Once a reluctant kid got persuaded to give in and completely surrender to the the Giver of all good things. He fought it, then thought it out in his spirit.  His rebellion melted and the kid was inspired by a holy fire to pen these words. “But if I say, “I will not remember Him, or speak anymore in His name,” then in my heart, it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I am weary of holding it in, and I cannot endure it.” Jeremiah 20:9

What does Jesus delight to see in you? ❤️  Psalm 37 “Do NOT fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and DO GOOD good; dwell in the land and ENJOY safe pasture. TAKE DELIGHT in the LORD, and HE will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in HIM and HE will do this: HE will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”

Our Father who spoke all that exists into being, created our thirst and hunger. He also provided the food that satisfies. Jesus taught us about the exercise of prayer in Luke chapter 11:9 “I say to you Barbara…” Who says? My Father, Master, Teacher, God and my Savior is teaching me. “ASK and it will be given; SEEK and you will fund; KNOCK and the door will be opened to you. For EVERYONE who asks RECEIVES.” The teaching text goes on to stir up our hearts with hope. “How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to them who ask Him?” Choose to gladly persist in prayer as the text says “Yet, because of the man’s persistence…” the door will be opened and the Father will give as much as is needed. ASK and REJOICE in the good gift of the Holy Spirit.

Our Father, who art in heaven, glorious is Your name. Your kingdom comes, Your will be done, on earth, and in me, as it is in heaven. Father, forgive me, my sin of doubt and reluctance to ask You to satisfy my needs. Give me what I need, not what I want, as I forgive others for their offenses against me. Leadvme not into temptation but deliver me from the torments of the evil one who seeks to destroy my faith in God, Almighty, and the power of the Holy Spirit to do that which is impossible for me. AMEN

The peoples preacher CH Spurgeon taught “Prayer Guaranteed to Suceed” on January 19, 1873. He told a story about an atheist on board a ship who was near death. The captain wanted to just toss the dying man overboard. In mortal terror, the atheist prayed, and our Lord mercifully erased his pain, doubt and fear. He believed in God and lived. Let us be motivated to not just pray when in dire need.

Go where Jesus is celebrated, not just tolerated. Be slow to anger and quick to listen.  Invite wisdom to speak through you and engage discernment to know when to be silent. James 2 “The scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham BELIEVED GOD, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.” BELIEVE God and pray knowing He desires all to come to faith in Jesus. AMEN

As an adopted kid of the King, eventually we get used to being set apart and different. Ephesians 1:4-9 “For HE CHOSE us in HIM before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in HIS sight. In love HE predestined us for ADOPTION to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with HIS pleasure and will to the praise of HIS glorious GRACE, which HE has freely GIVEN us in the One HE loves. In HIM we have redemption through HIS blood, the FORGIVENESS of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that HE LAVISHED on us. With all WISDOM and understanding, HE made known to us the mystery of HIS will according to HIS good pleasure, which HE purposed in Christ.” Jesus did it all for us. We simply must expand our ability yo surrender and receive. ❤️

Psalm 98 “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations. He has remembered His love and His faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.” Hallelujah

Psalm 119 “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me Your decrees. I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word. Be good to Your servant while I live, that I may obey Your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.” Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the JOY of the Lord and for answering our prayers. Thank You for Your faithfulness and the great promise of eternity with all the saints.

Scripture says “God is love” and Jesus said “My Words will never pass away.” So we can count on every promise. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Our Messiah calls us by name. Our names are written in the Lambs Book of Life. Even though we walk through perilous times, we know that we are not alone, and that this too shall pass. We are certain that one day there will be no more tears, sorrow or pain. For now we cannot avoid bad news, disease, or wickedness as evil is at work through those with weak faith in God to overcome. Our Father tells us to hold onto the faith He gifted us. “In this world we do suffer” just as He warned we would. The Good News is that death has lost its sting as Jesus walked out of the tomb and conquered death to redeem us by His blood. ❤️ 2 Thess 3:5 “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” We who choose to push through will be greatly rewarded.