Tag Archives: Verses and Prayers

5 of the Best Verses to Pray for Your Friends

Praise God for the people who walk beside us, pull us along, and even nudge us from behind. Oh, the blessing of finding Scripture to pray for your friends... #Friendship #Prayer #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers #HisGraceGirls

I want to stop and celebrate the blessing of friends today.

Not our list of Facebook friends with whom we share the edited versions of our stories but the close group of people who know our real stories … those stories we keep hidden away from most of the world. I want to celebrate the people who truly know us and love us anyway.

I’ve learned there is a life truth we all need to remember. Everyone has a difficult or painful story. Everyone!

We all have a page or two in our stories that we keep tucked away because they are hard to share…

It’s been several years and yet, I can still picture every face gathered around that table like it happened last week. Seriously, I still remember where each person was sitting.

But more than our location at the table, I remember the question that invited us to share those tucked away pages of our stories…

” I WANT TO KNOW MORE, TELL ME YOUR TESTIMONY.” 

In other words, I want to know YOU – not just the pretty social media version but I want to know the parts of your story that make you … YOU!

And that’s hard, isn’t it?

It’s especially with people we don’t know well. We don’t like allowing ourselves to become vulnerable. We can’t help wondering … can I trust this person, this new friend, with my pain?

I still get emotional whenever I remember … when I think about that night and yes, even now, years later … because those girls are Romans 12 to me.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 

Romans 12:9–10, 15

I BELIEVE WE ALL WANT ROMANS 12 FRIENDSHIPS BUT IT’S HARD, ISN’T IT?

But we’re afraid.

Somehow that night, God gave us the courage to trust each other … to open up and share those pages that we typically kept locked away.

And it quickly became evident that the Lord was there with us…

“If two or three people come together in my name, I am there with them.”

Matthew 18:20

Because He was with us, we saw Jesus’ love in each other’s eyes, and one friend after another we told our stories. We cried. We laughed. We encouraged. We loved.

That’s friendship! That’s what we all want. Friends who love like Jesus!

So, today I want to pray for our friends and our friendships and I’d love for you to join me…

5 of the Best Verses to Pray for Your Friends

Praise God for the people who walk beside us, pull us along, and even nudge us from behind. Oh, the blessing of finding Scripture to pray for your friends... #Friendship #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

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

Ephesians 4:32

Father, thank you for creating us to live in community. Thank you for knowing that the love of friends is an important part of our lives. You have instilled in us a need for companionship and You have established in us the ability to be kind to each other. You have made it possible for us to set aside our selfishness so that we might show compassion. You have given us an example of forgiveness and then You give us the ability to forgive one another.

Your grace shines in my friendships. Thank you for blessing me with beautiful souls who love You and love like You. They make every day better! Thank you Lord the gift of my beautiful friends!

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Father, I want to be a better encourager. I try … but I know I could do more. It’s so easy to be selfish or get distracted. Please forgive me.

By Your grace and with Your help, may I love like Jesus. May I be the one who builds up my friends. May I remind them of the ways I see You in them. May I faithfully pray for them. May I take the time to know them and love them as You love them.

Thank you for covering my failures with Your grace and mercy. Help me generously cover my hurts and disappointments with the love You pour into my life. May I always give the same forgiving love to my friends that I want them to give to me … that You give to us.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 

Romans 12:10–11

Father, what a blessing to have friends who are filled with the love of Christ Jesus. Friends who don’t just pretend to love … but who love with genuine kindness and humility.

Please be with my friend as they walk with You. Please hold them close as they journey through the highs and lows of life. Give them courage and strength for the battles they face. Give them peace to replace anxiety, hope to replace worry, and faith when doubts creep in. And more than anything, faithfully remind them that whatever they face today or in the future … nothing can separate them from Your love. (Romans 8:38) You are with them now as You will be forever. (Matthew 28:20)

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:12–15

Father, I need Your help. I want to consistently wear a wardrobe of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience but I fall so far short every day. I have to admit that I want my friends to be patient and forgiving of my faults when I can be short on patience and forgiveness myself.

You are so patient and merciful to me. You have blessed me with wonderful friends. I realize when I fail to love the way You want me to love … it has more to do with me than it has to do with them.

Please fill me with the love of Christ Jesus. Please make His love be what guides, guards, and rules in my heart. Thank you for each one of the beautiful people who have brought into my life. Love them, Father, through me.

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.

1 John 4:11–12

Oh, Father, thank you! I see Your love in my friends! You show Yourself in their lives … the way they humbly serve others, the way they listen and encourage, the way they care with compassion, the way they offer help and hope, and the way they forgive, and the way they love.

Each friend is a precious gift! Thank you! Please bless my friends today, Lord. Meet every need. Give them strength and courage for every battle they face. And cover them the power of Your promises and love. By Your grace and for Your glory shine Your light in them and through them. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Praise God for the people who walk beside us, pull us along, and even nudge us from behind. Oh, the blessing of finding Scripture to pray for your friends... #Friendship #Prayer #WWGGG #BlessingBloggers #HisGraceGirls

Finally, pray for your friends by name.

Stop for a moment today and….

Thank God for the people with whom you have been able to share the hard pages of your story. The friends who wanted to know the real YOU and have continued to love you just the way you are.

The friends who walk beside you when life is great, who hold out their hand when you need hope for the future and maybe even give you a little nudge when you need to leave the past in the past.

Thank God for the blessing of friends. Life just wouldn’t be the same without them!

I’m praying you are blessed today with much joy, as you think about and celebrate your friends.

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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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!

Promises That Will Give You Hope When You Need It Most

Having the promises of Jesus gives us hope when life is uncertain. His Words offer encouragement for today, tomorrow, and into the unknown future. #PromisesofGod #HopeinJesus #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Terrorism, politics, illness, heartbreak, loss, and pandemics…

Sometimes this broken world feels like it’s too much … too painful. Too hard.

Then I stop and remember Solomon’s words:

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

Ecclesiastes 1:9

Nothing’s new. It’s all happened before.

No, I’m not trying to totally depress you, especially when I promised you hope.

But the truth is … our hope is not in this broken world. Our hope is in Jesus – the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Jesus stepped into a painfully dark and broken time in history. Roman dominance. Temple dissension. Hurting broken people.

Remember … there’s nothing new under the sun.

But Jesus came to give us something new. A NEW that He alone could give.

New life. Changed life. Purposeful life. Redeemed life. Abundant life. Eternal life.

History may repeat itself. But the truths and promises of the newness you and I have in Jesus are only repeated as they become new lives in people who turned to Him in faith.

And that is what gives us hope. Real, renewing, and lasting hope. Promises of hope!

It’s a hope that reminds us we can trust every promise about Jesus that was ever made. So, let’s surround ourselves with Jesus’ hope today.

Let’s lay down our fears, anger, frustration, and hopelessness as we embrace the truth of promises that are forever true. Promises that give us eternal hope no matter what is happening in the world around us.

Having these promises we can count on in this nothing new under the sun world changes everything. Because under the Son, our everything is full of hope through His grace, mercy, and love.

Having the promises of Jesus gives us hope when life is uncertain. His Words offer encouragement for today, tomorrow, and into the unknown future. #PromisesofGod #HopeinJesus #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

20 Promises of Jesus that will Give You Hope

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:3

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28–30

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

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!” John 4:26

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” John 11:25

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

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

“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

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

“I am the good shepherd. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and He is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:11, 27–30

“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. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.” John 14:27–28

“I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.” John 15:26

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” John 17:20

“There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:2–3

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.” Revelation 1:8

“Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last.I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. Revelation 1:17–18

“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelations 22:12–13

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 1:20

Having the promises of Jesus gives us hope when life is uncertain. His Words offer encouragement for today, tomorrow, and into the unknown future. #PromisesofGod #HopeinJesus #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Praying the Promises of Hope

Father, Thank you so much for loving us so much that the moment we sinned You had a plan to save us. You Word says You love us so much that You gave Your only Son to save us … the highest price You could possibly pay. All because of love!

Thank you for Your Word! You want us to KNOW You. You want us to live each day knowing we are safe and secure in Jesus. He is the WAY of Life, He is the TRUTH we need for Life, and He is LIFE itself. He gives us the promise of eternal life and the blessing of a full and abundant life now.

Today, I come to You for rest. I bring You the junk of my life. Please forgive me for the ways I have failed to follow Your will and change me into the person You want me to be. I believe Your way is best. I want to trust and obey You in everything I do and say. I want my thoughts to be focused on Jesus, the One who is the source of my faith and the One who strengthens me and gives me all I need each day.

So, I’m pausing to thank and praise You! By Your grace, it is well with my soul. Help me live this day for Your glory. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Friend, I’m asking God to bless you today! I’m asking Him to hold you close and surround you with the love of Jesus as He reminds you that in Him … you have everything you need. His promises are true and His mercies are new every morning. He is faithful to keep His promises of hope.

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

Pray When You Need to be Confident of God’s Goodness

The most common question about faith is "How can I believe in God's goodness when He allows suffering?" When doubts arise it's time to turn to Him in prayer. #Prayer #GodisGood #BibleStudy #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Do you trust God’s goodness?

We say God is good, but do we really believe it?

I recently shared this on social media…

After you have suffered a little while, [God] will restore, support, and strengthen you.

1 Peter 5:10

And an individual responded by saying … “a load of nonsense.”

I don’t think you or I would say it like that but if we’re honest, we have our doubts. We wonder … God will you let me suffer like this indefinitely? Are you really good?

We want to trust those words God’s goodness completely but sometimes when we’ve prayed and prayed and asked God to help and then we have what seems like an endless wait something happens. Occasionally in the wait, worry is followed by a little doubt and before we know it we’re questioning God’s goodness.

And that’s when I need to pause and ask for His help.

Because I need His Holy Spirit to give me confidence that God’s goodness is personal. I need His help to know God sees me, forgives me, provides for me, and that He has a plan and purpose for my life. I need His Spirit’s help to remind me of His perfect love when I grow impatient in the waiting.

I need the Spirit’s help to know with everything in me that . . . God is good!

Jesus said,

When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 14:26

That’s what I need … maybe you do too! That reminder of God’s promises of His love and goodness.

So, that’s where I’m going today …. to God’s promises and I’m praying them back to Him because the more turn to Him through His Word and prayer, the more confident I become that He is who He says He is.

I’d love for you to pray with me…

Pray When You Need to be Confident of God’s Goodness

The most common question about faith is "How can I believe in God's goodness when He allows suffering?" When doubts arise it's time to turn to Him in prayer. #Prayer #GodisGood #BibleStudy #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Everything God made is good. That includes you! 

God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was very good!

Genesis 1:31

Lord, Everything You make is good. Your Word says, in the beginning, it was very good. And through Your love, You suffered and died to forgive my sins and give freedom to the goodness You created in me. It also says that because of Your goodness and love, You will give me everything I need. maybe not everything I want … but everything I need. Help me believe that, Lord. Help me trust Your promises and give me patience and peace when worry creeps in and doubts arise.

God loves you. Always and perfectly. You are His child. 

The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God. And we really are His children.

1 John 3:1

Father, You call me your child. I was an orphan, lost and alone and You adopted me. Through Jesus, You made me part of Your family. That defines Your goodness. There is no way to sufficiently thank you.

When I am tempted to focus on my current problems, please help me focus on Your grace, mercy, and love. Help me remember what an awesome blessing it is to be called Your child. You are my Father and You are good. Help me love You with all that I am and by Your grace, help me live each day with the confidence that Your will is always for my good.

God sees and knows everything about you. 

“You are ‘God who sees me,’” because she said to herself, “Have I really seen God who sees me?”

Genesis 16:13

Father, You are the God who sees me. Thank you! Nothing is hidden from you.

Like David, I can say, “You know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” (Psalm 139) And Jesus said, You even know how many hairs there are on my head. (Matthew 10:30)

I can have peace for today and hope for the future when I remember that I am constantly under Your watchful care.

God is good, kind, and merciful to you. 

The Lord is kind and shows mercy. He does not become angry quickly but is full of love. The Lord is good to everyone; He is merciful to all He has made.

Psalm 145:8–9

Father, Your Word tells me You are kind and merciful, patient, and loving.

I want to trust and follow wherever You lead … but I have to admit, I fail. I don’t love You and trust You with all I am. I don’t love my neighbors as I love myself. I get angry. I worry. I procrastinate and I find comfort in things. Please forgive me. I need your merciful goodness. By Your grace, please help me do better. Help me trust Your perfect will for me. Help me faithfully live confident of Your goodness, kindness, mercy, and love.

God is ready and willing to forgive and help you. His perfect love never fails.

O Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help.

Psalm 86:5

Father, This promise fills me with hope. You are always ready to forgive those who come to You. You don’t want me to live with the guilt that so often creeps in. You don’t want me weighed down by the past. Your plan for me is a life of freedom through Your goodness and grace.

Through Jesus, You endured my punishment. The price for my sins has been paid. Help me quickly bring my sins to You in repentance, trusting Your promise of unfailing love and forgiveness. Help me live free of doubt and worry … trusting You are faithful to do what You say You will do.

God is your provider. Don’t be afraid or worry. He will meet your every need.

“Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to Him than any birds! Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”

Luke 12:24, 27, 31–32

Father, You don’t want me to be afraid or worry. You want me to live free of anxiety and doubt. You promise that You will meet every need.

Please forgive me for too often believing my wants are needs. By Your grace help me trust You. Make me satisfied with what You want for me. Help me help others out of the abundance You provide. Be my heart’s desire. With Your help, I will seek Your Kingdom above all else. Help me trust Your goodness without worry or fear.

The most common question about faith is "How can I believe in God's goodness when He allows suffering?" When doubts arise it's time to turn to Him in prayer. #Prayer #GodisGood #BibleStudy #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

God meets every spiritual need and gives you everything you need to live for His glory. 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.

2 Peter 1:2–3

Father, through Your goodness and love You meet every one of my spiritual needs. You make it possible for me to know You. You show me Your will. You hear my prayers. You comfort and strengthen me. You give me hope for the future and the peace I need today.

Thank you. Forgive me for foolishly and selfishly doing things on my own, for thinking my way is better. I’m sorry, Lord. With Your help, I surrender this day to You. I will follow where You lead and trust Your will as You reveal it to me. You are good, Father. May I live today covered by Your grace for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

 God is good!

His love for you and me is personal. He provides for every physical and spiritual need. His unfailing forgiveness is always available. He sees, knows, and cares. He is good.

You and I can be confident of God’s goodness!

And just a quick follow-up to tell about the comment to my social media post. I responded by telling him I was sorry that he felt that way but that based on my experience, God is faithful to restore support and strengthen when we need Him.

That began a dialogue where I’ve been able to share my testimony and tell him why I believe in God’s goodness.

I’m so thankful that when I begin to doubt … His Spirit draws me back through the truth of God’s promises.

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

Pray for Hope When You are Suffering

Scripture verses to pray that will give you hope when you or someone you care about are suffering. Hope in God's promises to give you strength. #Prayer #Hope #HopeQuotesforHardTimes #BibleStudy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

Even if you are not personally suffering at the moment … you can’t turn on the news or scroll through social media without seeing it all around you.

So many of us are feeling the heaviness of suffering … either our own or the empathetic burden we carry for one another.

But God…

Oh, how I love those words.

I love that Scripture is honest about the suffering that all of creation has endured since sin became our human condition and the Garden gate was closed.

Even though our righteous and holy God cannot ignore sin … He loves us. And that’s why I love the words “but God.” They are a blessed reminder of the Lord’s mercy and grace.

Just look at a few examples:

  • But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and livestock with him in the boat. Genesis 8:1
  • But God listened to Abraham’s request. Genesis 19:29
  • You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. Genesis 50:20
  • Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15
  • 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
  • The law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17
  • You killed the author of life, but God raised Him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact! Acts 3:15
  • But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8
  • 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. Ephesians 2:4–5

No matter what is going on in our lives, the lives of the people around us, or those anywhere in the world … the One you and I turn to in prayer is greater than our circumstances.

He is greater than our feelings. Greater than the news. Greater than our wants and needs. He gives us hope in our suffering.

When we’re suffering, the Spirit whispers …

“But God…”

So today, I’d love for you to join me as I ask the Lord to give us hope in our suffering … as I ask Him to help us remember that He is greater than our circumstances and give us peace that passes understanding.

Pray for Hope When You are Suffering

Scripture verses to pray that will give you hope when you or someone you care about are suffering. Hope in God's promises to give you strength. #Prayer #Hope #HopeQuotesforHardTimes #BibleStudy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Through Christ, you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because He raised Christ from the dead and gave Him great glory.

1 Peter 1:21

Father, You promised a Savior the moment sin entered the world … You had a plan and a promise! A promise to heal our sickness, to repair our brokenness, to suffer our death … that we might have the hope of LIFE!

By the power of Your Spirit, help me cling to Jesus. May He be my hope when I am suffering.

Lord, when I’m tempted to focus on my problems and pain, help me remember—I can trust Your perfect unfailing love … a love You proved by sacrificing Yourself by suffering my punishment to forgive me and give me life.

Please strengthen me and give me all that I need to lay my suffering on the altar of Your grace. Help me focus on You … trusting that You will give me the hope I need to face today in faith. By Your grace, I am protected by Your hard to understand peace and lifted up by Your mercy and grace.

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

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 15:4, 13

Father, thank you for people like Paul. Thank you for his example of what it means to live with hope even when I’m surrounded by suffering. Your Word is the encouragement I need. Each time I read it, I see evidence of promises that have been fulfilled already. You Lord, are faithful, unfailing, and true!

Father, Your Spirit speaks to me through the pages of Your Word. Jesus said, the Spirit will “teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26) Thank you!

Thank you for the gift of Your Spirit. Thank you for Your Word. Thank you for being my encouragement and source of hope. Even when I’m suffering, when the people I love are suffering, when I don’t understand why there is so much suffering … I can trust Your promises of love.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 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 5:3–5

Father, I admit … this verse is really hard. I don’t want to “rejoice” when I’m suffering. I hate dealing with problems and trials. I want a strong character and confident hope … but Lord, I don’t want the pain that is part of this process.

I get asked often … why You allow suffering. And I’ll admit, I’ve asked “why” myself sometimes. But I believe this verse is just a part of Your answer to our questions. You know how easy it is for us to become self-sufficient when things are easy, and You want us to trust You completely. You want us to SEEK You first – over anything this world has to offer. You want us to trust Your love.

You want me to experience the strong confident hope that only You can give.

In His kindness, God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. All power to Him forever! Amen.

1 Peter 5:10–11

By Your grace, Father … this is temporary. The suffering we experience here is nothing compared to the glorious eternal future You have promised to those who know, love, and trust Jesus.

When we are burdened by suffering, You invite us to SEEK You first and promise that when we do … You will give us everything we need. I believe You are who You say You are. I believe You can and will do what You say, and I believe that means You will give me strength when I have none of my own and that You are the solid foundation on whom I can rely.

Yours is the power and glory forever. Thank you, Lord.

We put our hope in the Lord.
    He is our help and our shield.
In Him, our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in His holy name.
Let Your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
    for our hope is in You alone.

Psalm 33:20–22

Father, I put my hope in You. Everything else is fragile and fleeting. You, Lord, are my Helper and my Protector. You are the One who gives me strength and peace when life overwhelms me. You are the One I trust with my today, my tomorrow … my forever.

Your unfailing love surrounds me. I am safe in Your care. Your Word says that wherever I go, You are there. (Psalm 139) You are aware of everything that happens in my life. (Luke 12:27–28)

Lord, by Your grace and with Your help, in every experience and circumstance, You are my hope in suffering! I am sheltered by Your love … perfect unfailing love that promises me a forever future by grace, through faith in Jesus. Please help me keep my heart and mind focused on You and not on my suffering. I pray and surrender my all to Your perfect love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture verses to pray that will give you hope when you or someone you care about are suffering. Hope in God's promises to give you strength. #Prayer #Hope #HopeQuotesforHardTimes #BibleStudy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

Friend, I’m so sorry you are suffering.

Suffering makes me sad and I believe it makes God sad, too.

I don’t believe suffering is God’s will for us. I believe He allows it because He wants us to realize our need for Him. He wants us to SEEK to KNOW Him. He wants us to live with the hope we can only have when we surrender to His love.

I’m praying that for you today. May you experience His peace today as you rest in the hope we have in Jesus … God’s perfect love. Hope even when we’re suffering.

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

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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!

A Holy Week Bible Study that will Help You Focus on Jesus

A Holy Week Bible Study for individuals and families - Walk through the Gospels and spend time with Jesus. Questions and prayers to help you experience His love #HolyWeek #Jesus #PassionofChrist #God'sLove #PalmSunday #MaundyThursday #GoodFriday #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Anne Graham Lotz wrote…

Why did Jesus have to die?

If there was any other way to offer us forgiveness of sin, to reconcile us to God, to give us eternal life, and to open Heaven for us when we die, God would have found it. He never would have sent Jesus to die on the cross. There simply is no other way.

I’m taking closer look at Holy Week because I want to make it personal. I want to see myself standing with the cheering crowds, sitting at the table in the upper room, asleep in the garden, and standing at the foot of the cross.

I’d love for you to join me and maybe even spend some time talking about the questions with your family.

I don’t want to rush through the pain to get to the promise. This year, I want to pause and see myself with His disciples … fully experiencing the Jesus’ gift of love that gave me the freedom to LIVE in LOVE!

A Holy Week Bible Study

A Holy Week Bible Study for individuals and families - Walk through the Gospels and spend time with Jesus. Questions and prayers to help you experience His love #HolyWeek #Jesus #PassionofChrist #God'sLove #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Palm Sunday

Let’s start with a prayer…

Help me stop this week and look at my heart. Show me where I’m wrong. Show me my sin. Forgive me and help me change.

Thank you for saving me through Jesus. Thank you for saving the words of those who walked with Him. Thank you for allowing me to look closely and marvel at amazing grace. Teach me. Guide me. Draw me close in Jesus name. Amen.

So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for Him to ride on.

As He rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of Him. When He reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of His followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

Luke 19:35–38

Pause with me for a moment and let your heart and mind imagine the scene.

  • What do you see?
  • What do you hear?
  • What do you smell?
  • Who are you?
    • A follower?
    • A Pharisee?
    • A bystander?
    • A fan?

Are you being swept along by the excitement? Are you skeptical of the man they say can raise the dead? Are you angry? Are you confused?

  • Do you believe?

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–40, John 12:12–19

Later that day, Jesus said…

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to Your name.”

John 12:27
  • What would you like to say to Him?

Holy Monday

Back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and He stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”

Mark 11:15–18

Pause for moment…

  • What do you see?
  • What do you hear?
  • How does it smell?
  • Who are you?
    • A worshipper?
    • A priest?
    • An observer?
    • A disciple?
    • A buyer? A seller?
  • How do you feel?
  • Do you believe?

My prayer…

Father, forgive me. I’m ashamed. I’m afraid I would likely stand in the courtyard surprised by Jesus’ passion and conviction. It’s probably I would find normal and satisfactory the way things have “always” been done. I wonder if I would even realize that a place of prayer had become a marketplace.

I’m challenged to ask if I’ve allowed subtle changes in culture to distort my perception of holiness and worship.

I want a passion for Your holy presence. I want to cherish what You call holy. I want to give the highest value to truth and honesty. I want to know Your truth. I want my heart to break for those things that break Your heart and I want to hold sacred that which is precious to You.

Please help me, Father. Forgive me. Guide me by the power of Your Spirit. Draw me close. Hear my prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 12:12–17, Mark 11:15–25, Luke 19:45–48,

Maundy Thursday

A Holy Week Bible Study for individuals and families - Walk through the Gospels and spend time with Jesus. Questions and prayers to help you experience His love #HolyWeek #Jesus #PassionofChrist #God'sLove #PalmSunday #MaundyThursday #GoodFriday #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

In the Upper Room…

He got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel He had around Him.

After washing their feet, He put on His robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

John 13:4–5, 12–15

Let’s pause…

  • What do you see?
  • How does it smell?
  • What do you hear?
  • How do you feel?
  • Who are you?
    • Matthew?
    • Nathaniel?
    • James or John?
    • Judas?
    • Peter?
    • An observer watching from the corner?
  • Are you humbled? Are you ashamed? Are you confused or embarrassed?
  • Are you willing to serve those with stinky feet?
  • Do you believe?

Father, I picture myself with teachers I’ve respected and admired; and I can’t imagine one of them washing my feet. It seems awkward and embarrassing. It’s easy to relate to Peter’s word, “You will never wash my feet.”

But then I hear Jesus’ words and I see His humble love and I want to follow His example and love like Him.

Please forgive me. I fail repeatedly. I allow “self” to get in the way of love and service. I’m self-protective and self-righteous. Help me. Open my eyes to see those who need me to love them with humble love. Help me to follow Jesus’ example. Help me trust and obey. Amen.

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 26:17–30, Mark 14:12–26, Luke 22:7–30, John 13:1–17

In Gethsemane’s Garden

Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and He said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 

He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

He went on a little farther and bowed with His face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine.”

Then He returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Matthew 26:36,38–41

And again, let’s pause…

  • What do you see?
  • What do you hear?
  • What do you smell?
  • Who are you?
    • Peter?
    • James?
    • John?
    • Thomas? Philip? Matthew?
    • Judas?

Are you embarrassed? Are you trying to stay awake? Are you confused by Jesus’ emotion on this night of celebration? Are you afraid?

  • Do you watch and pray?
  • Do you believe?

Lord, I can’t imagine the anguish of that hour. The pain of knowing what was about to happen. The pain of knowing the beginning to the end. Knowing the pain, the betrayal, denials, lies, rejection…

I am so sorry. Please forgive me. My sin. My shame. My punishment.

Help me to live by the power of Your Spirit. Help me to embrace the freedom you’ve given. Help me to love You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Help me to love like Jesus. In His name and for His sake I pray. Amen.

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 26:36–46, Mark 14:32–42, Luke 22:39–45,

Good Friday

Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put a purple robe on Him. “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped Him across the face.

John 19:1-3

Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by Himself, He went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). There they nailed Him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

John 19:16–19

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

Mark 15:33–34

Jesus knew that His mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”

When Jesus had tasted it, He said, “It is finished!” Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

John 19:28,30

And finally, let’s pause to make it personal one more time…

  • What do you see?
  • What do you hear?
  • What do you smell?
  • Who are you?
    • John?
    • Mary Magdalene?
    • A Soldier?
    • Mary, His mother?
    • A Mocker?
    • An Observer?
    • A Thief?
    • A Priest?
  • How do you feel?

Are you afraid? Are you appalled? Are you ashamed? Self-righteous? Devastated? Confused? Satisfied?

  • Who is this man? Who is Jesus to you?
  • Do you believe?

Father, Jesus said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 

Draw me close, Father. Pull me to the foot of the cross. I don’t want to look away . . . to shrug off hard to face truths. That my sin caused Jesus suffering and death. My hand held the hammer. I stand with the mockers and Pharisees.

I want to see myself as John or one of the Marys. But that’s just my foolish pride. It allows me to judge those who history credits as causing your death. It allows me to separate myself. It makes it possible for me to think—at least I’m not as bad as…

But, I’m wrong. Forgive me. I am a sinner. As hard as I try, I will always fall short of Your perfect will for me. I’m so sorry.

Thank you for never giving up on me. Help me to keep my eyes, my heart, and my mind focused on Jesus—the One who authored and perfected my relationship with You through faith. I come to the cross that brings me to You. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 32 27:32–56, Mark 15:21–41, Luke 23:26–49, John 19:16–27

A Holy Week Bible Study for individuals and families - Walk through the Gospels and spend time with Jesus. Questions and prayers to help you experience His love #HolyWeek #Jesus #PassionofChrist #God'sLove #PalmSunday #MaundyThursday #GoodFriday #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I’m praying for you this Holy Week.

I’m asking God to bless you and remind you once again of how very much He loves you…

 God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, “I love you.” ~ Billy Graham

And I’d love for you to join me on Friday when I’m going to God with prayers inspired by the things Jesus said from the cross.

May God encourage you and hold you close as you SEEK Him.

Don’t forget to bookmark this Holy Week Bible Study so you can refer back to it throughout the week and focus your heart and mind on Jesus.

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

Psalms to Pray When You Need to Be Hopeful

The Bible says that it's okay to pray with honest emotions as we trust God to give us everything we need. That's a beautiful reason we can be hopeful always. #HopefulinGod #HopeintheBible #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Is it hard for you to be honest with God?

Do you struggle to pour out feelings of impatience or frustration?

Are you able to tell Him when you’re losing hope because your problem persists and you wonder if things will ever change even though you’ve prayed and prayed and prayed?

I love that God loves us so much, He included the honest struggles of those who followed Him throughout Scripture.

One of my favorite examples is David, who openly cried out to God when he was afraid, worried, lonely, angry, disappointed, uncertain, restless, outraged, or heartbroken.

And yet, he never stayed there…

He also praised, adored, worshipped, exalted, and received what he needed to be hopeful.

Maybe like me, you have several things for which you’ve prayed again and again … things that are important to your heart but you’re starting to wonder if God’s is responding with a “no” rather than a “not yet.”

Yes, I too have days when I feel disappointed and discouraged.

And it used to be hard for me to share those feelings with the Lord.

But the more I read and pray Scripture, the more I’m learning that God wants me to honestly tell Him when…

  • I’m discouraged.
  • I’m frustrated.
  • I’m anxious.
  • I’m afraid.
  • I’m worried.
  • I’m impatient.

Why?

Because He already knows anyway and when I’m open and honest before Him, I’m reminded that He loves me just the way I am.

And because of His compassion and love, God wants us … you and me, to trust that He will answer our prayers in His way and His time. He wants us to trust that He will give us everything we need while we wait … including hope.

So today, I’m writing honest prayers based on the words of the Psalmists asking the Lord to help me remain hopeful as I wait … trusting His unfailing love and perfect care. I’m excited to have you join me.

Psalms to Pray When You Need to Be Hopeful

The Bible says that it's okay to pray with honest emotions as we trust God to give us everything we need. That's a beautiful reason we can be hopeful always. #HopefulinGod #HopeintheBible #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I cried out, “I am slipping!”
    but Your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.
When doubts filled my mind,
    Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Psalm 94:18–19

Father, at this moment when hope seems like it is fading into the distance. I feel like I’m sliding into despondency. Lord, I so desperately want to keep my focus on You but the longing in my heart beats so loudly it’s hard for me to think about anything else.

I know the enemy is at work, speaking words of hopelessness and doubt. So, I’m running to You. I’m trusting Your unfailing love and asking You to encourage me and hold me. I need You, Lord. Please restore my hope, strengthen me and give me everything I need to live through this trying time.

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

Thank you for this reminder, Lord. Sometimes I can focus on the fact that I’ve prayed and prayed for what seems like forever … and still I wait. And yes, when I do, I feel sad and discouraged.

Your Word tells me to trust You to know and do what is best in my life. It tells me to look at the ways You have protected and helped me in the past as I look to the future in faith with hope.

So, I will praise You in this storm. I will wait in faith today and if I must continue to wait another day, week, or longer … I will count on You to give me whatever I need to put my hope in Your wisdom and love.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
    and He turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 40:1

Father, It feels like I’ve been waiting forever. I confess that I don’t feel very patient right now. I want my faith to be greater than my doubt but right now I feel weak and vulnerable.

I believe You are greater than my feelings. I need You. This season of waiting has gone on for so long. Please help me keep my eyes on You. Help me trust that You are working in my life on this situation even when I cannot see.

Hear my prayer. Restore my hope as I place my trust in Your unfailing love.

The Lord hears His people
when they call to Him for help.
    He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
    He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Psalm 34:17–18

Father, I am overwhelmed and I need You.

These words of Dave, comfort me and give me hope. Even in this moment, You hear the cries of my heart. You hold me close when I’m crushed and brokenhearted … You forgive me and lift me up.

You are my rescuer and the source of my hope. Thank you! I will trust Your promise to give me everything I need when I SEEK You and follow You with all my heart. (Luke 12:31)

So, I will faithfully ask, seek, and knock. I will continue to run to You with honest emotions and trust Your love to comfort and strengthen me today, tomorrow, and forever.

But I trust in Your unfailing love.
    I will rejoice because You have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord
    because He is good to me.

Psalm 13:5–6

Thank you, Lord! By Your grace, You have given me everything I need to trust Your perfect love that never fails and never ends. Your Word says that You are LOVE. (1 John 4:8) And LOVE is patient and kind. It forgives, endures, and never gives up.

Thank you for Your patient love. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for Your goodness and grace.

Today, I will praise Your holy name. I will surrender to Your will. I will trust Your love. And I will live with hope … by Your grace and for Your glory. And I will count on Your promise to give me everything I need to live with hope again tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

The Bible says that it's okay to pray with honest emotions as we trust God to give us everything we need. That's a beautiful reason we can be hopeful always. #HopefulinGod #HopeintheBible #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Friend, I know what it’s like to pray and pray and wait and wait and feel like I’m losing hope.

Something has changed for me in recent years.

You see, I’ve been asking God to answer a very specific prayer for a very very long time. One day, as I was crying and explaining to Him that the wait and the hurt were just too great … I felt Him gently whisper, “You have no idea how I’ve spared you.”

And it changed everything.

You and I can only see what’s right in front of us. God sees the whole picture … past, present, and future.

I will always hope and pray that one day I will receive a heavenly “YES” to my heart’s desire, but I’m learning that the focus of my hope is not the thing for which I hope but in the One who gives me hope.

God is showing me that I can be hopeful because of who He is and because even if He asks me to wait or if His answer to my prayer is “no” … He will give me everything I need to endure in faith.

You and I can endure whatever He allows because…

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

He will not leave us to endure alone and although He may not always answer our prayers the way we want, we can be hopeful because He will always answer them out of His goodness and love.

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

When You Need to Be Bold with Wisdom – Pray

When you and I want to boldly speak the truth and live with faith we God's help and wisdom. Here are verses to pray, asking God to help you be bold and wise. #Wisdom #BeBold #Faith #Prayer #Hope #PrayforWisdom #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Our grandson loves math.

I get it! I love math, too.

We were talking about his love for math the other night and he told me it’s his favorite because it is logical and consistent.

Then he said, “Words are harder … with language you have to figure out things like there, their, and they’re. It’s confusing.”

I then told him about working on this post about being bold and how I was learning that there are different definitions for the word and that boldness can be both a good thing and a foolish thing.

And then he said, “And in writing, bold is thick. So people could basically think you’re telling them to get thick … or fatter.”

Is it any wonder we struggle to understand each other?

Boldness is defined as having the courage to act or speak fearlessly, despite real or imagined dangers.

And that’s why being bold can be good but it can also be foolish. Without wisdom, you and I can speak or act too quickly and bring about disaster for ourselves and the people around us.

I want to be bold with wisdom!

I want the courage to boldly speak the truth and live my faith but I can’t do either wisely without God’s help.

I need the Holy Spirit…

  1. To help me know the truth.
  2. To give me the wisdom to know what to say and do.
  3. To guide me and help me know when and how to speak or act.

Those things take the faithful study of God’s Word to know His truth and prayer to ask Him to give me wisdom and guidance.

So once again, I’m going to the Word and I’m praying … I’d love for you to join me.

When You Need to Be Bold with Wisdom – Pray

When you and I want to boldly speak the truth and live with faith we God's help and wisdom. Here are verses to pray, asking God to help you be bold and wise. #Wisdom #BeBold #Faith #Prayer #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 

Ephesians 3:11

Lord, how can I begin to thank you? You know everything about me … inside and out. You know that I’m a foolish mess who desperately needs Your help and counsel. And lovingly invite me to boldly and confidently come to You in prayer with any concern and every need.

Thank you! Your gracious love overwhelms me. When I am weak; make me bold. When I am confused; give me wisdom. When I lack confidence; remind me of Your unfailing love.

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NLT)

Father, I want to be bold for You … but before I can be bold for You and for Your truth, I need to need to know You. I need Your truth imprinted on my heart and in my mind. And I need to be lead by Your love.

Please guard my heart and watch over my thoughts. Help me focus on all that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Help me think about things that excellent and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8) Help me focus on the truth that makes me bold and by Your grace, help me boldly and lovingly share Your truth in all I say and do.

And please pray for me. Pray that truth will be with me before I even open my mouth. Ask the Spirit to guide me while I boldly defend the mystery that is the good news—for which I am an ambassador in chains—so pray that I can bravely pronounce the truth, as I should do.

Ephesians 6:19–20 (VOICE)

Lord, I pray that You will move in me and create an overwhelming desire to SEEK You first in my life … that Your truth may be with and within me. I want to always be ready to boldly act and speak in ways that will inspire and encourage everyone I meet to want what I have. I want them all to know and love You … to know how much You know and love them.

Lord, I ask that You will pour Your love into my life and fill me up to overflowing that I might courageously pour Your love out to others. Open my eyes, my heart, my mind … that I might love like Jesus.

When I called, You answered me. You made me bold by strengthening my soul.

Psalm 138:3 (GW)

Oh, Father, I love that I can come to You at any time from any place. And wherever I am, whatever my need … when I cry out to You, You hear and answer me.

Today, I’m asking You to strengthen me and make me bold. Place a hedge of Your protection around my soul. Be my hope and my encouragement. When the days are long and the journey is hard, please give me all I need to boldly live in faith one moment at a time.

This is why I have never stopped praying for you since I heard about you. I ask God that you may know what He wants you to do. I ask God to fill you with the wisdom and understanding the Holy Spirit gives.

Colossians 1:9

Lord, this is my prayer … that You will help Your children know what You want them to do. Give us all a passion for Your Word and work in us a desire to humbly surrender our stubborn wills to You.

Your Word says, “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) We need Your wisdom. I need Your wisdom.

I need the wisdom to know when to be bold for You and when to be still and let You do what only You can do. I love You, Lord. I surrender this day to You. By Your grace, help me and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When you and I want to boldly speak the truth and live with faith we God's help and wisdom. Here are verses to pray, asking God to help you be bold and wise. #Wisdom #BeBold #Faith #Prayer #Hope #PrayforWisdom #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

It can be hard to be bold.

It’s even harder to be bold with wisdom.

It’s often easier to either sit on the sidelines or boldly share the popular opinions of the world.

But you and I are called by God to be bold with wisdom.

Paul said it this way…

God has chosen what the world calls foolish to shame the wise. He has chosen what the world calls weak to shame what is strong. God has chosen what is weak and foolish of the world, what is hated and not known, to destroy the things the world trusts in. In that way, no man can be proud as he stands before God. God Himself made the way so you can have new life through Christ Jesus. God gave us Christ to be our wisdom. Christ made us right with God and set us apart for God and made us holy. Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from our sins.

1 Corinthians 1:27–30 (NLV)

And my friend, through Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, you and I can trust God to give us everything we need to be bold with wisdom.

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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Prayers that will Help You Live Free of Anxiety and Worry

It's a blessing God has given us that we can take our worries and cares to Him in prayer and live free of anxiety ... He even gives us the words in Scripture. #Prayer #VersestoPray #DoNotFear #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GodisLove #Hope

I think we’ve all had times when the notes on tomorrow’s planner page have resulted in a restless night of worry and anxiety.

  • A Doctor’s Appointment – for Yourself or Someone You Love.
  • A Meeting with Difficult Person.
  • A Huge Project Deadline.
  • A Major Grade-deciding Exam.
  • A Shortage of Money for a Major Need.
  • A Job Interview.
  • Too Much to Do in Too Little Time.

Jesus said…

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.

Matthew 6:34a

And we know it’s true. We know He’s right.

But it’s hard, isn’t it?

I love that Jesus doesn’t just give us platitudes that fall outside of His human experiences and emotions.

He understands.

In a conversation with His disciples, shortly after He entered Jerusalem for Holy Week, Jesus predicted His suffering and death.

And then He said…

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.”

John 12:27–28a

“My soul is deeply troubled.” I don’t believe He said that lightly.

He’d always known that He would come to earth to give His life for yours and mine. And yet, as the hour approached … the process of this sacrifice made Him anxious.

He wanted to glorify the Father through His self-sacrificing love and obedience … yet, He still cried out and asked the Father for a different way to accomplish His mission.

“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Matthew 26:39

I don’t believe He ever wavered in His decision because His love was and is so huge but in that moment of emotion, He set an example for us.

Take your emotions, all your emotions, to the Father in prayer.

I love that Jesus willingly experienced worry, anxiety, and fear as part of His human experience to show us what to do when we are worried, anxious, and afraid.

Pray and give it to God!

Which is what we are doing today. We’re taking our worries and anxieties to the Lord … laying them all at His feet.

Whatever is worrying you today … will you join me and together we will take it to the throne of grace…

Prayers that will Help You Live Free of Anxiety and Worry

It's a blessing God has given us that we can take our worries and cares to Him in prayer and live free of anxiety ... He even gives us the words in Scripture. #Prayer #VersestoPray #DoNotFear #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him, for you are His personal concern.

1 Peter 5:7 (Phillips)

Father, I humbly come to You admitting that I need Your help. This weight of concern feels heavy. I feel alone. Thank you for reminding me today that You are with me.

Your Word says You know the tiny details of my life. You even know the number of hairs there on my head. (Matthew 10:30) I am Your personal concern and it’s okay that I can’t handle it on my own. Please help me. Give me Your peace. Strengthen me.

I pray to release my worries to You that I might live free of anxiety today.

When my worry is great within me, Your comfort brings joy to my soul.

Psalm 94:19 (NLV)

Father, I love Your Word! Thank you for telling me about people who walked and talked with You and still experienced the worries of life. You understand life and You know and understand me. None of my feelings shock or surprise You. You know when I’m worried. I don’t have to hide my feelings and concerns with You … in fact, You invite me to bring them to You in prayer so that You might bring comfort and joy to me. Thank you!

 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 

John 14:1

Jesus, Thank you for becoming one of us and for showing us how to live through life’s pain and problems in ways that glorify the Father. I want to trust You and live free of anxiety and worry. So, I’m coming to You and asking You to help me carry this burden (Matthew 11:28)

I’m asking You to give me the courage and strength I need each day and the rest I need each night. I believe You will help me again today, Lord. Thank you for the countless times You have helped me in the past.

“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

Lord, You give me hard to understand peace. (Philippians 4:7) A peace that covers and protects my heart and mind as I focus on Your promises that never fail. Thank you, for giving me the gift of Your Spirit. He is faithful to remind me of all You have done for me and help me focus on Your eternal promises that will not fail.

Nothing can separate me from Your love. (Romans 8:38) Not one thing on my list of worries. Nothing that makes me anxious. Absolutely nothing can remove me from Your loving care and provision. You said that when I SEEK the Father’s Kingdom above all else … He will give me everything I need.

Lord, I believe. Please help me overcome my unbelief. (Mark 9:24)

So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you.

Psalm 55:22 (TPT)

Yes Lord, here’s what I’ve learned … well, at least it is what I’m learning. I can bring everything to You. Every care and concern. All of my worries and anxieties. I can lay them at Your throne of grace and receive grace and strength.

Measureless grace! It never runs out. It never ends. It is a continuous undeserved blessing that assures me of Your promises to give me Your strength and peace.

So, I’m bringing this problem to You trusting Your grace, mercy, and love, assured that whatever tomorrow brings You will give me everything I need. Thank you, Lord.

It's a blessing God has given us that we can take our worries and cares to Him in prayer and live free of anxiety ... He even gives us the words in Scripture. #Prayer #VersestoPray #DoNotFear #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GodisLove #Hope

Live Free of Anxiety

I think one of the hardest things for me to do … is to pray about my worries and then actually let go of them.

Maybe you can relate.

It seems like it’s always the same pattern…

  1. My mind spin with anxiety.
  2. I get frustrated with myself and want to let it go.
  3. I pause and pray.
  4. And then before I’m even fully aware of it … I start spinning again.

Especially in the middle of the night when I’m overly tired and the day ahead feels overwhelming.

The thing I’m writing to help me remember and wonder if you need to remember, too … is that the Lord welcomes us every single time we come to Him with our prayers. Even our repeated prayers to surrender our anxieties and concerns.

The important truth I believe with all my heart is that God wants us to repeat the following as often as necessary…

God loves you. He wants to help you. And He wants you to live free of anxiety and worry.

So, take whatever is hanging heavy on your heart today, give it to God, and focus your thoughts on His love and all the times He has given you exactly what You needed to get through all those things that caused your anxiety in the past.

He is with you and because He is with you, you never have to carry your worries alone.

Jesus promised…

“Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

And by His grace, He will give you everything you need to live free of anxiety today.

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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…

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When You Need to Pray for Freedom and Happiness

As children, we dream of the freedom we will enjoy as adults but as adults, demands and responsibilities can make freedom and happiness feel very elusive. So, I'm praying and asking God for His help. #WWGGG #Prayer #Freedom #Happiness #CountingMyBlessings #BibleStudy

Do you remember being a child and longing for the freedom you believed you’d finally have once you became an adult?

Then you grew up and discovered that you enjoyed way more freedom as a child than you have now. There are more demands on your time, more expectations, more work … more everything.

Freedom seems like a wishful dream and happiness, well there are days when our exhaustion and lack of freedom make happiness feel elusive as well.

But the Bible says…

If the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free.

John 8:36

So, what is the complete freedom you and I can have through faith in Jesus?

It is:

  1. Freedom from the guilt and shame of sin. Romans 8:23–24
  2. Freedom from slavery to sin. Romans 6:16
  3. Freedom from the lies we tell ourselves.  1 John 1:8–9
  4. Freedom from trying to earn God’s favor and grace. Romans 11:6
  5. Freedom from the power of Satan. James 4:7
  6. Freedom to choose our own path. Galatians 5:13
  7. Freedom to follow Jesus. Colossians 2:6–7
  8. Freedom that lasts forever. 1 John 5:13

The freedom that Jesus gives us is freedom from the penalty and guilt and shame of sin. It’s not freedom from responsibility but…

By God’s grace, it is the freedom to live fully and serve joyfully. It is the freedom we have with God’s help to know what to do in order to enjoy life with love, joy, peace, patience, etc…

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Galatians 5:22–23

And as far as I’m concerned, if I can face my responsibilities with the Spirit’s help because of the freedom I have in Christ Jesus; well, that sounds like happiness to me.

So, I’m praying and asking God to assure me once again that with His help, I have the freedom that gives happiness. I’m asking the Lord to help me stop trying to SEEK stuff and please people but to surrender my all to Him that I might fully embrace the freedom and joy of His promises today and every day.

I’d love for you to join me.

Prayers for Freedom and Happiness

As children, we dream of the freedom we will enjoy as adults but as adults, demands and responsibilities can make freedom and happiness feel very elusive. So, I'm praying and asking God for His help. #WWGGG #Prayer #Freedom #Happiness #CountingMyBlessings #BibleStudy

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31–32

Lord, please help me know and trust Your truth that leads to freedom. My heart’s desire is to be your faithful and obedient disciple. The world tries to tell me that following Your commands is restrictive … enslaving me to a set of rules. The truth, Your truth, tells me that sin, guilt, and shame are the things that hold my heart and mind in bondage.

Help me remember that I live under Your love and that frees me to love You and others and to live with strength, courage, joy, and peace. Yes, Lord, Your grace is sufficient. By Your grace, help me surrender each day and live faithful to Your teachings for Your glory. Amen.

In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
    and the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?

Psalm 118:5–6

Father, what an amazing blessing to be able to bring the burden of my failures and brokenness to You in repentance … trusting Your promise to forgive me. Your Word proclaims “through Jesus, there is forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 13:38) Through Jesus, my fear is gone and my hope for the future is secure. Jesus alone is the freedom I need. He is the freedom that gives me happiness. Thank you, Father.

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.

Romans 6:14

Father, by the power of Your Spirit, You give me the strength I need to set safe boundaries and fight temptation. You give me all I need to follow You because I want to not because I have to. You have given me free will, the ability to obey or reject Your Word … because You want me to receive Your grace, mercy, and love with gratitude and joy.

And I do. I love You, Lord! I praise and worship You.

For the blessing of living under Your grace frees me to love You and others … and Father, a life full of love is a life full of happiness. Thank you!

God sent Him [Jesus] to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children.

Galatians 4:5

Lord Jesus, how can I begin to thank you for suffering my punishment for me. You accomplished what I cannot … so that I might be forgiven, redeemed, and rescued. You made it possible for me to be called the Father’s very own child.

A child who can approach the Father at any time, who can rest secure in the Father’s love, trust His care and provision, live with the strength and courage He gives, and enjoy the peace that passes understanding and hope that will not disappoint. Thank you, Lord Jesus, in and through You … I have everything I need.

As children, we dream of the freedom we will enjoy as adults but as adults, demands and responsibilities can make freedom and happiness feel very elusive. So, I'm praying and asking God for His help. #WWGGG #Prayer #Freedom #Happiness #CountingMyBlessings #BibleStudy

You thrill me, Lord, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.

Psalm 92:4

Yes, Lord, You thrill me! You have set me free. You give me everything I need each day. Because of all that You have done for me, I am called precious, beloved, cherished, holy, and victorious. I am forgiven. I am loved. I am free! And that’s all I need to be happy!

Thank you for the gifts of freedom and happiness. Your love overwhelms me. Please help me, live with gratitude in ways that show the world the blessings of knowing and loving You. By Your grace and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friend, freedom and happiness are possible.

The freedom you and I have in Christ makes us free to live our lives the way God intended.

We are free to live under His grace, mercy, and love … knowing we are forgiven and claimed as His very own children. We can trust that we really do have everything we need to live with courage and strength in victory one day at a time.

I don’t know about you, but I believe if all of me could believe all of that 100% of the time … I would enjoy the happiness I want.

So, that is my prayer and I believe that by God’s grace, His truth will become more and more true in my life as I rest in His Word and trust His love.

I’m praying that for you, too!

Finally, a quote from C. S. Lewis says it better than I can…

If a thing is free to be good it is also free to be bad. And free will is what has made evil possible. Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. ~ C. S. Lewis

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray When You Doubt Your Value

If you doubt your value today because someone has failed to love you well or you are lacking something you need to be lovable ... I'd love to pray with you. #DoubtSelf #Unlovable #GodLovesYou #VersesandPrayers #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I believe we all want to be emotionally healthy … and there are several things required to make that desire a reality.

Those things are a need for love, security, and significance.

The need to be valued!

And I believe we are hardwired by God with this need for two very important reasons…

  1. He is love and He loves us.
  2. He wants us to know and experience His love because we are precious to Him.

The Lord has placed a craving within us that He alone is able to satisfy.

We can chase after people, possessions, power, professions, and popularity and never feel the love, security, and significance we so desperately want.

And maybe, we’re not supposed to.

It’s especially difficult in our relationships with people, isn’t it?

We want to be loved. We need to be loved.

It’s how we’re made.

So, we seek love from people … longing for perfect relationships with spouses, children, parents, siblings, and friends. Oh sure, we try harder with some than with others. But we all have someone or several someones whose love we will do almost anything to get and keep.

But there’s a problem…

People will never love us perfectly no matter how hard we try or what we do. People will let us down. And truthfully, there will be times when we will let them down as well.

So, if you and I seek our value from the approving love of other people … you will always doubt your worth and so will I. If we’re trying to find self-worth in any temporary thing this world has to offer … we will always be left wanting and disappointed.

So, I’m going to the Lord today and asking Him to help us KNOW how much He loves and values us. I’m asking Him to remind us that we are precious to Him. And I’m asking Him to assure us that when it comes to the perfect love we need in order to be emotionally healthy … His love is more than enough!

If you doubt your value today because someone has failed to love you well or because you believe you’re lacking something you need to be more lovable … I’d love for you to pray with me.

5 Verses to Pray When You Doubt Your Value

If you doubt your value today because someone has failed to love you well or you are lacking something you need to be lovable ... I'd love to pray with you. #DoubtSelf #Unlovable #GodLovesYou #VersesandPrayers #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.

Ephesians 1:4–5

Father, it’s hard for me to get my brain around this promise.

You say I was on your mind before You spoke creation into being … before You made a grain of sand or a star in the sky. You say You chose me in Christ Jesus to be Your child and that You wanted me so much it gave You great pleasure.

It gave you pleasure to sacrifice everything to make me Your own. Pleasure. Father, that is unimaginable impossible to explain love.

Implant this on my heart that I might never doubt my value again. I am Yours and that makes me precious and treasured … and loved.

Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:9–10

Father, I’ve heard it said that no accomplishment could make You love me more and no failure could make You love me less.

Who loves like that?! People can be so quick to reject and slow to forgive.

But You made me and call me a masterpiece. And You not only didn’t reject me but You forgave me completely and made me a new creation through Jesus. Not through what I have done but through what He has done for me.

How can I ever begin to thank you? I can’t thank you enough but I can live to bring You glory and love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

 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.

Romans 8:38

Father, it’s clear to see the enemy is alive and at work in our world. We experience attacks on our health, our homes, our careers, and our relationships.

But Your Word says “NOTHING” can ever separate me from Your love. Nothing the enemy does. Nothing I’m afraid he’ll do. Not even if he turns the powers of hell against me. YOU LOVE ME ALWAYS AND FOREVER! And You take care of me. Even when today is painful and difficult … I trust that You are at work in and around me. I am Yours. I am safe. I am valued and loved.

Cast all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 

1 Peter 5:7

Father, I love this promise. You have the deepest affection for me and watch over me carefully and nothing can change that.

You invite me to bring all my worry and anxiety to You. I wonder how often I unnecessarily carry a burden that You want to carry for me. I’m sorry Father, please forgive me and help me remember You are worthy of my complete trust. You are faithful to keep Your promises. You are my loving Father, who calls me Your precious pearl. I am overwhelmed by Your love.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.

Lamentations 3:22

Father, I am the beneficiary of Your faithful love every day. I am covered by Your grace and mercy. I am safe in Jesus … not just today but forever and always. You call me Your child. Your friend. Your masterpiece. Your beloved. You call me precious. You call me valued. You call me LOVED!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Amen.

If you doubt your value today because someone has failed to love you well or you are lacking something you need to be lovable ... I'd love to pray with you. #DoubtSelf #Unlovable #GodLovesYou #VersesandPrayers #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Friend, I’m emotional. I look at life through a lens of emotions and sometimes the way I think about myself is determined by the way someone has treated me or something they’ve said to me. I can sometimes base my value, on any given day, on the way I feel physically, the number on the scale, or the imperfections I see in the mirror. And yes, I can even occasionally allow my circumstances to distort my thoughts about my value and worth.

But all of those things are lies of the enemy.

Anything that tempts you to doubt your value … anything that makes you question God’s love is A LIE!

Look at the above verses inserting your name in the blanks.

Even before He made the world, God loved __________ and chose __________ in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. 

For __________ is God’s masterpiece. He has created __________ anew in Christ Jesus.

Nothing can ever separate __________ from God’s love.

He cares about __________ [with deepest affection, and watches over __________ very carefully]. 

The faithful love of the Lord [for __________] never ends! His mercies never cease.

Nothing can change His love for you. No words, thoughts, or circumstances. No flaw, failure, or frustration. NOTHING!

When the enemy tempts and taunts you, when circumstances are hard, and when you doubt your value…

Remember.

GOD IS LOVE! And HE LOVES YOU!

You are perfectly precious to Him.
You always have been and you always will be!

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray When You Need to Live Happy

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

I know it’s impossible to live happy 100% of the time.

Bad things happen, people are cruel, relationships end and happiness fades.

And even when you and I are trying our best to do everything “right” … a choice made by someone else has the ability to turn our happiness into pain.

Yet, I still believe God wants His children to be happy … not entitled, not indulged, not spoiled rotten, but happy. Good parents don’t give their children everything they want. They allow them to live out the consequences of their poor choices. They don’t give them cake and ice cream at every meal nor do they take them to Disneyland every day.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t want their children to be happy.

They do!

They just care more about the long-term happiness of the children than they do about their momentary pleasure.

I don’t know about you, but I can act like a pouty indulged child sometimes … moments when I focus on what I want more rather than on what I already have.

I want to be more like Sadie.

Our Cavapoo, Sadie, was sick earlier this year and due to that illness, she will have to be on prescription dog food and treats for the rest of her life. No tastes of “people” food or bites of her former favorites.

Every meal and every treat tastes exactly the same every day … and it will forever!

But Rev and I get the giggles every time we feed her. You would think she was getting a gourmet steak dinner the way she dances around the room completely delighted with life!

If only I could be more like Sadie and less like the Children of Israel…

The people grew impatient with the long journey, and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!”

Numbers 21:4–5

God had rescued them from slavery and was providing for them each day but rather than choosing to count their blessings and live contented and happy, they grumbled and complained.

So, I’m going to God today and I’m asking Him to help me count my blessings and focus on the fact that He is a generous and loving Father.

Will you pray with me?

5 Verses to Pray When You Need to Live Happy

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

“God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through Him.”

John 3:16–17 (NCV)

Father, You not only knew my greatest need but You provided Jesus to meet that need. I was lost and broken by sin, selfish and without hope. And even after You saved me from slavery to sin, I can still be like the grumbling Israelites. But still, You forgive me again and again.

Your love overwhelms me! If You never gave me another thing, the gift of Jesus would be enough! Through Him I have life. Through Him I am free.

Happy is the person
    whose sins are forgiven,
    whose wrongs are pardoned.
Happy is the person
    whom the Lord does not consider guilty
    and in whom there is nothing false.

Psalm 32:1–2 (NCV)

Father, You forgive me! You forgive my grumbling and complaining. You forgive my selfishness and foolishness. Because of Jesus, I can bring all of my guilt and shame to You and receive the blessing of unconditional love and forgiveness. You don’t see my guilt and shame. You see Your Son in me making me clean and redeemed.

Happy is the person whose sins are forgiven! Thank you!

Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

Psalm 119:34–35

Father, by Your grace and with the help of Your Spirit, please help me SEEK to know, trust, and obey Your will. Give me wisdom and understanding to know what to do, when to do it, and when to stay out of the way and leave it to You.

I will study Your Word to know Your commands. I will follow wherever You lead me – trusting that You will always go with me, giving me whatever I need one day at a time. And having what I need each day … that is where true happiness is found. Please help me remember and appreciate all I have in You that I might live happy for Your glory.

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 8:38–39

Father, Your love is my source of joy and happiness. That is Your will for me. And this promise, that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate me from Your love gives me peace and everything I need to live with hope.

I am Yours no matter what I’m worried about or what frightens me. I am Yours no matter what happens. Thank you, Father. In You, I am secure today, tomorrow, and always and that is the perfect reason for me to live happy. By Your grace, help me keep my eyes on You.

Be happy in your faith at all times. Never stop praying. Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (Phillips)

Father, forgive me for failing to celebrate my faith each day. It’s so easy for me to get distracted by stuff and people and circumstances. Once again, I come to You in prayer, thanking You for Your grace, mercy, and love. You have walked with me through painful and difficult times. You have forgiven me and given me strength and indescribable peace. Thank you!

Please help me live happy in ways that give You glory. Help me be so happy in You that others want to know You … my source of peace and joy! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

It's impossible to live happy 100% of the time. With God's help, we can rest in His truth and trust His promises having everything we need to live with hope. #Faith #Hope #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #LiveHappy

Something I’ve realized lately is that many of my attitude issues have to do with my perspective.

Before you get the wrong idea … you need to know that my life is far from perfect. I have relationships that are not even close to what I’d like them to be. I have family members struggling with difficult health issues. I have aches and pains that gnaw at me. And plenty of additional things that nip at me trying to get me to settle in to worry and anxiety.

But God…

Two of my favorite words … words that speak a life-changing truth for people of faith.

But God:

  • loves.
  • forgives.
  • delivers.
  • strengthens.
  • comforts.
  • cares.
  • provides.
  • guides.
  • helps.
  • renews.
  • transforms.

God gives us hope.

And the hope He gives changes everything!

When you and I have hope, we can count on the truth that whatever is happening in our lives today, whatever is not perfect, whatever is painful, whatever is missing … God is able to give us everything we need because He is faithful to keep His promises.

Promises like…

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

And…

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.

Luke 12:31

Everything includes all we need to live happy!

God bless you! Have a wonderful day in the Lord!

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

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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!

Praying for Hope in the One Who Really is Christmas

Scripture verses and prayers to help in praying for hope especially when you are facing life's concerns over finances and relationships. #PrayerforHope #ChristmasHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Christmas is just days away and as I read through and lift up the prayer requests left on the Blessing Counters Prayer Page, I can’t help but notice how families seem to have two areas of pain and concern that rise to the top … especially at this time of the year.

Finances and relationships.

It’s funny how we get it into our heads that this year we need to do everything we can to make our memories perfect. And for many of us, that means all of our loved ones blissfully gathered together around an amply piled Christmas tree.

Now, I’ll be one of the first to admit – that loving relationships are important and part of God’s desire for us. And I’ll also admit that this time of year makes our broken relationships even more painful. And I know that giving gifts at Christmas is one of the ways we express that love.

I’m also aware that many of the problems people are praying about are greater than gifts and gatherings. It’s just that the Christmas season tends to make us even more aware of what’s lacking in those areas of our lives.

And I wonder if we aren’t all tempted to put a bit of our Christmas focus on what’s less important. I wonder if we expect people and things to fill a hole in us that only God Himself is able to satisfy?

What if we’re hoping God will fix our circumstances … forgetting that He has already given us everything we need in and through Jesus to fix everything in our lives forever.

So, I’m pausing from all the planning and preparations and praying for HOPE. I’m praying to let go of the less important to focus on the One who is the hope of Christmas … Jesus!

Praying for Hope in the One Who Really is Christmas

Scripture verses and prayers to help in praying for hope especially when you are facing life's concerns over finances and relationships. #PrayerforHope #ChristmasHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in You alone.

Psalm 33:22

Father, my prayer is that You alone might be my source of hope. The hope You give is the confidence that I can trust Your promises. Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise You have ever made. He is the Living realization of Your love and through Your Spirit … Your unfailing love surrounds me.

You show me through Your Word and the details of my life that I am secure when I place my trust in Jesus, the promise and source of my salvation.

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

Luke 2:10–11

Father, I try to imagine what that night must have been like. The night the Word in flesh took His first breath of earthly air. The night Your Garden promise was fulfilled.

As I celebrate Jesus’ birth in a few days, please settle my heart and mind on Your grace, mercy, and love. Help me focus on the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord … the One who gave up everything to give me hope I can count on. Hope that is the assurance of Your grace, mercy, and love.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Oh Father, how I love these words of Jesus. It’s so tempting to worry about our finances and relationships. This world is broken and too often it robs me of my peace and contentment … things You want for me. Things You invite me to bring to You. Things You want me to bring to You. Things You offer to help me carry.

Thank you! I bring You every concern and burden and ask You to replace it with hope … by Your grace and for Your glory.

God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind. So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

Hebrews 6:17–18

Father, Your promises are sure and unchanging. I can count on You and trust Your Word. I can rest secure in Jesus … the Way, Truth, and Life. So, I run to the safety of Your embrace confident that I can place my hope in You … not just for today, but for the New Year, and for the rest of forever.

Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness;
    His mercies begin afresh each morning.

Lamentations 3:21–23

Father, I will hold this promise close to my heart whenever I am tempted by doubt and fear. I will remember with hope…

Your unfailing love is perfect and lasting. Your mercy covers every part and every moment of my life. Your grace makes it possible for me to know with certainty that my problems are temporary … that Your grace is sufficient to give me hope when life overwhelms me.

I will hold on to the hope I have in Jesus, the promised One who is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End … the One who came to earth to live the perfect life I am unable to live and suffered the death I deserve that He might rise again to give me life forever with You.

That is grace and mercy. That is Jesus. That is HOPE in the One who is Christmas! My thanks and worship and praise are Yours forever and always. Amen.

Scripture verses and prayers to help in praying for hope especially when you are facing life's concerns over finances and relationships. #PrayerforHope #ChristmasHope #Faith #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

I’m Praying for Hope for You

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed by expectations you are putting on yourself or disappointed by your circumstances or the choices of others, know that this is my prayer for you today…

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

May your celebration be blessed by the One who is Christmas.

You see the meaning of the word Christmas is Christ’s Mass. He is the reason we celebrate. He is the gift that will last forever. He is the source of our hope!

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

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

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

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

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

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Stop and Behold

It's such a busy time of year that we don't take the time to stop and behold much of anything but maybe it's time to pray and ask God to help us slow down and behold all He has given us in Jesus. #Christmas #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope

There’s a word we don’t use very often anymore.

Behold!

Even in the more recent translations of the Bible, the word behold has been replaced with words like … look, see, and watch.

But I think beholding something is so much more than simply looking or seeing. We hurry past things we see every day and I can watch an entire show while texting, online shopping, or perusing social media.

Because like everyone else, I’m typically multi-tasking in a rush to get things done.

So, this simple word grabbed my attention. Because to really “behold” something means to stop and gaze … to fix my eyes and my attention on something.

Beholding is so much more than just glancing as I hurry by, it’s actually pausing long enough to allow the object or idea to touch me.

You and I are so accustomed to life happening fast – especially at Christmastime … that I’ve decided I need a pause. So, I’m challenging myself to take some time to Stop and BEHOLD GOD’S BLESSINGS!

I’m praying and asking God to help me fix my attention on the things He wants me to behold … beautiful blessings of His grace, mercy, and love that change everything at Christmas and every other day of the year. Oh, and on and on into forever, too!

5 Verses to Pray that will Help You Stop and Behold

It's such a busy time of year that we don't take the time to stop and behold much of anything but maybe it's time to pray and ask God to help us slow down and behold all He has given us in Jesus. #Christmas #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope

Behold, the eye of the Lord 
is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope in His mercy.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.

Psalm 33:18,22 (NKJV)

Father, thank you!

In this crazy busy time of the year, it’s so easy for me to get distracted by the activities and my long list of self-imposed things I tell myself I need to do. Please forgive me and help me behold Your blessings. Help me focus on the things that matter to You. Help me SEEK YOU FIRST in spite of life’s demands and distractions.

Because no matter what is going on in my life … I can count on the blessing that You are watching over me. I love you, Lord! I trust Your love and I put my life and my hope in Your grace and mercy.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

Father, these simple words always grab my heart. The miracle – a Son, Your Son … He could have been born anywhere to anyone. Jesus could have left the glories of heaven and entered into the luxuries of earth. He could have joined the rich and powerful. But your plan of love from the beginning chose a humble virgin from a modest family.

And by the power of Your Spirit through Mary, the Word became flesh. God became Man, taking on human limitations to do what we were unable to do for ourselves. You sacrificed yourself to give us life! The best news in the world is … “God with us.” Lived among us. Died our death. And rose to give us life forever. Thank you! Thank you!

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:10–11, 13–14 (NKJV)

Oh, Father, I want to pause and behold this sight. I want to picture what it must have been like to be one of the shepherds standing in that field on a typically quiet night when suddenly the angel proclamation became a massive heavenly choir praising You for Your holy gift.

May I live each day in anticipation of the day when I will personally behold Your glory filling the skies. Fill me with humble faith that I might live surrendered to You today and trust Your forever promises for the future.

[Jesus] said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

Luke 24:38–39 (NKJV)

And Father, when life is hard and doubts arise please help me pause and behold my risen Savior, Jesus. Help me remember all He has done for me. Help me remember His promises and follow His teachings and examples. Help me behold His sacrificial love that changes everything.

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection … I am forgiven and free. I am redeemed. I am Your child. I am treasured. I am loved. And I have an eternal future filled with hope.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Father, Because of Jesus, You are making me a new creation. I have Your Spirit with and within me. Because of Jesus, I am blessed with “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)

Because of Jesus … my past is behind me, my guilt is gone, and my future is secure. I am able to live each day confident that through Your all-sufficient grace I have everything I need to live with hope today, tomorrow, and forever. In Jesus’ name, I am Yours. Thank you! Amen.

It's such a busy time of year that we don't take the time to stop and behold much of anything but maybe it's time to pray and ask God to help us slow down and behold all He has given us in Jesus. #Christmas #Faith #Prayer #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #Hope

Our hope, my hope rests on God’s promise of a perfect eternal future in His presence. So, I want to stop one last time today to BEHOLD His Revelation Promise!

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Revelation 21:3–6

I’m stopping to pray that the thought of beholding what we have received through God’s gift of Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, blesses you today and every day for the rest of your life.

God bless you as you stop and behold!

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

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by 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!

10 Things to Thank God for Every Day

Thank God for who He is and for all He does. Thanksgiving may be over but for those who follow Jesus ... every day is a day to thank and praise God. #Thanksgiving #PraiseGod #BibleQuotes #ThankGod #WWGGG #Blessings

I’m keeping it simple today…

There has been a lot of talk over the past days about being thankful.

We’ve counted our blessings and listed the good things we enjoy. We’ve feasted with family and friends and now, the day after it seems like it’s time to move on to all-things Christmas.

But before we do, I want to take a few more minutes to stop and simply thank God for who He is and all He does for us heart, mind, soul, and strength…

10 Things to Thank God for Every Day

Thank God for who He is and for all He does. Thanksgiving may be over but for those who follow Jesus ... every day is a day to thank and praise God. #Thanksgiving #PraiseGod #BibleQuotes #ThankGod #WWGGG #Blessings

Thank God for being our Burden Bearer – He is faithful to help us carry every burden and will strengthen us to endure every challenge when we surrender our lives to Him.

Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Psalm 55:22

Thank God for being the Great “I AM” – His goodness is beyond measure. His power is beyond understanding. His grace is sufficient for every circumstance.

How kind the Lord is! How good He is! So merciful, this God of ours!

Psalm 116:5

Thank God for being Mighty and Powerful – Throughout time God has demonstrated His power and might and He is mighty and powerful enough to help you and me with whatever difficulty we face.

Sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; His holy arm has shown His saving power!

Psalm 98:1

Thank God for being Righteous – He is the “One who is right!” Everything He does is perfect and holy.

Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with You, O God?

Psalm 71:19

Thank God for being Merciful and Kind – Everything He has done from creation through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and all He will continue to do from today and into eternity … comes from a heart of loving mercy.

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

Psalm 103:8

Thank God for being Sovereign King – Rulers and leaders will come and go but God reigns supreme over all creation … that was true yesterday, it is true today, and it will be true forever and always.

The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty. Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.

Psalm 93:1

Thank God for being Present – He is always with you and me. He knows every need and hears every prayer.

Lord, even before I say a word, You already know it. You are all around me—in front and in back—and have put Your hand on me.

Psalm 139:4–5

Thank God for being your Provider – What an amazing blessing it is to know that He provides everything we need. Not everything we want but everything we need!

The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.

Psalm 23:1

Thank God for being your Forgiver – What an amazing blessing to know that no sin is too great … through God’s grace given through Jesus, we can be confident that when we go to Him in humble repentance, we are forgiven!

Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, You forgive them all.

Psalm 65:3

Thank God for being the perfect Promise Keeper – Every word of God has proven true. They always have and they always will. God faithfully keeps His promises — ALWAYS! What a blessing to know we can trust Him completely.

For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does.

Psalm 145:13
Thank God for who He is and for all He does. Thanksgiving may be over but for those who follow Jesus ... every day is a day to thank and praise God. #Thanksgiving #PraiseGod #BibleQuotes #ThankGod #WWGGG #Blessings

A Thank You Prayer

Thank you, Lord!
  You have heard my cry for mercy.
O, Lord, my strength and shield.
    I trust You with all my heart.
Thank you for helping me,
and for filling my heart with joy and thanksgiving.
(Psalm 28:6–7)

Lord, thank you, You are so good and ready to forgive,
  thank you for Your unfailing love that covers me
when I come to You for help.
(Psalm 86:5)

Teach me Your ways, O Lord,
    that I may live according to Your truth!
Please help me and grant me purity of heart,
    that I may honor You.
And I will praise You with all my heart, O Lord my God.
    I will give glory to Your name forever!
(Psalm 86:11–12)

Amen.

Welcome to Our Last Faith ‘n Friends Link Party
here at Counting My Blessings
If you are a Christian blogger I’d love to have you join the
Blessing Bloggers Facebook Group
where we have a weekly thread for sharing blog posts
and social media help and encouragement.

Our goal in the Blessing Bloggers Group is to…
Share, Encourage, Connect, and Pray

We can’t wait to see you there!
Of course, I hope you’ll continue to visit me here.
By God’s grace, I will still be posting here every Monday and Friday!

And now…

This Week’s Friday Favorites
Highlight Posts of the Week!

How to Fight Holiday Overwhelm with Christian Meditation by Sarah Geringer @ Finding Peace in God's Word

How to Fight Holiday Overwhelm
with Christian Meditation

by Sarah Geringer
@ Finding Peace in God’s Word

Self-Care for the Holidays by April @ Healing in Heart

Self-Care for the Holidays

by April
@ Healing in Heart

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

Counting My Blessings

I’m so glad you’re here!

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

I'm finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith 'n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun! Click to Tweet

Deb Wolf
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No More Rules Link Party

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Thank you so much for partying with us!

I’d love it if you would invite your friends to join us.
I visit every linked post and share many of them on social media.

May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship! 

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

And join our new Facebook Group –
#WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory.
Click on the link to learn more!

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

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

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Thank you and God bless!

Verses that will Inspire and Encourage You to Glorify God

To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

What does it mean to glorify God?

Henry Blackaby wrote:

“Will God ever ask you to do something you are not able to do? The answer is yes–all the time! It must be that way, for God’s glory and kingdom. If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function according to the power of the Spirit within us, God gets the glory. He wants to reveal Himself to a watching world.”

And every day, I can think of countless things I am unable to do on my own. Things the Bible says God asks of you and me … things I know would be impossible without Him also giving us the counsel, courage, and comfort of His Holy Spirit.

And just to remind myself how very much I need His Spirit’s help, I decided to make a list of things the Bible says I should do … things that will glorify God.

So, from A to Z here’s a list of…

Verses to Encourage and Inspire You to Glorify God

To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. John 15:4 (NRSV)

  • Father, please help me remain connected to You through Your Word, prayer, and the power of Your Spirit.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

  • Lord, please help me sit at Your feet, know Your heart, and trust Your will.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

  • Lord, please help me bring every concern and problem to You in prayer … knowing You will give me everything I need.

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4 (NLT)

  • May I delight in You, Lord … loving You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Romans 12:16 (NLT)

  • Father, please give me all I need to love others in ways that glorify You.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me. John 10:27–28 (NLT)

  • Lord, it can be hard to follow You when the road ahead appears challenging. Please help me trust You to go before and behind me to keep me safe. With Your Spirit’s help … I will follow wherever You lead.

Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

  • Father, grace is a gift I don’t deserve and I definitely don’t deserve all that You have given me in and through Jesus. Please help me grow in wisdom and knowledge that I might grow closer to Him and live for Your glory.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)

  • Lord, please keep me humble and kind … remembering that all I am and all I have is a gift from Your loving hand.

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

  • Father, please help me trust and obey You always … even when I don’t believe anyone is watching.

I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart.” Psalm 40:8 (NLT)

  • Lord, may trusting and obeying Your will be my joy and not an obligation or burden.
To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. Psalm 16:8 (NLT)

  • Father, may I rest in the knowledge of Your sweet presence today and every day.

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. Mark 12:30 (NLT)

  • More than anything, I want to love You with all that I am, Lord. Please help me by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. Luke 6:36 (NLT)

  • Father, may I glorify You by extending the same mercy to others that You have so lovingly given to me.

You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you. This new life brings you the true knowledge of God. Colossians 3:10 (NLT)

  • Father, thank you for the new life you have given me in Jesus. May it shine Your light and give You glory.

If you love me, you will obey my commands. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:15–16 (NLT)

  • Oh, Lord, I want to obey You but I stumble and fall on my own. Thank you for the gift of Your Spirit. Please help me rely on His strength each day.

I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146:2 (NCV)

  • By Your grace and with Your help, I will praise You now and forever.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5–6 (NLT)

  • Quiet is hard in this world, Father. It’s hard to slow down and wait in faith when the world is shouting at me. When I can’t, I will trust Your all-sufficient grace to give me strength and hope.

Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 (NLT)

  • Father, I am so sorry. You have shown me countless times that Your way is better than mine. Please forgive me and give me all I need to trust You and obey.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

  • Lord, this will be my prayer every day the rest of my life … that You will help me SEEK You above all else.
To remind myself how very much I need His Spirit's help to glorify God the way He wants, I gathered a list of verses and prayers to help. #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #GiveGodGlory #GlorifyGod

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you. Psalm 37:5 (NLT)

  • When I SEEK You first, Lord … I can trust You to guide me and help me through Your grace, mercy, and love.

I am in them and You are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent me and that You love them as much as You love me. John 17:23 (NLT)

  • Father, please help me glorify You by doing all I can to honor Your prayer for unity among Your children. Forgive us and help us to love like Jesus.

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)

  • Thank you for the victory we have in Jesus! Help me live in victory today … free of the past and confident of the future.

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Ephesians 5:15 (NLT)

  • Father, please give me the wisdom I need to live each day for You.

I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise Your name forever and ever. Psalm 145:1 (NLT)

  • Lord, You are the X … the Christ (Χριστός) and I will exalt You and lift Your name high forever.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:17 (NLT)

  • May I be humble, Father … willing to yield my will to You and to others out of love.

“I am the A and the Z,” says the Lord God, the one who is, the One who was, and the One who is coming, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8 (MSG)

  • Lord Jesus, You are eternal … present before creation and You will reign forever and ever. May I live every day by Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.

A Heart Prepared to Glorify God

Whenever I’m inclined to be a little self-righteous and Pharisaical, all I have to do is pray through a list of verses I know God wants me to obey. I’m always humbled when His Spirit affirms the ways I know the Lord wants me to demonstrate my love and trust for Him and my love for others.

On my own, I will consistently fail because as Blackaby wrote, when we “function according to our ability alone, we get the glory” or maybe another way of saying it is … we take the glory.

But when you and I humbly surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we not only receive the counsel and courage we need to more consistently trust and obey God’s will but we are able to humbly admit our failures and share God’s grace, mercy, and love to a hurting world.

And that, my friends, is one of the best ways to Glorify God!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlight Posts of the Week!

Because of Jesus, My Home is Overflowing with Thankfulness by Tiffiney Holmes @ Welcome Home Ministry

Because of Jesus,
My Home is Overflowing with Thankfulness

by Tiffiney Holmes
@ Welcome Home Ministry

One Simple Truth to Help Your Heart Feel Grateful by Betsy de Cruz @ Faith Spilling Over

One Simple Truth to Help Your Heart Feel Grateful

by Betsy de Cruz
@ Faith Spilling Over

AND the…

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