From my pastor this morning: “Prayer is not complete without gratitude… Thankfulness is an exercise in Faith.” – Pastor George Pearson, Eagle Mountain International Church
Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, Philippians 4:6 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/php.4.6.TPT
We read in the story of Daniel and how he faced the lion’s den – not desperate or fearful. He was faithfilled and grateful. His prayers and thankfulness led to his deliverance . (Daniel 6)
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house, and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he got down upon his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Daniel 6:10 AMPC https://bible.com/bible/8/dan.6.10.AMPC
I am grateful for good spiritual leaders, the ones I can look up to and want to emulate. Yet I remind myself that they are human and therefore not perfect — and that my hope must always be in the Lord.
I am also reminded that all those in positions of leadership need our prayers. If you are reading this will you please join me in praying for our leaders?
First – that they come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
Next – that their ears, hearts and minds are open to hear and receive godly wisdom. And they willingly act upon it in every important decision. That they are protected from and refuse to take part in any evil plan.
Higher than the highest heavens— that’s how high your tender mercy extends! Greater than the grandeur of heaven above is the greatness of your loyal love, towering over all who fear you and bow down before you! Farther than from a sunrise to a sunset— that’s how far you’ve removed our guilt from us. But Lord, your endless love stretches from one eternity to the other, unbroken and unrelenting toward those who fear you and those who bow facedown in awe before you. Your faithfulness to keep every gracious promise you’ve made passes from parents, to children, to grandchildren, and beyond. You arefaithful to all those who follow your ways and keep your word.
Take a few moments to reflect on these words and be encouraged dear one. Oh how He loves you and me!
Higherthan the highest heavens— that’s how high your tender mercy extends! Greater than the grandeur of heaven above is the greatness of your loyal love, towering over all who fear you and bow down before you! Fartherthan from a sunrise to a sunset— that’s how far you’ve removed our guilt from us. But Lord, your endless love stretches from one eternity to the other, unbroken and unrelenting toward those who fear you and those who bow facedown in awe before you. Your faithfulness to keep every gracious promise you’ve made passes from parents, to children, to grandchildren, and beyond. You are faithful to all those who follow your ways and keep your word. Psalms 103:11-12, 17-18 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.103.11-18.TPT
Day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment. We choose by what we say and by what we believe. Will we choosefaith in the goodness of God and that he has a good plan for our future? Or will we choose to allow fear and worry to preplay a “dreaded outcome” in our future?
Consider this….
Faith based on the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus (that he has set me free from the law of sin and death), believes more in the ability and willingness of God to save and keep me than it does in the ability of anyone or anything to harm or hurt me.
Faith receives. For it was only through this wonderful grace that we believed in him. Nothing we did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the gracious gift from God that brought us to Christ! Ephesians 2:8 TPT
Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. Hebrews 11:1 TPT
Faith empowers us to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated by the power of God’s words! He spoke and the invisible realm gave birth to all that is seen. Hebrews 11:3 TPT
And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who passionately seek him. Hebrews 11:6 TPT
This is what I choose. I hope you will too!
We look away from the naturalrealm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God! Hebrews 12:2 TPT
Draw near, don’t hold back! Oh my child do not fear, I am not the accuser, I am your Father. I love you with a perfect, unfailing, everlasting love. Who you are is very precious to me. I call you into my presence to spend time with you. Not to tell you what you’ve done wrong — but to remind you of what Jesus did to make it right, to make you right in my sight.
I am longing for intimacy, trust, a conversation with you. I want to tell you how I love you, and how pleased I am with the good choices you’ve made, and how I have plans for you. Plans to fill your future with joy. I want to share myself with you, to overwhelm you and fill you with my love. There is nothing about you that surprises me, nothing I won’t forgive. Do not let the lies of the enemy keep you from me.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
I was inspired to write this poem several years ago. It fell out of my Bible today and reminded me of the many benefits of my relationship with Jesus. I hope you know Him too and are experiencing the benefits of trusting in Him.
Rest I am your deliverer and salvation, You are my covenant child, I have justified you, I have made you righteous, I have made you holy through the blood of my son.
Rest You are hid in Christ, My Spirit is in you and with you always, I am at work within you, I am causing you both to will and to do my good pleasure.
Rest Trust in my love, I know the plans I have for you, I planned them before your birth, I see the end result, I am focused on your future, not your past.
Rest I am your Lord, I am King of Kings, I am working all things together for your good, I am the author and finisher of your faith.
Rest I am faithful to My Word, My promises are true, You are a branch of The Vine, Rivers of living water are in you.
Rest I am your life and light, The strength and might of my Spirit are being imparted to your inner man, along with My wisdom and My ability.
Now My beloved child, rest.
Hebrews 4:3a For we who have believed(who have adhered to and relied on God)do enter into that rest.
Learn more about Jesus…pick up a Bible and read the book of John, then see Romans 3:23 and Romans 10:10.
I’m praying that you find rest in Him. Oh how He loves you and me.
I’m smiling as I write this because it seems both amusing and lovely at the same time. I’m thinking about both King David and Anne of Green Gables.
If you haven’t seen the Anne of Green Gables series of movies with Megan Fellows, I highly recommend it. I’ve been known to binge watch all of them on a rainy or snowy weekend.
The things I enjoy most about Anne are her flair for the dramatic and her sensitive heart. Due to pride she sometimes gets herself into predicaments (some quite hilarious), and is moved to “the depths of despair.” But she also loves with all her heart, as in her relationship with Diana, her “kindred spirit and bosom friend”.
You might find it strange, but as I read the Psalms tonight, it seemed to me that she and King David may be a lot alike. Some of the Psalms are so very dramatic (due to real life situations), but the writing reminds me of “the depths of despair.” Then there are others that clearly reveal a tender hearted man with a deep love for God and how much He loves us. Below are examples, I can almost imagine how they would sound if Anne read them.
He’s the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence. Psalms 91:2 TPT
Gaze upon him, join your life with his, and joy will come. Your faces will glisten with glory. You’ll never wear that shame-face again. When I had nothing, desperate and defeated, I cried out to the Lord and he heard me, bringing his miracle-deliverance when I needed it most. The angel of the Lord stooped down to listen as I prayed, encircling me, empowering me, and showing me how to escape. He will do this for everyone who fears God. Psalms 34:5-7 TPT
The peonies are blooming, the end of spring coming and summer is near. Some days are cold and rainy, and then suddenly we have warm and sunny days. Both are needed and beauty is found in fragrant blossoms even as they soak in the rain. Soon the hot summer days will take over and plants change their focus from blossoms to bearing seeds and fruit. The cycle of seed, time and harvest is in motion, it happens every year, just as the Father designed it.
In every season He is always good and He wants to reveal His grace, goodness and faithfulness. Just ask Him. Oh how He loves you and me!
For the Lord is always good and ready to receive you. He’s so loving that it will amaze you— so kind that it will astound you! And he is famous for his faithfulness toward all. Everyone knows our God can be trusted, for he keeps his promises to every generation! ~Psalms 100:5 (The Passion Transkation)
Sometimes we all need to be reminded… Whatever the circumstances are around you today, whatever the trouble, wherever you are, know this – God is there. Jesus is willing to be your Savior, the Holy Spirit to be your strength, the Father to be your help and deliverance. Just ask, then run into his waiting, out-stretched arms, receive His love and hide yourself in his care. Oh how He loves you and me!
This is the most personal thing I have written so far, but I feel led to do it. If you read this and pray, I thank you with all my heart.
It’s almost been 17 months since this journey began for Ed and I. Tonight I am moved to tears by his love. He is unable to do many things YET (like cooking or driving). But tonight he got leftovers out of the fridge for dinner and proceeded to fix both of us a plate and reheat in the microwave ( I recently had surgery and am using a knee scooter so he is helping me.) Sometimes it’s easy to forget how far he has come since last January, and to be overwhelmed by the “waves” of this storm. But for me this act of love was a needed reminder that God is with us, He is for us, He is faithful, He is love and He is working.
This is Ed on our 45th anniversary, about a month before he became ill. I thought a photo would make this article more personal, give a focus for prayers.
The good news is that as of April 30 he will be on no daily drugs for CNSV. The next thing for him is Cervical laminectomy and fusion of C1-6 on May 10, followed by 12 weeks in a neck brace.If you are someone who prays, please say one for him and those who will perform the surgery and care for him after.
I am adding my prayers too. I am thanking God that according to… Psalm 103 He heals all of Ed’s diseases Psalm 91 He satisfies Ed with long life Psalm 23 He restores Ed’s soul (mind, will and emtions) And that all medications given are helps to his body and do him only good and no harm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Oh how grateful I am that He loves Ed and you, and me!
As the world celebrates women in general, I want to honor those who have impacted me. I have and still am being blessed by many so women of faith. There are too many to name, so instead I will reshare this poem (by one of them).
As you read this I pray that you will hear and receive the Father’s love for you. Oh how He loves you and me!
Most PreciousTreasure
Be encouraged, little Daughter: Your God is on your side. Draw near. Bask in My Presence. Let My Love abide.
Allow My living waters To wash away each thought That counteracts My promises And the life that Christ has bought.
You are My precious treasure Purchased at great cost, The sheep that I came looking for Who is no longer lost.
Arise and shine right where you are. Let’s join in harmony. Your world awaits your entrance. Through you, they’ll soon find me.
I find in you, great pleasure. You’re the apple of My eye I promise: I’ll not leave you. I’m always standing by.
By Roberta M. Spinney; shared with permission.
If you do not know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, simply pray this prayer in faith, and Jesus will be your Lord!
The last 16 months have been the most difficult of my life. I’ve been learning to live through what often feels like a storm with wind and waves. Some days it has felt like a roller coaster ride with wild twists and turns, and like going two steps forward and three steps back. With time flying both by or seeming not to move at all.
I haven’t always handled it well or right, but I take comfort that God knows. He knows me. He knew me in my mother’s womb and He is not surprised by any aspect of my life. At times I have felt so very weak, at others very strong – but in both cases I know He is carrying me. With uncertainty all around, He is faithful, and even reminds me of my dreams, and of His dreams for me. He isn’t surprised or worried. He has a plan, He’s always had a plan for me that includes love, redemption, forgiveness, grace, help just when I need it, and wisdom when I ask.
My part is to listen, trust and rest, to believe Him. To stay in faith even when I can’t see the way forward. To cast my care on Him because He cares, to live in expectation that He is working. Sometimes I must remind myself of what Jesus spoke to the storm, and that He is Christ in me, with me, always. I’ll close my eyes and say, “Peace, Be Still,” (agreeing with Him) and I choose to receive His peace.
I read in Isaiah 30 about the rebellion of the people and the graciousness of God, and this verse ministered to me… I am purposely leaving of the last 4 words (“but ye would not”) because I want Him to be able to say of me “and she did.”
For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: in returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength…” Isaiah 30:16
I pray that both you and I will always find in Him our peace, quietness, strength and confidence. Oh how He loves you and me!
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. [Heb. 12:1-3.] Isaiah 40:31 AMPC
Things have been difficult recently with my husband Ed being ill. I find myself thinking of King David and what he went through and how, and reading the Psalms.
I am reminding myself to tell the storms how big my God is. It kind of feels like a David & Goliath moment at times. Other times I must choose to encourage myself in the Lord, remembering who He is, and that Ed and I are His.
Here are a few scriptures I have read, reminding myself who He is. I hope they encourage you too
He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved. With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 62:6-8 AMPC https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.62.6-8.AMPC
David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, I pray you, bring me the ephod. And Abiathar brought him the ephod. And David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them? The Lord answered him, Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all. 1 Samuel 30:6-8 AMPC https://bible.com/bible/8/1sa.30.6-8.AMPC
With my whole heart, with my whole life, and with my innermost being, I bow in wonder and love before you, the holy God! Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness you’ve done for me? You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done. You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease. You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life. You’ve crowned me with love and mercy. You satisfy my every desire with good things. You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky! You’re a God who makes things right, giving justice to the defenseless. Psalms 103:1-6 TPT https://bible.com/bible/1849/psa.103.1-6.TPT
A couple weeks ago I wrote about how it’s easy to let the stuff going on in our lives get to us, and the choices we get to make. What’s been on my mind since then is what to do when it’s hard.
Life can be hard, painful, confusing and exhausting. At times we must deal with and do hard things. We don’t have all the answers, so we must do hard things the best way we know how. And as imperfect humans we make mistakes
It’s hard. My husband of 46 years suddenly became very ill last November with a rare disease and I found myself in the completely unfamiliar role of a caregiver. It felt like I went from a happy marriage with a loving life partner to caring for someone with special needs. Responsibility for his care 24/7, all medical and financial decisions, doctor and hospital trips, bills, housework, laundry…and working full time. I didn’t/ don’t know how to do it all, it was/is hard.
So it’s hard Now what? This is where “the rubber has hit the road” in relation to my faith in Him as “the God of ALL GRACE.” Did I believe the things I had spent years learning about him, or not? The answer is a resounding YES! By God (literally) I refuse to let go of my faith in Him and I am praying and fully expect Ed to be restored to health. Psalm 23, 91 and 103 are where my faith is anchored. Until that happens I am asking for and expecting God to provide all that is needed as we walk through this jouney.
Yes I have cried, questioned, been angry at times but… He is faithful! When I have been too tired or overwhelmed to even know what I need, He is Jehovah Jireh, my provider — He ministers to our needs through family and dear friends in very practical ways — I seriously don’t know we could walk thru this without them! He is Jehovah Shammah, the God who is there – he lets me know he is with me, by written or spoken words and the prayers of others. He is our shepherd and he is leading us through this valley.
What I am learning. I make mistakes – He forgives. In Him I have strength available to do whatever I need to do. In everything to ask for His wisdom, help, leading, answers, favor, and expect it. Not because I am good, but because HE IS GOOD. I must consistently choose to cast ALL of my cares on Him. He wants me to rest — and it’s not possible to rest and worry at the same time. To be gracious to receive help from others — always with a grateful heart.
Whatever hard thing you may be experiencing, I pray that you will know that God is for you, He is with you, He will never leave you, He loves you and nothing is impossible with God.
But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus, will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
A Grateful Grace-full Life 