"Pray Then Like This..."

Every day isn't a "feel good, feel great" day. Some days are hard for no discernible reason. But if you praise GOD when it's hard, when you don't feel like it, when you feel sad or depressed or any other overwhelming emotion...HE will HIMSELF lift you up and give you a new and brighter perspective of yourself and life as a whole. It's not easy, but give GOD a sacrifice of praise...watch and see what HE'LL do with it. Amen 

Scripture References:

 Phillippians 4: 12-13 ESV

 Hebrews 13:15 ESV

 James 1:2-4 ESV

It's not easy being in or staying in faith sometimes. But it's still worth it. Even though it's hard. Even though people leave. Even when you're struggling with depression or despair. Or disappointment. It's still worth it. And JESUS understands. We have a high priest who can sympathize with our hearts. Keep trusting HIM. Keep seeking HIM. It'll be alright... 

Scripture References:

 Matthew 7:13-14 ESV

 Matthew 6:33 ESV

Look, up in the sky! It's a bird, it's a plane, no....It's a revelation I've been waiting to receive from GOD!!! Maybe not THAT dramatic but close. GOD is literally everywhere and is speaking ALL THE TIME!!! And in so many ways it would make your head spin....your part is to pay attention. If you need help with that, just ask!!! 

Scripture Reference: 

Matthew 6:33 ESV

Did GOD tell you that you were a pilot, father, mother, aunt, sister, or best friend? Did he tell you that you were strong and mighty, powerful even...able to conquer and overcome any and every circumstance that comes your way...Did HE tell you to go, and open a business or that you would become pregnant, even when NOTHING looks like it will actually happen or come to pass? Remember who TOLD YOU!!! Listen to who's saying it to you...it's your GOD, who loves you, created you, sees and knows intimately what HE put inside of you. It's not just anybody saying these things to you, so even when it's hard emotionally and mentally or even spiritually to believe, still agree with GOD. Amen 

Scripture Reference:

 Judges 6:12-14 ESV

There is Power, Power, Wonder working Power, in the Blood of the LAMB!!! Remember that song? Remember today that it's TRUE! Not just a song to sing along to, but the actual whole and total truth! YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD! Your Father is a KING!!! Stop skulking around like you're unloved, uncared for, or unknown...You are more than you know, can do more than you thought, and will be more than you've ever imagined you could be...Just BELIEVE HIM! Amen 

Scripture Reference:

 John 16:33 ESV

Are you on the usher board, deacon board, crafts committee, in charge of new membership at the church, feed the homeless on the weekends and every holiday, mentor the youth, over admin at the church, sing in the choir, on the prayer team, etc and etc and etc....When was the last time you had time or MADE time to sit at the feet of JESUS? Serving is great, and wonderful, admirable, and required. But, so is being with JESUS. Not doing all the things....But just BEING with HIM. Quietly, at HIS feet, soaking up HIS LOVE...AMEN 

Scripture Reference:

 Luke 10:38-42 ESV

It's not easy for a lot of us to tell the truth. It can be even harder to tell the truth in LOVE... Where do we begin? With JESUS.....HE knows how to teach us to become comfortable with the truth, not only hearing it but telling it. 

Scripture References:

 Ephesians 4:15 ESV

 John 8:32 ESV

What house should you buy? Where should you work? Is this the right girl/guy for me? What school should I put my kids in? Should I even put them in school? Should I homeschool? See all the questions that arise day in and day out? Inquire of the Lord! That just means ASK HIM!!! He knows everything we should be doing, He knows what's best for us in every situation, AND He knows us better than we know ourselves. ASK THE LORD!!! Amen 

Scripture References:

 Genesis 25:22-23 ESV

 2 Samuel 2:1 ESV

 Psalm 37:34 ESV

You failed. You fell down. You got tired and you made a mistake. You fell short. You succumbed to your temptation. GOD loves you anyway. GOD loves YOU still....Amen 

Scripture Reference: 

Romans 8:35-39 ESV

You ever look at your kids and wonder "What's gonna become of these kids!" You ever look at your life and think "How long LORD? Did I miss your visitation"? Or, "LORD, how long am I gonna struggle with THIS!?" We have ALL been there...but GOD is FAITHFUL!!! HE will NEVER leave us or forsake us!!! NEVER!!! It's not too late, HE didn't forget about you....HE'S not done with you yet. Be still, stay patient....Ask for patience and faith if you feel like you're losing it, but no matter what continue in TRUSTING GOD. HE'S not afraid of how you'll turn out cause HE already knows how the story ends, because HE wrote it.... 

Scripture References:

 Genesis 15:5 ESV

 Psalm 33:11 ESV