Jani Norman's Blog

Seeds Of Prosperity

Prosperity Prayer:

Dear God,

Thank you so much for all you have given me. I am so happy and grateful for the abundance I already have. You amaze me with your love, blessings and rewards we receive everyday without even asking or realizing what we are receiving.

Father, I give you my life and today surrender all my financial concerns to you. I already know that you have told me I do not need to worry or have fears about anything. You have already told us that you take care of everything and we just need to trust you and have faith.

I completely trust that my finances and debts will be paid and I will have a constant flow of money in my life starting today.

I only think of the positive now never looking at the past. I believe that my prosperity is here and I thank you for it now. I also want to thank you for showing me how to handle my finances carefully and also for teaching me how my prosperity can be of help to your kingdom.

Father, thank you for all your great rewards! I will continue to work diligently and strive to do my best in all that I do. Amen

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Gods tells us that if we ask for something and believe in our heart that we will have it…. We will have it!! You must have unwavering faith. Ask, Believe, Receive.

I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, “Go throw yourself in to the sea,” and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:21

Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful

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Use this prayer often if not everyday. Remember thoughts and spoken words are full of energy. Repetition is important. You are sending out a request and expecting a return. God loves for you to ask and he loves to give answers! Again, faith is very important. Trust him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Entry #371

17 Bible Quotes of Financial Prosperity and Abundance

17 Bible Quotes of Financial Prosperity and Abundance from Psalms

 

What Does The Bible Say About Prosperity” ? 

 

Well, here are Seventeen Bible quotes about Financial Prosperity and Abundance from the Book of Psalms.

 

spare change Some Scriptures describe God’s Prosperity Promises.   Other Bible Verses provide instructions for us to follow to receive Financial Abundance.   Either way, they contain some insightful and precious advice for believers.

 

 

 

Use these Bible Prosperity Scriptures to build your faith and encourage yourself. Try meditating on them daily. Read them aloud to yourself and remind your consciousness of what God has declared about you.

 

Note: All Scriptures are from the King James Version of the Bible.

 

Go ahead and start on your journey to  Financial Prosperity and Abundance!

 

1. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3)

 

2. “For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12)

 

3. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psalm 23:1-6)

 

4. ”Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:4-5)

 

5. “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” (Psalm 35:27)

 

6. “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:3-11)

 

7. “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.” (Psalm 37:25-26)

 

8. “By this I know that thou favorest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.” (Psalm 41:11)

 

9. “For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.” (Psalm 44:3)

 

10. “Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” (Psalm 66:12)

 

11. “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11)

 

12. “Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.” (Psalm 85:12)

 

13. ”Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant. He hath showed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.” (Psalm 111:1-6)

 

14. “Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.” (Psalm 115:11-16)

 

15. “Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.” (Psalm 118:25)

 

16. “I entreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word” (Psalm 119:58)

 

17. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” (Psalm 122:6)

 

If these Prosperity verses have helped to encourage you, please let us know.

Entry #370

If Only For A Second

If Only For A Second Stop And Appreciate The Fact That You're Alive

 


If only for a second stop and appreciate the fact that you're alive.

Today our world is full of troubling circumstances, like some of the greatest natural disasters that our time has seen in a while, millions of people who die daily from a lack of food and adequate health care, and many other troubling entities, that bring death to many nations, and also make for a lack of hope for millions of people worldwide.

If you would only for a second of every day just stop and appreciate the fact that you are alive, not only will you appreciate your life more, but hopefully you will be inspired to help others appreciate the fact that they are alive as well. The only people that are able to spread a message of hope and faith to the world is us, and we must first gather this hope by realizing that we are blessed, even if we only have the simple things. We must be willing to put our pride aside, and use the blessing of being alive to spread messages of hope to people around the world who are running low on it.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Entry #369

Do Small Things With Great Love.


Do Small Things With Great Love

 


Do small things with great love.
 
 
 
 

In order to live a long satisfied life full of contentment, happiness, and peace one must be willing to do the small things and the big things, but all things done out of love. When a person does something out of hate or spite, it is not only deteriorating, but it is also a waste of a person's time, a waste of time that could be used to make the world a better place, instead of a world that seems to breed more hate.

A person must be willing to do small things with great love in order to be a light to the world, instead of adding darkness to it. Small things done with great love can be the smallest most minor, unthought-of gestures, such as helping an elderly person crossing the street, or helping a stranger carry in groceries. These simple small gestures may be just enough to inspire someone great that can change the world. We are never able to tell what may happen of the small things that we do with great love, instead we must focus on doing them.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Entry #368

You Are Going Far

You Are Going Far

 


You are going far.
You will right your wrongs.
You will forgive.
You will find self-love.
You are the perfect you.
You are beautiful.
You will never give up.
You will have so much character.
You will get through this.

In order to live a happy, fulfilled, satisfied life, one must be willing to make the proper investments into his or her self. One must be willing to make time and effort in developing his or her character, which means doing a host of things, as getting an education, networking with people that are going places in their own lives, and having a "never quit" "never give up" sort of attitude.

One must also be willing to work on his or her self-confidence and humbleness at the same time, letting the world see his or her beauty through action instead of having to prove it in other ways. In order to be you, you must simply think as yourself at all times, follow what is in your heart, seek wisdom, and put all of these into your everyday works and actions. Never take for granted the importance of being you, and living life as only you would live it.

Beautiful Quote on Moving Forward

 


There comes a day when you realize turning the page is the best feeling in the world, because you realize there is so much more to the book than the page you were stuck on.

In different instances in our lives it is easy to stop pursuing a relationship that we know that if we put a tad bit more effort towards would blossom into a heavenly flower of infinite beauty, because of the walls that one or both parties is putting up. Sometimes people that have been hurt in the past or whom are afraid of giving someone a chance because they never want to be hurt, choose to put walls up in order to prevent this from happening.

When a person feels in their heart that a relationship has great potential to blossom beautifully, sometimes a person must make an extra effort to show the other person who they really are in order for walls to come down. Showing that you have qualities of integrity and honesty to someone that you care about may be just the comfort that someone needs in order to take walls down that they probably wouldn't for many others in their lives.
 
 
 
 
 
Entry #367

8 Important Things You Must Know Immediately

8 numbers identity thieves want to steal from you

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/8-numbers-identity-thieves-want-103033107.html

The Star Wars Cantina of cybercriminals targeting your identity, healthcare, finances and privacy today might seem like a movie you’ve seen so many times you could lip sync the entire thing. Nevertheless, cybercrime and identity-related scams change faster than trending hashtags on Twitter, and the fact is nobody knows what’s going to happen next. Who would have thought Apple’s iCloud was vulnerable (much less to ransomware)? Or eBay? Data breaches are now the third certainty in life and sooner or later, you will become a victim.

According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse Chronology of Data Breaches tracking tool, at least 867,254,692 records were exposed through data breaches between 2005 and May 28, 2014. The Milken Institute says the number of compromised records was more than 1.1 billion between 2004-2012. The Identity Theft Resource Center reported 91,982,172 exposed records in 2013 alone. Frankly, it really doesn’t matter who is right. The amount of information out there is simply staggering.

You probably realize that identity thieves are after your email addresses and passwords, but that’s not all they want. In particular, each of us is attached to various sets of numbers that, when cobbled together, enable sophisticated identity thieves to get their claws into you. The fraudster doesn’t need all your information to complete the problem set. They just need enough to convince others that they are you. Here are eight numbers that they are gunning for.

1. Phone Numbers

You want people to be able to call you; you may even list your phone number on a public-facing site. If you do, bear in mind some companies use your phone number to identify you, at least in part. With caller ID spoofing, it’s not hard for a fraudster to make your number appear when they call one of those companies.

2. Dates and ZIPs

Birth, college attendance, employment, when you resided at a particular address, ZIP codes associated with open accounts—these are all numbers that can help a scam artist open the door to your identity by cracks and creaks. Many people put this information on public websites, like personal blogs and social media sites. In the post-privacy era, it is imperative you grasp the concept that less is more. Another tactic worth trying is populating public-facing social media sites with inaccurate information—though you might want to check each site’s rules since some sites frown upon the practice.

3. PIN Codes

Card-skimming operations use a device to capture your debit card information while a camera records you as you type in your PIN code, making it very easy for a thief to replicate. Cover your hands and be paranoid, because it’s possible someone actually is watching you.

 

4. Social Security Numbers

Your Social Security number is the skeleton key to your personal finances. There are many places that ask for it but don’t actually need it. Be very careful about who gets it and find out how they collect it, store it and protect it. Whenever you’re asked for your SSN, always consider whether the request is logical based upon the context of your relationship with them.

5. Bank Account Numbers

Your bank account number is on your checks, which makes a personal check one of the least secure ways to pay for something. Consider using a credit card. You get rewards, buyer protection and less of your information will be out there.

6. IP Addresses

Scammers can use malware and a remote access tool to lock files on your computer and then demand a ransom in exchange for access. A message informing a user that his or her IP address is associated with online criminal activity is a common scare tactic used in ransomware scams. Don’t fall for it.  While it’s not difficult to track an IP address, there are a number of browsers that hide your IP address and associated searches from the bad guys
and there are fixes for ransomware.

7. Driver’s License and Passport Numbers

These are critical elements of your personally identifiable information that represent major pieces of your identity puzzle and, once you have the number, these documents can be counterfeited. Countless times each day, millions of personal documents undergo major makeovers and suddenly feature new names, addresses and photographs of fraudsters.

8. Health Insurance Account Numbers

Health insurance fraud is on the rise, and one of the biggest growth areas is identity-related health care crimes. This can jeopardize your life — not just your credit or finances, as the fraudster’s medical information can be commingled with yours, precipitating blood type changes, and eliminating certain allergies to meds or presenting new ones.  The results can be catastrophic when a course of treatment is prescribed based upon incorrect information in the file.

It’s time to become a data security realist. Data breach fatigue is the enemy. Every new compromise and scam is potentially crucial news for you, since it may point to weak spots in your own behaviors and ways that your data hygiene might be putting you at risk. So keep reading articles about new threats to your personal data security, and read every single email alert that you receive—though be careful of the obviously fake emails and always verify directly with the institution.

The smartest thing you can do is to assume the worst. Your personally identifying information is out there, and, in the wrong hands, you’re toast—even if you are really on top of things. That said, by monitoring your bank and credit card accounts and the Explanation of Benefits Statements you receive from your health insurers, you’ll be in a better position to minimize the damage. Most importantly, read your credit reports. You can do that for free once a year, and use free online credit tools, like those on Credit.com, which updates your information monthly, explains why your credit scores are what they are, and give tips for what you can do to improve your credit standing. But then what?

It is also vital for you to have a damage control program in place once you suspect that you have an identity theft issue. Contact your insurance agent, bank and credit union account rep, or the HR Department where you work to learn if there is a program to help you recover from an identity theft. You may well be surprised that there is and you are already enrolled for free as a perk of your relationship.

While there is no way to avoid cybercrime and identity theft, there is plenty you can do to make sure the damage is minimized and contained, and that no matter what happens, your daily life can go on without too much disruption.

 


 

Entry #366

God Is Always In Control

 

May 28

God Is Always In Control

Isaiah 45:5-7

I admit that I often don’t understand why bad things happen. Even so, I believe that God has a purpose for everything he does or permits. My faith is rooted in the biblical principle that says the Lord is sovereign (Ps. 22:28). He is in absolute control of this universe, the natural and political climate of this earth, and my life and yours.

When we are in the midst of a trial, it is hard to resist crying out, “God, Why is this happening?” Sometimes we get the answer and sometimes we don’t. What we can be sure of is that nothing happens by accident or coincidence. He has a purpose for even our most painful experiences. Moreover, we have His promise to “cause all things do work together for good to those who love God” (Rom. 8:28).

Seeing in advance how the Lord will work evil or hurt for our benefit is very difficult, if not impossible. My limited human perspective doesn’t allow me to grasp His greater plan. However, I can confirm the truth of this biblical promise because the Father’s good handiwork appears all through my pain, hardship, and loss. I have experienced Him turn mourning into gladness and have seen Him reap bountiful blessings and benefits from my darkest hours.

As believers, we must accept that God won’t always make sense to us. Isaiah teaches that His ways and thoughts are higher than our own (Isa. 55:9). He sees the beautifully completed big picture. We can rely on the fact that God is in control, no matter how wildly off-kilter our world seems to spin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entry #365

Maya Angelou dies at 86

(WMC) – There are reports that Dr. Maya Angelou has died at the age of 86.

She had been battling poor health and canceled some public appearances within the last week.

 

 

 

 

Entry #364

So Much Hatred In The World

It's so sad that we cannot turn on the tv anymore without hearing all the bad news of mass killings, most of the people who are killed never saw it coming. They had so much to live for and a young, angry, man trying to draw attention to the ways he felt mistreated by society. Once again, a man, angry at the world, has ended his life in a hail of gunfire, taking with him innocent victims. Which is why we have to live our lives as if everyday on earth may be our last.

May 27

When a Nation Turns Its Back on God

2 Chronicles 33

Hezekiah was a god-fearing king who brought about reformation among the Israelites. His son Manasseh, however, was an evil ruler. He had watched his father walk with God and live according to Scripture. Yet he chose to ignore the Lord.

Manasseh worshipped false gods, even to the point of sacrificing his sons by fire in order to praise Molech. He practiced much evil—including witchcraft and sorcery— and led Israel astray, thereby provoking God to anger. The king, along with the people, paid a high price for his rebellion.

This story illustrates the Lord’s intolerance of a nation’s disregard toward Him. Now consider our country. We, too, are a nation that pushes God aside—one that has turned away from the only true God and embraced idols. Perhaps these aren’t statues of stone, but we worship money, sports ability, fame, and reputation, to name a few.

The United States of America was founded on biblical principles with the intent to guarantee freedom of worship. But over time, we have removed the Lord from many aspects of public life. Prayer in schools, for instance, was deemed unconstitutional. What was once a “nation under God” has turned into a country that tolerates a growing number of sins and yet belittles absolute truth.

If a nation turns its back on the Lord, His judgment is inevitable unless the people repent and make Him Lord once again. As believers, our responsibility is to pray that God would draw the heart of our country back to Himself—and to help the gospel and truth spread through our land.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entry #363

All Things Are Possible For Those Who Believe

All Things Are Possible For Those Who Believe

 


Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.

Nothing in life is impossible if you aren't willing to give up. In finding ourselves in this world, one big truth that we must accept and hold tight to, is the fact that anything great that has been done in this world, was at one point thought of as an impossibility.

We should laugh at impossibilities, and never let what someone says, or what someone believes limit our beliefs or limit our own dreams. We have to be able to get into our own flow in life, believe in ourselves, and work hard to make what is in our dreams become what we see in our everyday lives.

Remember that what everyone else says is impossible, is just a lesson in life that we haven't all learned or understood thoroughly yet, one day you will be the teacher! Don't live to be understood and liked for following the norm, live life to accelerate this world towards peace, understanding, and pure harmony between one another.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Entry #362

Signs from your Angels

Signs from your Angels








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Embracing our Angels - An Inspired Insight into the Angelic Realm

 

15 Angel Signs
and how to spot them

Want to know if you have been visited by an Angel or a passed loved one?
If so it might be time to take a closer look at the signs around you.

Angels and those we have lost, particularly ones we have loved dearly, will often leave signs to reassure, comfort and guide those they've visited. Whether it's to remind us of their presence, help us through a difficult time or merely to let us know they're there if we need them, these beings will always find a way of alerting us to their presence – often in very unusual and unexpected ways.
If you'd like to find out whether you've been visited by an angel or deceased loved one, why they've come to you and interpret any secret messages they might have left you, the following overview of some of the most common signs and their meanings should answer some of your questions.

White feathers Perhaps one of the most well-known signs you've been visited by an Angel, these magical blessings are something many of us keep an eye out for and treasure once we discover.
Often referred to as 'calling cards,' they're left as welcome reminders that Angels are there for us if we need them and continually watching over us each day.

Pennies Celestial beings will often leave coins for those they are watching over – in fact, it's thought that's where the expression 'pennies from heaven' originally came from!
Left to console and reassure those who find them – generally when they're feeling a little blue or under the weather – they're said to be tossed by angels to make smiles out of frowns.

Butterflies The beautiful insects are frequently sent to us by our lost loved ones, either to remind us they're always watching over us and nearby, or just to let us know they're OK.

Robins Also signifying a visit from a deceased family member of friends, these are always a welcome sight and will often visit the same gardens year after year, reassuring those who see them that their passed loved ones are still near.

Rainbows If you're thinking about Angels and a rainbow suddenly catches your attention, it's likely to be one of these celestial beings confirming their presence to you – even more spectacular when there's been no rain!

Scents Sometimes those we've lost will remind us of their presence by surrounding us with a particular fragrance or smell that makes us think of them, so take note of any familiar aromas that waft your way – you never know, they might just be a sign from a deceased loved one! Angels also like to make their appearances known through the power of smell and will often leave floral trails in the areas they have visited.

Dreams Angels and deceased loved ones will also often come to us in while we sleep as this tends to be the time we're most relaxed and receptive. Generally speaking, these will be more vivid than your regular ones and remain in your mind much fresher.

Sparkles of light Depending on their colour, these messages will usually be sent by the angel whose help you need most at the time – if you've been going through a hard time, for instance, and keep seeing green sparkles every where you go, it could be a sign from Archangel Raphael – the Angel synonymous with healing – letting you know he's there to help you.

Touch This is likely to be very subtle and either feel like a soft brush on your arm or neck, or a tingling sensation across your back.

A Voice Seemingly coming out of nowhere, this is one of the most obvious signs an Angel's come to visit you and will either literally tell you it's there for you out loud, or reassure you – perhaps when you are feeling frightened or uncertain – through a little whisper that everything is going to be OK.

Music and television Hearing a song or lyric on the radio using words that help, reassure or confirm something for you is never a coincidence, but the work of angels attempting to clarify or ease a situation for you. Similarly, if you happen to be flicking through channels and come across a show or documentary that relates to something that's been troubling you at the time, don't ignore it; it could be a message from the celestial realm giving you your answer!

Books and magazines The next time a meaningful piece of writing grabs your attention, whether it's a book suddenly falling from a shelf as you walk by, or words in a magazine that instantly catch your eye, take a moment to read what they say; you'll be amazed at how often they'll relate in some way to your current situation. Every time they do, you can be sure it's a message from an Angel.

Telephone calls If you suddenly receive a call from someone you really need support from at the exact moment you most need them, you can be sure an Angel's intervened somewhere along the way, either making them think of you at just the right time or giving them the clarity and wisdom to offer you the advice you need.

Buildings and advertising slogans This could be something simple as asking Archangel Michael for help and then noticing a building named St Michael's shortly after – a sure sign he has heard your call and is there if you need him. However, angels will also send their messages to you in a number of different ways so make sure you look out for any recurring slogans on billboards, shop names or roads that seem to strike a chord with you.

Angel shapes Never underestimate how clever angels can be; they are all around us and can physically appear – in the form of an outline or shape – in almost anything, from the clouds in the sky to the bubbles in your bath!

 

Whether it's to remind us of their presence, help us through a difficult time, or to let us know they're there,
Angels will always find a way of alerting us to their presence.
Mary Jac ~ xx

Entry #360

When Mother's Day Hurts

MAY 9, 2014
Encouragement for Today -

"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." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
 
Here's  good news for try-hard women like us: God's not offended by our flaws and imperfections.
 
God's Word tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9a, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
 
That verse has finally compelled me to trade my invisible lines of expectation for the compassionate contours of my Savior's grace. When I finally stopped obsessing over my flaws and began focusing on His faithfulness, my life took on a new kind of beauty.

 One of the most beautiful things about life is the fact that it is totally unpredictable. Nothing you can do will make life behave the way you want it to at all times, so what a person does must always be from the heart, yet adapted over and over again with lessons from the past and hopes for the future.
 

Dear Jesus, I am tired of living within my self-invented lines of expectation. Show Your strength through my weakness, Your sufficiency through my flaws. Make my life beautiful to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
 Romans 8:26, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." (NIV)
 

 
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
 It's Mother's Day this weekend, which can sometimes create angst either in our roles as adult children or as moms. Take some time to prayerfully consider the invisible lines you've created for yourself. What is one unnecessary expectation you could trade for God's grace today?
 
 Invite God to shine His glory through your gaps this week.
 

When Mother's Day Hurts


Mother’s Day is a holiday that stirs up a lot of emotions! Some of those sentiments are sweet, joyful ones. But sometimes, it’s a hard holiday.

Many of us have strained relationships with our moms, or visa versa, we’re moms hurting over wayward children. I know children (adult children and young ones) aching over parents who are lost in a sea of bad decisions, addictions, and brokenness. I know moms and grandmas who come to church every week and beg for God’s mercy over their children who are lost in that same sea. We ache. We all do.

The depth of a mother-child relationship is beyond what words can capture and communicate. Many times, that relationship gives us a sense of identity. Our relationships with our moms and our relationships with our children often create the foundations of how we perceive our value in life.

While the Lord designed relationships to hold special places in our hearts, He never intended for anyone else to sit as Definer over us. If Mother’s Day is especially hard for you because of a “defining” issue, know I’m praying for you! And know most of all that the Lord is the only One who has the right and who can accurately define you, His child.

 

 

 

God comforts the hurting on Mother's Day

Entry #358
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