Be prepared to suffer for Me, in My Name. All suffering has meaning in My kingdom. Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me. Bearing your circumstances bravely--even thanking Me for them--is one of the highest forms of praise. This sacrifice of thanksgiving rings golden-toned bells of you throughout heavenly realms. On earth also, your patient suffering sends out ripples of good tidings in ever-widening circles.James 1:2-4
When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems. Instead, accept adversity in My Name, offering it up to Me for My purposes. Thus, your suffering gains meaning and draws you closer to Me. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness.
English Standard Version
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Psalm 107:21-22
English Standard Version
21 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
22 And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!
My Prayer: Lord, I admit that understanding value in suffering is hard for me to comprehend, especially when so much of the world that I live in trains me in the idea that entertainment, pleasure, comfort, and safety is not simply what we all want, but what we all think must be present at all times in our lives. Sometimes, the greatest obstacle I have in talking to people about You is the idea that you allow suffering to occur. Yet, you show me continually good that comes through it, though I know other suffering I won't understand till I reach the other side. I'm not sure I will ever do what you ask and that is, embrace the suffering, but with your help and strength I do want to trust You through it. Jesus walked into Jerusalem knowing that he would be spit on, mocked and then deeply wounded to the point of death. As much as I hate pain, I really can't comprehend the extent to which he suffered and that he would then do it to set me free. So in that suffering, something really good resulted. O Lord...I can't wait to be welcomed Home.
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.
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
22 And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!
My Prayer: Lord, I admit that understanding value in suffering is hard for me to comprehend, especially when so much of the world that I live in trains me in the idea that entertainment, pleasure, comfort, and safety is not simply what we all want, but what we all think must be present at all times in our lives. Sometimes, the greatest obstacle I have in talking to people about You is the idea that you allow suffering to occur. Yet, you show me continually good that comes through it, though I know other suffering I won't understand till I reach the other side. I'm not sure I will ever do what you ask and that is, embrace the suffering, but with your help and strength I do want to trust You through it. Jesus walked into Jerusalem knowing that he would be spit on, mocked and then deeply wounded to the point of death. As much as I hate pain, I really can't comprehend the extent to which he suffered and that he would then do it to set me free. So in that suffering, something really good resulted. O Lord...I can't wait to be welcomed Home.
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.
🙏🙏🙏🙏
ReplyDeleteWonderful devotion. I would say all of us being patient for this Pandemic to be over are suffering to some degree by its impact on our lives. Many are sick and poor and even homeless. When we say Thank you Lord in these dark times, it blesses Him. He knows that we understand that He is working this trial or tribulation into something good. There is a brighter light at the end of every dark tunnel. And ultimately our reward comes after this flash of the pan on earth.
DeleteThank God!!!!
DeleteNot an easy, but a very important reminder to me! Thank you for your love and for the spirit of steadfastness Heavenly Father. 🙏❤️
DeleteAmen 🙏 well said Payton family
DeleteTo GOD Be The Glory!!!💖
DeleteNever Alone!!!🌹
The last 4 years has been a great time of suffering for me and my family. I would not have been able to make it without the thought that you Jesus are with me every step-of-the-way. Not lightening my sorrow but supporting me by putting the heartache at the foot of your cross. This experience has (hard to imagine, when using human thinking) made me a stronger christian, a stronger follower of Jesus Christ. Its helped me not to change a story written specifically for me, but ACCEPT the story. I spent so much time and energy trying to change the story--beyond my control! Jesus I trust in you in all things! Amen!
ReplyDeleteLove your prayer! Amen!
DeleteABC - thank you for sharing. I am glad you had the courage and strength to trust. I hope your testimony is stronger even today. Blessings and God’s peace to you and your family.
DeleteContinuing to pray that God is lifting every hardship and problem off of you and your family. May He continue to strengthn and guide you all. Stand strong and believe the best is yet to come.
DeleteI'm always amazed at how God speaks and meets me exactly where I am through JC. I admittedly find it difficult to lean in to suffering. The relationship with my son seems to be diminishing more and more each day with no light at the end of the tunnel, but I do believe with all of my being that God is at work, and I am standing on the promise that He can bring good from this situation that seems so hopeless at the moment. I pray the joy is restored within the four walls of our home. I pray that He will give us the tools and skills and wisdom needed to show our son just how much we love him with every fiber of our being, and that he will receive our love. Tenderize his heart and ours. Help him to see truth from fiction. Break down barriers. I know you have done great things and can do it again. I pray restoring our relationship with our son will be one of your next great things. Please send help soon, only You can replace the tension with unexplainable love. Where there is great love miracles happen, and I have great love for you Lord.
ReplyDeleteLord God you know I find it extremely difficult to find joy in adversity but through your son Jesus my saviour I can overcome this Jesus said when people hate you always remember they hated me first well I am going through a time just now where people are disliking me I feel they are jealous bitter and just being down right nasty but I hold my tongue and hold my temper and pray for them because I know this is what you want me to do please continue to aid me with this forgiveness as I find myself wanting in this area at times please help me to continue hearing your voice lord and assist me in making the right decisions thank you lord for everything I have and don’t have and for every happy sad and hurtful situation this day may bring I will endeavour to remain faithful to you AMEN!!
DeleteJ.Doc Glasgow
Uknown - joining you in prayer
DeleteLuke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
sharing my heart - Your prayers are mine. Joining you to prayer to the God of RESTORATION!!
DeleteThis prayer brought tears to my eyes. This is also my prayer. My heart aches for my son. We use to be so close. Now I hardly recognize him. He has gone so far away from the Lord. Its been a ten year battle. Sometimes I'm afraid God is just going to take him away from this world. The enemy has a really good grip on him. I try not to be afraid and just trust that God has a plan, but its really hard. He has wandered so far away from the Lord. I don't want to lose him.
DeleteRight there with you Sassy Mom. Praying for restoration of strained relationships including my own daughter & mine. I've let go & let God. But I pray, pray, pray. Amen.
DeleteStanding in agreement with sharing my heart,Anonymous, J Doc, Sassy Mom,Jan and Norah for restoration of family relationships. I stand on the promise that the Lord gives in Joel 2:25 "I will give back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locust, the stripping locust and the cutting locusts." I ask you now Lord that You would do this for my JC FAMILY-RESTORE their joy, their families, good relationships, finances, job, business, children and even things they do not know they had lost, Thank you Lord for the gift of life, for giving us grace to see us through, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. AMEN and AMEN
DeletePraying for all mentioned- a year later. God is not bound by time or space. I am believing in His power and grace for your requests and all of our hearts.
DeleteThank you JJ for this prayer of restoration in Jesus name!
DeleteAmen JJ. Thanks again.
DeleteDear JJ, Sharing in your prayer for Anonymous. May the family relationships be renewed and restored. May God in His mercy open the son's eyes to the true love and care that surrounds him. Dear Father, Thank you for guiding the son to realize his mistakes and see you are offering him a new life. Help him to turn away from the evil one and his trappings and run back to his loving family. Resolve this difficult situation and turn it all into good by gracing the son with a new clarity of thinking and a clearer vision to see his parents are not his enemies, but the ungodly people he is with now are following a road that only leads to spiritual death and destruction. Help him to see the strong bonds of love that have never changed. Thank you for showing your mercy and faithfulness to this Family and bringing back to your peace. Thank you Jesus. Amen.
DeleteJoining you, JJ again in 2021 to thank God for restoration of all that has been lost in the only way He can make everything new for a greater good. Trusting you Jesus, thank you!
DeleteAnother year. Another Joining into Prayer and Faith to a Good God for His Glorious Restoration. In Jesus' Name. Amen
DeleteThank you JJ for your prayer for healing and restoration. I am joining you all in this prayer that our loving and mighty God will heal, restore, reunite each of our families. We love you Lord, we need You, we trust in You, we trust Your word and Thank You for your constant presence.
DeleteLove and blessings
🙏❤️
Brandy
Same here, sharing my heart and J. Doc Glasgow, Sassy Mom. Thankful for a day off work and that the neighborhood dogs have finally quit barking. Headed back to bed and will start this day over in a few hours! Blessings to all of you, JC Family!
ReplyDeletePrayers are powerful. Had a family reunion this weekend and as soon as my sis arrived, her newly adopted shelter dog slipped out of harness and was gone not knowing the area, city whatsoever. the entire family looked for 2 days - lots of praying and faith. Right before Sunday Mass, my sis and I went around the area he was last spotted. There was Hugo! What a celebration at church and at home. For a dog lover as me, this was truly a miracle and the Holy Spirit answering our prayers. Blessings and prayers to all JC family who have struggles and needs. KS
ReplyDeleteGood morning Lord and jc family. My prayer for our sons and daughters for J Doc Glasgow. Yes we love them so very much; Jesus loves them more. Open our eyes Lord so that we can see your face. Open our ears Lord so that we can hear your voice but most of all Lord open our hearts so we can love as you do. Thank you Sassy Mom always uplifting us in prayer; you are a blessing. Sweet sleep for you, Norah.
ReplyDeleteYes Lord. Open our eyes Lord so that we can see your face. Open our ears Lord so that we can hear your voice but most of all Lord open our hearts so we can love as you do.
DeleteAnd Lord, would You open a Way to let us know Loveconquers all is OK?
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Good morning, all and happy Monday! Praying this morning for all of our children and our relationships with them. Blessings to you all. Stay close to The Vine.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Thanking God for watching over our children and sending the Holy Spirit to help them believe their need for salvation through Jesus Christ. Amen!
DeleteFATHER, I come to YOU through YOUR son our savior JESUS CHRIST, I am prepared to suffer for YOU FATHER. &know with every trial comes a blessing or a lesson to be learned. FATHER Please forgive me of my sins, help me to stay on the narrow and straight path, glorifying YOUR name. I praise YOU for my life and another opportunity to do things in accordance to YOUR Will, please let YOUR Will be done
DeleteIn Jesus Christ name I pray
Amen
A🙏❤️
Lord, thos ou s a new concepr for me. I avoid suffering as much as I can. Please help me to understand and grow knowing that you allow suffering in our lives ford your good and that you always bring me through it. Please help me to remember to offer it up to you so my suffering is notf wasted pain, but worship of you. Lord forgive for the times I stray from my walj in faith with you. Thank you for being so loving and forgiving.
ReplyDelete"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" -James 1:2-4. Amen, Amen, to this and Thank You Lord for Your endless promises!
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a Joy knowing that no matter what comes my way, I have the help of the Holy Spirit to keep me standing and not shaken and even when I'm shaken, I know WHOSE arms to run into!
Thank You for another day of new mercy! I invite Your Spirit to take over my thoughts and order my steps today. Thank You Father.
I say a special prayer for ALL those out in the world spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and being persecuted for His sake. May the shield of God's protection be upon them, grant them courage and strength, yet remind them what Matt 5: 10 says- "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven".
Holy Spirit, help each person to find beauty in the midst of the ashes, joy for mourning and a garment of Praise instead of a spirit of despair through their pain and problems and demonstrate their trust in Your sovereignty by drawing closer to You.
Lifting the troubled and broken hearts to You oh Lord and offering the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving to Your Holy name! Be Glorified!
Maplewood, NJ
Amen! Even when I am shaken I know WHOSE arms to run into! So very true and I often run into Them. Starting this day in Thanksgiving and Praise! Thank you Father for your compassion and mercy you are granting to all those suffering in body, mind and spirit. May they trust you so much that they thank you for testing their faith this way. Thank you for turning their frowns into smiles and their tears into dancing. Amen.
DeleteGrocery day but I'm all finished putting everything away thank God, and I feel grateful and blessed to have food in my fridge and pantry and the sweet light of Christ in my heart. God is so good.
Let's try this again...Good Morning, JC Family! Between the silence (my dear Hub would not even have the news on, he so wanted me to rest well) and the face mask that made it feel as if it was the pitch of night I slept for another 2 1/2 hours. Just what I needed. I went out to my little office and got my phone and at 8:03 a.m., I missed a call from our dear 90 1/2 year old's son, who then texted, "Dad passed away last night in his sleep." God love him, he made it through the surgery, was up walking the first day, 2nd and 3rd days and then - went to sleep. He so missed his adored wife of almost 70 years and was so tired of the pain, that I believe he welcomed sleep. He knew he would see his dear wife again and live eternally. My husband said, "I know we will see him again, honey." My heart goes out to their children - burying both parents in 4 months time is a lot. Thankfully, they too are believers.
ReplyDeleteI was thankful to read again, " When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything."
Peace be with you Norah. I can feel your love for others always.
DeleteI am struggling today. Reading this on my lunch break is helping. It's hard to see pain and problems as opportunities to trust in God, but that is what I will work on today. Thank you for this blog and thank you to all who post/comment.
ReplyDeleteThere is someone in my family that suffers from mental illness along with other things. Last evening, he was really struggling and I thought he was going to take his life. This has continued to affect me today. I just kept saying, Jesus, I trust in You and please protect my loved one. He is here and making it through today. I said the words; I need to keep striving to believe and trust in Our Lord.
I have seen blessings come from hard times and heartache. I need to keep trusting today as I hold back tears and head back to the office.
Lifting all up in prayer today, especially for those struggling with children/grandchildren/relationships in general. Norah, your friend is in a better place with his wife. Prayers for his children...and you. CO
Bless, bless bless you,CO. Lifting you up to the Throne of Grace asking the Lord to give you the Lord's strength and peace. Oh, God arise and go before CO. Father break asunder every kind of gates the enemy has put in CO's way. Father thank you for building up CO in everyway and the gates of hell shall never prevail against CO. I speak the nane of Jesus over CO's family member that is struggling. I thank you Father that you go before CO's family and level the mountains! May the peace that CO and family receive from the Lord be boundless. AMEN and AMEN
DeleteThank you beyond words, JJ! I believe God led me to this JC Family as He knew I could use the extra support and prayers along with the reminder that I am not alone, and that I can also help others by lifting them up in prayer. I am truly humbled and blessed to be a prayer warrior alongside of all on here. The devil is strong and evil, but I will continue fighting with Jesus at my side. My trials in this earthly life haven't been this bad, but my faith continues to grow. Jesus, I trust in You!
DeleteThank you, God, for helping me through today! Amen. CO
No CO, you are not alone. Every post from the last two days has touched me. Thankful for this meeting place, this assembly, this unique church. A place of freedom, learning, giving, recieving, rejoicing, and even crying. Lord, I ask that you continue to minister in, through, and to us as we assemble here. I pray that these prayers are sweet in your ears and pleasing to you. Prosper us any way you see fit whether it be with suffering or rejoicing. Bind up our wounds and strength our shaky knees. May we be given the strength to walk where you lead. Thank you for your uncomprehenable ways which are tempered with your great love for us. Help us know and accept your love. I pray in Jesus name.
DeleteAMEN and AMEN
DeleteRest in our lord and savior, our beloved CO, like a baby and our merciful Father in heaven will carry you in His loving arms through this. JESUS we trust in you.
DeleteGathering in to agreement with your prayers. Along with Keith's prayer above, I too, am extrrmely thankful for this meeting place, this assembly, this unique church. A place of freedom, learning, giving, recieving, rejoicing, and even crying. Lord, I ask that you continue to minister in, through, and to us as we assemble here. I pray that these prayers are sweet in your ears and pleasing to you. Prosper us any way you see fit whether it be with suffering or rejoicing. Bind up our wounds and strengthen our shaky knees. May we be given the strength to walk where you lead. Thank you for your uncomprehendable yet dependable ways which are tempered with your great love for us. Help us know and accept your love. I pray in Jesus Name. Amen.
DeleteMy mom was welcomed home last Sunday night. Happy for her indeed. But hard for me and hard for my dad. https://paytonfamily.blogspot.com/2019/10/my-mom-is-home-free.html
ReplyDeletePaytonfamily--- So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. May God and the caring love, thoughts and prayers from others help you and your dad get through your sorrow. I pray that you find rest and comfort in the love and hope of our Lord. This site has been the most incredible blessing for so many. Thank you for all that you do. Praying for you and your dad during this time of loss.
DeleteSo sorry to hear Chris. So sorry. Thank you for the link. Praying
DeletePaytonFamily - So sorry for your loss. Comforting prayers for you and your loved ones to have the assurance your mother is in the arms of Jesus.
DeletePaytonfamily so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for all of you. JE
DeleteBlessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. Payton family you are in our thoughts and prayers.
DeleteGod bless you and your family
DeleteLove and prayers for Gods love and miraculous peace
Your mom is shining through you from heavenly places
Hugs prayers and love to your dad as well
May your family be blessed through this
So many lovely prayers
DeleteGod bless our JC family
JJ and Keith and each of y’all ate such a beautiful blessing
Praise God
Prayers for Payton family and for each of us 🙏🙏🥰🥰 Amen
Tx
Praying for you and yours Chris, that the many many happy memories of your Mom flood your thoughts, and drown your grief. I am thankful to you for this JC Prayer Warriors Room complete with devotions, bible verses, and comments, and to your Mom for My Utmost For His Highest.
DeleteMay you and yours abound in God's Favor. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Lord I thank you for this day I thank you as I rest here my body stiff and sore from the work I had to do yesterday a very difficult day with some very trying situations at times I felt like giving up and going home but I remained faithful in you and asked for your help which I received even when I didn’t receive it from my colleague you were there lord help me to come through this day as easy as possible but let your will be done not mine thank you lord
ReplyDeleteFor I suffer what I suffer but then in me their is one who has suffered for me because I too will be suffering for him AMEN
Good morning Lord and jc family. Our Father in heaven, thank you for this safe haven, holy ground where prayers are answered. We come to you our lord and savior trusting in you. Praying for all our friends in need. Glory and praise to our lord Jesus Christ. Come holy spirit.
ReplyDeleteTHOUGHTS ON INTIMACY WITH OUR LORD
ReplyDeleteAs I thought of the First Reading for today, I saw myself meeting our Lord on a bright cool autumn morning. He invited me to take a walk with Him in the woods where the leaves have changed to brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. The sun was shining brightly so the colors were even more vibrant. So we began our walk together through the beauty of it all. We didn't run through the woods. No, a good walk is simply that a walk that is not hurried. And why should I hurry for everything is so brilliant around me, I just wanted to take it in. We stopped at a high point on a hill where I could look out and see a valley below with all its color. I stood there in awe of what I saw and was so blessed. He looked at me and said, 'The beauty of creation I have made to bless you. I could have just let the leaves turn brown and fall to the ground; but no, I wanted you to be blessed so I made them to be colored in the beauty of the autumn. Be blessed!' After fully taking it all in, we continued our walk, moving at a pace in which I could fully appreciate the wonder of it all. It was a good walk and left me with a very blessed feeling as I returned to His calling for me this day.
This is how we should approach the First Reading. It is an unhurried walk through the beauty of what God has said in order to fully appreciate it. And when we reach a point that so captures our attention, we should stop there and let Him tell us of His love for us and how He is working all things to good for the blessing of all.
Enjoy your walk with our Lord this day and always. God be with you. With love, Bob
So very beautiful Bob. Thank you for sharing. Brings joy to my heart. Praise the Lord.
DeleteOut strolling in the still summery fields with God wearing our flip flops yesterday, we paused to marvel at all the beautiful wildflowers. Purple, yellow, pink, orange, all different hues, different shapes and different sizes. God said, every blade of grass is different, every leaf on and every tree is different, every flower is different. Why?
DeleteI purposefully made it that way because that is the way I like it. I am troubled when my children spend their whole lifetime trying to be a carbon copy, when I also purposefully created them all unique. HMMM! Guilty as charged, Lord, help me do better respecting all of Your Work. HE hugged me and we continued our appreciation stroll.
Thanks Bob, for opening up my eyes on my walk today! KS
DeleteJust beautiful brother Bob. It made me feel like I was walking with you & the Master Himself.🥰
DeleteThank you for sharing your very beautiful walk with the Lord. I can just visualize it and He was right beside you as you beheld the perfect beauty of a bright and colorful autumn day. What a blessing to have Him tell you all you see is His gift to you. In the stillness of this morning I felt Him with me and thanked Him for what He was preparing for me. I told Him I would do my best to do all He guides me to do and that I was so blessed to have this pretty new day of all new possibilities. I felt so loved and cared for.
DeleteWhen I am walking today and picking up the pretty leaves I will invite Him to walk with me. You are such a wonderful helper of my heart Bob! Thank you. God bless you in all things.
Brie. Sounds like a wonderful encounter Sis! That hug must have been pretty special!
DeleteYesterday, in response to one of BOB's posts, I posted the song, "IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL", to which many of you responded sharing the comfort that singing/hearing/humming that song gives you. A blog reader/prayer sent me the rest of the story behind the song:
ReplyDeleteTHE INSPIRING STORY BEHIND THE SONG. “IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL”
Can you imagine everything in your life going well? You’re happily married, have five beautiful children, at the pinnacle of your career and you’ve even managed to squirrel away enough money to provide for your family’s every want and need. Under circumstances like that, it’s easy to say ‘it is well with my soul.’
But what if tragedy struck? Not once, but multiple times. What if your golden life, your ticket to easy street, was taken away in the blink of an eye, at no cause of your own?
That is exactly what happened to Horatio Spafford, the man who wrote one of the most soul-stirring hymns in the Christian hymnal, “It Is Well with My Soul.”
Horatio Spafford was a successful lawyer in Chicago who had invested heavily in real estate along the shores of Lake Michigan. Horatio was a prosperous man, a devoted husband and father, and a devout Christian. But in 1870, a series of events began to turn his life inside out.
Horatio and Anna’s only son, Horatio Jr., died of Scarlet Fever at the tender age of four. The following year, while still mourning the loss of their son, every single one of Horatio’s investments were lost in the Great Chicago fire.
A few years later, aware of the toll these events had taken on his wife and four daughters, Horatio decided to take the family on a holiday to England where they would accompany his friend, the famous evangelist D. L. Moody, on his next crusade. Shortly before they were to set sail, a last minute business development threatened to derail the trip. Horatio persuaded his wife to go ahead saying he would follow along shortly.
In November 1873, Anna and the girls boarded the French ship, Ville du Havre. Four days into their trans-Atlantic journey, Horatio received the devastating news that the Ville du Havre had collided with the Lock Earn, an iron-hulled vessel. The Ville du Havre sunk in 12 minutes taking with her the lives of 226 of her passengers. It was the worst disaster in naval history until the sinking of the H.M.S. Titanic forty years later.
Several days later when the survivors had reached Cardiff, Wales, Spafford received a brief, six word telegram from his wife: Saved alone. What shall I do?
As soon as possible, Horatio boarded a ship to join his grieving wife. En route to England, the captain called him to the bridge and said “a careful reckoning has been made, and I believe we are now passing the very area where the Ville du Havre sunk.” According to Bertha Spafford Vester, a daughter born after the tragedy, her father wrote “It Is Well With My Soul” while on this journey.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul
Horatio and Anna’s faith in God never faltered. He later wrote to Anna’s half-sister, “On Thursday last, we passed over the spot where she went down, in mid-ocean, the waters three miles deep. But I do not think of our dear ones there. They are safe….. dear lambs”.
Naturally Anna was utterly devastated, but she testified that in her grief and despair, she had been conscious of a soft voice speaking to her, “You were saved for a purpose!” She remembered something a friend had once said, “It’s easy to be grateful and good when you have so much, but take care that you are not a fair-weather friend to God.”
It’s incredible to think such encouraging and uplifting words were born from the depths of such unimaginable sorrow. It’s an example of truly inspiring faith and trust in the Lord. Perhaps that’s why this hymn, like no other, demonstrates the power our God has to comfort our weary souls when the darkest tragedies overtake us, and we too sing "It Is Well With My Soul". Amen
I just read today's devo after I posted this! Yet again, I am awed how through the Holy Spirit, I received this "It Is Well" backstory yesterday, in perfect preparation for my heart's devotion/learning experience today. Otherwise, I would have glossed over the suffering/adversity, thereby missing the significance of today's devotion and bible verses. Better than I know myself, He knows all about me, when I sit, when I stand, when I want to gloss over the value of adversity. Praise God!
DeleteThank you for sharing Brie. Heartbreaking and joyful at the same time. Praise be to the Lord. Thank You Jesus.
DeleteYears ago I came upon the story of this song, the deep sorrow that gave birth to it. That's why it's so endearing. Thanks Brie for the review🥰
DeleteTake a listen to this recording of the song...just beautiful.
Deletehttps://www.wsmv.com/news/a-group-of-nashville-studio-singers-perform-an-epic-cell/article_2245fbf8-6eb2-11ea-9be3-db6cec04c8f3.html?fbclid=IwAR3yhRWM0LMAz28W9NreyFEq65ot1LshOnMDTXACUqdwiBgtmirKQx9SBuU
That was a wonderful story dear Brie and what great faith he had that renewed his sorrowful heart and revived his trusting soul! I am assured that nothing I ever have to face would ever be too much for me to bear as long as the Lord is by my side. He is the strength of my soul and the truest peace and joy I could every have. I know my need for Him and He is there for me always. Thank you Jesus!
DeleteBrie, unknown, and dear Jeanne: I missed this last year, and took the time to read and listen. Thank you unknown for sharing an unusual choral performance of such a great song written from the depths of a soul who was blessed so strongly with God's grace and peace that only he could inspire and give during such a devastating loss in their life.
DeleteJeanne your heart is always ready to give and share for your love of the Lord: Thank you for your tender heart and support for others😘❣
Thank you for the beautiful version of this iconic song, Unknown.
DeleteIt reinforces today's JC devotion along with My Utmost for His Highest... to teach and preach and sing only after having had a living experience with Him on the subject. When I want to know the Sovereignty of Christ, then I must come to know Him for myself through experience. My faith in God matters much; Where I am placed and what I am going through matters little. God underwrites, establishes, and engineers our goings out and our comings in. Let Him. This is the only way to keep going until we are gone. Lord help us all. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Amen! And my soul was stirred by listening to the Nashville cell phone choir's version just now. Thank you! Yes Lord, help us all.
DeleteIt has been a while since I wrote a comment but I am asking for prayers, one of my daughters have not spoken to me and wants nothing to do with me since March and it is breaking my heart. It is suffering at its best for me because she is my eldest daughter and we have always been close. I am questioning everything I held sacred in being a good mother. I am leaning on Jesus for comfort and my Jesus Calling Family! Lift me up please brothers and sisters, I need to lean on you!!!I know God is faithful I am asking for fellowship! Please and thank you
ReplyDeleteIn his Love
Father, please give Your peace and comfort to Your children and bring them together in Your way and in Your time. Let them grow during this season according to Your will and make everything good in their lives again. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen 🙏. Thank You Jesus. Praise the Lord continually and always.
DeleteJoining in prayers for your request. You did the right thing by asking here. May the Lord bless you and yours with healing and bring reconciliation. It is hard what you're going through. I pray for your continued faith and just know that this was necessary for a purpose of growth that isn't known to you yet. God Bless you and keep you in His loving arms.
DeleteDear God, Until the Brilliance of Your Presence bursts through for her, would you please bless God's Daughter to thank You, the Magnificent Giver, for the beautiful gift of a daughter You loaned her, strengthen God's Daughter to release Your Gift back to You so she too can become God's Daughter, and to Reverence and Trust You, the Great Giver, more than the gift? Amen.
DeleteGod's Daughter - You are in my heart. Joining Warriors in prayer for you and your daughter to the God of restoration. Joel 2:25 “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm — my great army that I sent among you."
DeleteGod's Daughter, I'm in the same situation. I pray yours won't turn into years as mine has. I know what you mean about questioning your mothering. The Lord made it very clear that I was not to wallow in guilt, I was to let her go, she is His. Deliverance for her & I in this relationship was not my job. Hang in there dear sister, He is perfecting you both. The Lord is faithful. Blessings 💕
DeleteJoining this family of Christ in prayer for you and your daughter. He will bring you both peace and healing in His perfect timing!
DeleteGod's daughter, prayers of restoration for your relationship with your special child. In Jesus's name!
DeleteDear God's daughter, You are in my prayers and I pray God softens your daughter's heart toward you and strengthens her faith and renews her spirit so you will have your relationship back better than ever. Thank you Father for this and for bringing peace back into the family, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen
DeleteThank You Jesus. Please hold my hand and walk through the day with me Lord, rejoicing over You. I will bless, praise, and rejoice in the Lord continually and always. Amen 🙏.
ReplyDelete#METOO 🙏
DeleteMe too. We are all holding hands together with His Hand, singing and rejoicing. This is the day the Lord hath made! Be blessed in His love and presence.
DeleteGod I know I’ve been very disobedient and trying to squeeze pleasure out of every situation every chance I get. Though this is true I will never give up. I will never not acknowledge my wrongs. It really is tough. Especially have such a ego. Please continue to forgive me God. I ask that our relationship become stronger. I know that’s not going to happen with my cooperation but I can say now I won’t stop. In Jesus name I submit this prayer Amen
ReplyDeletePraying with you Xavier Hill, and glad to hear you are putting Jesus 1st, which means ego has to take a back seat. Blessings!
DeleteEgo.. Edging God Out. Xavier, no idea of your age or your situation but as a fellow male, we all have egos and usually those with the biggest have had good fortune and have not had a serious setback in their life. Good luck seems to be their lot in life. That is usually when a guy says he is a believer because everything is going well. Be aware that in asking to be humbled with God you may well be!
DeleteMay I suggest you look for opportunities to be humbled in service to others. Can you volunteer at a soup kitchen to serve, can you find a VA hospital and volunteer to help PTSD or soldiers that lost limbs, or can you find someone who will be willing to work with you on your flaws via counselling? Arrogance is the pinnacle of ego and eventually men must humble themselves. Pray for us all to be like Jesus, the only man who could ever had been truly arrogant instead washed the feet of his disciples and died on a cross as a humble servant to God the Father. Amen
Praying for you Xavier. That God will guide you to be more selfless and show you the way you should go. He is the only One who knows your heart perfectly. Nothing is hidden from Him and He can see you now earnestly seeking Him. Know that He loves you unconditionally and that He is calling you to come to Him. Remember He is merciful beyond human understanding. He wants you to enjoy your life, the right way. There is still much fun and joy, and fulfillment following the right path. Praying and waiting to hear of all the good things God is preparing for you.
DeleteI woke up early and prayed in the Spirit as I drifted in and out of sleep. Each time I woke up and something hit my heart causing fear, concern, sorrow or pain, I prayed for that person, for the circumstances in our world and for each of you - not knowing WHAT to pray, but TO pray. Your devotion, Bob, could have been our 2 dear friends, as I talked to the wife mid-afternoon, yesterday. They are both in their 70's and reunited after 56 years - they married in March with my hubby and I by their side. My day of intensity continued, though I saw it from a different perspective thanks to all of your posts, prayers, songs and encouragement. Our friends were scheduled to come over last night for left over chili which I'd made for the masses on Sunday (that reaped such lovely rewards in our family).
ReplyDeleteThe sky was the brightest, most cloudless sky I have seen in ages. Because of that "pause," I found myself throughout the day stopping, reading a post here, a post there from our beautiful God-given site. I breathed, Bob, as you suggested a long time ago - my Yoga breathing...reciting, "The Lord is My Shepherd" (while inhaling); "I shall not want," (exhaling).
The day remained a struggle because of several cases I was working on along with the Ins. Adjuster coming for the final walk through of our sewer situation, juggling calls, hearing heartache, but IT WAS WELL WITH MY SOUL, dear Brie. What a beautiful story about that, one of my favorite songs. I felt as if I'd read it before and maybe I did years ago, but it brought me such comfort this morning.
God's Daughter: I am praying specifically for you and your daughter. And Xavier, your heart is so pure and earnest in your request. God always forgives and is blessed when we turn back to him. God's Daughter would forgive her daughter in a heart-beat and thrill at a conversation with her (that is what I'm praying!) as He mends our ways, smooths our paths and often, just when we think it won't every happen.
My mind can race at times and last night, it took a while in prayer for me to get settled and peaceful, due to all of the turmoil happening in our Country and sad stories I hear. Instead of allowing my mind to continually go back to all of the 'What Ifs,' I got peaceful and blessed, knowing that Our Father will always protect and guide. Our Savior has gone before us to smooth those paths, heal those diseases and comfort the brokenhearted. I thank my God for each of you and the loving respite that can be found when we come here and read and pray and celebrate and cry and go about our day humming, It Is Well With My Soul. I will stop in often today and pray with you.
Thanks for your prayers and shares, our dear Norah. Both are sincerely appreciated. I am very glad God made our souls NFS, so only He, the Owner, could reach them, allowing us to always sing, It is well. It is well with my soul!
DeleteAmen, Dear Brie! I had to google NFS (my mind was reading NSF - non sufficient funds - ha ha), but it must be NOT FOR SALE?? You always bring a smile out for me, Brie! <3 :)
DeleteKeep smiling! Keep shining! Knowing we can always count on Him! our dear Norah. Yes! NOT FOR SALE, as In priceless Art Works ♥
DeletePS NORAH, When it comes to paying the price Jeaus paid for our souls, I guess we do have NFS Non Sufficient Funds!
DeleteDear Norah, What a beautiful and caring heart you have. Thank you always for your sincere prayers. I am joining in your prayers for all too. I am so blessed you are my Sister.
DeleteLoving Father, Thank You for having a purpose for all of my life’s hardships and thank You for true grace that gives me the courage to stand up for Your purpose in the world. Thank You that my circumstances are not indications of Your faithfulness or unfaithfulness, because Your faithfulness is present in all of my circumstances. Thank You for grace Lord! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
ReplyDeleteGod’s way is always the way of suffering, so we should ask ourselves, are we partakers of Christ’s sufferings? If we are going to be used by God, He is going to take us through circumstances that are designed to make us useful for His purpose. Suffering for obedience is evidence that the crucifixion of Jesus preceded His resurrection and whenever we experience suffering that comes from being obedient to Christ, we are to rejoice because it deepens our confidence in our Almighty God. This also allows us to trust and obey Him regardless of what suffering we are going through. The agony that Jesus experienced as He was crucified, is evidence of the power of total endurance. 1 Peter points out how Jesus suffers for His flock and as His followers, we too can do likewise and trust God. Suffering and joy are parts of a true believer’s life.
Dear Father, Thank You that suffering cannot rip us from Your love, because on Calvary cross Christ bound us to You. Therefore, may we look forward to the greatest gift ahead of us, no matter what we face. Just as Paul’s suffering was a gift to the Gentiles, may we also suffer for our brethren to show them that You are a God who loves, sustains, saves and heals. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessings and Peace.
Maplewood, NJ
Amen sweet Maplewood. When those heavy storms shake us even to the core, we are held even tighter by His loving arms to withstand anything that threatens our peace, security and relationship with God. He is the Cornerstone and on Him I will stand through any dark time or suffering. I will continue to rejoice in my God as long as I have His spirit inside me. Thank you father for loving me, sustaining me and saving and healing me. Amen!
DeleteThis is not a brand new song, but it is a newer version with this theme- by Bethel music. It is a powerful and tender declaration.
ReplyDeleteGrander earth has quaked before
Moved by the sound of His voice
Seas that are shaken and stirred
Can be calmed and broken for my regard
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And it is well with me
And far be it from me to not believe
Even when my eyes can't see
And this mountain that's in front of me
Will be thrown into the midst of the sea
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And through it all, through it all
It is well
And through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
And it is well
It is well
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
And it is well with my soul (sing it everybody)
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well
It is well with my soul
Oh it is well with my soul ('cause of who you are)
Oh it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well
It is well with my soul
It is well
It is well with my soul
Thanks for posting this, GraceTakesTime.
Delete😘
DeleteLink to this song in yesterday's posts
DeleteMissing Madfox on here. Awaiting your results from prayer requests last week. Been praying for you and your family. God keeps you in my thoughts and prayers. Mindy,Spokane
ReplyDeletePraying with you Mindy, that Madfox got good test results and God is leading him to perfect health. Thank you Jesus!
DeleteHow is your dear daughter, Mindy? How did the bladder scan go?Praying her pain is going away. Sending a hug.
DeleteUpdate on Connie G. Oct 12 biopsy.(Not the same Connie whose niece we prayed for who was hospitalized with Covid.)
ReplyDeleteIn Connie's own words: "I just talked with the nurse at the Women's Diagnostic Center and she said my biopsy was negative so I am praising the Lord for his goodness. Thanks to everyone that kept me in their prayers during this waiting period. I was most grateful for the nurse, tech, and radiologist that did the procedure on Monday. They were super nice and helpful and made me feel at ease. Thanks again for all the love and support from Prayer Warriors and my church family. God bless all of you".
Thank God the biopsy was negative. So blessed to hear of another victory. The blessings just keep coming down as our praise goes up! Halleluia!
ReplyDeleteGreat news on Connie G! THAT'S what I love to hear! I'm also wondering about MadFox.
ReplyDeletePraying for you, MadFox and your daughter, Mindy.
<3
NJS, Any news on Paula and the baby? Praying things are moving along and God is strengthening her to push the baby out. Trusting in God's faithfulness and perfect timing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for asking, Jeanne. No news. The last I heard from Ben at 3:37a.m. was that she was 100% effaced, 5cm dilated, dropped to -1position saying, "She is hanging tough!". Nothing since. I've been talking to God a good part of the night which has helped. Knowing the very active roll Ben was going to be in this birth, I'm going with the fact that he is helping Paula with all he's learned and the doula is right there encouraging him/them...as is the midwife. We are at 28 hours as of right now. I thank you all for your powerful prayers. Will keep you posted. (*On a side note, Jeanne, Paula's middle name is Jeanne!)
DeletePraying for Paula Jeanne! The best is yet to come! Thank You Jesus.
DeleteThanks for the baby watch update, NJS. I thought about and prayed for you Paula, Ben, Baby, and team throughout the night. I prayed, Abide With Them! Good Lord Jesus, to which He replied, I AM with them always. Amen. Keep us posted when you can't. Regardless, all your dear ones will still be in our prayers. On that you can rely.
DeletePraying for a healthy baby and mom this morning. This is the second birth in a week I have learned of where baby is really taking their sweet time in arriving. Can't say I blame them, they will have their work and faith cut out for them in their lifetime here on earth!
DeleteTerri, Please let us know how you and your family are doing. You are in our thoughts and prayers, dear one.
ReplyDeleteYes, Terri, we are all praying for your family's recovery. Holding you tight in healing prayers.
DeleteRecovery prayers are continuing for you and yours our dear sister friend in Christ, TERRI. You are loved.
DeleteNorah, How is your hubby and your little grandsons?
ReplyDeleteBrie, How is Larry feeling after his surgery?
Thanks for all of your prayers for Dana. She is out of pain and all is going well. God is so good.
Praying for more answered prayers and victories to celebrate.
Father God, Thank You for showing us Your faithfulness and surrounding us with your peace and comfort. You are such a merciful and loving Father. We are blessed to be your children. Help us to slow down and be still in Your presence.
Larry: So far, so good!
DeleteIn Dr's office right now having catheter checked. I'm trusting, It is well, all is well with my soul....
In thinking of today's JC message as a nation, not as an individual, then CV19 and our current political mess, is surely suffering. This suffering, of nearly 2 years, has created record numbers of depression in our citizens, and thus long waits to see psychiatrists. In seeking answers from friends, this present darkness may actually be turning American hearts to God. I pray this is true.
ReplyDeleteMay our nation see that only in Christ, can one truly experience love from suffering! He died 2000+ years ago to show His Love. Sarah's summary is a great way to have HOPE in the eventual end of the pandemic: "Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness." Godspeed to all of our fellow Americans who are suffering... and yes, to the world as well. Amen
So true Madfox. I started taking holidays from "news" watching, and I found that no news really is good news! I am joining into prayer with you for "my fellow Americans", and all who are suffering, to find their relief in God. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
DeleteHere here Brie. I too quit watching the news well over a year ago as it was affecting my moods. It made me cynical every day. No news is good news indeed.
DeleteJoining Madfox in prayer for our country and the world. They definitely need it.
TJ
So good to hear from you MadFox! Amen to that! I feel the same way and have seen the evidence in hearts turning towards Him. My own neighbor who never wanted to hear about God is now thanking me for my prayers. People who didn’t believe are now “on the fence” and seeking Him. When the dark storms come, people reach for His help and their hearts are softened.
DeleteMe too Brie and TJ! I choose not to watch the news. My hubby lets me know what’s going on. I just keep trusting in our great God.
DeleteAnd true for me as well. There only thing I can control is my mind. And that is where I choose to focus on strengthening my trust and faith. The devil of depression diss not let up if I leave the door open. Joining JJ in slamming it's shit and clearing the room. Thank you Jesus for always being near to hear with a hand to hold. God bless America, we are in dire need of your Presence to permeate our consciousness.
DeleteOhhh. Bad typos! I must have left the door ajar!
DeletePlease forgive me.
DeleteYou are forgiven. It is well, all is well with my soul...and yours!
DeleteLove you Audra. We’re only human but He is divine. We’re allowed typos and mistakes. We all make them.
DeleteSo they went on their way from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. (Acts 5:41). Just as it is written, "For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." (Romans 8:36). If we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us; (2 Timothy 2:12). Choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, (Hebrews 11:25). You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. (Matthew 10:22). but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. (1 Peter 4:16).
ReplyDeleteThank You Jesus. I praise You Lord always and continually. Father, I need Your strength and courage to endure suffering. I am weak, but You are strong. Help me to live this life for You and not for me. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
Thank you and Amen dear Janet! We can endure any suffering as long as we have Him by our side. His Unchanging Hand is always there to hold.
DeleteAmen🙏. Hallelujah! Blessings dear Sister💕
ReplyDeleteSharing prayer from Michael Yousseff, Leading the Way daily devotions.
ReplyDeleteGod, I want to be spiritually healthy and whole. I pray that Your Spirit would fill me every day so that I will manifest the fruit of the Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thanks for sharing that beautiful prayer dear Sassy Mom! Amen.
DeletePAINFULLY STUCK IN THE MUD
ReplyDeleteFrom Habakkuk 3: Only The Sovereign Lord is my Strength Who makes my feet like the feet of a deer, enabling me to tread up new heights...
It has a special texture and odor, and it's familiar to natives. It can be plough mud; it can be quicksand. There is little difference as many shoes are lost and many suffer the same fate in the suction. If you happen to step in it, you're stuck. You try to slosh out of it, but each step gets slower and slower sucking your feet and shoes deeper and deeper. You sigh, you gasp, you pull, you strain through pain just to keep moving.
When pain knocks at our door aloud, our faith can get stuck just like feet in quicksand, and cause our lives to feel stalled. While in pain, we seem alone in this big wide lonely world of our pain, when everyone else seems to have direction. Even when their direction may be different from one we'd choose, at least we see them moving and they appear pain free while we wallow in pain and wait - stuck in the mud. Where O where is God?
Even when we can't see Him, He is working.
Ask the trees. They look positively lifeless in the winter, then bud again in the spring. Likewise, whether stuck, stale, or stalled by pain, stay faithful. Keep believing. Pray earnestly. Trust joy's return. Keep believing in God plans, just like the tree in winter.
Trust today's devotion which says, When suffering strikes, remember that I AM SOVEREIGN and that I can bring good out of everything. Accept adversity in My Name, offering it up to Me for My purposes. Thus, our suffering gains meaning and draws us closer to Him. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through our trusting and thanking God.
Dear Heavenly Father God,
Would You renew our belief that You are always at work, including times when we are in pain? As the bare tree buds return in the Spring, would You dislodge our faith in You from the quicksand and burst it through with new growth too? On behalf of myself and our entire JC Family and each of our dear ones, I ask. I seek. I knock. I praise. I thank. In Jesus' Name. Amen
Dear JC family, I admit that I am pain averse. However, 44 years ago today, I was bogged down in one of the worst pains and more anguish than I'd ever felt in this life. Thanks be to a Good God, I was able to hold on and hold out. The next day, a beautiful baby girl was born to Larry and I. Was pain worth the outcome from pain? Absolutely! In Jesus' Name I thank. Amen
DeleteBeautiful testimony sweet sister! We must endure suffering because God allows it. But He walks us through it holding tight to our hands. Tears will be turned into dancing. Our God is merciful and faithful. Thank You Jesus.
DeleteHappy birthday to your dear daughter, Brie. I always say the celebration of our children's birthdays really should go to the moms, they did the work (blessed of course by God)
DeleteI love that dear Audra! My youngest son just turned 33 and I was thinking God really blessed me with 3 good sons. Now I am praying for the 2 who don't believe. Joining in Birthday wishes and blessings for your daughter, Brie. She must be an amazing young woman to have you as her Mom thank God.
DeleteThanks. By the Grace of a Good God, she makes us look like we were good parents. I keep her and all of our JC children under the prayer cloth, knowing satan is always lurking to devour. May God Continually Bless and Highly Favor ALL of them In Jesus' Name. I ask. I seek. I knock. I praise. I thank. I yield. Amen.
DeleteGood morning family. Again I wrote a lengthy prayer and it failed to publish :(. Keeping you all in my prayers that you have a wonderfully blessed day. Any suggestions on my fixing my posting issue would be appreciated! Peace 🙏
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Rich C.
DeleteMany of us compose our postings on a WORD document first, save it to our computers, then copy and paste it onto this board. Hope this helps you.
Dear brother Rich, I always have problems posting.,I lose many of them. I try to remember to copy them before I post them so if they are lost I can try again.
DeleteDear Brie, How is your DH Larry feeling? Praying things are going well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking and for your prayers, Jeanne.
DeleteLarry: So far, so good!
Got catheter taken out just now. So far. so good with that as well. his Dr expects complete healing in about 6 weeks.
Thank God he's more comfortable now. "So far so good" is fine because he's in God's presence and loving care. Six weeks isn't too long. May God bring him to a perfect recovery in record time and amaze his doctor. Hope you're getting some rest dear sister. Much love.
ReplyDeleteHi, family. I wanted to first thank you for your continued prayers for Paula and Ben. She is STILL laboring as I type this. I marvel at her sheer determination and stamina. She called me at 2:30 so, so tired but says she has a great nurse/midwife and her doula is still there helping. I don't have an eye in my head and I'm thinking it could be another long night....and I'm not even doing anything, lol. Ben said the nurses told them Paula is progressing well and it will happen late tonight or early tomorrow. Thank you, God, for watching over Paula, Ben, and Baby Bolton, Lord, and bringing BB into this world safe and sound. In Jesus' name, AMEN. Thank you JC family for holding them in your prayers.
ReplyDeletePraying for Dear Little BB, Paul and Ben and YOU, NJS! Excited to read tomorrow that he is here - healthy, happy, blessed. Happy BD to your daughter, Brie - or as Audra said (& I agree!), Happy BIRTHday to YOU! So thankful that Larry is doing well! Still praying or your friends, Jeanne.
ReplyDeletePlease pray for my dear friend who recently recovered from COVID as did her Hub - he's doing well, too. We may get together tomorrow nt - it's been a month! Her mom was admitted to the hospital today for hernia surgery and all went well. Possible heart blockage - praying that is NOT an issue!
As for your post, Rich - I, too, have problems posting sometimes. My think is I always copy and paste my post, then post and if it doesn't work I can paste it and try again. Sometimes I have too many characters meaning I have to edit. :)
Prayers for all of you, my Dear JC Family. Sleep sweet - God's on the Night Watch!
Dear NJS, God is strengthening your dear daughter. Joining all prayers for her smooth delivery and thanking Him for moving the delivery of Baby Bolton along a little so Paula and Ben can get some rest and also some peace of mind for Grandma.
ReplyDeleteDear Norah, Thanks so much for your prayers for my sister in Christ Patricia. She finally found a doctor that can do the procedure she needs. She's waiting to see if they will take her insurance. God is so very faithful. My knee was bothering me yesterday after spending the day with my Grandson and playing on the floor with his cars and bouncing him on my knee. It hurt so much I took Advil and iced it. Then I put Arnica on it and prayed that God would heal it and thanked Him. And He did!! I feel so much better. He is so good to me. Keeping your friends who are recovering from Covid in my prayers. So happy to hear they're doing well. Praying also for your friend's Mom for a speedy recovery from her hernia surgery and her heart to be healed. Praying for you dear Norah and NJS and all our family. Hope your posting gets easier Rich! Goodnight to all. Rest well.
What a joyful message of God's faithfulness and mercy. He even helped you keep your tongue and your peace when you were with your Daughter and Son in love. What a wonderful reason to have lunch: "just because we love you and are thankful for you". Amen! He is such a good God.
ReplyDeleteTraveling to Brooklyn to spend the weekend with my Mom. Please pray for her because she woke up with one blurry eye. Praying for healing but I'm trying to convince her she should be seen by a doctor. She absolutely refuses to. She is so strong willed and I am getting frustrated. But God is by my side and He will guide this weekend. Going to take her for her Booster and to shop for groceries. God will make everything go smoothly. May He heal all our dear JC Family and their loves ones and give them strength and joy, and also give all the travelers safety on the roads and protection from sickness and harm. Thank You Jesus.
ReplyDeleteRomans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Jeanne - praying for safe travels for you this weekend. Praying for healing for your mom’s eye and/or she agrees to see the doctor. Thank you for including the verse from Romans. I stand on this verse often and it’s a tremendous help.
DeleteSC Anonymous
Safe travels dear Jeanne. Release your mom to the Lord's mercy and care. Enjoy her today. God bless you for just loving her & caring for her earthly needs. Thank you for the very soothing song, City of God. Loved it👏💞😍
DeletePraying you through it all, Jeanne.
DeleteThank you dear SC, Jan and Brie! Your prayers surrounded me as I traveled. It was a very stressful day but we weren’t alone and Jesus carried us through it. . Hope your night is going well. I must stay in Brooklyn till Monday. My Mom and I found our way to the eye doctor. She told the doctor it was like she was looking out of a glass that had smeary black and purple paint on it. They gave her around 12 tests. Finally the doctor said she had fluid on her macula and called it wet macular degeneration. I must take her to a retina specialist on Monday who may be able to reduce the amount of fluid. Praying so hard for Hus faithfulness. She is such a good and sweet prayer warrior and Ge knows her heart well. Please pray that God guides the retina specialist to make her all well again and restore her vision and her peace of mind. In the Nane of Jesus we pray this together. Amen
DeleteI’m trusting in my Way Maker and leaning on His promises. 🙏Thank You Jesus
Praying for you and Mom, Jeanne, while Armoring you both up with The S'WORD of the Spirit's WORD: EYES have yet to see, and ears have yet to hear, or mind yet to even imagine all the wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord. and you do, and you do,,, In Jesus' Name. Amen.
DeleteDear Brie, thank you for the " bit & bridle" reminder. It set you free to thoroughly enjoy your lovely lunch. If only we can remember to do this more often! Help us Lord!
ReplyDeleteI'm dealing with anxiety today because I'm starting a new job. I'm definitely trying to not let it overwhelm me staying in prayer and not doing anything to self-sabotage (especially with negative thoughts). 🙏🙏🙏Amen
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Tanya, as you start your new job. I just listened to "It Is Well With My Soul," after reading Brie's story from a year (or more?) ago...help us to trust in you Lord. Let Tanya shine today with your love and grace and remind them why they hired her!
DeleteAmen🙏
DeleteOur prayers are with you Tanya. With Him, you are always accompanied by Good! Breathe His Giod coverage in until you feel it, yet, Even when you can't feel Him, He's Working!
DeletePraying for you Tanya! Be mindful, present and grateful as much as you can. Breathe and give it to God-He is with you and will not leave you as he has you exactly where you are meant to be. 🙏
DeleteRepeating this like a mantra, helped me on jobs:
DeleteColossians 3:23
Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters,
Colossians 3:24
remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for. In Jesus' Name and with God's Blessings on you, Tanya. Amen.
🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
ReplyDeletePraying for all of you Anonymous. Have you tried the bit and bridle, only lifting it when you have a compliment to give her?
ReplyDeleteThough hard and uncomfortable for me, it worked, thwrefore I share!
Much Love, Brie
Yes Brie I have done that for the past year or so. If I have negative thoughts I just vent to my husband and God. I know love is long suffering especially when someone doesn’t want to own their part. I would love and pray for us to be able to sit down and communicate our feelings to each other and work to do better. It consumes me as a mother because I have healthy relationships with my other two kids. We are able to discuss issues like if I hurt their feelings or they may hurt mine. It’s just a tough situation. I have bought her sentimental gifts and dropped everything to watch my grandbaby and be there for her. Sometimes at the cost of my own well-being (which is my fault). I just pray that God will work everything out for the good and I BELIEVE and KNOW He will in His Timing. Thank-you for your feedback 🥰I really appreciate it! ♥️
ReplyDeleteWhen the student is ready, then THE TEACHER will appear. Until then, Jesus, Take The Wheel! Keeping all of you, in my prayers. Much Love, Brie
ReplyDeleteJoy truly does emerge from the ashes of adversity through trust and thankfulness. I can relate to the Mother/Daughter relationship you described because it seems similar to mine with my mother.
ReplyDeleteAmen Brie!! Jesus take the wheel ♥️🙏
ReplyDeleteHaven't had a minute to post, but know that you are all in my prayers. Hope to catch up with all of you over the weekend. God Bless, I love you!
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous. I agree with Brie that you must give it all to God and hand over the wheel. I can relate to a lot of this because I have a very strained relationship with one of my daughters in law. But you said your daughter suffers from depression. That may be why she may not see you in the right light. She sees through a dark veil so even your sweet love and light looks distorted to her. Just keep humbly offering her love, help, understanding, forgiveness, and even friendship and God’s spirit will supply the right words to share. Show her you’re really on her side and you think she is a good and capable and loving mother but do it in a very subtle way. The wall she has put up between you will come tumbling down in God’s timing. Think back at what an emotional time it was when you were raising your little one. From my own experience of postpartum depression you also seem to lose much of yourself and even your self worth. But by our prayers, the grace of God and His work on her heart, I believe your relationship will improve and things will get better. Keeping you both in my prayers. Thank You Lord.
ReplyDeleteBeen praying for your strength and God’s help in accomplishing all you must do for your DH. I sure can relate. And the work in the house and with your job. It’s a hard time when our loved ones need us and we have so much else on our plates. Trusting God will help you handle things well. Praying for your peace and a good rest tonight.
ReplyDeleteLord, please bless and forgive ____; and change me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
ReplyDeleteDear Jeanne thank-you SO MUCH for that! That’s exactly what I need to do and be. Please continue to pray for me with this. Thank-you!! ♥️♥️♥️
ReplyDeletePraying dear Brie for Keith, that the Lasix treatment would be very effective in alleviating his issues. Touch his body dear Jesus to get back into balance. Bless Brie for the caring sister that she is for Keith. So sorry Brie that you also have osteoporosis. I am treating it aggressively with PT to learn how to use weight bearing exercises and taking vitamin k1 & K2, vitamin d & food base calcium. Of course trusting in the Lord's power to heal.Hallelujah!
ReplyDeletePraying with our dear Jan and our JC Family for God to take away Keith's edema and for the Lasix treatment to accomplish its purpose and heal and guide him according to His will.
DeleteThank You Father for this and for thickening Jan's bones and Brie's bones, and healing our dear Audra, and healing Janet's knees and my Mom, and for strengthening every weakness in their bodies, and for guiding SC's brother and dear wife to the right treatment center so her sister in love will be cured, so they can all continue to serve you and give you glory in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.
Proverbs 3:7-8
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Praying for our JC family and all of requests that have been posted. Audra, good to know your pain is lessening. PTL! SC Anonymous, lifting your SIL, brother & family to the throne of grace. Hopefully your son will find college a great season of this part of his life. The Lord will be guiding him in all the important decisions awaiting him. Still praying dear Jeanne for your mom & Janet. It's so good to know that God is in control of all that concerns us. Thank you dear Saviour for the power of the cross. That same power will be released over Israel, the apple of your eye. Nothing, no one will harm her that You have not ordained for the glory of Your name. YOU SAVIOUR IS IN CONTROL! Hallelujah!
ReplyDeletePraying with you, sweet Jan, that God's power will be released over Israel and God's justice will prevail and His faithfulness will shine like the sun. He will wipe away the tears and save His people. He is in Control! Hallelujah!
DeleteThank you and AMEN!
DeleteJoining JC Warriors in prayer for all requests known and unknown.
ReplyDeletePraying with you and for you, dear Sassy Mom. I have one more prayer request. My youngest son Dylan just tested positive for Covid and I’m praying God is already healing him and protecting his wife Erica and my little grandsons from getting it. Most of all that God will soften their hearts and open them to seek Him. Thank You Jesus.
ReplyDeleteJC today starts with: "Be prepared to suffer for Me, in My Name... Bearing your circumstances... thanking Me for them is one of the highest forms of praise." I truly did not understand or accept this paradigm in my life. I viewed hardships as "rewards" for not being as good of a Christian as I should have been. Even worse as God's consequences for my sins.
ReplyDeleteTruly it wasn't until a 2nd major illness, Multiple Myeloma, and even then not until a mountaintop sunset that I came to see my situation as a blessing. Now in my remission but with ongoing treatments, I say how blessed I am. Often folks say, "how can that be?" I tell them when I overhear the birth date of patients checking in or when getting their treatments where the medical team verified that the IV is for the correct patient, and the date is close to that of my adult kids... and they have no hair... or are vomiting... or look 20 years older than they are, then I am reminded that at my age, a grandpa, that I'm truly BLESSED and here to further His kingdom and to share one thing... LOVE and KINDNESS.
Thank you JC Prayer Warriors for the kind words often shared here, and the prayers offered for me and my family. They are cherished. Once again, I'm blessed with a great outcome so far with the procedure (minor outpatient surgery - hate to even say surgery) to hopefully reduce the chances for sinusitis, bronchitis, or worse (like pneumonia) as that often is the biggest challenge for those with weak immune systems from the blood cancer or the drugs used to fight it. It was a rough day of the surgery and yesterday as you cannot breathe but through your mouth for nearly 2 days! Thanks again for your support these past 3 years (hard to believe that long) as the angels sing "it's gonna be okay!" Agape to you all. Godspeed and His Peace. Amen.
MadFox, supporting you in prayer at the Throne of Grace.
Delete"This sacrifice of thanksgiving rings golden-toned bells of you throughout heavenly realms. On earth also, your patient suffering sends out ripples of good tidings in ever-widening circles."
James 1:12
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Beautifully said! It's all in perspective. 🙏🏼
DeleteThank you for updating us and sharing how God is working in your life.
DeleteOur dear true brother friend in Christ, MadFox, When I read today's devotion, I give thanks to God for you, an epitome of opportunities to demonstrate trust in God, and share with us. You shine a spotlight on this pilgrim's way. I shall continue prayers for you, yours, and the Light you bring, with much ❤️ In Jesus' Name. AMEN!
DeleteJoining in thanks and praise for the opportunity to follow your journey, Mad 🦊. ♥️🙏♥️
DeleteWhat a blessing it is to see God’s power working through you in all ways! You are indeed blessed because you have seen God’s goodness in the land of the living and you have helped others to see your trust and God’s saving grace in you, and His faithfulness in your physical, emotional and mental health. We have all seen your strength of faith and Christian mindset through it all. Thanks dear brother for giving us hope and strength through our own trials and our valley times. You have been a comfort to me when I was walking in my wilderness. You are our beacon and we have seen your ever present love and kindness and your unwavering faith. God bless you always!! 💗🙏😊
DeleteFrom '3 FORCES OF ADVANCEMENT'
ReplyDelete“Charity means pardoning the unpardonable, or it is no virtue at all.
Hope means hoping when things are hopeless, or it is no virtue at all.
And faith means believing the incredible, or it is no virtue at all.” ~G.K. Chesterton
• TRUE LOVE is evidenced in releasing kind acts that may not be reciprocated. Helping those who can't repay you in any way. And forgiving those yet to apologise.
• *HOPE* is joyful and confident expectation. It is the forerunner of good days, and the stabilising force for worthwhile accomplishments.
• *FAITH* is a settled confidence that what GOD said carries in itself the performance capacity. It moves when circumstances said, it's not possible.
"There are three things that will endure--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor 13:13
This Day and Season,
Show the love you can, hope for the best, believe and dare the impossible.
*You Are The Testimony!*
1 Corinthians 13:3-8
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
Amen Peter! Prayers continue for you Madfox.
DeleteThank you KY
DeleteThanks Peter! Beautiful truth. You blessed my day!
ReplyDeleteEncouragement for our weary hearts. The best is yet to come.
ReplyDelete2 Corinthians 4:16-18
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Thank you for praying for my next door neighbor, Terry, who is getting brain surgery this morning. She is getting a large mass removed from the back of her head. We thank God that the operation witll be successful and she will be able to lead a normal life, and we pray she will turn to God for her help with a sincere heart of faith.
ReplyDeleteFather God, You are so Merciful and Powerful. You can do all things and You love your creations. Thank You for guiding Terry's doctor to remove every bad cell and carefully avoid harming any part of her brain or functionality. Strengthen Terry in body, mind and spirit. Heal every weakness in her and change her heart to seek You with open eyes and an open heart of true faith. Don't let her suffer any after effects and bring her back to good health and comfort. Thank You for letting her see signs of Your Presence in her days and lead Your Angels to minister to her. Thank You for covering her with a blanket of Your Peace and Your Faithfulness. She is already covered by the Blood of Your Son. We ask this in the Name of Christ Jesus, our Risen Lord and Savior. Amen
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 94:14-15
For the Lord will not cast off His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance.
But judgment will return to righteousness,
And all the upright in heart will follow it.
Psalm 103:2-3
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Psalm 27:14
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Joining in prayers with you Jeanne for Terry. Thank You Jesus for Your healing power and strength. Praise the Lord and bless Your holy name 🙏 🙌! God bless and peace be with you!
DeleteJoining here in prayer for Terry's surgery dear Jeanne. May the hands of Jesus be on the hands of the surgeon. Thank You Lord Jesus for all the glory this will bring to Your name. Hallelujah! 🙏🙌.
DeleteThanks dear Janet and Jan and all those who are praying for Terry. I just left her and told her she is surrounded by prayers. Gave her some Bible verses and a note of encouragement. Looking forward to hearing a victory report. Trusting in the Great I Am. Thank You Jesus!
DeleteJC Warriors, my niece Molly got married yesterday and the wedding was beautiful! I am so very grateful to the Lord for His love and greatness! Praise the Lord and thank You Jesus! I don't get to see my family often, except my sister, so it was good to spend time with them. I missed my son being with us for he wasn't able to make it up for the wedding. That has made me sad, but even though I don't understand why he couldn't come, God does and so I'm trusting in Him. God bless 🙏.
ReplyDeletePraying for your niece and her husband for a blessed and happy life together and for a faith filled marriage and for your son. May God take care of him in every way and bring you two together soon. Thank You Father for all this in Jesus’ Name. Amen
DeletePrayers for Terry and her family. Bless the newlyweds!🙏🕊️
ReplyDeleteThanks dear Anonymous KY. God bless your day.
DeleteSuffering is the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship.
ReplyDeleteNo one who reads the Jesus Calling blog is exempt from suffering in some form.
Suffering came into this world through sin; Genesis 3:16-19 tells us through the sin of disobedience, pain, distress, suffering and death became part of fallen humanity's experience.
None of us likes pain, I don't even like cold weather these days; my arthritic hands get very painful (Tumeric or Curcumin helps).
Summing up James 1:2-4,
2 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
I would say 'all our trials make us strong'
Andrea Crouch - "Through It All" https://youtu.be/CvIxwc90BEI?si=piZBDT8GryRjjsnw
♥️🎶
DeleteIn perfect agreement dear brother. I'm also in pain most days (osteoporosis), but the power of the Lord's grace & mercy is always with me. I continue to trust in Him. Amen!
ReplyDeleteWe pray for you in your situation, Anonymous. Our God is great and His plan and timing is perfect, not so much ours 😉. God bless you!
ReplyDelete