Renewed: 2 Corinthians 4:16

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (NIV)

Paul is stating not to give up or lose heart. Though his body was in chains and wasting away, his inward body (spiritual body) was renewed, strengthened, and invigorated daily by faith and grace.
Having faith in God and believing in Christ’s resurrection gives us hope. This hope is greater than any difficulty on earth.
For Jesus overcame the world, achieving eternal glory for all who believe in Him.

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage–I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33 (NET)

Is your hope in Christ greater than your difficulties. Does this hope renew and strengthen you?

Prayer; Lord Jesus, we ask you to strengthen us so that we don’t lose heart; but are inwardly renewed. Teach us to take our difficulties to You in prayer and move forward in faith and hope. Let us find comfort and rest in the knowledge that you have conquered the world. Like the clematis grows back and renews every spring, let us grow in faith and hope and be renewed daily. Amen

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Our Strength: Psalm 37:39

39But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
40And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked,
And save them,
Because they trust in Him.
Psalm 37:39-40 (NKJV)

In this verse, David recounts how God’s strength was his refuge. During times of trouble, while his enemies were after him trying to kill him, the Lord protected and rescued David.
Verse 39 states that the Lord offers salvation to the righteous. He is our strength during times of trouble; He will deliver us and save us. Salvation is from the Lord. He helps us bear burdens, takes our worries, and gives us peace. Our job is to love and trust the Lord following His path for us. God saves those who trust in Him. ⁘

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1 (NLT)

When times are overwhelming, where do you put your trust? Do you rely on your wits or God’s strength?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our refuge and protection. Teach us to turn to you during troubled times; you are our strength. Help us to embrace Your wisdom and follow Your path. Like the rhododendron branches support the flowers, lifting them toward sunlight, let us lean on Your strength and spread Your Son-light. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

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I believe in the power of prayer. If you need prayer, I would be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺

Prayer of the Upright: Proverbs 15:8

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Proverbs 15:8 (NAB)

The prayer of the upright; those with hearts right with God. A humble, honest, and sincere prayer is the Lord’s delight. These prayers come from the heart and include thanks for His grace, blessings, forgiveness, and compassion. The character of the sacrifice (or gift) giver is more important than the sacrifice itself. A significant gift from an immoral person does not bring God pleasure.

Verse 8 from the Message Bible states:

⁸God can’t stand pious poses,
but he delights in genuine prayers.
Proverbs 15:8 (MSG)

Righteousness and justice are what the Lord desires.

To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:3 (NET)

The prayer of the upright is the Lord’s delight. ⁘

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Are your prayers coming from your heart?

Don’t worry about having the right words; worry more about having the right heart. It’s not eloquence he seeks, just honesty.
Max Lucado

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for hearing our prayers. Open our hearts to Your teaching; lead us to a right heart. Guide our actions and attitudes, and teach us to be more Christ-like (upright). Like the humbly bowed flowers of the lily of the valley, let us bow before You in humble prayer with thanksgiving. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

God is Righteous: Psalm145:17-18

17 Everything God does is right—
the trademark on all his works is love.
18 God’s there, listening for all who pray,
for all who pray and mean it.
Psalm 145:17-18 (MSG)

These verses in the Message bible are beautiful. The trademark of God in all his works is love. A wonderful truth. God’s love shines in all He does! The Lord is righteous in His ways, holy in His work, and forgiving to us. He is merciful and gracious; He listens to our prayers and guides us. He is close to us and knows us by name.

In Psalm 145, David mentions the characteristics of God; He is righteous, praiseworthy, good, compassionate, and trustworthy. We are blessed to have a righteous, loving, listening God.^⁎

God is righteous, loves you, and listens to your prayer. Have you reached out to Him in prayer today?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for your compassion and grace. We are in awe of your righteousness, kindness, and love. Teach us to take our worries to You in prayer. Like the visual beauty of the flowering dogwood, guide us in the beauty of Your Word. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen

I believe in the power of prayer. If you need prayer, I would be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺

Seek Me: Jeremiah 29:13

Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 (AMP)

God is waiting for us, waiting for us to reach out to him. He is waiting for us; to prayerfully search for Him; to search with integrity and sincerity. When you seriously seek God, He promises that you will find Him. How do you seek Him? By searching for Him with all your strength, soul, and mind, with all your heart. God is available and waiting; for us to seek Him, come to Him, and abide with Him.

How do you seek God? Do you seek Him sincerely in prayer and with your whole heart?

Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, teach us to always seek You. Lord, we thank you for Your timeless promise that when we seek You, we will find You. Help us to seek You with integrity and sincerity. Like the wide-open reaching upward blooms of the peppermint tulips, let us open our hearts wide and sincerely reach out to You. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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