Determined to Dance Podcast

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Intercession for our Family, looks at what intercession is and how we stand in the gap for our family.

Show Notes: Intercession for Our Family

Intercession. It’s a big word and when I was a younger Christian, I really didn’t understand what it meant. I figured people who were often called “intercessors” prayed for hours on end and covered tons of countries and people groups like Israel. I pictured a white-haired saint on bended knees in a prayer closet in their home. Intercessors danced on a dance floor much too grand for me.

I was wrong. While someone who intercedes could fit the above description, it doesn’t have to.

What is intercession and who are intercessors? Dictionary.com says: an act or instance of interceding. An interposing or pleading on behalf of another person. A prayer to God on behalf of another.

So, an intercessor is basically one who acts, pleads, or prays on behalf of another. Wow. That means I’m an intercessor. And you are too.

In Hebrew, intercession is "paga," which means to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession. Ezekiel uses the term, stand in the gap, in Ezekiel 22:30: “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.”

I love this word picture. Imagine a wall protecting a person, castle, or town. Now picture a place where it’s been broken and the enemy has easy access inside. A mighty warrior stands in this broken place and fights anyone who tries to get through.

The mighty warrior can be you. Or me. People, communities, cities, nations, and the world are filled with brokenness. We can be the intercessor, the warrior, who pleads on their behalf. We need to put on the armor of God (Galatians 6) and talk to God about the broken people and places around us.

We are going to dig deeper into intercession over the next six weeks and see how we can make a difference in the lives of others. We’ll start with our family.

I pray more for my family than anyone. Well, except maybe myself. My family is the people I’m closest to. Some are kin to me by blood: my mom, children, grandchildren, brother, nieces, nephews, and those related through marriage. My family also consists of various friends and neighbors that I consider part of my tribe. While I love them deeply, they can also be the people who aggravate me the most. What can I pray when it comes to people I’m deeply vested in?

I pray for their relationship with God. If they are saved, I pray for their relationship and knowledge of Him to increase daily. If not, I pray for their salvation.

I pray for safety and protection. I lift them up and pray that God and His angels will guard over them as they work, play, rest, and travel.

I pray for wisdom and discernment as they make decisions daily. I ask God to put the right people in their life to help them grow closer to Him and remove those who hurt them.

I pray for their relationships, jobs, hobbies, ministries, and recreation activities so that they will be full of life and help them continue on their journey with God.

I pray for blessings and healing where they need it most.

I don’t necessarily pray for each of these things for each person. My prayers are specific and targeted at the individual needs of each person. I firmly believe in specific prayer and ask God to lead me as I pray for my husband, mom, children, and others.

An important thought to keep in mind as we pray is not to take on guilt or shame. The devil will pound our thought life with condemnation like you don’t pray enough, you don’t pray the right way, you don’t pray the right things.

God is big enough to let us know if we’ve veered off track in our prayers and will point us to the prayer path that we need to follow. God is so good and as we pray for our families, we can trust Him to care for them and for us each and every day.

Let’s pray: Father God, we lift our family to You. These people so close to us can love us best or hurt us most. Help us to look past our pain and pray for healing from their pain. We love them so much and ask that you save, protect, guide, and love them better than we can. Bless and heal those closest to us today. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

We are called to intercede on behalf of others and it’s good to start with our own family.

Today’s featured author is Rachelle Paige Campbell, the author of Her Hometown Dream, a contemporary romance novel. Amy Parker returns home for a visit but thinks she has found a way to stay for good. As she sets out to make her dream a reality, long-buried secrets threaten her future. Learn more at rachellepaigecampbell.com 

Next week, we’ll discuss how to intercede for our community. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Intercession for Our Family, looks at how we stand in the gap for the most important people in our lives. #TuesdayThoughts #prayer

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Intercession for Our Family

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/JR4l0-48SeY

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: Surrendered Prayer, focuses on Jesus’s attitude of surrender.

Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Surrendered Prayer

Many men and women in the Bible are wonderful examples of how to live life, seeking hard after God. No one, however, tops the example of Jesus Christ and the way He lived His life on earth as a model to pattern our life after.

If any one word could sum up His years on the earth, it would be surrendered. Jesus totally gave His all for His Father and for us.

In many places in the Word, Jesus gave up time to be alone, to mourn, or rest because of His compassion for people. In Matthew 14: 13-14, Jesus went to be alone after hearing of the beheading of John the Baptist. “When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out, He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.”

He not only taught and healed them but also took time to feed the people before they left. Jesus followed the Father and His will even when it caused Him trouble or made Him unpopular. John 5:18-20 says, “Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him because He not only broke the Sabbath but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” NKJV

I don’t know about you but often I would rather follow the popular way than God’s way. It’s hard to tango when everyone else is waltzing. Fitting in seems easier and it is so hard when people don’t understand you or your choices. In times past, I haven’t spoken up as I should because of peer pressure. People often look at you like you’re a bit odd when you are seeking God and His ways as much as possible. Probably some of you listening have lost family, friends, positions, and even jobs over your choice to be led by God.

Jesus told his disciples: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19: 29 NKJV

So, rejoice, my friends. There is much good in your future when you surrender. What does it mean to surrender to God? First, we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and then:

We release control of our lives to God. As humans, we want our own way and it’s difficult to give control to anyone. But we can trust Him.

We walk in faith, believing that God has our best in mind. He alone knows what we need.

We follow where He leads. We take time to read the Word and pray, listening for God’s nudges. Then we go…

We can trust Him in surrender. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

Jesus prayed the ultimate prayer of surrender in Mark 14: 32-39: “Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” He went a little farther and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words.” NKJV

To me, this is the most awesome prayer Jesus spoke. He knew what was ahead; the cross, the beatings, the pain that He, His friends, and family would endure. But He prayed anyway and surrendered His all for us. Glory to God.

Let’s follow the example set before us. We can pray, listen, and surrender. As painful as it may seem at the time, God always redeems whatever we lay at His feet. Every single time.

Let’s pray: Father God, we come to You today in surrender. We surrender our life, our family, our friends, our jobs, our ministry, and our very way of life to You. Take it and use it for Your glory. You alone know what we need. Send us comfort when letting go of control is hard. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Jesus is the ultimate example of how to live surrendered.

Today’s featured author is Heidi Glick, author of Dog Tags, a Christian suspense novel. While serving in the Marines, Mark Graham's best friend died in combat. Years later, when Mark encounters the dead friend’s sister, he tries to avoid her. But as a stalker comes after Beth, Mark must put aside his fears to protect her.

Learn more at heidiglick.weebly.com/ 

Next week, we’ll discuss focusing our prayers on our family. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, #Praying Like Jesus: Surrendered Prayer looks at how Jesus displayed the perfect example of following God. #TuesdayThoughts

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying Like Jesus: Surrendered Prayer

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/E5qXXilr8NY

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: Effective Prayer, will look at how to be powerful when we pray.

Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Effective Prayer

Jesus is the perfect Son of God and everything He does is wonderful, efficient, on time, and effective. Especially prayer. In earlier episodes, we looked at the Lord’s prayer and how few words can be powerful. How to be effective when tempted. To enter the secret place and to be thankful.

How can we make a powerful difference when we pray? Let’s go to the Word.

Be in right standing with God. We get in right standing by our faith in Jesus Christ. James 5:16b says: “…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” NKJV

Worry less, thank God more. We are less anxious when we trust God and thank Him ahead of time. Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

God’s timing, God’s mercy. We are patient when we pray, believing God is merciful. Psalm 69:13 says: “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation.”

Pray constantly and rejoice. We speak with the Father often, rejoicing in His goodness. I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 says: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

I want my prayers to make a difference. I’m sure you do also. But we can’t doubt. Study the Word and be aware of prayer already answered to build your faith in Him. It’s not our fancy words or repetitious chanting that catches God’s attention. It’s our belief in Him; that He is good and ready to answer in His will and His way.

God has strengthened my faith through answered prayer so many times I’ve had trouble choosing one to share. My husband and I have been praying about moving. He wanted more land in our county to raise cattle on when he retired. Nothing fit our needs and after several months of looking, we gave up. I prayed God would show us what we needed to do. Months later, the land right next to our house became available and we were able to purchase it. God had a plan way beyond what we could ask or think. I mean, we didn’t even have to go through all the trouble of moving. We just fenced the land in and dug a pond. God truly can be trusted. He’ll take our hand if we let Him, and lead us to the right spot on the dance floor of life.

When we pray powerfully and effectively, God gets the ultimate glory. We realize that our part is to ask and He does all the rest. We keep asking and believing, knowing that He is good and faithful, and kind.

I love this quote from Corrie Ten Boom: "The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something, and enter God’s realm where everything is possible. He specializes in the impossible. Nothing is too great for His almighty power. Nothing is too small for His love."

Let’s pray: Father God, we believe that You hear our prayers and that You answer according to Your will and way. Take our words and make a difference to the people we lift to You. You ultimately make our prayers effective and powerful. We give You all the glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

We can pray effectively and powerfully by keeping our eyes turned toward Him.

Today’s featured author is me, Jennifer Hallmark, the author of Jessie’s Hope, a southern family novel. Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, she worries that she cannot hold on to those she loves.

Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when obstacles–including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather–hijack Jessie’s dream wedding?

Learn more at jenniferhallmark.com/books

Next week, we’ll look at Jesus’s prayer of surrender. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, #Praying Like Jesus: Effective Prayer looks at how we make a difference in the world by praying. #TuesdayThoughts

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying Like Jesus: Effective Prayer

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/aIlw7BInVw0

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: Thankfulness, focuses on Jesus and his example of being grateful.

Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Thankfulness

Jesus is the ultimate example of how to dance with God. He talked to and listened to His Father during his short time on earth and then moved accordingly. He went where God sent Him and did what God told Him to do. The perfect dancer performing the perfect dance. We can learn a lot by reading the New Testament, especially Jesus’ prayers of thankfulness.

Throughout the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Jesus thanked His Father often. In Matthew 11: 25-26, He spoke to the crowd about John the Baptist and then about the generation and cities that would not repent. Right after this strong rebuke, He stopped to talk with His Father:

“At that time Jesus answered and said, ‘I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.’” NKJV

Jesus took time to focus on the positive, the ones who did seek truth and to be grateful for them and the Father who cared so much. Later on, in John 11: 41-42, we see Jesus visiting the grave of Lazarus after speaking with Mary and Martha. He takes time to weep, then speaks with God:

“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” John 11: 41-42

Jesus also gave thanks before He fed the crowds of four thousand and five thousand. At the last supper, He gave thanks before handing around the bread and the cup. How could He be grateful with full knowledge of the betrayal of Judas, the abandonment by His disciples, the trial, beatings, and the cross that loomed in the future?

He knew His Father and had complete faith in who He is. Jesus put Himself completely in God’s hands and rested in the knowledge that He could trust God. Wow. I’m reminded of the faith of the three Hebrews in Daniel 3: 16-18 after they’d been told to worship a golden idol or be tossed in a fiery furnace:

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

The faith that says, “We trust God more than we fear man.” I’m not there yet. I still worry and fret when life is difficult, especially when it concerns my family. At times, I have faith and at others, I doubt. I’m afraid I’m more like the disciple Thomas than the three Hebrews.

But God knows my heart. I’m digging into His Word, which is where faith comes from, and giving thanks when those terrible doubts come against me, often during times of prayer.

When Jesus went alone to pray, as we discussed last week in Episode 28, I’m sure that thankfulness was in abundance as He talked with His Father. When we’re thankful, it pulls our attention away from the problem and to the only One who can truly solve it. God, the Father.

This summer has been one where I’ve dealt with physical issues with my hip and with asthma. I’ve been whiny to my family and friends as I’ve sought ways to better handle aging. Thankfulness has helped more than anything. Taking time to focus on the good things in my life and the fact that God saved me when I could not save myself brings perspective to my issues.

I told one of my friends that I believe God has a plan, even during seasons like this. I’m not sure what it is at the moment but I’m seeking. And I know He’s good.

In The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Susan speaks to Mr. Beaver about being afraid of Aslan the lion, asking if he is safe: "Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ...who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

Let’s pray: Father God, thank you for saving us so we can live forever with You. I’m focusing on Your goodness and away from the problems that relentlessly surround me daily. Help me when my eyes are pulled toward the storms to return my gaze to You. I love that Jesus is the perfect example of thankfulness and we can learn from Him. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Our Father in Heaven is good and we can trust Him with our very lives and be thankful.

Today’s featured author is JPC Allen, the author of A Shadow on the Snow, a teen Christian mystery. As nineteen-year-old Rae Riley gets to know her newly-found father and his family, a stalker won't let her forget her late mother's notorious past. Fearing the threat will alienate her new family, Rae investigates on her own. But her amateur sleuthing may cost her the father she's always wanted.

Learn more at on her Goodreads page. Go to https://www.goodreads.com/ and type JPC Allen in the search box or check out the direct link in my show notes. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18623122.J_P_C_Allen

Next week, we’ll look at what Jesus says about how to pray effectively. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, #Praying Like Jesus: Thankfulness, focuses on why it’s important to be thankful in all things. #TuesdayThoughts

Links:

 My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying Like Jesus: Thankfulness

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/6gFFvqM1-kY

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: The Secret Place, focuses on why it’s important to take time to pray alone.

Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: The Secret Place

The secret place. I love the scripture, Matthew 6:6, that mentions this phrase and the thought behind it. “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” NKJV

Our Father is in the secret place. Now technically, He is everywhere but this thought. As a child, I enjoyed building forts, houses, castles—anything I could make with large boxes, blankets, tree branches, etc. I wanted a place all my own; a hideaway where I could dream and plan and giggle.

I’ve carried this into my adulthood in my writing. I’ve written stories and a novel-in-progress with a secret place. My hideaway is my study, the recliner in our little living room, my car, and the back deck. Sometimes, under the covers late at night. Any place where I converse with God about my day, my life, and the future.

Think about this. God has a secret place. Maybe it’s the place we go and He meets us. We go, believing He hears us and that we don’t have to perform to gain his attention. My favorite way to dance with God is on the solitary dance floor called prayer.

Jesus often left his disciples and the crowds to go alone and meet with His Father. It says in Luke 5:16: “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” He is the perfect example of living life. What benefits are there to praying by yourself?

Strength to battle the enemy and avoid temptation. Luke 4:1-2

Rest during seasons of ministry. Mark 6:30-32

Space to grieve or mourn. Matthew 14

Freedom from distractions during decision-making. Luke 6

Dealing with personal agony. Luke 22

Focus during busy seasons. Luke 5:15

I need a secret place. Too often I get busy and tired and bored with the hurry-scurry of life and God is quietly calling me to meet with Him. Sometimes, I hear and go but other times I cringe and shake my head. I’m feeling unworthy or shamed or guilty or any number of things that attack my thought life each day. Why would the God of the universe want to meet with me? It’s not like I can do anything for Him.

God knows more about me than anyone and He still loves me more than anyone. Let that sink in for a moment. He desires to meet me in the secret place. Let’s go there now: Father God, I love You so much. I feel guilty and ashamed that I don’t pay enough attention at times to meet you in the secret place. The negative emotions snowball until I hide from You instead of meeting you in a hideaway. Thank You that I’m deeply loved and You are forever waiting for me. Drawing me by Your Spirit to time well-spent with You. Abba, You are more than I could ever deserve. I adore You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Remember, God knows more about you than anyone and He still loves you more than anyone.

Today’s featured author is Betty Thomason Owens, author of Still Water, Home Found Suspense, Book 1. When crime reporter, Jake Bradley, stumbles onto a suspicious accident, clues lead him to Lisa Oliver, the daughter of the victims. After the FBI warns Jake off the case, he is more determined than ever to find the truth and keep Lisa safe. Learn more at https://bettythomasonowens.com/

Next week, we’ll look at what Jesus says about thankfulness in prayer. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, #Praying Like Jesus:  The Secret Place, focuses on why it’s important to take time to pray alone. #TuesdayThoughts

Links:

6 Times When Jesus Chose Solitude Over People

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying Like Jesus: The Secret Place

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together. (Best part starts at the 7-minute mark until the end)

https://youtu.be/lcSqRkpeQyM

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: When Temptation Comes, focuses on prayer, being addicted to approval, and forgiveness.

Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: When Temptation Comes

I am human. I want people to like me. I struggle with approval addiction. The book by Joyce Meyer of the same name stripped me bare when I read it. I want people to be proud of me and even brag on me. I am human.

My problem is turning to people for approval instead of God. Ouch. Jesus pointed out people who did charitable acts to be seen in Matthew 6:1-4:

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” NKJV

Jesus said these people received their reward from men. If done in secret, God rewards greatly. Why would I think man’s rewards would be greater than God’s?

Jesus goes on in verses 5-8 to like it to prayer:

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore, do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”NKJV

Wow. How does Jesus say to pray? First, go into your room and shut the door. Shut out distractions. Then, pray to the Father. Pour it all out to Him in private. And lastly, don’t repeat the same thing, using many words to get God to hear you. He does hear from the first and knows what you need. Keep to the point in your own words.

Jesus takes prayer one step further in verses 14 and 15: “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” NLT

He clearly states that if we want God to forgive us, we must forgive others. And I often wrestle with forgiving others, especially if they hurt my children or grandchildren. I prefer Matthew 18:6: “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

But way back in Matthew 6, Jesus says forgiveness in necessary. Vital. The only way.

In a book by Tim Sledge called Making Peace with Your Past, Sledge says, “Forgiveness means that you no longer regard the offending person as indebted to you.” How can I release someone and forgive?

Give the person and the offense to God. Admit how you feel because God knows anyway. Write in a journal or confide in a trusted friend. Then hand it over. You might have to repeat this step often.

Ask God to help you to forgive. You can’t forgive without God guiding you, step by step, to the place you no longer feel the need for revenge. Make a decision to forgive.

Recall how God has forgiven you. Back it with scripture about forgiveness and forgiven people.

Pray for the offender. It is super hard at first, but I truly believe that no one, not the most terrible person, deserves hell because it was made for the devil and the fallen angels. We’ve all fallen short. I remember this as I pray for those who’ve hurt me or my family.

How can I dance with God when I’m standing on the dance floor, arms crossed, foot tapping, glaring at the one who offended me? Better to follow the steps above, then take God’s hand, letting him be the judge, the defender, the Savior. He gave His life for all of us and wants all men to come to repentance. Including me.

Let’s pray: Father God, thank you for forgiving me when I didn’t even know or acknowledge You. I bring to you this person who hurt me and admit that I’m angry, sad, frustrated, and bitter. Help me to forgive, to be willing to forgive. I make a decision to forgive and believe that all these emotions will eventually line up. You have forgiven me for so much, time after time. Your word says to forgive. I pray for my offender. Help him or her come to a saving knowledge of You and let them know Your love as I do. Draw them by Your Spirit. In Jesus, name, we pray, amen.

We can forgive by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Today’s featured author is JPC Allen, the author of A Shadow on the Snow, a teen Christian mystery. As nineteen-year-old Rae Riley gets to know her newly-found father and his family, a stalker won't let her forget her late mother's notorious past. Fearing the threat will alienate her new family, Rae investigates on her own. But her amateur sleuthing may cost her the father she's always wanted.

Learn more at on her Goodreads page. Go to https://www.goodreads.com/ and type JPC Allen in the search box or check out the direct link below: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18623122.J_P_C_Allen

Next week, we’ll look at what Jesus says about praying alone. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, #Praying Like Jesus: When Temptation Comes, focuses on prayer, being addicted to approval, and forgiveness. #ChristianPodcast

Links:

Six Powerful Steps Toward Truly Forgiving Someone

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying Like Jesus: When Temptation Comes

 

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/Ss7gdRbC-mw

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: The Lord’s Prayer, focuses on the most repeated prayer of Jesus, delivered during the Sermon on the Mount.

Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: The Lord’s Prayer

Jesus delivered what many consider to be his most memorable teachings during the Sermon on the Mount.  He sat on a mountainside and began his teaching with the Beatitudes, a series of eight blessings, and concluded with his thoughts on listening to and following His teachings. He compares someone who listens as wise and building a house on solid rock and those who don’t to someone who builds on sand. Matthew, chapters five through seven, are filled with wisdom and encouragement from Jesus.

He also spoke of prayer. The Lord’s Prayer is repeated in churches, on ball fields, in hospitals, in war zones, and everywhere in between. Only five verses long, the beautiful language is filled with nuggets of truth and is simple enough for a child to understand.

Here is the New King James Version:

“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6: 9-13

Jesus is teaching the disciples, the crowd, and ultimately me and you, the model of prayer. What can we learn from these five verses?

We pray to God, the Father, and recognize that His name is holy.

We ask for the kingdom and His will to be established on earth as it already is in heaven.

We ask for our daily needs.

We ask for God to forgive our debts or sins, and we make sure to forgive people who sin against us or our family.

We ask to be delivered from evil and not to be led into temptation.

We praise and worship the Father, acknowledging everything is His and He deserves all glory.

We end the prayer with the word amen or so be it.

Wow. Jesus showed us how to communicate with the Almighty God.

Basically, we recognize who we pray to, ask for His will, and our needs, to receive and offer forgiveness, and deliverance from evil, and end by praising the One who made all things. We put the prayer in our own words, fleshing out our understanding of God, our needs, and giving glory to Him.

It reminds me of dancing. We follow basic steps, but add who we are, our understanding, and make it our own.  A wonderful analogy of the most important part of our day.

And if this wasn’t awesome enough, let’s look back to verse eight. “For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” Father God already knows what we need. He could just go ahead and meet our needs with no conversation at all. But instead, He gives us the privilege of speaking to Him and listening for those gentle whispers of love.

Let’s pray: Father God, we recognize who you are, the Holy One, and ask for your kingdom to be displayed here on earth. Let your will and ways be done and please meet our needs every day. We love You and ask that you forgive our sins and help us to forgive others, for sometimes it is very hard. Don’t lead us into temptation and save us from evil. For you are marvelous and glorious and worthy of all praise. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

I want this simple and profound prayer Jesus taught to be part of my prayer life. Don’t you?

Today’s featured author is Terri Wangard, the author of Roll Back the Clouds, a historical novel. Geoff and Rosaleen Bonnard sail aboard the fabled Lusitania. When a German submarine hurtles a torpedo into the grand ship, Rosaleen makes it into a lifeboat, but where is her husband? Rosaleen sinks into depression, haunted by the battered faces of dead babies. Her happy life seems out of reach.  Learn more at http://www.terriwangard.com.

Next week, we’ll focus on praying when we’re tempted. Until then, stay determined to dance…

 

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, #Praying Like Jesus: The Lord’s Prayer, focuses on the most repeated prayer of Jesus, delivered during the Sermon on the Mount. #Faith

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying Like Jesus: The Lord’s Prayer

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/yG-Y9bWlCw8

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: Mature Believers, focuses on how to pray for people who have been long in the service of God.

Show Notes: Praying for Others: Mature Believers

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve focused on praying for non-believers in Jesus and those believers fairly new to the kingdom of God. But what about the more experienced believer? Who exactly is a mature believer?

Maybe an eighty-year-old man who has studied the Word, and prayed and ministered in a local congregation from his youth. Or a young mother who prays with her children and teaches Sunday School. How about a young married couple who read the Bible together and are training to be missionaries?

All of the people above could be mature Christians. Now I don’t consider new Christians immature. They are young in the Lord and should focus on learning the basics of the Christian life, the art of prayer, repentance, faith, and connecting with a church and other believers. Hebrews 6:1-3 says in the New Living Translation: “So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely, we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.”

Paul is admonishing followers of God who are stuck in the basics, either too afraid, lazy, or passive to make Jesus not only the Savior but Lord over every part of their life. Philippians 3: 12-15a says “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things…” NLT

Paul admits he will never be perfect, complete, or reach full maturity here on earth. But he lets us know that the spiritually mature are forever moving forward, giving the past to God, and looking with anticipation to the future. The spiritually mature want to finish the race or follow God’s leading throughout their life, whether it’s ministering, raising a family, resting, or praying for those around them. They seek the heart of God and like Jesus, do what they see the Father doing. (John 5:19)

Now that we have a definition of a mature believer, how do we pray for one who has learned the basics and is following hard after the heart of God?

We pray for strength, stamina, and God’s anointing. Mature believers often do a lot of ministry work in churches or in the community. Relying on God’s strength, energy, and power is crucial.

We pray for a close relationship with Christ and discernment. Mature believers often pray as a ministry to the church or community and need to know God’s heart and His direction as they lift others to Him.

We pray for wisdom. Mature believers can have the opportunity to mentor younger Christians and need knowledge of the Word and the ability to share wise counsel.

We pray for their physical and emotional health. Mature believers can be an encouragement to the church but older mature Christians especially can suffer physically and, in their emotions, as they age.

We also need to pray because sometimes, as one matures in the Lord, we can be tempted to turn in the opposite direction and:

Try to control or be the boss in our church or the community.

Participate in gossip and put down others that don’t agree with us.

Try to manipulate younger Christians.

Be a detriment instead of a blessing to the church.

The key is to love God and your neighbor, walk as closely as you can to Jesus, and stay in His Word, following its dictates and promises. We model our lives after Jesus, the One who makes it possible for us to mature in His will and ways. Ephesians 5: 1-2 says: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

My granddaughter is learning ballroom dancing and while she is by no means a mature dancer, she is working hard on the basics and following her instructor’s advice closely. If she keeps on the dancing path, one day she’ll amaze us all with her spins and twirls. I’m amazed every day by the fact that God called me to dance with Him as His child. I feel like I stand on His feet and He leads me in the graceful waltz called life.

Let’s pray: Father God, thank you for the mature believers in the church, no matter what their physical age. Bless them with strength, stamina, anointing, wisdom, discernment, good health, and a vibrant walk with You. Strengthen their prayer and Bible study time. Give them hope every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Take time this week to encourage a ministry worker or older Christian.

Today’s featured author is Rosemary Althoff, author of the Christian science fiction novels The Hot Marble and The Cave Chamber in the “Soul’s Warfare” series. A brilliant young physicist finds his beliefs—and his very life—challenged when a hot marble flings him into a plot to conquer two planets … including Earth. Lewis finds his true love, but his jealous best friend betrays him, and he must face the ultimate sacrifice when enemies threaten his younger brother and sister. Learn more at rosemaryalthoff.wordpress.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next week, we’ll focus on The Lord’s Prayer. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, #Praying for Others: Mature Believers, focuses on how to pray for people who have been long in the service of God. #faith #Christianpodcast

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying for Others: Mature Believers

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/cWLm6z42Gk8

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: New Believers, focuses on how to pray for people who have recently accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Show Notes: Praying for Others: New Believers

Last week, we discussed praying for people who didn’t believe in Jesus and those prayers are more important than we’ll ever know while here on the earth. But what about new believers? People who’ve just given their hearts and lives to the One who died on the cross for them. I remember the time I realized that I needed a Savior, someone to take my sin and cleanse my mind, emotions, and will. I was a child but still needed Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of my life. It’s the most important decision I have ever made.

Shouldn’t giving our lives to Jesus make everything perfect? Why should we pray for new believers? The most crucial time for a new Christian is at the beginning. The devil fights hard to pull them back into old habits and ways. He tries to plant fear and disbelief in a new believer’s mind, causing them to doubt their salvation. Specific ways to pray for recent converts include:

For support-that new Christians will find encouragement in the Word, through church and ministries, and through other believers.

For positive influences and against negative ones-pray that these new believers will be aware of the people in their lives. Those who point them to God and who point away from Him.

For the courage to share the gospel-they will not fear sharing their testimony of how they found God and what He means to them.

For the ability to minister-they can learn by watching other loving, mature believers and reading the Word and the way Jesus lived His life.

For growth- new believers won’t feel condemned and discouraged as they grow. They will learn about the grace and mercy of God.

For peace-New Christians won’t live in fear of falling back into sin. When tempted, they’ll pray, go to the Word, and find a safe believer to confide in.

Besides praying for new believers, we need to encourage every baby step they take, share the way God helped us when we first received Jesus, and listen to any fears or concerns, pointing them to Jesus constantly.

There are two other ways to pray I want to touch on specifically:

First, that a new believer will be able to conform to the image of Christ. We are called to be like Jesus. Philippians 2: 1-5 says in the New Living Translation: “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” We pray that new Christians can learn to be Christ-like through spending time praying and listening to God, reading and studying the Word, sitting under sound teaching and preaching, and listening to uplifting music.

Second, we can pray a new believer will know the will of God and how it pertains to their lives. You can see God’s will throughout the Word. Following the Ten Commandments is in his will. Also, loving God and our neighbors. Caring for widows and orphans. Repentance. Being a growing disciple of Christ. Believing. Having Faith. Showing the fruit of the spirit. Praying. All these things and much more are the will of God for everyone. Then there are gifts, talents, and direction given to each individual. Some people are called to full-time ministry. Many are called to be a witness at work, in the community, and at home. Some to be missionaries. Some share the word of the Lord through speaking platforms, podcasting, blogging, and writing. Some pray for countries, communities, and leaders.

New believers need our prayers, our encouragement, and our support. Will you reach out to a new believer today? Ask God to show you the best way to do that. I still remember my family and friends, Sunday school teachers, pastors, and youth leaders who helped point me to a deeper relationship with Jesus. I’m sure many of them prayed for me and I’m forever grateful. They encouraged me when I stepped out on God’s dance floor and took my first, faltering steps that led to Him.

Let’s pray: Father God, we thank you that you want no one to perish and you are drawing new Christians every day. Help us to pray for them, and encourage and support them as they embark on this wonderful journey with you. Place new Christians in our path so we can be a witness and encouragement to them. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Today’s featured author is Rosemary Althoff, author of the Christian science fiction novels The Hot Marble and The Cave Chamber in the “Soul’s Warfare” series. A brilliant young physicist finds his beliefs—and his very life—challenged when a hot marble flings him into a plot to conquer two planets … including Earth. Lewis finds his true love, but his jealous best friend betrays him, and he must face the ultimate sacrifice when enemies threaten his younger brother and sister. Learn more at rosemaryalthoff.wordpress.com

 

Next week, we’ll focus on praying for mature Christians. Until then, stay determined to dance…

 

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Praying for Others: New Believers, focuses on how to pray for people who have recently accepted #Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. #faith

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying for Others: New Believers

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw4rGuLs5IA

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: Non-Believers, focuses on how to pray for people who don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Show Notes: Praying for Others: Non-Believers

Do you have family or friends who do not believe in God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? I do also. Nothing should be more heart-breaking to a Christian than an unsaved person. The Bible says in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” In II Peter 3:9, he says: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

God sent His Son so people could believe in Him and have life eternal and He wants all people to repent and turn to Him. He has opened the door. The unbeliever needs to step through the doorway and then the angels rejoice. “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10

What can we do to reach out to people who do not believe?

We can live a godly life before others. People notice when we are different in the way we talk, act, think, dress, and react. Colossians 4:5 says: “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.”

We can talk about our relationship with Jesus, without being judgmental or using Christian jargon that is hard for a non-Christian to understand. Colossians 4:6 goes on to say: “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” The Holy Spirit will give us the right words if we only ask.

And we can pray.

Prayer is a vital piece to seeing people find God or receive salvation. I love that God gives all Christians, whether a new convert or one who has been in the kingdom for fifty years, the opportunity to plead for the lives and hearts of others through prayer. There’s nothing I want more than to see the dance floor of God filled to overflowing with people who’ve accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

What should we pray for people who don’t know Jesus?

Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to draw non-believers and convict them of their lostness and sin. He can soften their hearts and give people the faith to trust God.

Pray for non-believers to be brought into contact with the people of God. I pray for people in other states and countries who I cannot physically meet. But I believe God can and does place people to reach those we pray for.

Pray that non-believers will recognize God in nature. Romans 1:20 in the NLT says: “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.” All nature points to God and we can pray that eyes blind to Him will be drawn through everyday encounters.

My dear friend, Joyce, had attended church occasionally as a child and youth but made no commitment. As an adult, she turned from God and made her own way through the world. But her parents and others prayed, especially her mother. Joyce’s boys started attending a local church at times and during a birthday party, she met several parents who were Christians, one being me. We talked to her, tried our best to model a Christian life, and invited her to church. She would drop in at church and before long, at the age of forty-five, Joyce gave her heart to God. She’s had the joy of leading many to the One who changed her life. And it began with her parent’s prayers.

What joy there is in heaven when one sinner repents. What joy there is on earth when someone gives their life to Jesus; the Way, the Truth, the Life. Let’s begin today to pray for those who need Jesus. “Father God, we lift up our friends and family who don’t know Jesus to you. We ask that You draw them, convict them, and give them the faith to believe. Help us to model your life to those around us. Let nature draw those who have no access to your Word. We love You and thank You for Your patience as we pray through for others. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.”

We can pray for people and see them receive eternal life through faith.

Today’s featured author is Julie B Cosgrove, author of Hang On Every Word, a newly-released cozy mystery novel. Wanda Warner is delighted to design the wordplay puzzles in The Oakmont Gazette. But when the clues to her Hangman puzzle are used to coordinate robberies, some people in tiny Scrub Oak, Texas wonder if she's masterminding the thefts so she can "solve" them in order to bask in more glory. Learn more at WriteIntegrity.com.

Next week, we’ll focus on praying for new believers. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Praying for Others: Non-Believers, focuses on how to pray for people who don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ. #faith #podcast

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying for Others: Non-Believers

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/OpfuKKH_SCE