Dec 5 21
When All Else Fails
“Tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer!” James 5:16 TPT
Some years ago, the Lord showed me a famous quote that said, “Prayer succeeds when all else fails.” These words were spoken by a man named E. M. Bounds, a lawyer, army chaplain, and clergyman who was known for his books on prayer. At the time, I was struggling with some bad habits that were hindering my walk with God, and I was feeling hopeless and helpless. Discovering this life-giving quote radically changed my perspective, and filled me with the hope I needed to overcome what I thought was impossible to overcome.
One of the scriptural promises that bolstered my faith during this time was First John 5:14-15 (NIV): “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of Him.” This precious promise gave me the confidence I needed to pray and stand in faith for my deliverance. Didn’t the Lord want me free from anything and everything that would hinder me from becoming all that He created me to be? Absolutely. So I could pray for freedom knowing that God was on my side, and that if I just refused to give up, and kept on praying, my victory was assured.
Scripture says, “The desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” (Proverbs 13:4 NIV) The Holy Spirit showed me that if I will be “diligent” in prayer for those things that are my “desires” for myself and my loved ones – healing, salvation, freedom, provision – those desires will be “fully satisfied” by God Himself.
Perhaps you have some deep desires and needs of your own today, and you feel as though you have tried everything, and failed miserably. Take heart, dear one, because God is willing and able to help you. I encourage you to keep praying and believing for those loved ones who have turned their backs on God. Keep praying for those breakthroughs that you and yours desperately need. Keep praying for the fulfillment of those promises and dreams that the Lord has planted in your heart. When all else fails, your prayers WILL succeed!
Lord, teach me how to pray prayers that are aligned with Your will and purposes for myself and others. Give me the faith to believe that You want me and my loved ones to be saved, healed, free, and well provided for. Deliver me from all of my fears and doubts, and show me how to pray and stand on Your great and precious promises in every situation and circumstance. Thank You that when all else fails, my prayers WILL succeed!
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Nov 28 21
Calm Me Down and Cheer Me Up
“When I was upset and beside myself, You calmed me down and cheered me up.” Psalm 94:19 MSG
There are days when I feel as though my emotions are out of control. Sometimes I know the reason for it, and other times, I don’t. I have learned that it’s difficult to make wise decisions when I’m upset, anxious, depressed, or discouraged. It’s difficult to pray effective, faith-filled prayers. And the smallest task or obligation can seem overwhelming.
When we feel like this, we can be tempted to withdraw – from other people, and even from the Lord Himself. That’s when it’s critical for us to turn to God right away, and to pour out our hearts to Him. He understands us even when we don’t understand ourselves. He knows what we need better than we do. Sometimes we have an idea of what would satisfy, heal, or comfort us. But the truth is that usually, we haven’t got a clue what will help us most. That’s why having an intimate and deeply personal relationship with the Lord is essential. He always has a good report when the world and our inner selves are voicing doom and gloom.
I love the Message Bible translation of Psalm 94:19: “When I was upset and beside myself, You calmed me down and cheered me up.” I have lost count of how many times I have cried out, “O Lord, calm me down and cheer me up!” It’s amazing how I can feel like I need a sedative and a stimulant at the same time. Praying this precious and powerful verse of Scripture delivers both, without any side effects.
I have lived a long time, and I have never seen as many troubles and pressures in the world as I am seeing now. We have to remember that the Bible says that the devil is “filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” (Revelation 12:12 NIV) If we will cling to the Lord and rely on His wisdom, strength, and comfort, we will not only overcome Satan’s attacks, but we will be able to fulfill our part in advancing God’s Kingdom. So, the next time you find yourself “upset and beside yourself,” remember that the Lord is ready and waiting to “calm you down and cheer you up!”
Lord, remind me not to try to make important decisions when my emotions are out of control. Help me to reach out to You for comfort and strength the moment I have a need for them. Teach me how to pray effective, faith-filled prayers, and draw me into a deeper walk with You. Thank You for equipping me to be an overcomer and a world-changer for Christ!
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Nov 27 21
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Nov 21 21
Toxic Thoughts
“A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 AMP
This Amplified version of the verse above is my favorite translation for this Scripture. I memorized it years ago, and I like to declare often, “My calm and undisturbed mind and heart are life and health to my body!” Through His Word and Spirit, the Lord has taught me that my thoughts can greatly affect my emotional, mental, and physical health.
Recently, I read a new translation of this proverb that spoke to my heart in fresh, new ways. “A mind that does not have trouble causes the body to be well. But when someone thinks bad thoughts about other people, he becomes sick.” (Proverbs 14:30 EASY) In other words, we don’t have to SPEAK negative words about another person in order to bring harm to ourselves, because even just THINKING “bad thoughts” about someone can make us “sick.” As I meditated on this principle, the Spirit of God brought to my remembrance the many times this truth played out in my life – and in my body.
Many years ago, when I was a young wife and mother, I sought medical treatment for severe depression and anxiety. As I poured out my heart to my psychiatrist, he told me that it was perfectly okay to think bad thoughts about others, because my thought life couldn’t affect me or anyone else. It’s no wonder that this man wasn’t able to give me much help, because years later, after I began studying the Bible, I discovered that our negative thoughts CAN do us serious harm – even causing us to suffer from anxiety and depression.
Let’s look again at the Amplified translation of Proverbs 14:30: “A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.” Do we need to SPEAK words of envy, jealousy, or wrath for us to experience these emotions? No. All we have to do is to think and feel them inside of ourselves for them to be toxic for us. The condition of our minds and hearts WILL affect our BODIES. If you don’t believe it, the next time you start feeling sick, ask yourself what – or who – you have been thinking about. Pray for wisdom and revelation, and allow the Lord to teach you how to cultivate “a calm and undisturbed mind and heart”!
Lord, teach me how to discipline my thoughts. Help me to make a habit of rejecting toxic thoughts as soon as they enter my mind. Show me how to continually renew my mind with Your Word and truth. Help me to avoid listening to, or watching, things that have a tendency to disturb me. Thank You that as I cooperate with You in these areas, You will bless me with a “calm and undisturbed mind and heart!
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Nov 14 21
God Sees Their Sinful Ways
“I’ve seen their sinful ways, but I’ll heal them. I’ll guide them and give them rest. I’ll comfort them and their mourners.” Isaiah 57:18 GW
Here is a promise from the Lord for those of us who have loved ones who are living apart from Him. Here in this passage of Scripture, God assures us that He SEES their sinful ways. Sometimes, when we see our loved ones making poor decisions because of their indifference or hostility toward God, we think, “Lord, don’t You see what they are doing? Don’t You care that they are hurting me, and destroying their lives?” But God wants us to know and believe that He is well aware of what these loved ones of ours are doing, and He cares very deeply about how it is affecting us and others.
Next, the Lord says that He will HEAL them. He will renew their hearts and minds so that they will turn to Him in heartfelt repentance. Then, He will GUIDE them along the paths He has ordained for them, and He will give them the REST that they don’t even realize they are longing for. And here’s the best part: God will COMFORT them AND their mourners – those of us who have been grieved over our loved ones’ mistakes and misery.
The following verse in this passage has another promise from the Lord: “I’ll create praise on their lips.” (Isaiah 57:19 GW) Hallelujah! God Himself will cause our restored loved ones to break out in praise to Him for His goodness and mercy. Today, I encourage you to pray and stand on these divine promises for your rebellious loved ones – and watch our God prove His faithfulness to His Word!
Lord, I am so grateful that You see the sinful ways of those I care about who are living apart from You. Please heal and renew their minds and hearts, and make Yourself real to them in life-changing ways. Guide them and fulfill Your purposes for them, and give them the rest that their souls crave. Thank You for comforting them – and me – and creating praise on our lips for Your goodness and mercy!
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Nov 7 21
You Have the Power
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NIV
During my time alone with the Lord the other morning, I heard Him speak to my heart, “You have the power.” When I asked Him to explain to me exactly what He meant, He told me, “You have the power to cause or prevent strife.” Suddenly, I thought about the Scripture above. My response in a tense situation can literally defuse anger, or stir it up. The Passion Translation reads: “Respond gently when you are confronted and you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. Don’t you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men?” (Proverbs 15:1 TPT) The plain truth of the matter is that our anger and harsh words can damage our witness for Christ. We need to see this as too high a price to pay.
When my husband, Joe, and I were getting counseling in our early years of marriage, and we would talk about the strife in our extended families, our Christian counselor would say, “Don’t feed into that!” She was undoubtedly thinking of Proverbs 26:21 (TPT), which says: “Add fuel to the fire and the blaze goes on. So add an argumentative man to the mix, and you’ll keep strife alive.” God doesn’t want us adding fuel to the fire in a tense situation. His Word says, “A troublemaker plants seeds of strife.” (Proverbs 16:28 NLT) We are not called to be troublemakers, but peacemakers. (Matthew 5:9)
Sometimes, we don’t even realize that Satan is working behind the scenes to stir up strife in our relationships. The Bible says: “The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes]; therefore abandon the quarrel before it breaks out and tempers explode.” (Proverbs 17:14 AMP) If we catch strife at the “trickle” stage, we can cut it off before it “gushes” and “tempers explode.” Then we can shut the door in the devil’s face and thwart his evil schemes.
An effective way of avoiding strife is to heed the instructions in Ephesians 4:31-32 (MSG): “Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” Limiting strife in your life will make you happier, healthier, and more peaceful. And it will make your relationships better in every way!
Lord, teach me how to avoid strife in all of my relationships and circumstances. When I need to confront someone, enable me to “speak the truth in love” to them. (Ephesians 4:15) Help me to cut strife off at the “trickle” stage, before it does me or anyone else any harm. Thank You that as I am sensitive to others’ feelings, and I forgive everyone “quickly and thoroughly,” You will bless me and use me in new and exciting ways for Your glory!
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Oct 31 21
Fruitful or Frazzled?
“For it is not [intended] that other people be eased and relieved [of their responsibility] and you be burdened and suffer [unfairly].” 2 Corinthians 8:13 AMP
There is a serious problem among Christians these days that grieves my heart, and I believe it also grieves the heart of God. Too many of God’s people are taking on responsibilities that are too much for them – responsibilities that the Lord never expected or wanted them to accept. Sometimes, these well-meaning, but misguided, people commit themselves to performing tasks, activities, or errands that are completely out of the will of God for them. Other times, they neglect to put boundaries and limits on the work that the Lord has, in fact, assigned them. And the result can be disastrous. Often, their health suffers. Or their relationships become strained. They may even harbor bitterness and resentment toward the people they feel are taking advantage of them. In some cases, they may even become angry at God. If you recognize yourself in any of these descriptions, don’t feel condemned. All of us have fallen into this trap of the enemy at one time or another. I certainly have. But there’s a better way. Let’s look at what the Word of God has to say on this subject.
The apostle Paul wrote: “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.” (2 Corinthians 8:13 NIV) Paul was referring to financial giving here, but the Lord has shown me that this principle can apply to the giving of our time and energy, too. What this means is that while we are called to serve others – especially others in need – we should never serve them to the point where they are “relieved,” but we are “hard pressed”. Human nature being what it is, people can be extremely selfish. They may focus on their own needs, and expect and accept help from others, without regard for the other person’s well-being. Then, the servant becomes hard pressed and worn out, and they risk becoming useless to everyone, including themselves and God.
Solomon wrote about the righteous woman: “She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties].” (Proverbs 31:16 AMP) Did you get that? This wise woman “considers” before she makes commitments. She is careful not to “assume other duties” that will cause her to “neglect her present duties”. She thinks things through. And she undoubtedly consults God. Too often, you and I take on new responsibilities and assignments that the Lord never intended us to. We see someone in need and we think, “That person could use some help. I’m a Christian, and I’m sure God would want me to help them.” It sounds righteous and noble, but if we haven’t consulted the Lord in the matter, and we just used our own logic or reasoning, we could very well step out of the will of God. And we will regret our decision in the end. The second part of this verse says: “With her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.” The bottom line is that we are called to be fruitful for the Lord. But we can sacrifice our productiveness for God when we fail to use our “time and strength” wisely.
So how do we make sure that we are not out of the will of God with our commitments? We seek the Lord for His wisdom and guidance. “If you need wisdom – if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to answer…” (James 1:5-6 NLT) The Lord cares very much how you use your time and energy, and He will tell you how to spend them wisely when you claim His promises, and expect to hear from Him. One of the best ways to become sensitive and obedient to God’s voice is to spend regular time alone with Him – praying and reading His Word, and listening intently for His answers. Constant noise and busyness can make it nearly impossible to hear from God clearly. But when we practice regular periods of stillness and attentiveness, we will be amazed at how the Lord reveals Himself and His will for us. I am writing this message today because I care about you, and I don’t want you to spend the rest of your life weary and worn out. I want you to be fruitful for the Lord, so that you can experience the truly abundant, fulfilling, and satisfying life that He’s called you to!
Lord, forgive me for the times that I have overextended myself and taken on responsibilities that were not Your best for me. I repent for the times I used my time and energy unwisely, and sacrificed my fruitfulness for You. Teach me how to consult You before I commit to new responsibilities or assignments. And show me how to establish proper boundaries and limits, so that my health and well-being won’t suffer. Thank You that as I seek You and follow Your lead in this area, I will live the life of peace and purpose that belongs to me in Christ!
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Oct 24 21
Don’t Hold On Too Tightly
“It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself.” Proverbs 11:24-25 TLB
Last weekend, my husband, Joe, and I were browsing around one of our local stores because we had a 20% off coupon. Normally, we find plenty of things to buy while we are there, but this time, we walked around the entire store and found nothing that looked appealing. At one point, we overheard a customer asking a sales person where she could get a store coupon, in order to get the furniture she was interested in at a discount price. The sales rep told her that she would have to join the store’s mailing list so she could receive their promotions. Joe and I looked at each other and both agreed that we should offer our coupon to this lady. She was both stunned and delighted when we walked up to her and offered her our own coupon.
Joe and I knew that the Lord had us at that store at just the right time to give that woman our discount coupon. Never before had we walked around that store and found absolutely nothing that we wanted to buy. God used us to bless that woman at just the right time. If we had withheld that coupon and kept it to ourselves, we would have missed out on being used by the Lord in that situation. And we would have missed out on being blessed in return. Scripture says: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV) God loves to prosper generous people. When we bring refreshment to others through an act of kindness, He promises that we will be refreshed in return. Right before this verse in Proverbs is another verse that refers to our giving: “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” (Proverbs 11:24 NIV) A lot of people think that if they hold on to their money and material goods that they will increase, but the Bible says that just the opposite is true. My own father was the perfect example of this truth. He started out with literally nothing, but he kept giving to others, just the same. I watched as year after year, God blessed and increased him so that he ended up with a bounty of blessings that are blessing me and my siblings to this day.
Scripture says: “[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.” (2 Corinthians 9:6 AMP) Maybe you don’t have a lot to share with others. Then, share what you do have. Be intentional about your giving, knowing that Jesus promises – “Give, and it will be given to you!” (Luke 6:38 NIV)
Lord, remind me often that Your Word says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Work in my heart so that I will always sow generously and reap generously. Guard me from the stinginess that will rob me of Your best blessings. Thank You that as I maintain a generous heart, You will use me to mightily bless others in Your name and for Your glory!
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Oct 17 21
Our Desires and Secret Petitions
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 AMP
My husband, Joe, and I were walking around one of our favorite stores recently, when I spotted a lovely decorative pillow. It had an autumn theme, with a colorful little bird perched next to a pumpkin. I immediately envisioned the pillow on one of the chairs in our living room, and I sighed, knowing that my husband would talk me out of buying it. I had to admit to myself that we didn’t need it. But I also had to admit that it would be a lovely addition to our home this time of year. I continued my browsing through the store, when I came upon my husband holding the pillow I had just admired! We bought it and took it home, and it gives me a lift every time I see it.
I shared with my husband how I had admired that pillow, but was sure that he wouldn’t want me to buy it. We both knew that the Lord had spoken to Joe’s heart about it, and we marveled at the goodness of God. When I think about this experience, I can’t help thinking about Psalm 37:4 (AMP), which says: “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” I have discovered that God is not only eager to give us the “desires” of our hearts, but also, the “secret petitions” of our hearts, when we devote ourselves to Him. I hadn’t voiced my desire to have that pillow to anyone. I hadn’t even prayed for it. But God saw my heart, and He wanted to fulfill my “secret petition” – simply because He wanted to bless me.
I believe that one reason why the Lord loves to give us the secret petitions of our hearts is that we have a tendency to talk ourselves out of His blessings. We have in mind something that we want, and we think to ourselves things like: “I really don’t need it.” Or, “I really don’t deserve it.” Or even, “That would be too good to be true.” But if we would simply keep our hearts open to the goodness of God, and to how He loves to surprise and delight His devoted ones, we would see more of His blessings flowing into our lives. Are you keeping your heart open today?
Lord, teach me how to delight myself in You every day of my life. Give me a heart that is continually open to Your goodness and mercy. Remind me that You promised that if I would seek You instead of Your blessings, then Your blessings would be added to me. (Matthew 6:33) Thank You for giving me the desires – and secret petitions – of my heart, as I give You first place in my life!
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Oct 10 21
