Month: August 2021

Being Renewed While Wasting Away

pleadinginprayerLeave a comment

Today was the funeral of my uncle who passed away about a week ago.  His life was one of physical difficulty.  I heard from his pastor that my uncle had recently shared Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”  My uncle suffered from the physical problems.  However, he rejoiced that God taught him Biblical truth.  He passed that truth on to his children.  I am watching my cousins working on passing on that truth to their children. What a beautiful legacy.

I do not want to diminish the harsh reality of physical suffering.  I can assure you; I struggle counting my own trials joy.  However, I have seen God use various difficulties to help His people grow.  Growing spiritually is a worthwhile pursuit.

Dear Heavenly Father, please comfort my family as they grieve.  I ask that You wrap Your loving arms around them to remind how much You love them.  Thank You for the spiritual growth You send through trials. Please help us to cling to You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Tough Days

pleadinginprayerLeave a comment

This week has been hard on my dad’s side of the family.  Yesterday morning, God chose to take one of my uncles home to glory.  This uncle had many health issues so while the family is grieving, we are thankful that he is no longer suffering.

The Bible tells us we will have difficulties in this life.  Each of us will suffer in different ways.  While I still struggle with the suffering piece of life, I can take comfort in the fact that Jesus has overcome the world.  When Jesus came to earth, His whole purpose was to die on a cross for us.  He came to pay the penalty for our sins.  Jesus overcame death and dying.  Those of us who place our trust in Jesus have hope for an eternal future.  I know that my uncle is rejoicing and whole. 

As you face the tough days in your life, know that you can have hope if you place your trust in Jesus.  He has overcome the world.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus’ overcame the world.  Please help me to share the hope that only comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Payback

pleadinginprayerLeave a comment

This verse can be challenging to obey.  We usually want to retaliate or at least see the person held accountable.  However, God’s Word commands us to seek to do good.  This doesn’t mean to reward evil – this just gives us a guideline for our actions when we face evil.  God will hold the wicked accountable (Romans 12:19).  This is His job. 

As we struggle watching the wicked seem to get away with their evil, we need to remember that every knee will bow to God (Romans 14:11).  We should desire that people bow the knee now while they have the chance to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  Pray and share the gospel while there is time.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us as we struggle watching the wicked seem to succeed.  Give us the courage and strength to share the gospel so the wicked can change their ways.  Thank You for Your plan to hold the wicked accountable.  I praise Your name.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Freedom in Truth

pleadinginprayer1 Comment

The information age has so much information, but I’m not convinced we have enough truth.  We are strong willed and opinionated and think we are wise in discerning what we read and hear.  We cannot discern the truth without the help of God.  The Bible is filled with God’s truth (the only truth) and the way to wisdom.  We cannot access the truth of God unless we have placed our trust in His Son, Jesus Christ (read the book of Romans). 

Sadly, even those who claim to know Jesus Christ fall into the trap of misunderstanding and misinformation.  We need to daily ask God to give us wisdom and discernment to know how to process what we have seen and heard.  Daily, hourly, minute by minute – not just every once in a while.  We need frequent resets to make sure our hearts and minds are in the right place.  God can then lead us down the path to truth and understanding. 

If we don’t take this path, we are bound by the fear that comes from lies.  That is no life to live.  The remedy for fear is the truth that will set you free.

Dear Heavenly Father, we have been bombarded with mixed information about what is happening in our world.  We need Your truth.  Please help us to seek it.  Please help us to find it.  Thank You for the freedom You provide through truth.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.