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If you can’t see what God is doing

What is God doing?

With all that going on in our would today, you might be wondering where God is and asking, “What is God doing?” Maybe you’ve found yourself asking if God is even paying attention to what’s happening down here on earth. Whenever life gets difficult, it’s easy to think of God as way off in heaven and not in tune with the happenings down here on planet earth. However, God is exactly aware and He is at work – even if you can’t see it.

The Message Bible says in Proverbs 29:18 that when we can’t see what God is doing we stumble all over ourselves. The HCSB says “Without revelation people run wild.” Doesn’t that sound like our world today – people running wild and stumbling all over themselves? Could it be that we’ve lost sight of God and what He is doing? Maybe some have even given up on God – stopped going to church, stopped praying, and stopped reading their Bible.

Seeing God at work

It’s funny that the things we stop doing when we feel like God isn’t at work in out lives are the very things we need to do if we are going to see where God is at work. Our spiritual connection to God comes from going to church, fellowshipping with other believers, spending time in His Word, praying, and listening for what God has to say to us. But when we face trials, we sever our connection and blame God for what is happening in our lives.

You may know someone who seems to be very “connected” to God and they can tell you exactly what God’s purpose is for them and the direction they should take in life. You might know someone who has experienced answered prayers that shows them God is at work in their life. Others might be able to tell you about a miracle God has done in their life.

We need to remember that only Moses received a talking, burning bush. Only Noah was given a building plan with the exact dimensions, building materials. Only Paul had a blinding encounter with Jesus. However, over and over again in the Bible we see where God let people in on His plans. Most of us have no specific point in time where God stepped out of heaven with exact directions for what we are to do, but if we look carefully we can see God at work in our lives. He is always working in ways we can’t see and even if we don’t recognize it in the moment, when we look back at our lives we can see His fingerprints all over our lives as He guides and directs our steps.

Tracing the fingerprints of God in our lives

God works in our lives through the church

One of the ways we can see God at work in our lives is through the church. God places the leadership of our churches where He wants them to be. So the leadership in your church is there – for you. As long as they are solid in their theology, listen to the advice you receive them your brothers and sisters in Christ and your church leaders. Have you ever thought about your pastor being the voice of God – or do you just criticize every sermon? Are you more concerned with if your spouse heard what the pastor is saying or do you apply it to your own life?

If you feel like you don’t see God at work, when was the last time you went to church? Do you go anticipating hearing God speak to you or is it more of a social hour? If you want to hear God speak, you have to listen. Start by spending some time in prayer before you go to church and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you worship.

Dr. Jerry

For me, I think about a pastor – Dr. Jerry. When I started attending the church where he was pastor, I was hired as the pianist for the church. However, I believe that God planted and sent me to that specific church because it was where Dr. Jerry was pastor and God would work in my life through sermons Dr. Jerry preached. Through him, God would heal some very deep hurts and it was through Dr. Jerry that God would answer two of my greatest prayers at that time.

I doubt Dr. Jerry even knows exactly how God used him in my life. But God had a plan for me and that included God working through Dr. Jerry to accomplish God’s work in my life at that time. In fact, the very first glimpse of this ministry came through a sermon Dr. Jerry preached even though it would be years later before that glimpse became anything more than a thought in my head.

God works in our lives through other people

One of the ways we can see God at work in our lives is through other people. Throughout our lives, people come and go. We forge close relationships and then God moves them to a new location or we simply lose touch after a time. But have you thought about God placing them in your life for a season and for a purpose?

God often works through others to meet our needs. Sometimes He places people in our lives right in the moment we need them. Other times He places them in our lives months or even years in advance so that when we hit that trial or difficulty, that person is there to encourage us, pray for us, and be the hands and feet of God. Who are some of the people in your life that was there at just the right moment when you needed them?

My “just in time” experience

I recall a time when I was in college and driving home from West Palm Beach and the car I was driving had a mechanical problem (it was just a slight problem – like, it slung a rod – in other words, it was dead). The car problem started about two hours away from home. I heard a clunk and noticed the rpms dropped so I got off the exit and called my dad from a pay phone (this was the days before cell phones). Still two hours away, he told me to get it as close to home as we could. I made it not quite to the next exit.

The other driver at just the right time to help

Several times we had passed a car from West Palm and then later that car would pass us. Because I had gotten off at the first exit, that car caught up with us again and when it saw us pull over, the driver pulled up behind us and offered to get us to the next exit where I could call my dad – again.

The just in time tow truck driver

At that time the only two places at that exit was a Waffle House and a gas station. I found another pay phone and called home. My dad wanted to get the car off the side of the expressway and said he would call a tow truck. Just as he said those words a tow truck pulled up on the other side of the pay phones and was getting out to make a call on another pay phone. So I said, “Daddy, a tow truck just pulled up.” I asked the driver to talk to my dad and they worked out an arrangement where he would tow the truck to the gas station where the owner was a friend of his and dad could pay the towing fee when he arrived.

I had to wait two hours for my dad to get there – but remember there was a Waffle House, so we went in and enjoy hot chocolate while we waited.

God is never caught by surprise

You see God already knew that I would have car trouble that day and while I was not happy about being stranded two hours away from home, my dad helped me to see how God orchestrated events so that I was at the right exit, put a kind person from West Palm Beach on the road with us and just because He is a good God, He made sure a tow truck pulled up at the exact time he was needed. That is how God uses others in our lives.

God works in our lives through Bible Study and prayer

Often, I am asked just how important Bible study and prayer is. It is vitally important. Bible study and prayer is to your spiritual life like oxygen and blood is to your physical life. Without oxygen and blood – you die. Without prayer and Bible study, you do not grow as Christian. If you want to walk with God, you have to be in His Word and you have to pray. But if you do all the talking when you pray, then you can expect to not hear anything from God. If you want to hear from Him, then you have “Be still” and listen. As you do, the Holy Spirit will recall a verse to your memory or something you read from God’s Word will speak to the exact need you are praying about.

God works in our lives through the challenges we face

What if we looked at the difficulties in our lives as God at work around us? Would our perspective on our problems change? When our perspective if “me focused” all I see is the problem. But if I change my perspective to say, “Where is God at work in this?” then what I see is God.

Maybe God is teaching you to trust Him more. Maybe He is testing your faithfulness to Him. Or perhaps He is trying to get your attention to change a behavior that is not pleasing to Him. Perhaps all the stress and anxiety you feel is rooted and grounded in sin that you refuse to give up, confess, and repent from. Try seeking for God in your trials and asking Him what He wants you to learn from the trail you are facing. You can also ask Him to give you strength, peace, and comfort during the trial.

When we know God’s plans

In Proverbs 29:18, The Message Bible says, “But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.” The HCSB says, “one who listens to instruction will be happy.” There is nothing more exciting than to know where God is work and to realize that He invites us into His plans and to be an active part of them. I like that The Messages uses the word “attend.” When we “attend” to something it means we are present and deal with it. It isn’t enough to just hear God’s plan – we have to attend to our part in those plans. In other words, when God calls us up to “active duty” we go serve and do what He tells us to do.

Can you think of a time when God let you in on His plans and He asked you to join Him? What was your answer? Did you obediently jump in? Or did you offer excuses and promise to do it later – but never did? Did you tell God all the reasons why you’re not qualified? Did you say yes, but then listened to others who talked you out of it and didn’t follow through? If you want God to let you in on what He is doing, then you need an obedient heart that will follow Him in what He tells you to do. If you’re not going to bother to listen and do what He says, why should He let you in on His plans?

Stumbling or blessed

How would you describe your life right now? If you feel as if you are “stumbling all over yourself,” then how in tuned with God are you? Can you see God at work? If you do, then are you attending to what He reveals to you? We are happy and blessed when we are walking in step with Him, knowing His will and plans, and obediently doing what He calls us to do.

#worship #Godatwork #listenwhenyoupray

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John 11:40. Seeing the Glory of God

Do you long to see the glory of God? Do you long for God to do something big in your life? Is there a prayer that you have been praying for some time and God seems quiet? Imagine how Martha and Mary felt as their brother Lazarus was sick and they watched as he grew worse. They sent for Jesus, but he didn’t arrive in time, and Lazarus died. They knew Jesus loved their family very much. Can you imagine their confusion as Lazarus gets close to death and Jesus hasn’t arrived yet? Can you imagine their heartache as their brother takes his last breath and Jesus didn’t come? Yet, they had enough faith to believe that, even at this point, Jesus could make a difference. As we look at the story of Mary, Martha, and Jesus when Jesus arrives after Lazarus’ death, there are three things we can learn that will help us in the moments that we long to see the glory of God show up in our own lives.

The Backstory

For a little backstory, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha were friends of Jesus. In fact, the Bible records that it was this Mary that anointed Jesus with oil and wiped His feet with her hair. When Lazarus became sick, his sisters did the only thing they knew to do – they sent for Jesus. They had complete faith that Jesus could heal him. However, we don’t find Jesus dropping everything and heading on over to Bethany as quickly as he can. He already knew what He was going to do, how He was going to do it and why. Unfortunately, in order to fulfill His will, it meant that Lazarus must die first (or maybe that’s not unfortunate for Lazarus because He got to spend a few days on vacation in Heaven!). So Jesus hangs out where He was for another two days. Then He says to His disciples, “Let’s go to Judea.”

Unfortunately, in order to fulfill His will, it meant that Lazarus must die first (or maybe that’s not unfortunate for Lazarus because He got to spend a few days on vacation in Heaven!).

God’s Delay Is Not a Delay

Lazarus, Mary and Martha needed their Jehovah Rapha – the God who heals. But Jesus chose not to go and these were His friends. Jesus was not being unintentionally hurtful by not going right away. If we do the math, we know that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days by the time Jesus does arrive. That means that Lazarus was probably already dead when they brought the news to him that he was sick. But the fact that Lazarus had been dead four days when Jesus arrived is significant and we shouldn’t miss the point of that. The Jews had a belief that a person’s spirit left their body after three days, unable at that point to reunite with the body. It reminds me of the movie, The Princess Bride, where Wesley is “dead” but the little old, odd couple says he’s just “mostly dead” which, of course, is different than “completely dead.”

By waiting a couple days before going, there would be no doubt that Lazarus was not just “mostly dead,” he was completely dead. Dead as a door nail. He was so dead that when Jesus tells them to open the tomb, Martha says, “But, by now, he stinks.” (If Jarjar Binks were on the scene we might hear him say, “How rude!”) But I think God inspired John to include that particular interchange between Jesus and Martha so that everyone throughout time who reads the story of Lazarus will know that Lazarus was 100% completely dead. So dead that his body had started decomposing and stinking. D.E.A.D.

Lazarus was not just mostly dead, he was completely dead. He was so dead that when Jesus tells them to open the tomb, Martha says, “By now, he stinks.” (If Jarjar Binks had been there we might hear him say, “How rude!”)

If any of us were in Mary and Martha’s shoes as they laid the body of their brother in a tomb and sealed it shut, we’d probably feel not just the sadness and grief associated with death, but also confusion and hurt that Jesus hadn’t come. Can you hear the frustration and hurt in their voice as both sisters say the same thing to Jesus when He does finally arrive? They said, “If you had been here, our brother would not have died.” They knew He had the power to heal and they just didn’t understand why He didn’t show up when they needed Him.

If this were us in this story, we might have questioned just how much Jesus really cared about us and our situation. Jesus knew that in not going to them and healing Lazarus, there would be grief and confusion, but Jesus had a greater plan and in that plan they would all see the glory of God. So, the first that we can learn, is to trust God’s timing.

Jesus knew that in not going to them and healing Lazarus, there would be grief and confusion, but Jesus had a greater plan and in that plan they would all see the glory of God.

Trust God’s Timing

I have to admit that waiting is NOT my thing. If you want to see my grumpy side, just let me wait – for anything. I have a couple of games on my phone so that when I find myself waiting, I can pull my phone out and occupy my time. Yet, waiting on God often needs more than a few rounds of a match-three game. At times, we wait years to see God answer a prayer. You might have been praying for so long that you don’t even know how to pray anymore. The good news is the Bible tells us that when we don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit will step in and pray for us (Romans 8:26-27). So if you have reached the place of not knowing what or how to pray, ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you and pray on your behalf. Sometimes, we wait so long that we might even give up praying for that thing on our heart. But unless God gives us an answer of “no,” we need to keep praying, keep seeking His will, keep looking for where He is at work in our lives and know that in His perfect timing, He will show up and whenever He shows up, we will see His glory.

Unless God gives us an answer of “no,” we need to keep praying, keep seeking His will, keep looking for where He is at work in our lives and know that in His perfect timing, He will show up and whenever He shows up, we will see His glory.

Trust God’s Heart

Not only can we trust His timing, but we can trust His timing is the absolute best because He loves us and He only wants the very best for us – even when we don’t know what’s best. Mary and Martha thought that what was best for Lazarus was for Jesus to come and heal him. Had Jesus only healed him, all of them would have missed out on the great miracle that Jesus was going to do. Had Jesus only healed him, Lazarus would not have had the opportunity to spend four days in Heaven. Imagine the stories he could have told about what heaven was like! The point here is that God always gets the timing right.

Had Jesus only healed him, all of them would have missed out on the miracle that Jesus was going to do. Had Jesus only healed him, Lazarus would not have had the opportunity to spend four days in Heaven.

When we hurt, God hurts

We can see Jesus’ heart in verse 35 as His human emotions are expressed. This short verse simply says, “Jesus wept.” But what caused our Savior to cry? He already knew that He was going to bring Lazarus back to life, so he wasn’t crying because his friend had died. What cause Him to be “deeply moved” (verse 38)? I can think of two reasons why Jesus emotions were moved to the point of tears. One reason may have been because as He saw the people standing around, He saw those who did not believe and would spend eternity in hell because of their hard hearts. But He also saw the emotional hurt and pain of Mary and Martha and He loved them. He cared about how they were feeling. My friend, when you are hurting, Jesus is hurting with you. When the people who should be there supporting you, cheering you on, and encouraging you instead would rather see you fail, Jesus hurts with you. Or when someone close to you dies, Jesus hurts with you. When your children turn away from the faith you’ve raised them in, Jesus hurts with you. And when you long to hold a child in your arms, but infertility is your reality, Jesus hurts with you. When your spouse ignores you, leaves you, or cheats on you, Jesus hurts with you. And when a friend betrays you, Jesus hurts with you. Jesus hurts for each and every hurt that weighs us down. When you grieve, God grieves. When you cry, God cries. We have a God with a big heart. You can trust God’s timing, and you can trust God’s heart. 

When you grieve, God grieves. When you cry, God cries. We have a God with a big heart. You can trust God’s timing, and you can trust God’s heart. 

Trust God’s Power

Now remember that Lazaurs wasn’t just “mostly dead.” He was four-day, stinkin’ dead. They didn’t practice embalming, so decay had already set in. Prior to raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus had performed two other resurrections, but they had only been dead a short time. It would take a BIG miracle where Lazarus was concerned and Martha had to point out just how dead Lazarus was. But in verse 4O, Jesus speaks words that could turn the deepest, darkest grief and despair into bright, shining hope. After Martha points out that Lazarus’s decaying body would stink by now, Jesus replies to Martha, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” Then with a loud voice, Jesus says three words: “Lazarus, come forth!”

When God acts, He calls us by name

Have you ever thought about that fact that Jesus called Lazarus by name in raising him to life. The power of God is such that had Jesus just said, “come forth,” every dead body within the sound of His voice would have risen from the dead. Jesus had to call Lazarus by name so that only he came back to life. This moment, this act of God that would reveal His glory, was for Lazarus alone to experience. Those who witnessed God’s glory in action saw it happen, but only Lazarus experienced coming back to life. In that moment, the cells in his body that had already started to break down and decay instantly reversed – in just a split second the 100% completely dead Lazarus breathed and he came hopping out of the tomb still wrapped up like a mummy, and the 100% completely dead Lazarus was now 100% completely alive! That’s the power of our God. And whenever and whatever God speaks to the need you have, He will call you by name so that His glory is revealed in your situation.

The power of God is such that had Jesus just said, “come forth,” every dead body within the sound of His voice would have risen from the dead. Jesus had to call Lazarus by name so that only he came back to life.

In just a split second the 100% completely dead Lazarus breathed & he came hopping out of the tomb still wrapped up like a mummy. The 100% completely dead Lazarus was now 100% completely alive! That’s the power of our God.

If you are longing and waiting to see the glory of God in your life, I hope that you will remember to trust God’s timing, to trust His heart, and to trust His power. The same God that brought Lazarus back to life has the power to do the impossible in your life. The same God that wept when His friends were hurting, weeps with you because He loves you and you are so very precious to Him. And because He loves you, He will reign down His glory on you at only the most perfect moment, so trust His timing. Rest in His love. Believe in His power.

#trustHistiming #trustHisheart #trustHispower #John #WCM

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John 7:7. Why do people hate Jesus?

May 19 John 7 7 nkjv

An old saying says: “Birds of a fellow flock together.” We tend to like and hang out with people who are like us. And those who are not like us, we tend think of as “weird” or “different.” It reminds me of the Dr. Seuss book about the star belly sneetches. All the sneetches with stars on their bellies thought they were the best and those who didn’t have stars on their bellies were condescended. While the story really deals with discrimination, it makes the point of how we want to be with those who are like us. May 19 CTTThe same is true when we look at Jesus and the world. Jesus was the perfect, sinless Son of God. The world is self-centered and sinful. Jesus is the Light of the World that exposes the darkness of sin and brings sin into the light for all to see and therefore, the world wants nothing to do with Jesus.

In Jesus’ day, there were many who didn’t think he was the Messiah and they rejected Him. But if we really get to the heart of the matter, they didn’t like Jesus because he pointed out their faults and sins. None of us like it when our sins are made known and it was true in Jesus’ day too. Instead of repenting and finding forgiveness, they chose to find a way to stamp Jesus out – they sent Him to the cross, thinking that would take care of it. But it didn’t. Jesus rose again from the grave and His disciples spread the gospel so that many did repent and believe in Jesus. So much so that the gospel message is still being told today and it is still changing lives today.

The world still hates Jesus because the way of the world is sin and evil. It still tries to May 19 ctt2stamp Him out. It will pass laws so that it doesn’t have to feel guilt over their sins. It will say that abortion is lawful – God calls it murder. It will say that homosexual marriages are lawful – God calls it an abomination and that marriage is one man and one woman. The courtrooms will remove plaques of the Ten Commandments from its walls (even though every one of the commandments are built into our laws) as if not seeing them will lessen guilt. The more the world tries to compromise with evil, the more evil the world will see. No matter what the world tries to do, God says that His Word will endure forever and that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.May 19 ctt3 Because He is unchanging, changing laws and removing the appearance of them, will never lessen guilt because it is still sin in God’s eyes. The only way to remove guilt and shame is through repentance, forgiveness, and salvation by faith through Jesus.

The sneetches finally learned to accept everyone for who they are, whether they had a star on their belly or not. Jesus says, come just as you are. It doesn’t matter what is in your past or what you are involved in May 19 ctt4now – Come to Jesus. Just as you are and you will find grace and forgiveness. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” As we surrender our lives to Christ, the Bible tells us that He removes our sin as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Micah 7:19 tells us that He has compassion on us and casts our sin into the depths of the sea. And Isaiah 43:25 says, “I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” Exposing the darkness of sin is never easy. But Jesus, through the shedding of his blood on the cross, will wash away your sin and shame. Only then will you fully understand the unfailing, reckless love of Jesus.

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93331EB: Unafraid Leader Guide: Living with Courage and Hope - eBook Unafraid Leader Guide: Living with Courage and Hope – eBook

By Adam Hamilton / Abingdon Press
93352EB: The Joy Stealers Leader Guide: 5 Obstacles to Hope and Happiness - eBook The Joy Stealers Leader Guide: 5 Obstacles to Hope and Happiness – eBook

By Rob Renfroe / Abingdon Press
937185: When The Going Gets Tough - Study Guide When The Going Gets Tough – Study Guide

By Discovery House

When your journey through life comes to a series of ups and downs, holding on and sustaining the ride can be tough. This study, excerpted from Joe Stowell’s book The Upside of Down, offers you hope and encouragement. You’ll explore the seven different types of trials and gain a better understanding of why God allows them. Discover how you can stay the course and respond to challenges through the confidence of God’s Word. Six Studies for Groups or Individuals.
918256: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark: Hosea, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark: Hosea, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah

By Kay Arthur / Harvest House Publishers

In this booklet you’ll study five of the prophets who ministered to both the northern and southern kingdoms before the exile of the southern kingdom to Babylon. Though God commissioned His prophets to preach unique messages to different audiences, He gave them a common theme—hope when life seems dark. As you study these, you too will find hope. Group or individual study includes a daily guide to help you discover truth for yourself, questions for discussion, a thought for the week, and a memory challenge.

 

937863: How to Get Past Disappointment: Finding HopeHow to Get Past Disappointment: Finding Hope

By Michelle McKinney Hammond / Harvest House Publishers

In How to Get Past Disappointment Michelle McKinney Hammond explores the biblical story of the woman at the well. Hope awaits those who are willing to open their hearts to Jesus during disappointments in life. Jesus is merciful and his blessings are attainable. This book has study questions pertinent to the 6-session DVD study that encourages women to assess where they are in their relationship with Christ.

5300889: 2020 Graduation Keyring 2020 Graduation Keyring

By Cathedral Art Metal Co

Class of 2020 diploma keyring in graduation cap gift box;inspiring, practical, affordable.

  • Diploma shaped keyring; Class of 2019 with Scripture quote
  • “Show me your ways, O Lord, Teach me your paths.” Psalm 25:4 (NIV)
  • Lead free pewter keyring; 2″ x 1.5″.
  • Packaged in mortarboard graduation cap gift box with tassel.
  • For guys or girls.
  • Bestselling grad gift
712542: Jeremiah 29:11 Graduation Frame Jeremiah 29:11 Graduation Frame

By Heartfelt

A unique gift to honor the Christian graduate, and a handsome diploma frame; space for photograph, tassel and your diploma in classic dark frame 25″ wide x 14.75″ high.Double matting with gold; space for 4″ x 6″ photo; Scripture verse quote “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.

Suitable for high school, college graduation, or graduate degree; a lifetime milestone keepsake.

Classic dark frame with glass; ready to hang on the wall.
300898: 2020 The Places You"ll Go Graduation Bracelet, Silver 2020 The Places You’ll Go Graduation Bracelet, Silver

By Cathedral Art Metal Co

Graduation bangle bracelet, trending style with charms for the class of 2020.Adjustable silver-tone bracelet with charms: 2020 medallion, Pray tag, crystal bead, and hammered charm engraved – Oh, the places you’ll go!. Gift boxed in mortarboard graduation cap with tassel.

Quote from Dr. Seuss; bestselling grad bracelet.

Bestselling grad gift.
651810: CSB Nurse"s Bible, Navy LeatherTouch CSB Nurse’s Bible, Navy LeatherTouch

By Holman Bible Publishers

The CSB Nurse’s Bible features 7-point type in a convenient, easy-to-carry compact size, in addition to an extended devotional section containing 60 pages of information and inspiration for those medical professionals who form the frontline of healthcare around the world. The extended devotional section includes articles, prayers, and spiritual guidance provided by the Nurses Christian Fellowship/USA and edited by Judith Allen Shelly, R.N. B.S.N., M.A., D.Min, who has won numerous awards from the Evangelical Press Association. The CSB Nurse’s Bible is a special gift for nurses that they will be sure to treasure for years to come.

Other features include:

  • Presentation page
  • Words of Christ in red
  • Two-piece gift box

The CSB Nurse’s Bible features the highly reliable, highly readable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), which stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity. The CSB’s optimal blend of accuracy and readability makes Scripture more moving, more memorable, and more motivating to read and share with others.
464337: Praying God"s Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds, Paperback Edition Praying God’s Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds, Paperback Edition

By Beth Moore / B&H Books

Beth Moore’s #1 perennial best-selling book Praying God’s Word is now available in paperback. In this book, Beth encourages everyone to overcome the spiritual strongholds in their lives by incorporating Scripture into their daily prayer. No matter how overwhelmed you may feel today, Moore boldly reminds us that nothing is bigger or more powerful than the Lord. With this landmark book we learn to wield the sword of the Spirit, praying God’s Word to break free from anything that has a hold on us until the joy and authority of Christ rules in our lives. Paperback.
20200L: 2020 Graduate Tee Shirt, Large (42-44) 2020 Graduate Tee Shirt, Large (42-44)

By Red Letter 9 Inc

Class of 2020 Graduation t-shirt, with bold collegiate design and Scripture quote from Jeremiah 29:11; “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Heather gray shirt with gold details; Trust in God banner design; machine washable; cotton/polyester blend.

Order early for senior photos, trips, and celebrations!
5120025: 2020 Graduation Throw 2020 Graduation Throw

By Simply Home

Graduation throw blanket, Class of 2020, with ivy design, cap and diploma, and Scripture verse. “For I know plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.

  • Tapestry weave throw with fringed border; for guys or girls. Made in the USA. 50″ x 60″.
  • A keepsake 2020 graduation gift.
  • Use as a blanket, a throw on chair or couch, a cozy wrap
070609: God Has Great Plans For You Journal, Faux Leather, Gray God Has Great Plans For You Journal, Faux Leather, Gray

By Brownlow Gifts

  • Journal with satin ribbon marker
  • 240 pages featuring Scripture
  • Pocket size; 4.75″ x 7″
  • God has great plans for you. Jeremiah 29:11
13194X: 101 Blessings for a #1 Teacher 101 Blessings for a #1 Teacher

By Christian Art Gifts

Box of 50 Scripture cards and encouraging quotes, a box of blessings for teachers. Inspirational gift of 50 double-sided cards attractively packaged in a box to keep in a pocket, purse, or desk. Box is 2.5″ x 3.75″ x 1″; each card is 2.25″ x 3.25″.
144040: Teach Inspire Motivate Tumbler with Straw Teach Inspire Motivate Tumbler with Straw

By Christian Art Gifts

Gift idea to inspire and thank that very special teacher: trending artisan design and words of encouragement and appreciation in fresh new design elements.Plastic tumbler with straw holds 16 ounces; double-walled; tested for lead/BPA free. Not for mw/dw.

Teach, Inspire, Dream
970329: The Influence of a Teacher Can Never Be Erased Framed Art The Influence of a Teacher Can Never Be Erased Framed Art

By P Graham Dunn Inc.

Light as a Feather Collection

  • Simple wood frame
  • Handcrafted in the heart of Amish country USA
  • Teacher gift
  • Artisan lettering
  • Subtle and small, easy to display on wall, desk, counter or nightstand
  • 7.5″ wide x 5″ high
  • The influence of a teacher can never be erased
0100806: Best Teacher Ever Glass Water Bottle Best Teacher Ever Glass Water Bottle

By Christian Art Gifts

Water bottle designed with a great teacher in mind

  • Teachers who love to teach inspire children who love to learn
  • Teacher Gifts Collection
  • Generous 20 ounce capacity
  • Leak-proof twist on cap
  • Flip top lid; wide-mouth bottle
  • Dishwasher safe but handwash recommended
  • Not for freezer or microwave
  • Not for hot beverages
  • 9.25″ tall
  • Eco-friendly; boxed
6564L: In God We Trust, Flag, Shirt, Navy Blue, Large In God We Trust, Flag, Shirt, Navy Blue, Large

By Kerusso

We are so blessed to live in America, and enjoy the privilege of sharing our faith out loud. We can worship God, meet together at church, pray anywhere, and any way we want to. Share your heart for the Lord and our great nation in this “In God We Trust” witness tee from Kerusso®

Details:

  • Unisex Christian t-shirt in navy blue
  • Distressed American Flag on front
  • Scripture from Psalm 56:4
  • 100% preshrunk cotton, 5.3 oz
  • Standard fit
  • Taped shoulders and neck
  • Double-needle stitched hems
  • Machine washable
  • Adult size

Front: In God We Trust
In God whose word I praise in God I trust and am not afraid. – Psalm 56:4
6509XL: Stand Strong, Soldiers, Shirt, Black, X-Large Stand Strong, Soldiers, Shirt, Black, X-Large

By Kerusso

A cool, inspirational T-shirt is an easy way to open the door to casual conversations about faith. Introduce everyone you meet to His Word when you wear this “Stand Soldiers” shirt from Kerusso®!

This awesome tee will remind you, and those around you, that fighting the good fight is a lifelong gig, and God puts us in certain places, at certain times, to lend love, strength, and courage to those around us who also seek God’s face.

Details:

  • Black with silhouetted soldiers and Scripture from Thessalonians 5:11
  • Distressed graphic design
  • 100% preshrunk cotton, 5.3 oz.
  • Standard fit
  • Taped neck and shoulders
  • Double-needle stitched hems
  • Machine washable
  • Christian shirt in adult sizes; unisex design

Message:
Stand Strong
Therefore Encourage One Another & Build Each Other Up, Just As In Fact You Are Doing. Thessalonians 5:11
6537L: Be the Warrior God Called You to Be Shirt, Black, Large Be the Warrior God Called You to Be Shirt, Black, Large

By Kerusso Hold Fast

When you give your life to Jesus, you need not walk in the shadow of fear, or worry about defeat. Not one of us has to do battle alone. Because of faith, we can claim victory in the name of Jesus. Lend courage to others and share this Good News by wearing this Christian “Warrior” t-shirt.

Front: Be The Warrior God Called You To Be 1 JN. 5:4

Left sleeve: Hold Fast

Details:

  • Men’s Christian t-shirt in Classic black
  • Faded graphic on front
  • Small American flag printed on left sleeve
  • 100% preshrunk cotton
  • Short sleeve; standard fit
  • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
  • Double-needle stitched hems
  • Machine washable
  • Adult size

Celebrating American heritage, patriotism, and faith in God, Kerusso’s Hold Fast™ Christian apparel line is designed for individuals who follow has faith in God, his country, and in his family, and isn’t afraid to show it! All items in this fearless line are pro-military, pro-veteran, pro-faith, pro-family, and pro-freedom!

And of course we’ve included our CEO’s book:

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God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage
By Julia M. Bruce / WestBow Press
There’s no doubt that marriage is hard work. Yet it can also be one of the most fulfilling relationships you can experience, outside of your relationship with God. However, many marriages leave God outside of the relationship. Godly marriages do not happen without cultivating it, investing in it, and putting God first in your individual lives and in your marriage.
This book includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:

• Scripture to memorize and meditate on
• Conversation Starters
• Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages
• Romance Builders
• Relationship Builders
• Personal reflections
• Date ideas
• Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples

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2 Kings 19:16. God, Do You See Me?

2 Kings 19 16

Sometimes, when life gets hard, we begin to question if God is listening to our prayers or even if He sees what we are going through. Hezekiah’s prayer in 2 Kings 19:16 shows that the same was true in Bible days. At this point, the Assyrians had destroyed the nation of Israel and their land. Samaria had been captured and its people carried away into captivity. Hezekiah was king over Judah and the Bible tells us in chapter 18 that he “trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the Lord…and the Lord was with him.” At the end of chapter 18, Assyria insults the Lord and the king of Assyria lets Hezekiah know that he’s coming to conquer Judah. Because Hezekiah trusted in God, He knew that the only hope he had was turning to God. He goes to the house of the Lord and prays for God to save them from the Assyrians. He asks God to hear what Sennacherib had said and he asks God to see the trouble they are in.

No matter what we are going through in life, we can be assured that God hears and sees and that He is in control.  Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk throughMay 17 ctt fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” The Bible never promises an easy life without trials. But God does promise that He will go through the trails with us. In 1 John 5:14-15, we learn that we can have confidence that God hears us when we ask according to his will: “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” 

If you are in a season of life where you are wondering if God hears your prayers and sees what you are going through, you can know that He sees you and He hears you. The Psalmist wrote: “As for me, I call to God…and he hears my voice.” (Psalm 55:16-17) May 17 ctt2Remember that we only see a piece of the puzzle, where God, in His omnipotence, sees the whole puzzle. Sometimes, His answer is there – it’s just not the answer we were looking for, but if we take time to seek God’s will, then we are more likely to see His answer because our will, will already be aligned with His. Whatever His answer, you can bet that it is the very best for you because He loves you.

 

ctt verse of the day

#Godsees #Godhears

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Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:

memory verse logo

Memorize and hide in your heart one memory verse each week in 2020. If you didn’t start the challenge at the beginning of the year, just jump in now and be sure to sign up to get our weekly Memory verse in your email so you don’t miss a week.

This week’s memory verse:

Hosea 14:1-2

Israel, return to Yahweh your God,
for you have stumbled in your sin.
 Take words of repentance with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to Him: “Forgive all our sin
and accept what is good,
so that we may repay You
with praise from our lips.

 #unfailing love #repentance #COVID19 #revival #WCM

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Quotes from the Self Care Blog Series

Keeping Ministry Professionals and Lay-Leaders in Ministry

Today’s quote from the Self-Care Blog Series:

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Physical Self Care:

“For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church.”  Ephesians 5:29 (HCSB)

Today’s quote:

“We should not be concerned about what others might think about our outward appearance. Our focus should be what does God think about the temple we have given Him to dwell in and does it point others to see God within us”  — Julie Bruce


Excerpted from part 23 of the Self Care Blog series.  Read the full article here.

Quote © by Julia M. Bruce.
Please credit the author with a link to this page
when posting, sharing or using this quote in any manner.

The quote above is from Part 23 of a blog series by Julia Bruce on Self-Care for people in ministry. Read the blogs here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17, Part 18, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22.

#selfcare #physicalselfcare #stayinministry #WCM

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Enjoying the quotes from Julia’s Self-Care Blog series? Now you can subscribe to get a quote each day delivered to your inbox.

 

Now get the quotes from Julia's Self Care blog series in your email every morning.

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news and events

 

coronavirus prayer guide logo

Download the full 52-Day prayer guide by clicking here.

The prayer guide is available for free download to individuals and churches and may be reproduced in any quantity both printed and electronically through websites, email, social media, apps, or any other method. 

Today, pray for Delaware:

Delaware

#Chronovirus #fastandpray #judgement #repentance #revivalin2020 #WCM

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Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:

Memorize and hide in your heart one memory verse each week in 2020. If you didn’t start the challenge at the beginning of the year, just jump in now and be sure to sign up to get our weekly Memory verse in your email so you don’t miss a week.

memory verse logoIn 2020 our emphasis is on revival for America with three key words: revive, renew, and redeem. You will begin to see the elements of our website and posts reflect this emphasis. We hope you’ll join us in praying for God to pour out the Holy Spirit with a mighty rushing wind of revival for our nation and around the world.

 

Our key verse for revival is 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.  For the past few  weeks, we have been focusing on repentance. This week, we look at the spiritual transformation that takes place when we surrender our heart to God.

This week’s memory verse:

Isaiah 41:10 

“Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you; I will help you;
I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”

 #nofear #COVID19 #coronavirus #heldbyGod #donotfear #WCM

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