Our storms might look different in this life, but they all have the opportunity to change us – forever. And God is the Only One who has the power to take what seems tragic and devastating to turn it around for good. It may not happen as quickly as we’d like, it may feel like a struggle; we might find ourselves longing for another way, but blessing will come from it. For it’s the way God works. The “good” will shine through.

In some of the most difficult times in life, I’ve learned the power of praying God’s words back to him. It alone holds the ability to soothe our souls, to refresh our spirits, and cause hope to rise above the pain we might be feeling. And though our circumstances may not be immediately changed, though our hearts may still be hurting, we’re reminded through His Truth to set our eyes on Him. And that’s the best place for them to be – in all of life.

Be assured today, He knows your way, He sees your pain, He hasn’t forgotten you, and He’s still at work, even through the most difficult of times.

Dear God,

You remind us over and over in your Word that you are always with us. You tell us not to fear and you draw us close into your Presence. You’re the only place we find refuge in the storms that surround us right now Lord. You’re the only place we can find peace and strength. So we ask you for your words of truth and power to strengthen us in our inner being and life our hearts to you. Thank you for your goodness, thank you that you know the way we take and you have a plan. We look to you today our Lord and Savior, it’s your face we seek.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” Psalm 46:1-2

 Thank you Lord for your word that says you give us the power to come out of this trial “as gold.” Thank you that this storm will not last forever, but we’re only passing through. Thank you that nothing has taken you by surprise. You know our journey better than we know it ourselves, and you will use this time of testing for good.

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

 Thank you Lord that you are Victorious over every trouble and obstacle. Thank you that you have overcome sin, and death, and any evil that we may face today. And because of you, we too are overcomers. We too can have victory, and we can walk strong in your peace.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

 Thank you Lord that you are our Redeemer and will not waste our pain. Thank you that we can be assured all things, not some things but all, will work together for good, for those who love you and are called according to your purpose.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

 Thank you Lord that You are producing in us great endurance through the hard places. You are building spiritual muscle. We press in close to your Presence today, and no matter what obstacles we’re facing, we choose joy.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3

 Lord, thank you that our comfort abounds through Christ. Nothing in the world can bring us the comfort and peace that you alone can offer. Thank you that you understand our trials, and you care. Through our own struggle and pain, help us to be your vessels to offer comfort and strength to others who are hurting.

“…Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:4-5

 Thank you Lord that through every weakness and hard place, your strength is displayed in our lives. We can’t do it on our own. But you can, through us. Your power is Mighty within us, you are our Helper and our Strength. All things are possible through you.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

 Lord thank you that through this trial you are using our lives and circumstances to make a mark on this world. Draw us close to yourself. May many know of your Great Name. May they hear of your works and miracles of your faithfulness. We choose again today to fix our eyes, not on all the troubles that surround, but on you alone.

“Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

 We praise you God, for you go before us and cover us from behind. You walk beside us and make our footsteps firm. You are our Protector and Defense. We never have to fear that we’re alone, thank you for your powerful Presence surrounding us. We renew our focus on You this day, and thank you advance for all that you will do.

“…for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 52:12

 We love you, we need you, we choose to look to you today, and every day…

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

(This article also appeared here at iBelieve.com http://www.ibelieve.com/slideshows/9-prayers-of-hope-in-the-midst-of-the-storm.html?utm_content=bufferaf4b1&utm_medium=fbpage&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=ibupdate)

The post 9 Prayers of Hope for When You’re Going Through the Storm appeared first on Debbie McDaniel.

Today’s a special day to honor and celebrate moms everywhere.

If you find yourself somewhere there today, still wrestling through a struggling relationship, grieving deep loss, walking through a season of waiting, battling loneliness or fear, praying for healing to come, or for a loved one to return home…don’t ever doubt that He’s working on your behalf. He knows all. He understands and cares. He can see clearly what we cannot see. He holds all the pieces and fits them perfectly together one by one. And maybe His work and timing is not all about you, and me, but also about another soul and the importance of the journey they’re walking through. Often, He does His greatest, most powerful work, during our seasons of waiting and loss; and what we have prayed for through so much struggle and pain, becomes the greatest blessings of this life.  In whatever we face, we can be confident, God will not waste our pain. Not ever.

Praying for God to cover and be close to so many who need to hear a message of hope for this day. May He help us to lovingly encourage one another in all of our unique stories and journeys.

Be assured, He has good in store, great blessings still await, on the other side of the struggle.

Grace.

A prayer for moms, for those who wait to be moms, and for all dear women who nurture and lead:

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of motherhood. Thank you for the blessing it is to be called “Mom.” Thank you for the good plans you have in store for those who still wait to be a Mom. Thank you for the numerous spiritual children you have given to so many “spiritual moms” and mentors. We pray that you would fill this day with favor and grace as we honor Moms all around our nation.

We ask for comfort for those who are grieving loss and heartache, especially on this day. We ask for strength for those who wait for children to come back home. We ask for healing for those who have been hurt by relationships that were intended to be loving and nurturing. We ask for faith for those who will someday be Moms, who find themselves on a journey that seems so hard. We ask for great encouragement and grace to cover those who have made a brave and loving choice for adoption. We ask for incredible provision and care over every single parent mom who works so hard on behalf of her children. We ask that you would remind many of those who, though they do not have “physical” children, have the gift of being amazing hope-bringers to many spiritual children they’ve been blessed to nurture through these years.

God, thank you, for the gift of life. Thank you that your heart is for us, and that you are with us, in all our unique journeys and pathways. Thank you that you are Sovereign over every part of our lives.  Thank you that your ways are perfect and you make our footsteps secure.

Today we pray for refreshing, for joy, for grace, for wisdom, for great peace…for all moms, for moms to be, and for women who nurture and lead.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

7 Verses for Moms:

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” Proverbs 31:25

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:45

“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” Isaiah 54:13

“Children are a heritage from the Lord…” Psalm 127:3

“Look up and look around you. All your children are gathering to return to you. The Lord says, “As surely as I live, your children will be like jewels. You will be as proud of them as a bride is of her jewels.” Isaiah 49:18

“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:13-14

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:28-29

This post also appears here on ibelieve.com: http://www.ibelieve.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-of-hope-and-blessing-for-mother-s-day-your-daily-prayer-may-12-2017.html)

The post A Prayer of Blessing and Hope for Mother’s Day: 7 Verses for Moms appeared first on Debbie McDaniel.

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said…” Matthew 28:6

His power could not be contained in a grave. His love could not be conquered by death. His truth could never be buried and forgotten.

And He makes all things new.

The very purpose of this Easter weekend reminds us, that no matter what we’ve been through in the past, what we might be facing today, or what uncertainties tomorrow may hold, Christ alone is our Hope. He conquered death, He rose from the grave, He is all Powerful.

He breathes new life, so that we can live…free.

We have so much to celebrate today, for He has risen!

Dear God,

Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for the Victory and Power in your Name. Thank you that you hold the keys over death, and that by your might, Christ was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to live free. Thank you that you had plan, thank you that you made a way.

We praise you for your great strength, we praise you for your lavish love. We praise you for you are Conqueror, Victor, Redeemer, and Friend. We praise you that you alone are our Deliverer, you are Worthy, you are our everlasting Father, our great and awesome God.

We confess our need for you. We ask that you would renew our hearts, minds, and lives, for the days ahead. We pray for your spirit of refreshing to fill us again.

Keep your words of truth planted firmly within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds us of where we have been, whispering his lies and hurling attacks our way, may he be reminded again of his future. For we have a future and a hope in you. We’ve been set free, redeemed, the old has lost its grip, the new has come.

Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set you way before us. May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.

Thanks be to you God, for your indescribable gift!

To you be glory and honor, on this Resurrection Day, and forever.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

12 Verses of Christ’s Resurrection

“As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples…’” Mark 16:5-7

“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Luke 24:6-7

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Matt. 28:6

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,” John 11:25

“And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.”  1 Cor. 6:14

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth…” Job 19:25

“That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” Phil. 3:10

“He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.” 1 Cor. 15:4

“And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit.” Rom. 1:4

“Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:34

“He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.” Isaiah 25:8

“We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.” Romans 6:9

(This prayer also appears here on iBelieve.com: http://www.ibelieve.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/an-easter-prayer-of-celebration-he-is-risen-your-daily-prayer-april-14-2017.html)

The post A Prayer for Easter: He Is Risen! appeared first on Debbie McDaniel.

The day that changed everything.

Jesus died on the cross.

For you.

And for me.

There was no other way for the door to be opened for us to have relationship with God, but by the forgiveness of our own sin, through Christ’s payment on our behalf. And it was a day of miracles…

– “Darkness came over all the land.” (Matthew 27:25) From noon on Friday until 3 pm, the skies grew dark. It’s hard to imagine what the people were feeling when they saw this happen, but I would think that some became fearful, terrified, realizing what they’d done, and that Jesus was indeed who He said He was. This was a very real picture of both physical and spiritual darkness that occurs without belief in Christ. Even nature all around gave testimony of who Christ was and the grief of what was happening.

– At the very moment that Jesus breathed his last breath, the Temple veil that covered the entrance to the Holy of Holies, the actual dwelling place of God among the people, was torn in 2 from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51) Sometimes in our minds, we picture a thin veil covering this entrance, but history records that the veil was actually about 60 feet tall and up to 4″ in thickness. The size of the veil would have made it impossible for any human to tear this in 2 pieces. This was a complete miracle from God’s hand, signifying that He had opened the door for us to come in and have relationship with Him. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice so the veil, or separation, was no longer needed. We can now enter His presence through Christ Himself.

– “The earth shook and the rocks split.” (Matthew 27:51) A huge earthquake shook the land right at the very time Christ died. The Bible says that at the exact time of Jesus’ death, the earth trembled. The whole earth cried out for the death of the Savior. God tells us in Luke 19:40, if we stay silent, even “the stones will cry out.”

– Graves opened up and the saints came out and after the resurrection they appeared to many people. (Matthew 27:52-53) Can you imagine what this looked like? The dead arose when Jesus died. God brought to life what was dead to fulfill His purposes. Again He reminds us that the final victory of Christ conquered death. He is Lord over all. He reigns victorious over sin and death!

– Lives were changed. Many began to realize who Jesus really was, the truth revealed, they could no longer deny it. Matthew 27:54 says, “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, Surely he was the Son of God!” The realization sank deep. The Truth that had the power to change lives. To make all things new. To offer fresh starts, new beginnings, forgiveness, and purpose.

“If you confess with you mouth Jesus and Lord and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom. 10:9 

It’s that simple. Yet so profound. The most powerful story ever told…

Incredible sacrifice.
Amazing grace.
Lavish love.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Cor. 9:15

The post 5 Miracles that Happened when Jesus Died on the Cross appeared first on Debbie McDaniel.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

The ashes that marked the foreheads of millions of believers on Ash Wednesday just weeks ago, held a reminder for us.

We are but dust.

Yet His story reminds us of so much more – we are redeemed. We are set free. We have been given new life, an open door, through Jesus Christ.

The ashes are a clear picture of the frailty of human existence. And though many times we may somehow think we’re invincible in this life, or even led to believe that we are not “needy” of a Savior, when hit with life’s struggles or face to face with painful events, we quickly remember, we need help. We need a Savior.

We have One, who also was broken, in ways we could never fully comprehend, yet he remained strong, and chose to endure it all – for us.

He extends grace to remind us we don’t have to stay stuck in our struggle and pain. He holds good in store through it all, able to bring greater purpose, greater beauty, greater strength. He never intends for us to remain in the pit of our despair. For he breathes fresh life.

God brought beauty out of the brokenness of the cross, he gives beauty for our ashes. His sacrifice offers forgiveness for our sin. The power of the Resurrection gives hope for our future.

There’s such power there.

God sent His Only Son.

He loved.

He gave.

There was no other way…but this.

As we enter into this weekend, may we take a closer look at the reality of it all. The suffering of the cross. The huge sacrifice that Christ paid. The pain that was endured. The great cost of His gift. The love that was shown. The freedom He offers.

It’s not a flowery picture of fluff and stuff.

But it’s the most powerful story ever told.

Incredible sacrifice.

Amazing grace.

Dear God,

We remember today, the pain and suffering of the cross, and all that Jesus was willing to endure, so we could be set free. He paid the price, such a great sacrifice, to offer us the gift of eternal life.

Help us never to take for granted this huge gift of love on our behalf. Help us to be reminded of the cost of it all. Forgive us for being too busy, or distracted by other things, for not fully recognizing what you freely given, what you have done for us.

Thank you Lord that by your wounds we are healed. Thank you that because of your huge sacrifice we can live free. Thank you that sin and death have been conquered, and that your Power is everlasting.

Thank you that we can say with great hope, “It is finished…” For we know what’s still to come. And death has lost its sting. We praise you for you are making all things new.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

(This post also appears here on iBelieve.com http://www.ibelieve.com/devotionals/your-daily-prayer/a-prayer-for-good-friday-your-daily-prayer-april-13-2017.html)

The post A Prayer for Good Friday: It Is Finished appeared first on Debbie McDaniel.

As Jesus rode a donkey into the town of Jerusalem, a large crowd gathered and laid palm branches and their cloaks across the road, giving Jesus royal treatment. The hundreds of people shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

As we prepare to enter into Holy Week, may we constantly be reminded of its significance and value for our lives today. That very important day in history, when Jesus began His journey towards the cross.

His Word reveals such great truths in every part of this story. Truths that draw us closer towards Christ, reminding us that He alone is King…

5 Things about Palm Sunday that Remind Us Christ Is King:

1. God’s Word tells us the people cut palm branches and waved them in the air, laid them out on the ground before Jesus as He rode into the city. The palm branch represented goodness and victory and was symbolic of the final victory He would soon fulfill over death.

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Cor. 15:55

2. Jesus chose to ride in on a donkey, which directly fulfilled Old Testament prophecy of Zech. 9:9. In Biblical times, it was common for kings or important people to arrive by a procession riding on a donkey. The donkey symbolized peace, so those who chose to ride them showed that they came with peaceful intentions. Jesus even then reminded us that He is the Prince of Peace.

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zech. 9:9

3. When the people shouted “Hosanna!” they were hailing Christ as King. That word actually means “save now,” and though in their own minds they waited for an earthly king, God had a different way in mind of bringing true salvation to all who would trust in Him.

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!” Ps. 118:26

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom. 10:9

4. The Bible says that Jesus wept for Jerusalem. In the midst of the praise of the moment, He knew in His heart that it wouldn’t be long that these same people would turn their backs on Him, betray Him, and crucify Him. His heart broke with the reality of how much they needed a Savior.

“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it, and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41-42

5. Palm Sunday reminds us that the reign of Christ is far greater than any the mind of man could ever conceive or plan. Man looked for someone to fight their battles in the present day world. Yet God had the ultimate plan of sending His Son to fight the final battle over death. This is the greatness of why we celebrate this week. Because of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, we can be set free of death.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,'”John 11:25

We have so much to be grateful for this week.

The enemy knows that, and you can bet, he’s going to do everything he can to try and distract us away from the true meaning of what this Holy Week means. Don’t let him win.

In this Holy Week, may God direct our thoughts and attention towards what matters most, Jesus Christ our King…

Let’s choose to focus on worshipping our Lord, thanking Him for the gift of His sacrifice, celebrating the power of the Resurrection, and the new life found in Him alone.

Grace.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Cor. 9:15

Palm Sunday Bible Verses 

Zechariah 9:9 – Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

John 12:12-19 – The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

Luke 19:11-44 – “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.” They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

(This article also appeared here on Crosswalk.com: http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/debbie-mcdaniel/5-things-about-palm-sunday-that-remind-us-christ-is-king.html)

The post 5 Things about Palm Sunday that Remind Us Christ Is King appeared first on Debbie McDaniel.

Palm Sunday is significant because it marks the beginning of Holy Week, that very important day when Jesus began His journey toward the cross.

Yet often, maybe in the midst of busy lives, or in the flurry of activity around the upcoming Easter holiday, the significance of this special day might get missed.

God’s Word reminds us how there’s such great meaning in every part of Christ’s story, all directing us towards our need for a Savior…

In each of the gospels, we find the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The people cut palm branches and waved them in the air, then laid them out on the ground before Him as He rode into the city. The palm branch is known to represent goodness and victory, symbolic of the final victory He would soon fulfill over sin and death.

But no one knew the full story then. They had no idea what would soon transpire…

They just knew, at that moment, on that day, they longed to give worship and praise to Jesus.

“A massive crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” When Jesus had entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” Matthew 21:8-10

The whole city was “stirred,” they were “shaken.” I can almost imagine the energy of the moment, voices cheering and shouting, people trying to see through the crowds, just who it was that was coming through that day.

As they called out, “Hosanna!” they were hailing Christ as King. That word means “to save now,” and though in their own minds they eagerly waited for an earthly king, God had a different plan in store. He was providing a way to set us free…eternally.

This is the greatness of why we celebrate this week. Because of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and victory, we too are more than conquerors, and set free through Him.

Dear God,

Thank you for sending your Son and paving the way for our lives to be set free through Jesus’ death on the cross. Thank you for what this day stands for – the beginning of Holy Week, the start of the journey towards the power of the cross, the victory of the Resurrection, and the rich truth that Jesus truly is our King of Kings.

“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord…”

We give you praise and honor for your ways are righteous and true. We give you worship for you are holy and just. We will declare that your love stands firm forever. For your lovingkindness endures forever.

Thank you that your ways are far greater than our ways, your thoughts far deeper than our thoughts. Thank you that you had a plan to redeem. Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you that your face is towards the righteous, and you hear our prayers, and know our hearts. Help us to stay strong and true to you. Help us not to follow after the voice of the crowds, but to press in close to you, to hear your whispers, and seek after you alone.

We praise you, we bless you Lord! Thank you that you reign supreme and we are more than conquerors through the gift of Christ!

In the Mighty Name of Jesus,

Amen.

(This prayer also appears at http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/a-prayer-for-palm-sunday-blessed-is-he.html)

The post A Prayer for Palm Sunday appeared first on Debbie McDaniel.

He reminds us in His word that there is great gain when we face painful times, as difficult as it may be.

And yet I’m ever so aware of this as well, it’s never easy to live through.

Necessary? Yes, if we ever long to grow.

But easy? No, not ever.

No one wishes for hard times in life. No one asks for suffering or storms. No one longs to wade through deep rivers of hurt, rejection, and pain, or to try to find your way out of the darkness of confusion and doubt.

Yet if we’ve lived long enough, we know this to be true. It’s all a part of life.

Maybe that’s why God reminds over and over in His word that trials are a part of our journey. It’s what makes us stronger, gives us endurance, builds our faith. He tells us not to be surprised at the troubles we face, but to “keep on rejoicing.”

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing…” 1 Peter 4:12-13

And I’ve needed to let that sink deep again.

“Keep on rejoicing.”

It’s a choice.

Our storms might look different in this life, but they all offer the opportunity to change us, forever. And God can take what seems tragic and devastating to turn it around for good. It may not happen as quickly as we’d like, it may feel like a struggle, and we might find ourselves longing for another way, but blessing will come from it. For it’s the way God works. The “good” will shine through.

And we won’t ever be the same again. For the person who eventually walks out of the storm will be different than the one who walked in. We can be assured, that God’s work within us is never for harm, but to strengthen us, to build deeper character and faith, and to bring us out as “gold,” leaving lasting impressions for His glory in this world.

He never promised us this life would be easy, but He does promise that He is bigger than any storm we face…and He’s always working for good.

He’s with us. Right in the midst of it all.

Seven promises to remind us that God will bring good from the storms we face:

1. “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”  – Job 23:10

We will come out “as gold,” tested, tried, and true. God knows our way, and we are only passing through. He reminds us that will “come out” to the other side. Changed for the better, stronger, shining, beauty deepened from within.

2. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

He reminds us there will be trouble in this world, but He’s already overcome it all. He’s already victorious. And that same power works in us today, giving us the courage and strength to persevere and overcome.

3. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

For those of us who love Him and are called to his purpose, He promises these powerful words, “in all things God works for the good.” In everything. Not just the good things that happen, but in it all, we can be assured, He will indeed bring good from it. He is our Redeemer, and He will not waste our pain.

4. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”  – James 1:2-3

God reminds us to choose joy in whatever we face, confident that He is working even through every trial and hard place, to bring us greater endurance. We never gain greater strength and spiritual muscles simply by living an “easy” life. We can only build deeper faith and perseverance by walking through the hard times that press us more closely into His Presence.

5. “…Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 1:4-5

Unless we experience difficulty and suffering, we cannot truly help another soul who faces loss and pain. It’s only through our own pain and grief, or hardship, that we can have a fuller understanding of what others walk through as well. There’s great comfort in knowing that God will use what we have experienced, no matter how difficult, to help someone else. Christ Himself suffered and tempted in “all things” so that we’re reminded He truly understands “all” that we walk through in this life.

6. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Our difficulties allow us to see God’s strength displayed in our lives. Through every weakness and hard place. It brings us to a deeper humility and dependency on Him, that we would never know without the trial or pain we had faced.

7. “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”  – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Through every trial and storm we encounter in life, God will use it to make a mark in this world. The troubles we walk through can bring glory to Him. He will use our lives, the joy and faith we have, in spite of our problems, to draw others to Himself, and to help us to remember that what we see around us, is not all there is. For He has more in store. And it is greater than we can ever imagine…

May His Presence surround you in the storm you might be facing right now. May He lead your way and keep you secure, guiding your steps forward, and covering you from behind. May He assure you He will see you through, as He is working on your behalf. Know beyond a doubt, that our God is faithful, and He will turn this trial around for good somehow, and bring you forth as gold.

Peace.

(This article first appeared here on ibelieve: http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/7-promises-to-remind-us-god-will-bring-good-from-the-storms-in-our-lives.html)

The post 7 Promises to Remind Us: God Will Bring Good from the Storms in Our Lives appeared first on Debbie McDaniel.

Mistakes often linger…in our minds…in our hearts. Events from yesterday shift into our present day, never allowing us the freedom to fully move forward. Living under the weight of the “should have’s” is a heavy burden to carry. And sometimes the hardest person to forgive, is the one staring back at us in the mirror. Labels attach themselves securely to our souls, not to be easily removed.   You know the ones –  that cling, and seem to follow us, wherever we go. The ones we try to forget.  The ones that raise their ugly heads at unexpected moments, reminders of where we’ve come from.

Shame. Rejected. Fearful. Anxious. Addicted. Adulterous. Depressed. Unstable. Sick. Weak. Lonely. Failure. Abused. Neglected. Victim. Forgotten. Guilt-ridden. Mistake. Defeated. Confused. Broken. Hopeless.

Though we know the truth, that we’ve been set free in Christ, some labels are written in an ink that seems almost permanent, not easily washed away by a good thought, encouraging word, or a well-intentioned verse. They stick, like super glue, adhering to our personhood.  An open door for the enemy’s voice to whisper lies deep down to our souls.

Lies.

All lies.

We know the truth. We know not to listen to the lies. And yet too often, we slowly…swallow…every…one. And so the labels remain.

Stuck.

Secure.

We find ourselves wallowing there. In yesterday. Its memories cling to us and won’t let go. So we carry it all with us wherever we go. It becomes a part of who we are, it affects our decisions and shapes our future. Many days it controls us, our emotions, our temperaments, or how we respond to various situations.

Sometimes we even cover our past labels with more “acceptable” labels. Once called “rejected” may become forever “ independent,” vowing to never need anyone again. Once “ashamed” may become “proud,” unwilling to show any sign of weakness. But underneath it all, there still remains a needy soul, longing for healing, for freedom. Covering over what’s really there.

We don’t have to live that way. These labels that attempt to define us, either stuck there by life circumstances, struggles, misinformed people, or even ourselves, are not permanent. The labels and mistakes of our past do not determine the reality of our future.

There’s a different voice that whispers, full of hope…forgiveness…love. “Remember, who you are in Me. Remember, you’ve been forgiven. Remember, you have purpose. Remember, you’ve been set free. Remember, you belong to Me.”

His label over you is lasting. It sticks. It’s permanent. It doesn’t wash off if you blow it again. It doesn’t fade over time if you’re not consistent. It breathes new hope, gives another chance, believes for the best, and offers a fresh start. Again. And again. Over and over.

11 Verses for Living Free:

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  John 8:36

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:32

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”   1 John 1:9

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  John 10:10

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  Philippians 1:6

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”  2 Corinthians 5:17

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  Romans 8:1

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him, as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression from us.” Psa. 103:11-12

“But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13

Breaking up with our past, does not mean to ignore it. Removing sticky labels doesn’t mean we pretend that the pain never happened. It is what it is. It’s shaped who we are today. It just means we won’t allow it to control us anymore. We can learn from our pasts, we can heal from the struggles, we can believe that God will somehow use it all for good, to help another soul. But we don’t have to stay stuck there. It does not need to determine our tomorrow. If we’re still bound up with hurtful memories, we are never fully free to move forward.

There is more for you, on the other side of your past. If you woke up this morning, you’re still living and breathing, and that means God has purpose in store. We will never be able to fully embrace all that He has for us in life today, and for the future, if we can’t let go of the things from yesterday.

And so, I am making the choice. I’m breaking up with my past. I will not allow it to rule my thoughts. I won’t let it dictate my future. I will choose to let the power of Christ remove the old labels. I will choose to move forward. I will choose to live free.

So what about you? What’s that thing, the sticky old label, that you can choose to let go of today?

He has good in store.

For you.

(This post first appeared on iBelieve – http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/i-m-breaking-up-with-my-past-11-verses-for-living-free.html.)

The post I’m Breaking Up with My Past: 11 Verses for Living Free appeared first on Debbie McDaniel.

So this is a month we hear a lot about love, and because of that, you can be assured the enemy will do all he can to twist the real meaning and try to steal your joy. He despises everything about real love, because real love starts with God.

Don’t let him win.

May God help us to live aware and walk in His Spirit every day. May He help us to stand against the lies and schemes with His Truth. May He give us the awareness and courage to step right over the enemy’s traps.

Here’s how he may be working overtime this month:

• Satan is a liar and a deceiver. He loves to incite evil and hate. He’ll try to trap us with counterfeit love. Because he wants nothing more than to keep us pursuing things swaddled up in lies, farther and farther away from God.
• He’ll remind you again of your struggles. He’s an expert in our weaknesses, and whispers lies of defeat. Making us feel all alone, heaping on condemnation, guilt, and shame.
• He works hard in our marriages, creating distance, fueling quarrels, getting us overly focused on our “own needs,” so that we lose sight of the other. He takes joy when we feel neglected and unloved, he loves inciting division and defeat.
• He steals away our attention from the most important. For even he knows the truth, that God is the only One who can meet our deepest needs. So he’ll do anything to keep us from Him.
• He’ll keep us so busy, hurried, and distracted, that we never have time to show love and care for another. He desires to keep us going everywhere but getting nowhere, and certainly nowhere closer to Truth.

Yet no matter how hard he fights against us, or what our current situation is, or the hard times we might be facing, we can choose to focus on what God says. The powerful love of Christ wins every time against the enemy’s lies of defeat. We can choose the better way. We can choose whose voice we listen to.

God’s love is perfect, faithful, unconditional, forgiving, all-encompassing, pure, lasting, sacrificial, strong, enduring, refreshing, redeeming, everlasting, lavish, full, inspiring, hope-filled, gracious, and so much more. It’s never based on us, our abilities, or striving to ever be good enough. It’s found in Him, His character, and huge capacity to give. It knows no boundaries and has no limits.

There’s no place too deep that His love can’t reach us still.

His love letter to us breathes grace, strength, hope, and peace.

Believe the truth He speaks over you…and know beyond a doubt that you are loved.

41 Verses of Love, from God’s Heart to Us:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  John 15:13

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”  1 Peter 4:8

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8

“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”  Psalm 86:15

“Let all that you do be done in love.”  1 Corinthians 16:14

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.  Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”  John 13:34-35

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  We love because He first loved us.”  1 John 4:18-19

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.”  John 14:15

“Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly.”  Colossians 3:14

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.   Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”  1 John 4:7-8

“Hate stirs up trouble, but love forgives all offenses.”  Proverbs 10:12

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  Romans 12:9-10

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”  1 Chronicles 16:34

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”  Proverbs 17:17

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”  Zephaniah 3:17

“He has shown you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.”  2 Corinthians 5:14

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great…” Luke 6:35

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.  But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.  Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.  For the whole law can be summed up in this one command:  ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  Galatians 5:13-14

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  Galatians 5:22-23

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”  Romans 13:8

“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.  Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.”  Psalm 36:5-6

“Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”  Ephesians 5:2

“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.  Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.”  1 John 2:9-10

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”  1 John 3:1

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”  1 John 3:16-18

“This is how God showed his love among us:  He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  This is love:  not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ”  1 John 4:9-11

“His banner over me is love.”  Song of Songs 2:4

“The commandments…are summed up in the one command, ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’  If you love others, you will never do them wrong, to love, then, is to obey the whole Law.”  Romans 13:9-10

“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death…Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away.”  Song of Songs 8:6-7

“I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.”  Psalm 89:2

“The earth is filled with your love, O Lord…”  Psalm 119:64

“You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters.  Love each other deeply with all your heart.”  1 Peter 1:22

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  Matthew 22:37-39

“In all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death or life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:37-39

“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”  Isaiah 54:10

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other…”  1Thess. 3:12

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails…“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13

“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” Psalm 63:3

May God help us to live aware.

Stay alert to the enemy’s schemes.

Choose whose voice we listen to.

Keep close to the One who loves us more than we could ever imagine.

And live a life of love.

(This article was adapted from the original found here: http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/debbie-mcdaniel/50-verses-of-love-to-cover-any-shade-of-grey.html )

The post 41 Verses of Love from God’s Word: To Help Us Stand Against the Enemy’s Lies appeared first on Debbie McDaniel.