A Simple Way to Strengthen Your Faith in the Lord

11 / 30 / 2011 / 30 / 20

If you, like so many others, are longing to strengthen your faith in God, I believe this will help you and give you hope in the truth of His forever promises. #God'sPromises #StrongerFaith #Hope #NewBook #BookReview #Journal #Women'sJournal #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

Jesus and His inner circle had just descended from the mountain of Transfiguration.

And talk about a mountain top experience!

Can you imagine witnessing Jesus in His GLORY standing and talking with Moses and Elijah? It’s hard to envision, isn’t it?

The next verses are easier to for me to get my brain around as many of us have experienced that feeling of crashing into life’s realities after a great spiritual high.

Really, can’t we all relate to arguing and feeling overwhelmed and desperately needing healing and falling short?

AND can’t we relate to the pleading father’s words:

“Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him . . . I asked your disciples but they couldn’t do it. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
Mark 9:17–18, 22b (paraphrase mine)

I picture Jesus with a twinkle in His eye as He said:

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’? Anything is possible if a person believes.”
Mark 9:23

But it’s the father’s next words that have been indelibly imprinted on my heart:

“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24

Haven’t we all had times when life is overwhelming—when our circumstances are painful and we filled with fear? Times when we, like the father, cry out, “I do believe…”

♥ Help me when I doubt!
♥ Help me when I’m anxious and afraid!
♥ Help me when I’m overwhelmed!
♥ Help me when I need to simply trust You!
♥ Help me and strengthen my faith!

The Life Application Bible Notes for the father’s plea say:

No matter how much faith we have, we never reach the point of being self-sufficient. Faith is not stored away like money in the bank. Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus.

A friend and I spent some time talking this past week about what an exceptionally hard year 2020 has as been for everyone. The kind of year when many of us are crying out for more faith and hope . . . for a stronger relationship with the Lord.

Like the father, we’re pleading…

“Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief!”

And that’s my prayer! Lord, help me stand strong on the firm foundation of faith found in Jesus.

So, I’d really like to tell you about something that has helped me and I believe will help to strengthen your faith.

A Simple Way to Strengthen Your Faith in the Lord

I started reading through the Bible at a time when life’s circumstances knocked me into a pit of despair and I desparately needed God’s help.

Over the past 15 years, God has gently and lovingly pulled me out of that pit and proven to me that:

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

The more I sought the Lord through His living and active Word and the more time I spent with Him in prayer His Spirit slowly and steadily strengthened my faith.

One of my favorite promises became:

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

Asaph, a musical leader in David’s courts, wrote those words thousands of years ago; and yet, they sound like they were written for 2020, don’t they?

This year it seems we all know someone or several someones with failing health and weak spirits.

My constant prayer has been that it’s the next words . . . the “but God” part of the verse that will become the focus of our hearts and minds.

But God…

is the strength of my heart (Psalm 73:26)
will be with you. (Genesis 48:21)
is my helper. (Psalms 54:4)
is strong. (Jeremiah 50:34)
showed His great love and faithfulness. (Romans 5:8)
encourages those who are discouraged. (2 Corinthians 7:6)
is so rich in mercy. (Ephesians 2:4)

Because it is the “but God” promises that are our faith strengtheners.

We are so blessed to have God’s promises to uplift our hearts and strengthen our faith every time we read them.

That’s why I started journaling my thoughts and prayers a couple of years ago. I wanted to have a place where I could write the promises God used to touch me and inspire my faith. I wanted to keep a record of the thoughts that God imprinted on my heart. And I wanted to use those promises and thoughts as prompts to write my prayers and talk with the Lord about the things He was teaching me.

So, when I was invited to write a Women’s Devotional Journal . . . I have to tell you, I was thrilled! You see, there is nothing I love more than telling people about the way God has patiently worked in my life. How He transformed my fear into faith and gave me hope. And I love helping and encouraging everyone and reminding them that they can trust Him to work beautiful blessings in their lives as well.

So, I am beyond excited to tell you about my new book.

I believe it will help to inspire you and strengthen your faith in the Lord!

52-Week Devotional Journal for Women!

PROMPTS AND PRAYERS TO REFLECT AND CONNECT WITH GOD

A little bit about this book:

No matter what your busy week may throw your way, God is with you every moment. So, allow yourself to take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional with scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts written just for women. You will strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith throughout the coming year.

Every weekly devotion begins with a scripture passage and an original reflection, followed by four succinct but stirring prompts to give you an opportunity to journal on your life, faith, and relationship with God.

The last prompt in each devotion inspires you to connect with the Lord through prayer surrendering your burdens . . . opening yourself to His wisdom and grace.

Together we will look at topics like – creating balance in daily life, learning to live guilt-free, help for finding peace in moments of pain, ways to seek Him and experience joy, and so much more.

I am so thrilled to be able to take this faith strengthening journey with you!

Please let me know how I can pray for you throughout the year ahead. What are your greatest hopes and prayers as you ask God to strengthen your faith?

May God bless you and your journey of faith.

Grab your copy of the
52-WEEK DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL FOR WOMEN
here!

Thanks so much for the ways you bless
and encourage me! God bless you!

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

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
Get your copy here!

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.

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I’m asking God to bless you today!

The Best Way to Avoid the Comparison Trap

10 / 26 / 2010 / 26 / 20

It's easy to fall into the comparison trap focusing on what's lacking in our lives while envying what seems perfect in someone else's. These tips will help... #ComparisonTrap #Envy #JoyStealer #socialmedia #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I don’t know about you but I have days when my less than ideal attitude can cause me to fall into the comparison trap. I start focusing on what’s wrong in me and around me and before I know it I’m measuring my life against an impossible “ideal.”

I know that’s not God’s plan for me. I know He wants better for me. I know He wants me to focus on the truth . . . what He says about me.

If you can relate to my struggle, I want you to know that God wants that for you too! He wants us to focus on the words of David…

I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul.
Psalm 139:14 (VOICE)

God made each of us as unique and wonderful parts of His creation made for His plans and purposes to live for His glory.

With that in mind, maybe God wants me (and you too) to think less about who I am and more about whose I am!

We belong to God. We are unique, one of kind, wonderfully complex created for this time and place for a reason.

I was not designed for your life and you were not designed for mine.

I don’t believe God wants us to sit around dwelling on our flaws and faults. He wants us to confess them to Him and repent. He wants us to surrender our lives to Him in faith and invite Him to work in us and through us for His glory.

If you struggle too. If, like me, you need a regular reminder . . . remember you are not alone. He has given us someone to help. We have the Holy Spirit.

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.
John 14:26 (AMP)

Think about that . . . you and I have the Spirit of the God of the universe with us to teach us and remind us of God’s TRUTH.

Are you ready to quit pushing the Spirit’s voice to the background while you waste time listening to the enemy’s lies that defeat and discourage you? Me too!

It’s time for us to consistently listen to the TRUTH. So, I’m making a list of God’s promises to help us.

Personal promises to help us remember who we are in Christ Jesus and help us avoid the comparison trap.

The Best Way to Avoid the Comparison Trap

Avoid the Comparison Trap – Remember Who You are in Jesus!

♥ You are Known – God Thinks about You

How precious are Your thoughts about ________, O God. They cannot be numbered!
Psalm 139:17

♥ You are Loved

I am writing to ________, who has been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:1

♥ You are a Child of God

But to _________, who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become a child of God. You are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
John 1:12-13

♥ You are a Friend of Jesus

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command … Now ________ is my friend, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
John 15:13–15

♥ You are a New Creation

If _________ belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NCV)

Because Christ Lives in You

__________ has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

♥ You are Chosen and Holy

Even before He made the world, God loved ________ and chose _________ in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.
Ephesians 1:4

♥ You are Chosen and Loved

God loves _________ and has chosen you to be His own… 1 Thessalonians 1:4
1 Thessalonians 1:4

♥ You are Dead to Sin and Alive in Christ

When He died, He died once to break the power of sin. But now that He lives, He lives for the glory of God. So ________ also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:10–11

♥ You are a Citizen of Heaven

________ is a citizen of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under His control.
Philippians 3:20–21

♥ You are God’s Masterpiece

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

♥ You have God’s Peace to Guard Your Heart and Mind

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

♥ You have Strength for Life

________ can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

♥ You are Victorious

Can anything ever separate ________ from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ________ through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:35, 37
Romans 8:35, 37

♥ You are Forever Safe in God’s Love

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

You know it’s kind of funny…

When you and I focus on ourselves, on our faults and failures, we get lost in the negatives and we spend precious time caught in a cycle of discouragement and disappointment. But when we take those disheartening comparison trap thoughts captive and surrender them to the Holy Spirit . . . He reminds us of the important truths of God’s promises.

Promises that remind us of who we are in Jesus.

And that truth gives us everything we need to face whatever God allows.

Remember these words today…

Read that again and again until it is firmly planted in your heart and mind.

I know I need to keep it close at hand. With the Spirit’s help, I will remember the truth that—it is well with my soul. And it’s well with my heart and mind, too!

May God bless unique and wonderful you today and always!

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!

What Happens When You Pray the Promises of God

10 / 3 / 197 / 29 / 20

God promised to give us everything we need for whatever we're living through. So, when I don't have the words ... I pray the promises of God. #Prayer #Faith #PromisesofGod #Hope

I always struggled to put my prayers into words. And in all honesty, most of the time, I tried to figure things out on my own before I’d pray about them.

When the kids were acting out, I’d read a couple of parenting books.
When one of us had health issues, I’d do a symptom check investigation.
When a relationship was strained, I’d go looking for advice from so-called relationship experts.

Oh sure, I prayed. But they typically went like this…

“Please heal __________.”
“Please help __________. “
“Please fix __________.”
“Please give __________.”

Now, I’m not saying those aren’t valid prayers or that we shouldn’t pray them. In fact, sometimes when I’m in the middle of a crisis and my emotions are frayed and thoughts scattered, those are the only words I can find.

But I’ve experienced something that has blessed and transformed my prayer life.

When I can’t find the words … God has filled Scripture with verses and prayers of His people. God’s Word gives me everything I need to go to Him with my burdens, gratitude, and praise.

The truth is, nothing you and I face is new to God. Solomon wrote…

History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.
Ecclesiasted 1:9

Nothing in our lives surprises or shocks our Father.

And He promises to give us everything we need for whatever we’re living through. So, when I don’t have the words … I pray the promises of God.

His Word helps me thank and praise Him, repent and implore. And praying Scripture imprints it on my heart and mind.

I’d love for you to join me as I …

Pray the Promises of God

This hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out His love to fill our hearts. He gave us His love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.
Romans 5:5

Father, Thank you for the amazing and overwhelming gift of Your love. Your creation shows Your love and care but the One who came … who lived and died to show us Your love is our promised hope. Through Jesus’ resurrection, You give us the promise of victory over sin, death, and satan’s power. And from His ascension on through time, You give us the Spirit’s presence to fill us with love and the hope that will not disappoint.

I believe Your Word and trust Your promises. Please fill me with all I need today through Your Spirit. Fill my heart with faith, hope, and love – three blessings I can count on now and eternally.

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.
Philippians 4:6b–7

Father, I need You!

It’s funny, I can make a long list of things I thought I needed in my life … things I brought to You through pleading whines that bordered on childish tantrums. And the truth I’ve learned is whether You answered me with a “yes,” a “no,” or you asked me to “wait,” You always gave me what I needed. You always gave me Your best. How can I begin to thank you?

And when my circumstances were painful and hard, You gave me what I needed to live through them one moment at a time. Your grace is sufficient! In every high and every low, You are able to give me exactly what I need.

Resting on that truth gives me the peace I need. Today, I ask You to help me remember all You have done for me in the past that I might experience Your peace today and hope for tomorrow.

The Lord is faithful; He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3

Lord, Thank you! You are faithful! You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Your children are safe under Your care.

When I look around, it feels like the enemy at work everywhere. Your Word says He will use every kind of deception to fool the world. And Jesus taught that we should pray and ask You to deliver us from evil.

Please protect me through the enemy’s attacks on my heart and mind. Give me the strength I need and keep me focused on You, Lord … remembering how You have faithfully given me the strength and protection I have needed in the past.

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

Father, these words are unsettling. I see churches adjusting to the world’s customs and behavior. James wrote, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.” I need wisdom. I want to know Your truth that gives freedom from the world’s lies. I want to know, trust, and follow Your will.

Please transform my heart and mind through Your Word and the power of Your Spirit. Make me humble and teachable. Help me listen and fill me with love. Give me the courage and strength I need to obey You even when everyone around me is not. I need You, Lord, and surrender myself to You.

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

Father, I rest my heart, mind, and soul on this beautiful promise. You are always working in my life doing what is best for my eternal future. I’ll admit, sometimes it’s hard to find the “good.” Sometimes people are cruel and life is painful. And in those moments, it’s hard for me to remain focused on You.

Help me cling to the promises that…

You are good. (Psalm 119:28)
You are love. (1 John 4:16)
You are my refuge and strength. (Psalm 46:1)
You are merciful. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
You are my Savior. (Psalm 68:20)

Whatever is going on around me … You are at work for my good and Your glory. I can trust this promise because I know that my ultimate good is to spend my life now and forever surrounded by Your glory and love.

Thank you, Father. In Jesus name. Amen.

So…

What Happens When You Pray the Promises of God

God promises to hear you. (1 John 5:14)

We are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him.

God gives you hope that does not disappoint. (Romans 5:5)
God gives you hard to understand peace. (Philippians 4:6–7)
God reveals His will for you. (Romans 12:2)
God gives you strength and protection for your circumstances. (2 Thessalonians 3:2–3)
God works in your life for your good and His glory. (Romans 8:28)

What is your favorite of the promises of God?
Think about how you might add it to your prayers.

Blessings!

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!

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When You Need to Know How to Be Strong – Put God First

9 / 2 / 199 / 2 / 19

When you and I know and trust God's promises we can put God first and live with the strength we need to follow His will even when life is crazy and hard. #Bible #Promises #Seek #Blessings #Faith

Would you describe yourself as someone who is strong? What about your faith? Is your faith strong?

I would like to be able to answer with a resounding “yes” consistently but the fact is, I’ve had times when I’m humbled by the strength God has given me and times when I’m ashamed at the way I’ve allowed fear to overwhelm me.

I’ve heard Jesus say…

Why do you have so little faith?

The truth is, my faith is weak when I fail to trust Jesus’ promise…

All the people in the world are trying to get these things, and your Father knows you need them. But seek God’s kingdom, and all your other needs will be met as well.
Luke 12:30–31 (NCV)

My faith is weak when I fail to seek God first … when life gets crazy busy and distractions lead to worry and anxiety.

You see, I’ve learned that I struggle most when I fail to consistently seek God first.

Which made me ask myself … what does seeking a God-first life look like?

I believe the answer is…

A God-First Life Trusts God’s Promises and Surrenders to God’s Will.

Before I can trust God’s promise … I need to know God’s promises!

Promises like:

For Your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Psalm 57:10

For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, . . . is God’s ultimate “Yes,” He always does what He says.For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for His glory.
2 Corinthians 1:19–20

But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
1 John 1:9

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27

The next thing I need to surrender is my will to the truth of God’s promises.

But I’m going to be honest with you. I fall short! I look around and see the many bad things happening in this sinful world and that’s when doubts creep in tempting me to hold back a little, trust a little less and do a little more of whatever I can to be in control my of own circumstances.

Yes, I’m guilty.

Like Eve, I have LISTENED TO THE ENEMY’s WORDS IN THE GARDEN. “DID GOD REALLY SAY?”

Maybe you can relate.

The problem is, when you and I fail to take those “Did God really say” doubts to the truth of God’s Word, we start to question His absolute truth and give ourselves permission to tweak His will a little here and there to make it align more comfortably with culture so we can be in control.

It’s crazy how many painful consequences we experience because we, like Eve and Adam, listen to the original words of temptation and allow our doubts to not only question but edit God’s will.

Imagine what would happen if we stopped before we grabbed the apple and took that bite? If we took our questions and doubts straight to God … surrendering our will again and trusting His promises one more time to give us the strength and power we need?

I love these words of 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.
He gives power to the weak
    and strength to the powerless.
Isaiah 40:28–29

God wants us to bring our doubts and questions to Him, so He can replace them with the truth. Absolute truth which is able to give us His power and strength.

Which is what we need to live a God-first life.

So, I’ve written 5 steps I want to consistently apply to my life to have the power and strength I need.

Power and strength He is able to give me.

Power and strength God wants to give me.

5 Steps to Help You Put God First

1. MAKE SPENDING TIME WITH GOD A PRIORITY.

I like the saying, “Make time for quiet moments, as God whispers and the world is loud.”

It’s true. The world is shouting ideas and values that are contrary to God’s Word. I know I need to spend time in prayer, read my Bible, memorize His promises, and spend time with people who put God first if I want to know His truth and trust His will.

Jesus said, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31–32

2. TAKE EVERY DOUBT AND QUESTION TO GOD.

When the enemy tempts me to doubt and question God’s will … I need to take those feelings and frustrations to God. I need to ask Him to show me the truth and give me everything I need to surrender my will to Him.

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

3. TAKE A PRIORITY ASSESSMENT.

I’m taking a look at my calendar and budget. I’m assessing my emotional health. I want to know where I’m spending my time, money, and effort. Then I will evaluate my attitudes and decide if the way I’m living really demonstrates God-first living.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5–6

4. ASK GOD FOR HELP TO START MAKING CHANGES.

When I know where my time, money, and efforts are being spent, it’s time to pray. I need God’s help to completely surrender every area of my life but I believe He will help me trust His will and start making choices that put Him first.

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

5. TRUST GOD’S LOVE

I plan on repeating the following phrase as often as necessary… “God loves me. I am His child. He knows and wants what is best for me in every situation and every relationship.”

Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37–39

I have victory in Jesus and with His help, I can put God first and love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

I FOUND THE FOLLOWING BY RICK WARREN On Ways to Put God First:

Finances. If you want God to bless your finances, even during a recession, you must tithe. Sorry! There’s no other alternative.
Interests. Put Him first in your hobbies, your career, and your recreation. Give God first consideration in every decision.
Relationships. Put Him first in your family, your marriage, and your friendships.
Schedule. That means you give Him the first part of every day. You get up and sit on the side of your bed every morning and say, “God if I don’t get anything else done today, I just want to love you a little bit more and know you a little bit better.”
Troubles. You need to turn to God first when you have a problem. Prayer should never be your last resort. It should be your first choice.

When you and I put God first in everything … life is better.

We will have the strength we need and be blessed with the joy we want no matter what is going on around us.

Don’t believe me?

Look around. How does the other way seem to be working for people?

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!