5 Prayers that Thank God for His Amazing Grace

I can’t say it’s necessarily the way I was taught as a child … it just seemed to evolve over time.

I knew God had fully taken care of my salvation through Jesus sacrifice and that through faith in His amazing gift my eternal future was secure…

But my here and now — that was influenced by God’s favor given in response to my behavior.

I had childish faith!

Faith that believed God loved me more when I was “good” and less when I wasn’t.

Which is one of the reasons why I love the following quotes so much:

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not!” ~ C. S. Lewis

“The sin underneath all our sins is to trust the lie of the serpent that we cannot trust the love and grace of Christ and must take matters into our own hands” ~ Martin Luther

It took a lot of bumps in the road that send me deep into His Word before I finally believed I could completely trust God’s awesome amazing grace and love! Grace that covers my past and yours. Grace that forgives without any help from you or me. Grace that is undeserved and simply to be received with gratitude and joy.

It’s grace that changes our behavior, not our behavior that gains grace.

So, I’m hoping you’ll join me as I turn to God’s Word for a daily dose of grace — praying and praising Him for this awesome and amazing gift.

5 Prayers that Thank God for His Amazing Grace

Ephesians 2:8–9

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Father, thank you for Jesus, Your perfect gift of grace. I know my eternal future is secure because all You have done for me through Jesus. You have made me yours forever. Nothing can remove me from Your hand. (John 10:29) I am safe and secure in Your unchanging love. How can I begin to thank You?! With my life. I give You my all. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Romans 6:13b–14

So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

Father, how I have struggled to understand the freedom You give. Forgive me for believing I live under the Law’s requirements. Thank you for Your patience in teaching me Your truth. When my heart and mind are set on You — when I am fully surrendered and living for Your glory, then and only then can I know true freedom. By the power of Your Spirit help me keep me surrendered and grateful … and fully alive to serve and glorify You. Amen.

Hebrews 4:16

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Father, it overwhelms me that You want me to enter throne room in prayer. It is in that holy place where I have learned to “be still and know You.” (Psalm 46:10) It is there I have found Your mercy that forgives my foolish selfishness and Your grace that saves me. Thank you for Jesus, our example … who understands who I am, loves me, and helps me. Amen.

Romans 5:6

And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For, in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.

Father, You are kind and good. It is impossible for anyone to deserve what Jesus has done. Your grace is free, undeserved, and unconditional. There is nothing I can ever do to repay You for all You’ve done and all You continue to do in my life. I am saved by Your grace alone and in humble response I humbly thank you and offer myself to You. With Your Spirit’s help, may I live this day for Your glory. Amen.

2 Corinthians 13:14

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Father, Jesus is Your grace with flesh on. He revealed your love to us and Your Spirit reveals Your mercy, grace, and love in countless ways every day. Thank you for Your presence in my life. Your grace is truly amazing! In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Make an intentional effort as you go throughout the day to stop and celebrate God’s amazing gift of grace. Praise Him for the fact that there is nothing you can do to earn or deserve it.

God gives His grace simply because He loves you that much.

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I’m so glad you’re here!

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I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

When Fear and Worry Steal Your Joy

by and @ Latoya Edwards

Understanding the Role of the Holy Spirit as Our Helper

by Chizobam Idahosa

@ Beautiful in Jesus

When You’re A Low-Energy, Easily Tired Wife and Mother

by Sarah Behan

@ The Wholehearted Home

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How to Trust God’s “No” with 3 Powerful Words

8 / 28 / 178 / 28 / 17

Occasionally, I receive an email or prayer request from a reader who is walking through heartbreaking circumstances.

They have prayed and prayed, but God hasn’t moved and it seems as if He may allow the unimaginable to happen.

Maybe you’ve been there. Maybe you’re there now.

You can’t find a job and your savings is down to almost nothing.
Your child is in full-blown rebellion and you don’t know where to turn.
Your marriage is falling apart and you are losing hope.
Your loved one is ill and the doctors are not encouraging.
You desperately want a child and month after month the longing increases.
Your legal battle came out of nowhere and you’re overwhelmed.
Your friend rejected you and is turning others against you.

Your knees are getting raw from the hours you’ve spent crying out to God and you’re starting to wonder if this time the answer to your prayer is “no.”

We all know the typical response of most children to their parent’s “no” is “WHY!”

You and I are no different when it comes to our Heavenly Father. When we don’t like God’s answer, we want to know . . . why?

In all honesty, I’ve asked “why” more often than I care to admit. Almost as much as I’ve worried about the “what if” of each possible “no” answer to my pleas.

What if I never..?
What if they don’t..?
What if I can’t..?
What if I break..?

I am so thankful for God’s patience. He’s not a parent who says, “because I said so” as he walks away. He is the parent who lovingly holds us as we cry big ugly tears and tells me He’s at work even when I don’t understand.

It’s still hard though, isn’t it?

When God promised to work everything for the good of those who love Him, it’s hard when the good isn’t evident.

We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan. Romans 8:28 (NLV)

I believe there are 2 possible answers and 1 absolute truth to God’s good work in our lives.

2 Possible Answers to God’s Good Work in His Child’s Life

The good is clear and easy to see in my circumstances. I can feel the blessings in my life and the lives of the people around me.
The good is not clear. I can’t see it, but I trust that God is using my circumstances for His kingdom plans and purposes.

1 Absolute Truth about God’s Good Work in His Child’s Life

God’s Spirit is always working to bless me spiritually . . . drawing me close as He works in my heart, preparing me for eternal life with the Father, Jesus, and Himself.

Yet, if you’re like me, I always want possible answer #1! I want to see and feel the blessings in my life.

I mean, I’m happy when good things happen to other people but it’s hard when they get the “yes” I’m crying for. And keeping my heart and mind focused on eternity is harder when my today hurts so bad.

The absolute truth is, I’m never alone and Jesus understands. He experienced my pain as He prayed through blood, sweat, and tears…

“Father, if it can be done, take away what must happen to Me.” Luke 22:42

What if Jesus had rejected the Father’s “no?”

Where would we be if He had rejected the pain? If love hadn’t been enough?

But it was!

The rest of verse 42 says…

“Even so, not what I want, but what You want.”

That’s more than enough love! Love for the Father and for you and me.

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

And with the help of His Spirit within us, we have enough love, too.

“‘You must 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 (NLT)

Enough love even when we don’t get the answer we want.

How to Trust God’s “No” with 3 Powerful Words

I recently bought a bracelet that has one of my favorite quotes imprinted on it.

“As you wish!”

I like the movie The Princess Bride.

I love the quote, “as you wish.”

Throughout the movie, Princess Buttercup repeatedly asked Wesley to do chores some of which are unpleasant and his reply is always the same…

“As you wish.”

Eventually, Buttercup realized that Wesley was really saying, “I love you.”

My favorite quote:

“That day, she was amazed to discover that when he was saying “As you wish”, what he meant was, “I love you.” And even more amazing was that day she realized she truly loved him back.”

Jesus said, “As you wish” to the Father to save you and me. He said, I love you to the Father and I love you to an undeserving creation.

Look at more of 1 John 4…

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. v. 16

And…

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.We love each other because He loved us first. v. 18–19

So, I wear my bracelet as a reminder.

And when God’s answer to my prayer is “no.” When I can’t see the good He is doing— with His Spirit’s help, I will trust Him and say…

“As You wish!”

Trusting His love and His promises to hold me close and work for good.

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. Romans 5:5 (NLT)

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Stop Worrying! It’s Not Good for You

3 / 29 / 175 / 9 / 18

Stop worrying! It’s not good for you!

It’s bad for your health – mentally, physically, and spiritually.

But it’s easier said than done, isn’t it?

Life happens and there are plenty of things to worry about.

And with practice, you can turn worrying into a fine art as you try to foresee and prevent any and all possible problems.

I know what it’s like to be an expert worrier. “What if” questions dominated my thoughts.

So…

Take my word for it – or don’t – worrying doesn’t help anything. It is pointless and unproductive.

In fact, the negative effects of worry are so bad for us. It’s really not worth it.

The Bible has a lot of verses about worrying…

“The Lord Himself will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forget you. Don’t be afraid and don’t worry.” Deuteronomy 31:8

He [God] gives [people] the ability to accept their state in life and enjoy their work.They do not worry about how short life is because God keeps them busy with what they love to do. Ecclesiastes 5:19–20

“Don’t be afraid! Don’t worry! I have always told you what will happen. You are my witnesses. There is no other God but me. I know of no other Rock; I am the only One.” Isaiah 44:8

^“Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds.You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.” Matthew 6:26–27

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. Philippians 4:6

Without qualification . . . you and I are not to worry about anything.

Why? Because worry is a lack of trust. The more you and I trust God, the less we will worry.

It’s just that simple.

Well, simple to say . . . not so simple to do.

And Paul said in Philippians 4:Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

I was a very little girl when I first heard those words and even though I’ve them repeated often, I still struggled with fear and apprehension.

I worried about succeeding at school, my parent’s approval, the health and safety of people I loved, and what friends and teachers thought about me.

And it didn’t get any better after Rev and I got married and had children.

I worried about being the “perfect” mom, wife, daughter, and friend. I worried about never having enough time to accomplish everything. I worried about my children’s physical, mental, and spiritual health.

I don’t know, it just always seemed like there was more than enough to keep me busy worrying.

Then about a dozen years ago, God lovingly showed me the truth.

Even with all my worry . . . I couldn’t prevent some of the very things I’d worried about from happening.

So, for all my efforts all I’d done was hurt my health and ruin my mood.

I ended up on medication to treat anxiety and had to abandon my fight for perfection because let’s face it, an anxious and stressed out mom is hardly “perfect!”

Worry is worthless!

It didn’t prevent a child’s rejection, an extended life-threatening illness, a premature birth, divorces, and death.

But God…

Two of my favorite words.

But God showed His faithfulness, carrying us through crisis after crisis with His strength and love.

And I learned to worry less because as God carried us through I began to trust Him more. It’s like an outward growing circle – more trust -> less worry -> more trust -> less worry -> more trust!

Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. Psalm 40:11

For His unfailing love for us is powerful; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the Lord! Psalm 117:2

God is loving and faithful.

Yes, bad things happen. That’s why we worry. But focusing on potential problems is shortsighted thinking. God has an eternal plan for us. One that goes far beyond our temporary troubles.

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Corinthians 4:17

So, when I’m tempted to worry. I will trust God’s faithfulness and love.

And I will pray His promises.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22–23

Father, I trust your faithful love and mercy. Please forgive my doubt and help me trust you not only with my eternity but with today and tomorrow. Amen.

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him. They are the people He called because that was His plan. Romans 8:28

Father, I know You have a plan for me and Your plan is good. Even when my day has problems with Your help my heart will be at peace because You are with me. Amen.

My God will use His wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need. Philippians 4:19

Father, You promise to give me everything I need. You’ve given me Jesus and in Him, I more than enough to forever say, “It is well with my soul.” What more could I need. I will trust in You. Amen.

God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. Psalm 18:30

Father, I surrender all my worry and anxiety to You. I believe. Help my unbelief. With Your help, I can trust that everything You do is perfect and all Your promises are true. I can face each day with You, my shield and protection.

Please show me where I’ve failed to surrender to You. Forgive me. And help me, for I can face and do whatever You ask through Jesus, who gives me strength and courage. It is in His name I pray. Amen.

And with God’s help, I will stop worrying. It’s not good for me and it’s not good for you.

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You Need to Know the Ugly Truth About Temper Tantrums

3 / 20 / 173 / 17 / 17

Ooh, she was angry. I don’t know why. I don’t even know who.

But I could hear her shrieks coming from down the street. She was angry and wanted everyone to know it.

I don’t know whether it worked for her or not but temper tantrums and angry outbursts typically cause more problems than they solve.

We tend to think of tantrums as a toddler problem but…

A temper tantrum is an unplanned, unintentional expression of anger, often with physical and verbal outbursts.

So, based on that definition…

When was your last tantrum?

The last time you let everyone know that you were NOT happy? You were feet stomping, hands flailing, purple-faced angry?

Who was the recipient?

Your spouse.
Your children.
Your parents.
Your child’s teacher.
Your boss.
Your server at lunch.
Your neighbors.

I get it, they’re ugly and you’re squirming a little.

The truth is, even if you and I don’t want to call them temper tantrums any time we lash out in anger ranting at the closest victim . . . we can name it anything we want, it’s still a temper tantrum.

Temper tantrums are unattractive in children and downright ugly in adults.

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They are able to ruin a perfectly good day for both the tantrum thrower and the recipient.

Look at what King Solomon said about anger.

People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. Proverbs 14:29

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1

Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. Proverbs 29:11

Just as stirring milk makes butter, and twisting noses makes them bleed, so stirring up anger causes trouble. Proverbs 30:33

Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool. Ecclesiastes 7:9

Causes trouble.

Oh no.

Foolish.

Ouch.

Labels you a fool.

Double ouch.

Okay, you’re convinced. You’ve decided it’s time to shelve your angry outburst. Now what.

How can you and I stop our tantrum habit?

5 Wonderful and Doable Ways to Control Your Temper

1. Before you throw a tantrum . . . breathe.

Count to ten, count to fifty – anything to slow down and take time to calm down.

“When you own your breath, nobody can steal your peace.” ~Author Unknown

2. Before you respond to a tantrum . . . be quiet.

Refuse to scream and shout. One of the best teachers I ever had used to speak in a whisper when she was angry. She could quickly get our attention and rarely raised her voice.

“Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.” ~Unknown

3. Before you reward a tantrum, yours or anyone else’s . . . stop.

The person, child or adult, venting is often satisfied just to get an angry response. Do your best to remain calm. Memorize a scripture verse or quote to mentally recite when you’re tempted to react with anger.

“When things begin accelerating wildly out of control, sometimes patience is the only answer. Press pause.” ~Douglas Rushkoff

4. After a tantrum . . . confess.

We’re all going to “lose it” once in a while. As hard as it is to admit, anger happens. Stop the cycle by remembering Ephesians 4:26–27

When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day. Do not give the devil a way to defeat you.

5. Work out your anger with the Lord, repent and apologize.

Ask God for His forgiveness and go to person on the receiving end of your anger and ask for an opportunity to talk about it with humility and without excuses.

“Never ruin an apology with an excuse.” ~Benjamin Franklin

I’m so thankful Jesus showed us a better way to deal with each other without anger by speaking truth respectfully.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemies.’ But I say to you, love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. Matthew 5:43–44

If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? Even sinners love the people who love them. Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. Luke 6:31,36

How I wish I could control my anger and love people perfectly.

It’s hard, isn’t it?

But I’m not ready to give up or give in. With prayer, practice, and Holy Spirit power we can do a better job of using our words and controlling our tempers.

Finally, Quotes to Inspire

“Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.” ~Ambrose Bierce

“The greatest remedy for anger is delay.” ~Thomas Paine

My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily, because anger will not help you live the right kind of life God wants. James 1:19–20

It is wise to direct your anger towards problems — not people; to focus your energies on answers — not excuses. – William Arthur Ward

Do you know where your fights and arguments come from? They come from the selfish desires that war within you. James 4:1

“Anger is one letter short of danger.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

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

Friends, anger is a valid emotion. You and I will get angry on occasion. It’s what we do with it. Because when anger takes control it has the power to make us do and say things we don’t want to do or say. And that’s a problem.

So count to ten, speak softly, remember God’s Word, confess and apologize.

What’s your best tip for pushing pause and controlling your anger?

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The Best Advice for Learning About Life the Easy Way

3 / 6 / 173 / 6 / 17

There are those who say when you learn something the hard way you really learn it.

I suppose it’s true.

There is something about the lessons learned through pain that makes them stick.

I’ve never been a fan of learning the hard way. Not the one to enjoy challenging consequences . . . I listened to advice, followed the rules, learned from the mistakes of others, and lived controlled and cautious.

But there will always be thrill seeking individuals who feel the need to test the rules to find out if they really apply to them.

Whether you’re cautious like me or a thrill seeking boundary pusher there are lessons that can only be learned through experience . . . the hard way.

Things like…

No matter how hard you try you can’t make everyone love you.
Just because everyone is doing something, doesn’t make it right.
No matter how badly you’ve been hurt it’s important to forgive others.
Unkind words may not break bones but they leave scars.
You are stronger and braver than you believe.

Having learned both ways . . . I will always choose easy when possible.

So, I’ve come up with a list of things I want to do to make wise choices and avoid life’s unpleasant consequences when I can.

The Best Advice for Learning About Life the Easy Way

1. Pay Attention

Although it may seem obvious, too many of us are simply going through the motions of life instead of truly embracing it. We get so focused on personal busyness and challenges we fail to notice the countless things we could be learning from those around us.

So, look around. Notice what’s going on in the lives of your extended family, your friends, neighbors, coworkers, on the news, etc. Always ask, “What can I learn from this?”

It may be something to do as often as it is a NOT TO DO. And remember to learn from your own mistakes. Why repeat painful consequences if you can avoid them?

Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. Proverbs 18:15

2. Search for Help

The Bible is a storehouse of wise counsel for life. God’s truth is timeless and His commands are intended to bless and protect us not to spoil our fun.

And, Google is another friend. Information is available with a mouse-click. It won’t give you wisdom, but it will give you facts and examples. Search the words . . . “how to,” and you’ll find over 13 billion links to “how to” information. Fill in the blank and you can find help for almost anything.

My child, listen to what I say and treasure my commands.Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Proverbs 2:1–4

3. Ask a Mentor and Be a Mentor

Go to a trusted and wise advisor for advice and direction. We can learn so much from each other. Expertise isn’t required . . . because experience is a very effective teacher.

And be a mentor. Sharing what you’ve learned and the ways God has worked in your life can help prevent pain for someone else.

I can’t imagine the painful lessons we were spared because people took the time to mentor Rev and me.

Dear friends who helped us with…

parenting advice.
tips on nutrition and health.
inspiration for our faith.
wise financial counsel.
helpful homemaking tips.

Mentors help make smooth the journey and give comfort when the road is rough.

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The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Proverbs 27:9

“Mentoring is: Sharing Life’s Experiences and God’s Faithfulness” ~Janet Thompson

4. Take Notes

I keep journals everywhere. I have journals for post ideas. Prayer journals. Blessing journals. I’m thinking of starting a Life Lessons Journal where I stop and reflect on the day.

Some questions I’m asking…

What did I learn today?
What might I have done differently?
What went well?
What didn’t?

I want to confess my failures, know what to change, and celebrate my successes.

Obey my commands, and you will live. Guard my teachings as you would your own eyes. Remind yourself of them; write them on your heart as if on a tablet. Proverbs 7:2–3

5. Pray and Pray Again

Ask God for wisdom and guidance.

James wrote:

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

I love that you and I can ask God to help us pay attention, search for help, find a mentor, and take notes. That we can confess our mistakes and ask Him to help us learn from them. And we can ask Him to show us His better way.

Our loving God doesn’t want us to learn about life the hard way . . . so He gave us His Word full of truth to help and guide us.

Not because He wants to spoil our fun or make life less thrilling but because He loves us.

He wants us to know and follow His will.

The Lord is good and right; He points sinners to the right way. He shows those who are humble how to do right, and He teaches them His ways. All the Lord’s ways are loving and true for those who follow the demands of His agreement (Covenant). Psalm 25:8–10

Life will never be perfect.

You and I live in a fallen world and there will be plenty of moments that will teach us hard lessons, but with God’s help, we can avoid some of them. I’d like to avoid as many as possible.

I believe His ways keep us safer and happier and as far as I’m concerned safer and happier is better.

By God’s grace and with His help we can learn life lessons the easy way.

What do you think?

Where do you need His counsel to make better choices?

Ask Him. Your loving Father wants to help.

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15 of the Best Quotes about God’s Amazing Extravagant Love

2 / 3 / 172 / 3 / 17

I don’t know about you but some days I just don’t feel very lovable. It might be something as simple as a bad hair day. It’s hard to explain . . . it’s just a blah feeling I get once in a while.

Rev always has a way of making me feel better.

I can say, “I don’t feel very lovable (cute, adorable, put together) today.”

His answer is always the same…

“I’ll bet you do.”

Then he wraps his arms around me in a big ol’ hug. (Our kids think we’re kind of “cheesy.” We probably are.)

It’s funny, the thought hit me today about how awesome it is that I can go to my heavenly Father anytime, day or night, and say, “I don’t feel very lovable today. I’m sorry. I messed up. I failed you again.”

And His answer is always the same…

“I’ll be you do!”

Because…

Nothing you or I do can makes us unlovable.

God’s love isn’t about what we do or don’t do. Unlike our imperfect love, God’s love will never end or disappoint.

His love is perfect not because of who we are but because of who He is. He is love.

And He loves you and me with amazing extravagant love.

15 of the Best Quotes about God’s Amazing Extravagant Love

But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

Think about that for a minute. Let it sink in.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

God Himself gave His life for you and me.

“The maker of the stars would rather die for you than live without you. And that is a fact. So if you need to brag, brag about that.” ~ Max Lucado

He didn’t wait for us to get it right, to meet Him part way, to do anything—first.

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:10

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

The Apostle Paul wrote the following to Timothy.

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 13–14

No sin is so great that God’s love is not greater still.

King David – adulterer, murderer, and man after God’s own heart wrote about God’s unfailing love.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Psalm 143:8

A Father who is always watching and waiting for His lost children to return to Him.

While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt sorry for his son. So the father ran to him and hugged and kissed him. Luke 15:20

Children made His own through Jesus.

But to all who did accept Him (Jesus) and believe in Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They did not become his children in any human way—by any human parents or human desire. They were born of God. John 1:12–13

He loves each child as a one of a kind unique treasure.

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. ~ St. Augustine

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. How precious to me are Your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with You. Psalm 139:14, 17–18

So, for just a minute more…

Soak in these beautiful quotes about His love.

“God loves us as we are…not as we ought to be. because we are never going to be as we ought to be.” ~ Brennan Manning

“Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely. … He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.” ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“God’s unfailing love for us is an objective fact affirmed over and over in the Scriptures. It is true whether we believe it or not. Our doubts do not destroy God’s love, nor does our faith create it. It originates in the very nature of God, who is love, and it flows to us through our union with His beloved Son.” ~ Jerry Bridges

My friend, you are cared for and loved more than you know by the one and only, perfect, sovereign God of the universe . . . that is amazing extravagant love.

Now it’s time for…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

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I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

The Decision that will Change Everything

by Tahila

@ Women Abiding

and

Does Your Marriage Communication Stink?

by Julie Loos

@ Unmasking the Mess

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You Need to Know the Best Way to Stop Worry Now

1 / 23 / 171 / 23 / 17

I can’t tell you how many nights I spent wide awake worrying about everything.

So, I want to tell you something I wish I’d learned years ago.

You’re probably not surprised by my penchant for worrying. It’s the natural byproduct of fear and I had perfected the fine art of being afraid.

I worried when…

I had unexplained aches and pains.
Our children were sick.
People were impossible to please no matter how hard I tried.
Unexpected repairs messed with our budget.

I worried about…

Our Children
Rev
Illness
Death
Rejection

I worried about things I couldn’t change or control.

Seriously, what’s the point of worrying if you can do something? No, my best worrying happened when I felt helpless.

And feelings of helplessness typically hit me in the quiet hours of the night.

Maybe you can relate.

I was a worry addict and like many addicts, I had to hit bottom before I accepted that worried living—ain’t no way to live!

The Apostle Paul offered great advice about worry – well, about not worrying.

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

You Need to Know the Best Way to Stop Worry Now

♥ Pray

It may seem like I’m oversimplifying things and I know I always go straight to prayer but I believe prayer is that important.

You see, I chose worry over prayer because I believed lies like…

My problem was too trivial to bother God with it.
My fear was too great to surrender it to God.
My concerns were things that happened to someone else.
Deep down I worried that God may not want to or worse yet couldn’t prevent it.

For me, worrying was a trust issue! Maybe it’s a trust issue for you, too.

I hit bottom. All my worry hadn’t helped me or prevented several of the bigger things I’d spent waaaay toooo much time worrying about. At the bottom, I realized I had a decision to make…

Was I just going to trust God with my eternal destiny or could I trust Him today, believing that my eternity began the moment Jesus entered my heart.

So, I turned to…

♥ His Promises

I started clinging to two of my favorite verses from Isaiah…

Have you never heard?
    Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
    No one can measure the depths of His understanding. Isaiah 40:28

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

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read through the Bible in the last 12 years because I have to know all I can about God. So, I read and reread both the Old and New Testament to know the faith-filled people who trusted God’s love and surrendered all to walk with Him in the daily.

That daily walk of faith defeats worry because when I’m tempted to worry now, I turn and take my worries to the heavenly throne room, trusting God will hear and meet every need. Prayer helps me to…

♥ Trust His Love

I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is.May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:14–19

Trusting God’s love makes it possible for me to trust that He will always…

♥ Act for Good and His Glory.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

By God’s grace, I seldom worry these days. I would love to tell you it was like flipping a switch. You know, one of those holy moments where everything changed and I never worried again. I can’t.

So friends, be patient the road to a life without worry is not a super-highway. But God will not fail you as you travel it. He will faithfully meet your every need even if He asks you to live through the very thing you fear.

Ooooh, I didn’t like several of the mile markers along that winding road but God never left me. He faithfully comforted me and gave me strength. And ultimately gave me His peace that goes beyond understanding.

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6–7

That sums it up, doesn’t it?

Let me ask you a question . . . just something to think about.

How would your relationships look if you stopped worrying?

Your relationship with your…

spouse.
children.
parents.
friends.
coworkers
etc.

What if you decided to do what you can and trust God with the rest?

Then, when you’re tempted to worry . . . turn and run to the throne room in prayer, grab hold of His promises, trust His love, and know without a doubt that God is always at work for the good of His children and for His glory.

I’m praying for you. If you have a specific worry you’d like me to take to the Lord, leave it in the comments or leave a prayer request on our Blessing Counters Pray Page.

You can do this.

Believe me, if God can deliver this worrier He can deliver you!

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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Why It’s Better for Rule Followers to Surrender to Love

7 / 22 / 167 / 22 / 16

I’m a first-born rule follower. I like rules. I understand rules. Rules make sense.

If you do A and B happens and you definitely don’t do X if you want to prevent Y from happening.

It’s simple like math.

Rules are black and white.

And following the rules pleases people . . . especially parents, teachers, and people in authority.

Rule followers understand following the 10 Commandments. And most importantly they have to be careful they don’t fall in line with the Pharisees and obey God to earn whatever it is they believe He can give them.

It’s a little harder for those of us who like to follow the rules to understand the idea of surrendering to love because…

Love is less like math, less black and white.

Love seems gray. Because as imperfect people you and I have experienced imperfect love.

Let me explain –

Have you ever had your heart broken? Beth Moore asks it this way in Living Beyond Yourself, “Who didn’t love you? Who didn’t love you that was supposed to love you?”

If you’ve given your heart away to someone only to have it crushed; you understand the problem of surrendering to love. You see once you have trusted someone enough to love them if they hurt or betray you . . . your walls of defense go up. A self-preserving decision that says, “I don’t ever want to feel like that again.”

We’ve all been hurt by someone.

And that makes it almost impossible to grow up without some brick and mortar being added to our defensive walls. And that means going forward most of our love relationships will have an element of self-protection and lack of trust.

Too often you and I paint God with a “human” brush.

He asks us to surrender completely to His perfect love . . . we wonder, “Can I really trust His love, or is He just like all the others?”

Add in the world’s adversity and affliction . . . how often have you been asked, “If God is good and loving, why is there so much pain and suffering?”

And the old lie Satan has been whispering since the garden, telling us God is holding out on us and if He really loved us He’d want us to be happy.

It’s easy to see how you and I can become rule followers trying to earn a right relationship with God.

In many ways, rules just seem easier. They make sense. Obey the rules and avoid the consequences of pain and suffering. Obey the rules and reap the rewards.

It’s supposed to work, isn’t it?

Even if we don’t admit it . . . many of us hold on to a bit of that belief just in case. (Look at the doctrine of every other world religion that teaches a message of good works to earn paradise.)

There’s a huge problem with that message because we won’t obey the rules perfectly and no matter how hard we try to follow the rules there is no guarantee we’ll avoid pain and suffering. In fact, the opposite is true.

Jesus said, In this world, you will have trouble. John 16:33

And “trouble” sends us right back to the thought, “If God is good, how can He allow..?”

A loving God and a world in trouble can leave you and me with a “crisis of faith.”

What do you do when you have a faith crisis?

Jesus said we should ask, search, and knock.

“Ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you. Matthew 7:7

Stillness and God’s Love

Going to God in stillness—asking, searching, and knocking you will find in book after book and page after page. In Old Testament and New…

God’s love has never changed, never faltered.

“Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” Exodus 34:6

O my Strength, to You I sing praises, for You, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love. Psalm 59:17

For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalm 100:5

God loves first, last . . . always.

God is love.This is how God showed His love to us: He sent His one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through Him.This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God’s love for us. He sent His Son to die in our place to take away our sins. 1 John 4:8–10

He will not love us less if we fail or more if we obey because love is who God is.

You and I don’t need a protective wall with Him. We can trust His perfect unfailing love completely.

And because we can trust Him we can surrender everything to Him.

Surrender to His Love

I used to focus on verses in the Bible that talked about love and obedience.

I show kindness to thousands who love me and obey my commands. Exodus 20:6

But I had it backwards.

Jesus, looking at the man, loved him and said, “There is one more thing you need to do. Go and sell everything you have, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.” Mark 10:21

Jesus knew this man’s heart. He knew he would choose to walk away, but He loved him anyway. He loved him before he surrendered . . . before he followed.

I pray each day and ask God to help me surrender . . . not to the rules, but to His perfect love. That He would help me simply…

Be still and know . . . Him. Psalm 46:10

Because the more I know Him the more I want to surrender to Him.

I know following the rules seems easier. It makes sense. You and I want to earn that reward. But our loving Father doesn’t work that way. He loves us first and most and you and I can trust Him completely.

Now it’s time for…

Faith ‘n Friends Blog Hop

I’m so glad you’re here!

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

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I’m excited to share the following posts with you this week.

Goldilocks Issues

by Laura Thomas
@ Laura Thomas Author

and

15 Practical Tips for Maintaining Peace

by Chizobam Idahosa
@ Beautiful in Jesus

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A Hard Truth I Promised about Prayer

4 / 18 / 167 / 7 / 16

I promised you we’d dig deep into prayer.
I promised we’d ask the tough questions.

And then I started writing today’s post. I collected every verse I could find about Jesus and prayer. How He modeled prayer. How He said to pray. What He said to pray.

It was a fine post. Scripture is always important. It always blesses.

But it’s not what I promised.

So in the middle of my writing, I got one of those Spirit nudges. A prompting to get real and keep my promise.

And tears well up and fingers hesitate because this is painful . . . my story of persistent prayer.

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Then Jesus used this story to teach His followers that they should always pray and never lose hope. Luke 18:1

I’ve shared here how the Lord pieced me back together after my world fell apart.

April 19th

Tomorrow is the anniversary of that day. The day our youngest child left. Eleven years ago.

I don’t talk about it outside of our family much because . . . in all honesty, people don’t know what to do with that information.

They have to wonder even if they don’t ask — what went wrong and who’s to blame.

I get it.

I was one of those young moms who quickly blamed parents for their children’s ongoing bad behavior.

I read every James Dobson book as faithfully as my mom read Dr. Benjamin Spock.

Like all parents,

I wanted to believe if I did it right I’d get the right outcome.

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And if you’re a young parent, I know you want to believe that too. But the truth is, you will only do the best you can. You’re not perfect and neither are your children. You came with free will. So did they.

Mom’s give each other grace. Stop critiquing and judging each other. If you don’t know the whole story . . . and you NEVER know the whole story, your judgments will never be anything but hurtful and unnecessary.

We need each other. Let’s give the same grace we’d like to receive. And pray for each other.

Back to the truth about persistent prayer.

Every day for eleven years I’ve prayed that God will heal my family. Every day like the father in the prodigal story, I’ve waited and watched.

Every day I hope and I love.

Do you have something you’ve been praying forever?

Be persistent. Don’t give up.

Jesus taught His followers to repeat their pleas to God as often as needed. Don’t you love that?

When my heart aches and I need to be reminded that God hasn’t forgotten about our circumstances any more than I have . . . I can go to Him for grace, love, and hope.

Friend, the Father who loves you wants you to come to Him often with whatever is on your heart.

His Word says:

Never stop praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. Romans 12:12

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He will strengthen your heart. Psalm 27:14

You must keep praying. Keep watching! Be thankful always. Colossians 4:2

Don’t give up. If it’s important to you take it to your Father. Trust His love and His perfect timing.

Eleven years . . . a long time. I never believed it would be this long.

At the beginning, I believed this was too hard. More than I could survive.

In my bio I wrote about “a Savior who gently and lovingly rescued me when I needed Him most.” He’s the One who pulled me out of the pit. He’s been my strength when I am weak. He’s my hope when I am hopeless.

By His grace, I cried, prayed, and grabbed my Bible. I turned to Him and held His promises close. I needed Him like I’d never needed Him before.

And friends, He was and is faithful.

I used to be afraid of everything. I believed like Humpty Dumpty I could crumble beyond repair. But I was wrong.

Yes, I crumbled but I wasn’t beyond repair. The Lord put the pieces of me back together and in the process delivered me from exaggerated fear. I know if He allows something He will give me the courage and strength to live through it.

Life is hard and when it’s hard we can crumble.

But God is greater than our circumstances.

God’s Spirit, who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

The One…

Who raised Jesus from the dead is able to raise you.
Who healed the sick is able to heal you.
Who fed thousands is able to provide for you.
Who comforted His followers is able to comfort you.
Who calmed storms is still able to do more than you could ever ask or imagine.

With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine. Ephesians 3:20

So, I will continue to pray with persistence. I will turn to Him every time my heart hurts. I will praise Him for strength and for healing. For scars because every scar shows His healing grace.

He is faithful. He is able. Pray about everything and never give up.

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

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The Faith Project Update – Why I Need Uncomplicated Love

2 / 12 / 167 / 7 / 16

In life. In faith. In everything.

It’s all about love.

One little word.

Love should be simple, but . . . oh, it’s COMPLICATED! Isn’t it?

From first breath to last we crave it, chase after it, abuse it, embrace it, take it for granted, cherish it, and…

I’ve thought a lot about this first update on love for The Faith Project in February.

Love – easy to write about harder to live.

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How we mess it up.

I shared my list of 45 Things We’ve Learned in 40+ Years of Marriage. In a perfect world that list would be easy to follow.

But you know the truth. One person is a morning person and the other a night owl. One loves to give and receive presents and the other just wants help around the house. One is a saver the other a spender. And love gets complicated.

I offered 25 Ways to Love Yourself God’s Way. There’s even a free printable to go with it. But if you’re like me regrets creep in. Guilt whispers. And you don’t even like the person you see in your reflection. Add to that a culture that distorts and idolizes beauty and well, like it said . . . it’s complicated.

10 Ways to Love the People at Church When You Don’t Want To. Another great idea if only it wasn’t so hard. And I could almost hear your minds thinking, ” That’s easy for her to say, she hasn’t been at MY church. She hasn’t met ________. Those people really hurt me.” And once again, love is complicated.

Even Loving God – Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength gets complicated when He says “no” to your heart’s desire. When a loved one dies. When you can’t conceive. When your dream job goes to someone else. When we wonder . . . why?

So, I sat and prayed about what to write today. How do I give an update on this subject that I too, find easier to talk about than live.

By God’s grace, His quiet voice said, “It’s okay. I love you.”

And that’s always what it comes back to isn’t it?

God’s love – where this thing called love began.

Because it’s not only what He does, it’s who He is.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16

God didn’t complicate love. We did. We do.

So, I’m going to take all my complicated and confused me-ness and lay it before God’s truth about love.

John beautifully explained God’s love in 1 John 4:

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 1 John 4:7

It’s His love working in and through you and me that makes it possible for us to have moments where our love is less selfish . . . less about receiving and more about giving.

As we live in God, our love grows more perfect. 1 John 4:17

And on those days when I’m cranky and impatient, when I’m achy and irritable when I have trouble letting go of self . . . His love covers me with mercy and offers me grace to try again.

It covers you too.

I won’t give up. I’ll surrender my selfishness and trust His perfect uncomplicated love. You too?

Now it’s time for…

Faith ‘n Friends Blog Hop

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@ Above the Waves – Trusting in Jesus

Sacred Stones

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The Faith Project – It’s Exciting – Love is in the Air

2 / 1 / 167 / 7 / 16

Love is in the air and I’m excited! It’s February so of course, The Faith Project has to examine and live out love.

What can you expect?

Ways to live out loud our love for God, and tips and ideas to help you apply the 5 Love Languages to your relationships.

I believe intentionally looking for ways to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength . . . and loving the people around me well will bless my relationships and grow my faith.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Love is universally talked about and wanted. The word itself comes with a long list of definitions. And in this imperfect world . . . living it out is full of both the wonderful and painful.

Love is complicated and confusing isn’t it?

Let’s look at that list of definitions from Miriam-Webster Dictionary:

1a(1): strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties <maternal love for a child>(2): attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers (3): affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests <love for his old schoolmates>b: an assurance of affection <give her my love>

2: warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion <love of the sea>

3a: the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration<baseball was his first love>b(1): a beloved person: darling —often used as a term of endearment (2)British —used as an informal term of address

4a: unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as (1): the fatherly concern of God for humankind (2): brotherly concern for others b: a person’s adoration of God

5: a god or personification of love

6: an amorous episode: love affair

7: the sexual embrace: intimacy

Is it any wonder we get confused? Love can mean anything from simple affection to passion or enthusiasm to devotion. Pretty non-specific.

Aren’t you glad God gives us a better definition?

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13: 5–8

That’s what we want. Love that is perfect patient, kind, non-envying, non-boastful, humble, other-centered, patient, truthful, hopeful, unfailing, and forever.

So, we chase after it but too often miss it.

God’s perfect love lived out among His children.

For today, let’s stop and breathe in the love God has for you and me.

Don’t miss – 10 Things You Need to Remember You are Loved.

And then hold close to your heart:

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. 1 John 4:16

All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:3–5

I’m excited about digging deep . . . looking at ways I can better love God and the people He puts around me.

For now, let’s look at a few more quotes . . . God’s Perfect Love for You –

“God is love. He didn’t need us. But he wanted us. And that is the most amazing thing.” ~Rick Warren

“We sinned for no reason but an incomprehensible lack of love, and He saved us for no reason but an incomprehensible excess of love.” ~Peter Kreeft

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” ~C.S. Lewis

“There’s no place too dark for God’s light to penetrate and no heart too difficult to be set aflame by His love.” ~Sammy Tippit

“Your worth is based on the price someone is willing to pay for you, and God almighty paid for you with His precious Son, Jesus.” ~Rebecca Bryan

“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

God lives. God loves. God loves you. Today. Tomorrow. Forever and Always.

You and I have everything we need to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We receive it through God’s love, grace and mercy.

Let The Faith Project’s look at love begin.

Freedom – What’s Good and What Needs to be Better

1 / 29 / 167 / 7 / 16

The last post of the month – The Faith Project look at Freedom – What’s Good and What Needs to be Better.

Freedom from…

Sin, Death, and Satan’s Power
Your Past
Your Inner Pharisee
Fear

Freedom to…

Sin Boldly
To Worship in Spirit and Truth
Plan Your Messy Life
Be Who You’re Created to Be
LIVE

So, What’s Good?

After this month-long look at freedom, I am more confident of who I am in Christ. I am free.

You are too. You are free!

True, you’ve heard this ever since you first heard about Jesus, but do you really believe it? Really?

Have you completely rejected your inner Pharisee? Are you free from trying to please God to earn His favor? Are you filled with His peace? Are you able to reject the enemy’s lies? How about the fear He throws at you?

By God’s grace, I’m doing better. I am able to get up each morning and say, “My Father loves me.” His love never includes an if. He will not love us more – if. Nor will He love us less – if.

God’s love never includes an if. #thefaithproject #blessings #myfatherlovesme

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That truth is helping me to completely let go of the past. That’s huge!

It’s also helping me worry less about what others are doing. My inner Pharisee shrinks when I pray with compassion and love. And my goal is to pray about everything.

As a side note – Rev and I finally watched War Room last week. Wow! If you haven’t seen it yet, please watch it as soon as possible. You’ll know why there are so many pins and posts on how to set up your war room.

If you need a spark to add passion to your prayers . . . this is it. Too many of us are praying weenie prayers.

I would say I was simply trusting God to do what’s best and that He knows my heart and my prayers whether I fall to my knees or not and cry them out to Him. And while that’s all true. I believe I’m missing out on so much when I fail to go to battle with my prayers.

Back to The Faith Project

Taking a closer look at worship has really blessed me. I’m going to church services praying that God will take my focus off my preferences asking Him to help me simply center my focus on who He is and why I’m there. I’m also trying to spend time every day intentionally worshipping Him simply for who He is. Wow! What a way to change my attitude!

What Needs to be Better?

I’m still planner challenged. That isn’t going to change in a week’s time. I appreciate all of your encouragement. Many of you told me to stick with it and not give up. Thank you! I’d love to know more of your favorite tips.

You’d think after six decades I’d be comfortable in my own skin. Not so much. So . . . I’m still asking God to give me His peace and use me as He wants. Old habits of second guessing and dissatisfaction are hard to give up; so, that’s a prayer I’m taking to my war room.

My takeaway for the month – Freedom, real freedom, in Christ Jesus is an amazing gift from God . . . one to wholeheartedly embrace 24/7.

If you missed any of the conversations on freedom
you can find the links at the top of this post.

Please take a minute or two to tell me how you’re doing.
How are you embracing God’s grace?
How is He giving you freedom?
Where are you digging deep after Him?
What is your biggest challenge?

Finally, I have something to ask you. Will you please join me in crying out to God for our nation?

I’ve been thinking about Old Testament “politics” lately. The Children of Israel were afraid of the nations around them so they begged God to give them a king. He told them they didn’t need a king because they had Him. But they whined, complained, and pleaded; so, He gave them what they wanted.

And it didn’t turn out well for them!

Will you join me in praying that God will give us the leaders He knows will best lead our nation!

May we start a prayer revival.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14–15

And will you please spread the word and ask people to join in praying this simple prayer:

Now it’s time for…

Faith ‘n Friends Blog Hop

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No Awards? No Recognition? No Problem!

1 / 25 / 167 / 7 / 16

Did you know . . . it’s award season?

I know how could you miss it. Right?

Countless celebrities looking for their trophy and recognition. But the celebrities aren’t alone are they? We all want that “I’m better than you are” recognition. We’re always keeping score.

In our career. Our lifestyle. Our parenting. Then there’s our weight, wardrobe, and wrinkles. Our stuff. Our status. And don’t even get me started on our blogs.

I try not to care, but I’m guilty too. I can feel just fine about my little corner of the blogging world until I go blog hopping and notice that you’re getting waaaay more shares and likes than I am. Or your comments go on forever. Or…

And what does it all lead to? Dissatisfaction! And let me tell you there is no joy in dissatisfaction.

Isn’t that where the enemy wants to keep us? Dissatisfied?

But that’s NOT where God wants us.

He created each of us for His plans and purposes.

God created the heavens and earth . . . everything and He decided He wanted one of you too.

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Why? To bring Himself glory.

It’s really that simple. You and I are created to glorify God in ways that we alone are able to fulfill.

Why would we want to compare ourselves on a horizontal scale when God’s plans and purposes for us are limitless?

I’m so short-sighted. You too?

We’re short-sighted when we look at awards and recognition and forget about what’s happening in the spiritual realm behind the scenes.

Have you heard of Edward Kimball?

A Sunday school teacher named Edward Kimball won a shoe store clerk to Jesus—his name was D.L. Moody.

D.L. Moody traveled to England and awakened the heart of a young pastor —F.B. Meyer.

F.B. Meyer became one of the great Bible expositors, came to the U.S.A. and preached on college campuses, and was used to convert a student to Christ—Wilbur Chapman.

Wilbur Chapman attended one of Moody’s meetings in Chicago and became D.L. Moody’s co-worker.

Wilbur Chapman employed an ex-baseball player as his assistant—Billy Sunday.

Billy Sunday became a great evangelist and preached in Charlotte, North Carolina, at a meeting organized by the Billy Sunday Layman’s Evangelistic Club (renamed Christian Business Men’s Committee or CBMC).

CBMC invited an evangelist to Charlotte; his name was Mordecai Ham.

Mordecai Ham preached in the tent meeting where Billy Graham was saved. (Billy Graham Org.)

And I can’t tell you how many people I know who have said their lives were changed by God at a Billy Graham Crusade.

Was Edward Kimball any less important to the kingdom than D.L.Moody, Billy Sunday, or Billy Graham? I don’t think so.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Matthew 6:19

I want to stop caring about those earth bound treasures like awards and recognition. I want to stop giving away my joy at the altar of comparison. I want to stop looking at what and how you’re doing and ask God to use me however He chooses.

What do you think? Are you in?

I want to get up each day thankful with my heart and mind focused on the unique opportunities God has for me.

Things to do, prayers to pray, encouragement to give, hands to hold, shoulders to hug, praise and thanks to lift. Lives to touch. Unique moments that only I will have.

And you will have yours.

The more I’ve written today the more foolish I feel. Why in the world would I want to look for awards and recognition? Why do I waste my time and my joy on comparisons?

My Father is the God of the universe. I am loved by the King of kings and Lord of lords.

And so are you!

Paul said,

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise—Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8–9

What is true…

Whether or not you and I get thousands of fans and followers, trophies or treasures we are:

Loved by God – 1 John 4:10, John 3:16, 1 Chronicles 16, Ephesians 2:4–5
Precious to God – Psalm 72:14, Psalm 139:17
Uniquely Made by God – Psalm 139:14
Known by God- Luke 12:7, Psalm 139
Given a Purpose from God – Jeremiah 29:11,
Guided by the Spirit to Fulfill that Purpose – Psalm 16:7, Galatians 5:16
Redeemed by God – Psalm 103:4, Luke 1:68–69
Changed by God – Romans 2:29, Isaiah 29:16
Used by God – Ephesians 2:10, Acts 20:24

No awards? No recognition? No fame? No riches? No popularity? No problem.

In fact, it’s perfect . . . because we are loved and precious. Uniquely made for something so much more important than applause. We are made for the divine purpose of God.

Today I’m praying for God to help me focus on His love and remember that His unique often unnoticed plans for me have a greater purpose than I can imagine. Will you join me?

How to Make Your Not Good Enough More than Good Enough

12 / 16 / 158 / 12 / 18

The other day while I was praying, I asked the Lord what He wanted me to share with you,
and I felt Him say, “Tell them they’re not good enough.”

“Lord, don’t You want me to tell them they are good enough.”

“No. Tell them they’re not good enough.”

“Lord, that will not help my blog stats!
People want to hear how good they are, not that they fall short.”

And again, “not good enough.”

But before I started writing about falling short, I decided to search the internet those back-patting quotes that attempt to make us feel better about ourselves…

I found:

and

or
and many more.

You and I so desperately want to be “good enough.”

But when I stop long enough, to be honest with myself,
I know I’m not or I wouldn’t crave constant affirmation!

Like you, I love morale-boosting quotes,
but they really only help for a moment or two. Right?!

Simple pat on the back encouragement never lasts because I know the truth.

I fall short as a:
Spouse
Parent
Child
Friend
Neighbor
Follower of Christ
and so much more!

No matter how hard I try…
or how often I tell myself I’m good enough,
I know I’m flawed and that’s frustrating.

But accepting the truth that I’m “not good enough,”
is the beginning of really good news…

I don’t have to be good enough!
And you don’t either!

You and I can stop trying to do it all.
We don’t have to look perfect and impress others.
We can stop trying to please everyone around us.

We can let go of the quotes, slogans, and pep talks that will never satisfy
or convince us we’re better than we know we are.

For years, I tried everything.
I tried people-pleasing and rule-following.

I read self-help books by the dozens . . .
anything that would give me direction and make me feel better about myself.

I tried everything I could think of, but NOTHING WORKED!

Then God showed me the problem…

I believed in Jesus, but…
I didn’t trust that God’s love and forgiveness are
UNCONDITIONAL.

Can you relate?

It took a life crisis that sent me to God’s Word and to my knees
for me to really accept that no matter how hard I try
I can’t save myself.

I’m a sinner!

For everyone has sinned;
we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Romans 3:23

And I need Jesus!

The amazing thing is when I finally surrendered my mess,
my not good enough, and repented … everything changed.

I discovered what God knew all along.

Although, I’m not good enough…

I am loved.

Just the way I am.

Not good enough. Undeserving. Yes!

But perfectly and completely loved.

And you are too!

Look at just a few of God’s promises:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
Jeremiah 31:3

God’s love is perfect, lasting, unconditional.

God loved the world so much that
He gave His one and only Son.
John 3:16

The gift of Jesus, God’s one, and only Son,
is the Father’s, unconditional love.
His grace, mercy, forgiveness now and always.

So, although, it’s true, you and I are not good enough,
we can completely trust and count on the One who is.

Jesus
God’s love and forgiveness in the flesh.

He is more than enough!

And…

When I stopped trying to make everyone happy.
Stopped trying to do it all.
Stopped comparing myself to others.

When I accepted that I am not now, never was and nor will I ever be…
good enough on my own…

That’s when I really began to cherish the gift of Jesus.

Overwhelmed by HIS LOVE

Our hearts really do change when we look at the cross and see
the One whose perfect love and sacrifice covers our not good enough.

He said,
“My grace is all you need.
My power works best in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

Humble weakness surrendered to the King of kings,
is covered by God’s grace and filled with the Spirit’s power.

And that’s all we need!

On my own, I’m not good enough.
I’m pretty sure you’re not either.

But God…

Through Christ Jesus, has made us better than just good enough,
He’s made us…

Forgiven
A New Creation
Righteous
Holy
His Child
Free
Complete
Perfect
Loved!

Jesus is the blessing of Christmas
and the miracle of Easter.

The Way, the Truth, and the Life!

So stop.
Breathe in His love.
Breathe in His grace and mercy.
Breathe Christ Jesus into your need for affirmation.

He alone is the One who makes not good enough . . . more than enough.

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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Thankful Thirty – Accepted by God through Jesus

11 / 2 / 157 / 7 / 16

Our youngest loved school . . . except for one year.

That year her class had a “queen bee” who ruled the girls like a dictator. Some days you were accepted by the group and others you were not. And it all depended on the whims and wishes of the queen. Too many days ended in tears and frustration for our normally happy daughter who couldn’t understand why some days she was in and others she was out.

It didn’t matter how hard she tried everyday was met with uncertainty and insecurity. Unfortunately moods and feelings determine our standing with people.

But thanks be to God, through Jesus we are accepted—always!

Thankful Thirty – Accepted by God through Jesus

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace^[a] with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Romans 5:1–2

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9–10

God did this to demonstrate His righteousness, for He Himself is fair and just, and He declares sinners to be right in His sight when they believe in Jesus. Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. Romans 3:26–28

“We are children, perhaps, at the very moment when we know that it is as children that God loves us – not because we have deserved his love and not in spite of our undeserving; not because we try and not because we recognize the futility of our trying; but simply because he has chosen to love us. We are children because he is our father; and all of our efforts, fruitful and fruitless, to do good, to speak truth, to understand, are the efforts of children who, for all their precocity, are children still in that before we loved him, he loved us, as children, through Jesus Christ our lord.” ~Frederick Buechner

You and I are not accepted because of what we do. We’re not accepted because of who we are.

We are accepted because of whose we are.

But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much,that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4–6

Faith is realizing what God has done for us through Christ Jesus. A gift of grace give in love.

A gift that makes us accepted by God forever and always.

Father, Thank you for accepting me through Jesus. Not because of what I do. Not because of who I am. But because I am united to Jesus through the gift of faith. In a fragile and fickle world You give us the assurance of acceptance. On Christ the solid Rock, I stand. Accepted. Thank you! In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Photo Credit – BossFight.co

It’s grace that changes our behavior, not our behavior that gains grace.

5 Prayers that Thank God for His Amazing Grace

Ephesians 2:8–9

Romans 6:13b–14

Hebrews 4:16

Romans 5:6

2 Corinthians 13:14

by and @ Latoya Edwards

by Chizobam Idahosa

@ Beautiful in Jesus

by Sarah Behan

@ The Wholehearted Home

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Thank you and God bless!

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It’s still hard though, isn’t it?

2 Possible Answers to God’s Good Work in His Child’s Life

1 Absolute Truth about God’s Good Work in His Child’s Life

What if Jesus had rejected the Father’s “no?”

How to Trust God’s “No” with 3 Powerful Words

“As you wish!”

“As You wish!”

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

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Stop worrying! It’s not good for you!

The Bible has a lot of verses about worrying…

Without qualification . . . you and I are not to worry about anything.

Then about a dozen years ago, God lovingly showed me the truth.

Worry is worthless!

God is loving and faithful.

And I will pray His promises.

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5 Wonderful and Doable Ways to Control Your Temper

1. Before you throw a tantrum . . . breathe.

2. Before you respond to a tantrum . . . be quiet.

3. Before you reward a tantrum, yours or anyone else’s . . . stop.

4. After a tantrum . . . confess.

5. Work out your anger with the Lord, repent and apologize.

Finally, Quotes to Inspire

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The Best Advice for Learning About Life the Easy Way

1. Pay Attention

2. Search for Help

4. Take Notes

5. Pray and Pray Again

Life will never be perfect.

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15 of the Best Quotes about God’s Amazing Extravagant Love

God Himself gave His life for you and me.

He didn’t wait for us to get it right, to meet Him part way, to do anything—first.

No sin is so great that God’s love is not greater still.

A Father who is always watching and waiting for His lost children to return to Him.

Children made His own through Jesus.

He loves each child as a one of a kind unique treasure.

Soak in these beautiful quotes about His love.

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You Need to Know the Best Way to Stop Worry Now

♥ Pray

♥ His Promises

♥ Trust His Love

♥ Act for Good and His Glory.

Let me ask you a question . . . just something to think about.

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Too often you and I paint God with a “human” brush.

Stillness and God’s Love

Surrender to His Love

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So, What’s Good?

Jesus
God’s love and forgiveness in the flesh.