Skip to content
Oct 6 24

The Untold Blessings of God

by J. M. Farro

   “If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God!”  James 1:12 TPT

   Over the years, I have seen more Christians falling away from God than I ever dreamed possible.  These people hear the Good News of the Gospel, and they become so focused on the rewards they think are owed to them, that when trouble strikes, they decide that following Christ just isn’t worth it.  What they fail to realize is that there are “untold blessings” for those whose “faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties.”  And they miss out on the greatest joys that they could ever experience, because just as the second half of this verse says, “True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God!”

   The Bible has a lot to say about perseverance and endurance during hard times.  In this same letter, James writes: “You know we call those blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] who were steadfast and endured [difficult circumstances]. You have heard of the patient endurance of Job and you have seen the Lord’s outcome [how He richly blessed Job].  The Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” (James 5:11 AMP)  God “richly blessed Job” for not losing his faith in Him during his painfully “difficult circumstances,” by giving him twice as many blessings as he possessed before his trials.  If Job were here, he could tell you himself about “the untold blessings of God.”

   Think of all the people who have missed out on the greatest blessings of their lives, simply because they gave up on God when things got too hard for them.  Please don’t be one of those people.  The Lord’s plans for you far exceed any plans that you could come up with on your own.  When trouble comes, run TO God, and not away from Him.  He’s the only One who has the power and the wisdom to turn your trials into triumphs.  Let me encourage you with a word from the Lord today:  “Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord.  Remember the great reward it brings you!  Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will.  Then you will receive ALL that He has promised!” (Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT)

   Lord, help me to feed on Your Word and promises continually, so that my faith will remain strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties.  Help me to never cast away my confident trust in You, but to lean heavily upon You in times of trial.  Teach me to practice patient endurance, and to keep my eyes and thoughts fixed on You. (Hebrews 12:2; 3:1)  Thank You for the untold blessings and rewards that I will reap as a result!

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

 

Sep 29 24

Invite God into Your Work

by J. M. Farro

   “Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed.”  Proverbs 16:3 TLB

   The Lord showed me years ago that all of my work will be more enjoyable, productive, and successful if I will invite Him into it.  He reminded me of John 15:5 (NIV), where Jesus says: “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”  God wants us to be fruitful for His glory, no matter what kind of work we are doing.  It starts with surrendering our lives to Christ, and walking closely with Him throughout each day.  As we commit each endeavor to Him, and ask for His wisdom and strength, His Spirit infuses us with divine power that enables our efforts to be successful and productive.  When Jesus says, “Apart from Me you can do nothing,” He means that we can do nothing of eternal value without His help.  When we do our work in the name of Christ – even if it’s the most mundane work – we will receive earthly and eternal rewards for our efforts.

   The other verse that I stand on daily for my endeavors is Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  This doesn’t mean that I can be a concert pianist through Christ’s power, but that I can accomplish everything that He has called me to do, as I rely on His strength.  I like the Living Bible translation which says: “I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”  I can love unlovable people when I depend on Christ’s strength to do it.  I can be the wife, mother, and grandmother that God wants me to be when I rely on the Master’s power.  And I can minister to others as I am called to when I draw on Christ’s strength which abides in me through His indwelling Spirit.  When I put John 15:5 and Philippians 4:13 together, I can declare with all truthfulness: “Lord, apart from You, I can do nothing, but through You, I can do all things!”  Hallelujah!  Below is a prayer based on the Word of God that I pray every day.  I can testify to its power, and I encourage you to pray it, too.  God bless you!

   Lord, apart from You, I can do nothing, but through You, I can do all things.  So I commit to You this day all of my ways, all of my works, all of my intentions, endeavors, and efforts, and I ask that You direct them, perfect them, bless them, anoint them, and crown them with success, in Jesus’ name.  And help me to enjoy and profit from every moment and aspect of them! 

    (John 15:5 NIV; Philippians 4:13 NKJV; Proverbs 3:6 TLB; Psalm 138:8 NASB; Ecclesiastes 5:19 NLT; Proverbs 14:23 NIV) 

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

Sep 22 24

Don’t Leave Your Blessings Unspoken

by J. M. Farro

   “You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways.”  Job 22:28 NKJV

   During my quiet time with the Lord the other day, He spoke to my heart these words: “Don’t leave your blessings unspoken!”  Because some of the divine promises that I was praying and proclaiming for myself and others were still not coming to pass, even after what seemed to me to be a very long time, I was feeling discouraged.  The Lord was letting me know that by leaving certain blessings and promises unspoken, I was leaving them in heaven, instead of partnering with Him for the manifestation of them here on earth.

   God reminded me of a promise that I have hanging on my office wall, which says: “You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you.” (Job 22:28 NKJV)  Because we are created in God’s image, our words have authority to manifest reality on this earth when we align our declarations with God’s will and Word.  When this promise says that our divinely-inspired declarations “will be established for [us],” it means they will be “permanently settled,” according to the biblical meaning of the word, “established.”  Psalm 119:89 (AMP) says: “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [standing firm and unchangeable].”  When we boldly declare God’s promises over our lives and circumstances, we get into agreement with God’s will, inviting Him to move heaven and earth to bring them to pass.

   What we have to remember, though, is that this principle can work in a negative sense, too.  If we continually make declarations that are not in agreement with God’s Word and will, we can establish those evil things before too long.  The Bible says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” (Matt 12:37 AMP)  Our words have “consequences.”  When we speak declarations of “death” over ourselves or others, we are not in agreement with God, but with the devil, who comes only to “steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10)  On the other hand, when we speak God’s Word and promises, we are speaking “life,” and we position ourselves to witness divine breakthroughs and blessings.

   The second half of Job 22:28 says, “So light will shine on your ways.”  The Amplified version says it this way, “The light [of God’s favor] will shine upon your ways.”  The Lord will release His supernatural favor on our behalf when we walk and speak in agreement with Him and His Word.  Today, I say to you what God said to me that day – “Don’t leave your blessings unspoken!”

   Lord, remind me often that because I am created in Your image, my words have authority on this earth.  Teach me how to use that authority to make divine declarations that are in agreement with You and Your will for myself and others.  Help me to continually speak words of life that glorify You, and to resist speaking negatively.  Thank You that You will establish Your blessings and release Your favor on my behalf!

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

Sep 15 24

We Are Being Watched

by J. M. Farro

   “Our work as God’s servants gets validated – or not – in the details.  People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly…in hard times, tough times, bad times…”  2 Corinthians 6:4 MSG

   When we gathered together as a family the other day, my grandson, William, began telling me about his experience selling popcorn for his Boy Scouts troop.  He shared with me how the simple act of giving his mother – my daughter-in-law, Amy – a hug, led to him making a sizable sale.  As it turns out, this hug was witnessed by a Christian couple who happened to be nearby.  The woman was so impressed by Will’s demonstration of love for his mom, that she approached my grandson and daughter-in-law, and expressed how touched she was by the gesture.  As they chatted, the wise woman discerned and rejoiced that Amy was “a sister in Christ,” and she and her husband joyfully made a donation to Will’s cause.

   Amy was impressed with the fact that this woman made the point that we are constantly “being watched.”  It reminds me of the Scripture that says: “People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly…in hard times, tough times, bad times…” (2 Corinthians 6:4 MSG)  It’s a sobering thought, and one that we should keep in mind as servants of Christ.

   When we commit our lives to Christ – like it or not – we become His representatives on this earth.  The Apostle Paul said: “We are ambassadors for Christ . . . Christ’s representatives.” (2 Corinthians 5:20 AMP)  Wherever we go, we are on display, and our conduct, conversation, and character should always reflect Christ.  While this can be an intimidating thought, think of the potential it offers.  By simply following the leadership of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us since our conversion, we can be examples of the Scriptural truth which says, “Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words.” (1 Peter 3:2 TLB)  As we allow Christ to live the abundant, overcoming life through us, His Spirit will draw some of those we encounter into a deeply intimate and eternal relationship with Him.  It’s a tremendous responsibility and privilege.

   I recently read that it’s been estimated that only 1% of the lives we touch here on earth for Christ will be revealed to us while we are still here.  That means that when we get to heaven, it’s entirely likely that large numbers of people will come up to us and say, “I am here because of you!”  Today, take heart in knowing that you are making a difference for God right here and now, and you WILL hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23)

   Lord, empower me by Your Spirit to live a Christlike, overcoming life.  Help me to conduct myself with wisdom in all of my interactions, and to make the most of each opportunity, treating it as something precious. (Colossians 4:5 AMP)  Enable me to throw myself into the work of the Master, confident that nothing I do for You is a waste of time or effort. (1 Corinthians 15:58 MSG)  Thank You for making me a victorious world-changer for Christ!  

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

 

Sep 8 24

Your Prayers Are Working!

by J. M. Farro

   “But I tell you this – though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.” Luke 11:8 NLT

   Over the years, I have written out by hand the countless Scriptures and promises that the Holy Spirit has directed me to pray and stand on for myself, my loved ones, and many others.  One morning when I was spending time alone with God and praying some of these verses, I said out loud in utter frustration, “These prayers aren’t working!”  Immediately, I sensed the Spirit of God saying to my spirit, “ALL OF THEM ARE WORKING!”  That’s when the Lord reminded me of something I heard a godly man say that spoke to my heart – “You’ve got the devil exactly where you want him!  This is NO time to quit!”

   In the Parable of the Persistent Neighbor in Luke Chapter 11, Jesus instructs us how to pray with persistence.  He talks about a fellow who knocks on his neighbor’s door in the middle of the night until the man gets up and gives him bread for his visiting guests.  Jesus says: “I tell you, although he will not get up and supply him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his shameless persistence and insistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.” (Luke 11:8 AMP)  Then, in the next verse, Jesus drives home His point: “So I say to you, ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10 AMP)  This Amplified Bible Translation shows a footnote that says, “Here the use of Greek present imperatives (asking, seeking, knocking) emphasizes persistent, constant prayer.”  The Apostle Paul reiterates the Savior’s lesson when he writes, “Be unceasing and persistent in prayer.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 AMP)

   Why is persistent prayer so important to the believer?  Because Satan knows that he has absolutely no defense against a praying believer who refuses to give up.  Jesus told us clearly to count the cost of following Him. (Luke 14:28)  Praying prayers like these will cost us.  They will cost us time and energy that we never thought we could afford.  And this is one reason why God gave us His Holy Spirit to strengthen, empower, and guide us – even in prayer. (Romans 8:26)  Today, I am telling you what the Lord told me – your prayers ARE working, so don’t quit and give up before your breakthrough comes!

   Lord, help me to consistently walk by faith, and not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)  Remind me often that “better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.” (John 20:29 MSG)  Teach me how to pray with shameless persistence according to Your will.  Guard me from discouragement and impatience.  Thank You for the abundant harvests of blessings that I will reap as a result!

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

Sep 1 24

Stay Faithful to God and Speak Words of Faith

by J. M. Farro

   “Even when it seems I’m surrounded by many liars and my own fears, and though I’m hurting in my suffering and trauma, I still stay faithful to God and speak words of faith.” Psalm 116:10-11 TPT

   I heard someone say years ago that real trust in God always involves unanswered questions.  It reminds me of a Scripture that says, “I trusted in the Lord when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted.’” (Psalm 116:10 NIV)  One translation says, “I continued believing even when I said, ‘I am completely ruined!’” (ERV)  How could King David make such a bold and confident declaration in the midst of the darkest times?  Because he was the same man who declared, “Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the Lord rescues him from them ALL.” (Psalm 34:19 AMP)  David truly believed that God would deliver him from ALL of his troubles.  He also believed that God would deliver him from ALL of his troubles right here on this earth.  This is most evident in his statement in Psalm 27:13 (NLT): “Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.”  No wonder God called him “a man after My own heart.” (Acts 13:22)

   I love how the Passion Translation states: “Even when it seems I’m surrounded by many liars and my own fears, and though I’m hurting in my suffering and trauma, I still stay faithful to God and speak words of faith.” (Psalm 116:10-11)  David made up his mind that in the midst of rejection, betrayal, disease, calamity, and pain, he would stay faithful to the Lord, and continue to declare words of faith.  One of the most powerful things we can do while we are going through trials is to pray and proclaim God’s promises for our situation.  As I wait on the Lord for my healing today, I am continually declaring, “I shall be whole!” (Mark 5:28 KJV)  In this way, I am affirming God’s faithfulness to His Word, and my unwavering faith in Him.

   Scripture says: “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11 NKJV)  Once, when I was faced with a serious situation, the Holy Spirit showed me this verse, and He instructed me to continually say, “I judge You faithful, Lord!”  All of a sudden, I realized that if Abraham’s wife could get her miracle by judging God faithful to His promises, then so could I.  And so can you!

   Psalm 27 ends with a plea from David: “Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord.  Be brave and courageous, and NEVER lose hope.  Yes, keep on waiting – for He will never disappoint you!” (Psalm 27:14 TPT)

    Lord, when I am going through difficulties and trials, help me to keep my eyes on You and Your promises.  Show me how to draw close to You daily, and how to cling to You in the midst of my troubles.  Teach me how to remain faithful to You, and to continually speak words of faith, instead of doubt.  Thank You that I WILL see Your goodness and blessings in this land of the living!

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

 

Aug 25 24

May the Lord Reward You Well

by J. M. Farro

   “May the Lord reward you well for the kindness you have shown me today.”  1 Samuel 24:19 NLT

   When I shop online, and my orders are delivered to my doorstep, I like to make the effort to give the delivery people a good review for their service.  It doesn’t take long, and I like the thought of brightening someone else’s day.  Earlier today, when my husband, Joe, got a delivery, I encouraged him to go online and leave a thumbs-up for his driver.  I told him that God would bless him for it, and that it happens to be one of the easiest ways to get a blessing from the Lord.  How do I know this?  Because the Holy Spirit has spoken it to my heart, and Scripture confirms it.

   A verse that God often brings to my remembrance is First Samuel 24:19 (NLT): “May the Lord reward you well for the kindness you have shown me today.”  The Message Bible says it this way: “May God give you a bonus of blessings for what you’ve done for me today!”  All through the pages of the Bible, the Lord reminds His people that He will not let even our smallest kindnesses go unrewarded.  Jesus Himself said, “If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Matthew 10:42 NLT)  Every day, we could be demonstrating small acts of kindness toward other believers, without even knowing it.

   Proverbs says: “Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” (Proverbs 11:17 NIV)  It benefits us and profits us to be kind to others.  But each time we are cruel or careless in our treatment of others, we could be bringing “ruin on [ourselves].”  It’s simply not worth it.  I love how the Amplified Classic version says, “The merciful, kind, and generous man benefits himself [for his deeds return to bless him.].”  Hallelujah!

   Jesus said: “GIVE, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU.  They will pour into your lap a good measure – pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with NO space left for more].  For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38 AMP)  Our God is not a skimpy God, but He is the God of Overflow!  The Apostle Paul wrote: “[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 AMPC)  Start sowing a greater measure of acts of kindness today, and watch the Lord send you a greater harvest of blessings of every kind!

   Lord, teach me how to sow seeds of kindness everywhere I go.  Remind me often that even my smallest acts of kindness will not go unnoticed by You.  Work in my heart so that I will always be kind to others for the right reasons.  Help me to bless others in Your name and for Your glory.  Thank You that as I sow seeds of kindness generously, I will reap generously and with blessings!

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

 

Aug 18 24

Stop Pushing Yourself

by J. M. Farro

   “There was such a swirl of activity around Jesus, with so many people coming and going, that they were unable to even eat a meal. So Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Come, let’s take a break and find a secluded place where you can rest a while.’”  Mark 6:31 TPT

    A few months ago, I was diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disease.  As I got alone with God, and prayed for wisdom and healing, the Holy Spirit gave me a very strong message: “You need to stop pushing yourself, and start pacing yourself.”  This was the Lord’s way of saying that if I was going to trust Him for my healing, I was going to have to cooperate with Him, and make some lifestyle changes.

   Years ago, the Lord instructed me to build more “margin” into my life.  A good definition of margin says: Margin is the space between our load and our limits.  Margin is the gap between rest and exhaustion, the space between breathing freely and suffocating.  Margin is the opposite of overload.”  Since my diagnosis, I am getting more serious about creating “margin” in my life.  I find myself telling people things like, “I already have enough going on during that week, and I cannot make any more plans.”  I can tell you with certainty that there will be times when you are going to have to disappoint some people in order to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.

   I see a lot of sweet Christian people who habitually carry loads and burdens that are detrimental to their own health and well-being.  If you are one of these precious people, let me share a Word with you that God gave me years ago.  “For it is not [intended] that others be relieved [of their responsibility] and that you be burdened [unfairly], but that there be equality [in sharing the burden].” (2 Corinthians 8:13 AMP)  Give this verse some serious thought, and ask the Lord how it might apply to you.

   The Bible shows us clearly what God’s will is for us when we are feeling overwhelmed or overloaded.  Mark 6:31 (TPT) says: “There was such a swirl of activity around Jesus, with so many people coming and going, that they were unable to even eat a meal.  So Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Come, let’s take a break and find a secluded place where you can rest a while.’”  When we break away from all the activity and noise, and seek the Lord for His wisdom and will, He will show us how to slow down and calm down, while still being productive and fruitful servants of His.  Are you prepared to stop pushing yourself, and to start pacing yourself in the days ahead?

   Lord, it is the desire of my heart to finish my course with joy, and to complete the tasks that You give me on this earth. (Acts 20:24)  Grant me the wisdom and self-discipline I need to create margin in my life, and to resist taking on burdens and responsibilities that are not Your will for me.  Teach me how to regularly break away from the activity and noise of life, and to spend time alone in Your presence and Your Word.  Thank You that as I follow Your lead, I will find all the rest, recovery, and healing I ever need!

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

Aug 11 24

Don’t Stop Caring – Start Trusting!

by J. M. Farro

   “That’s why I tell you to have faith that you have already received whatever you pray for, and it will be yours.”  Mark 11:24 GW

   I was thinking the other day about some loved ones who desperately needed the Lord in their lives, and who weren’t showing any signs of changing, even though I was praying for them day and night.  I felt so disgusted with the situation that I told myself, “I have had enough of praying my heart out for these people, and I refuse to care about them anymore!”  That’s when I heard the Holy Spirit speak to my heart, saying, “Don’t stop caring – start trusting!”  After doing some honest soul-searching before the Lord, I realized that I had been walking by sight in the matter, instead of walking by faith, as the Bible tells us to. (2 Corinthians 5:7)  I was focusing too much on visible signs, and it was causing me to doubt that God would ever give me the desires of my heart in this situation.

   In order to demonstrate my trust in the Lord, He instructed me to begin thanking and praising Him in advance for the answers to my prayers, on the basis of Jesus’ words in Mark 11:24 (GW):  “That’s why I tell you to have faith that you have already received whatever you pray for, and it will be yours.”  God was challenging me to look at the answers to my prayers as a “done deal.”  By faith, I was to begin thanking Him for the answer from that moment on.  I was not to wait until I saw the evidence with my eyes.  I thought about Hebrews 11:1 (TLB):  “What is faith?  It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen.  It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.”  It is this “confident assurance” and “certainty” that can’t help but thank and praise God for the things we have “already received” from Him by faith.

   The difference that this new strategy has made in my life has been remarkable.  By thanking God in advance for the answers to my prayers, I have moved from being doubtful, fretful, and resentful – to being hopeful and joyful.  I know in my heart that I am glorifying God more this way, than when I was complaining and being critical.  I also know that this strategy is healthier for me, because living with doubt is draining and discouraging.  Doubt can also cause us to drift away from God, whereas praise and thanksgiving draw us closer to Him.  Because praise is effective spiritual warfare,  it pushes back the forces of darkness, and ushers in the presence and power of Almighty God.  And it is enabling me to enjoy my life while I wait on the Lord for my breakthrough.  Ask the Lord how you can apply these spiritual principles to your own life and circumstances – and move from being doubtful to thankful today!

   Lord, teach me how to have the kind of faith that gives You thanks and praise before my prayers are answered.  Deliver me from the tendency to walk by sight, instead of by faith in You and Your promises.  Fill me with confident assurance and certainty for the mighty works You desire to do on my behalf, and on behalf of my loved ones.  Thank You that as I give You praise in advance of the manifestation of my miracles, my joy will overflow!

   *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!

Aug 4 24

Good Judgment for Decisions

by J. M. Farro

   “God didn’t give us a cowardly spirit but a spirit of power, love, and good judgment.”  2 Timothy 1:7 GW

   Recently, I had to make an important decision that could have far-reaching consequences.  I was so nervous and fearful about it, that I knew it would be difficult for me to hear clearly from God in the matter.  As I made an effort to settle myself down in my spirit and my emotions, I sought the Lord for His wisdom and guidance.

   He led me to the God’s Word Translation of Second Timothy 1:7 (GW), which says that “God didn’t give us a cowardly spirit but a spirit of power, love, and good judgment.”  As soon as I saw the words, “good judgment,” I knew I had my answer.

   All through the day, I declared this promise – emphasizing that I had been given a spirit of good judgment.  And I became filled with the Christlike confidence I needed to make the right decision, and to receive the Lord’s best outcome.

   As believers, you and I don’t have to become fearful when we have decisions to make.  On the basis of God’s Word, we can ask and receive the divine help and guidance we need to lay hold of God’s best in every situation we encounter.  The author of Psalm 119 prayed: “Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in Your commands.” (Psalm 119:66 NIV)  The Passion Translation says it this way: “Teach me how to make good decisions, and give me revelation-light, for I believe in Your commands.”

   As we seek the Lord for His assistance in making good decisions, we will have all the help of Heaven on our side!

   Lord, when I have decisions to make that can affect me or my loved ones, remind me to seek You first for Your will in the matter.  Guard me from doubt and fear, and help me to remember that You promise to give me divine wisdom when I ask for it in faith. (James 1:5)  Fill me with the Christlike confidence I need to make the right decision in every situation.  Thank You that as I follow Your lead, I will receive Your best outcome every time!

    *To order J. M. Farro books on Amazon, please use this link!

   *To purchase J. M. Farro autographed books, check out the J. M. Farro ETSY Store at www.etsy.com/shop/JMFarro

   *Join the J. M. Farro Devotionals group on Facebook, and connect with J. M. Farro — with mid-week devotionals in addition to the standard weekly devotionals. You can access this group by clicking here!