When you are plagued by a persistent problem--one that goes on and on--view it as a rich opportunity. An ongoing problem is like a tutor who is always by your side. The learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be teachable. In faith, thank Me for your problem. Ask Me to open your eyes and your heart to all that I am accomplishing through this difficulty. Once you have become grateful for a problem, it loses its power to drag you down. On the contrary, your thankful attitude will lift you up into heavenly places with Me. From this perspective, your difficulty can be seen as a slight, temporary distress that is producing for you a transcendent Glory never to cease!Isaiah 30:20-21
English Standard Version
20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. 21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
2 Corinthians 4:17
Amplified Version
17 For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!
My Prayer
Lord, thank you for the problems that are going on right now. Open my eyes and my heart to all that you are accomplishing through these difficulties. You are using it to center my focus and trust on You. You are showing me that my strength is found in You. I am grateful for these problems. Use these problems for your glory.
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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.
This is hard for me when I see my family suffering and there's just problem after problem god help me I'm so tired
ReplyDelete🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻!
Deletemy prayers for you today!
DeletePrayers
DeleteI understand, Unknown. It seems as though Satan just has a hold of our family. The battle is rough, but we are still winning with Jesus by our side.
DeletePraying for you.
DeleteI feel your pain and have learned life is difficult on this earth; it’s not home. I’ve also learned if I put my faith in God and trust by reading daily mediation books that tell me what to do life is better. Shifting my mind to gratitude always helps even if I’m saying thank you for a hot cup of coffee in the morning. My favorite reading recently is to write down your fears, why you are afraid, ask God to help you replace fears with him, Expect He will do it and wait and watch to see what He does. Not easy! The act of writing works as does God. Prayers to you and your family
ReplyDeleteSad to say, but I used to put all of worries and fears in a "God Box". (I need to do it again.) Then, every year I would open the box to see how God had taken care of everything. I really can't remember a time where something wasn't taken care of. When I have something that I'm really struggling with, I realize that I took the task back from God. Sometimes it seems like everyone else's life is going along so smoothly, and for some, that's true; but then I think of all the people whose lives are so much worse than what our family might be going through. Being human, these thoughts do creep in, but they are ugly and I try my best to stop them.
DeleteLinda~ I love this idea of a 'God Box'! I think I'm going to borrow this idea from you. LOL
DeleteYes! What a wonderful idea. You get to experience God's faithfulness.
DeleteLinda, that is a wonderful idea. I might just borrow that also.
DeleteYesterday I was called to the waterfall on my property. It was cold and raining but I knew I had to go. After days of heavy rain, as I approached the waterfall the sound was amazing! Roaring in all its splendor. Not being sure why I was called there, I simply stood silent. Soon the realization was flowing like the water. We do not see where the water comes from but we know by Faith it comes. Do not see where it goes but by faith we know it continues on. It has fish and creatures we do not see, but by faith we know they live there. It could stop flowing any minute, but by faith we are sure that it will not stop. I could go on and on with this example of FAITH that I saw but was UNSEEN!!! Live by FAITH not by sight, for we can see the unseen when we look to Jesus... Amen
DeleteLong ago, my brother taught me to have two bins; an In Bin and an Out Bin.
DeleteThe In Bin was labeled: "Things God WILL handle and heal in His Time"
The Out Bin was labeled: "Things God HAS handled and healed in His Time"
My Brother's current Aphasia, Living Arrangement and Sale of Property are currently in God's In Bin.
My part is to leave them there:
Leave it there
Oh leave it there
Take your burden to The Lord and leave it there, oh leave it there
If you'll trust and never doubt, well He will surely bring you out
Take your burden to The Lord and leave it there
[Verse 2]
If your body suffers pain and your health you can't regain
And your soul is almost sinking in despair, well in despair
Jesus knows the pains you feel, He can save and He can heal
Take your burden to The lord and leave it there!
Brie --- Interceding at The Throne of Grace for your journey. I decree Great blessings, grace,favor and bunches of love for your pathway! In His Grip of Grace_JJ
DeleteI've been awake since 3 am in CA, thanking God for handling all the asks of the JC family. RELAX, God is in charge I hear. When our problems run us ragged, it's hard to give thanks and count them as blessings. What we resist persists! With that thought, I turn my eyes to your Lord to take care of all of it. Now I lay me back to sleep. Safe travels, Brie. Be blessed, the Out Bin is filling up!
DeleteI love that the out bin is filling!!! ❤️
DeletePraying for your brother Brie! Thanking God with my sisters that the out bin is filling up! God is handling all our problems and healing our infirmities. Enjoy your day dear family and continue to rest in Him who loves us! Much love and hugs.
DeleteGOD's OUT BIN UPDATE: Living Arrangement = check!
DeleteAnd that living arrangement bounced from box to box yet lands again IN GODS OUT BOX. Everything will in His timing.
DeleteI love the “God Box” Linda.
DeleteJesus, I pray for healing in our family. I’m putting this in the “God Box”
Jesus, I love you and trust you. Thank you for your love and care. Lifting up all that are struggling, alone and all prayer requests to You Mighty God of miracles.
Believing fur and thanking you Lord for healing and miracles.
Love and blessings
Brandy
🙏❤️🙌🏼
Agreed, I have in my past had to live in 5 minute increments in order to move through a day. Many years later, I continue to try to live within brief moments and thank God for the cardinals, or a smile or Amy hot cup of coffee...and stay within the limits of "the present day". God broke up time ...sun up...sun down, stay in the day. God bless and never give up!
ReplyDeletePraying for you and I get it! Sending peace that passes all understanding
ReplyDeleteHistorically in the Church, on this day (the 18th), the story of the annunciation to Joseph is read (Matthew 1:18-25). Though Mary receives center stage in the birth narrative, I am also fascinated by the faith of Joseph. He is instructed by the angel to enter uncharted waters in his devotion to God. In Matthew’s recording of this, Joseph asks no questions (Mary asked questions) but immediately proceeds to be obedient to what was revealed to him by God. Oh, to live my faith on that level. A suggestion for you, reread the passage above and then read the Matthew passage. They fit so wondrously together.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jesus!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers were with you throughout te day yesterday and I felt prompted to respond this morning. I am also hurting for the pain that my family is suffering through and am learning to rest in Christs love and provision. I love the visualization of the 23rd Psalm and pray for a refreshing of your soul as you rest in His care. I am learning that there is peace and oftentimes joy is the midst of our pain. You are loved.
ReplyDeletePraying the prayer that never fails, "Thy will be done." Praying for you, Loveconquersall - for your dear Juan Carlos and a good report. What a blessing you are to your family.
ReplyDeletePraying for all who are missing loved ones. May the Hope of the Return soothe your hearts.
Giving this day and all that it holds to Him who cares for each of us so much that he gave His only begotten Son.
Help me count my blessings, Lord. Help me prioritize and let go of the energy drainers in my life. Let me focus on the reason for this season and not on the things that don't really matter. Let me be thankful and trust in You.
Lifting each of you JC Family Prayer Warriors this day. May your hearts be light and thankfulness abound. Give us energy, Father, to share your love and light.
I come to You this morning Lord with a thankful heart knowing that my concerns and problems are no match to Your magnificent Power, what they are doing for me is "producing a transcendent Glory never to cease"!
ReplyDeletePRAISE and Thanks to You LORD!
Psalm 126:3–6
3 The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy..
4 Restore our fortunes O Lord,
like streams in the South.
5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
Believe His words and Promises and receive it!
JC family, standing with and for you in prayers for all your needs and concerns.
God is ABLE! His Grace is SUFFICIENT for you!
Maplewood NJ
Amen & Hallelujah, Maplewood 🥰
DeleteDear Maplewood,
DeletePlease keep sharing the wonderful words that God has given you. Your gift of expressing eloquently what is on your heart is an encouragement I look forward to reading each day I come to this blog. God is using you in a mighty way. Thank you for choosing to let His Words flow through you.
Amen to that! 😊💗
DeleteYes, Maplewood God shines in and through you! You are a beautiful blessing!
DeleteLove and prayers
🙏❤️🙌🏼
Brandy
Thank you to all of you who offered your prayers and encouragement and wisdom yesterday after I mentioned that I lost my mother on Thanksgiving. My wife and I we're up at 4 a.m. unable to sleep, feeling great anxiety, then we were reading your comments and prayers, and it blessed us greatly. We felt very comforted to know that total strangers we're actually praying for us. We believe that those who did are truly serving the Lord! Thank you. And may the Lord fill us with his peace and joy during this Christmas season. Amen
ReplyDeleteAmen! Loving ♥ You as You love me. Make me a blessings to those I encounter. Teach me to love You more, to reflect the beautiful love of Jesus to others.
ReplyDeleteJesus thank you for tge problems and adversities life throws my way that keep me forever dependent on Your grace, peace, and counsel. I continue to waiver in giving my troublrs to You and taking them back to try and handle myself. Please don't forsake me a sinner from your peace and guidance. I thank youh for tge situations,I cannot figure out that make come back to You.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for this blog. It was not a coincidence that I found this blog a few years back after my husband unexpectedly passed. It was a way for me to read Jesus is calling electronically while on the go. There are always reminders here that we are all sharing similar problems and of course similar blessings. God is always present,and whenever we can give our burdens over to Him the blessings arrive, maybe not the answer we think it should be but always a blessing if you are honest with yourself. My top 3 blessings of 2019 - God bringing me love and relief from loneliness and depression thru others, Healthy family,new babies and miracles of healing, and #3 Financial help with an amazing new job. I could really list dozens more but wanted to share my top 3. Take a moment and be thankful (gratitude = healing) maybe share your top 3 blessings in 2019 here for all of us to share praise together.
ReplyDeletePsalm 107:31-32. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His loving kindness is everlasting.
My Top 3 blessings: the passing of my mom from this life into the eternal life with God in heaven - I am so happy for her; being able to serve my family during times of sickness and difficult circumstances; the body of Christ that comes together in so many different and unique ways to spur one another on to love and good deeds (through this blog, weekly band of brothers, the church, marriage, family). Glory to God in the highest!
DeleteWhat an amazing place to come; I'm grateful for each post and for each person on here.
ReplyDeleteI will go back and read what was posted yesterday and pray for each person.
I struggled as I listened in counseling yesterday to my loved one saying he felt detached from everyone and everything. He has been talking about suicide quite a bit. Oh Lord, help me to continue coming to You with everything. Please help my loved one seek You and accept that You are The One that can get him through this. Jesus, I trust in You. Having a difficult time thanking You for my problems, but I am working on it. I know You are carrying me. Amen. CO
Continuing to pray. Also him being at the end of his rope so to speak is a great opportunity to finally see truth clearer. I speak from my experience. Also sharing this quote again as I journey towards finding my rest as well...
DeleteOur hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in You." - St. Augustine
I appreciate your continued prayers, Keith! Knowing you speak from experience helps quite a bit.
DeleteI love the quote from St. Augustine and am going to write it down. God bless you. CO
Dear CO, you can bank on it! He is carrying you! And your loved one! You are all covered over by the blood of Jesus Christ! Amen!
DeleteLifting you and your loved one up in loving prayers, healing prayers and victorious prayers
DeleteMuch love
🙏❤️🙌🏼
Brandy
Thank you for praying for my grandson Juan Carlos, my daughter's firstborn. I will keep the faith, one day at a time. I pray for all of you and your families struggling physically, mentally, or spiritually. I lift each and everyone in prayer. Come holy spirit.
ReplyDeleteO Jesus,
ReplyDeleteLeader of the House of Israel;
Giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai;
Rescuer with Your Almighty Power!
Would You Please come to rescue us with Your Almighty Power?
Amen
Thank you, Lord, for this passing trouble. Giving it all to you Lord my rock..my strength. Heal my daughter, son in love, grandson. I'm so exhausted..posting in between nods. Thank you my beloved JC Warriors for all your prayers. Tidings of comfort and joy!
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord bless you and your family. You are all in my prayers 🙏.
DeleteMay He heal your loved ones, calm your hearts, give you much needed strength and rest for your weary mind and body, pump you with true joy and peace, and hold you very tight in His everlasting love.
DeleteLCA, praying strength come your way. Warriors are on it dear girl. Hang in there. We love you💕
DeleteBeautiful prayer sweet sister Jeanne. Sr ding you love and prayers
Delete🙏❤️🙌🏼
Brandy
JC Prayer Warriors, wasn't going to post since I've made extensive comments on this subject over the past few days... however, I felt compelled given the still amazing timelessness and uncanny wording by Sarah that is appropriate to us in different situations than the year or possibly years before.
ReplyDeleteJC: "An ongoing problem is like a tutor who is always by your side. The learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be teachable." I love to learn... to be 'teachable', this may be what allowed me to "see and hear" the Lord on the mountaintop. Let us pray to be TEACHABLE every day' and to do so with a humble and cheerful heart. GODSPEED, Amen.
So very true Madfox. Father, open our eyes, ears, mind, and heart to Your teachings and let us be able to receive and abide in them. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen 🙏. Thank You Jesus. Praise the Lord continually and always.
DeleteAgreed Madfox. But sometimes the teachings seem so hard it would be an injustice to ourselves to initially not feel the harshness of them. But they are harsh only to our accustomed thinking and understanding.
DeleteI have often found myself feeling like the disciples in John 6. After so disciples deserted Jesus, He looked to the 12 and asked, "Are you going to leave me to?" And Peter's reply sometimes matches mine; "To whom would we go?"
Even if we say to Jesus, "I've tried everyone/everything else. Your my only option left", we are brought to a point of being teachable.
Or as Jesus used to ask me, "do you trust me?" Initially I answered "yes", but as time went on I learned to say, "no, but I want to". Then He smiled at me and held out His hand welcoming me because we had gotten to truth and the teaching began.
In these 2.5 years and counting of separation from the Woman I love, there has been much pain. So much so that I cried for 8 months. But now I thank Him for this separation because of the amazing things He has taught and is teaching. I still desire to be United with her but now I have become cheerful through the hard teachings because I had no where else to go and the teachings are bearing fruit.
I hope I am making sense... multitasking:-)
Weeping may endure for the night but Joy comes in the morning. No matter how long or dark the night, there will be a morning dawning.
And thank you for all your communion of prayers here in my Dark Night and now into the dawning new day.
DeleteKeith, been praying for you, perhaps I've missed what has transpired recently, I know you got together and rode horses and you were hopeful. Can you share what happened or does that need to remain private? Is the Lord teaching or saying that it is time to move on? UN-requited love is so challenging, and obsession can become destructive. Praying that you and the Great Teacher can sort it out and that perhaps your agape capacity to love can be used in a new way... whether that is to a work or a person. In Him, Amen.
DeleteThank you Keith for the visual of Jesus holding out His hand welcoming me.
DeletePraying always for you Keith and if it is God’s will to reunite you with your Love, He will.. But I see such strength of faith in you and I know God is molding you and polishing you even by your heartaches.
DeleteThank you. Well, there has been much to share. We had 3 amazing months getting together. Then God spoke to me through a friend. The friend delivered the message but did not know what it is about; but I did. God said, "Its not time, just stay close to me". So I had to follow through and make some hard choices. Choices to love not just her, but myself as well.
DeleteAs before, this door is not open, but it's not shut. When I tried to shut it in the past He boldly let me know He didn't want it shut; so I immediately told Him, "I will follow your lead".
So those are my directives from Him, follow His lead and stay close to Him. And I am learning His Peace is found there.
Keith, very wise. Keep persevering, keep trusting, keep obeying His leading.
DeleteI'm with you Keith. I'm in a similar situation with my husband. It's been trying at times, but I have come to realize that staying close with God is always the best thing to do, no matter what happens. You are in my prayers. God bless you. Everything will work out the way it should.
DeleteLifting you all up in prayers dear Keith, Madfox, Bob, Jeanne, Brie, Jan, CO, Nora, Audra, peas for chickens, Maplewood & each of this beautiful family of believers
DeleteMay Gods light be, blessings, peace, joy, forgiveness and love fill and surround us all!
Praise be to God
🙏❤️🙌🏼
Brandy
When I look back in life, it is very very clear.,...GOD handled absolutely everything. There is no humanly way I could have...
ReplyDeleteYup! ❤️✝️
DeleteAmen! I see the same in my life! Hallelujah! We never walk alone and He always holds us in His loving Hands.
DeleteAmen 🙏.
DeleteEternal Father, Thank You for another day. Thank you for great health and thank You for family and friends. I pray that You open my eyes and heart so that I can find this hope that You have called me to and allow it to transform me. Teach me Your Word, hide not Your Word from me, grant me understanding of Your Word, incline my heart to Your Word, establish my steps in Your Word and please Father, seek me when I go astray from Your Word.
ReplyDeleteLike the Apostle Paul, may we be able to describe the troubles we face as light and momentary and be able to see that they are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs all these troubles (2 Corinthians 4:17).
I also echo His extraordinary prayer regarding the Ephesians, which I see is firmly rooted in an eternal perspective: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe…" Ephesians 1:17-19. Thank You Lord for Jesus.
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from your law,” (Psalm 119:18).
Brie- I am keeping you in prayers for great health! May your wish for God’s wisdom be granted and may our Father Who meets All of our needs, do so for your brother. God bless.
Blessings and Peace.
Maplewood, NJ
Your prayer is my prayer too! Thank you so much dear sweet Maplewood for so beautifully expressing what I hold in my own heart.
DeletePraying with you for our dear sister Brie to be brought back to perfect health and to be strengthened and equipped for all she must accomplish! Thank you Jesus!!!
Praying with you Maplewood. Amen 🙏.
DeleteJC nailed it..AGAIN today. Just had a discussion in my morning men's group this week about suffering and hardships. In our humanness we seek to understand, ask why? we seek to blame blame as well. This reading tells us to pray for strength to accept a challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow closer in our relationship to God. Sadly, I often approach a time of suffering as a time when God abandoned me and I was alone. It is only with prayer and time that I realize, truly, God was with me every step of the way. My heart needed to be opened to that. Dear Lord help all who suffer have an open heart to see your presence on their particular journey. Give us faith and strength to persevere to achieve "heavenly places with YOU. Amen.
ReplyDeleteGod teaches us through our troubles and hardships and we emerge on the other side of them strengthened and renewed. The chronic ones are there to remind us that we need Jesus every moment.
DeleteAmen 🙏.
DeleteThank You Jesus. I would rather be a fool for good, than a slave to evil. Praise the Lord.
ReplyDeleteAmen dear Janet. We know who we belong to, and just being in His sweet presence is enough to satisfy me and make me whole.
DeleteAmen Janet!!!
DeleteMy sister’s friend’s husband, Devin from her Church just died from an overdose leaving his wife, Ginny and 3 daughters and another baby girl on the way. Please pray for his soul, his family and his parents. Thank you. Such a tragedy but I know they all love Jesus.
ReplyDeleteGot it Jeanne. Very tragic. Praying this young mom gets all the comfort, love & support her aching heart can hold.
DeleteFather, please be with this family and comfort them with Your peace, love, and strength to endure this tragedy and take care of Devin in Your loving arms. In Jesus name, Amen 🙏 🙌. Praise the Lord continually and always. Thank You Jesus.
DeleteThank you so much for praying for all of them. My Sister was at their wedding and they were doing so well. May God hold them all up and comfort them and show them He will not leave or forsake them but lead them on day by day. He knows how they all feel. And his poor parents must be so very broken hearted. You prayers mean so much.
DeleteBrie I'm praying for your health and your dear brother. God will give you the strength and wisdom to help him in every way possible. May He heal your weaknesses.
Amen Jan! They are precious in His sight!
Joining fellow warriors Brie. God has you & your dear brother in the hollow of His hands. He's in the midst of your fears & concerns. Trust Him with your loved one. You both are precious in His sight. Hallelujah!
ReplyDeleteBrie - May the presence of the Lord be with you and your brother and keep you comforted and full of love.
DeleteThird Saturday in Advent
ReplyDelete18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:18-19 (NRSV))
51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. (Luke 2:51 (NRSV))
So many of the songs featured in these devotions have been 100’s of years old. Is there anything from our time that will be sung 100’s of years from now if the LORD has not returned? There are a few that have found a place in the heart of the believing community. Would you agree that Mary, Did You Know? is one of those?
The classic-to-be took a little time to evolve. It was penned by Mark Lowry who is described as a hyperactive, highly curious individual. One observer labeled him ‘a raccoon in human form’. In 1984, he was asked to write bridges to connect traditional Christmas carols for a Christmas pageant at the church he was attending. He pondered one day, ‘what it would be like to interview Mary’. With that thought in mind, the words spilled out on paper sending chills up his spine. But it would take a few years before a composer would come into his life to give the words the right tune. This occurred when Lowry became a member of the Gaither Vocal Band and met Buddy Green, a rising star in Christian music. Lowry shared with Green the poem that had been filled away for 6 years and the rest is history.
Though it is Mary’s name that is prominent throughout the song and the name of Jesus never appears, the song beautifully describes all the things that Jesus did in His life to affirm that He was the long awaited Messiah. Lowry was genius in coming to the climactic conclusion with the affirmation that Jesus was the Great I Am (the name for God in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:13-14)). Mary’s baby boy was truly God-with-us.
But back to the original question, did Mary know? I prefer not to conjecture what Mary knew rather what seems to be important in the story is that though all who heard it (what the shepherd reported) were amazed (were trying to figure it out), Mary spent her time pondering/treasuring in her heart all that she was experiencing. Another word for this is contemplating, the deep reflection on the matters at hand and the significance of them from dearly held beliefs. Mary held a deep love for God within her heart, so she contemplated the meaning of this child she had born in a totally miraculous way from what was most dear to her.
We all have been raised in a culture in which being knowledgeable, a.k.a. educated, is a priority, and being spiritual is less of a priority. A while back, psychology in its studies of the brain discovered that people that spend time in meditation/contemplation are more compassionate because the discipline stimulates the part of the brain from which compassion comes. Hmmm, in a time when there appears to be less and less compassion, might it be a safe assumption that there is less and less practice of pondering in the heart what is believed, assuming there is something believed? Mary wasn’t overly concerned with figuring out what was going on; Mary’s priority was trusting what she could not understand thus she pondered these things in her heart.
As Christmas is just days away, may you take time to reflect on the meaning of it all, the ‘why’ for which Christmas came about. Why? For God so loved the world that He gave all that He had, His totally self, in Mary’s Child so all would know they are loved more than anything with the hope that they would share that love with one another and return that love to the One from Whom it came. Like Mary, may you ponder and treasure this amazing belief deep within you.
DeleteOne can have a great poem with great music, but a great voice needs to sing it to get its due recognition. Many great voices have sung this song, but it seems only appropriate to listen to Mark Lowry himself sing it for who would know better what he was inspired to write.
Mark Lowry - Mary, Did You Know? [Live]
https://youtu.be/bXmfkFoX-PE
God be with you, Bob
You blessed me dear Bob. Enjoyed every bit of it.
DeleteGreat devotion. I pray we all hear His voice saying: This is the way, walk in it. Trust in His guiding Hand because He loves us and only wants us to be blessed and prosper. In times of adversity He is the answer. He will make our rock paths straight and keep our feet from being taken. Trust in Him above all earthly solutions. He is the only One who knows our futures and holds them in His mighty Hands. Lead me Lord.
ReplyDeleteJoining in prayer with you dear Jeanne. May our hearts and minds be open to receive the perspective of God. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen. God bless!
DeleteGoing to Brooklyn to see my good Mom in a few hours with very little sleep. God will be with me and you will be in my prayers. Stay safe and remain hopeful anticipating His faithfulness. We are one in the Spirit. We are one in the Lord. Much love.
ReplyDeleteMercy travels. Enjoy your time with your mom. Peace be with you!
DeleteThanks sweet sister! All went well thank God.
DeleteAnd after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10). 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). Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13). I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12-13). Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:9). whoever ignores instruction despises himself but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. (Proverbs 15:32). If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. (Ecclesiastes 10:10).
ReplyDeletePowerful verses today dear Sister! Thanks
DeleteHeavenly Father, thank You for all the problems that I am facing in my life. There is a reason You have for my circumstances and problems in my life and I will trust in You and rest in the knowledge that You will be right here with me, holding my hand, imparting Your strength, peace, and love to me and we will handle it together. Open my heart and mind to receive all that I am to learn from these experiences and lift me up with You in the heavenly places. Let my perspective be Yours. Let me see the world through Your eyes and Your perspective. Let me be aware of Your presence in everything, everywhere. I know that You are working in and through me and my life. Help me to keep You as my focus and to move out of Your way when needed. Reveal to me what I need to know. Help me to share You and Your word with others along the way. Let Your will be done and not mine. Help me to yield my soul to You and all that You are doing in and through me and my life. I surrender myself and all that I have to You. I am Yours and You are mine. We are one. Let my heart and mind be filled with the joy of the Lord. As we walk along, let the song in my heart be all for You Lord. You are so amazing. I praise You Lord always. Thank You Jesus. You are my everything Lord. Thank You for all that You are doing in and through me and my life. Let me not take You for granted. I am so grateful for You and to You. Thank You for all my benefits and blessings Lord. Thank You for all the wonderful people You are placing in my life. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
ReplyDeleteAmen dear Janet! God heard every beautiful word.
DeleteIn the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him. (Ecclesiastes 7:14). Before I was afflicted I went astray, but not I keep Your word. (Psalm 119:67). May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (Colossians 1:11-12). And call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." (Psalm 50:15).
ReplyDeletePrayed for you Min. Lord as You held hubby & my hand through covid, may You also graciously & mercifully take Min's hand & guide her through to full recovery. In Jesus' name, amen.🙏💕
ReplyDeleteAmen. Praying with you for our dear Min and her family! Be strong my sister! The Lord is at your side.
DeletePraying for your visit dear Jeanne with your mom. Blessed travel.🙏💕
ReplyDeleteThanks sweet Jan! My Mom is 93 and sees me as her little girl and always will. She ate all her soup so I was happy.
DeleteFrom today's reading: "When you are plagued by a persistent problem--one that goes on and on--view it as a rich opportunity."
ReplyDeleteHmm... I struggled for some time this morning to understand the above in the now two year covid panic. ( I use the word 'panic' deliberately having seen the eyes of the fearful).
How is covid a 'rich opportunity'?
I meditated on this, talking to my Lord Jesus about it as we do.
Eventually, He said: " Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
The actual scripture is: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
(Matt 9. 37:38).
'To send out' ( Greek: ἐκβάληι / ἐκβάλλω Ekballo).
A strong word meaning 'to cast out' used as in 'casting out' demons. (Strongs Concordance).
So my prayer is:
I pray earnestly to you Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God; Lord of the harvest. Send out laborers into Your harvest - send out laborers to the unsaved around the world who are in fear of covid, who do not know you. Those who are not aware of your love and compassion, who are not aware that they will be safe in you no matter what happens.
Harvest them / save them O Lord, so that they will be separated, cut out from those who WILL NOT hear your Words of Life and Salvation and separate them unto Yourself. For your Glory, for the extension of your Kingdom, for the salvation of multitudes, in Your Holy Name, Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen - let it be so!
And Lord, I realize I am one of your laborers, so send me into Your Harvest when I am out and about shopping, or talking with a neighbor etc, to give Your words of Life to those You assign me to. Some while ago You said to me "Open your mouth and I will fill it". So Lord again as I open my mouth put into it the words you have for me to speak. Take Your Glory Lord. Amen.
Those are good marching orders I read in your post today, Peter. I am honored to walk alongside you as we encourage, pray for, and help restore the lost and fearful, by the grace of God and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Give me the words to speak, in Jesus's name we pray!
ReplyDeleteAmen Audra!
DeleteToday's Devotion reminds me of something I once read from Oswald Chambers:
ReplyDeleteGod reckons on us for extreme service to Him, with no complaining on our part; and with no explanation on His.
The idea is we are so loyal to God, that He can do His Work through us. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
I still have a long way to go, but with His Help, I'll continue working, and He'll continue providing. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
DeleteYes dear Brie! He sure will is working through us. We are His instruments to use to accomplish His purpose. So we must not grumble as we serve Him but go forward in joy and peace. He equips us well.
ReplyDeleteJohn 10:10
ReplyDeleteThe thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Trusting in His Truth and His Promises.
The best is yet to come.
Amen dear sister, amen! The JC devotion today fits likthe e a glove with what you are going through dear one, with what we all go through from time to time. Love the "tutor" part. If only we remain "still", willing to be taught. Be blessed dear sis, for you are a true blessing. We love you💕🙏🙏🌈
DeleteCorrection: fits you like a glove.
DeleteLove you too. I was praying with my sister and we both know that God gave me this trial for a reason and it will be turned into a blessing because that's what He does. Be Not Afraid. God is telling me that so I believe Him. I have received so much love and support and I know with God by my side, I'll be just fine. Being still and teachable. You are a blessing to me dear Jan! Love you.
DeleteFor I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18). Look among the nations and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. (Habakkuk 1:5). For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13).
ReplyDeleteAmen sweet Janet! Thanks for that good food for my soul. His Words are true and the best is yet to come in this world and in the next.
DeleteA previous Jesus Calling reading said "Pray about everything then leave outcomes to Me".
ReplyDeleteI love that phrasing; it's a bit like planting seeds . We can plant seeds but the fruiting of the seed is not within our control. We can pray but we cannot control the outcome. That's within God's authority.
Philippians 4:6-7 refers "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
We are God's Warriors not worriers.
Your words are perfect, Peter!..."We are God's Warriors not worriers"! I'm going to meditate on that verse, Philippians 4:6-7 and let it sink down into my spirit. Thank you, Peter!
DeleteThis is wonderful, Peter and spot on. At one time, I read somewhere that worrying can in some ways be considered a sin because it means lack of trust in God. It’s like saying, “I trust you Jesus, BUT……. It’s the big BUT which negates anything that was just conveyed.
DeleteI agree and pray to act accordingly 😉
DeleteAmen! We are God's Warriors, not worriers. Thanks Peter! I loved that. I sure do appreciate your encouragement.
DeleteAmen Peter! Thank you for your words of wisdom 🙏 🙌.
DeletePraise God from whom all blessings flow…let everyone have the eyes to see and receive! He is at work in each of us. A blessed Christmas week to all!
ReplyDeleteThanks dear Ellen! Praying for you and your family. God bless your Christmas week too!
DeleteDear Heavenly Father God,
ReplyDeleteThank You for the rich opportunity to always stay humble and kind. Moreover, thank you for Your New Mercy every morning after I failed miserably the day before. I am willing to be taught by.You. Forgive me for my impatience expecting a one-and-done learning experience, rather than Your Series, and Tomes, with Infinite Chapters.
I thank You for all the opportunities to Blindly Trust You that are continually presented to me. Yet, I still do not know how to trust You as I must. I know, it's back to the Tomes with Infinite Chapters. Please increase my trusting You. I'm willing and I know You are Able. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Dear Brie --- Even though you know our Lord's perfect love casts out all fear, sometimes it is hard time accepting His perfect love. So, my Father God,
Deletelet the knowledge of Your love
Sink deep, deep into her heart and change the way she thinks. No matter what she faces, help her to remember that You are God who is near, the God who says "fear not -- I will help "you
Bless her heart Greatly and never let detach from Your love. Order hersteps
Brie, sorry -- hit publish button accidentally. Continued:
DeleteOrder her steps into Glorious success. Defeat and Failure ARE NOT IN HER FUTURE. In Jesus's name, For Your Honor and Your Purposes, AMEN and AMEN.
Amen. He is also the God Who Hears Us. Dear Brie, Just keep trusting in Him Who Loves you. And Fear Not. He will never leave or forsake us and His Words are True and His Promises are Dependable. Hallelujah!
DeleteThank you Anonymous, Jeanne and all who prayed. Love you dearly, Brie
DeleteWhatever you are facing dear Brie, God knows already and cares! He loves you the way you are. May He resolve your problems, guide your path and strengthen your weaknesses and the same for your loved ones. Thank You Jesus.
DeleteI failed miserably today. Was I under attack? Did my armor not cover me? I am a sinner, and I ask for your mercy Lord. What happened to my intention to give everything up to you Lord? I repent, I trust, I thank you for a new day tomorrow to begin again. I'm sorry, Please forgive me, thank you, I love you.
ReplyDeleteHe forgives you Audra and His mercy and grace is new every day. Tomorrow is gone and "forgotten", so you need not be concerned with it anymore. The Lord is with you-- ALWAYS! God bless 🙏.
DeleteMe too, dear Audra. If you want to, I Want To Hold Your Hand and thank our failures for the rich opportunity as we journey to His Throne of Grace. While there we can immerse ourselves in His Forgivenness and Mercy, get Strength For Today and Bright Hope For Tomorrow.
DeleteAnd as we leave we can practice today's devotion...a
thankful attitude will lift you up into heavenly places with Me.
Much Love and blessings to you and our entire JC Family, Brie
Oh, oh! I was just reminded that when we go to His Throne to
Deletetake our burdens to The Lord, we have to leave them there!
Could we? Would we?
I gift my Lord this day the "R" word of RIGHTEOUSNESS. God's RIGHTEOUSNESS is a gift to all who believe in Christ. There is no way to improve on the cross, it is God's mastet piece! Saw this on a blog and I liked it:
ReplyDeleteWhere there is RIGHTEOUSNESS in the heart, there is beauty in the character.
When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. Where there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.
I dared to believe on the RIGHTEOUSNESS of Jesus and receive His RIGHTEOUSNESS as my own.
HALLELUJAH!!!
2 Corinthians 5:21 "For him that knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so in him we might become the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God."
Wonderful words from you, Brie and JJ! God is doing great things in our lives and helping us to produce abundant fruit for His glory. He is the King of Righteousness and a ROYAL King and High Priest. His peace is unchanging so we can REST in Him even when we are in the middle of a storm. He holds us close and soothes our worried minds. Amen and Amen!
DeleteIn reading my post from 3 years ago, I'm still in awe that this much time has passed. I have been blessed beyond measure. Being teachable was "easy" (relative to gratitude) and is the first part of managing an earthly problem... but then moving to gratitude is only achieved over time and in His grace and mercy.
ReplyDeleteTo take on an ongoing and long-standing difficult family situation, to lose your spouse or a child, or to be engaged in a life-altering medical journey and then to see it as a blessing or even to be grateful seems "hard." But as we see in the season of Jesus' birth celebration, His life was sowed with hardship and pain. In Him, we know that victory has been won at the Cross. Thankful for all here. Amen.
Amen Madfox 🙏. May the Lord continue to use you in mighty ways as your journey continues. Peace be with you!
DeleteYes dear MadFox. The trials and challenges bring us so much closer to him. You are a shining example of that and the strength of your faith leads others to Him. We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus and others can see our steadfast faith. We don't crumble because we stand on the immovable ROCK. Hallelujah!
DeleteSo true, MadFox. Our pain for anything is nothing compared to His hardship & pain. I am so grateful for that. Amen!
DeleteI went back to re-read your post, Brother Friend in Christ, MadFox.
DeleteLike you, I once again "stumbled" on mine, Today's Devotion REMINDS me of something I once READ from Oswald Chambers:
God RECKONS on us for extreme service to Him, with no complaining on our part; and with no explanation on His.
The idea is we are so loyal to God, that He can do His Work unobstructively through us. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
I am still not there yet, but I desire to be and trust one day, I will be. In Jesus' Name. Amen!
Thank You Lord for opening my eyes and my heart to see my brother's situation as a ROYAL blessing In Jesus' Name. AMEN!
Deletehttps://youtu.be/eo6gZAUuQ3E?si=Nj-FOqLYA9eZ69G2
DeleteI've been praying for you and Keith, dear Brie. I am praying your prayer too to see that my mom's situation is a Royal blessin in Jesus' Name. Amen. Every precious moment with our dear one is such a gift from God. Caring for them is something God has already equipped us with and they appreciate all our help. They help us to keep our priorities in the right places and also to glorify God. Everything is in God's perfect timing and all we need to do is walk in gratitude and try to love our dear ones like God loves us. The song Open My Eyes is one of my favorite hymns that we do in Choir. It is speaking to our hearts now.
DeleteBless you all for your comments this and previous years. Today, I am receiving the gift of RESTORATION from our awesome God who's timing is perfect. He has presented an opportunity to RESTORE RELATIONSHIPS and make memories anew this Christmas as our somewhat estranged kids agreed to joining us for Christmas weekend at a coastal rental house. Brie's trending posts suggest we offer a gift TO God, yet each day I am seeing that all the mentions are gifts we RECEIVE from Him as well. Thank you Lord, I have nothing that is fit for a King but a HALLELUJAH, except for the gifts you have given me. ♥️✝️
ReplyDeleteDear Sweet Audra --- Isn't that just like our God --who shows up and shows off! It says in the WORD: "Now to Him Who, by the power that is at work within us is able to do SUPERABUNDTANTLY, far over and above all that we dare ask or think infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams ..."
DeleteGreat Blessings, Love and Abundant Life upon you and your family. I add another HALLELUJAH!!!
If "somewhat estranged" and they agreed to the holiday week-end, then small victories are in process! Win them over even more when together. It will be challenging but try this from leadership coaching certifications that I've been in the process of obtaining. Do not offer opinions, instead deflect with "I'm not sure what to think, what is your core belief on this?" When they finish, say, "I need to think about it some, I will get back to you either here or after we get home when I've really thought about your viewpoint."
DeleteAsk questions. Talk to Listen ratio of 1:10. Yes, correct just 10%. Don't talk or over-talk. Make it all about them. If you think about it, Jesus said precious little; instead he asked questions or very succinctly shared wisdom. A role model for effective communication... without doubt. Pray it is a glorious time and you and your kids deepen and repair all your relationships. Amen.
DeletePraying with JJ and MadFox for a glorious REPAIRING and RESTORING of the breach in RELATIONSHIPS and for all of you to make good memories this Christmas. So thankful you and your somewhat estranged kids agreed to a Christmas togetherness weekend at a coastal RENTAL house!
In keeping with today's devotion, I am praying for God to open all eyes and all hearts to all that He is accomplishing through this situation. In Jesus' Name. AMEN!
Thanking God with you for those small victories that they have agreed to come and spend time with you at the Beach for Christmas. Praying it will be a sweet gathering as the Spirit will guide your words. All will be well because God is in Charge! Thank You Jesus!
DeleteThanks all! ♥️
DeleteHeading to bed. RIGHTOUSE, RELAXED and READY for bed! Praying for all of you, JC Family! Exhaustipated but Happy.
ReplyDeleteSleep sweet - God is on the Night Watch!
<3
Rest well, sweet Norah. I'm going to bed soon too. Goodnight. God never sleeps so we can sleep soundly.
Delete