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, Praying for Others: The Local Church, focuses on how to pray for the churches around the community.

Show Notes: Praying for Others: The Local Church

I drove my granddaughter to dance lessons yesterday. She’s taking ballroom dancing and it was my first time seeing her practice with the instructor. They’re working on three dances: the foxtrot, tango, and rumba. Basic steps are involved. The way she walks and glides is more important than I realized. She enjoys the practice but isn’t quite ready for “Dancing with the Stars.”

The evening reminded me of the local church. Two or three people gathered in the name of Jesus. They meet in brick buildings, storefronts, and houses and offer a variety of ways to worship and learn about the God of the universe. You probably have several in your community. Each congregation can make a difference to the people around them, but like my granddaughter isn’t dancing on television yet, most aren’t fifty-thousand-member megachurches.

Instead, they are community-oriented, often with many members of the same family. From twenty to two hundred or so people, they can better the area around them by sharing the love of Christ. And it all starts with prayer.

The apostle Paul worked with churches scattered throughout Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. He encouraged, rebuked, exhorted, and prayed for each one. If you belong to a local body of believers, you need to pray for them. But you can also pray for other area churches that reach out to the lost, the hurting, and the broken.

In Ephesians 1:16-19, Paul mentions a prayer he is lifting up for the church in Ephesus. I like the simple language The Message Bible uses: “That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!”

Paul prays specifically:

For the people to know God with intelligence and discernment.

For the eyes or vision to be focused and clear.

The church will know its part in the community.

They’ll understand the wonderful way of life that comes from following Christ.

They’ll see His work in them as they trust Him.

What a wonderful prayer focus for the church. Each body of believers knows God intimately, their vision is clear and focused, and they follow Christ in trust as He works in them and through them. The community church, made up of men, women, youth, and children who live nearby, can touch lives, sharing acts of love and kindness to people who need to know there is a God in Heaven who cares and a church that does also.

We planted a community garden at The Bridge Christian Fellowship this year, the local church my husband and I attend. When you look at worldwide, often chaotic events around us, it seems like such a small way to reach out. But people have been blessed with fresh vegetables such as corn, okra, peas, squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Church members tilled, plowed, planted, hoed, and harvested food. A beautiful expression of love that reveals the heart of Jesus. Other churches in our community facilitate a clothing closet and canned food ministry. Some reach out to widows, orphans, local families, and schools.

Again, it starts with prayer. The church prays, and the members pray. We lift each other up because we’re on the same team. Here are a few ideas:

When you drive by a local congregation, pray for their leadership and members.

Pick two or three churches in your community and pray for them once a week.

Find ways to support outreaches of the churches around you.

Jesus intercedes for us at the right hand of God and we pass it on by interceding for those around us. Including the local church. And who knows? Maybe my granddaughter will be on “Dancing with the Stars” someday. And maybe the church you’re praying for will raise up the next Billy Graham or Mother Teresa or a missionary who inspires an unreached group of people. It’s time to start praying. Are you ready?

Father God, we love you and thank you for the community church. What a wonderful vessel to reach people with Your love. We pray that each church around us knows You and the vision you’ve given them. Help each congregation to follow You and trust Your plan and purpose for them. We want to be like You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

The local church can be a lifeline to those in need of God so let’s continue to pray.

Today’s featured authors are Shirley Crowder and Harriet E. Michael, authors of Glimpses of God: an autumn devotional for women. As Christ-followers, we experience spiritual seasons. Each spiritual season we experience is defined by certain features. This book is focused on autumn—both calendar and spiritual. During our spiritual autumns, we prepare for change and the possibility of difficult days ahead. It also represents abundance and blessings. Learn more at WriteIntegrity.com.

Next week, we’ll look at praying for people who don’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Praying for Others: The Local Church, focuses on how to pray for the churches around the community. #church #podcast

Links:

 My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying for Others: The Local Church

Video of the week:

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

https://youtu.be/U_e3jB7tF8s

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: Authority in the Church and Ministries, looks at how prayer for church and ministry leaders is for the good of the body of Christ.

Show Notes: Praying for Others: Authority in the Church and Ministries.

“Power Through Prayer” by E.M. Bounds is the book I studied for this podcast. It’s a classic and I’d highly recommend it, especially if you’re a pastor or ministry leader. In Chapter 12 titled What God Would Have, Bounds quotes Jonathan Edwards, a respected theologian, and philosopher in the 1700s. Edwards said: “If some Christians that have been complaining of their ministers had said and acted less before men and had applied themselves with all their might to cry to God for their ministers—had as it were, risen and stormed heaven with their humble, fervent, and incessant prayer for them—they would have been much more in the way of success.”

The more I study prayer, the more I realize its importance in seeing the will of God enacted on earth. And we’ve been given the privilege to pray for men and women of God, who lead churches and ministries and are responsible, to some extent, for the condition of the Church.

What is the job of these leaders?

To pray.

To preach the Word.

To steward God’s resources.

To reprove, rebuke, and exhort.

To love.

We emulate Jesus, the head of the Church. He prayed, preached the Word, stewarded what God gave him, rebuked and encouraged people, and loved all.

Ephesians 4: 11-12 says “And He Himself (Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” NKJV

Jesus placed people as leaders to equip us to carry out the work of ministry and edify the Church. What a responsibility our leaders have. But what about the leaders who abuse people, steal money, or corrupt the work of the Lord? We’ve all heard or know of people who’ve dishonored the Church through word or deed. God is the ultimate judge and I believe in the law of sowing and reaping.

But the subject of today’s podcast is prayer. E. M. Bounds says “It is absolutely necessary for the preacher to pray. It is an absolute necessity that the preacher be prayed for…Gifts, talents, education, eloquence, God’s call, cannot abate the demand of prayer, but only intensify the necessity for the preacher to pray and to be prayed for.”

Since Jesus Himself placed people to equip and edify the Church, the need to lift these men and women to God in prayer is great and for the good of the Church. What can we pray for our church and ministry leaders?

Steadfastness-they won’t be discouraged by the battle.

Perseverance-they can draw strength from God.

Confidence-their trust is to be in Christ.

Encouragement-people will speak life to them.

Wisdom-they’ll look to God for understanding.

To stay the course of Scripture-they’ll read and meditate on God’s Word.

To be equipped-they’ll be endowed with what they need.

Protection-God will watch over them and their family.

Leaders of the body of Christ need grace, love, mercy, joy, and peace. They need to abound in the fruit of the Spirit. I Thessalonians 5:12 says “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.” NKJV

We can recognize them for all they do and respect them in love. I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give any church leader is to all get along. To be at peace with others in the Body. To love each other in spite of our differences and opinions.

We’re back to what Jonathan Edwards said: We need to complain less about our leaders and churches and ministries and pray more. Humbly, fervently, continually. Jesus intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. It’s time to intercede for our leaders and make a difference in the Church.

Prayer is a part of being on the dance floor of God. Many years ago, a teacher at my church spoke poorly of me to many people because I backed the pastor and he didn’t. It hurt horribly and I went to God to complain and whine. God spoke to my heart and told me not to answer back in any way but to pray for the church and pastor. I did and within weeks, that teacher left the church. I pray that this person was able to reconcile with God. My only job was to pray. Not to defend or criticize.

Not every incident will be settled quickly and without chaos but God remains with us no matter what. He gently leads us along, the greatest dance partner we could ever ask for.

Let’s pray: Father God, we pray for our leaders in the church and ministries. Protect them and their families from harm. Give them what they need to minister for You. Help them to realize the importance of prayer. Encourage each man and woman who steps out to serve you and give them joy and peace. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Praying for our leaders builds up the Church. Take time today to encourage someone you know who leads. Call, text, or send a card. They’ll be glad you did.

Today’s featured product is Don't Miss the Bus, a family-friendly, educational board game, designed for ages 7 and up. The bus leaves in 45 minutes. You must reach the bus stop in time before the bus leaves. Can you avoid the time-distracting obstacles and make it to the bus stop on time? The object is not to reach the bus stop first, but to make it on time. Learn more at www.southgamez.com. (Facebook) That's southgamez.

Next week, we’ll talk about praying for the local body of believers. Until then, stay determined to dance.

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Praying for Others: Authority in the Church and Ministries looks at how prayer for church and ministry leaders is for the good of the body of Christ. #ChristianPodcast #faith

Links

10 Powerful Prayers for Pastors and Leaders

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Daily 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/ZLN-TYJJ_9Q

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: Those in Authority, looks at how prayer for leaders is essential for the kingdom of God.

Show Notes: Praying for Others: Those in Authority

We have reached a time in history when we need to pray for people in leadership positions as never before. Strong and courageous authority figures, who are willing to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, are needed as we move closer to the end of the ages. But do we complain about the leaders around us? Or do we pray for them?

First, it must be understood that God created everything and He alone holds it all together. God never shakes his head in fear or wonders about the people who lead. Every person has a purpose and plan from Father God and even if they turn from Him and His ways, He can work all things for good. We’ve been called onto the dance floor of life to flow with God, but He allows us the option to refuse. “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17 ESV

We may not always understand why leaders can be ineffective or greedy or even evil, but God’s ways and thoughts are above ours. We are to pray and believe.

We’ll focus on four types of leaders:

In families- which can include parents, grandparents, and guardians of children.

In business-owners, chief executive officers, managers, administration, shift leaders, and trainers.

In churches or ministries-pastors, teachers, evangelists, ministers, administration, small group leaders, and chief executive officers.

In government-kings, queens, presidents, senators, governors, representatives, ambassadors, prime ministers, chancellors, or mayors.

So many types of authorities around the world. Some kind, others cruel, many good, and many wicked. But God has a word regarding our prayer role when it comes to regular people and leaders.

I Timothy 2: 1-4 says: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” ESV

How do we pray?

We start with the phrase “all people.” No picking and choosing according to gender, race, position, or whether a person is what we consider good or evil. God will place a person or leader on our hearts and we pray. We can also lift any leaders in our country, church, business, or family to the Lord. God even tells us in verse one what kind of prayers: supplications or humble pleadings, prayers, intercession or standing in the gap, and thanksgiving. So, we plead, pray, intercede, and then are thankful that God hears.

When we pray for people sincerely, whether we agree with them or not, God changes us. Wow. Those we pray for have the choice to change but I don’t believe anyone can truly intercede for another and leave unchanged. God said it helps us to lead a peaceful and quiet life with dignity. And it is good and pleasing to Him. Why? Because He wants to see everyone saved and living in truth. Including us.

Specific prayers can include:

Following God closely or for salvation for the leader.

For health and well-being: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

That their conduct would be pure and above reproach.

For wisdom and discernment in their decision-making.

A good work ethic and the ability to persevere.

For a servant’s heart and attitude toward others.

To display the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We pray for the president and mothers. Kings, queens, and fathers. CEOs in business and pastors. With the rise in terrorism, disease, immoral living, and just plain chaos, leaders today need God’s wisdom and guidance every day, even every minute.

Let’s pray: Father God, we lift our leaders to you. Those in the family, business, church, ministry, and government. They all need You whether they know it or not. Save them, heal them, give them wisdom and a servant’s heart to serve others. Give us daily doses of Your love to help us with the people we lead. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

We are human and leaders can upset and aggravate us. But we are still called to pray. Sometimes, I have to ask God for the willingness to pray for those I don’t understand. He still hears my every word.

Today’s featured author is me, 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 focus specifically on those in authority in the church and ministries. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode, Praying for Others: Those in Authority looks at how prayer for leaders is essential for the kingdom of God. #prayer #leadership

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying for Others: Those in Authority

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/NaTxEF6kdAk

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: Pressing In, looks at how prayer can take new ground for the kingdom.

Show Notes: Praying for Others: Pressing In

Throughout this series of praying for others, I’ll refer to scriptures and also different books I use as resources. Today’s book about prayer is Penetrating the Darkness by Jack Hayford. The Hebrew word for intercession is pagah which means “to impinge, by accident or by violence.” The concept can include taking territory, pressing in, and praying through. Through prayer, we and those we lift up, can see the fullness of the boundaries that God intended for us to reach. We can be all and do all that God intends for us in His will. But not without prayer.

Intercession and prayer are not interchangeable words. Intercession is a dimension of prayer. When we intercede for others, we seek guidance from the Father about ourselves or another person and their needs. What does interceding for others do?

Intercession helps us align with the will of God. Jesus prays according to God’s will. We find His will by seeking Him through His Word and prayer. “Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8: 26-27

Intercession fights against the attacks of the enemy. When we or others struggle, we pray against the work of the enemy and his advancement into our world and to see the love, mercy, and grace of God. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

Intercession takes new ground for the kingdom. We pray to see people brought to Jesus through salvation, experience a deeper relationship, and push the enemy back. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

Intercession places us to respond to the unexpected. We can be at the right place and time to pray if we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26

One evening, I was returning home after taking my granddaughter to the doctor. As I drove through town, I had an overwhelming sense to drive slower. My speed was normal and there were no cars close to me but it was such a strong nudge that I did just that. Right before I reached the next intersection, another car ran a red light and three cars collided. I was able to swerve past the accident, keeping me and my granddaughter safe. If I would have kept my normal speed, we would have been in the middle of the wreck. It also placed me where I could immediately pray for help to arrive timely for the people involved, peace and comfort in the chaos, and healing for those hurt.

This isn’t an example of an overwhelming miracle just for me. God speaks to all of us softly every day to aid us in life and place us to help others. I don’t always take the time or limit distractions so I can hear His gentle voice, but I’m so glad I did that day.

Jesus pressed in to accomplish the will of God through intercession. A most beloved part of the Bible, Isaiah 53: 5; 11-12 says: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed … He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge, My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Jesus poured out His soul, bore our sins, and prayed for us while we were sinners. What a wonderful Savior we serve. And we have the privilege to pray for others and be more like Him. He sacrificed for us and we can do the same. We can sacrifice time to spend in prayer, immerse ourselves in His Word, and seek His will when we intercede.

We press in until we pray through. I prayed for the salvation of my husband for years until I felt a release to pray in other areas for him. It was several more years before I saw the fruit of prayer by myself and others but now he is one of the most active members of our church and goes out of his way daily to help others. We’ve even been on a mission trip together.

As I’ve grown older, my prayer is now that the people I intercede for will experience salvation and healing, or see their needs met whether I live to see it or not. I want to remain faithful until the end. And I know you do to. We’ll dance with God in His will and His ways, loving people through our actions and prayer.

Let’s pray: Father God, we thank you for showing us a deeper dimension in prayer. We want to pray like your Son did and does to this day. We seek Your will, fight the attacks of the enemy, take new ground, and respond to the unexpected in prayer. Help us to stand strong and firm in faith because You hear our every word we lift to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

The mighty power of prayer. Interceding while not giving up and not giving in. The people of God are pressing in to see God’s glory spread throughout the earth through intercession. A wonderful act of love. Next week, we’ll discuss how to pray for those in authority. Until then, stay determined to dance.

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Praying for Others: Pressing In, looks at how prayer can take new ground for the kingdom. #pray #faith

Links:

Penetrating the Darkness by Jack Hayford

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying for Others: Pressing In

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/johgSkNj3-A

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: A Gift, focuses on the most important act of love you can share with another.

Show Notes: Praying for Others: A Gift

Presents. Cards. Flowers. I love giving and receiving gifts. So, it’s no surprise that in Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages, the top way to say you love me is to give me a gift, followed closely by words of affirmation. But even if presents are not what you enjoy most, many people still like the time, effort, and thought that goes into gift-giving. It’s like dancing with a friend who has taken the time to figure out and then learn your favorite dance. What a wonderful surprise.

How is praying for others a gift? Intercession is the word used in the Bible to express praying for others. The New Testament shows that Jesus intercedes for us. “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:34

Our Savior and Creator of the universe prays for me. And you. We are so special to Him that His time and energy are focused on lifting us up to the Father. What higher calling could we have than to imitate Christ through prayer? In the book, The Power of Simple Prayer, Joyce Meyer mentions two distinctions when praying about people.

We pray for people.

We pray with people.

I’d not looked at intercession in that way, but it’s exactly what we do. We pray for people who, many times, will never know we did. We see or hear of people who don’t know God and we lift prayers for them to experience the same wonderful relationship that we have. We talk to God for people who are so overwhelmed or grieved, that they cannot utter a word. We give them a gift of love through prayer. Often, when people are very ill like many were with Covid, they are not able to pray. Through prayer, we take their hand and God’s hand and connect the two. Ezekiel says it best in chapter twenty-two, verse thirty-one: “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.” God looked then and seeks now for people to bridge the gap between Him and man. We can be that bridge.

Sometimes, we pray with others. We receive a phone call. A friend mentions someone who’s been in a car wreck, has a sick child, or needs to pass a test for a new job. We stop and pray with them. We lift their need to the Father and ask for His help, healing, and wisdom. Whether we are beside them, lifting up needs in agreement, or half a world away, we intercede on behalf of those who need our prayers. Needs in our community, state, nation, and world are endless, and what an honor it is to be able to bestow a gift of intercession to another.

Many years ago, we discovered my oldest child had a heart defect when she was in her early twenties. It hadn’t been detected before but when she became pregnant with our first grandchild, she started experiencing a racing pulse, shortness of breath, and other scary issues. After our granddaughter was born, we set a date for our daughter's heart surgery similar to an ablation to correct the problem. I was very anxious about her on the day of surgery and when the surgery went over the allotted time with no word from the surgical team, I became frantic and could not pray. It was all I could do to sit in the waiting room and not have a full-out panic attack. It was so important that people were praying when I couldn’t. People were in agreement for my child and my family. For me. We found out later that the first method the surgeon tried was unsuccessful due to the proximity of the problem and they had to try a different method. The second was successful and she came through the surgery with flying colors. I discovered when I couldn’t pray, Jesus did and other people did.

A true and comforting gift from friends and family. And there were probably people praying that didn’t know even my daughter, who only heard there was a need. And they filled the gap.

Will you step forward and take the challenge of praying for others? It will cost you time and energy but the rewards are great. Many times, we won’t know until we reach heaven what a difference we’ve made by simply expressing the needs of others to God. Looking back at Ezekiel 22: 30, the sad part of that verse was when he mentions that though God sought someone to stand in the gap, he found no one. We can be the ones to change a life today.

Let’s pray: Father God, our highest calling is to lift the needs of your people to you through intercession. Thank you for allowing us that honor. We pray first for our friends and family who don’t know you. Bring them into a relationship with You. We pray for their physical and emotional healing. We pray for financial needs and ask that you give us peace and comfort during these troubled times we live in. You are mighty and holy and enough. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Be like Jesus. Give a gift to another by spending time each day in intercessory prayer. Next week, we’ll discuss pressing in when praying for others is difficult. Until then, stay determined to dance.

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Praying for Others: A Gift, focuses on the most important act of love you can share with another. #praying #podcast

Links:

The Five Love Languages

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Praying for Others: A Gift

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/HcpeLDp0Foo

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, Daily Prayer: Peace of Mind, looks at how God longs to relieve us of our anxiety and worry and give us peace that passes understanding.

Show Notes: Daily Prayer: Peace of Mind

Peace of mind. Rest. Contentment. Three words that have eluded many of us since 2020. Or maybe even further back than that. I’ve grappled lately to find peace of mind because of a bunch of things that have added together to cause stress. We have ants in our house. Especially in my study where I create these podcasts. There’s no food in there so I don’t know what they want.  Have you noticed the price of gas? And everything else? I’ve also had a toothache that won’t quit. The dentist will probably have to pull the tooth. And there are so many tragedies happening to children and adults alike throughout the world.

I’d rather hide than go out on the dance floor. Just pull the covers over my head and stay inside. The problem is that does nothing to relieve the stress. The anxiety. The loss of peace. Peace is not found in hiding or a fabulous vacation or binge shopping or the perfect job. Peace is found in a person.

Jesus Christ. He alone gives peace and rest. Matthew 11: 28-30 says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

What a lovely, poetic word from the Savior of the world. What is Jesus saying to us?

Jesus calls for us to come to Him. He calls all who work hard, to the point of exhaustion, and are burdened by the cares of the world.

Jesus offers to give us rest. Rest in this verse means refreshed again. What a wonderful thought. We take His yoke and learn from Him. The key to rest is coming to Jesus and receiving from Him by faith.

Jesus is gentle and lowly of heart. He meets us where we are in our weary, stressed-out condition and offers rest. His meekness is controlled strength. He moves when the Father says to move and stays when He says to stay. We should do the same.

Jesus’ yoke is easy and His burden light. We follow Jesus, walking or maybe dancing in his steps, staying close, and being submissive to His will for our lives. He knows what we need even when we don’t have a clue.

Jesus is the true peace that is as essential to our lives as oxygen. Or food and water. A peace that passes understanding. I’ll never forget when my dad died and we gathered at the funeral home. We were all so devastated but at the visitation, I had the strongest sense of peace I’ve ever experienced. I don’t remember asking for it but Jesus saw my need and carried me through a difficult time in my life.

And He’ll do the same for you. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

And Romans 15:13 tells us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Daily prayer is for us. As we follow the example of Jesus, knowing God listens, we confess our sins, then thank, praise, and worship the God who cares and loves. Peace follows. The kind that lets us know that God will never leave us. Won’t you join me today and have a heart-to-heart with our mighty God?

Father God, we come to pour out our hearts to you today. Thank you that you listen and gave us an example in Your word and through Your Son of how to pray. Forgive us our sins and help us to forgive others. We praise you and worship your splendor and glory. We ask for Your peace to overflow us every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Take time to speak with God each day. You’ll be glad you did. Next week, we’ll start a new series on intercessory prayer.

Until then, stay determined to dance.

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance Podcast, Daily Prayer: Peace of Mind, looks at how God longs to relieve us of our anxiety and worry and give us #peace that passes understanding. #podcasting

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Daily Prayer: Peace of Mind

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/uW6xcmqfiY4

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, Daily Prayer: Thanksgiving, Praise, and Worship, centers on taking time to acknowledge and focus on God.

Show Notes: Daily Prayer: Thanksgiving, Praise, and Worship

I’ve been pleasantly surprised as I’ve studied the subject of daily prayer. I keep seeing the same thing. Daily prayer benefits me more than it does God. That sounds obvious since God is all-mighty and infinite in power. But I still need to translate that knowledge from my head to my heart. Daily prayer is part of the great dance with God. And daily prayer is for me.

When discussing daily prayer, we’ve seen that God gave His Son as an example, He listens and forgives our sins. And now we include giving thanks, praising, and worshiping God as we pray each day. Surely, this is all for God. And on the surface, it might seem so. God enjoys each time we take a moment to thank Him for something in our lives. Each time we praise the many wonders around us. And worship the greatness of who He is.

He loves it but giving God thanksgiving, praise, and worship still benefits us. How?

It strengthens our faith. When we’re reminded of how big God is, what He’s done in the past, and how much we need Him, we become stronger.

It shows our obedience. Hebrews 13: 15 says, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” The Bible points out in many verses that God rewards obedience.

It brings us peace. God sits in the midst of our praises, worship, and thanksgiving, enabling us to focus on Him and away from our trials and tribulations.

It defies Satan. There is nothing the devil hates worse than to see God’s children pressing in to seek the Father through worship, praise, and gratitude. So many of our trials and tribulations are the result of the devil’s work in this world and we can rejoice each time we press through and honor God, no matter what.

It helps keep the past from dragging us down. All of us can easily be pulled into regret, shame, and guilt from past actions. Turning to God and focusing on Him keeps us in the present, and away from memories and events that we can’t change.

And I’m sure there are many more benefits that we receive from seeking God. But what if we’re so overwhelmed by life that we don’t know where to start? How can we thank, praise, and worship when our mind, will, and emotions are buried by the problems of the day? When we’re just trying to survive and have lost the ability to dance.

I’ve been there. Survival mode is real and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Sometimes, I have to step away for a short time and focus on my needs, making sure I’m connected with friends that can help me see through the seemingly impenetrable forest of doubt, despair, and discouragement.

But how do we seek God in these moments? We realize that God hasn’t left the room, no matter what our feelings say. We ask for His help. We seek Him by faith.

We simplify.

We pray simple prayers. Whisper a two or three-sentence thank you when you first awake. “God, thank you that You are holding me during these struggles. You make a way where there is no way. I rest in Your promises.” Something to-the-point but meaningful to the Father.

We praise with simple songs. When life is crushing me, I hum or sing. Straightforward words like “God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He’s so good to me.” This song from my childhood means much to me. Also, for me, the hymn “Trust and Obey” and the worship song, “Jireh” often lift my heart during dark seasons.

We worship in simple ways. When overwhelmed, I might close my eyes and say, "I worship You, God. You are worthy of all worship.” I often look up and tell God I love Him.

It’s all by faith. Not faith in ourselves, but faith in Him. One look at Facebook or YouTube and you’ll find proud parents showing how their babies are stumbling their way across the floor for the first time, riding a bike a short distance, or saying “Mama or Dada.” God is a proud Father and I try to remember that He is excited every time I seek Him, whether in extravagant ways or simple ways. He loves me just as I am.

Just start. A simple prayer, thanksgiving, and worship to a loving God will eventually lead to breaking through the heaviness, and peace and joy will come. God has never failed me even when I stumble and He won’t fail you either.

Let’s pray: Father God, thank you for this day, and all the physical blessings in our lives. We praise You for being beside us every moment. We worship You because You are worthy and love us as no one else can. Build our faith and shatter the darkness that tries to blind us from Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Matthew 7:7-11 is the perfect way to end this episode. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Next week, we’ll look deeper into ways that daily prayer gives us peace of mind. Until then, stay determined to dance.

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance #Podcast features Daily Prayer: Thanksgiving, Praise, and Worship, and centers on taking time to acknowledge and focus on God. #TuesdayThoughts #faith

Links:

Survival Mode Isn't the Best Way to Live.

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Daily 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/6_52iPLuWHs

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, Daily Prayer: We Confess, focuses on bringing our failures, sin, and shortcomings to God.

Show Notes: Daily Prayer: We Confess

Confession. First, I want you to know that I hear you. The topic of sin again? We discussed this in April during the Prayerful Situations series. Wasn’t that enough?

I totally agree. I don’t enjoy the sin that so easily besets me or having to confess, apologize, or swallow my pride.

However, since we’re discussing praying daily, we need to stop here and dwell a moment. I mean, Jesus included sin when He taught us to pray the Lord’s prayer. That makes it vital to understand.

He said “Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:9-13 NLT

In the 1828 Webster’s dictionary, sin is the voluntary departure of a moral agent from a known rule of rectitude or duty, prescribed by God; any voluntary transgression of the divine law, or violation of a divine command; a wicked act; iniquity.

Ouch. The word that stood out to me is voluntary. Nobody makes me sin. When I do, it’s a departure from God. I move away from Him. The other word that caught my attention was wicked, which means to turn, depart, fall away.

Jesus points out the solution:

We need to ask the Father for the forgiveness of our sins.

We need to forgive others when they trespass or sin against us.

Sin happens every day. Either by us or against us. Just yesterday, I got angry during a discussion with another person. Now the Bible says to be angry and sin not. It depends on what we do with the anger if we move into sin. I should have let it go. But I meditated on it, and it led me to feel bitter and hateful toward them. And proud that I wasn’t like that. I had my act together.

Or maybe not.

Time to bring my failures, shortcomings, and sin to the Father. I need to tell Him how I feel. That I’m upset and mad and bitter. He already knows so confession is really for me. It somehow lessens the pain and helps to bring what I’ve done into perspective. He cleanses my heart and once more I’m in right relationship with Him. Then I need to forgive the person who upset me. Romans 5:8 says, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

If God showed that much love and forgiveness before I even asked for it, how can I not forgive others? It’s not easy but God will give us the power to forgive if we ask.

How? People differ on ways and steps to forgiving others. I don’t think any are necessarily right or wrong. It really depends on the individual. Here are my thoughts. You can take them and tweak them to help you.

When I’m hurting, denial doesn’t help. I tend to excuse others or pretend I’m not bothered but the first step every time is to stop and admit I’m in pain over something said or done.

I ask God to make me willing to be willing to forgive. I tend to want justice or judgment right away so I need God to start by helping me be willing.

I then realize that damage has been done. The other person might or might not change. I accept where I am and know that no matter what, I can make right or wise choices concerning forgiveness. I need to decide if a discussion with them needs to take place.

Let go of the offense. This involves deciding whether to stay in a relationship with the person in the future. Sometimes, separation is better when there is a refusal to change. I picture myself physically handing a bundle of offense to God. I release it and know He is big enough to handle it.

Choose forgiveness and move on. I try to remember that forgiveness doesn’t always mean forgetting. If I choose to stay in a relationship with someone, I might have to repeat steps 3 and 4 often. Forgiveness is a choice we make. Trusting the person again has to be earned on their part.

After I followed these steps, my anger toward the person settled. I realized that I didn’t do and say everything right during our discussion. I wanted to remain in the relationship so I had to let go, choose forgiveness, and move on. This time, I felt no further discussion was needed. We were both okay.

Let’s pray: Father God, we come to You and ask for forgiveness of our sin. Whether it’s doing something wrong or not doing what is right, we repent. We want to be like You. Help us to change. We also choose to forgive those who hurt us. We don’t pretend it didn’t happen. Instead, we bring it to You. Give us wisdom concerning our relationships with others. Thank you that You are big enough to see us through. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

I want to forgive and be forgiven because I want to become more like Jesus every day. Next week, we’ll discuss why we thank, praise, and worship God daily.

Until then, stay determined to dance.

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance #podcast, Daily Prayer: We Confess, focuses on bringing our failures, sin, and shortcomings to God. #tuesdaythoughts

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Daily Prayer: We Confess

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/LuvfMDhTyMA

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, Daily Prayer: God Listens, looks at the privilege of praying to a God who hears our every word.

Show Notes: Prayerful Situations: Daily Prayer: God Listens

One of my favorite books in the Bible is Jeremiah. Yes, I know that’s odd because it’s the story of a prophet called to deliver a message to a people who didn’t want to hear it. Later, part of the Israelites would be taken captive to Babylon. The rest, along with Jeremiah, would remain under Babylonian control at home. The prophet continued to deliver a message that was widely ignored. What I enjoy so much about Jeremiah is the passion of the man. He seemed moody and melancholy (I can definitely relate) but still had a poetic and intriguing style of writing. Listen to Jeremiah 29:11-13:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” NKJV

The people ignore God but He hasn’t forgotten them. I’m sure at times Jeremiah wondered why God kept sending out the message. The king even took Jeremiah’s handwritten words, cut them into small pieces, and tossed them in the fire. But God still wooed. And called. And extended His hand. He still wanted them to join Him in the dance of life. But most of all, He listened.

I want to lift my chin and say, “I would have never acted that way if God listened to me.” The problem is, I already have. Many times. God says believe and I doubt. He says move and I hide. He says love and I don’t.

He loves me anyway.

Let’s take a closer look at these verses. What is God saying about prayer and listening to these stubborn people?

God is thinking of their peace.

God wants to give them a future and hope.

God is listening.

Wow. God has the Israelites on his mind and heart. And the Old Testament was given as an example for us. God is also thinking of our peace, and future, and gives hope while He listens. To us. What more could we ask for? Nothing. But these verses also point out what God wants.

He wants them to call on Him.

He wants them to pray to Him.

He wants them to seek Him with their whole heart.

And I believe He wants the same from you and me. Daily. No, we don’t have to join a monastery or move to a mountaintop. But we can call to or acknowledge God every day. We can take a moment to thank, praise, intercede, and ask Him for what is on our hearts. And the seeking. Not a half-hearted thought amongst all the busyness. Instead, we need God like the air we breathe.

When my dad was in his early thirties, he contracted a disease similar to Muscular Dystrophy. It left him paralyzed and in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He sought to disprove God during this difficult time in his life but found Him instead.

Dad spent the rest of his life seeking God. Daily. I remember him studying the Word for up to eight hours a day in the recliner or laying on the couch. My dad had more faith in God than anyone I’d ever met. He sought and God listened.

What’s so cool is God listens to me even though I don’t study for super long stretches of time. He meets me where I am and He’ll meet you where you are. The more time we spend with Him, the more we want to. His beauty and glory draw us and slowly, like a flower opening to the sun, we become like Him.

What a glorious thought. What a glorious God.

“So, all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into his glorious image.” II Corinthians 3:18 NLT

Let’s pray: Father God, thank you for listening to us. There is nothing more important than You spending time hearing our cries, our joys, our pain. Help us to steal away from our busyness to enjoy moments with You. What an incredible Father you are. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

As we seek God and are open to His will and ways, God listens. Next week, we’ll talk about the sin that so easily trips us up and how confession frees the heart and soul. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, Daily Prayer: God Listens, looks at the privilege of praying to a God who hears our every word. #faith #podcastlife

Links:

Story of the scroll written by Baruch (Jeremiah dictated) that the king destroyed.

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Daily Prayer: God Listens

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=myP9Mvs1sOk

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, Daily Prayer, focuses on why talking to God every day is in our best interest.

Show Notes: Daily Prayer

When I first considered a new topic after the Prayerful Situations series, the thought of daily prayer came to me. But then I almost changed my mind. I mean, I don’t sit down every day at the same spot or prayer closet and pour out my heart to God for a certain length of time. For me, there’s no preconceived place, time, or method. Maybe I should just let somebody more qualified tackle this topic.

But what is prayer again? Talking to God. And I do speak with Him every day, throughout my day. In the morning, I read a devotional, usually from my You Version Bible app or a devotional book. I ponder what I’ve read and express my thoughts to God. If I’m on social media or watching the news, I lift people, countries, and situations to the Father. When I’m driving, I often chat with God about my family and friends and their needs. During the day, I might feel conviction over a wrong thought or action and ask for forgiveness. Often, I ask for peace in the midst of the hustle and bustle of my day. So many different ways and times but all feel like I’m dancing on the ballroom floor, having a heart-to-heart with my dance partner.

For five episodes we’ll discuss daily prayer in-depth and cover why praying daily is in our best interest:

God asks us to and gave His Son as an example.

God listens when we pray for ourselves and others.

God forgives when we confess sin.

God enjoys our thanksgiving and worship.

God relieves our stress by giving us peace of mind.

Prayer is a privilege. Our relationship with God is strengthened as we communicate together. On July 3rd, my husband and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary. I’m absolutely amazed that two people as different as we are have survived and actually thrived after all this time. We often finish each other’s thoughts. We still argue and disagree at times but one thing that has helped us stay together is daily communication. I don’t think a day goes by when we don’t talk to each other in person, by phone, or by text. In the crazy busyness of an average day, we still try to find time to discuss ideas, exchange our schedules, and share any worries that might be dragging us down.

Why would we think God wouldn’t want the same? Romans 12: 9-13 is a great passage admonishing us to behave like Christians. Verse 12 says, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer…” We are to be continual and steadfast in prayer. Jesus was constantly in contact with His Father and only following where His Father led Him. John 5:19 states, “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.”

The only way Jesus could do nothing of Himself was to be in constant communication with God. And He was. We see Jesus rising early in the morning to commune with God. We see Him praying in the garden. He often prayed out loud like at the tomb of Lazarus so that the people around could hear. And he taught the disciples the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6: 9-13 saying at one point, to give us this day our daily bread.

And do you know what the most awesome thing about God wanting us to pray daily is? It’s for us. God already knows what is in our hearts before we pray. So, even though He delights in our words like a parent delights in their children, our interactions with Him are mainly for us. We can talk, cry, rant, praise, thank, worship, chat, and sometimes sit quietly with the Creator of the universe.

What a wondrous God we serve. Suddenly, we realize that His commands are actually promises. Ones that protect and embrace and heal. Like David in the Old Testament, we can say, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” I Chronicles 16:8-11 NKJV

And we can seek Him through daily prayer. God asks us to pray and sent His Son as an example. So let’s start right now: Father God, we are so humbled by the privilege you have given us to converse with You daily. We need to hear from You not only daily but minute by minute. You are so patient and loving as we bring our fears and our joys and lay them at Your feet. Thank you for hearing and loving us. Thank you for Your Son who set an example when it comes to praying. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Whenever I start to feel like I’m not doing the prayer thing right because of my method or time or words, I stop and remember: God has invited me to the dance floor of life to be with Him and to share my heart. He is enough, so I am enough.

Next week, we’ll look at the way God listens when we express our needs or others' needs to Him. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the #podcast Daily Prayer, focuses on why talking to God every day is in our best interest. #Prayer is a privilege. Our relationship with God is strengthened as we communicate together. #podcastlife

Links:

YouVersion Bible App

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Determined to Dance Podcast

Remember: Daily 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/ZyfUdwGBjtk