How #WWGGG Can Change Your Life

11 / 4 / 1911 / 5 / 19

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

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

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.
2 Peter 2:21

The Holy Spirit used seven words…

“That you should follow in His steps.”

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

What would Jesus do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What would give God glory?

Based on the verse…

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

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

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

Paul Tripp defines glory in this way…

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

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

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

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

#WWGGG

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

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

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

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

Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (HCSB)

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

God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him.
1 Corinthians 6:20 (NLV)

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

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2

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

Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
    and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
Then call on me when you are in trouble,
    and I will rescue you,
    and you will give me glory.”
Psalm 50:14–15

Thankfulness and praise give God glory.

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

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

“If you love me, obey my commandments.”
John 4:15

Obedience shows our love for God and gives Him glory.

I worship and praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness; for Your promises are backed by all the honor of Your name.
Psalm 138:2

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

But why is it important? Why does it matter?

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

Because I believe it’s why I was created…

Bring all who claim me as their God,
    for I have made them for my glory.
    It was I who created them.
And
“You are worthy, O Lord our God,
    to receive glory and honor and power.
For You created all things,
    and they exist because
You created what You pleased.”
Isaiah 43:7 and Revelation 4:11

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

So, are you ready?

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

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

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

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

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to Your name goes all the glory
for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1

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

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

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

What Gives You Hope When You Need It Most?

10 / 21 / 1910 / 21 / 19

The dictionary defines “hope” as…

To cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true – as in hope for a promotion or hope for things to go well.
To trust.
To desire with an expectation of obtaining, accomplishing, or fulfilling.
To expect with confidence.

So, of course, that made me wonder…

Based on those definitions – What gives people hope?

I started with a Google search of the question “What gives you hope?” and found the following answers:

Not much.
Knowing that things could always be worse.
An inspiring person with strength and courage.
The belief that things will get better.
The determination and will power to improve whatever is wrong or overcome what’s going on.
When a child smiles.
Believing that dreams come true.
A sense of humor.
Optimism

Then I looked up the Biblical definition of the word “hope”…

Hope is the confident expectation, the sure certainty that what God has promised in the Word is true, has occurred, and or will occur in accordance with God’s sure Word.
Bible.org

Hope is the confident expectation of what God has promised and its strength is in His faithfulness.
Wiley Online Library

So, what’s the difference?

With the secular definition, the degree to which a person has hope is based solely on the strength of that person’s desires. But for those of us who believe that our hope is based on the Biblical definition … our hope, our strength is based on the promises of God.

In other words – you and I don’t have to be strong in order to be hopeful because weak or strong, God’s promises remain the same, God remains the same and He IS the source of our hope.

The writer of Hebrews wrote:

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Paul wrote:

The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Romans 15:4

And…

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

And, one more…

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
2 Thessalonians 2:16–17

So, you and I don’t have to be strong to achieve that thing for which we hope; God Himself is our source of strength, confidence, peace, and hope … He has always been and He always will be true to His promises.

I don’t know about you, but I find that very encouraging.

As do many of my friends. I asked them…

What Gives You Hope When You Need It Most?

Here’s what they had to say in response to the question – What gives you hope?

Stacey wrote, “Looking back on the ‘suicidal’ me, seeing how far He’s brought me from there and knowing He’s not DONE with me yet!! Praise His Holy Name!!”
Jenn wrote, “Truly, the Word of God gives me hope. Many years ago, I read in Psalm 107 that God sent forth His Word and healed the people. My spirit latched onto that and hasn’t let go. His Word and being in intimate relationship w/ Him have brought me so much healing.”
Sandra said, “God’s Word.”
Samantha wrote, “The knowledge that God is in my corner which I know to be true based on the experiences. I’ve seen God’s unending faithfulness in my life over and over again.”
Teri said, “The presence of the Holy Spirit gives me hope. Being down and out for over a month and a half, I’ve relied so desperately on His ‘still small voice’.”
Shelley wrote, “Reading and learning the Word of God gives me hope and the peace that ‘passes all understanding’.”
Patsy said, “The promises of God and His faithfulness.”
Dawn wrote, “Jesus and the message of the Gospel.”
Sarah said, “Reading in Revelation 21–22 about the New Heaven and New Earth where there will be no more tears of suffering.”

Over the years, others have shared…

God’s grace and forgiveness give me hope … no matter how many times I mess up, what Christ has done has already cleaned up my mess.
The grace of God in Christ Jesus gives me hope.
Knowing God is in control of my life here on earth and for eternity and that His only motives for me are love.
Trusting that God is faithful and that He always keeps His promises.
Knowing I belong to the Lord and that someday I will live with Him forever.
The testimonies of people who have been changed by the saving grace, mercy, and love of God.
Knowing God has everything under control even when it looks to me like nothing is under control.
Have the peace and strength that only God can give … making it possible to take things one day at a time.
Remembering that God created me, sent Jesus to save me, and calls me His own.
The confidence that nothing happens outside of God’s control.

Would you like to know what gives me hope when I need it?

God’s patient love and transforming power!

The way He worked in my life to create a hope-filled story that changed everything.

I’m sitting here trying to find the words to explain it to you and tears fill my eyes as I think about the journey God allowed to take me from an anxious people-pleasing afraid to make a mistake “good girl” … to a completely broken hopeless mess.

But God…

(Two of my favorite words in the Bible because they are always followed by verses that tell of God’s gracious love and transforming power. They always bring words of hope!)

But God, in His mercy gently put the pieces back together. Not all of them. There are still parts of my story that aren’t completely filled in … but that’s where the hope shines through.

That’s where I can come to you and say, if Jesus can heal this broken mess and in the process transform me into someone who wants to simply live each day surrendered to honoring His command to…

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27

It sounds so simple and yet, we make it so complicated, don’t we?

This is why I know I need the hope that comes from knowing and trusting God’s promises.

7 *Promises from the Message that will Give You Hope When You Need It Most***

God loves you.

This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
John 3:16 (MSG)

God will meet every need you have.

You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 )MSG)

God’s grace and forgiveness give you freedom.

That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God.
Romans 6:12–14 (MSG)

God will protect you when you are tempted.

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)

God cares for you and He is always with you.

God has said,
“I will never fail you.
    I will never abandon you.”
So we can say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper,
    so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?”
Hebrews 13:6 (MSG)

God is always working for your good and His glory.

God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Romans 8:26–28

God promises you will have a home with Him
forever and always.

Jesus said, “My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand.”
And…
“Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.”
John 10:27–28 & John 14:1–2 (MSG)

And finally, a verse to memorize that will give you hope when you need it…

Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise him again—
    my Savior and my God!
Psalm 43:5

So, let me ask you…

What gives you hope when you need it most?

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

You Need to Answer the Most Important Question About Faith

9 / 16 / 199 / 16 / 19

Someone attacked my faith on social media and it inspired me to publicly ask and answer the most important question about faith. I invite you to answer it too... #religion #faith #atheism #thoughtprovokingquestion #questionaboutfaith

Last week, my friend, Beth, at Messy Marriage, shared my post – 5 Things Found in a Heart Being Changed by God on Twitter.

In response, someone who self-identified as an atheist tweeted a list of hashtags to both Beth and myself with the following … #ChristianFairyTale #Indoctrination#BlindFaith#Delusion#ImmoralBible#ChildishNonsense

In a later tweet, this person wrote the following…

Calling you out is an attempt to allow you to question what you’ve been taught, an invitation to reject the fairy tales and join the real world. You can do it. I know you can.

Since it seems that more and more people feel justified and almost self-righteous, if you will, in attacking those who have placed their faith in Jesus; and because I also feel like everyone from politicians to pastors are telling people what they want to hear and preaching a non-Biblical view of Christianity … I felt it might be time to rerun an older post that encourages all of us, Christians and non-Christians alike, to question what we believe.

I replied to the “atheist” on Twitter with a link to the post. You may have someone you would like to invite to stop, read this, and answer the question as well.

You Need to Answer the Most Important Question About Faith

I’ve asked God again and again if I’m really the person He wants to write these words.

It’s much easier to write feel-good grace-filled posts that remind us of God’s abundant goodness and mercy.

But the Lord just kept prompting me … so, I finally gave in.

And with His help:

I’m writing this for the person who wants to know what they believe and why they believe it.

I’m also writing it for 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.

And I’m writing it for:

The person who has rejected the “crutch” of Christianity.
The person who has decided Jesus is one of the 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.

So, to everyone listed above … I’d like to challenge you with a question about faith.

A question I hope will make you stop and think — and pray. One that will invite you to keep SEEKing until you know the answer.

So, here it is…

The Most Important Question

When it comes to what you believe…

What if I’m wrong about Jesus?

What if Jesus really is the Way, the Truth, the Life, and no one comes to God, the Father, except through Him? John 14:6

What if there is life after death? John 3:16

What if both heaven and hell are very real places? Revelations 20:12,15

What if I will have to stand before a holy and righteous God at the time of my death to give an account for the way I lived? Matthew 12:36

What if my good isn’t good enough? Ephesians 2:8–9

What if Jesus really is the only way to heaven? John 3:36

What if?

These questions are more important than where you’ll go to school or who you’ll marry, where you’ll live or what you’ll do.

Those questions are important … they’re just not the most important.

Why? Because the way you and I answer them determines our today, our tomorrow, and our forever.

Here is my answer to – When it comes to what I believe … what if I’m wrong?

Let me start by telling you what I believe.

I believe the Bible.
I believe in the Triune God – Father, Son, and Spirit … Creator, Savior, and Comforter.
I believe I am a sinner.
I believe Jesus, the Son of God … lived, died, and rose again to live forever.
I believe through faith in Jesus – I am forgiven and promised the gift of life forever in heaven with Him.
I believe God wants me to love and trust Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. And I believe He wants me to love others in ways that show them how much He loves them.
I believe Jesus will return to judge everyone.

And I asked myself … what if I’m wrong?

What if there is no God. No Creator. No Resurrected Savior. No Comforting Holy Spirit. No life after death.

And my answer…

If I’m wrong and there is no God. If I’m wrong and Jesus isn’t the Way, Truth, and Life … 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.

And if I get to the end of my life and 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 the God of the Bible, protected me from so many problems and potential consequences … I don’t believe I missed out on a thing.

Have you ever stopped to think about that?

When I listen to people who believe followers of Jesus are weak, foolish, believe a “faith” tale, or even border on “mental illness,” I can’t help but notice how miserable and angry many of them seem.

So, whatever you believe, and everyone believes something—I’m inviting you to ask…

What if I’m wrong?

Consider 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 gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:23

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:43

What if both heaven and hell are very real places?

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:13–14

What if you and I will have to stand before a holy and righteous God at the time of death to give an account for our lives?

I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books.

Anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:12,15

What if my 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

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 most 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 consider one more important question…

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

So, please ask yourself…

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, and wonder about your life today, tomorrow, and eternally…

Please seek the truth!

Ask questions. Pray. Ask God to reveal the truth to you. Talk to people who have placed their trust in Jesus. Don’t quit until you have answers.

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

And…

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.

He loves us so much, He used 40 writers (prophets, priests, and kings; a fisherman, a doctor, and a tentmaker), taking over 1500 years, to write 66 books full of history, poems, letters, and prophecies all pointing to His plan to save sinners through Jesus.

I’d like to challenge you to read the Bible with an open heart and mind, asking God to reveal Himself to you through its pages.

Because I promise you…

There is no better way to live than faithfully trusting God’s promises.

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

I wouldn’t change a thing!

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 of the Best Faith Books You Need to Reread Every Year

4 / 29 / 194 / 29 / 19

I’ve read a handful of books in my life that I would say have been “life-changing” in the ways they have challenged me and grown my faith.

Books I simply call – the Best Faith Books!

These are books I reread often. Most have them have been around for a while. I’m guessing that even if you’ve read them … it was some time ago. So, I thought I’d take a few minutes to tell you why I think it may be time to read them again…

5 of the Best Faith Books

♥ Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg

How would you describe your soul?

If you’ve always wanted to know the answers to questions like:

1. What is the soul?
2. What does sin have to do with the soul?
3. What does the soul need?
4. How to restore an injured or hurting soul?

John Ortberg does an excellent job of explaining how you and I are more than a body, a mind, and free-will. You and I are souls, and there may be nothing more important than knowing about our soul’s care and keeping.

Pastor Ortberg draws upon his years of study and mentorship under the late Dallas Willard to provide readers with a guide to their souls, the gateway to a deeper relationship with God.”Your soul is not just something that lives on after your body dies. It’s the most important thing about you. It is your life.”

Quotes from Soul Keeping…

“You’re a soul made by God, made for God, and made to need God, which means you were not made to be self-sufficient.” In one of his books, Dallas has further explained, What is running your life at any given moment is your soul. Not external circumstances, not your thoughts, not your intentions, not even your feelings, but your soul. The soul is that aspect of your whole being that correlates, integrates, and enlivens everything going on in the various dimensions of the self. The soul is the life center of human beings.”

“Our world has replaced the word soul with the word self, and they are not the same thing. The more we focus on our selves, the more we neglect our souls.”

My mind may be obsessed with idols; my will may be enslaved to habits; my body may be consumed with appetites. But my soul will never find rest until it rest in God.

♥ The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel

I reread Lee Strobel’s books because they deal with facts … they always encourage my faith and give me tools I can use to share my own story of faith.

Lee Strobel wrote the following about this journey…

For much of my life I was a skeptic. In fact, I considered myself an atheist. To me, there was far too much evidence that God was merely a product of wishful thinking, of ancient mythology , of primitive superstition.

Then he spent nearly two years interviewing thirteen scholars and authorities on his quest for the truth about Christ. His “Case for” books present the facts and information gathered to the reader as a litigator would present evidence to a jury … facts and information that forever changed his life.

The reason I recommend reading and rereading Strobel’s books is I believe they will encourage your faith and give you tools you can use to share your faith with others.

Quotes from Lee Strobel…

“To continue in atheism, I would need to believe that nothing produces everything, non-life produces life, randomness produces fine-tuning, chaos produces information, unconsciousness produces consciousness, and non-reason produces reason. I simply didn’t have that much faith.”

“Christian faith is not an irrational leap. Examined objectively, the claims of the Bible are rational propositions well supported by reason and evidence.”

“I believe in Jesus on the basis of the historical evidence, but my relationship with Jesus goes way beyond the evidence. I have to put my trust in him and walk with him on a daily basis.”

♥ Your 100 Day Prayer: The Transforming Power of Actively Waiting on God – by John Snyder

This is by far, the best books on prayer I’ve ever read. It’s a book God placed in front of me in the middle of a book store when I was going through a very difficult time.

I’ve read and prayed through this book several times and I’m currently reading and journaling my way through it again.

When the need is so great, so seemingly impossible that only God’s direct intervention will ever bring it about, it takes a different kind of prayer. Your 100 Day Prayer is designed to take you straight to the heart and will of God by seeking him for a specific need. This book includes:
A dedicated page to express your need before God on the day you start your 100 day of prayer,
100 entries to help you focus your prayer through the truth of God’s Word and character,
Leading prayers to give you a jump start,
Writing space to capture your conversations with the Father and the spiritual transformation you experience day by day, and
A concluding page to memorialize how God answered your prayer and transformed you through the process.

Quote from Your 100 Day Prayer – A Prayer To Begin

Lord, as I embark on this journey of prayer, come and banish from my heart every last trace of self-reliance and captivate my mind with the truth that you are sufficient for my every need, great or small. Transform me by increasing my confidence in you, in all your extravagant forgiveness and mercy, and strengthen my trembling knees in the face of trouble. Cause my loved ones and me to emerge from this season of prayer with a fresh vision of Your glory, a new and lasting fearlessness, and a renewed devotion to Your purpose for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

♥ The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

This is another book I’m currently rereading…

I love the first question … What on earth am I here for?

Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions of life … swimming around in your own little fishbowl, feeling like there ought to be more?

If you’re longing for more … if you need a new perspective and new hope it just may be time to reread this book.

Quote – Rick Warren dedicated The Purpose Driven Life to you…

Before you were born, God planned this moment in your life. it is no accident that you are holding this book. God longs for you to discover the life he created you to live—here on earth and forever in eternity.
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11 (MSG)

And finally the #1 most important book you need to read, reread and then reread it again.

♥ The Bible … The Word of God

I promise you the more you read the Bible … the more you will fall in love with reading the Bible.

I’ve participated in more Bible Studies than I can count and although I’m still a fan, studies are primarily reading what someone else has to say about various and specific sections of Scripture.

And although valuable, I don’t want to rely simply on what someone else thinks about God’s Word … I want the Holy Spirit to speak God’s Word of truth directly to my heart and mind.

You see, through faithfully reading through the Bible every day I’ve not only fallen in love with reading the Bible … I’ve fallen in love with the Author.

Quotes from The Bible…

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Hebrews 4:12

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.
2 Timothy 3:16

Jesus prayed…

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
John 17:17–19

You are so very loved by the God of the universe.

The 5 best faith books will bless and encourage you and if you’re like me you need that reminder most when you’re caught in the middle of life’s daily routine!

P.S. I don’t benefit from the sale of any of these books and have not linked to any resources for you to purchase them. They are all available through Amazon as well as a variety of other book distributors. However, I am adding a link to my favorite version and translation of the Bible because the New Life Translation plus the Life Application Bible Study Notes blesses me.

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

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Jesus, Help Me Obey and Love with Faith and Patience

4 / 16 / 194 / 13 / 19

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.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses 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

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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

I’m so glad you’re here!

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

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

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

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

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

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

Loading InLinkz ...

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

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

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

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

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

And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Thank you and God bless!

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.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

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!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

You can also…

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?

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

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.

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 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.

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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.

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…

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

What would Jesus do?

What would give God glory?

#WWGGG

Subscribe to Blog via Email

What Gives You Hope When You Need It Most?

7 Promises from the Message that will Give You Hope When You Need It Most

God loves you.

God will meet every need you have.

God’s grace and forgiveness give you freedom.

God will protect you when you are tempted.

God cares for you and He is always with you.

God is always working for your good and His glory.

God promises you will have a home with Him forever and always.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You Need to Answer the Most Important Question About Faith

The Most Important Question

Here is my answer to – When it comes to what I believe … what if I’m wrong?

What if I’m wrong?

One more word from Jesus…

So, please ask yourself…

What if I’m wrong?

Subscribe to Blog via Email

5 of the Best Faith Books

♥ Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg

♥ The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel

♥ Your 100 Day Prayer: The Transforming Power of Actively Waiting on God – by John Snyder

♥ The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

♥ The Bible … The Word of God

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Jesus, Help Me Obey and Love with Faith and Patience

Please Lord Jesus, help me…

Subscribe to Blog via Email

5 Verses and Prayers that will Draw You Closer to Jesus

No More Rules Link Party

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Thank you and God bless!

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?

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Why You Need to Celebrate and Remember God is Good

Subscribe to Blog via Email

God, Please Make Me Emotionally Strong

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Faith

Hope

Love

Subscribe to Blog via Email

God, I Want to be More Like Jesus

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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

Subscribe to Blog via Email

God – I Need to be Strong and Courageous

Subscribe to Blog via Email

End the Year with 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers

I want to Pray 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

7 *Promises from the Message that will Give You Hope When You Need It Most***

God promises you will have a home with Him
forever and always.

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