Tag: prayer

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Out of Hand

This morning, I walked into work after having a few days off for the Thanksgiving holiday to major system issues.  My work is impeded majorly and I can only do a fraction of what I usually do until all gets corrected.  It is frustrating to not be able to do some things that I need to do, but I also have to admit that much of the issues are out of my hand.  I cannot move forward until other parties do their part and figure out why the issue exists.  I have an option to be stressed out and worry.  I also have an option to be at peace knowing that I just need to wait and see what happens.

It makes me think how many times I spend worrying about things that are completely out of my hands.  Sometimes, the issues in my life are completely fixable and I can get it all settled really easily and quickly.  There are other times when there is very little I can do to make things okay and I have a choice on how I react to it.  It is super hard to feel out of control or have things that NEED to get done and you just can’t.  But, in reality, there is very little I can control.

So, dear reader, I ask you – how many times have you went out of your mind with worry, anger, or fear when things happen that are completely out of your hands?  How many times do you feel extremely helpless and hopeless?  It’s so easy to do, isn’t it?  It’s a human condition we must face – that we are very small in a big universe.  But, when we add our big God to that equation – we aren’t that helpless and hopeless anymore.

John 16:33 says  “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 
Relationship issues, financial issues, children issues – whatever issues you may face, Jesus overcame them on the Cross.  We need to 1) give your cares to God (1 Peter 5:7), 2) wait patiently on the Lord and be still before Him (Psalm 37:7) 3) and the Lord will fight your battle (Exodus 14:14).  It seems too simple to be true, right?  Well, we may have to deal with the situations we are walking through – but as long as we put our trust in God, He will take care of the situation and make sure we come out in good standing.  It is out of your hands.

So we need to realize (I’m for sure including myself in this because it is a lesson I continue to get taught) that so many of the battles we try to fight are not ours to win.  God will work things out for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).  So be patient and realize that things are working behind the scenes.  Hold on and you will see great things happen!

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It’s time for war

Man, things can change in a moment, can’t they?

This world is so unpredictable, harsh, and unmerciful. Right now, that is reality to many people globally.

I’m so thankful that we serve a God who truly cares about us.  “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:29-31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The God who created the universe listens to each of our prayers.  All of them. “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:14-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Folks, life is changing around us lightning fast.  Life is brutal.  Instead of putting our fear, hate, complaining, frustration, etc. out in the world – let’s put our effort in petitioning someone who can actually do something.

It’s time to get real and wage a spiritual war.  War for everything wrong in this world.  

Like the song goes”I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground.”

““ LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107:28-30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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Pressing Reset

Being a Christian does not automatically cause you to stop sinning. Nope…I am a sinner in need of a Savior every day.  Being a Christian also doesn’t keep you from experiencing tough times.  Nope…we go through them like every other human on the Earth.  The difference, though, resides in who we turn to when in those trials.

Here is a major battle I fight often: I feel so inadequate and unworthy at times. I feel very much like I am worthless…like the promises God has placed on my life are not real.  Oh, but those are just lies.  They are lies from the enemy who wants me to cower and not fulfill my life’s purpose; to keep me believing that I am weak and no different than I’ve ever been.

What about you? What are the lies the enemy tells you?  What self-talk do you struggle with?

The greatest way to counter those lies is the word of God. The truth in the Bible is everlasting.  It will not die!

Here are a few truths I consistently remind myself of:

God loves you and me: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

You and I are made new: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

He knew us before He formed us: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

Through Christ, we are made strong: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”(2 Corinthians 12:9)

Believers have been given eternal life: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

We have been bought with a high price: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Replacing the lies of the enemy – whatever those lies may be – with the word of God will keep your mind on track. Keeping your thoughts on track will help you stay your course and finish the race set before us.  Don’t ever give up!

There are times, though, where I find myself in a place that I am unsure what are lies and what aren’t. It get confusing because life gets busy, I don’t spend time with God like I should, or I’m just stuck in a mindset that is unhealthy…I will have to pray this simple prayer from Psalm 139:23-24:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

I encourage you to start spending time with God every day. Pray the prayer from Psalm 139,  Feed your mind with the word of God so when the enemy lies, you can remind yourself what God says about you.

Be blessed, readers.

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Trust Issues

I love people. I love how each person is unique in their way.  We all see the world differently.  Sitting with someone who isn’t in the same culture, the same age, race, or gender as you and listening to how they see the world will open your eyes to things you’ve never thought of.  God has truly engineered us to be unique and be a masterpiece.  He made us all amazing creatures.

With that said, putting people in the same place as God in your life will cause great pain. We cannot rely on people to always be there or to always have our back.  We cannot put them in a place that, if they disappoint us, our world turns upside down.  No, people cannot be held to that standard.  The people I love will disappoint me and hurt me at some point.  And, in turn, I will disappoint and hurt them as well.  This is part of living in a world that has sin in it.

We must learn to rely on God first and put our full trust in God. He will never fail us.  When we do this, when we rely on God to be the perfect one in our life and not our loved ones, we can live a satisfying life.  When we don’t expect perfection from others, but love them for who they are, flaws and all, we not only have healthy relationships, but we also show them true, perfect love.

I encourage you to evaluate how you view the people in your life and how allow yourself to expect perfection from them. Know that sometimes people will let you down.  Give them the grace you want to see when, inevitably, you will let them down too.  Only put God on the pedestal of perfection.  He is the only one who will always be there and will truly never fail us.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8

Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Joshua 21:45

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

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#Pray

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬


This is my church.  We just spent time praying together as a family.  

Let’s pray for Unity!!!!!!   God bless America!

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Wisdom & Understanding

Prayer must be more than just telling God what is wrong.  It should be a time when you and Him join forces in order to gather knowledge, build trust, and understand each other.  Yes, God knows everything about you, but you don’t know everything about Him.  Take time to hear what He has to say.  You will gain much wisdom!

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19:8‬ NLT

“A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭24:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭2:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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Give it over

I am an independent person. When I was a baby my aunt gave my mom the book How to Raise a Strong-Willed Child.  This is a true story.  I was that kind of kid.  I wasn’t mean, but I wanted my way & found ways to get it.  This can be a good trait to have in order to survive life, but it also can be a thorn in my side.

One of the hardest things I’ve learned as a Christian is that my way is not always the best way.  I must rely on God.  I’ve learned that the key to relying on Him is having a rich and fruitful prayer life.  Going to Him when I want to take care of something myself.  It is hard for me at times, I must admit.  But it is necessary.

I encourage you to try this the next time you want to take control of a situation.  Spend some time on your knees talking to & listening to Him.  Allow God to fight your battles and teach you how to handle situations His way.  You will see change in you & in those around you.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Be blessed, dear friends!

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The Secret Place

Have you wondered if you are making a difference?  Wondered if who you are enough?  Wondered if you are being the best you, you can be?  I just went through a period of time where I started to wonder if what I was doing was enough…if I was enough.

No, I wasn’t depressed, upset, or even confused.  You don’t have to allow yourself to become despondent to start to wonder if you are doing enough…you just have to allow doubt to enter your mind.

How should we combat this doubt?  We find a secret place, a quiet space, to spend some time with God.  All problems can be solved by spending one on one time with the Father.  It seems too simple to be true…  For anyone like me – a control freak – trusting anyone with your life beside yourself can be scary.  Face that fear and give it over…your life will be better for it.

Whenever you find yourself in that “dry place” – find some one on one time with the Creator.  Get into the word, pray in a secluded place, share your heart with Him.  Allow the precious Holy Spirit love on you & fight for you.  There is nothing too big or too small for Him to handle.  Abide in His shadow and watch what He does!

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.””

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:1-2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

  

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Prayer – it’s a world changer

I am tired.  Tired of:

  • People dying because they are of a certain race
  • People dying because they are in law enforcement
  • People dying because someone hates them
  • Babies dying because they are unwanted
  • People dying because of their religion
  • People hating one another
  • People not caring about their own children
  • People not knowing Jesus
  • People hating one another
  • Slavery still existing in the form of human trafficking
  • Homelessness still existing
  • People just simply not caring

I am ready for: the Love of God to overwhelm this world and eradicate all hate, anger, rage, and frustration.

We need to pray – prayer can change the world.  Will you join me?

“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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God sweats the small stuff

My goal this year is to read the Bible cover to cover.  There are some really interesting stories in the there.  A lot of stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Most know the story of the valley of the dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14).  I knew little more than that off the top of my head.  When I was reading it, the last few chapters were about the temple that the Israelites were going to build.  There were just figures…square feet and descriptions of what you do in this room or that room…for the majority of those chapters.

I asked God “what was the point in including this in your holy word?  Doesn’t this just pertain to those at that time and not now?”  The Holy Spirit replied “Brooke, I want people to know that I care about even the smallest details.  Don’t you get that from this scripture?  No detail is too small for me to not care about it.”  Boom – mind blown!  What a word…what a revelation! It made me realize that God cares so much about every little detail.  No stone goes unturned with Him.

What does this mean for you and me?  (1) God’s plan for our lives is well thought out.  Yes, there is a reason for everything.  It it has everything to do with how much He loves us.  (2) He sees and counts even the smallest things we do, good or bad.  (3) Nothing is too small for us not to ask.  No matter how small the need is, God cares about it (and us).

The God that spoke the universe into existence cared about the square footage of each room in the Temple.  If that doesn’t blow your mind, I don’t know what will.

I will leave you with this scripture.  Remember that you are special to Him and you can bring all your needs to Him, no matter how small.  Be blessed everyone!

 What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Luke 12:6-7