God

National Day of Prayer – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!

National Day of Prayer – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God! 2011 National Day of Prayer

National Day of PrayerMay 5th is the day designated as the National Day of Prayer in the USA. 2011 is the 60th Annual Observance.

Prayer has always been used in this country for guidance, protection, and strength. Our founding fathers acknowledged our freedoms as a direct gift from God and the only way to insure protection was through prayer.

This year’s theme for the National Day of Prayer is:

A Mighty Fortress is Our God!

“I will say to the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my GOD in whom I trust.”
— Psalm 91:2

Additional Prayer resources are available on the Official National Day of Prayer Site:

What is Prayer?
For true Christians, prayer is “Communion with God.”… read more

Why Pray?
1. We pray because we love God. We spend time with God in prayer and communion because we love him. Just as a …

How to Begin
If you are not sure how to pray, don’t despair! Everyone had to begin sometime. Just … read more

Preparing Yourself to Pray
1. Prepare your heart for fellowship with God (Psalm 24:3-5) – Confess known sin in your life … read more

Principles in Prayer
1. Depend on the Holy Spirit. In prayer, you should look to the Holy Spirit to help you to pray effectively. He can give you … read more

Steps Following Prayer
Usually Satan will try to suggest to you that your prayers were not heard. He will encourage you to … read more

Types of Prayer
As mentioned before, there are different forms of prayer. The Holy Spirit wants to lead us into a … read more

Praying the Word
Since God’s Word commands us to give constant attention to the Word and to meditate on it night and day, (Proverbs 4:20-22; Joshua 1:8), it is clear that … read more

Dedication to Prayer
God says, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2). “Men ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1)… read more

Key Bible Verses on Prayer
PRAYER CONTENT : GOOD GOVERNMENT 1Tim 2.1 2.2; GOSPEL WORKERS Mt 9.38; THE LORD’S PRAYER Mt 6.9-6.13; ALL CONCERNS Php 4.6 Eph 6.18… read more

Enjoy these resources, take time to pray, and give the Almighty God the praise, glory, and honor He deserves!

God bless you always,
Brenda

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The Race – Inspirational Video with Heather Dorniden

The Race – Inspirational Video with Heather Dorniden

Life Knocks Us Down, But the LORD Gives Us Strength to Get Back Up!

Heather Dorniden of the University of Minnesota races the 600m at the Big 10 Indoor Track Championships. In lap 2, Heather got cut off and took a bad fall… BUT SHE GOT UP and not only continued the race, SHE WON!

Heather reminds us that even in the race of life we will eventually fall, but God is always there to help us get back up.

Heather has said that she always hoped that she could become famous enough in her running career to act as a positive example of a strong Christian, female athlete so that she could use her position as a platform to inspire young girls to chase their dreams and stay true to their faith.

Well Done Heather! Keep Running Strong!

“When I fall, I shall arise.”
— Micah7:8

“I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13

Soar higher in Him,
Brenda

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Tithing – The Secret Prosperous Ingredient in the Wealth and Abundance Recipe!

Tithing – The Secret Prosperous Ingredient in the Wealth and Abundance Recipe!

The Power of Tithing to Tap Into the Source of All Supply!

Tithing ProspersTrue wealth and abundance have a spiritual foundation.

God is the Source of all supply.

How do we tap into this supply?

We can tap into the abundant Source of all supply

through our giving of tithes.

This takes faith and action, just like prayer takes spiritual and natural steps to connect with God to request His help.

Who Do You Trust as Your Financial Source?

Tithing is a natural activity with a spiritual foundation. It requires faith and action. Believe that God is your source and supply and have faith that He will take care of you financially.

The tithe is our first fruits; the first ten percent of our increase. (Proverbs 3:9) And God tells us to bring all the tithes into the storehouse, which is His house. He even tells us to test Him in this and see if He does not poor out a blessing greater than we can receive. (Malachi 3:10)

Tithing is a step of trust and obedience that God will take care of your finances.

It’s Not About the Money, It’s About Your Heart

It has been said that there are over 2,000 scriptures in the Bible on money. That is a lot to say about money. But get this: The tithe is not ultimately about your money – it’s about your heart. God doesn’t want your money, he wants your heart.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 
— Luke 12:34

Our money is a reflection of who we love. And we can, on purpose, choose where our heart will be by choosing where our money goes. The tithe is about our attitude and honoring God!

Give the Best, Receive the Best

As previously stated, and worth repeating: God is the source of all supply. It’s important that we stop looking at people as our source, and look to God.

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.”
— Psalm 24:1

Tithing is partnering with God and I’m sure you’ll agree there is no better partner to have than God. A sweet deal for sure.

God is the biggest giver and first gave to us freely and in abundance. All that we have came from God, and He wants us to be blessed coming in and going out. The giving of our tithes keeps us tapped into His flow of abundant provision.

David is an encouragement to us in that he prepared with all his might to give. Giving is an act of worship and thanks to the God who provides for us. And think about it: As children of God we have the Holy Spirit living in us and He is not stingy. Our giving is a sign of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives.

Remember: A man’s harvest in life depends entirely on what he sows. God loves a cheerful giver because it shows our heart is right when we give. And as we tithe and give generously, God shows up on the scene and does things money can’t do. He shows us the secrets to unlock wealth and abundance.

May God multiply your faithful giving of tithes and offerings and shower your life with growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. “The Path to Wealth” by TS Linscott is now available as an affordable soft cover book.

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What Are Words by Chris Medina – Music Video

“What Are Words” by Chris Medina – Music Video

“What Are Words” by Chris Medina

released as the single “What Are Words”

Chris Medina sings “What are Words” in this music video. 2011 American Idol castoff, Chris touched everyone’s hearts with his heartbreaking love story about his girlfriend who currently suffers from brain injury due to a car accident. Two months before his wedding, his beloved fiance was involved in a terrible accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury.

Chris continues to stand by her side, hopeful for a miracle.

“What Are Words” Song Lyrics:

Anywhere you are, I am near
Anywhere you go, I’ll be there
Anytime you whisper my name, you’ll see
How every single promise I keep
Cuz what kind of guy would I be
If I was to leave when you need me most

What are words
If you really don’t mean them
When you say them
What are words
If they’re only for good times
Then they don’t

When it’s love
Yeah, you say them out loud
Those words, They never go away
They live on, even when we’re gone

And I know an angel was sent just for me
And I know I’m meant to be where I am
And I’m gonna be
Standing right beside her tonight
And I’m gonna be by your side
I would never leave when she needs me most

What are words
If you really don’t mean them
When you say them
What are words
If they’re only for good times
Then they don’t

When it’s love
Yeah, you say them out loud
Those words, They never go away
They live on, even when we’re gone

Anywhere you are, I am near
Anywhere you go, I’ll be there
And I’m gonna be here forever more
Every single promise I keep
Cuz what kind of guy would I be
If I was to leave when you need me most

I’m forever keeping my angel close

“LORD, I cry unto you: make haste unto me;
give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto You.
Let my prayer be set forth before you as incense;
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice…
My eyes are unto You, O GOD the LORD:
in You is my trust.”
— Psalm 141:1-2,8

Enjoy this beautiful, heartfelt song and be sure and take time to pray for a miracle for this young lady.

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

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You Are by Jason Castro – Live on K-Love Radio

“You Are” by Jason Castro – Live on K-Love Radio – Christian Music Video

“You Are” by Jason Castro

from the album “Who I Am”

Jason Castro plays “You Are” live on K-Love Radio station.

“You Are” Song Lyrics:

Looking for meaning
Looking for love
Looking for something to never give up
You are the One
You are the One

Looking for purpose in all of the pain
Looking for someone to hold in the rain
You are the One
You are the One

CHORUS
You are life more beautiful
You are love more powerful
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

You came in my darkness
You came in my night
You came without warning
You came to my side
You are the One
You are the One

There’s no before You
There’s no too late
There’s no without You
There’s only today
You are the One
You are the One

CHORUS
You are life more beautiful
You are love more powerful
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

You are the song I want to sing
You are here
You are everything
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

And I will never move on from You
Oh oh
I will never move on from You

CHORUS
You are life more beautiful
You are love more powerful
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

You are the song I gotta sing
You are here
You are everything
You are the light that always shines
You are the One
You are the One
You are the One
You are the light that always shines
You are the One

And I will never move on from You
I will never move on from You

“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with Him,
and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son
cleanses us from all sin.”
— 1 John 1:5-7

Enjoy this beautiful song and may you walk in God’s light always!

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

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Growing Prosperity – Do These 2 Roadblocks Detour You from Receiving God’s Best?

Growing Prosperity – Do These 2 Roadblocks Detour You from Receiving God’s Best?

Roadblocks In Our Way of Receiving God’s Best

Roadblocks to God's BestGrowing prosperity requires making

wise choices in our everyday decisions.

Do you understand that God longs

to help you and bless you, and there is truly no one

who knows your needs better than He does?

If so, you’ll understand the importance of seeking His guidance in order to experience His best.

Seeking God’s best in our life decisions requires accepting God’s way and listening to His voice. There are however, some potential roadblocks that can stand in the way of receiving His best.

Do these 2 Roadblocks Detour You from Receiving God’s Best?

1. FOCUSING ON THE PROBLEM

A primary roadblock to making wise decisions is taking our eyes off God. Many times, when unforeseen trials or storms of life blow through, we place our focus on the problem instead of the ultimate solution, which is God’s wisdom.

When problems show up, we must not look at our shortcomings and inabilities. We must also avoid comparing ourselves to others. Instead, we must pray for the wisdom of God; which He says if we lack then to simply ask for it. (James 1:5)

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” 
— Isaiah 30:21

It is great to know that we can count on the Lord to help us overcome roadblocks to wise decision making. When our trust is in Him, and our focus on Him, He will guide our paths according to His will.

2. DETOURS FROM THE ENEMY

Another set of roadblocks we are likely to encounter are detours from Satan. The enemy will do everything in his power to lead us away from God’s best and into a foolish decision. We must discard ungodly counsel and be keenly aware of his conniving schemes.

Do not be ignorant of this roadblock. The Bible says that Satan is “like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Do not be fearful of this roadblock either. We must pray for protection and rely upon the discernment of the Holy Spirit in order to avoid disastrous detours. We must submit to God, and then resist the devil and he will flee from us. (James 4:7)

In any state of weakness, that hinders our decision making, we must call upon the strength of the Lord. God has said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Now that you know this: Choose to let the wisdom and peace of God guide you in your next important decision. Begin to welcome the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Find practical insights and strength for daily living in the Word of God. Keep in mind: God’s best will far exceed any good thing we could create on our own.

May you experience God’s best and live a life of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

Cheers,
Brenda

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Powerful Prayers – 10 Tips Help Reveal How to Uncover the Hidden Power in Your Prayer Life!

Powerful Prayers – 10 Tips Help Reveal How to Uncover the Hidden Power in Your Prayer Life!

How to Uncover the Hidden Power of Prayer

Powerful PrayersPrayer is simple and powerful.

In fact, the believer’s most powerful God-given

means for affecting change is prayer. 

Yet we find it hard to practice and get results at times.

Have you tried praying different ways, but still feel frustrated and wonder if your prayers are having any effect?

God wants His children to ask for what is on their heart because He delights to give. But even more than that, he wants to fellowship with us.

Praying the Bible way, God’s way, is something we should continually seek to learn, if we want to uncover the hidden power in our prayer lives.

10 Tips Help Reveal How to Uncover the Hidden Power in Your Prayer Life!

1. A Lifestyle of Asking, Seeking, and Knocking

Prayer is more than asking God to meet the needs of our prayer list. It takes progressive action.

Prayer should progress from asking, to seeking after God’s will to guide our requests, and then to further action.  It means ‘knocking on doors’ by exploring different solutions and acquiring godly counsel to help determine the Lord’s will.

“Every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.” 
— Matthew 7:8

2. Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

God’s will is that we pray daily, declaring our trust, for Him to supply what is needed. By doing so, we acknowledge that He is the source of all our physical, material, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Of course God already knows we lack and have need, but in asking, we place ourselves in position of dependence, like a child to a father.

3. Pray with Confidence

Prayer is a privilege for those who are part of God’s family. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, God becomes our heavenly Father. (John 1:12) Because of this, we can be confident and absolutely sure He will hear our prayers. (Matthew 6:6)

You see, God invites his children to pray because He is delighted to provide for them, and He stands ready to do so. We have the assurance that the Lord will respond and that what He does is good.

4. Pray According to God’s Will

We can change our prayers from timid to bold by aligning our prayers with God’s will and remembering He wants to say ‘yes’ to His children.

Some things are obviously not in God’s will, like lying and cheating. For clarity on other things we need to study the Scriptures to find God’s general will revealed through commands and principles. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Our spirit must also be submitted to God. Before we even receive an answer, we should release our grip on the outcome be willing to say ‘yes’ to His plan.

5. Power of Jesus’ Name

Praying in Jesus’ name declares both our relationship with Christ and our right and authority, through Him, to approach the Father directly. Jesus told us of the power attached to asking in His name.

“The Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.” 
— John 15:16

6. Forgiveness

We need to ask God’s forgiveness daily and we should also forgive others every single time. Unforgiveness hinders prayers and creates tension between us and God. Forgiveness is meant to insure that everything is right between us and our Father.

7. Patience and Timing

God has included delays as part of the believer’s prayer life. Sometimes He answers our first request; but many times it takes several petitions. We need to trust in God’s timetable.

Delays can test our faith and deepen our relationship with the Lord. Our attitudes and behaviors may need adjusted before we are ready to receive. We may need to grow spiritually before He gives us a gift.

8. Faith

God is waiting for us to petition Him with specific prayers, free of doubt, filled with faith, and aligned with His will. Low expectations and uncertainty only short-circuit faith and the power of prayer.

To deal with doubt we must learn God’s ways. When we center our prayers in line with the Word, faith rises and doubt decreases.

9. Prayer and Fasting

Fasting with prayer can bring a heightened spiritual awareness and more intimate fellowship with the Lord.

God is willing to give us clear direction, but for some things, fasting as well as prayer is required. As we place our body’s physical desires under the Spirit’s control, we let go of our grip on the material in order to embrace the spiritual.

We gain a cleansed mind, which is needed to hear what God is saying, and a submitted spirit ready to accept His instructions.

10. Focus on God Himself

The most important part of prayer is focusing on God Himself; loving and worshipping Him. Don’t make prayers just a checklist of needs. We should give honor to His name, His kingdom, and His will.

“Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done.”
— Matthew 6:9-10

Our words are to bring us humbly into God’s presence with praise and thanksgiving, and with a willing spirit that God’s will rule in our lives.

Uncover powerful prayers: Prayers that reach the heavens and get answered. Keep in mind, God wants us to come in faith and ask Him to accomplish His divine plan in our situation. Ask the Lord to teach you more about biblical praying; put into practice what you learn, and wait in assurance for His answers!

May you use the mighty power of prayer well and enjoy a life of growing prosperity!

God bless you always,
Brenda

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Crazy Love by Francis Chan

“Crazy Love” by Francis Chan

“Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God”

Crazy Love book by Francis ChanFrancis Chan is a pastor and bestselling author. He is best known for his book Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God.”

Book Description from Amazon:

“God is love. Crazy, relentless, all-powerful love.

Have you ever wondered if we’re missing it? It’s crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe—the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor—loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love.

And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. Whether you’ve verbalized it yet or not…we all know somethings wrong.

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions?

God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn’t working harder at a list of do’s and don’ts—it’s falling in love with God.

And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same. Because when you’re wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.”

Francis Chan – “Crazy Love” Book Introduction Video

In a recent article at ChristianPost.com, they shared a notable experience, Chan recounted that happened before he published his bestseller “Crazy Love.” :

“He and his wife always wanted to be people who could “live generously” and just write checks to people. One day, he prayed that God would raise up wealthy people in his church that didn’t care about their stuff. If that didn’t happen, then Chan asked God to make his family rich so they could give their wealth away.

Little did Chan know that God would answer his prayer through his book Crazy Love, which brought in over $2 million in sales last year. He said all of the money goes to a fund that enables him to live out his dream of writing out checks.

‘I had no idea. I didn’t even think of making money off it,’ shared Chan. ‘My life is ridiculous. God, the way you answer my prayers.’

“Our God listens to us. Our God is a living God.
He’s not a block of wood you made up that’s
not going to answer you. My God listens to me.
He answers me.”

— Francis Chan

Chan was also quoted as saying at a recent pastor’s conference:

“His biggest failure in ministry is when during his busy periods he turns his prayer life into a to-do list for God rather than a relationship of abiding in Christ and a relationship of love.

‘My guess is many of you guys struggle, so focused on the work of God that you neglect the person of God. So much pressure, so much criticism. There are periods that we forget that in the pursuit of fruit, that if we just abide in Him then fruitfulness is a guarantee,’ reflected Chan.

Although many pastors believe that God is sovereign, that belief doesn’t flesh out in their lives most of the time, he said.”

“Are you about Him and do people see that in you?
That you are man or woman who can’t get enough of God?”
 
— Francis Chan

May you continue to pursue a passionate love relationship with God!

God bless you,
Brenda

P.S. You can purchase “Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God” by Francis Chan at Amazon.

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