’m inviting you to join me as I do a little heart check.

Jesus told the people who followed Him…

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17 (NLT)

And Paul said, it is the Spirit who makes it happen.

All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into His likeness in an ever greater degree of glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)

That is good news! We need to change but by God’s grace, we’re not alone in our efforts … the Holy Spirit is at work in us.

But I still wonder…

How do I know if my heart is really changing?
Can my coworkers, friends, and family tell my heart is changing?
Can strangers with whom I cross paths see Jesus in me?

Do changed hearts really show themselves in changed lives?

It’s time to go where I always go when I want answers…

30 Qualities Found in the Heart Being Changed by God

1. Love for God and Others

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37–39 (NLT)

2. Child-like Faith that Trusts God and His Word

So Jesus called a child to come and stand in front of them, and said, “I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2–3 (GNT)

3. Shows Compassion and Kindness Toward Others

Jesus said, “You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” Luke 6:36 (NLT)

4. Is Content In All Circumstances

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 1 Timothy 6:6–7 (NLT)

5. Courageous and Strong When Life is Hard

Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NCV)

6. Faithful to Follow Jesus’ Teachings

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31–32 (NLT)

7. Forgiven by God and Forgiving of Others

Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

8. Shows Gentleness and Patience

Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love. Ephesians 4:2 (NCV)

9. Is Genuine and Sincere

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10 (NLT)

10. Responds to Evil with Good

Do not let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good. Romans 12:21 (NCV)

11. Is Gracious because God has been Gracious

Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

12. Remains Hopeful through Trials

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12 (NLT)

13. Lives Humbly before God and Others

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3–4 (NLT)

14. Follows the Lord Even When No One is Watching

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

15. Finds Joy in Jesus Even When Life is Hard

Always be joyful. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NLT)

16. Is Fair and Just with Everyone

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

17. Shows Consistent Kindness to Others

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NLT)

18. Shows Mercy because God has Shown them Mercy

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7 (NLT)

19. Knows God’s Commands and Obeys with the Help of the Holy Spirit

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. John 14:15–16 (NLT)

20. Makes Peace a Priority

Dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight. 2 Peter 3:14 (NLT)

21. Never Stops Believing

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10:36 (NLT)

22. Trusts God’s Will One Day at a Time

He is working in you. God is helping you obey Him. God is doing what He wants done in you. Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

23. Spends Time with Others

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 (NLT)

24. Shares the Truth with Gentleness and Respect

Worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.But do this in a gentle and respectful way. 1 Peter 3:15–16a (NLT)

25. Takes Responsibility for Words and Actions and Repents When Wrong

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Galatians 6:4–5 (NLT)

26. With God’s Help Maintains Self-Control

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22–23 (NLT)

27. Lives with Thankfulness and Shows Gratitude

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15 (NLT)

28. Is Helpful and Encouraging

Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

29. Speaks the Truth – Is Trustworthy

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

30. Enjoys a Life of Freedom – Loving God and Others

We have freedom now because Christ made us free. God called you to be free, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful self. Serve each other with love. Galatians 5:1,13 (NCV)

What a blessing to know that God is able to change surrendered hearts and lives.

But this is important…

Changed by God hearts and lives aren’t perfect. They simply trust and love God promised to continue the work He has started in them when they first believed.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

As I read through that list, I know there are so many areas where I fall short. So, I will faithfully repent, trust, and turn to the One who is changing my heart.

[Tweet “What do you think? Do changed hearts change lives?”]

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I’m always looking for stories that will encourage and inspire readers to live in faith, stay faithful in hope, and find joy in loving Jesus and others. If you’re interested in sharing your story here at Counting My Blessings – check out my Contributor Guidelines page.

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

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Jesus, Help Me Obey and Love with Faith and Patience

Please Lord Jesus, help me…

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5 Verses and Prayers that will Draw You Closer to Jesus

No More Rules Link Party

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So, the most important thing I want you to know about God from my story is…

What’s the most important thing you need to know about God?

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Why You Need to Celebrate and Remember God is Good

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God, Please Make Me Emotionally Strong

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God, Please Bless My Children with Faith, Hope, and Love

Faith

Hope

Love

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God, I Want to be More Like Jesus

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God, Help Me to Be Still and Listen to the TRUTH

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God – I Need to be Strong and Courageous

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End the Year with 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers

I want to Pray 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers.

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Is the Bible the Inspired (Infallible) Word of God

Believe the Bible – my personal story.

Believe the Bible – a look at some facts.

Believe the Bible – what it says about itself.

Believe the Bible – read it!

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You Need to Ask the Most Important Question

What if you’re wrong?

My answer to – What if I’m wrong?

What if I’m wrong?

One more word from Jesus…

So, please ask yourself the most important question.

What if I’m wrong?

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God Wants to Make You Strong and Courageous

Nothing can ever change that.

Love that is able to make you strong and courageous.

I couldn’t handle it.

My prayer for you…

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5 Ways Time with God Changed My Life

Keeping this Daily Time with God has changed my life! Here are five ways:

♥ Knowing God.

♥ Helping me see myself.

♥ Enabling me to discern my calling.

♥ Gaining wisdom to train my kids.

♥ Not being my husband’s Holy Spirit.

Daily Time in Your Life

Leave your prayer requests…

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Thanks! And God bless!

30 Qualities Found in the Heart Being Changed by God

1. Love for God and Others

2. Child-like Faith that Trusts God and His Word

3. Shows Compassion and Kindness Toward Others

4. Is Content In All Circumstances

5. Courageous and Strong When Life is Hard

6. Faithful to Follow Jesus’ Teachings

7. Forgiven by God and Forgiving of Others

8. Shows Gentleness and Patience

9. Is Genuine and Sincere

10. Responds to Evil with Good

11. Is Gracious because God has been Gracious

12. Remains Hopeful through Trials

13. Lives Humbly before God and Others

14. Follows the Lord Even When No One is Watching

15. Finds Joy in Jesus Even When Life is Hard

16. Is Fair and Just with Everyone

17. Shows Consistent Kindness to Others

18. Shows Mercy because God has Shown them Mercy

19. Knows God’s Commands and Obeys with the Help of the Holy Spirit

God, Please Bless My Children with
Faith, Hope, and Love