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Inspirational: Hope to Handle Your Anxieties By Finding Ultimate Control!

Inspirational: Hope to Handle Your Anxieties By Finding Ultimate Control!

Hope for the Anxious!

Hope to Handle Anxiety - God is in Control!Inspiration and hope is available

to help you handle your anxieties.

At some point,

we all will have feelings of anxiety,

and when it shows up we want to

get rid of it as soon as possible.

The good news: There is help, so have hope.

“We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.”
— Psalm 33:20

Anxious, Fearful, and a Lack of Control

Anxieties show up for a variety of reasons. Why they come, and to what extent they come, varies from person to person and situation to situation. Typically, a sudden change in life triggers feelings of anxiety, fear, and a lack of control.

Anxiety often comes when we feel as though our circumstances are beyond our control. The pressures and stresses of life can make us feel unsure about the future and cause us to worry and be anxious. An overwhelming sense that we have lost control can overtake us.

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
— Isaiah 40:31

Hope, Help, Peace, and Ultimate Control

Anxieties do come, but we have hope and help. God clearly tells us what we are to do when worries and concerns arise. He tells us in Matthew 6:25 to not be worried about our lives, and in 1 Peter 5:7 he tells us to cast all our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us.

No doubt, a sudden change can leave you feeling unsure about the future. However, there is never a time when God is unsure. God is in control even when your life becomes torn apart by the pressures of the world.

Anxiety may come when you feel like your circumstances are beyond your control, but nothing is beyond God’s control. “The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.” (Psalm 97:1)

Do you wonder what happens to your peace and joy when anxiety approaches? Your source of true peace is Jesus Christ. When sorrows and worries come, He calms your heart. When financial anxieties and difficulties increase, He provides for each need.

God tells us to cease striving and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10) Be still within your heart and allow Him to do for you what you cannot do yourself – calm your fears and anxieties.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
— Romans 15:13

Good news: You do not have to handle your anxieties on your own. God cares for you. His love is unconditional, and His Word promises that He will meet all your needs. Be still and know that God is the superpower of all powers and your life is in His ultimate control. Let His Word be your inspiration and hope.

May you have abundant joy and peace, overflow with hope, and live a life of growing prosperity!

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

 

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Merry Christmas Birthday Celebration

Merry Christmas Birthday Celebration

Merry Christmas Birthday Celebration

Merry Christmas Birthday CelebrationMerry Christmas to All!

Only 3 more days now until the big celebration!

If we think about celebrating the birthday of someone,

it is actually a party to celebrate and testify to the

fact of their birth and life.

And we would never think about having a birthday party for someone and not inviting them…

A Christmas party is the ultimate birthday extravaganza!

We celebrate Christmas because we want to testify that Jesus’ existence has made our own lives infinitely better and give thanks for His birth and life.

With Christmas just a few days away, let’s make sure we take a moment to escape the hustle and bustle – to invite Jesus to His party and rejoice in our Savior’s birthday!

Wishing you and yours a safe, joyful, and very Merry Christmas!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

God bless you always,
Brenda

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Parenting – Is It the Job of a Parent to Teach Their Children the Truth About God?

Parenting – Is It the Job of a Parent to Teach Their Children the Truth About God?

Be a Parent that Brings Blessings for Generations to Come!

Parenting BlessingsParenting children is one of the

greatest responsibilities on earth.

Our children are a precious gift

from God and it is our job as parents

to train them up to live productive,

healthy lives; spiritually, physically, and financially.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” 
— Proverbs 22:6

Is God faithful and trustworthy? What does that mean to you and your children? As parents we need to know and teach the truth about God to our children; it is our job.

If Not You, Then Who?

Oh, the times, they are busy, chaotic, and confusing! And because of this it is very important to understand that the chances of our children learning the truth about God and about Jesus Christ may not come if we don’t teach them.

We need to make it a priority to be living examples and share the vital truths with our families. There is nothing more important in our lives than salvation for the loved ones we care about and are responsible for. It is dangerous to live with the belief so many have; that they will go to heaven just because they are a good person.

The simple fact is; we are responsible for what our children learn and are taught. Even if they go to school, Sunday school, etcetera, it is our job to make sure they have been taught what they need to know and that they have been taught correctly.

“Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” 
— Deuteronomy 4:9

The Buck Stops Here

It is very easy in today’s society to “pass the buck.” We just send the kids off here and there and let someone else do all the work. There is nothing wrong with others teaching our children, but it is up to us to determine and choose who and what.

Ultimately, if our child graduates from high school and cannot read, it is our fault as a parent, it is not the fault of the school teachers or school system. If our children only know about Jesus and do not know Him personally, it is not the fault of the Sunday school teacher; it is our fault as parents.

And think about this: Parents who love their children deep enough will be concerned for their children’s welfare and will build a solid spiritual foundation for them during their childhood years. (Psalm 78:4-5)

The Bible is important and declares the truth about God; it is His Word. God our creator wants us to let His Word speak to us and our families. He wants to equip and empower us with knowledge, wisdom, and truth so that we have a firm foundation and will not be deceived.

“That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.” 
— Psalm 78:7

It gets even better. God has a unique plan for each of us, including our children; a plan to prosper us and give us hope. He left us with instructions for right living so that we can please God and enjoy His promises and blessings in our lives. Parenting can be a difficult job when done right, but a job done right as a parent brings many blessings for generations to come!

May you as a parent, teach your children the truth about God and His Word, so that your family through many generations may enjoy His abundant growing prosperity!

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

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I Can Only Imagine Performed by Wynonna Judd – Christian Music Video

I Can Only Imagine Performed by Wynonna Judd – Christian Music Video

“I Can Only Imagine” Live Performance by Wynonna Judd

“I Can Only Imagine” Performed by Wynonna Judd

from the album “Her Story: Scenes From a Lifetime”

Wynonna Judd performs the song “I Can Only Imagine” live and shares her personal testimony.

“I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe Song Lyrics:

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

[Chorus:]

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
When I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, Forever worship You
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you

I can only imagine

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.”
— Psalm 95:6

Enjoy this song and God bless you!

Cheers,
Brenda

 

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Bible Promises Quiz – Can You Answer These 7 Power Promises from the Word?

Bible Promises Quiz – Can You Answer These 7 Power Promises from the Word?

A Quiz to Help You Draw Power From the Word!

Bible Promises QuizPower is available in the Word

and waiting at this very moment

for each one of us to tap into.

If we all can use extra wisdom,

help, strength, faith, and so on,

then the real question is…

Why are we not tapping into this great power source that has been provided for us?

Good question – huh? Even if you are already drawing on the power of the Word, chances are it is not in the measure it should be. I encourage you today, as I encourage myself, to dig in and fill up!

Check out these seven great Bible promises. See how many of the blanks you can fill correctly. Give yourself an extra point for each blank you answer without looking at the choices.

Quiz – Can You Answer These 7 Bible Promises?

 1. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you _______.” (Jesus in Matthew 11:28)

A. direction
B. hope
C. strength
D. rest

2. “Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful… Whatever he does shall _______.” (Psalm 1:1,3)

A. is forgiven
B. prosper
C. will fail
D. pleases God

3. “Call unto me, and I will _______ you, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

A. come to
B. always help
C. answer
D. encourage

4. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in _______, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:13)

A. bank
B. hope
C. train
D. spiritual

5. “And we know that _______ things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

A. all
B. many
C. most
D. spiritual

6. “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, _______on these things…and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

A. pray
B. forget
C. think
D. worry

7. “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be _______.” (Matthew 5:4)

A. comforted
B. sad
C. blessed
D. resurrected

Answers to the Bible Promises Quiz:

1. D – Rest

The solution to tension is trust. Jesus invites us to bring all our problems to Him. In exchange, He offers an end to turmoil and stress. When our task seems to hard, we need to invite the Lord to help. His presence will enable us to work in relaxed efficiency.

 2. B – Prospers

Going God’s way helps us prosper and ensures that He will give what is best for us. Drop all thoughts of failure, and believe that what you attempt in faith will prosper.

3. C – Answer

God not only hears our sincere prayers, He answers them. We must listen for His answer and look for His guidance.

4. B – Hope

To hope is simply to look forward in faith. Discover how much easier life becomes when you face it with hope. Today, say and think only hopeful things.

5. A – All

God is working in all the things that happen to us. Nothing is outside His loving purpose. Believe that, and remind yourself and others daily.

6. C – Think

Again and again the Bible urges us to think, to focus on positive things. The result? God’s own peace. (Verses 7 and 9) Write down five things that are good and thank God for them every day.

7. A – Comforted

The deepest solution to bereavement is God’s tender comfort. From the loss of a loved one to the loss of a job, He can transform any mourning by His understanding presence.

How Did You Do?

  •  4-5 points, Good Job
  • 6-7 points, Great Job
  • 8-14 points, Excellent!

Conclusion: Commit these Scripture verses to memory. Draw on the power and practical wisdom they hold. Let these seven Bible promises from the Word of God empower you.

May you tap into the great power source of God’s Word and live a life of growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

Cheers,
Brenda

p.s. how did you do? leave a comment and post your results…

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Spiritual Growth – Striving To Love With The God Kind Of Love

Spiritual Growth – Striving To Love With The God Kind Of Love

Develop Great Spiritual Growth With
the God Kind of Love Flowing In Your Life!

Spiritual Growth with the God Kind of LoveThe God kind of love is a love

that goes beyond words.

There are of course, many kinds of love,

but living a life that strives to love with

the God kind of love,

develops great spiritual growth within us.

Many Kinds of Love

From the time we are born, we begin to experience the love between parents and children. Then there is the love shared between family members, friends, and neighbors. There is also love shared between sweethearts and lovers.

These are just a handful of the many kinds of love, but the most important to mention, is the love shared between God and each one of us as human beings.

Putting the God Kind of Love in Action

Jesus teaches us to model the love between people, based on the way God loves us; God loves the righteous and the unrighteous alike. The entire essence of the law can be wrapped up in the commandments to love our neighbors and love our God.

“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.”
— Matthew 5:43-45

Loving our spouse, family, friends, and others who love us is a no brainer. But it’s an altogether thing to love an enemy that hates us and who may have it as a goal to destroy us.

When Christ tells us to love, do good, bless, and pray for our enemies, He is telling us to take action. In fact, the God kind of love isn’t about warm, fuzzy feelings; it is about taking action.

How Do We Take Actions of Love?

Well what we don’t do, is wait for emotions of love, because they may never come. Rather we start with actions of love, and the emotions of love may follow later.

How do we do it? Start with the things Jesus taught us (Luke 6:27-28):

Do Good –

Search for a way to do something good for your worst enemy. Maybe send a card with a gift certificate to a restaurant and wish him or her a great day. Keep in mind: We are not trying to cause shame, we are striving to love with the God kind of love that loved us even in our evil condition.

Bless –

Our goal is to speak and think blessings about our enemies even when they speak untrue, mean, and nasty things about us. When around others, try to actively speak well about your enemies instead of complaining about unjust treatment received from them.

Pray –

Actively pray and intercede for your enemies. Why not ask God to help heal their hearts and turn them toward His light and truth? Pray that God show them mercy and bless them. Again, keep in mind the abundant mercy and blessings God had shown to us while we were yet sinners.

Self-love seeks something in return and the sooner the better. Not so with the God kind of love; it seeks no repayment.

The truth is: Jesus is out to change you and me into an army of servants that love and care for people (even our enemies) just as He does. He wants to see spiritual growth in our lives.

Make no mistake about it: Once we start to take actions of love, spiritual growth begins to develop. Selfless love is not easy to do, but powerful when put into action. And it allows God to continue to transform us more and more into His image, so our actions will reflect His work and His presence in our hearts.

May the God kind of love abound in your heart and your life be continually blessed with growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing!

God bless you always,
Brenda

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The Way by Jeremy Camp – Christian Music Video

“The Way” by Jeremy Camp – Christian Music Video

“The Way” by Jeremy Camp

from the album “We Cry Out”

Song & Lyrics for Jeremy Camp’s song “The Way” from the “We Cry Out: The Worship Project.”

“The Way” Song Lyrics:

All creation cries out with longing
With groans only You could comprehend
And with wisdom, You always answer
And give the words of life

So unfailing
And Your glory shines all around us
Your faithfulness shown for all to see
When we think of all of Your wonders
The beauty of Your plan that’s been revealed
We walk in Your light
When we walk in it

(Chorus)
Shine, bright
Let Your glory fill this land
Lift high,
The King of kings and great I AM
Jesus, You are the way

We can see the works of Your loving hands
With the hope and peace not made by man
When You poured out Your grace and Your mercy
And You held out Your arms
So we can see
And bled for all mankind
Set the captives free

Chorus

Jesus You are the way

Chorus

Jesus You are the way (X4)

“Let not your heart be troubled:
you believe in GOD, believe also in Me.
In my Father’s house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again, and receive you to Myself;
that where I am, there you may be also.
And where I go you know, and the way you know…
Jesus said to him,
I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man comes to the Father, but by me.”
— John 14: 1-4,6

Enjoy this worship song by Jeremy Camp. May it touch your heart and all glory be to God!

God bless you always,
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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