Category: Prayer Starters

Posted in Devotion, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Spirit, Wisdom

Wisdom & Understanding

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“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” Colossians 1:9

God is good. He has gifted us with prayer and His Spirit. Jesus taught His disciples that the Holy Spirit was an advocate whom the Father would send in His name, He would teach them all things and remind them of everything that Christ had told them. Here, Paul prays for the believers in Colossae to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will -through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. According to the writer of ourdailyverse.com, “filled with the knowledge of His will,” is a phrase that transcends mere understanding. It suggests a filling so complete that it overflows into every corner of our lives – guiding our actions, decisions, and interactions.

May the Spirit help us to not just know God’s will, but faithfully seek it – that we may “be so filled with His will that our lives become a testament to God’s wisdom and grace.” This daily walk of faith – this journey through life on earth is only possible with the Spirit – the One who empowers, guides, teaches, reminds, and makes known the will of God.

“Dear Lord, In the quiet of this morning, my heart seeks the depth of understanding that comes form You alone. Inspired by the wisdom of Colossians, I pray for an infusion of your spiritual insight into my life. May your will be the lens through which I view the world, guiding my steps in love and truth. — Teach me, Father, to navigate this day with a spirit attuned to Your voice. Help me to embody the grace and compassion that Jesus demonstrated, making each decision a reflection of Your love. In moments of uncertainty, grant me the clarity of Your wisdom, so that I may act with confidence in Your divine plan. — Strengthen my reslove to serve those around me to be a beacon of Your light in their lives. Let my words and actions today sow seeds of Your kingdom, cultivating a harvest of righteousness and peace. In the precious name of Jesus, I commit this day to You. – Amen.” (borrowed from Ourdailyverse.com / 2.12.24)

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Wait for the LORD

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… Apart from Me you can do nothing (John 14:5b)

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

God is good to comfort and sustain His people day after day. I learned many years ago that I cannot do this life without Him, and I am reminded of this truth daily. This making of life-altering decisions for my mom when I know she doesn’t want to do it … this selling of her house – when I can’t see the end of the road … this walking by faith and not by sight demands fixing my eyes on God, His promises, the comfort and hope we find in His Word, and the life-giving strength we find in Christ our Savior.

I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in His words I put my hope. Psalm 130:5 ESV

When I remember Paul’s words to the Corinthians, I am encouraged that even when we are pressed in on every side by troubles – we are not crushed or when we are perplexed – we don’t have to be driven to despair. There is also great hope in knowing that when we are hunted down by the enemy or the fears that pursue us – we are never abandoned by God, and there is strength in knowing that while we may get knocked down, we are not destroyed – for God is on our side. – and when God is with us, nothing and no one can stand against us!

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT

Whether it is a day of life-altering decisions – like moving your parent out of their home or simply getting up and going to work … whether you’ve just lost your job or received a devastating diagnosis from your doctor … whatever your day holds, remember to watch in HOPE for the LORD and wait expectantly for God your Savior – for He is always with us, strengthening – comforting – guiding – providing – loving – and holding us up with His victorious right hand.

As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.

Micah 7:7 NLT

May we say with the Psalmist:

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27:13-14 CSB

Father, thank You for the faithfulness of Your Word – I truly find blessed assurance in knowing that Your promises are yes and amen in Jesus Christ, my Savior, who conquered the powers of sin and the “dark and dread of this world”! The dread of aging and health problems that render us or our loved ones in difficult and troublesome situations – the fear of the unknown bids me to cry out for Your mercies, Your strength, and joy and abiding peace that Christ came to give. I trust in You – may I overflow with the peace and power of Your Holy Spirit – Amen, in Jesus’ name – amen! Whether it is a day of life-altering decisions – like moving your parent out of their home or simply getting up and going to work … whether you’ve just lost your job or received a devastating diagnosis from your doctor … whatever your day holds, remember to watch in HOPE for the LORD and wait expectantly for God your Savior – for He is always with us, strengthening – comforting – guiding – providing – loving – and holding us up with His victorious right hand.

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Trusting In His Goodness and Help

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My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of Heaven and earth. Psalm121:2

There is a bend in the river at the end of the road where I live. It is a beautiful and calming sight to me when I leave home for the day and again when I return. However, when such a bend appears in my life – and I cannot see around it or through its murky waters there is not calm but doubt and fear that meet my eyes and plague my mind.

On yet another morning of realizing my need of the Father’s comfort, peace, and clarity – He met me early with these words of King David, perfect comfort and encouragement for the life choice before me now about where mom will live, a choice weighed down with its fears and doubts. One minute the path seems clear and certain and the next I’m trying to see around the river’s bend – and when I can’t – doubts come and the storm waters surge and rise around me. The ebb and flow are tiring – I’m growing frustrated with myself – but I keep moving forward believing that God opened this door, that for nearly a year I prayed He would open – “if it was His will and when it was His perfect time for my mom”.

When I think I’m going under
Part the waters, Lord
When I feel the waves around me
Calm the sea
When I cry for help, oh, hear me Lord
And hold out Your hand
Touch my life
Still the raging storm in me

Selah / Part the Waters Lord

I remember not just the prayer that I prayed -but the assurance or our faith and prayers in Jesus’ name that we find in 1 John 5:14-15,… “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him..” Believing God answers the prayers of His people – I fight the “what if” questions and I press forward through the open door. I seek His face, His strength, His guidance and His peace. I seek God’s help in every way – for I know as the Psalmist did: “My help comes from God, the Maker of Heaven and earth – the One who sees and knows and cares and stays forever with me. He is the God who loves not just me but my mother. He alone sees around the river’s bend, the beginning and the end, and He alone is my trustworthy provider and protecter, my reliable wisdom and guide. He is my hope in the surging waters of doubts and fears.

For I have tasted and seen the goodness of my God and I choose to trust in Him – today and always! 🦋

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Thanksgiving

The Habit of Thanksgiving

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And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Eph. 5:20

The following is shared from a facebook post by Ann Voskamp on November 15, 2023. Ann is a joy to read and listen to. She is a catalyst of knowing, loving, and worshiping God. She plants seeds and nurtures them and today’s post is a beautiful example – Read each line, read them slow and let them soak in to the crevices of your heart, soul, and mind – and be prepared for joy to abound and thanksgiving to pour forth and become a habit that changes your life and touches the lives of those around you. I praise God for introducing her to me and for how He has used her to grow my faith and ignite a life of gratitude within me. I pray that she will be a blessing to you as well. – Me, from the insideout – 🦋

“As long as thanks to God is possible — then Joy in God is always possible.

But you better believe it: There’s a force in this world that does not want any of us to live in real joy.

Because Joy is dangerous — it’s igniting and contagious and otherworldly and it wins the war against the dark.

Joy isn’t Pollyanna– joy is revolutionary: Joy goes straight against the way the darkness spins.

Joy isn’t the optional feature of the Christian life. Joy is the operative feature of the Christian life –

Joy is a function of gratitude — and gratitude is a function of perspective.

So how do we see, how do we get and keep the perspective to see that there are gifts everywhere to be grateful for?

You trains your eyes to see gifts.

You make thanksgiving your life habit.

So we have got to pick up a pen & wield it like a sword & write down what we’re thankful for, & count gifts & fight this fight for joy because this is the thing:

Our God asks us to give thanks in everything —

because He knows this is the only way to live through *anything.*”

Response of Prayer

Father, thank You for the power of giving thanks and for the joy it ignites in us – a joy that is a force against the enemy and a contagion that spreads among Your people and brings You glory, praise, and honor! Thank You for Your servant, Ann. Thank You for the way You use her to touch and empower others with Your Word. Thank You for what she has taught me about giving thanks and how I have seen it change the way I think and respond and live. Use this post as a catalyst to ignite thanksgiving in the lives of those that read it – that You might be praised and the world around us might be impacted with life-long habits of thanksgiving and joy that flows from the gratitude. Train our eyes to see the gifts of Your grace and to respond with resounding praise! In and through the name of Jesus ❣ I pray – Amen!

Going Further in the Journey

Check out Ann’s book: “One Thousand Gifts” @ https://annvoskamp.com/onethousandgifts/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Thanksgiving

A Promise of Hope

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It’s Tuesday friends and one day closer to the Thanksgiving Holiday and some time off with family and friends. If you’re like my daughters and are already enjoying a nice week-long break – I pray it is off to a good start. 🙂 Our new advent study, The Promised Messiah, begins next Monday (Nov.27) but for now let’s continue through our journey of Scriptures that prompt praise and worship for all God is and does.

 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Romans 8:28
What is the promise?

The promise is, for those who are saved, all things will indeed work together for good. “All things” should be taken to mean each and every circumstance one might experience, even pain or suffering. “Work,” or “work together,” must be understood in light of God taking action in the world. He is the one who causes all things to work together or, perhaps, works in and through all circumstances toward a specific end. What is that end? “Good.”

Bibleref.com

From Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers to Jesus hanging on the cross for our sins this truth/promise brings us hope as it is played out in the lives of those who came before us and certainly in our own trouble or regrets. Is there anything in your past that you would do over if you could. Are there decisions you made then that have adversely affected your now? Take some time right now to remember or grasp hold of the truth from this verse of promise and hope – perhaps for the very first time. I used to think it said, “And we know all things work together for good…” and I remember the day and the place when I realized what it really said/meant: “…God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Mistakes, regrets, things you had no control over, hurts, betrayal … these will surface in our minds from time to time – the enemy uses them as arrows but this powerful truth will combat them.

We must be careful to keep these words in the context Paul intended – and that was to bring hope to those believers who were struggling or suffering in life. He wanted them to remember that God is good and He is in perfect control on behalf of His children and according to His purpose, which by the way is perfect. Take hope in the encouragement that Paul’s words offer to those who belong to God – and trust that He truly has been and is continually working all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.đź’ś

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

Joseph, to his brothers – Genesis 50:20
Your Turn

What about today’s verse, Romans 8:28, makes you thankful?
Is there a way you have seen its truth played out in your life? – If so give thanks!

Will you take a minute and share your response(s) in the comment section –
It may be just the encouragement that someone else needs and for certain it will bring God glory.

Worship Through Music

I do not own the rights to this music nor do I use it for any profit or gain –

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, God is good, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Thanksgiving

Asking for Help

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Happy Monday Friends! Let’s look to the Lord for the help we need todayđź’ś For we know that God will hear us when we pray and we can be confident that just as He saved us from our sins He will rescue us from our troubles or walk with us through them.

Today’s Verse comes from Micah 7:7 which says:

I

It seems like everyday (sometimes every hour or minute) has something that we need help with – something we are crying out to God for. Whether it is health … provision … wisdom … strength … peace … or a myriad of other needs that arise – God is able. Whether it is us or someone else we know that is in need, God tells us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us, (1 Peter 5:7). From the least to the greatest of the cares He has invited us to bring them all to Him. So what is it you need to look to God for today? He’s ready and always listening – so let Him know and then wait confidently for His help.

  • What about this verse can you thank God for today?
  • How can I pray for you? Share a request in the comments or private message me at my email or facebook account –
    • mryelnb@aol.com (please put prayer in the subject line
    • @facebook/ MaryEllen Black
  • How have you seen God answer recently? Give Him praise and let it be a reminder that you can trust Him and a catalyst to continue looking to Him for help.

You are loved and prayed for đź’•đź’ś

-Me from the insideout 🦋

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Blessing of Friendship

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A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

When I was growing up, my family was extended by six or seven other families that we fondly called ‘aunts and uncles’. They were close friends of my parents. The friendships were formed in school and stuck throughout the years. Those still living are friends to this day, and it is a blessing to watch as these 80-somethings continue to do life together and face death with one another. Solomon describes This type of friend in today’s verse; of course, the ultimate example of this friend is Jesus – who promised never to leave or forsake us, and it is the kind of friend we are to be. These earthly friendships are a rare treasure for sure – I have been blessed with several, and I count them as rich blessings. đź’•đź’ś I pray, first and foremost, that each of you know the wonderful friendship of Jesus – there is none greater! However, I also pray for each of you to know the rich blessing of a true friend here on earth – and encourage you to be that friend to someone. If you do not know such a friendship – pray to the Father in heaven that He might grace you with one soon.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” John 5:14

How would you express your gratitude for the friends God has given you?

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Thankful for the Day

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This is the day the Lord has made.
    We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Some days are exciting from the moment you wake up. You’re excited about the planned adventure, the day off work, or expected company. Some days are just regular get up and go kind of days. Then there are the days full of challenges from the time you open your eyes – right? On those days, I often find myself singing or reciting this verse over and over. I find it an uplifting reminder that I can still rejoice despite the challenges because God made the day – which in turn reminds me that He has a purpose for it and me. It takes my eyes off the challenges and places them squarely on Him, His goodness to give me life and breath, His promise to direct my path, His call on believers to count it all joy when troubles come our way and the hope that comes from knowing if He can make the day He can certainly help me through it. I should note that this verse is a good way to start every day – I just find the Spirit brings it to mind most often on the more challenging/difficult days.

Your Turn:

I also find that it is a rather easy verse to memorize – give it a try. I promise it will be a blessing.

Name something about this day for which you are thankful.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Prayer

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Scripture: Psalm 5:3

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
    Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 5:3

I wonder sometimes if we truly realize the blessing and utter privilege of prayer. Think about it, the God who created the universe and holds it all in place. – the One who gave His only son to die for sinful, wretched humans and then raised Him from the dead – not only invites us to pray but hears and answers when we do. The psalmist was so certain of this truth that he waited expectantly for the answer. Do you?

Your Turn

Share something about prayer that you are thankful for.

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Benefit of Praise

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Scripture: In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Give thanks.” God’s Word is full of this phrase from the Old Testament to the New. From Joseph’s attitude of gratitude in Genesis to the words of the twenty-four elders who fell down in worship in John’s Revelation, saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who always was, for now you have assumed your great power and have begun to reign.” These examples and all of the others we find between them are not just words on a page. They are there to teach us and to remind us that God is worthy of our praise – those that flow from a truly thankful heart. Such gratitude can’t help but flow forth from heart and tongue when we truly realize the good and perfect gifts that flow from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Thankfulness keeps our hearts in right relationship to the Giver of all good gifts.

Gotquestions.org

Giving thanks to God isn’t for God’s glory alone – but it is a benefit for us as well, as God uses our acknowledgment of gratitude and our words of thanksgiving to remind us that everything we have is from Him. Every good and perfect gift, every awareness of Him acting on our behalf, keeps us centered on Him rather than on self and any problems or fears we might know.

Giving thanks also reminds us of how much we do have. Human beings are prone to covetousness. We tend to focus on what we don’t have. By giving thanks continually we are reminded of how much we do have. When we focus on blessings rather than wants, we are happier. When we start thanking God for the things we usually take for granted, our perspective changes. We realize that we could not even exist without the merciful blessings of God.

gotquestions.org
Let’s Apply It

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and as an encouragement to others and glory to God please share one thing, here in the comment section, that you are thankful for today. Then at home grab a journal or make a note on your phone and write down as many gifts from above that you notice throughout the day. I promise you will feel better and others will be blessed – it’s a win-win!

Worship through song: Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart is one of my favorites. You can find it on youtube

Prayer of Response to God’s Word

Father, You are beyond worthy of our praise and honor. You are worthy of our thanksgiving, worthy of our acknowledging all that you do and have done for us. Forgive us where we get caught up in our days and thoughts and ways and fail to thank You for Your acts of mercy, love, and grace – or for Your gifts of peace, and strength, and protection or provisions. We are most blessed and should faithfully tell You so. Open our eyes to see all Your fingerprints through any given day of our life. – In Jesus’ Name amen.