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.
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!
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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!
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.
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!
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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!
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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!
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-minutepost 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!
“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.
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…
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
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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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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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.
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.
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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I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.
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…
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.
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.
I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.
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…
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.
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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Welcome to week six of the Summer Sizzle Blog Hop Series. I have so loved sharing these amazing posts from faith-filled friends who encourage and bless me daily.
This week I’m thrilled to introduce you to my friend, Lori Shumaker. I hardly know where to begin to tell you about Lori. I just love her heart. And we have mom things in common to gab about in our basketball loving boys and adopted daughters.
If you ever have the opportunity to sit with Lori and enjoy her hospitality, you will find yourself extremely blessed. She loves and encourages BIG! Can you tell I just love her!
So give her a big welcome and don’t forget to visit her blog and follow her on social media. All the links you need are at the bottom of the post.
When Hope is the Only Thing that will Conquer the Storm
Waiting demands hope.
I do not believe one can truly exist without the other.
Whether it is the accomplishment of a lifelong goal or for the chocolate dipped ice cream cone from DQ, I waited for the prize with hope in my heart (or my taste buds!).
I think waiting is the way in which God refines my ability to maintain hope. And since I’ve spent the larger part of seven years in a significant season of waiting, I’ve had plenty of time to break it down. What I found are two very different types of hope. Related and both a part of day-to-day life, but still very different.
I call them God-Sized hope and cautious hope.
Cautious hope speaks of desired outcomes, whereas God-sized hope is unique, eternal and never circumstantial. It is not dependent upon events or outcomes. It is a guarantee.
You may already know this about our family, but in case you don’t, our daughter is a sick little girl. Her list of diagnoses is overwhelming. From her eyes to her spine, to her heart, to her mind, she is afflicted. On Saturday, April 9, 2011, we arrived on U.S. soil with our daughter whom we had been told had only a speech delay and a heart murmur.
On Monday, April 11, I was waiting at the doorstep of our pediatrician’s office. That morning marked the beginning of a journey to uncovering a multitude of illnesses in our little one.
It began the journey to physical, mental, and emotional healing.
Some of her diagnoses are typical and we have thankfully been placed on a treatment plan and the issue solved or monitored. However, much of her diagnoses are either rare or relatively unresearched. Those diagnoses entail what I call trial and error treatment plans. Sadly, there is a lot of trial and error. With each newly presented treatment plan, decisions must be made. Is it a plan we can carry out? Has potential? Is worth more time, effort, and money? More often than not, we decide to try the plan. After all, how could we, with good conscience live wondering if the one treatment we maybe didn’t try was the answer? So we trudge on.
In the beginning, I held onto the hope was given to me by doctors in the shape of prescriptions, plans, and therapies. The darkness would lift and I would feel the hope that just around the corner, our sweet treasure might be healed. But the corner arrived as a dead-end and with that dead-end, my hope would plummet and fall.
I didn’t know where to find balance along the pendulum of hope and acceptance.
There was wrestling with God.
There was anger. Often.
I cried. A lot.
I didn’t want to hear what He had to say. It was my desire for my daughter to be healed the way I envisioned healing. The stress that was wreaking havoc on our family needed to go away.
I wanted easy. Simple. Wrapped up nicely in a bow.
Healed.
God is good.
Amen.
But He had a different plan. His plan was not about my desired outcome.
It was about a hope that says, ”I trust your sovereignty, Lord, and I know that whatever comes, you will walk through it with me and we will be okay.”
That’s a God-sized hope.
My daughter is making some progress. One of the treatment plans we are currently in the midst of is called IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin). She receives the transfusions two days in a row each month. She just completed her 14th treatment. We have witnessed some progress, but it appears this treatment is long term. When she goes longer than one month, her immunity system begins to fail again. Therefore, we continue waiting, hoping, and believing.
We are cautiously hopeful.
Cautiously hopeful that she will be free from the PANDAS symptoms that relentlessly plague her. (You can read about symptoms here.) It is a lot of big stuff.
But cautious hope takes in the reality that someday she may not live independently or care for herself. She may carry these painful symptoms throughout life on this side of the cross. It’s not a thought I bear easily. I want my baby girl living free and I want a reprieve from the storm our family faces. However, cautious hope isn’t big enough, strong enough, or unique enough to cover that storm.
It is a net of hope that makes all the difference. With it, I can walk through the storm knowing that if I fall I will be saved.
Knowing I will be saved abounds my capacity to endure patiently.
And when I endure patiently all darkness is conquered.
“May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.”-2 Thessalonians 3:5, NLT
It’s a battle that mandates I pick up my armor daily.
When I don’t, I feel it. The joy seeps out. The worry, anger, and disappointment seep in. I suffer and the enemy cheers.
So I hold onto it. That God-sized hope. It’s always there, but in order to conquer the darkness and endure patiently, I have to make intentional choices to:
Find it – Look for it in His Word and in the testimonies of others.
Focus on it – Keep my eyes and ears tuned sharply into that hope; Don’t be distracted by the lies whispered by the enemy or the distraction of things that didn’t go my way.
Feel it – Breathe it in deeply repeating hopeful phrases and scripture on the inside and outside. Speak the spirit of hope over my life. Speak in terms of victory and not defeat.
I know that I am not in your life situation right now. Even if I knew the details, I couldn’t fully understand your journey because it’s yours and I haven’t walked it.
But I can tell you this.
My heart is with you. I understand the painful wait. I understand being frustrated with God and the world around me. And I can tell you something even more important. God does understand. He feels your pain and He knows your ache.
He is aching for you.
Although I don’t have the answers as to why it is as it is, I do know that He has a whole lot of hope He desperately wants to pour into you as He takes your hand and walks you through this storm.
I can say I know that not just because someone else told me. Or even because the Bible tells me so! It is because when I had lost worldly hope, He reached down, saved me, and filled me with His God-sized hope.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” -1 Peter 3:15, NIV
Bio – Lori is an encourager at heart. She has spent her life learning of the hope and victory available when we embrace our identity in Christ. Today, when she isn’t busy being a wife and Mom to her three children, she teaches, ministers, coaches, speaks and writes to share that hope with others. Wherever you find yourself today – walking through the difficult, needing to get unstuck to follow your purpose, or simply experiencing a season of beautiful chaos, Lori’s blog found at www.lorischumaker.com is a place where you can get a virtual hug from someone who truly understands. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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It’s bad for your health – mentally, physically, and spiritually.
But it’s easier said than done, isn’t it?
Life happens and there are plenty of things to worry about.
And with practice, you can turn worrying into a fine art as you try to foresee and prevent any and all possible problems.
I know what it’s like to be an expert worrier. “What if” questions dominated my thoughts.
So…
Take my word for it – or don’t – worrying doesn’t help anything. It is pointless and unproductive.
In fact, the negative effects of worry are so bad for us. It’s really not worth it.
The Bible has a lot of verses about worrying…
“The Lord Himself will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forget you. Don’t be afraid and don’t worry.” Deuteronomy 31:8
He [God] gives [people] the ability to accept their state in life and enjoy their work.They do not worry about how short life is because God keeps them busy with what they love to do. Ecclesiastes 5:19–20
“Don’t be afraid! Don’t worry! I have always told you what will happen. You are my witnesses.There is no other God but me. I know of no other Rock; I am the only One.” Isaiah 44:8
“Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds.You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.” Matthew 6:26–27
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. Philippians 4:6
Without qualification . . . you and I are not to worry about anything.
Why? Because worry is a lack of trust. The more you and I trust God, the less we will worry.
It’s just that simple.
Well, simple to say . . . not so simple to do.
And Paul said in Philippians 4:Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
I was a very little girl when I first heard those words and even though I’ve them repeated often, I still struggled with fear and apprehension.
I worried about succeeding at school, my parent’s approval, the health and safety of people I loved, and what friends and teachers thought about me.
And it didn’t get any better after Rev and I got married and had children.
I worried about being the “perfect” mom, wife, daughter, and friend. I worried about never having enough time to accomplish everything. I worried about my children’s physical, mental, and spiritual health.
I don’t know, it just always seemed like there was more than enough to keep me busy worrying.
Then about a dozen years ago, God lovingly showed me the truth.
Even with all my worry . . . I couldn’t prevent some of the very things I’d worried about from happening.
So, for all my efforts all I’d done was hurt my health and ruin my mood.
I ended up on medication to treat anxiety and had to abandon my fight for perfection because let’s face it, an anxious and stressed out mom is hardly “perfect!”
Worry is worthless!
It didn’t prevent a child’s rejection, an extended life-threatening illness, a premature birth, divorces, and death.
But God…
Two of my favorite words.
But God showed His faithfulness, carrying us through crisis after crisis with His strength and love.
And I learned to worry less because as God carried us through I began to trust Him more. It’s like an outward growing circle – more trust -> less worry -> more trust -> less worry -> more trust!
Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. Psalm 40:11
For His unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the Lord! Psalm 117:2
God is loving and faithful.
Yes, bad things happen. That’s why we worry. But focusing on potential problems is shortsighted thinking. God has an eternal plan for us. One that goes far beyond our temporary troubles.
For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Corinthians 4:17
So, when I’m tempted to worry. I will trust God’s faithfulness and love.
And I will pray His promises.
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
Father, I trust your faithful love and mercy. Please forgive my doubt and help me trust you not only with my eternity but with today and tomorrow. Amen.
We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him. They are the people He called because that was His plan. Romans 8:28
Father, I know You have a plan for me and Your plan is good. Even when my day has problems with Your help my heart will be at peace because You are with me. Amen.
My God will use His wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need. Philippians 4:19
Father, You promise to give me everything I need. You’ve given me Jesus and in Him, I more than enough to forever say, “It is well with my soul.” What more could I need. I will trust in You. Amen.
God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. Psalm 18:30
Father, I surrender all my worry and anxiety to You. I believe. Help my unbelief. With Your help, I can trust that everything You do is perfect and all Your promises are true. I can face each day with You, my shield and protection.
Please show me where I’ve failed to surrender to You. Forgive me. And help me, for I can face and do whatever You ask through Jesus, who gives me strength and courage. It is in His name I pray. Amen.
And with God’s help, I will stop worrying. It’s not good for me and it’s not good for you.
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“Patience is power.
Patience is not an absence of action;
rather it is “timing”
it waits on the right time to act,
for the right principles
and in the right way.”
~Fulton J. Sheen
Each month of The Faith Project has had its own set of challenges . . . freedom, love, wisdom, prayer, humility, and now, patience. Digging deep isn’t easy, but I’ve stopped and lingered and my faith has grown.
My prayer at the beginning was that my faith would grow.
Not my knowledge, but my faith.
I’ve spent much of my life studying Bible truths and have a fair amount of “knowledge.” But knowledge didn’t root those truths down deep where daily trusting God and life intersect.
Please don’t misunderstand, I will always be a student of the Bible. I want to learn as much as I can but more than that I want to completely surrender to God through faith . . . in the big things and the little things.
So, June will dig into surrendering with patience.
Does just the mention of the word patience scare you a little bit?
I remember when I quit praying for patience when my children were little. Since God did not choose to magically infuse it into my life but allowed me a plethora of opportunities to apply it —unsuccessfully, I might add…
I stopped asking.
Patience is hard when you’re exhausted. There are many life factors that make having patience hard. So, I’m digging deep. I want to know more about—What it is. Why it’s important. How to survive impatient people. And the overwhelming blessing of God’s patience. I want to grow in faith as I wait on God’s timing.
We live at a time when many things happen fast.
It’s still a little hard for me to get over the reality that if I have a question about something Siri or Google will usually have the answer for me in under sixty seconds. And that’s just information. The list of things we do faster now than ever before grows every day.
And maybe, just maybe, in this fast paced life we are growing increasingly impatient.
Patience is defined as the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
Dr. Judith Orloff wrote the following for Psychology Today:
“Patience doesn’t mean passivity or resignation, but power. It’s an emotionally freeing practice of waiting, watching, and knowing when to act.”
There is strength in patience. It’s intentional. Pro-active and wise. (Wow, that’s almost Biblical. I just love when a secular publication supports Biblical truths unknowingly.)
Waiting. Watching. Knowing when to act.
Whether you and I need patience because we’re short on time, suffering, or in the middle of a crisis, whether it’s a big deal or a minor irritation . . . making the decision to wait, watch, and know is Holy Spirit empowered strength.
Wait on God’s Timing – God has not forsaken you. He hears every prayer, gathers every tear, and loves you more than you can imagine. Waiting on God’s timing may be one of the most difficult things to learn (at least for me it has been) but don’t give up. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. And trust His perfect timing.
I waited patiently for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1
Wait for the Lord’s help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help. Psalm 27:14
I wait for the Lord to help me, and I trust His word. Psalm 130:5
Watch What God is Doing – Pay attention to God’s activity in your life and the lives of those around you. Get involved. Pray for each other. Trust and surrender confident that God has a plan for you and that He will accomplish it in His own perfect way.
My children, listen to your father’s teaching; pay attention so you will understand. Proverbs 4:1
My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. Psalm 119:71–72
My son, pay attention to me, and watch closely what I do. Proverbs 23:26
Know When to Act – I’ve had too many times when my impatience caused me to take action too soon. God was telling me to wait and I . . . well, I simply didn’t trust Him to come through. So, I jumped in, took charge, and it NEVER went well.
Part of patience is listening for His guidance. Knowing His voice and knowing when to act. It’s proactive. Not sitting on the couch pouting, but doing whatever God has called you to do today.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
So don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you. Isaiah 41:10
God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid, but a spirit of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
Finally, patience is holding on to hope. While you and I wait and watch. While we obediently trust and follow. We never lose hope.
God is who He says He is. He will always accomplish His purposes in His timing.
It looks like it will be another month of digging down to deeper roots of faith. I hope you’ll join me.
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Am I the only one who writes a post and then thinks better of it and starts over questioning whether or not I’ve said anything that makes a difference . . . something that points to the amazing difference the Lord can make in one small life.
A life that can’t boast of any major accomplishments. A life that can’t really point to anything other than clinging white-knuckled to the One who pulled her out of the pit.
These first few months of The Faith Project have overwhelmed me. It’s hard to explain. I just know that every month I’ve been challenged big time.
It shouldn’t surprise me. That’s what the enemy does isn’t it? He makes us question things like freedom, wisdom, and love. He wants us to feel weak and useless, powerless and afraid . . . to doubt.
It’s the first temptation isn’t it? “Did God really say..?”
Did He really give that command? Does He really expect obedience? Did He really make that promise? Is He really able to keep it?
You know the questions. They surface 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.
And the enemy says, “Did God really say..?”
“I love you. I will never leave. You are forgiven. You are mine. Nothing can snatch you from my hand.”
I dig. I ask, seek, and knock. He answers and faith grows.
I’m trusting His promises a little bit more. Trusting His love not just for the world but for me.
He is who He says He is. He is able to do what He says. He will accomplish His plans and purposes.
I really shouldn’t be surprised that…
The Faith Project has been harder than I imagined and WAY more of a blessing than I’d hoped.
Friends…
Your Faith and Prayers Matter
Your faith matters.
Not just to you but to the people around you.
Your Faith…
Glorifies your Father who loves you.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever.Psalm 86:12
Shines His love to others.
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 He gives.
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.Hebrews 11:1
Displays His ability to strengthen.
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 His 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
Helps you overcome life’s challenges.
For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 1 John 5:4
Gives life.
Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.John 14:6
Your prayers…
Make a difference.
The Lord has heard my cry for help; the Lord will answer my prayer. Psalm 6:9
When a believing person prays, great things happen. James 5:16
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
Friend, you may be ending a really hard week. The week ahead may not look much better.
Remember…
God has and will give you everything you need.
Your Father who loves you. Your Savior goes before you. And the Spirit is always with you to help, comfort, strengthen and give you peace.
When you praise Him in the storm you give Him glory. You shine His light.
So when the days are hard. Possibly harder than you imagined. Hold on to your faith – dig deep into God’s love and presence. His amazing love and faithful presence are always more of a blessing than you could ever hope for.
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My prayer for you…
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