A Season of Renewed Hope: Christmas, the New Year, and God’s Ongoing Work

A Season of Renewed Hope: Christmas, the New Year, and God’s Ongoing Work

As December draws to a close each year, we celebrate two events that brim with anticipation and promise: Christmas and the coming of a New Year. While one commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ—God’s Son entering our world with transforming grace—both remind us that God is always doing something new in our lives. Here’s a closer look at how Christ’s arrival redefined hope and how we can carry that hope into the coming year.

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The Promise Fulfilled at Christmas

For centuries before Jesus’ birth, the people of Israel lived with a promise: that God would send a Messiah to rescue and restore them. We see this promise woven throughout the Old Testament in prophecies and anticipations of a coming King. On that first Christmas, the prophecies were fulfilled in the most unexpected way—a baby, born in a humble manger, heralded by angels and announced to lowly shepherds.

The very idea that God would send His own Son is itself radical. Jesus arrived in simplicity and vulnerability, yet Heaven’s glory rested upon Him. This contrast captures the core message of the gospel: God’s power is often revealed through the humble and the meek. From the outset, Jesus embodied God’s new way of engaging with our world: a plan of redemption that invites every person to receive grace and hope.

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Jesus as the Center of a New Story

What is so “new” about Jesus coming into the world? In Scripture, the Greek word commonly translated as “new” (kainos) doesn’t just mean something more modern, but something of a different kind or nature. Jesus didn’t merely show up to patch the old religious system; He inaugurated an entirely new covenant. No longer would humanity be bound to a strict legalistic framework for approaching God. Instead, by placing our faith in Christ, we become children of God, set free to live in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

• A New Way to Relate to God: Through Jesus, we have direct access to God’s presence. The barrier that once stood between us and our Creator has been torn down, inviting us into a relationship of closeness, not distance.
• A New Perspective on Love: Jesus showed us a love that embraces the marginalized, the sinner, the broken. He revealed a love so fierce and encompassing that it transcends our limitations and calls us into selfless compassion.
• A New Identity: In Christ, we discover a fresh identity as beloved children of God. Our worth is no longer defined by our achievements or failures but by the love of a heavenly Father who gave everything to rescue us.

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The New Year: Reflecting and Looking Ahead

While Christmas reminds us of God breaking into our history with redemption, the dawn of a New Year offers a practical moment for reflection and hope. When we align our New Year goals or resolutions with the truth of Christ’s ongoing work in our lives, we invite true transformation. Rather than focusing solely on external improvements—like eating healthier or advancing our careers—we can intentionally open ourselves to the deeper inward change that God desires.

1. Reflect on the Past Year with Gratitude
   Before rushing ahead into 365 new days, take time to remember where you’ve come from. Where have you seen God at work? What unexpected blessings or lessons shaped you? Gratitude grounds us in trust, reminding us that the same God who carried us through the trials and triumphs of the past year will remain faithful in the next.

2. Seek God’s Direction and Vision
   Whether you set specific resolutions or prefer a more organic approach to growth, seek God in prayer and Scripture to guide your steps. Listen for the Holy Spirit’s leading, trusting that God longs to shape your life for His glory and your good.

3. Embrace Spiritual Renewal
   A New Year beckons fresh starts and renewed vigor. Let this time be an invitation to cultivate spiritual disciplines—prayer, Bible study, worship, service—that shape your heart after Christ’s love and courage.

4. Invite Christ into Every Aspect of Life
   Jesus’ birth highlights God’s humility and willingness to engage with our messy reality. Likewise, invite Christ’s presence into your family, friendships, work life, and personal challenges. Faith is not just for an hour on Sunday; it’s meant to transform every corner of your life.

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Hope Beyond the Festivities

When the decorations come down and life returns to its familiar routines, it can feel like the season of wonder fades. But in truth, the story of Christmas continues all year. Christ’s birth wasn’t just a historical event—it marked a new way of living, a new covenant in which God dwells among us and within us by His Spirit. Our part is to remember, receive, and respond.

• Remember: God’s act of redemption began long before we existed, and His promises stand firm into eternity.
• Receive: Open your heart to the ongoing gift of Jesus, who is “God with us”—Emmanuel.
• Respond: Live out your faith in daily acts of love, hope, and worship, bearing witness to the light of Christ in every season.

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Conclusion

Christmas and the New Year converge to remind us that God is always writing new chapters in our lives. Through Jesus, we see the ultimate demonstration of God’s heart for renewal and redemption. No matter what the last year held—or the uncertainties of the one ahead—you can step forward in faith.

May the birth of Jesus draw you into deeper gratitude, and may the promise of a New Year fill your soul with hope. In this season and beyond, embrace the new thing God is doing in your life: His love, His grace, His everlasting invitation to be part of His story.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year—may you be filled with the renewing joy of Christ in every step you take!

Advent Devotional Reflections

Advent Devotional Reflections on the Birth of Jesus, the Reason for the Season!

Advent Devotional Reflections: Preparing Our Hearts for the Celebration of Jesus' Birth

As the season of Advent begins, Christians around the world enter a sacred time of waiting, reflection, and joyful anticipation of Jesus' birth. Rooted in Scripture and tradition, Advent invites us to pause, prepare our hearts, and focus on the true meaning of Christmas: the coming of our Savior, Emmanuel—God with us.

Week 1: Hope in the Promise of a Savior

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6–7
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Advent begins with hope—a reminder of the prophets’ words foretelling the coming Messiah. In a world longing for redemption, Isaiah's prophecy shines as a beacon of God’s faithfulness. This week, reflect on the hope we have in Christ and how His light overcomes even the deepest darkness.

Reflection Question: How does the promise of Jesus' coming bring hope to your current circumstances?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the hope You bring through Your Son, Jesus. Help me to trust in Your promises and to be a bearer of hope to others. Amen.

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Week 2: Peace Through Christ

Scripture: John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

The peace Jesus offers surpasses all understanding. In a busy season often filled with stress, Advent calls us to rest in the peace that only Christ provides. This week, consider how you can bring the peace of Christ into your relationships, conversations, and daily life.

Reflection Question: What does it look like to embrace Christ's peace in the midst of life's busyness?

Prayer: Prince of Peace, calm my heart and remind me of Your presence. Help me to share Your peace with others as I prepare for Your coming. Amen.

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Week 3: Joy in the Fulfillment of God's Plan

Scripture: Luke 2:10–11
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"

Joy fills the Advent season as we celebrate the good news of Christ's birth. The angel’s proclamation to the shepherds reminds us that this joy is for everyone. This week, reflect on the joy of knowing Christ and how His coming transforms your life.

Reflection Question: How can you share the joy of Christ’s birth with others this week?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the joy that comes from knowing Jesus. Fill my heart with gratitude and let my life be a witness to Your goodness. Amen.

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Week 4: Love Made Manifest

Scripture: 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."

Advent culminates in love—the boundless, sacrificial love of God made manifest in Jesus Christ. As we prepare to celebrate His birth, we remember that His coming was the ultimate act of love, inviting us into a relationship with Him.

Reflection Question: How can you embody God’s love in your actions this week?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for loving me so deeply that You sent Jesus to be my Savior. Teach me to love as You love, with grace, compassion, and humility. Amen.

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Christmas Day: Emmanuel—God With Us

Scripture: Matthew 1:23
"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us").

Christmas Day is the culmination of Advent—a celebration of God stepping into humanity to redeem and restore us. Today, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, our Savior and King, who is with us always.

Reflection Question: How does the truth of "God with us" change how you view this season and your life?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for coming to dwell among us. May my life reflect Your light and love in all that I do. Amen.

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Closing Thoughts

Advent is a journey of hope, peace, joy, and love—a time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus' birth. May you be abundantly blessed this Christmas season, and may the light of Christ fill your heart and home, reminding you of the incredible gift of His presence.

Let this season be a time to draw closer to Him, to share His love with those around you, and to rejoice in the glorious truth of Emmanuel: God is with us! Merry Christmas!

Claim Victory in Christ: a Bible Study Lesson

This Bible study lesson is intended to help you claim victory in Christ. Surrender your life to Jesus, and receive His righteousness in exchange for your sin, and His riches in exchange for your poverty. Trust God, cling to His Word, and walk in His presence, peace, protection, and provision, in all times and in all places. 

Claim Victory in Christ: a Bible Study Lesson

Objective:

To encourage believers to walk in the assurance of God’s presence, protection, and provision, and to live in the victory Christ has won for them.

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Opening Prayer:

Begin with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide the study and reveal God’s truth about living in victory.

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Lesson Outline:

1. Understanding Victory in Christ

• Key Verse: "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)

  • Discussion:
    • Victory is not something we earn; it is a gift through Christ's finished work on the cross.
    • This victory is spiritual, eternal, and available to every believer.

• Reflection Question:

  • What does victory in Christ mean to you personally?

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2. Assurance of God’s Presence

• Key Verse: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9)

  • Discussion:
    • God's presence empowers us to face challenges with courage and confidence.
    • Knowing He is always with us removes fear and uncertainty.

• Reflection Question:

  • How does the promise of God's presence encourage you in daily life?

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3. Confidence in God’s Protection

• Key Verse: "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17)

  • Discussion:
    • God's protection ensures that no attack of the enemy can succeed against His plans for us.
    • This does not mean we won't face trials, but it assures us of ultimate victory.

• Reflection Question:

  • How have you experienced God's protection in your life?

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4. Resting in God’s Provision

• Key Verse: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

  • Discussion:
    • God is our provider, meeting every need—spiritual, physical, and emotional.
    • Trusting in His provision means walking in faith, even when resources seem scarce.

• Reflection Question:

  • In what ways has God provided for you during difficult seasons?

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5. Walking in Victory Daily

• Key Verse: "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4)

  • Discussion:
    • Living victoriously involves faith and trust in God’s promises.
    • We overcome the world not by our strength but through our faith in Jesus.

• Reflection Question:

  • What practical steps can you take to live in victory each day?

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Group Activity:

• Victory Testimonies: Invite group members to share testimonies of how they’ve experienced God’s presence, protection, and provision.
• Prayer of Victory: Close with a time of prayer where participants declare God’s promises over their lives.

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Memory Verse:

• Encourage participants to memorize 1 Corinthians 15:57: "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

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Closing Prayer:

Thank God for the victory we have in Christ and ask for strength to walk daily in His presence, protection, and provision.

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This lesson is designed to inspire and equip believers to claim the victory God has already provided and to live confidently in His promises.

Let Everything that Hath Breath Praise the Lord!

Let Everything that Hath Breath Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord: A Call to Joyful Worship

In our busy lives, it can be easy to forget the profound power and beauty of worship. Yet the Bible continually reminds us of the importance of lifting our hearts to God in prayer, song, thanksgiving, joy, and expectation. One of the most vibrant calls to worship is found in Psalm 150:6 (KJV), which declares:

"Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord."

This verse is a universal call to all creation. If you have breath, you are invited—no, commanded—to praise the Lord. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that worship is not limited to a specific place, occasion, or even mood. It is the natural response of a heart that recognizes the greatness and goodness of God.

Praise Through Prayer

Prayer is a deeply personal way to connect with God, expressing our love, gratitude, and reliance on Him. When we come before Him in prayer with praise on our lips, we align our hearts with His will and acknowledge His sovereignty. Begin your prayers with adoration, speaking of God's attributes: His love, mercy, justice, and power. Let your words reflect the awe you feel for the Creator of all things.

Praise Through Song

Music is a gift from God, uniquely capable of stirring the soul and expressing the inexpressible. Psalm 150 itself is filled with encouragement to worship with music:

"Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs." (Psalm 150:3-4, KJV)

When we sing praises, whether in a congregation or alone, we join a timeless chorus of worship that stretches back to the psalms of King David. Whether it’s a traditional hymn, a modern worship song, or a simple melody of your own creation, singing praises lifts our spirits and glorifies God.

If you want a great song to sing and dance to while you joyfully praise the Lord, check out "Let Everything that Has Breath Praise the Lord" by Ron Kenoly (video embedded below from YouTube):

Praise Through Thanksgiving

Gratitude is at the heart of worship. By giving thanks, we acknowledge God's blessings in our lives and His faithfulness through every season. Even in difficult times, there is always something to be thankful for: the breath in our lungs, the gift of salvation, the hope of eternity. A heart full of thanksgiving is a heart prepared for joy.

Praise Through Joy and Expectation

Worship is not just about what God has done but also about what He will do. We praise Him not only for past blessings but for the promises yet to be fulfilled. Worshiping with expectation demonstrates trust in His plan and faith in His goodness. It’s a proclamation that we believe God is working all things for His glory and our good.

Practical Steps to Praise

1. Set Aside Time Daily: Dedicate a few moments each day to prayer and worship, starting with gratitude.
2. Sing with Passion: Don’t worry about how you sound—God hears your heart, not your pitch.
3. Keep a Gratitude Journal: Record the blessings in your life, big and small, to keep your focus on God’s goodness.
4. Join a Worship Community: Worship alongside others who share your faith to deepen your experience of praise.
5. Anticipate His Goodness: As you worship, meditate on God’s promises in Scripture, allowing your heart to overflow with hope.

A Call to Action

Today, take Psalm 150:6 to heart. With every breath you take, choose to praise God. Let your life become a symphony of worship, filled with prayer, song, thanksgiving, joy, and expectation. Praise Him for who He is, what He has done, and what He will do.

Praise ye the Lord!

Practicing Thanksgiving: A Reflection on Colossians 3:17

Practicing Thanksgiving: A Reflection on Colossians 3:17

As Thanksgiving approaches, our minds turn to gratitude. We pause to count our blessings, gather with loved ones, and express thanks for the good in our lives. But the spirit of Thanksgiving is more than a single day; it’s a way of life—a continual response to God’s goodness. Colossians 3:17 reminds us of this calling:

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:17 KJV)

This verse challenges us to weave gratitude into the fabric of our daily lives, aligning everything we say and do with Christ’s purpose. Let’s explore how we can live out this Thanksgiving spirit every day.

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1. Gratitude as a Lifestyle

The verse begins with “whatsoever ye do,” encompassing every word and action. Gratitude is not just an isolated act but a way of approaching life. Whether we’re working, serving, resting, or celebrating, every moment is an opportunity to give thanks to God.

This perspective shifts our focus. Instead of waiting for ideal circumstances to feel thankful, we start to see God’s hand in all things. Gratitude becomes a lens through which we view both blessings and challenges, trusting that God is working all things for good (Romans 8:28).

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2. Doing All in the Name of the Lord Jesus

Living in gratitude means dedicating every aspect of our lives to the Lord. Colossians 3:17 calls us to do all things in Jesus’ name. This means our words and deeds should reflect His character—kindness, humility, and love.

In practical terms, this might look like:

• Speaking words that uplift and encourage rather than tear down.
• Approaching tasks, even mundane ones, with a heart of service.
• Choosing integrity and compassion in our interactions with others.

When our lives point to Christ, thanksgiving naturally flows, because we recognize that all we have and all we are comes from Him.

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3. Giving Thanks Through Christ

The latter part of the verse emphasizes the source of our gratitude: “giving thanks to God and the Father by him [Jesus].” Through Christ, we have the ultimate reason to be thankful—salvation and reconciliation with God.

Even in seasons of difficulty, when blessings seem scarce, we can hold fast to this unchanging truth. Jesus’ sacrifice ensures that we are loved, forgiven, and secure in God’s hands. This eternal perspective fuels gratitude that transcends circumstances.

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4. Thanksgiving in Action

How can we put Colossians 3:17 into practice during this Thanksgiving season and beyond?

• Start Each Day with Thanks: Begin your mornings by naming three things you’re grateful for. This simple practice aligns your heart with God’s goodness.
• Serve Others: Gratitude grows when we bless others. Volunteer, lend a helping hand, or show kindness to someone in need.
• Speak Life: Use your words to express appreciation. Whether it’s a heartfelt “thank you” to a family member or a prayer of praise to God, let gratitude shape your conversations.
• Pause and Reflect: Take time to meditate on Christ’s love and sacrifice. Consider journaling your thoughts on how He has been faithful in your life.

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5. Thanksgiving as Worship

Ultimately, gratitude is an act of worship. When we live with thankful hearts, we glorify God. Our daily actions and words become offerings of praise, echoing the message of Colossians 3:17.

This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate not just with turkey and traditions but with hearts fully devoted to God. Let’s commit to living every day in gratitude, doing all in the name of Jesus, and giving thanks to the Father through Him.

As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on how you can carry the spirit of the holiday into every day. And remember: whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all for Him—with thanksgiving.

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A Prayer for Gratitude:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your countless blessings. Help us to live each day with grateful hearts, dedicating all we do to You. Teach us to see Your hand in every circumstance and to give thanks in all things. Through Jesus Christ, we offer our praise and gratitude. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A 40-Day Journey through the Psalms

 

A 40 Day Journey through the Psalms ...

40 Days in the Psalms: A Journey of Reflection, Worship, and Creativity

For 40 days, I embarked on a spiritual journey through the Book of Psalms, immersing myself in its poetry, prayers, and profound expressions of human emotion. Each day brought a new Psalm to read, meditate on, and reflect upon, deepening my connection to God by way of the Bible's hymnal and poetry section. This journey was not only about reading but also about creating—putting some of the Psalms to music, giving them a new voice in my life.

Why the Psalms?

The Book of Psalms has always held a special place in the hearts of believers. It spans the full range of human experience—joy, sorrow, doubt, gratitude, and hope. These ancient hymns remind us that worship is not limited to moments of peace but can also rise from the depths of pain. For me, the Psalms offered an opportunity to connect deeply with God’s Word and let it shape my heart and mind.

The Structure of the Journey

Here’s how I structured my 40 days:

1. Daily Reading and Meditation
   Each day, I selected a Psalm, starting with well-loved ones like Psalm 23 and Psalm 37 and gradually exploring lesser-known Psalms. I read slowly, sometimes repeating verses aloud, allowing their rhythm and imagery to settle into my spirit.

2. Journaling My Reflections
   After reading, I journaled. What emotions did the Psalm evoke? How did its message speak to my current circumstances? Writing helped me process the ancient words and their relevance to my life.

3. Musical Creativity
   Inspired by the Psalms' original intent as songs, I attempted to put some of them to music. I used simple melodies on my piano, or I simply sang a capella, letting the words guide the tune. The goal wasn’t perfection but authenticity—letting the spirit of the Psalm flow through me.

Highlights From the 40 Days

• Psalm 1: A Meditation on Roots and Streams
  This Psalm compares the righteous to a tree planted by streams of water. I spent time reflecting on the “streams” in my life—God’s Word, prayer, and community—and how they sustain me. The image of rootedness inspired a gentle, flowing melody.

• Psalm 51: A Song of Repentance
  Psalm 51 is raw and deeply personal. As I read David’s plea for mercy, I felt compelled to create a somber and reflective tune. Singing the words, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” felt like a heartfelt prayer.

• Psalm 150: A Celebration of Praise
  The final Psalm, a call to praise God with every instrument, was an exuberant way to end the journey. I experimented with layering joyful rhythms and sounds, imagining the kind of celebration this Psalm describes.

Lessons Learned

1. The Power of Honesty in Worship
   The Psalms taught me that God welcomes every emotion—joy, despair, anger, gratitude. There’s no need to hide our feelings in worship. Authenticity draws us closer to Him.

2. Music as a Universal Language
   Putting Psalms to music was a transformative experience. The act of composing melodies made the words come alive in a new way. Music became a bridge, connecting the ancient text with my modern context.

3. Consistency Deepens Connection
   Spending 40 days in the Psalms created a rhythm of reflection that stayed with me. Even on busy or difficult days, setting aside time for this practice anchored my heart.

How You Can Start Your Own Psalm Journey

If this inspires you, consider creating your own 40-day journey through the Psalms. Here’s a simple guide to get started:

1. Choose Your Psalms
   Select 40 Psalms that resonate with you, or follow them in order.

2. Set Aside Time Each Day
   Dedicate 15–30 minutes daily for reading, reflection, and prayer.

3. Explore Creativity
   Whether through music, art, or journaling, find a creative outlet to express your reflections.

4. Invite Others
   Share your journey with friends or family. Discussing the Psalms with others can deepen your insights.

Final Thoughts

The 40 days I spent with the Psalms were transformative. (I especially love the encounter I had with God while meditating on the 23rd Psalm, connecting with the Lord as my Shepherd!) These passages taught me to bring my whole self—joys, fears, and questions—before God. They reminded me that worship isn’t just something we do; it’s who we are. And by attempting to put the Psalms to music, I discovered a new way to let their timeless truths resonate in my life.

If you’ve ever wanted to dive deeper into the Psalms, there’s no better time than now. Open your heart, and let their ancient poetry guide you closer to God.

How To Get Your Prayers Answered!

Want to know how to get your prayers answered? Obviously there is no formula that magically binds God to give you what you want -- and thank God for that, since he knows so much better than we do what is best for us -- but you can do a few things to make sure you are in a position to receive the answers and blessings that God wants to give you!

What Can Keep Us from Receiving Answers from God?

Psalm 103:7 says, God "made known his ways unto Moses and his acts unto the children of Israel." For most of the Israelites, they knew God only from what they saw him do. But with Moses, God actually revealed his plans and purposes before he acted; God showed Moses his heart.

That's like the difference between reading about the public actions of a President or Prime Minister in the news, on the one hand, and knowing the President or Prime Minister personally and being privy to his decision-making process.

If you want to know God's wisdom so that you can apply it to your life, the best way to do this is by getting to know God better. And how do you get to know God better? The best way is by reading his word.

Just like any good habit, reading the Bible may feel like work at first. Let's be honest, if you start with Leviticus or Deuteronomy, chances are you will quit reading before it becomes fun, since those are not the easiest parts of the Bible to read.  So I would recommend starting with the Gospels and the Psalms. There are a lot of reading plans and study groups out there that you can use. But the most important thing is to do like Nike: just do it!

Set aside some time each morning to read the Bible and pray. How much time? Start with something you feel you can easily do. If you only have five minutes, then set aside five minutes. If you can spend more time than that, then do so. But it's better to do a little consistently than to do much inconsistently; incidentally, that is true for trying to develop any new habit! Each day, give God the firstfruits of your time: spend your first few minutes after waking reading the Bible and then praying over what you read.

If you don't know where else to start, here's an easy reading program that worked for me when I first started to read the Bible regularly as an adult: read one chapter from the Gospel of Matthew and one Psalm each day. Once you finish Matthew, go on to Mark.

As the saying goes, "If you want to hear God speak audibly, read the Bible aloud."

As is true with any friendship, the more time you spend hearing or reading God's word, the more you will come to know his heart. And the more you come to know God's heart, the better you will be able to distinguish between what is in accordance with God's will and what is not.

Start Each Prayer with the Premise that God Loves You!

Whenever you pray, and whatever you pray for, pray with the belief that God loves you, because he does! 

As Paul says in Romans 5: 1-11, "God commendeth his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us . . . For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." 

And in Romans 8: 31-32, Paul says, "If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for all of us, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" 

In other words, if Jesus willingly suffered and died for us when we were at our worst, then you best believe God won't withhold anything from us that we need to live a good and fulfilling life!

No matter what you are praying about or praying for, start each prayer with the premise that God loves you!

Have an Attitude of Gratitude towards God!

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul tells us that we should give thanks in every situation, because that is God's will for us.

No matter what you are going through, maintain an attitude of gratitude. Obviously, this can be easier said than done; but no matter how difficult it seems to stay positive and thankful, you really have no choice but to try, because the alternative is so harmful. 

If you hold a grudge, you poison your own mood and outlook on life. This is true whether you are holding a grudge against another person or against Life itself or God. Counting your problems is a surefire recipe for despair!

No matter what your situation is, you can always, ALWAYS, find something for which to be thankful. Tell God thanks for those things that are good in your life. Have food to eat? Clean water to drink? Clothes to wear? A roof over your head? Those things sound so basic, but start there. Look around you right now and try to find ten things that you would miss if you were to lose them. Here's one: are you able to breath easily and freely? Think about how grateful you would be to be able to breathe like that if you had emphysema!

In psychology, the action of focusing on what is good, rather than what is bad, is called "reframing." Even if you don't believe in God, reframing your perspective on your situation by counting your blessings and expressing gratitude for them is a powerful antidote for depression. 

Forgive Yourself and Others

Jesus makes this explicit in his teachings on prayer: if you want God to answer your prayers, be sure to forgive! This is not an option! 

As the Lord's Prayer goes, "Forgive us our debts [or trespasses], as we forgive our debtors [or those who trespass against us]." (Matthew 6:12.)

In Mark 11: 24-26, Jesus makes this teaching more explicit. After telling his disciples to have faith and trust God to give them what they ask for, Jesus says, "And when you stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not fogive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. 

Even if you have a good reason for holding a grudge, you exercise this dubious "right" at your own peril: you need forgiveness and mercy as much as anyone! And if you don't forgive others, you will have a hard time forgiving yourself, because deep down, you will know that you're not living up to your arbitrary standards of morality either. But if you are willing to forgive yourself and others, you can be sure that God has forgiven you as well. 

From mindfulness meditation, there's a technique which may also be helpful here. If you feel angry, turn your attention upon the raw sensations of this emotion, as you feel it in your body. Be willing to feel the physical tension or other pattern of energy that arises when you feel angry. Paradoxically, when you allow yourself to feel the raw physical pangs of anger, without identifying with it or trying to suppress it, the feeling is robbed of much of its power. It's almost like anger is a beach ball that you have tried to hold under the water, but which keeps rising to the surface: instead of trying to hold your anger down and force it out of your awareness, which is an impossible task, just let go of it.

Don't worry; it's not a sin to feel angry: in Ephesians 4:26, Paul quotes the Psalmist by saying, "Be angry, and sin not." What is wrong, harmful, and contrary to God's will for your life is for you to hold onto your anger, nurse a grudge, and try to get even.

As 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Recap: How to Get Your Prayers Answered...

When you pray, pray from the wholehearted belief that God really does love you; be sure to have an attitude of gratitude and thank God for your blessings, especially if you don't feel like it; and forgive yourself and others, so that you are no longer holding any grudges against anyone. Moreover, start each day with prayer and Bible-reading, with no agenda other than to know God better and to know his will for your life. If you do these things, you will find that your prayer-life improves significantly, and you will see more of your prayers answered. Just be sure to give God thanks and praise when that happens!