Christian growth · Prayer

How To Pray Powerfully Using Scripture

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Because we live in the country, we have a home land line at our house.  We had it installed because our  phone reception can be poor at times, so in the case of an emergency, we wanted to know we can call out.  However, whenever that phone rings, we totally ignore it.  It’s like it isn’t getting our attention at all.  You see, the only ones who call that number are telemarketers.  Since we know that, we let the answering machine get the call and we totally ignore the ringing!

Have your prayers that you pray ever felt like our land line?  Have you ever called to talk to God, but it seems He is just ignoring your call?  We’ve all been there at times.  But I think if we understand how to pray effectively and powerfully using His Word as our supplication, we’ll feel like that far less often, and will understand the power of praying Scripture.

There truly is power in praying back God’s Word to Him.  If that idea seems strange or you wouldn’t have a clue where to find verses to pray, I hope you’ll watch today’s video as I share how to do both of those things.

I’m also going to share an idea about how to set up a prayer journal for a small child, and then progressively change it so it would fit an older child’s needs.

One resource that I forgot to mention on the video is this book,

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I got mine at a conference a few years ago but I found it here on Amazon.  I saw a used copy for $1.99!  I love this book and use it a lot!!

I’d love to hear how it’s going for you if you’ve begun a prayer journal.  Or if you have any other questions, feel free to leave them here in the comments.

This is the last in the series on prayer, but let’s you and I KEEP ON PRAYING!

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Christian love · Love

Let’s Show LOVE

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February 1st is tomorrow!! I’ve always loved this second month of the year.  Maybe it’s Valentine’s Day and the pink, and flowers and romance, or maybe it’s just that spring is a month closer!

The theme of this month is what?  I’d say LOVE and you might agree.

Sunday night a wonderful message was preached at my church regarding the command for believers to show LOVE.  It’s in the Scriptures over and over again.  Love one another. Do all things in love.  Serve one another in love.

Why?

By this shall all men know
that ye are my disciples,
if
ye have love one to another.
John 13:35


The congregation of my church was reminded of the truth that it’s not necessary for us to die for others.  No, we are to live for them and we do that by loving them. “What would that look like?”

  • Taking a meal to someone
  • Letting someone sleep on your sofa until they could get back on their feet.
  • Helping someone financially.
  • Inviting someone for a cup of coffee.
  • Listening to a heavy heart about a burden they’re bearing.
  • Cleaning someone’s house.
  • Making a visit.

None of us can do all of that, but we can do something.  Something that would show Christ’s love.  What will you do to show others you love Christ?  I’m asking myself the same question even as I write this post.  

We must do it.  There’s enough of the enemy’s ugly tactics of division and sinfulness – let’s reach out with hands of compassion and the love of our Savior to show the world what LOVE REALLY looks like.

Has someone reached out to you in a loving gesture recently?  Have YOU reached out to show love?  What other ideas do you have as to how we can do this?

With love,

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Christian growth · Church · Uncategorized

The One Thing Technology Cannot Do

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Sunday afternoon my husband came into the room where I was seated and handed me the Parade Magazine from the Sunday paper.

“Here’s the invention that will answer many church go-er’s prayers!”

It was this…

crock pot

 

It’s a WiFi-Enabled Slow Cooker!  Now if you’re in church and the preacher is going a little longer than you’d anticipated and the pot roast you put in the crock pot is going to be ruined, you can change the setting or stop the cooking process to ensure you will not be having a burnt sacrifice for Sunday dinner!

“We’re living in the day of the Jetson’s, Hon!” my husband touted as he made his way out of the room.

It’s unbelievable, isn’t it when you think about all the things technology can do?! A camera in the fridge can let me know if I need more milk.  Alexa, is ready at our beck and call to turn on the coffee maker, adjust the heat in the house, update us on the weather, or play a game of Twenty Questions! The robotic vacuum keeps the house clean, and any number of apps on our phones can handle every other detail of our lives!

Well, almost…

Since I’d had the stomach flu over the weekend, I missed church on Sunday.  But again, due to the blessing of  technology, I could “sit in” on our live-streamed service via Facebook!  I had my Bible, notebook, and cup of hot tea all set while I sat comfortably in a chair in my bedroom.  I got to listen to the sermon, and almost felt as though I was right there, except there was one huge piece of the picture that was missing –

all the other members of the Body.

I was alone.  I could pray when they prayed, and even say, “amen,” and listen while my husband preached, but

  • To whom would I turn afterwards and greet, and ask how I might pray with them?
  • What visitor would I meet and welcome there and show them where to find a small group to join?
  • How could I notice one who was missing from our normal gathering of members whom I might reach out to and check on this week?
  • How could I invite guests to come home and fellowship with us?
  • How could I use my spiritual gifts here with just my black and white cat sleeping soundly at my feet?

Technology might bring the church service to me, but technology can never replace the Church.  In fact, nothing can.  It’s God’s tool in this dispensation for accomplishing His redemptive work!

We miss so much when we’re not there.  For many that can’t attend church due to chronic illness, this is a great blessing, and I’m thankful that genius people can provide such a tool for them.  But I also know this – When I am able to go, I need to take advantage of it.  I need my Church and it needs me.

Technology can never replace my church!

Are you plugged into a local body where you can grow, be discipled, use your gifts, serve, encourage, pray and bless others?  If you’re a believer, it’s  your blessing to enjoy all that and more! 

Lovingly,

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Christian growth · Encouragement · Saturation

My View…the Flu

wp-1516908747414190317342.jpgAn absolutely wonderful week  took a turn  yesterday  when I got hit with the stomach flu. Today has me staring from my bed at Ginger Ale and crackers sitting on the bedside table.

While it’s not my preference to be sick, I’m striving to fill my heart with God’s Word via the audio Bible app, as well as podcasts of sermons or biblical teaching while I rest. Not because I’m so saintly, but because of the word I’ve chosen for 2018…

SATURATION

We are bombarded on every side with the world and its views and it can make us cynical or even depressed! I’m choosing to SATURATE my heart and life with God’s Truth so I can think, act and respond in a biblical manner instead.  I obviously can’t do that without His Word. So along with my morning study  in God’s Word, I’m using moments throughout the day to put Truth in my heart. I’m reading, listening, memorizing and reviewing. Its been such a blessing!

I’ve heard some great things during the last two days of sickness! It would be great if I could look back on the stomach flu and think on all I learned, instead of just remembering ginger ale and crackers!😏 I believe SATURATION will help!

How are you saturating your heart with Truth today? It’s the only thing that will refresh your heart forever!

Have a great weekend, and stay well!!❤

Denise

 

Christian Life · Motherhood · Prayer

How To Pray in the Busy Season of Life

When Susanna Wesley, the mother of ten children wanted to pray, she simply pulled her apron over her head.  Her family knew that when they saw her with her head covered they were not to disturb her.  I’d say she was serious about prayer!  She took whatever measures needed to find the time to talk to the Lord.

We’re all busy women, but in certain seasons, especially when children are home, it can be difficult to find the uninterrupted time to really pray.  I’d like to suggest a way for you to have this time with God if you’re in this busy season of life.  I’m going to share a few suggestions in the following video.  I trust it will challenge you to implement these ideas into your day.

Is there one suggestion that was shared that you could implement?

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