Category: Christian Living

Tough Days

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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

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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

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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.

Running to God in Faith

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I grieve that so many in the world do not know about God or have a twisted view of who He really is.  Having the opportunity to please God through drawing near Him in faith is a great reward.  I have battled a difficult year.  Surgery in April and a year of supply chain issues {big effect on my job) is not something I would choose.  However, God has a plan for my life that includes drawing me closer to Him.  I can fight His plan or run to Him.  I can assure you, running to God is so much better than fighting against His way.

Dear Heavenly Father, when life is tough my first response is to run away.  I struggle when things are hard, but I know Your grace is strong enough to bring me through tough times.  Thank You for providing a way for me to draw near to You.  Thank You that You want me to draw close to You.  I am in awe of Your love.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Praise for Daily Help

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I survived another week working smack dab in the middle of supply chain.  Things are still crazy due to the upheaval over the last year and a half.  And no, supply chain professionals aren’t going to fix it all.  When you look at many of the reasons behind the issues, we don’t have control over those things.  But I digress.

The reality, no matter the reasons, is that life is still tough.  I am so thankful that God is willing and able to hold me up throughout the challenges I face.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me through another challenging week.  I praise You for the salvation You have so freely given.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

A Good Word

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We have seen so many forms of anxiety in the last year and a half.  Life has been challenging.  However, there are many forms of help available.  I have been amazed at how powerful positive words can be.  Unfortunately, negative words can have a strong affect also.

I think if we were to give a “good word” more often, we would be amazed at the affects.  I received several “good words” after I shared my health diagnosis earlier this year.  I still have cards posted on my living room wall.  The sentiments in them are so encouraging.  I recently did some digging to find similar cards.  I want to be an encourager.  I know firsthand how beneficial it can be.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the many encouraging words that I have received.  I pray that You would help all of us to find ways to share good words to each other.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Being Prepared for the Storms

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Getting a negative health diagnosis can send just about anyone into a tailspin.  However, when we spend the “good” times getting prepared (building a house on a proper foundation), we will be much better prepared when something goes wrong.  Today’s verse talks about those who hear the words that Jesus spoke (or in our case read the words) will be like the wise man who was prepared.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing preparation for life’s storms through Your word. Please help us to keep going to You whether life is good or bad.  Your foundation is the only one that is solid.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

When I Feel Alone

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Last week I wrote about never being alone.  It is true – when a person places their trust in Christ, they will never be alone.  However, there are tough times when we feel alone.  We need to remember that we should be seeking God on a daily basis.  God holds on to us, but also asks us to seek Him.

The next time you are feeling alone, think about how much you have been seeking Christ.  If you have – keep seeking Him.  If you have not – start seeking Him today.  He will allow you to find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us to seek You.  Thank You that it is possible to find You.  Please help me to continually seek You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

I Am Not Alone

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As I faced doctors’ appointments and surgery earlier this year, I heard comments of people worried that I was alone.  Being single, I don’t have a spouse to go with me or support me through a health journey.  While the support of a spouse is comforting, God sent me comfort other ways.  I had a friend who drove me to 3 appointments and spoke up during some overwhelming times.  I had friends praying for me, sending me cards and text messages, giving me hugs at church.  I had the help of my parents at surgery time.

While I went to my second opinion appointments without another person, I know God was with me.  He has been with me for many years through both good times and bad. God doesn’t leave just because I hear a diagnosis that I don’t like.  God’s faithfulness becomes more precious through health issues. 

God promises so many times in His word that He will never leave us.  He is close, so I am never alone.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being close no matter what is going on in my life.  Thank You that I don’t ever have to be alone, no matter who in this life is beside me.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Who Hears Prayer

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The Psalms are filled with praise and encouragement.  This one starts with praising God and recognizing that He is worthy of worship.  Then we are reminded that God is the one Who hears prayer.  For Almighty God to be willing to listen to us is an amazing thing.  God is in charge of the universe, but He still wants us to come to Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that I can come to You and bring my requests. Thank You for your leading in my prayers.  I ask that You would be at work in hearts so more would cling to You and bring their requests to You. Thank You that You listen to all who come to You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.