Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 6
February 11, 2021
When You Need to Pray “Make Us One”
Today, I am delighted to welcome my wise friend, Lisa Burgess, to encourage us as we pray: Lord, make us one.
One year ago I felt too busy. Even though I enjoyed the weekly activities I volunteered for, they were wearing me down. What could I cut?
And then…shutdown. All around the world, we cut out activities.
I went from being too busy to feeling left out.
Where did I belong anymore?
I began working jigsaw puzzles at home, previously reserved only for Christmas breaks. I finished one puzzle. Then two, then three, and more. For my final puzzle of 2020, I couldn’t find a green puzzle piece to fit into the grass scene. I kept looking and looking. Is this what my life had come to?
Your life was likely disrupted by the pandemic too. Maybe your normal activities came to a screeching halt, or else ramped up to breakneck speed, depending on your job.
If the latter, you may have felt you no longer fit in with the rest of the world who were waiting out the pandemic at home.
Or if the former, like me, you may have felt isolated at home, as life rumbled on without you.
We all occasionally feel disconnected, like we don’t belong. Sometimes it’s only due to circumstances. I could no longer volunteer at the school library because schools were closed. I couldn’t deliver meals to our local housing unit because they no longer allowed visitors.
But other times, disagreements divide us. We unfollow a Facebook friend because their political leanings disturb us. Or we drift apart from our neighbor because their COVID protocols don’t match our own.
We are a world divided.
Whether by circumstances or by disagreements, being outside the circle is the opposite of Jesus’s desire for us: to be one (John 17:11).
Jesus said our unity would be a sign to the world that He indeed came from God (John 17:21).
But instead of unity, even among believers, is the world only seeing division?
Lord, make us one.How can we fulfill Jesus’ command to be one when we’re so splintered?
As I continued working my jigsaw puzzles in 2021, I began to regain my sense of belonging. Just as each piece of a puzzle is necessary to complete the picture, regardless of its position, its color, its shape, I am equally necessary in the world God placed me, no matter my level of activity (or inactivity).
I am a piece of the puzzle. You are a piece of the puzzle. And together we create the picture that God designed for this point in time. When we fit together, we are in unity.
Regardless of our different political parties, our different church affiliations, our different contributions to the world, we are each an important piece of the puzzle.
Yet we are only one piece each. Mother Teresa, with all her accomplishments, was still only one piece. You in your situation are only one piece. And I in mine.
It’s humbling. But might humility be our stepping stone to becoming one again?
Just as Christ emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8), so we also can humble ourselves to serve each other, no longer valuing one person above another, nor degrading one as less than the other. Humility is our act of love.
And love holds all things together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:14).
Can we return to love?
Lord, make us one.With only a dozen puzzle pieces remaining in my final puzzle of 2020, the green piece was still missing. I looked under my kitchen table, underneath the recliner, even on top of the piano.
I never found it.
I finished the puzzle anyway, then crumbled the pieces back in the box, with a sticky note for the next person: “One piece missing, 12/20.”
Thankfully, “one piece missing” is NOT the pattern God created for our world. Regardless of what the pandemic has stripped away or added to your agenda, your location in the puzzle remains steady. Stay interlocked with every piece beside you.
This is our space in the puzzle, our place in time.
Each piece is valuable. Every piece is wanted. Not because we’re all the same, but because we’re all different. God has joined us together. And together, we complete the picture, even when we can’t see it.
Let’s pray big “Lord, make us one” and humbly love each other as a valued piece of this puzzle.
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11, ESV
We are a world divided. Lord, make us one.
Click To Tweet Meet Lisa
Lisa Burgess looks for God in ordinary people and everyday moments. Then shares where she finds Him on her blog, LisaNotes.com. She’s a wife, a mom, and her newest role, an on-the-floor-playing-with-babies, Granna.
Connect with Lisa on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
The Pray Big SisterhoodEvery morning, I wake up and lift my heart to God in prayer.
I praise Him for His glory and goodness.
I surrender my agenda and expectations to His greater kingdom purposes.
I yield my desires to do His will.
And, then I ask for Him to move a mountain.
I cry out to Him for that mountain to crumble.
I believe that God is bigger than any obstacle or stronghold.
Yet, my mountain remains — immovable and unyielding.
Do you have a mountain? I bet you do.
Like me, you may be discouraged by the darkness that looms large in your view.
You aren’t alone. If we sat down today in my kitchen and shared our stories, I bet we would see similarities.
Together, we would ask God to move two mountains.
With worshipful hearts, let’s keep crying out to the Lord for those mountains to crumble.
Let’s pray big!
Y’all his has been the craziest season ever, but I know that God has a bigger purpose than just our merely surviving the chaos. In hopes of redeeming the time in the weeks ahead, I am inviting you to “Pray Big” as we look to the Lord for even greater things to come.Let’s ask God to help us have an expectant heart that is not overwhelmed by all the negativity in this world. Let’s pray big and believe God is bigger than the obstacles we are facing. Our Mighty God is going to do more than we can ask, think, or imagine as we pray with hope. To encourage us on this journey, I have invited my wisest and most Spirit-lead friends to share their heart here in this space for a monthly #PrayBig Guest Post Series. We will start next week and cry out to God together..
I was to also invite you to join a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for sisters to share our stories and surrender them to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s lift up holy hands together and pray big in community.
To help you get started, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Join the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
If you are visiting from Lisa’s today, welcome to my little space on the web!Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help youLOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve. 
Challenge: Each day this week, start your day by praying: “Lord, make us one.” ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT? I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. 
As a courtesy, please link back to LyliDunbar.com in your post. Grab and share the #FaithOnFire button to spread the word. Use the hashtag #FaithOnFire to share your post and connect on Twitter. Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up and find #FaithFuel for your soul. Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment. (Note: First time members of the Faith on Fire Link-up Community are agreeing to sign up for my weekly email for writers. You can unsubscribe and continue to link-up if you do not find it helpful and encouraging.)
Come grab your#FaithFuel at the #FaithOnFire #LinkUp. I’m sharing my burning passion with @LyliDunbar and friends.
Click To TweetYou are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enterThe post When You Need to Pray “Make Us One” appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.
January 26, 2021
When You Need to Remember that God is in Control
This week, I found myself looking up to heaven and asking God “how much longer?” I am hanging on for dear life and hoping for Him to show up and fix quite a few messy things, but I am not sure that is part of His plan. Honestly, I just want to scream. THIS IS NOT FAIR! THIS MAKES NO SENSE! I know in my head that God is in control of everything, but my heart is really hurting. [Insert scream of frustration here.]
Some days there is just not enough chocolate in the house to help me cope with all the chaos. (So much for my new year’s resolution to eat more vegetables.).
After a few days of feeling sorry for myself and whining more than I should have, I decided I needed to give myself a little pep talk. I picked up my Bible and stopped listening to my feelings. I just keep telling myself that I need to faith it until I feel it.
Here is what I know: I am not God.
God is better at being God than I will ever be.
God is good.
God loves me.
God has not forgotten me.
Even though I feel like everything is out of control, my God has the whole world including me in His mighty hands.
How about you, friend? Are you questioning why God has allowed certain things to happen in your current life? Maybe like me you wish you could push the rewind button and edit a few of the darker details.
God sees you. He sees you are in a fight to keep your faith fueled and aflame in the middle of the hardest season of your life.
Every day, you wake up and try hard not to listen to the voice of fear and doubt.
Fear says God has forgotten you. Faith knows God is faithful.
God is bigger than your bad stuff.
Let’s say it together out loud until we believe it: God is bigger than my bad stuff.
Whenever you feel like your faith is failing, take a deep breath and remind yourself of this truth:
You can trust God is in control.God’s purpose for us always prevails.Even when we are confused by our circumstances, we can trust that everything happens according to God’s plan. If God has allowed an event, He will ultimately use it for HIs glory. Your entire life has been laid out, and He orchestrates every moment. Your faithful Father will finish the work He has started in you.
“I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2, ESV)God’s power is absolute and awesome beyond measure.The sovereign authority over all of human history is our God. All creation obeys His will. Your God is in command of all that concerns you. No obstacle can overcome the Ominipotent One.
“Our God is in heaven. He does whatever He pleases.” (Psalm 115:3, NET)God is actively involved and present in our every day events.Your Creator God is the controlling, cohesive force of this over every square inch of this universe. Nothing in your life escapes God’s notice. The Almighty has laid His hand on you and stands available to help you in times of trouble.
“For all things in heaven and on earth were created in Him—all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers—all things were created through Him and for Him. He himself is before all things and all things are held together in Him.“Need more help remembering God is in control? I’ve created a one-page printable with 10 Scriptures to help remind you. Grab a copy and spend the next 10 days focusing on how your God is able to help see you through anything. Every morning, you can sit at His feet and strengthen your walk as you remind yourself that nothing is too hard from your Almighty God. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
Friend, your God has you and all that you love in His mighty hands. He is a loving and compassionate Father, and He delights in you. You can trust He will bring order and purpose out of any chaotic situation that you are currently experiencing.
One glorious day, you will look back on the hardest season of your life and see His hand. He moves mountains and paints masterpieces in the messiest places.
Your compassionate God is in control of all that concerns you.Your compassionate God is in control of all that concerns you.
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Let’s Chat: What is one step of faith you will take this week to remind yourself God is in control? Need help figuring out how to refuel your faith and renew your joy? Do you feel overwhelmed by your commitments? Are you constantly running on empty? Does life feel more like a duty than a delight? Do you feel depleted and defeated?CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO help you develop a plan to Refuel with rest and soul care.
ARE YOU READY TO FIRE UP YOUR FAITH?
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. As a courtesy, please link back to LyliDunbar.com in your post. Grab and share the #FaithOnFire button to spread the word. Use the hashtag #FaithOnFire to share your post and connect on Twitter. Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up and find #FaithFuel for your soul. Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment. (Note: First time members of the Faith on Fire Link-up Community are agreeing to sign up for my weekly email for writers. You can unsubscribe and continue to link-up if you do not find it helpful and encouraging.)
Come grab your#FaithFuel at the #FaithOnFire #LinkUp. I’m sharing my burning passion with @LyliDunbar and friends.
Click To TweetYou are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enterThe post When You Need to Remember that God is in Control appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.
January 21, 2021
When You Need to Pray “Lead Me Where My Trust is Without Borders”
Today, I am delighted to welcome my wise friend, Kristin Hill Taylor, to encourage us as we pray: Lord, lead me where my trust is without borders.
When “Oceans” was a popular worship song, I was annoyed by it. But one day when my kids were 8 years old, almost 6, and just a newborn, I heard the lyrics in a fresh way.
Maybe I didn’t like the song at first because trusting without borders is scary.
For several weeks after the day I decided I didn’t need to switch stations whenever “Oceans” came on the radio, I couldn’t getthe phrase “trust without borders” out of my head. At the time, I was navigating a relationship with my youngest daughter’s birth mom. We adopted two times before, but the relationships are all different and change as the children grow.
Adoption built my family but it also built my faith, largely in part because there’s a lot of trusting and very few borders. I was able to take the lessons I learned from our adoption experiences and remember God’s faithfulness in other circumstances.
I was able to pray big prayers of faith because I’d seen God show up and show out so many times before.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven.
Psalm 107:28-30 NIV
To trust God without borders means I need to surrender control, once again. It means I need to realize life doesn’t fit in a tidy box. Sure, sometimes storms far out of our control rage and overwhelm our lives, but God will lead us to a calm haven. Recently, God has reminded me of this truth over and over again.
I’m not navigating birth mom relationships right now, but I am navigating all sorts of other challenges. Schedules have been interrupted. People are battling sickness. Politics divide loved ones more than ever. Decisions have become harder to make. “I don’t know” is a weary refrain.
But God is still worth trusting. He’s proven it in my family. He’s proven it in the stories of prophets and faithful followers throughout Scripture. He wants to prove it to you, too.
Not only does God want to remind us of His faithfulness then, He wants us to praise Him now.
I don’t know what COVID-restrictions are going to mean for school days, my kids’ basketball teams, or our summer vacation plans. I don’t know how long it will take for my mother-in-law to recover from her recent quadruple bypass heart surgery. I don’t know if a strained friendship will get resolved. I don’t know what situations I’ll have to navigate with my kids who are now 13, 11, and 5. I don’t know a million other things.
But I do know God was faithful before, and He will be again for all the days and circumstances to come. Even when I have no idea what the coming days will hold, I know I can trust the Author of all our stories.
For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.
Psalm 117:2 NIV
Now, I like when I hear “Oceans,” especially Rend Collective’s version, I don’t skip to another song, but I praise God that He has led me to where my trust is without borders. When I’m hesitant, God reassures me His faithfulness from earlier days remains today and will remain for all the days to come. And I pray for Him to keep leading me to where I can trust Him without borders.
Lord, lead me where my trust is without borders.Lord, lead me where my trust is without borders.
Click To Tweet Meet Kristin
Kristin Hill Taylor believes in seeking God as the author of every story and loves swapping these stories with friends on her porch. Her favorite stories of God’s faithfulness are told in her books, Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family and Bringing Home More Than Groceries: Stories of Gathering & Nourishing People. She lives in Murray, Kentucky, with her family and shares their stories on her blog, Facebook, and Instagram.
The Pray Big SisterhoodEvery morning, I wake up and lift my heart to God in prayer.
I praise Him for His glory and goodness.
I surrender my agenda and expectations to His greater kingdom purposes.
I yield my desires to do His will.
And, then I ask for Him to move a mountain.
I cry out to Him for that mountain to crumble.
I believe that God is bigger than any obstacle or stronghold.
Yet, my mountain remains — immovable and unyielding.
Do you have a mountain? I bet you do.
Like me, you may be discouraged by the darkness that looms large in your view.
You aren’t alone. If we sat down today in my kitchen and shared our stories, I bet we would see similarities.
Together, we would ask God to move two mountains.
With worshipful hearts, let’s keep crying out to the Lord for those mountains to crumble.
Let’s pray big!
Y’all his has been the craziest season ever, but I know that God has a bigger purpose than just our merely surviving the chaos. In hopes of redeeming the time in the weeks ahead, I am inviting you to “Pray Big” as we look to the Lord for even greater things to come.Let’s ask God to help us have an expectant heart that is not overwhelmed by all the negativity in this world. Let’s pray big and believe God is bigger than the obstacles we are facing. Our Mighty God is going to do more than we can ask, think, or imagine as we pray with hope. To encourage us on this journey, I have invited my wisest and most Spirit-lead friends to share their heart here in this space for a monthly #PrayBig Guest Post Series. We will start next week and cry out to God together..
I was to also invite you to join a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for sisters to share our stories and surrender them to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s lift up holy hands together and pray big in community.
To help you get started, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Join the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
If you are visiting from Kristin’s today, welcome to my little space on the web!Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help youLOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve.
Challenge:Begin each day this week by praying: “Lord, lead me where my trust is without borders.” ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT? I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. As a courtesy, please link back to LyliDunbar.com in your post. Grab and share the #FaithOnFire button to spread the word. Use the hashtag #FaithOnFire to share your post and connect on Twitter. Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up and find #FaithFuel for your soul. Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment. (Note: First time members of the Faith on Fire Link-up Community are agreeing to sign up for my weekly email for writers. You can unsubscribe and continue to link-up if you do not find it helpful and encouraging.)
Come grab your#FaithFuel at the #FaithOnFire #LinkUp. I’m sharing my burning passion with @LyliDunbar and friends.
Click To TweetYou are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enterThe post When You Need to Pray “Lead Me Where My Trust is Without Borders” appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.
January 14, 2021
When You Want to Hide Away from the World
This year has started out with a bang. Is it just me, or does it seem like the end of the world as we know it? (Cue the REM song here.). I am incredibly tired of all the anger and crazy behavior from people who refuse to concede that they can’t always have it their way. If ever there was a time you want to hide away from the world, this is most certainly it. Nowhere feels safe anymore.
I don’t feel safe, but I trust I am secure in God’s care. I know that I shouldn’t listen to my erratic feelings. My feelings lie. I need to rest in what I know is true:
God remains faithful.
God stands firm. His Truth never changes.
God is firmly seated on the throne no matter who is in the White House or what I see on the 6’oclock news.
My Heavenly Father rules over all. He speaks louder than all the chaos, and He sovereignly controls my future. I am always safe in HIs mighty hands.
Over the weekend, I got a series of frantic texts from a sweet family member who wanted to make sure I was “informed” about current events. I actually glanced down at her first text and just deleted it without responding — because I refuse to listen to the voice of fear. I don’t need to know the “latest” because I follow the King of Kings.
Nevertheless, my persistent relative sent a series of follow up messages the next morning. I read them and then responded by reminding her that greater is He who lives in me than he who is in the world. The arm of flesh cannot overcome the power of the Spirit. Fear is not the boss of me.
I don’t need to hide away from the world because my life is hidden in Christ.
Friend, are you unsettled by the current state of our crazy world? Don’t forget you have a firm foundation. Your God has not forgotten you. The Lord has hemmed you in behind and before, and He has laid His hand upon you. You are safely sheltered under the shadow of His wing.
Faith in God’s perfect love casts out fear. Let’s hide His Word of Truth in our hearts to overcome all the doubt we are fighting in this most uncertain season.
God will never leave us nor forsake us. His shalom is our shelter from all the lies of the enemy. The presence of our Heavenly Father fills us with peace in a world full of discord and unpleasant words.
“Oh, how abundant is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You and worked for those who take refuge in You, in the sight of the children of mankind! In the cover of Your presence You hide them from the plots of men; You store them in Your shelter from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord, for He has wondrously shown His steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city.” (Psalm 31:19-21)“Your Deliverer promises to guide your steps and surround you with protection.
The way ahead may seem unclear, but we do not walk alone. Step by step, God will show us how to move forward and make a way where there seems to be no way. Our all-knowing Father watches over our journey and will help us overcome all the obstacles we may encounter.
“You are a hiding place for me; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (Psalm 32:7-8)God’s Word serves as Your Hope and Shield and keeps you secure.
No matter how unsettled this world may seem, we can live with a holy confidence because we have the solid foundation of God’s Word under our feet. When we arm ourselves with the Truth today, He fills us with hope for tomorrow. Anticipation for God’s plan replaces anxiety over our problems.
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.” (Psalm 119:114)Need a reminder that God is your hiding place and refuge? I’ve created a one-page printable packed full off Scriptural promises to help you meditate on this Truth and fuel your faith. Grab a copy and spend the next 7 days focusing on how your God has you covered no matter what. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
We don’t need to hide away from the world because God is our refuge and present help. Our soul is safe because the Guardian of our lives will shelter us under His protective care until He returns to claim His own. Until then, let’s resolve to rest in His constant care. The world may seem crazy and filled with chaos, but God will set everything right at the right time.
When we hide our lives in Christ, we stand secure.When we hide our lives in Christ, we stand secure.
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Let’s Chat: How do you encourage your heart when you want to hide away from the world? ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT? I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. As a courtesy, please link back to LyliDunbar.com in your post. Grab and share the #FaithOnFire button to spread the word. Use the hashtag #FaithOnFire to share your post and connect on Twitter. Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up and find #FaithFuel for your soul. Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment. (Note: First time members of the Faith on Fire Link-up Community are agreeing to sign up for my weekly email for writers. You can unsubscribe and continue to link-up if you do not find it helpful and encouraging.)
Come grab your#FaithFuel at the #FaithOnFire #LinkUp. I’m sharing my burning passion with @LyliDunbar and friends.
Click To TweetYou are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enterThe post When You Want to Hide Away from the World appeared first on Lyli Dunbar.
January 6, 2021
When A New Year Means a New You
A shiny new year is here. Maybe like me you are struggling to see the sparkly sunshine. I guess I somehow thought that life would magically get less complicated once I flipped the calendar page from December to January.
I was wrong.
I was really wrong.
January 1st is not a magical season of Utopia where calories stop counting and the chaos in my life goes on hiatus.
This week has been hard, y’all. Super hard. It hasn’t been one bit shiny or sparkly.
But here is what I know is true as a person of faith even when it’s been a dark, dark week: The Light of the world has come. His light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. (John 1:5).
Jesus helps me do hard things. The light of the world lives in me, and I am called to let my little light shine in dark places.
Arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life! Shine be radiant with the glory of the Lord, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
Isaiah 60:1, AMP
Maybe what this world needs is not a new year, but a new me. I need to stop complaining about how everything is dark and broken and hard, and I need to remember that greater is He Who is in me.
A new year means I need to be a new me. I need to let those lost in the darkness know that Jesus came to rescue them and make all things new.
Friend, are you letting all the crazy stuff going on in this world get your discouraged? God never promised us a trouble-free planet earth. He told us to put our armor on and show up with His love in hard spaces.
Instead of complaining about our crazy relatives, let’s cry out to God for their salvation.
Rather than worry about where our next pay check will come from, let’s praise Him for what He has provided and offer it back to Him with open hands. Let’s look for opportunities to give back and be generous.
The secret is Christ in me — not me in a different set of circumstances.
~Elisabeth Elliot
I am asking God to help this truth sink in to the depths of my heart this year: When I gave my life to Jesus, He made me a new creation. But I need to live like I believe it.
Here are 3 truths I am holding on to to remind me that I don’t need a new year or a new job or a new wardrobe. I just need to live like Jesus and be a new me.
Why the New Year Means a New You
God has given you a new song to sing.
You have been rescued from the pit of hell, and sin no longer holds you captive. You are set free from your past to sing His praises in the present. Resolve to make melody so that your life is a memorable love song to Jesus.
“I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:1-3)
God’s mercies are new every morning.
Come what may today, you can trust that God’s fountain of mercy will never cease to flow into your life and fill you up with His love and compassion. Every morning is a fresh start with Jesus as your Savior. Just as you trust the sun will rise each day, you can fully rely on God to show up with an ample supply of His strength to help you make it through the next 24 hours.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)
God is about to do something new!
God has a way of turning what we view as barriers into blessings. Faith looks forward with expectation and trusts that the future is full of God’s favor. Let’s ask God to fill us with hope even in the midst of the hardest season of our lives. Nothing is too hard for Him. He can breathe new life into any situation and turn a dead end into a highway of hope.
“Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19, CSB)
Are you ready to face the new year with renewed faith? To help you get fired up, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Start your year praying each day for God to do a miraculous work in your world. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to rock your world. Let’s #PrayBig and stand on God’s promises this year!
The new me will not allow doubt and fear to rob me of the new thing God wants to do in my heart. Every day as we trust God, He is transforming our lives. Our past, my present, and future are safe in God’s mighty hands.
Friends, let’s press on and persevere in faith in this new year. Greater things are yet to come. One glorious day soon, God will create everything new and give us a new name when we see Him face to face. This new year provides new opportunities for us to wait on the Lord, rely on His strength, and believe that He is up to something spectacular.
A new year needs a new you.
A new year needs a new you.
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Let’s Chat: What courageous step is God calling the the New You to take in this new year?
ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO FIGURE OUT YOUR NEXT STEP?
I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU CLARIFY THE CALLING GOD UNIQUELY CREATED YOU TO FULFILL.
CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO START WORKING ON A PLAN TO REFINE YOUR PASSION AND PURPOSE.
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YOU’LL RECEIVE “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH” AS MY GIFT TO YOU.
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December 17, 2020
When You Pray Lord, Open My Eyes to See
Today, I am delighted to welcome my wise friend, Joanne Viola, to encourage us as we pray: Lord, open my eyes to see.
When the email popped into my inbox, I had no idea yet of how this title was going to fully resonate with my daily life. I selected the subject more for the convenience of the due date than the subject. It’s for this reason, I share the timeline of my eye journey.
My driver’s license was set to expire on my birthday in February. Not being one to leave things to the last minute, I headed to the DMV to do the renewal, as this time I was not eligible to renew online.
Much to my surprise, I failed the eye exam. Yes, failed. Even with my contacts in, I did not pass.
This prompted a trip to my eye doctor in order to get signed off on my vision. It was at this brief appointment that my eye doctor reminded me of cataracts which had begun forming. She hinted that when it came time for my complete annual exam, we would know better then.
I went back to the DMV with my signed forms, received my driver’s license with restrictions, and left somewhat happy that at least I could drive until sundown.
But COVID happened, things were shut down, appointments were postponed, and my eye exam was rescheduled by the doctor for late September.
It was at that appointment, I was informed the cataracts had developed much quicker than expected. She went on to explain I should probably schedule another appointment with the doctor who could do the surgery should I agree.
That exam brought the confirmation that not only did I have cataracts which were quite developed and impeding my sight, but I also had an astigmatism. Long and short, I made all the necessary appointments to move forward with the corrective surgery.
Here I sit on a November morning and I remember there is a guest post I need to write. I open up the schedule and read the words on the schedule, which was emailed to me, “Lord, Open My Eyes To See.”
And I enjoy a good laugh with the Lord. Who could have known but Him, that on that morning, I would be sitting four days after my first eye surgery.
Only God. And my eyes have been opened – in more than one way.
God sees the beginning from the end, and tenderly weaves the details of our lives together.
Much the way His hand had been at work in the details coordinating this journey with my eyes, He is at work in the details of each of our journeys.
Nothing escapes His eyes, for His eyes are ever on each of us.
But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-30, NLT)
The morning after my surgery, I headed into the bathroom and took note that my husband had put in all LED bulbs. Then heading into the kitchen, I noticed he had also replaced those. Only when in the family room with my Bible on my lap did I realize I could read without the assistance of my glasses or contacts.
It was not a change in light bulbs, but a change in my ability to see which I was noticing.
The psalmist knew also recognized his eyes needed God’s help to see:
Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in Your instructions. (Psalm 119:18, NLT)
Why do we need our eyes opened? Warren Wiersbe brings this insight:
The eyes have an appetite, and we must be careful where we focus them … we are students and our basic manual is the Word of God. However, unless God opens our eyes, we will never see the wonderful things hidden in its pages. His works are wonderful, and His love is full of wonders. We have the privilege to meditate on the wonder of His Person, His truth, and His mighty works.
As we are almost at Christmas Day, I am reminded of Simeon, an older man, most assume a priest, who was righteous, devout, and eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come. He was there in the Temple the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be presented. It was he who spoke these words as he held the Christ child in his arms:
Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as You have promised. I have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and He is the glory of Your people Israel! (Luke 2:29-32, NLT)
As we wait during this time of Advent, may we not only prepare our hearts but ask the Lord to open our eyes. He has wondrous things prepared for us, His people.
Lord, open my eyes to see.
Lord, open my eyes to see.
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Meet Joanne:
I celebrated my 41st wedding anniversary this year and am married to my very best friend in life. We live outside just north of Boston, MA. I am mom to two adult married children and am “Mimi” to three precious granddaughters, whom I have the joy of watching while their parents work.
I love to read and write, and began blogging so my family would always know my thoughts as I processed this journey of life.
A ministry which is dear to my heart is The Lulu Tree, where I serve on the governing board as treasurer.
I write on my blog Days & Thoughts. I can also be found on Facebookand Twitter.
The Pray Big Sisterhood
Every morning, I wake up and lift my heart to God in prayer.
I praise Him for His glory and goodness.
I surrender my agenda and expectations to His greater kingdom purposes.
I yield my desires to do His will.
And, then I ask for Him to move a mountain.
I cry out to Him for that mountain to crumble.
I believe that God is bigger than any obstacle or stronghold.
Yet, my mountain remains — immovable and unyielding.
Do you have a mountain? I bet you do.
Like me, you may be discouraged by the darkness that looms large in your view.
You aren’t alone. If we sat down today in my kitchen and shared our stories, I bet we would see similarities.
Together, we would ask God to move two mountains.
With worshipful hearts, let’s keep crying out to the Lord for those mountains to crumble.
Let’s pray big!
Y’all his has been the craziest season ever, but I know that God has a bigger purpose than just our merely surviving the chaos. In hopes of redeeming the time in the weeks ahead, I am inviting you to “Pray Big” as we look to the Lord for even greater things to come.
Let’s ask God to help us have an expectant heart that is not overwhelmed by all the negativity in this world. Let’s pray big and believe God is bigger than the obstacles we are facing. Our Mighty God is going to do more than we can ask, think, or imagine as we pray with hope.
To encourage us on this journey, I have invited my wisest and most Spirit-lead friends to share their heart here in this space for a monthly #PrayBig Guest Post Series. We will start next week and cry out to God together..
I was to also invite you to join a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for sisters to share our stories and surrender them to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s lift up holy hands together and pray big in community.
To help you get started, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Join the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
If you are visiting from Joanne’s today,
welcome to my little space on the web!
Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help you
LOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.
PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.
HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.
STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve.
SIGN UP TO GET WEEKLY #FAITHFUEL IN YOUR INBOX.
YOU’LL RECEIVE “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH” AS MY GIFT TO YOU.
YOU’LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO THE PRACTICAL RESOURCES IN OUR PRIVATE FAITH FUEL LIBRARY.
Challenge: Every day this week, start your day with this prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see.
ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT?
I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.
CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
December 2, 2020
When You Need to Believe Nothing is Impossible for Your God
This year a series of very unfortunate events shocked me and left me without a clear sense of direction. I feel like I’m the protagonist in my own personal tragedy full of hard to follow subplots and unexpected twists of fate. The hardest part about all of it is that I have no idea how it’s going to end, and I feel totally out of control. It’s like someone grabbed the pen out of my hand and started writing brokenness where I had hoped to see beauty. As a woman of faith, I am still desperately hoping for my happy ending. I want to believe nothing is impossible for my God.
I want to believe God can turn things around tomorrow even when they are terrible today.
My God still moves mountains in the present.
My God brings dead things back to life right now.
My God gives beauty for ashes no matter how dark the day.
The enemy does not get to destroy all that God has planned for my life. God always restores and redeems.
Maybe like me you are currently surrounded by sadness and have no idea how God is going to make the sun shine again in your world. Friend, God sees you, and He is fighting for you.
The God of impossible situations is not finished writing your story.
Your God loves your prodigal more than you do, Mama. He stands with you as you speak the truth in love even when it hurts. He created your baby for His glory.
Your God cares about your financial woes, and He has a plan to get you out of the hole. This barren season is just the seeding for a fruitful harvest to come.
Your God hears your cries for healing, and He will respond. He has not forsaken you and left you to figure it out on your own. He is carefully arranging every detail and will show up with His presence, His provision, and His power.
Your God can do anything.
This week, God reminded me through another woman’s saga that He can turn tragedy into triumph if I just trust Him. If you are feeling a little hopeless this Christmas holiday, I hope these 3 nuggets from Mary’s life will encourage you to keep the faith. He loves to show off when we fully surrender all the pages of our story to Him.
Believe Nothing is Impossible for Your God:
You are covered by empowering of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit will fill up any space that you fully surrender to Him with His powerful presence. Your obstacles are just an opportunity for the Spirit step in with supernatural strength and do an extraordinary work.
“The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you….” (Luke 1:35, MSG)
You are undergirded by God’s unfailing promises.
You can trust that God will do what He said He is going to do every time. Your Abba Father is faithful, and He follows through until the end. He will never forsake you, so you can rest in His care and stop striving.
“Not one promise from God is empty of power, for nothing is impossible with God!” (Luke 1:37, TPT)
Your future will be filled by the favor of a Father who delights to bless you when you believe.
When we trust God and walk in faith, He abundantly covers us with His grace. Your God will hem you in behind and before and lay His hand on every detail of your life.
“ Great favor is upon you, for you have believed every word spoken to you from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45, TPT)
Need more help to believe nothing is impossible for your God? I’ve created a one-page printable with 10 Scriptures to remind you He can overcome any obstacle. Grab a copy and spend the next 7 days focusing on how your God is able to help see you through anything. Every morning, you can sit at His feet and strengthen your walk as you remind yourself your faithful God is in control. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
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My sisters, as we put our fully rely on God, we will find Him faithful. He is solid rock under our feet no matter where we are standing today. He will lift us up out of the mire and turn our mess into a miracle every time.
The enemy of our souls wants us to think our stories won’t end well, but He is big fat liar. God has already written your happy ending, and nothing can thwart His purposes for your life.
The enemy’s lies don’t stick to truth-filled women. Let’s focus on what God says, not how we feel. Remind yourself that your God is a
Waymaker (Isaiah 43:19)
Miracle Worker (Psalm 105:5, MSG)
Promise Keeper (Deuteronomy 7:9, MSG)
Light in the Darkness (John 1:5, John 8:12)
There is no obstacle so large in our world that our wonderful God cannot overcome. Let’s believe our Abba Father is up to something spectacular we just can’t see clearly yet.
Believe nothing is impossible for your invincible God. He will intervene on your behalf and bring beauty.
Believe nothing is impossible for your invincible God. He will intervene on your behalf and bring beauty.
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Let’s Chat: What Biblical truths help you believe nothing is impossible for your God?
To help you grab hold of the true meaning of Christmas, I’ve created a gift for you!
Download a copy of this sweet one-page printable with 15 Christmas Conversation Starters.
Print these out and use them at your Christmas get togethers in December to start making those meaningful connections. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
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ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO FIGURE OUT YOUR NEXT STEP?
I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU CLARIFY THE CALLING GOD UNIQUELY CREATED YOU TO FULFILL.
CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO START WORKING ON A PLAN TO REFINE YOUR PASSION AND PURPOSE.
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ARE YOU READY TO FIRE UP YOUR FAITH?
SIGN UP TO GET WEEKLY #FAITHFUEL IN YOUR INBOX.
YOU’LL RECEIVE “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH” AS MY GIFT TO YOU.
YOU’LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO THE PRACTICAL RESOURCES IN OUR PRIVATE FAITH FUEL LIBRARY.
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Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
November 19, 2020
When You Need to Pray “Thank You, Jesus”
Today, I am delighted to welcome my wise friend, Jennifer Bryant, to encourage us as we pray: Thank You, Jesus.
As a young couple, we heard rumors of expected expenses once the babies came. But we thought that financial burden began after we left the hospital.
Following an emergency surgery, special machines to monitor his premature status, the birth of our second son came with a hefty medical bill. Insurance covered most of it, but ten percent was still ours to shoulder along with our bouncing baby boy.
In those days, we had taken on a new business, and mostly depended on my meager teacher’s salary to keep us afloat. We agreed to split costs to pay down this baby bill.
One afternoon, he surprised me with an envelope. I opened it curiously to see the hospital expenses listed and totalled. Next to the large sum was a hand-written note that said Paid in Full and that day’s date.
To my great excitement and surprise, my hard-working husband found a way to pay off the entire bill in just a few months. The relief of knowing we didn’t have this financial burden hanging over us anymore sent my heart soaring.
I felt lighter, lifted, and thankful that our nearer future would be an easier road to walk.
When we experience moments of authentic gratitude, they are usually in response to an act of love, kindness, much-needed help, or incredible sacrifice.
The natural response of a thankful heart is based in remembering the power outside of ourselves that allowed peace and joy to enter.
That muscle of authentic thankfulness builds when we actively remember these moments.
It’s no wonder God told Joshua to have the Israelites set up stones of remembrance to reflect on what God had done for them. Just as with Moses and the Red Sea, the Lord allowed His people to cross the Jordan River on dry ground and into the promised land.
A seemingly impossible feat, God’s chosen people took steps forward through unbelievable circumstances. When it was over, God told Joshua to instruct twelve men (one from each tribe) to walk to the middle of the miraculously dry river to collect stones to bring ashore.
Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and He kept it dry until you were all across, just as He did at the Red Sea when He dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.” (Joshua 4:21-24 NLT)
These stones must have been large and heavy, because the men were told to carry them on their shoulders. I suppose they may have been smoother-looking than stones from shore, to prove that God’s people were once in the impossible depths.
Sometimes, we need visible reminders to point back to our once impossible depths and say, “Thank You, Jesus.“
Sometimes, we need visible reminders to point back to our once impossible depths and say, “Thank You, Jesus.”
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We remember them because they were connected to a traumatically negative emotion like pain, grief, loss, worry, doubt, fear, anger, hunger, or shame.
Sometimes those markers look and feel more like scars, made smoother over time. But they allow us to say confidently:
I owed more than I could pay, and You paid it.
I was in the depths, and You rescued me.
I was sick, and You healed me.
I was hurt, and You comforted me.
I was grieved, and You relieved me.
I was lost, and You gave me hope.
I was worried, and You assured me
I was doubtful, and You led me.
I was afraid, and You soothed me.
I was angry, and You calmed me.
I was hungry, and You fed me.
I was ashamed, and You forgave me.
Lord of my life,
Provider,
Conqueror,
Protector,
Redeemer,
Thank you – THANK YOU…. Jesus.
He pays every debt in full, makes beauty from our ashes, and raises the dead to live alive with Him forever.
A thankful heart is a response to an incredible gift.
When we choose to accept His gifts and respond with a genuine heart of gratitude, that incredible feeling of thank-FUL-ness is a door that sets us free from future worry and torment about the flood of what-ifs and unknowns.
It’s an act of acceptance and acknowledgment that we cannot save ourselves.
It’s an act of surrender, like the prodigal son on his knees, head buried in his Father’s chest.
Thankful hearts are full to overflowing and cannot help but cry out in gratitude.
Talk about your experiences. Let them flow out loud with others and how once crushing times with God’s help have transformed you. Keep moving, keep improving, and keep praying forward.
Thank You, Jesus. Nothing is impossible for You.
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Jennifer Bryant is the wife of a good man and mother of two precious preteens. Her favorite things include reading, organizing, blogging, singing with her kids, laughing out loud with her husband, and making food for people. She lives in Honolulu, Hawaii and dreams of taking her family on marvelous adventures across the globe. She is a writer and podcaster at PracticalFamily.org, and encourages mothers to build practical skills for healthy communication, and strengthens homeschool moms for every-day struggles to raise the next generation. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
The Pray Big Sisterhood
Every morning, I wake up and lift my heart to God in prayer.
I praise Him for His glory and goodness.
I surrender my agenda and expectations to His greater kingdom purposes.
I yield my desires to do His will.
And, then I ask for Him to move a mountain.
I cry out to Him for that mountain to crumble.
I believe that God is bigger than any obstacle or stronghold.
Yet, my mountain remains — immovable and unyielding.
Do you have a mountain? I bet you do.
Like me, you may be discouraged by the darkness that looms large in your view.
You aren’t alone. If we sat down today in my kitchen and shared our stories, I bet we would see similarities.
Together, we would ask God to move two mountains.
With worshipful hearts, let’s keep crying out to the Lord for those mountains to crumble.
Let’s pray big!
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Y’all his has been the craziest season ever, but I know that God has a bigger purpose than just our merely surviving the chaos. In hopes of redeeming the time in the weeks ahead, I am inviting you to “Pray Big” as we look to the Lord for even greater things to come.
Let’s ask God to help us have an expectant heart that is not overwhelmed by all the negativity in this world. Let’s pray big and believe God is bigger than the obstacles we are facing. Our Mighty God is going to do more than we can ask, think, or imagine as we pray with hope.
To encourage us on this journey, I have invited my wisest and most Spirit-lead friends to share their heart here in this space for a monthly #PrayBig Guest Post Series. We will start next week and cry out to God together..
I was to also invite you to join a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for sisters to share our stories and surrender them to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s lift up holy hands together and pray big in community.
Thank You, Jesus!
To help you get started, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Join the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
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If you are visiting from Jenn’s today,
welcome to my little space on the web!
Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help you
LOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.
PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.
HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.
STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve.
SIGN UP TO GET WEEKLY #FAITHFUEL IN YOUR INBOX.
YOU’LL RECEIVE “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH” AS MY GIFT TO YOU.
YOU’LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO THE PRACTICAL RESOURCES IN OUR PRIVATE FAITH FUEL LIBRARY.
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Challenge: Every day this week, start your day with this prayer: Thank You, Jesus.
ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT?
I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.
CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
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Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
November 4, 2020
3 Ways to Pray for the White House and Change the World
I see you there, mama. You are changing diapers, vacuuming carpets, carpooling, and cutting coupons. Every night, you tuck your precious little ones into bed, and you pray for them to love Jesus. You act out Bible stories and encourage them to share. You want to raise champions for God. You may not live in The White House, but you are a leader in your home. Right where you are, you are a World Changer.
Yes, I know that the President of the United States is the supposedly the most powerful man in the world. But you, Woman of God, hold power as well. You hold power to love, to teach, to mold, and to encourage. You are shaping the future right there in your home. You are World Changer.
Yes, I realize that you turn on the television and watch the news and wonder what kind of world your precious charges are going to grow up to find, but right there in your home, you have power to impact the future. You can fight on your knees. Rather than worry and think that you don’t have any influence over the state of world affairs, lift your heart to the Chief in Command. Your Father holds the most power. He is sovereign oer all.
Here are 3 Ways to Pray for the White House and Change the World:
Pray for our government officials and their families to humbly yield their lives to Christ.
Apart from Christ, the White House will accomplish nothing of lasting value. More important than platforms and party affiliations is that each soul is surrendered to the Savior who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
”If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)
Pray for God to foster a Biblical worldview in the hearts and minds of our President and all the men and women who serve in the political sector.
The wisdom of men is misguided and creates chaos. Even the smartest man in the room is a fool if he does not see past history, present problems, and our future possibilities through the lens of God’s redemptive plan for mankind.
”See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)
Pray for God to grant our President discernment and integrity so that He makes wise choices the promote truth, life and peace.
Rather than complain about our President if we don’t agree with his policies, we should cry out to God for our leader to have clarity and good judgment.
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (I Timothy 2:1-2)
Friends, the battle is won on our knees. To help you get started, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
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You might not ever set foot inside the White House, but you can impact the climate there by praying faithfully for God’s purposes to be fulfilled in Washington. I see you there on your knees, mama.
You will change the world one prayer at a time.
You may not live in the White House, but you can change the world one prayer at a time.
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Let’s Chat: Do you regularly pray for the White House and your local leaders?
ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT?
I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.
CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
ARE YOU READY TO FIRE UP YOUR FAITH?
SIGN UP TO GET WEEKLY #FAITHFUEL IN YOUR INBOX.
YOU’LL RECEIVE “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH” AS MY GIFT TO YOU.
YOU’LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO THE PRACTICAL RESOURCES IN OUR PRIVATE FAITH FUEL LIBRARY.
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Have you written something challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
October 29, 2020
Lord, Have Your Way in Me
Today, I am delighted to welcome my wise friend, Mary Geisen, to encourage us as we pray: Lord, have Your way in me.
Some days I wake up and wonder how I made it through the last five years. I wonder if it was all a dream, but morning comes, and I find myself on the other side of those five years.
My mind frequently runs through the highlights as I process the loss, grief, season of caregiving, uncertainty in who God is calling me to be as well as the joy that was interspersed.
If God is always present and working in our lives, we don’t need to wait until life crumbles to recognize the strength that carries us through. We can pray, “Lord, have your way in me” even before the first sign of trouble.
Call Upon the Lord.
Five years ago, I retired from teaching after thirty years. I walked out of the classroom for the last time and almost immediately walked into a season of caring for my dad. I was left in a place where nothing looked familiar and I had no idea who I was.
A year later, my dad passed away after fighting hard to come back from a broken hip and pneumonia. I was lost and hanging on tenuously. Grief caught up with me from years past and compounded the loss I was feeling from a job I loved as well as the loss of my dad.
It was during this time that I began to call upon the Lord in joy, grief, hardship, and gratitude. I was desperate, suffering from anxiety, and could only repeat, “God, help me” over and over. I began to pray the words in Psalm 25 during my wilderness season.
Lord, direct me throughout my journey
so I can experience your plans for my life.
Reveal the life-paths that are pleasing to you.
Escort me along the way; take me by the hand and teach me.
For you are the God of my increasing salvation;
I have wrapped my heart into yours! (vs. 4-5, TPT)
Let’s ask ourselves, “What does it look like for the Lord to direct the path of our lives?”
Saying “Yes” to God
God saw me as I tried to figure it out on my own. He sees you, too. The blessing is that God is working behind the scenes in both of our lives and patiently waits for us. God is waiting for a simple “yes” to leave our lips as we agree to let the Lord, have His way in our lives.
On one hand, it looks as simple as praying the words from Psalm 25. On the other hand, it takes more than lip service. My “yes” began as my life circumstances changed and continued as I walked through learning who I was all over again. Your “yes” might look similar or something entirely different. It doesn’t end with that one word but works best when surrendering whatever distracts us from God.
When we call upon the Lord, He answers. All it takes is an open heart and a listening mind to hear what God is saying to us.
Lord, have your way.
Lessons from Psalm 25:
My story of uncertainty and loss is ongoing. The good news is that God never stops teaching me. When I leaned in, God leaned in closer. When I thought my tears would never end, God collected each one and assured me there was room for more. In the hard, God showed me the sacredness of letting Him lead the way. I made it to the other side. You will, too.
God wants nothing more for you and me than to direct our journeys through life.
He has written great plans for you and desires to see the fruit of your “yeses.” Sometimes we need to walk through the wilderness to yield greater abundance on the other side.
Let go of what you are holding onto so you can grab the hand of God.
He is ready to teach you and show you the way. Uncertainty in our lives looks like clearing the way for God. Loss and grief grow the foundation of who we are so we can shine God’s love for others.
God will never leave or forsake us.
He is our salvation on the days we say “yes” and on the days when we push back and nothing is going right. The image of wrapping our hearts into God’s heart brings such joy because it is in Him that we find ourselves.
When you pray, “Lord, have your way in me,” you accepted the invitation that God sent to lay it all at His feet.
You took one step closer to making it through your own wilderness. God promises hope and peace in the middle laced with abundance as you grow closer to Him.
Let’s say “yes” to God and know that goodness and faithfulness are waiting on the other side.
Lord, have Your Way in Me.
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Meet Mary:
Mary Geisen is the author of Brave Faith: A 31 Day Devotional Journey. She is a blogger, a speaker, a lover of coffee and deep, soul-filled conversations. Her greatest joys are her roles as a mom, mother-in-love, and Mimi. As a writer and follower of Jesus, God has led her through wilderness seasons, taught her how to walk in brave faith, and has drawn her into closer relationship with Him. Mary wants to live in a way that others are empowered to walk in brave faith through their own in-between, middle seasons of life.
Connect with Mary: Blog — Instagram — Facebook — Twitter — Pinterest
The Advent Narrative
The Life You Didn’t Know You Were Already Living
Advent is rushed. One glance at the calendar clearly displays Advent as a four-week season reaching its climax on Christmas. But what if Advent is not just four weeks long? What if instead, Advent is a lifetime of living?
This book marks the beginning of your chance to choose a life that is lived outward rather than inward—an invitational life where you can prepare your heart to receive the joy and hope that comes with knowing Jesus. A life that will keep you focused on Christ as you clear out what weighs you down to make room for the One who lifts you up.
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Coming to Amazon on November 10, 2020!
Visit The Advent Narrative for details.
The Pray Big Sisterhood
Every morning, I wake up and lift my heart to God in prayer.
I praise Him for His glory and goodness.
I surrender my agenda and expectations to His greater kingdom purposes.
I yield my desires to do His will.
And, then I ask for Him to move a mountain.
I cry out to Him for that mountain to crumble.
I believe that God is bigger than any obstacle or stronghold.
Yet, my mountain remains — immovable and unyielding.
Do you have a mountain? I bet you do.
Like me, you may be discouraged by the darkness that looms large in your view.
You aren’t alone. If we sat down today in my kitchen and shared our stories, I bet we would see similarities.
Together, we would ask God to move two mountains.
With worshipful hearts, let’s keep crying out to the Lord for those mountains to crumble.
Let’s pray big!
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Y’all his has been the craziest season ever, but I know that God has a bigger purpose than just our merely surviving the chaos. In hopes of redeeming the time in the weeks ahead, I am inviting you to “Pray Big” as we look to the Lord for even greater things to come.
Let’s ask God to help us have an expectant heart that is not overwhelmed by all the negativity in this world. Let’s pray big and believe God is bigger than the obstacles we are facing. Our Mighty God is going to do more than we can ask, think, or imagine as we pray with hope.
To encourage us on this journey, I have invited my wisest and most Spirit-lead friends to share their heart here in this space for a monthly #PrayBig Guest Post Series. We will start next week and cry out to God together..
I was to also invite you to join a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for sisters to share our stories and surrender them to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s lift up holy hands together and pray big in community.
Need inspiration to help you pray Lord have your way in me? To help you get started, I’m sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Join the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.
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If you are visiting from Mary’s today,
welcome to my little space on the web!
Here you will find fuel for a wildfire faith to help you
LOVE DEEP: Fervently extend God’s kindness and grace to pesky people.
PRAY BIG: Go down fighting on your knees with fire in your bones.
HOPE FULL: Stay tethered to a confident anticipation that keeps your heart ablaze.
STAND STRONG: Rest courageously on God’s promises with red-hot resolve.
SIGN UP TO GET WEEKLY #FAITHFUEL IN YOUR INBOX.
YOU’LL RECEIVE “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH” AS MY GIFT TO YOU.
YOU’LL ALSO GET ACCESS TO THE PRACTICAL RESOURCES IN OUR PRIVATE FAITH FUEL LIBRARY.
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Challenge:
Every day this week, start your day with this prayer: Lord, have your way in me.
ARE YOU STUCK IN A SPIRITUAL RUT?
I CAN PARTNER WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SPARK A TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR LIFE.
CHECK OUT MY COACHING SERVICES TO DISCOVER STRATEGIES TO REKINDLE YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
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