Try to see things more and more from My perspective. Let the Light of My Presence so fully fill your mind that you view the world through Me. When little things don't go as you had hoped, look to Me lightheartedly and say, "Oh, well." This simple discipline can protect you from being burdened with an accumulation of petty cares and frustrations. If you practice this diligently, you will make a life-changing discovery: You realize that most of the things that worry you are not important. If you shrug them off immediately and return your focus to Me, you will walk through your days with lighter steps and a joyful heart. When serious problems come your way, you will have more reserves for dealing with them. You will not have squandered your energy on petty problems. You may even reach the point where you can agree with the apostle Paul that all your troubles are light and momentary, compared with the eternal glory being achieved by them.
Proverbs 20:24
English Standard Version
A man's steps are from the Lord;
how then can man understand his way?
Verse Thoughts
This is somewhat of a difficult verse to wrap one's thoughts around. To say that 'a man's steps are from the Lord' means that all of man's purposes and actions are subject to the control of God's overruling providence. This would seem to mean then that the order of man's life is even a mystery to himself. The Bible says that there is a time for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes) and it also says that all things work together for good (Romans) and now in this verse a man's steps are from the Lord. Thus, God's holds the thread of man's life and connects all of his undertakings. And yet throughout the Bible it speaks of choices that men make (John 3:16 being one of the most famous), and we are given commands and laws which infer that we have a choice whether we will obey or disobey. If God determined all my steps, then intercessory prayer seems unnecessary. So, for me, on this side of heaven, I'm not sure how this all fits together, but I trust that it does because I trust my Creator.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
English Standard Version
Verse Thoughts
These verses, to me are about trust. And that seems to be today's reading - helping me to trust God throughout all of life. That said, i don't think that the issue with my worries is that they are insignificant, but rather in all of life, I am not to worry, but instead trust God and if I have worries, pray to Him about those concerns rather than worry. Could it be that compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us, everything in life, no matter the size is somewhat light or momentary? For Paul, who wrote this, he experienced danger, stoning, weariness, and scorn from the world. But what we know is these are momentary experiences and we will, in the future, be with God forever.
Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.
Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.
Thank you LORD for reminding me of the hymn "Turn your eyes upon JESUS, Look full in HIS wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
DeleteAmen
DeleteAmen 🙏.
DeleteAmen🙏🙏🙏🙏
DeleteBeautifully written Sassy Mom
Thank you!
Love your heart
Loving prayers for you and for each of our JC family
Such a blessing this family 🙏💕🙏
Amen, one of my favorites
DeleteI’ve always loved it and always will! Turn your eyes upon Jesus! Amen!
DeleteYes! Keep our eyes looking up toward Jesus and seeking His face! Never fails 💖🙏
DeleteYesterday’s devotional and scriptures and again today are exactly what I needed!
Asking for prayers for my fiancé as he has been struggling with very painful gastric issues since battling covid. I’m praying and thanking out loving and mighty God for His miraculous healing.
I love your hearts Sassy Mom and Jeanne.
Y’all are beautiful blessings
Love and Prayers for our JC family
🙏💖🙏
Praying Brandy for your fiance. God's timing is perfect and we pray the He will heal your fiance completely. May God receive all the glory
DeletePraying for you and your fiance Brady thank you lord for all that you do the seen and unseen I trust you lord in jesus might name I pray and thank amen lord
DeleteThank you again for your commentary.
ReplyDeleteWow. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I read your comment on the first verse, I thought of another verse in Proverbs...
ReplyDeleteThe heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)
Yes, we have choices to make, but if my heart is focused on God, then he guides my path.
Thank you for posting this. I own the book, but find the combination of devotion and scriptures in one spot helps me to focus on the theme more easily.
God bless!
Thanks! Proverbs 16:9 is one of my “go to”’s too! Trusting always in His guiding Hand. His Way is the right way.
DeleteOn a Friday afternoon on Calvary, human nature was at its worst and from an earthily perspective, chaos reigned. But from a heavenly perspective, all things were serving God’s desire, to save you and me. Though it must have saddened God greatly to watch that which He created in love act in such an unloving manner toward Him in His only begotten Son, yet, God would get His Way, God would get you and me back to Himself forever. It may be hard to get our head around this all but our relationship with our Heavenly Father is not one of understanding but of embracing. In my own life, I have discovered that the greater my love of God is, the more I understand what’s really happening (which is contrary to the way of thinking I learned in receiving my Bachelor of Science degree). “Oh, well!”
ReplyDeleteAmen 🙏.
DeleteIndeed! Amen!
DeleteAmen to that! I wish we could love with the great and unconditional love that our Father has for us. Chaos appears to be reigning in our world but in our hearts we know that Jesus is reigning and God is still in charge and mighty to save and His Spirit is busy at work empowering us to be great witnesses to our faith and a beacon for the Lord in this darkness.
DeleteAmen Bob. Seeing everything in life in this 'space-time continuum' through a 'Jesus lens' (His perspective), when I am able to do this, reorders my priorities and turns up my trust levels a notch or two. Seeing current events on the worlds stage this way restores peace removing the 'Oh my what do we do now?' element from my life. Embracing Him, looking into His Face, means I am not anxious or afraid, neither do I have to understand, just simply trust. Anything I can understand is understood through my Jesus lens.
DeleteSuch beautiful truth dear Bob! God so loved us that He gave His most precious Son to bring us back to Him. How very blessed to be surrounded by a Love so Great!
DeleteI am a worrier. It's in my nature. Its part of my human make up. However, my spiritual journey has helped me realize that it really is a worthless emotion. Worry, does not help me in any way. As my faith AND trust in God increases, I do worry less and for less time. As my awareness that God is with me every step of the way in my life journey--hardships and blessings--it gets a little easier. Less worry...less anxiety. Thank you Jesus!
ReplyDeletep.s. Unknown, Unknown, I continue to pray and ask for God's blessings on you, and for you to find the light in your life. Amen.
thank you for praying for me I cant help but to worry when my life is falling apart how can I not. I dont know how people can be so strong
Deleteunknown unknown...it’s God’s strength you see in others! You are strong too...you just don’t realize it! It takes strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other every day when you want to just lay down and give up!! I am praying for you!
DeleteGod bless You unknown unknown
DeleteJesus loves you and we are all praying loving prayers for you
You are loved
Amen! I have read so many of your posts Unknown Unknown and I always see your reaching out for help in the right direction. God loves you so much in your brokenness and He has never left you, not even for a second.
DeleteAcceptance (that God is in control) is the answer to all my problems. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation-some fact of my life-unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God’s world by mistake. (A.A.).
ReplyDeleteThank you Father for being in control and in my life! 💕. I believe (most times😊) that Your Grace is greater than my sin and that you love me enough to make me into something more like You!!
Pg 417 for the win! God bless :)
DeleteKnowing that God is in control is a very liberating feeling. I just need to do the next right thing and leave the rest up to God. I heard someone say in a meeting that we pedal the bicycle but we have to let God do the steering.
DeletePraise God
DeleteYour prayer is my prayer
In Jesus heavenly name
Amen
Amen and amen! God be with you.
DeleteBlessings from California
Wow zfuntastic! That is so true! We pedal the bicycle but God does the steering. Let's do our best to let Him keep His own hands on our wheel.
DeleteLike in most "good" marriages, I've learned each spouse has strengths and weaknesses. It's my experience that marriages survive when the two have far more in common than differences. "Opposites may attract", but not many marriages last that have true polar differences in opinions and morals. However, today's culture is blurring that men and woman are truly wired differently genetically and spiritually!
ReplyDeleteI think most women pray far more than most men, and that most men worry far less than most women. I know it's true in my 3+ decade marriage. An example is like ABC's posting from last year, I treat today's troubles as just a blip where as sometimes she sees a challenge that will haunt us for a long time. We ALL need to turn our worries over to God. Lean on each other for strength and if you don't have a "significant other" then lean on God and find His hand to take you through the valley of fear. Godspeed and Amen.
Thank You Lord for blessing me with a Godly husband who loved me for 53 years and 2 beautiful children who are believers.
DeleteMadFox and Sassy Mom how do you deal with heartbreak? How do you pray during this season?
DeleteI'm left with overwhelming guilt & shame thinking that if I had just prayed more or known to communicate better. I wanted to be better I guess I was just afraid and didn't know how to. So he left.. and I always feel like it's my fault. I know that to this pain there is a purpose and as the days go by a get stronger but how do I overcome this? Please pray for my peace, healing, strength, wisdom, compassion and empathy.
I did love him and always will... I had plans but Gods will is different he gives and takes and is still SO GOOD.
Anonymous - God bless you. Don't play the "what if" game. This was discussed in Grief Share, which I repeated twice. I thought I would die of a broken heart when my husband died. It is comforting to know he is in the arms of Jesus. I cried for 5 solid months. There wasn't a day that I didn't think about him."Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY COMES IN THE MORNING" Psalm 30:5. Every day I said "Lord, what day is my joy coming? What day is my Joy coming? Don't dwell on guilt and shame, think of happy memories. There are no rules or guidelines on how long you will grieve. The heart heals but the scar remains. Your joy will return!!! May your day be filled with love and blessings. I love you.
DeleteAnonymous, I too experienced a broken relationship. We were engaged. We grew up together. It blew apart and it wasn't until years later that the Lord revealed to me His plan. I saw so clearly why we were not meant for each other. Then I met my husband now. Instead of looking back with "what ifs"as Sassy Mom shared & regrets, I became filled with gratitude to a sovereign God who planned a future for me that was more precious that I could've ever imagined. It left me in sheer awe of how infinite God's mind & thoughts are compared to my shortsighted, limited one. Trust Anonymous & wait on the Lord.🥰
DeleteIn trying to decide what little situations to "Oh, Well"? I read about God considering adding a day to a life span as "little"! Hmmmm! Imagine that! If that is little, then are all our cares and situations underneath adding a day to our life span considered miniscule? Oh Well!
DeleteLuke 25 “And besides, what’s the use of worrying? What good does it do? Will it add a single day to your life? Of course not! 26 And if worry can’t even do such little things as add a single day to your life, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
Great advice Madfox! I tend to worry about things more than my husband. He is so laid back. We have many things in common. Especially good music. He loves sports and golf, and fast, hard tv programs with violence. I'm not into it that but he is such a good, sweet and honest man. Praying someday He will belong to Jesus. He says I blow things up out of proportion especially about the health and well being of our children. He just says: They'll be just fine, stop worrying. I really do my best to put my worries on God's strong shoulders. He handles them so much better than me. God bless all those grieving for their spouses. They become half of you so their loss must be devastating.
DeleteSo glad you met that good husband, Jan! God is so good.
Very true Brie, Worry doesn't do a thing for us but drag us down and make us sick. I say "Oh Well" a lot and just let it go.
...he is such a good, sweet and honest man... God is reading his heart, Jeanne, just as He reads ours! And He will gather your DH up in His Time, probably after you completely turn it over, get out of His lane, and then let Him water and shed Sonlight on the Holy Spirit fruit seeds you plant. You know, the easy stuff like on demand feedings of love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, kindness and self control over your mind's thoughts, your mouth's words, and your body's deeds! Just as when you fix a big hot fudge sundae for yourself with all the trimmings including the cherry on top, before you get the first spoonful in your mouth, he says, Honey would you fix me one? So will he do when you continue living out the Fruit of God's Holy Spirit to him. In the meantime, love to you and our entire JC Family during waiting season.
DeletePS I'm polishing up my, my, my, my, my, my Victory Dancing ShoeS!
Thanks dear Brie! I really needed that. Every day I pray he'll seek the Lord for himself. I'm just gonna leave it there. Every day he sees the light in Christ in me and how much my faith means to me. You made me smile about the Sundae! I'll be dancing with you with my own victory dancing shoes!
DeleteDearest Brie! Just have to thank you again for your sweet encouragement. My good hubby will find his own way to Jesus by himself in God’s perfect timing.
DeleteDear Anonymous September 20, 2019 at 10:15 AM
Delete...how do you deal with heartbreak?⁰
YOU LEARN....
After a while you learn
The subtle difference
Between holding a hand
And chaining a soul...
And you learn
That love doesn't mean security,
And you begin to learn
That kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes ahead
With the grace of a woman
Not the grief of a child...
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is
Too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down
In mid-flight.
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you bask too much
So you plant your own garden
AND DECORATE YOUR OWN SOUL
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn
That you really can endure
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth.
And you learn...
With every goodbye
You learn.
My brown lawn hasn't been mowed for 2 weeks. No rain, too hot and dry. Thank you Lord for blessing me with today's Bible Gateway verse...
ReplyDeleteBe glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the LORD your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you— The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month. - Joel 2:23
NKJV
Trusting this to be true again this year, bring it in on in Northern CA 🙏
DeleteYour prayers are working overtime down South, Sassy Mom. We are receiving showers and showers of blessings. I am grateful but can you face West next time you pray them? Love and praying for all!
DeletePraying for this now in Oregon, California and where all he fires continue to blaze!🙏🙏🙏
DeletePraying for the rain and for Gods miracles to extinguish the fires and praying for Gods protection for all in harms way🙏🙏🙏
Brandy, I got an update from my son, who's going to university in Oregon, and he said they had received 3 days of rain with more expected. Our prayers are being answered, Praise the Lord! Thank you, Jesus! My son is located 30 minutes west of the big fire. Praying hedge of protection over him, our extended family nearby, and all those affected by the fires up and down the Pacific Coast. Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers. Amen
DeleteBlessings from California
Amen!
DeleteI love the lighthearted approach of, "Oh well..." That is my plan today - give it to God and move on; wrap this week UP! MadFox, your perspective of men, women, marriage is so true - at least in our family & the people I know. Although I do have girlfriends who are not the worriers while their hubs are like me and beat the stuffing out of some problems. If a couple has God in common, everything else can be sifted through. My Father in Law told me one time (after we'd been married 30+ years) that he never thought it would work because I was City and my hub was Country. I laughed - my husband had been all over the country, lived in NYC and I thought of him as my City than me! But, it's the little things: he grew up eating meals at 'normal' times: breakfast, first thing, lunch at noon, dinner at 5. I eat breakfast when I'm hungry (10), lunch anywhere from 1 to 2:30, dinner at 7 or 8. Now that we're older, it's become an issue! So funny - after 45 years we're finding things out about each other that affect each other.
ReplyDeleteHave a great Friday, dear JC Family. Let's cast our cares (keep those prayers coming - my cough is ALMOST gone!); work heartily as unto the Lord and leave that workday behind. Praying for each of you and that your day is the best. That we all cast our cares and say, "Oh well," when things change or don't go according to OUR will. It's HIS that matters and He's got us covered.
Morning Glory and Honor to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Thank You Heavenly Father for another blessed day. A day that I can sing Your praise and lift Your Holy name in Thanksgiving for Your mighty works.
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy to see God's people come together to fellowship, pour out their hearts and give Thanks to the HOLY ONE! Father, I know it brings You so much joy to see YOUR children gather together with 1 common goal- JESUS as our LORD, acknowledging and Praising You. Thank You for the growth, the faith, the freedom to pour our hearts out to You, the love shown to each other, the prayers we lift up to You for others, the trials that we endure with trust in You and yes, yes, yes, the TESTIMONIES to Your Glory. Because the bottomline and only reason we should boast and testify, is for Your name to be HIGHLY EXALTED and not for self acknowledgement!
Thank You for the many testimonies, for trust in You, for hope, for joy and the many prayer requests that we are lifting up to You daily in faithful trust allowing Your perfect will to be done. Your WILL for us is good, so we can never loose!
The scripture says in proverbs 20:24 that: "a man's steps are from the Lord: how can man understand his way"?
To add to Chris' thoughts, yes it is true what the scripture says, nevertheless, God has giving us choices, He wants us to freely make a choice, not force Himself on us. But, when we surrender our all to His will, He takes over and directs us.
There are some things that will remain a mystery until perhaps the coming of Christ and there are things that the Spirit will reveal. What we fail to realize is that God's Will for us is perfect and Good, however when we face trials our minds refuse to believe that, but it IS.
As we ponder today's devotion, let's remember to see things 'more and more from our Father's perspective and not our human feelings'.
Let the Glory of our King rise upon us and His light shine in and through us proclaiming:
TGIF=Thank God I'm Forgiven!!!
Stay Blessed!
Maplewood NJ
Hallelujah & Amen! Maplewood. Bless your day🥰
DeleteYes!!!! Amen Amen Amen!!!
DeleteI Love your heart and prayer Maplewood!
God bless you my sister in Christ
🙏💕🙏
I love you Norah! Thanks for your beautiful prayer! Amen Amen and Amen!!!!
DeleteGood morning JC family🥰! Norah, continuing to pray for healing. "Oh well" are the surrender words for today. Camper still not sold, oh well. Rashes on my body, oh well. Went wild mushroom foraging, found only toxic ones, oh well. Lost my readers in the woods, oh well. I'm still content, still joyfull, still praising the Lord! I know these are just "little"annoyances compared to trials & issues some of our JC family are going through. Whispering "oh well"to all of them means we recognize His sovereignty & give Him control. Be blessed everyone, Jesus loves you🥰
ReplyDeleteOh well.....Amen!
DeleteLOL Jan Gridley and Mary OKC! Joining in agreement and throwing my "Oh well" onto the field!
Delete"Oh well", as well, since God is still on The Throne, why worry?
Yesterday, I armored up for the "O" Line. Today I am practicing turnovers; turning worry into worship.
Worry 1 = Worship 7!
When I cave in to gratifying satan by worrying once, then I must rise up to glorifying God by worshipping Him seven times!
Love to all pray morers and worry lessers!
Jan- your Oh Wells just made me smile! I am glad you are a year removed from the rash, especially.
DeleteAgreeing with you, Bree. May the glory of the Lord and our songs and worship- let them rise!!!
Good morning Brie! Game day! May we make the best of those turnovers and score the favor of Jesus!
DeleteThat's a whole lotta Oh Wells, Jan! Hope things are getting better now Sister!
DeleteYes dear Jeanne. All better now. The camper sold soon after, the rash went away, God showed me how to help it, found some yummy mushrooms, never found the readers, but $1.00 at the dollar store? C'mon Jan! Have had many more "oh well" since. Let's all repeat it again this week shall we? OH WELL. Blessings family💕
DeleteHope today is a day with very few “Oh well’s”. I also get my cheaters at the dollar store. I have gone from 1.75 to 2 this year. The words in one of my.Bibles are just too small! LOL
DeleteGood morning, brothers and sisters in Christ! I’m doing my quiet time on my son’s porch in Florida this morning. The sun is up with a light breeze. God is so good! My travels went smooth and it’s so good to be with my boy. We watched the sunset on the beach last night and it was stunning. Amazing how many people show up just to watch the sun go down. For me, it’s more evidence of the beauty of His creation.
ReplyDeleteI went back and re-read the comments from yesterday and started crying as I realized that the presence of the spirit is with me and all of you, even when we don’t ‘feel’ it at the time. There is a line from the Big Book of AA that states, “...the more we seek Him, the more He reveals Himself to us...” How very true. I have been seeking Him with everything I have and He continues to show up, proving His faithfulness.
The reading today is especially poignant for me. Not only do I worry about my future, but also about the past... About all of the things that I wish had turned out differently, (the break-up of my marriage, my first wife of 20 years passing away 4 years ago, my children’s struggles with mental health, this list goes on...). I read this today and think how hard it is to truly let go and say ‘oh well’.
But the kicker is the second verse, “...this is but a momentary affliction, not worthy to be compared to the glory yet to come.” God can take ALL of our choices and use them for His plan! Even the bad ones. Case in point, my recent divorce. Since that dark time earlier this year, my relationship with God has been strengthened to a point that I didn’t think was possible for me. I am establishing a completely new identity in Him as my eyes are opened more and more to His providence in my life. His will WILL be done! Not because He wants to punish us or see us suffer, but because He is continually using the choices we make, and the subsequent consequences of those choices, to His greater purpose. What an awesome God we serve!
I wish you all a blessed day and pray that all of our hearts be open to the spirit, that His light might shine through us. That our lives be a reflection of His presence in them. I pray these things in the holy name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
So Happy for you Dave D.
DeleteI realized when I read about Saul/Paul's past and his conversion which used his gift of fervor towards a different end, that maybe God has little to no interest in our past mistakes/missteps; cares deeply about what we are currently doing in the present with the gifts He gives, while visualizing His Plans being fulfilled in our unfolding future?
Dave, Thank God you had such a wonderful time with your boy and also that you felt so close to the Lord. He sure can take all of our bad choices and problems and weave them into the most beautiful masterpiece. He may allow us to suffer but the sun is so much brighter after the darkest storm.
DeletePrayers continuing for all in this family!
ReplyDeleteAs MadFox pointed out,I am a woman, who is also a worrier by nature as well as a prayer warrior. I do realize if I'm praying, I'm not worrying in that moment. Prayer is a truly powerful thing.
I am a work in progress, truly trying to give things to God. My husband is in recovery for about 1-1/2 years. He was also diagnosed with an additional significant mental illness in May, and has been out of a job since May 1st. We aren't sure (as none of us are) what the future holds. He was finally stable enough to go over budget issues with me. My eyes have been opened wide to see our expenses outweigh our income. A struggle for sure, BUT, because the past 5 years have been so difficult, I am taking it in stride. I'm not happy about the situation, but I am really working on praying instead of worrying. God has helped me and us get this far, I am working on trusting Him to lead me and light the path for me. Praise God for my faith! Jesus, I trust in You. Amen. CO
CO --- You are definitely doing things right. I am working on applying these three things to every troubling situation: Worhip-not worry, Pray-not panic, and Look to God-not the problem. So, Father God, I just give you ALL the praise, honor and glory for CO and CO's Hubby's lives. Father, I lift my hands to You and ask that You would extend Your hands to CO and Hubby and lift them above ALL the trouble in their lives. I ask for Your hand and supernatural favor over their finances and mental issues. You are my Father God who makes a way where there doesn't look like there is a way! I ask that You would MAKE A WAY for CO's circumstances. Light up that pathway with your life giving light. I ask that You would take away all fear and torment. Thank You Father that You are always our help in times of trouble, and with You we have nothing to fear. Help CO and Hubby to face each challenge with HOPE. Again, Father, I ask for Your MIRACLE WORKING WAYS over CO's finances and life circumstances. Thank you Father that You hear our prayers! And Father God I thank You for the VICTORY! Isaiah 41:13 For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying "Fear not, I will help you."
DeleteCO, You can't do any better than putting your complete trust in the Lord as you follow His lead. Praying for your Husband's physical and mental weaknesses and your financial problems. The strength of your faith will carry you through this hard time.
DeleteJoining in JJ's prayers to guide and comfort you and lead you out of your wilderness. Amen! He is always with you and I'm looking forward to hearing about your victories.
Sending prayers CO for your situation. Your attitude & trust is exemplary. Dave D, not only did your trip go well but it sounds like the Lord is attending to the details of your visit with your son. Enjoy 😊.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Lord and jc family. My heart goes out to all of you Sassy mom, Jan, Norah, Maplewood, Co, David D, JJ, Madfox, Zfuntastic, KS, unknowns/anonymous...everybody that I missed so very strong in the Lord, believing and trusting in Our Savior, not giving up, praying without ceasing. Thank you Payton family for making it happen. I am truly blessed to have found this holy ground. Please pray for my grandson Mateo's speedy recovery and that Sweet Jesus keeps Jairo healthy (Rebecca why do you worry? the Holy One has this!) All glory and honor is yours Holy Father. Peace be with you and Happy weekend to all!
ReplyDeleteYou got it Loveconquersall 🙏. Praying for Mateo & Jairo. Bless you today 🥰
ReplyDeleteI stand with Jan with prayers for Mateo and Jairo. Thank you Loveconquersall for blessing us with your posts. I'm with you--this is Holy Ground! Great Blessings and Favor over over ALL the JC FAMILY--readers and posters from Kansas
DeleteMuchas gracias JJ..vaya con Dios.
DeleteThank you Jan..you have such a colorful spirit. I trust that God will give you the desires of your heart.
DeleteSuch a blessing this Holy Ground! Praise God
ReplyDeleteAmen
Unknown--- Amen and Amen!!! What a blessing!!! Thank you paytonfamily for all you have done to make this possible!!!
DeleteGood morning everyone! My family came back home safely! Thank you Lord for Your Protection and thank you all for your prayers!
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Sunday!
Blessings from France
Thanks for the PRAISE and VICTORY REPORT, BFF. Thank You GOD for bring so good to us!
DeleteAmen 🙏.
DeleteAmen, Praise God! You have a blessed Sunday too. :)
DeleteThanking and praising the Lord with you B-F-F!! God is good, ALL the time!
DeleteMaplewood NJ
Thank God for granting their traveling safety. So Faithful!
DeleteGod is so good! Thank you Lord for BFF
DeleteFamily safely home
We love you
Thank You Jesus. You always know what I need to hear, as well as what I need in general. You are so compassionate and loving, beautiful and amazing Lord. Father, I am eternally grateful to You for everything. Father, I depend on You for everything, including my very next breath. You are my Everything Lord ♥. I will bless, praise, and rejoice in the Lord continually and always. Amen 🙏.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteAmen to that! God is so good!
DeleteAmen! Praying with you, and God be with you, sweet sister.
DeleteBlessings from California
Amen, Joining in your prayer.
DeleteI need you every day in every way. You are my everything!!
Amen dear Janet! Your prayer is my prayer.
DeletePlease pray for my daughter. She tried to give up alcohol too quickly, had a seizure and fell and cracked her head badly.
ReplyDeleteShe's been in hospital 2cweke and on detox. Coming out this week. Please pray that she will stick to the programme this time. 🙏➕
It's a battle for my mind, not to worry as her husband won't go through it again if she goes back to drinking.
Pray, not panic. Worship not worry is what I'm aiming at.
Thankyou
I am Singing a Prayer for all of you, Unknown:
DeleteMake way through the waters
Walk me through the fire
Do what You are famous for
What You are famous for
Shut the mouths of lions
Bring dry bones to life and
Do what You are famous for
What You are famous for
I believe in You
God, I believe in You
Release Your love inside of me
Unleash Your power, for all to see
Spirit, come, and fall on us
Over and over, oh Lord.
Amen.
...Pray, not panic. Worship not worry is what I'm aiming at...
DeleteHere are more Pray and Worship Songs from your JC Family's Playlist that may help you and your daughter drive out panic and worry and get you safely through the battle for your minds:
"Alive And Breathing"
"Great Things"
"The Goodness Of God"
"It Is So"
"Famous For"
"To Love A Fool" album
...to be continued...
Blessings Forevermore Unknown and for our entire JC Family. Amen.
Prayers sent for you your daughter and loved ones.
DeleteAmen Brie! Adding some worship songs to our JC playlist:
Oceans
Do it again
Here as in Heaven
Never lost
With you
Stir a passion
Blessings from France
Thanks BFF, I am going to listen to all of them now!
DeleteUnknown - Joining warriors in comforting and healing prayers for you, your daughter and loved ones. Blessings and love.
DeleteI too join in the prayers of our brothers and sisters for you and yours. God is mighty and awesome. All the best blessings and healing prayed for you.
DeleteAmen, to all the above prayers and praising. Lord cover them in your holy perfection by the precious blood of Jesus! Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.
DeleteDear unknown, Please know that you have prayer warriors here interceding on your daughter's behalf. God is her refuge and strength. She is covered in His blood and I am believing for a full recovery both from the alcohol and fall in Jesus's name. Amen!
DeleteYes, "Pray not panic"!
Maplewood NJ
I started listening to the song in the "JC families play list"
DeleteThey lead me to a song that reminded me that God was carrying me through. "Take Courage" Kristene DiMarco. For over a month I held my phone to my ear with my pillow wrapped around my head as this song played over and over, crying myself to sleep. That was 3 years ago. I knew God was working things out for my good. It was the in between time that was so hard, between the now and the then, the waiting for God to work his way in all of us. We're still in the waiting, but I don't cry myself to sleep as this song plays in my ear. I stand on, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 I declare with you and all the JC family Lord you know we love you and we have been called for YOUR purpose, we thank you and except with great confidence that YOU are working things out for our good and for YOUR glory. Thank you Lord, you are majestic and mighty!! You will give us all that we need to wait on you and do what you have called us to do. Thank you Lord for loving us so much, we are the apple of your eye. Prayers of protection and peace over all the JC family.
Thank you for sharing this part of your story Terri! Praying for strength peace and comfort to you and your loved ones as you take refuge in Our Good Lord!
DeleteBlessings from France
Unknown --- Just want to stand in the gap for you, your daughter, and her marriage. I plead the Blood of Jesus against the alcoholism and any demons who might be behind the scenes influencing the desire to abuse alcohol. I bind every demonic thought, taste, feeling that breeds in alcohol and send them back to the pits of hell where they belong. Take away the taste, take away the desire and give the daughter and her husband the desire to serve You, Lord. Please give Unknown Your comfort and peace. In the Miracle Working name of Jesus, AMEN and AMEN.
DeleteAdding to the JC playlist..."Just Be Held" is an awesomely comforting song that has helped me tremendously. May it also give comfort and strength to you and your daughter, Unknown. Praying for your daughter, you, her husband and the situation. May God remove the desire completely from your daughter! Hugging you all in prayer.
DeleteThanks Terri for sharing part of your journey and the beautiful inspiring song Take Courage. I just listened to it.
DeleteAnd thank you NJS for more songs to sing. I am going to listen to it now. Blessings Family!
Standing with you in prayer ❤️
DeleteJoining the JC prayer warriors in lifting up your daughter and her addiction up to the Lord. Take hope in knowing God is in control of the situation. He will turn this around for your good. Thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness!
DeleteAnd thank you, JC family, for the great song suggestions. I can't wait to listen and be uplifted. Praying that you all are blessed abundantly today and everyday. My cup surely runneth over. God be with you all.
Blessings from California
Dear Unknown, Joining in prayers for your dear daughter and also for your comfort and peace of mind.
DeleteFather God, Bring peace to this dear loving Mother. Take her worries and replace them with blessed assurance that you are blessing and guiding her daughter. You know all of her weaknesses She is trying to do the right thing. Lead her to end to her alcohol addiction. Stand by her side while she resists temptations and goes through pain and discomfort. Heal the wounds in her body, mind and spirit. Show her the wonderful life you have already prepared for her right around the corner. Strengthen her faith in You and bring her to a bright future where she will proclaim Your good works in her. Amen
Thankyou so much for this comforting prayer.
Delete60s Granny
Just gotta say thanks for the beautiful songs too! Making a playlist right now.
DeleteUnknown, Praying you and your daughter have seen God's faithfulness and she is doing much better. Thank You Jesus!
DeleteTerri, That song "Take Courage" blessed and comforted me so much that I looked for the guitar chords and printed them out so I can try to learn to play and sing it. It will bring much comfort and peace to others. Thank you dear sister.
Loving Father, Its a cool crisp morning and I've been blessed to be in Your Presence. Thank You Lord. I surrender all that I am, all that I have, think or say to You. May I always look up to You, the Author and Finisher of my faith. May my thoughts and every word that proceeds from my mouth, be acceptable to You.
ReplyDeleteYou knew my rising up this morning, You know what every second of this day will bring me. Help me to NEVER lean on my own understanding of any event in my life, but to trust You always, give thanks in all things and view life more and more from Your perspective.
You know the plans You have for me and all I know, is that it is good, Your Word says so and I believe it!
Because Your grace is sufficient for me, let the shining Light of Your Presence cast out ALL fear and fill my mind so I can see the world only through Your eyes! Yes, I stand in agreement with the Apostle Paul and declare that 'all my troubles are indeed light and momentary compare with the eternal glory that is being achieved'!
Thank You for always being at work in me. Please continue to transform my desires and actions so that they honor You. Use me to fulfill Your purpose for my life in this world. I want my life to bring You glory today and always. I pray this in the name that is above every name, the name of Jesus! Amen.
Happy, blessed and safe Sunday worshipping!
Maplewood NJ
Amen Maplewood! Your prayer is mine!
DeleteBlessings from France
Amen. Blessed Sunday to you Maplewood NJ and to our entire JC Family. May you enjoy His Day of rest.
DeleteAMEN is right, Anonymous! Thank you, once again, Maplewood, for this entry and prayer today! Love and blessings to all in this awesomely supportive JC family! Enjoy your Sunday!
DeleteAmen, Maplewood! Blessings returned a thousand fold to you and to our JC family. May you all feel His loving presence today and enjoy your Sunday. God be with you all.
DeleteBlessings from California
You echoed the words in my heart and I join in your beautiful prayer. Thanks sweet Maplewood! May God continue to bless every area of your life!
DeleteHappy and blessed Sunday to you and all my brothers and sisters here.
Blessings to you Maplewood. Your prayer is mine!
DeletePraying loving prayers for our JC family
Lord I lift up unknown, her daughter and family
Praying for Your love, healing, Cleansing and victory
Amen and thanks good Maplewood. You surely are a faithful servant of the Lord. You are a bright light to our JC family and your prayers lift us high above our situations every day. God's spirit reaches through you to our hearts and we are blessed and encouraged. Grateful for your good fruit.
Delete2022 dear Maplewood & your prayer still hits home in my heart. Bless you, love you wherever you are 😍💞🙏
DeleteAmen, Maplewood NJ, Amen your prayers are mine.
ReplyDeletePraying for all Gods best for you Terri
DeleteJesus loves you
We love you
🙏💕🙏
Praying always for you Terri that God is strengthening you and helping your vision and taking care of you and your grandchildren and good husband. Amen, Brandy! Jesus loves you and we love you.
DeleteEPHESIANS 2
ReplyDeleteGod is so rich in Mercy: He loves us so much that He gave us back our lives again when He raised Christ-only by His Favor have we been saved-and lifted us up from the grave into The Glory along with Christ, where we sit with Him in Heavenly Realms-all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ did. And now, God can always point to us as examples of how very, very rich His Kindness is, as shown in all He has done for us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Because of His Kindness, we have been saved through trusting Christ. And even trusting is a gift from God!
MY PRAYER FOR US:
Porch views from high level beach condos overlooking the ocean offer an earthly version of a heavenly view. From this vantage point, we can see the entire artistic vista painted by God, i.e, more sand dunes, grasses growing over low rolling hills, paths in between, wide open stretches left and right, the coast meeting the tide, far out calm open ocean waters stretching all the way to the steady silent horizon, etc. When we get struck down in life dramas, by engaging with God, reading Scripture, focusing on matters of eternal importance, we ascend to a view from a Higher Perspective.
Dear Heavenly Father God,
Oh, for the peace of a perfect trust my loving God in Thee, with Steadfast Faith that trusts in You to choose what is best for me!
When earthly life on the first floor of this beach condo seems messy and incongruent, would You elevator us on up to the top floor where we can see the picture You are painting with our life? I ask. I pray. I thank. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Amen💕
DeleteBeautiful visions you created Brie! Thank you! When life gets messy, I pray for God's help and usually go out and look at the sky. It never fails to give me peace.
DeleteAmen, Brie! Love the "picture" you painted with your beautiful prayer. God's peace be with you.
DeleteBlessings from California
Yes! We can always look up!
DeleteAs a psalmist says, I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
May our JC Family all be blessed with an UP Day
Amen sweet Brie! You inspired me to read Ephesians 2! What a blessing. What a wonderful and loving God we have!
DeleteBlessings from France
Thank you Brie
DeleteGod bless you sweet sister in Christ
🙏💕🙏
So happy you are surrounded by the awesome beauty of God's creation. Just beholding it must bring you great joy and peace. This is what I am praying for you.
DeleteGood morning! Thank You God for this day!
ReplyDelete“Oh well”. How I could have used this yesterday! But, oh well!! 😂😂.
Peace be with you all on this amazing Sunday!!
Blessings, Monica ❤️
Thank you Father for the big picture always there for us to choose to see. Thank you Brie for painting it in beautiful words at the beach. Blessings to all, enjoy your SONday!
ReplyDeleteAmen dear Rose! We love you too!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings from France
Thank you Rose. Love to you and our entire JC Family!
ReplyDeleteThank you Payton family for shining Gods light and bringing us together Here. Love you all
ReplyDeletePraying for each of you
Asking for prayers please. Still experiencing these extremely painful headaches for hours at a time and numbness down my arm to my fingers
ReplyDeleteThe headaches are so bad a night that I can’t sleep at all
Nearly every night since I was walking into pay for gas and a guy backed out quickly in a Jeep causing me to go flying to the ground
The Corpus Christi police say that they Could not make out his license plates from the cameras and the guy got away. I do not have health insurance and am working with Police violent crimes To get help so I can get neck and back X-ray’s to see what is going on. The police in Corpus say they closed the case because they couldn’t find the guy. I Trust You Jesus! I Trust You Jesus!
Praying for healing for you, Brandy. And peace and forgiveness in your heart.
Delete60s Granny
Dear Brandy, Praying for your terrible headaches and numbness to go away. I understand it's hard to forgive those who have done you wrong. God will soften your heart. Give Him the whole kit and kaboodle. Know He will judge them. Praying for the Way Maker to lead you to the help you need.
DeleteSo sorry to hear this, Brandy. Praying God relieves you of this pain and numbness or that He finds a way to secure funding for you to get the necessary care you need. Find forgiveness in your heart for the man that hurt you. I promise it will free you! God IS indeed our Way Maker and Jehovah Rapha! Praying for you and your healing, Brandy. Peace.
DeleteDear Brandy. Continuing to pray that your head and neck will be relieved of pain and headaches.
DeleteFather God, Our dear sister Brandy needs Your healing of every weakness in her body, mind and spirit. Thank You for Your faithfulness in her life.
How are you feeling today, our dear Brandy?
DeleteDid you go through the emergency room?
ReplyDeletePraying for you sweet Brandy. Lord you know her needs, her physical pain Lord please sweep in and turn things around. Take away the headaches and numbness. Open doors for the medical needs to be all met.
ReplyDeleteSurely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:12
Lord thank you that you never change and your word doesn't return to you void. Please keep us updated on how you are doing.
Agreeing in prayer. Amen
Delete(((((((((🙏💕JJ💕🙏)))))))))
ReplyDeleteSending hugs and Praying all is well with our JJ whom we love very much!
Dear JC Family - please pray for my neighborhood. Today, someone died 2 doors down - probably an overdose, don't know for sure. Our neighborhood, when we moved here 25+ years ago, was safe, families, kids - laughing, playing. Today, it is Police Cars, Ambulances, people wandering the streets, like zombies. When I say, "Let's move!" my DH says, "No, we were here first - they have to move." Heading to bed with a heavy heart. DH still has stomach issues, my little neighbor invthe back is home from the hospital, but a prisoner in her own home. I'm weary and heading to bed.
ReplyDeleteToday, in our Fellowship, I learned more about our words being SALTED: 1) Making one thirsty - needing hydration. 2) Healing 3) Cleansing 4) Preserving Let my words be salted tomorrow, Dear Lord. Let me pause, before I speak. Let me draw someone to the fountain of your Truth.
Praying for all of you, as I go to sleep, dear JC Family. Please pray for me, our fam, our neighborhood.
Norah --- My prayers are coming your way. I decree and declare Great Peace over you, your family and neighborhood!
DeletePraying that the Lord place a hedge of protection and His perfect peace upon you, your loved ones, and your neighborhood. Peace be with you.
DeletePraying for you and your DH's protection, healing of DH's stomach, and recovery for your neighbor, Norah, as well as a wave of peace to come through your neighborhood. Peace, healing and blessings to you.
DeleteJoining prayer here. Peace is the word. God’s peace for you and your neighborhood. Praying for you and your precious neighbors Norah.
DeletePraying Peace & Protection Prayers for you and hub and for our entire JC Family!
DeleteJoining in prayers for you Norah, your family and neighborhood. May we all shine our light of the Lord upon our spheres of influence and drive out the darkness that wants to take hold. In Jesus name I pray! 🙏✝️
DeleteThe Lord is my light and my salvation who shall I fear ! Paul tells not to focus on the pain because it is momentary, yet we all know that we are going through something that has taken a while to get resloved ! It feels heavy , it feels like it will not go away, we can feel hopeless. Let us focus on God not on the issue in the words of Romans 8, “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (verse 18), how should He receive the glory in this situation....lets go to Him for spirtual renewal .....ask Him to change our focus and may He bring comfort while we are in the trenches !
ReplyDeleteAmen Min Ahadi! God bless you.
DeleteAmen. His strength made perfect in our weakness. We trust you Jesus. ❤️
Deletehttps://youtu.be/0actASvQUCg
ReplyDeleteThanks for the uplift and for Andrae Crouch's version of this song.
DeleteAudra, Brie and Jeanne --- Great Blessings to you and this INCREDIBLE JCFAMILY. Was able to catch up on some JC postings. So grateful for your kind posts. I know I haven't posted for awhile. There are times I am not led to
ReplyDeletepost, but I continue to lift this AWESOME JCFAMILY to THE THRONE OF GOD! I am living in Divine Health, so grateful and thanking the Lord for His Goodness! I have been in high expectations and celebrating the Lord's plan for America and the World. This is not end times, but we will see a mighty move of the Lord over this earth exposing the demoic darkness, The Lord's Justice, His Great Revival, Countless Souls won to Jesus and ecstatic Celebration of His people. You might think of it as a Red Sea time on steroids. It may be bumpy for alittle longer, but not to fear, God has great things in store for us. Keep looking up--- good things are coming at us. Decreeing and Declaring Great Blessings and Love to you!!!
In His Grip of Grace---JJ
Amen JJ! Good to hear your well. Peace be with you!
DeletePowerful words, JJ. Glad you felt led to post here. ❤️
DeleteThank you JJ! We trust in Him and not this fallen world. He is so much greater. Sure keep looking up from where our help cometh. We serve Him who made Heaven and Earth and He never sleeps. The best is indeed yet to come.
DeleteSending love and wishing you continued blessings and God's faithfulness.
♥️🙏
DeleteJJ you were missed. I can relate to not feeling led to post. So glad to know you are here since you have contributed so much.
DeleteWe appreciate you silent contributors also!
Heavenly Father, thank You for the light of Your Presence. You are so wonderful and amazing. Help me keep my eyes on You above all else. Let me keep You the center of my life and to always look to You in all things. Help me see the world through Your eyes and Your perspective. Open my eyes to see all Your beautiful miracles and to see You in everything, everywhere. Let me be more aware of Your Presence. Let me say "oh well", when things don't go my way or as I planned or thought. As I focus on You, let Your perfect peace and glorious light shine upon me and flow within me. Thank You for another blessed day in the Lord and let me know how I can serve You today. Let me be bold in sharing Your word with others I see. When I speak, let the Holy Spirit be my words. When I walk, let the Holy Spirit lead me in the right direction. When I hear, let the Holy Spirit be my ears. I praise You Lord always. You mean so very much to me. I am so grateful for You in my life. Thank You Jesus. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
ReplyDeleteSet your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2). There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14:12). But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33).
DeleteAmen dear Janet! Thanks for that prayer I prayed it with you, and for God's Word, the lamp on our feet and the light on our path.
DeleteSeek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Allelu, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
Allelu, alleluia.
Man shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds out from the mouth of God.
Allelu, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
Allelu, alleluia.
Ask, and it shall be given unto you;
Seek, and ye shall find.
Knock, and the door shall be opened unto you.
Allelu, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,
Allelu, alleluia.
HIS FAITHFULNESS!! Thank You Jesus for "rain promise"!!!! to my dry and thirsty area. The town 6 miles away was drenched, my area didn't receive a drop.
ReplyDelete"Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem! Rejoice in the LORD your God! For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring. - Joel 2:23"
NLT
Thank you Father for opening up the skies over Sassy Mom's area and drenching the thirsty ground and greens with your life giving water, and showing the people your faithfulness, loving kindness and mercy, in Jesus' Name we pray.
DeleteGod is still good all the time
ReplyDeleteAnd all the time God is good 😁
DeleteAmen sweet sister Rose! Love you and keep you tight in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
ReplyDeleteTrusting in God's Plan for my son and his family. Since he hasn't found any place to live here that he can afford, he is going home to California on Thursday. "Oh well." But he still wants to move his family here. And I want them to be close to us. Trusting our Way Maker to make a way. God is so good and faithful. I'm leaning on the truthfulness of His Words and trusting His promises. Thank You Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord knows your desire to have Son & family close to you dear girl. He also knows you want the best for them & God's will to be done. Leave everything at the feet of Jesus & trust. 💞🙏🙏
DeletePraying with you Jeanne that God will make a way for you and your family to live closer together.
DeleteWayMaker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light In The Darkness, THY WILL BE DONE!
DeleteMuch Love, Brie
Thanks dear Jan, Peter and KWM. I appreciate your prayers and encouragement. All will work out because God is in charge. He will make a way.
DeleteAnd so it is, God's timing for Jeanne and family to settle closer together. Thank you Father for your plan! ♥️🙏
DeleteTurn your eyes upon Jesus as someone posted a few years ago. Yes. Lord, help us all to learn to say “Oh, well” when things don’t go as planned and keep our eyes on You.
ReplyDeleteSC Anonymous
Amen!
DeleteAmen!
DeleteSharing my devotional from Michael Youssef, LEADING THE WAY.
ReplyDeleteAs persecution intensifies around the world, many will forsake Christ and join the nonbelievers. Jesus said: "At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:10-13).
People will defect from the faith for three principal reasons:
First, they will defect because the price of following Jesus is too high. They will decide they do not want to pay the cost of discipleship.
Second, they will defect because false teachers will arise with deceptive but persuasive messages. These false teachers will speak from church pulpits. They will write best-selling books and appear on TV. They will have the most popular social media accounts. They'll use variations on the same lies Satan used in the Garden of Eden: "Did God really say…?" and "You shall be like God."
Third, they will defect because sin is attractive and seductive. Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). The wide gate is the gate of selfishness and the temporary pleasures of sin. The narrow gate is the gate of righteousness and everlasting pleasures in heaven.
There are many in the church today who are what I call "hangers on." They may outwardly look like believers, but they are not truly born again. They are members of the institutional, visible church but have never joined Christ's invisible church. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of those "hangers on" will grow cold, and they will fall away from the church. But genuine believers who stand firm to the end will be saved.
Prayer: Lord, forgive us for being so taken with sin and false teachings that tickle our ears. Help me to stand strong in faith and to be a light for Christ, that those around me would see Your Truth and run to the Light of the World in dark days. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).
the End Near?:
Interesting reading, the Scriptures you quote are true particularly in the Western World. However my experience living amongst Muslims and covertly supporting Christians in the Middle East, is quite contrary. Where Pastors of churches ( mostly home churches) have been jailed, congregations have grown; in one case so large that a daughter church has now been planted and grown equal in size to the original church. Another church we supported and were very close to, became infiltrated by several people who under the guise of ' inquiring ' into Christianity drew plans of the home in order to blow up the building and kill the Pastor, his wife, family and the small congregation; that church is thriving. By God's Grace the plot was foiled ( literally caught in the act) and several people arrested. In another church three members were stabbed to death. Unlike the western world, these precious brothers and sisters in Christ know what it is to put their lives on the line, to live constantly with the imminent threat of discovery and retribution for following Jesus Christ. Threats and adversity to not deter them.
DeleteIn the West, soft Christians get upset and offended when someone doesn't agree within their particular theology ( e.g. a-millennial pre-millennial, mid or post millennial rapture)! Would any of the Western soft Christians stand by their faith when under threat of torture, stoning, beheading? Many of our Middle Eastern and African brothers and sisters in Christ do.
An aunt of mine ( now in Glory), spent 40 years in North Africa among people who spoke the Tamahaq language. She with another three adults and two children served these precious folk meeting their physical and medical needs, translating the Bible and sharing the Gospel as they did so. Many, over time came to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Of these many paid for their new Christian faith with their lives. One whose name I recall was Sala, was dragged behind a donkey cart over the rough desert ground until the skin and flesh was torn from his body. He did not deny his Lord.
Anyone in the Western World reading this willing to walk a similar road?
Hebrews 11:37 "Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated."
Thank you for sharing that, Sassy Mom. Many are like the Pharisees, They appear clean and holy on the outside but inside they are like whitewashed tombs. Praying that God will forgive us for getting swayed by earthly trappings, lies, worldly promises and glitter, and eloquent words. May God continue to guide us to focus only on His Truth so we will be faithful servants. Let us seek His light, share it, and remain in it. Thank You Jesus.
DeleteThank you dear SassyMom for sharing these truths, for the truth shall set us free! Free to flee from the devil's schemes & fear tactics, free to worship the One & true God, free to love one another as Christ loves us. Amen! Hallelujah! Love & blessings 💞🙏
ReplyDeleteAmen to that and well spoken 🙏💗
DeleteDear Audra, yes indeed, prayers are powerful! Thank You Lord for the rain! Hallelujah!
ReplyDeleteYou left this one out from the list in the devotional.
ReplyDelete“For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.”
Psalms 36:9 NKJV
Dear heavenly Father, thank you, as well to you St. Paul "that all your troubles are light and momentary, compared with the eternal glory being achieved by them". Worry & hardships are fleeting, eternal glory is forever! Help me to stay focused on you God as I travel this temporary journey on earth. Help me to continue to stay focused on the eternal reward! Amen.
ReplyDeleteYes dear ABC! Following the Lord in this fallen world isn’t easy but our reward is eternal. We are blessed that He carries us through our trials and storms.
DeleteWe must keep our eyes on Him because the best is yet to come. God keeps His promises.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear Heavenly Father God,
DeleteI am learning that worry is functional atheism.
Would You please help me to do like JJ and replace:
worry with Worship?
panic with Prayers?
problems with Your Perspective?
I can only do these things with Your Divine Help.
In Jesus' Name. I pray. Amen.
Much Love, Brie
Sweet Brie! Amen. He is the peace that never fads even when everything around us is shaking. May God answer all your prayers dear sister, strengthen you and give you rest today in body, mind and spirit. Much love.
DeletePraying for each of you to have a lovely day and that all of us cast our cares to Him Who cares so much. My Best Man and I head to the Cardiologist this afternoon. We are specifically praying that all is well with his heart. I lift the Nurse Practioner is sharp and calm and friendly and that there i no doubt about the next steps that will be taken.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Father for helping me and encouraging me to see things from Your perspective. Your love for each of us knows no bounds.
God Bless, JC Family!
Joining in Praying with you, our dear Norah, as you and
DeleteBest Man head to the Cardiologist this afternoon, specifically praying that all is well with his heart and the Nurse Practioner is sharp and calm and friendly! and that next steps will be clearly seen through His Perspective. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Much Love, Brie
Amen!🙏 I’ve been reading this for years, and everytime is like the first time.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said dear Anonymous. We all come here to be renewed and refreshed in Christ. He is faithful and sincere prayers are powerful.
DeleteAsking for prayers. My twin sister is getting her tooth pulled tomorrow at 10 Missouri time. She will get a bridge in November. Praying all goes smoothly.
ReplyDeleteAlso my friend Rudy is at the doctor’s today for a final checkup. In a week or so he must get an aneurism removed from an artery in his heart and his aorta is being replaced and his valve is being replaced. Please keep them both in your prayers. Thank you! Trusting in God’s faithfulness. Thank You Lord.
Prayers continue for all in need of healthy outcomes from medical procedures. Thank you Jesus!
ReplyDeleteI'm gathering into prayer with you for all.
DeleteOh Audra, great prayer. I join in that prayer! And, Papa God, whatever sickness or disease that has been affecting Your people, it is DESTROYED by The Name of Jesus. Just know, my Beloved JCFAMILY, you have more Power and more Authority than you realize!!!
DeleteHALLELUJAH!!! Great Love and Blessings to you Audra and this AWESOME JCFAMILY!!! JJ
Thanks Audra. Praying with you for all good outcomes from medical procedures and treatments. Amen and Amen. Thank You Jesus. Waiting on You and trusting in Your healing power and faithfulness.
Delete