Litwithprayer Podcast

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For much of my early life, anxiety felt like background noise I couldn't turn off. Constant worry. Worst-case scenarios playing on a loop. Fear creeping into decisions that shouldn't have been that hard.

Before I really met Jesus, I thought that was just how I was wired. Some people are anxious. I was one of them.

But here's what I've come to know: anxiety is not your identity. It's a battle, and battles can be won.

The Lie

The enemy isn't just trying to make you anxious. He's trying to make you believe that anxious is who you are. There's a difference.

Once you accept the lie that you'll always feel this way — that anxiety is just your personality, your lot, your cross to bear — you stop fighting it. You build your life around managing it instead of overcoming it. And that's exactly where he wants you.

But that's not what God says about you.

What the Word Says

Philippians 4:6–7 is one of the most powerful scriptures I've held onto through seasons of anxiety. Paul writes — "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Notice what he doesn't say. He doesn't say stop feeling anxious by trying harder. He says bring it to God — in prayer, with thanksgiving — and let His peace do the guarding.

That became my weapon. Every time anxious thoughts crept in, I didn't try to think my way out. I prayed my way through. I spoke the Word out loud. And the peace that followed wasn't something I manufactured — it was something I received.

Second Timothy 1:7 makes it plain — God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. That means anxiety is not from Him. It doesn't belong to you. And you have the authority to reject it.

Isaiah 41:10 adds the promise — "Do not fear, for I am with you. I will strengthen you and help you." His help isn't reserved for people who have it all together. It's for you, right now, in the middle of whatever you're carrying.

Your Feelings Are Real — But They Are Not Final

Anxiety thrives in tomorrow. In the what-ifs. In every worst-case scenario your mind can construct about things that haven't happened yet.

Jesus speaks directly to that in Matthew 6:34 — don't worry about tomorrow, because today has enough of its own. Your job is to seek Him now, trust Him now, bring it to Him now.

Your feelings are real. I'm not dismissing them. But real doesn't mean permanent, and real doesn't mean true. You are not an anxious person trying to get free. You are already free — because of what Jesus did — and anxiety is a lie that hasn't caught up to that truth yet.

Psalm 34:4 says — "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." That same deliverance is available to you.

Read the rest at: https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/the-lie-you-will-always-be-anxious?r=5sajy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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The Lie

One of the most subtle lies the enemy whispers is this:

“You are alone.”

It doesn’t always sound dramatic.

Sometimes it shows up like this:

“No one really understands you.”

“You’re the only one going through this.”

“God feels distant.”

“You’re on your own.”

And when that thought repeats long enough, it begins to shape how we see everything.

We start interpreting our circumstances through the lens of abandonment.

If prayers feel unanswered, we assume God is far away.

If people disappoint us, we assume we are meant to walk through life alone.

If a difficult season lasts longer than we expected, we begin to believe that no one is coming to help.

But the enemy knows something important:

If he can convince a believer that they are alone, he can weaken their confidence in God’s presence.

And once a person begins to feel isolated, the lie starts gaining power.

Read the rest here:https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/the-lie-you-are-unloved-and-alone?r=5sajy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Today’s post is a little different.

I had something else planned, but I felt led to share from my personal Bible study this morning.

I was reading Psalm 40, and it hit me in a fresh way — because in one Psalm, you see David move through multiple “modes” that many of us recognize:

despair
breakthrough
worship
boldness
and then… trouble again

So here’s what we’re going to do:

I’m going to read Psalm 40 (NLT)
Then I’ll walk through the key sections and pull out the lessons
We’ll end with a prayer

If you want to grab your Bible and read alongside me, you can.

Psalm 40 (NLT)

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord…” (Psalm 40:1–3)

“Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols.
O Lord my God, You have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal…” (Psalm 40:4–5)

“You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
Now that You have made me listen, I finally understand—
You don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
Then I said, ‘Look, I have come.
As is written about me in the Scriptures:
I take joy in doing Your will, my God,
for Your instructions are written on my heart.’” (Psalm 40:6–8)

“I’ve told all Your people about Your justice.
I have not been afraid to speak out, as You, O Lord, well know…
I have talked about Your faithfulness and saving power…
I have told everyone in the great assembly of Your unfailing love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 40:9–10)

“Lord, don’t hold back Your tender mercies from me.
Let Your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
For trouble surrounds me—too many to count…
They outnumber the hairs of my head. I have lost all courage.” (Psalm 40:11–12)

“Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me…” (Psalm 40:13)

“But may all who search for You be filled with joy and gladness in You.
May those who love Your salvation repeatedly shout, ‘The Lord is great!’” (Psalm 40:16)

“As for me, since I am poor and needy,
let the Lord keep me in His thoughts.
You are my Helper and my Savior.
O my God, do not delay.” (Psalm 40:17)

What Psalm 40 Shows Us

Psalm 40 gives us a picture of David experiencing multiple seasons in one Psalm.

And honestly… that’s what life feels like.

There are moments we’re strong.
Moments we’re grateful.
Moments we’re worshiping.
And moments we’re pleading again.

Let’s break it down.

Read the rest at: https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/my-help-and-my-deliverer

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There have been times in my life when I’ve lost the fire for God. That same hunger I once had to pray felt nonexistent. Reading the scriptures no longer clicked for me, and it felt like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in my mind. Everything I knew about building my relationship with God just felt dry.

You too might have felt a similar experience or are going through that right now. I want to share with you the most insightful things the Lord has taught me through these dry seasons, the importance they play in your walk with the Lord, and how to get that fire back.

Why Do Dry Seasons Happen?

Dry seasons aren't usually a "lightning bolt" event; they are often a slow leak.

In my life, the dryness came when I got so caught up in wanting to create and help other people that I forgot to help myself. I was so busy trying to make an impact in the Kingdom
that I neglected the King.

I neglected my Helper (the Holy Spirit), and my cup ran dry.

If we aren't continually filled, we have nothing to give.

Here are the three most common "leaks":

Priorities & Distraction: Like my story, work—or even "ministry"—can become an idol. When our schedule crowds out our intimacy, we lose our source.

Unaddressed Sin: Scripture tells us in Isaiah 59:2 that sin creates a barrier. It’s not that God leaves us, but sin muffles our ability to hear Him, making the season feel silent.

Life Transitions: Sometimes, a sudden change—a move, a loss, a high-stress season—disrupts our rhythm. We are so busy adjusting to the "new" that we stop anchoring in the Eternal.

But dryness isn’t always the result of failure. Sometimes it is formation.

Even Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1). The desert wasn’t punishment—it was preparation.

Silence does not equal absence.
Stillness does not equal abandonment.

Read the rest here: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/the-desert-and-the-fire-navigating

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In Part 1, we established the order: The Body communicates, the Soul interprets, and the Spirit leads. We looked at the Dashboard framework, the idea that physical gives us information, but is not the Driver.

Today, we’re getting tactical. We aren’t just 'living' in a body; we are stewarding our temple. To do that effectively, we have to move beyond reacting to our symptoms and start training our physical frame to align with our Spirit.

The Body vs. The Flesh: Know the Difference

One of the biggest points of confusion for believers is the difference between the Body and the Flesh.

The Body is your physical frame, or the temple God gave you.
The Flesh (or sin nature) is the carnal drive to satisfy self apart from God.

When your body is in pain, it’s a physical reality. When that pain demands you become bitter, fearful, or prayerless, that’s the Flesh trying to take the wheel. Our goal isn't to punish the body; it's to quiet the flesh so the Spirit can be heard.

The Living Sacrifice (Romans 12:1)

We have often read Romans 12:1 about being a "living sacrifice," but we forget that a sacrifice has to stay on the altar.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

Presenting your body as a sacrifice doesn't mean ignoring your pain; it means submitting your pain to God's purpose. It’s saying, "Lord, my knee hurts, or this diagnosis is scary, but I am submitting this physical thing to Your Spirit today." You are taking the "front line" of your life and putting it under His command.

Discipline: Positioning, Not Performance

I want to be very clear: Physical discipline is not about "earning" your healing or being "good enough" for God to move. Discipline is about positioning.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:27:

"I discipline my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."

Why did Paul "bring" his body into submission? Because a loud, undisciplined body amplifies the flesh. When we lack discipline, whether in what we eat, how we rest, or things like fasting, the body’s "voice" gets louder than the Spirit’s.

Discipline quiets the noise. It increases your spiritual sensitivity so that even when the body is in pain, your Spirit remains sharp.

Read the rest at: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/the-body-part-2-training-the-temple

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The Body (Part 1): Where Faith Faces the Physical Learning to lead the physical with the power of the Spirit.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve unpacked the Soul—our mind, will, and emotions. We discussed the mind as the Gatekeeper and the will as the Decision Center. Today, I want to turn our attention to the part of us that often gets misunderstood, neglected, or overspiritualized: the body.

The body is not separate from our faith. It’s not something we simply “put up with” until heaven, and it’s definitely not meant to lead our lives either. It is the training ground where we learn to lead the physical with the power of the Spirit.

When the Body Becomes Loud

For many believers, faith feels easiest when it stays theoretical—when it lives in thoughts, prayers, or convictions. But the moment faith faces the physical reality of pain, symptoms, or limitations, things change.

Suddenly, belief has to move from what we say to what we actually stand on. I was reminded of this in a deeply personal way this past week. As many of you know, I’ve been recovering from knee surgery for the last eight weeks. It’s been a process of learning to "suffer well" and choosing to depend on God’s strength when my own physical frame felt weak.

I also saw this play out with my mom. She has been walking through a physical challenge—an abnormal lump that brought up a lot of "what if" questions from the enemy. She didn't ignore the situation, but she refused to let a medical report become the final authority over her life.

A Testimony: "Only God Could Do This"

We attended a healing conference together last weekend. My mom went forward for prayer, expecting a general moment of intercession. Instead, my friend Chad Gonzalez—who had no prior knowledge of her situation—stopped and spoke specifically to her.

Read the rest at:https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/the-body-part-1-where-faith-faces?r=5sajy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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The Soul (Part 2): Where Victory Is Decided How to move from being driven by your feelings to being led by the Truth.

Earlier this week, we looked at the mind as the Gatekeeper of your soul. We discussed how the mind is the front line of every spiritual battle and why it is critical to guard what thoughts we allow past the gate. If you missed that breakdown on identifying the enemy’s tactics and the 4-step process for taking thoughts captive.

Today, we are going one step deeper into the soul. Once a thought passes the gate of the mind, it meets the Will and the Emotions. If the mind is the battlefield, the will is where the victory is actually decided.

The Will: Where Victory Is Decided

Scripture makes it clear that victory in the Christian life is not accidental—it is the result of what we consistently choose to obey. Paul writes about this in the book of Romans:

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey…” (Romans 6:16)

If the mind is the battlefield—the entry point that filters every thought—the will is the decision center where those thoughts are turned into actions. Your will is simply “what you do with what you think about”.

It’s the bridge between your internal world and your external reality, which you experience as a result of your choices. Scripture describes this "chain reaction" in the book of James:

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:14–15)

The Framework: Think, Do, Have

To help you steward this part of your soul, I want to share a simple framework I wrote about in my book, Choose Prayer Not Despair: Think, Do, Have.

Think: You choose which thoughts to focus on that pass through the gatekeeper of your mind. Scripture tells us this is intentional work: “…bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Do: Your will acts on those thoughts, moving you either toward the truth of God’s Word or the lies of the enemy. This is why Scripture doesn’t stop at hearing truth—it calls us to action: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).
Have: What you think and do ultimately determines what you experience. Your brain is a pattern-seeking machine, and over time, those patterns shape what you "have" emotionally—whether peace and joy, or sorrow and fear.

As Paul reminds us, the direction of our thinking directly impacts what we experience internally:

“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

Read the rest here: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/the-soul-part-2-where-victory-is

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Today, I want to dive into the soul, which plays a crucial role in living an overcomer’s life. This will be a two-part series. Today, we focus on the mind. In the next post, we will finish by looking at the will and emotions.

The Soul

Your soul consists of your mind, will, and emotions, and each plays a vital role in how you experience life:

Mind: What I think about.
Will: What I do with what I think about.
Emotions: What I feel as a result of what I think and do.

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." — Hebrews 4:12

What is the Mind? (The Gatekeeper)

We are starting with the mind because it is the entry point for the rest of your soul. Think of it as the "Lead Domino"—what happens here dictates the direction of your entire life.

The mind is the intellectual part of the soul where you process information, create beliefs, and store memories. This is where you decide what you believe about God and how you fit into His story. As A.W. Tozer famously said: “What comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

Why the Mind Matters (The Command Center)

The mind is like the command center of your soul. Since God gave us the gift of thought, we must be aware that whatever occupies our mind most will eventually flow into our actions and affect how we feel.

The Connection to Your Heart

While the mind is the Command Center, your Heart is the "Wellspring" or the source of your life.

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." — Proverbs 4:23

Think of it this way: Your heart is the Root, but your mind is the Gatekeeper. If the Gatekeeper allows toxic thoughts or worldly labels to enter, they eventually take root in your heart.

The mind’s greatest power is agreement. A thought is just a suggestion until you align your mind with it. When you agree with a thought, you give it the opportunity to enter your heart and shape your reality.

Read the rest here: https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/the-soul-part-1-the-bridge-between?r=5sajy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Today, I want to dive deeper into Living Life in the Spirit. My goal is to help you experience more of the Spirit-filled life and less of the Spirit’s greatest enemy: your flesh.

The Important Distinction: Walking vs. Being Led

Before we jump in, we need to understand two vital distinctions in our spiritual walk. While they work together, there is a difference between walking in the Spirit and being led by the Spirit.

1. Walking in the Spirit (The Daily Action)

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." — Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV)

Walking by the Spirit is an intentional action we take in our daily living. It is the choice to consistently pursue the things that grow our intimacy with God. Think of it as "feeding" your spiritual man.

You feed your spirit when you:

Prioritize Prayer: Choosing to talk with God daily feeds your spirit.
Enter Worship: Setting your heart on His goodness strengthens your inner man.
Digest the Word: Reading Scripture daily provides the "bread" your spirit needs to thrive.
Build Holy Community: Connecting with other believers who are chasing God helps you stay on track.

As you feed your spirit, you become more sensitive to the things of God. Whatever you choose to prioritize—the Spirit or the flesh—will eventually dominate your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

2. Being Led by the Spirit (The Resulting Alignment)

"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives." — Galatians 5:25 (NLT)

Being led by the Spirit is the result of choosing to walk with Him each day. When you are led, you allow the Spirit to guide your attitudes, your decisions, and your direction. It is a "choice by choice" alignment that allows the Holy Spirit to become the dominant force in your life.

When the Spirit is prioritized, He will begin to correct, prompt, and redirect you in real-time.

Reaad the rest here: https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/life-in-the-spirit-walking-leading?r=5sajy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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The Law vs. The Label: Staying Free in Christ"So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law." — Galatians 5:1

The Battle for the Mind

I’ve been reading and studying the book of Galatians and really thinking about what it means to have complete freedom in Christ. When Paul wrote to the Galatians on Christian liberty, he was addressing a specific crisis: legalism. Judaizers had entered the church teaching Gentile believers that they had to obey the Old Testament Law—specifically circumcision—to be truly saved.

Paul wrote to settle the score on:

Works vs. God’s Grace
True Freedom vs. Religious Slavery
The Power of the Holy Spirit vs. The Desires of the Flesh

New Life in the Here and Now

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are made free and new. We don't just look forward to an everlasting life in heaven; we get to partake in an abundant life on earth here and now. We are called to walk in the very "newness of life" Paul describes in Romans 6:4:

"For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."

This abundant life will have challenges and trials. I bring this up to remind you of your responsibility to develop a total dependence on the Lord. It is through these challenges that we grow and become spiritually mature.

From Bondage to Victory

The word "freedom" means so much to me because I know what it feels like to be trapped in bondage to the attacks of the enemy. But I also know what it’s like to see those chains of oppression fall in the name of Jesus, never to return.

Your freedom in Christ is secure when you put your faith in Jesus and make Him your Lord and Savior. We await a hopeful future when Christ will return to fully restore all things—a life where every tear is wiped away (Revelation 21:4-5), where sin no longer rules, and every broken

Read the rest at: https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/the-law-vs-the-label-staying-free?r=5sajy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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When a Label Tries to Become Your Name

I sat on a couch between my mom and dad, across from a therapist, following a “brain map” test. A brain map is a detailed snapshot of how your brain functions, measuring waves like delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma to show patterns of activity. I had recently been released from a behavioral health facility where I spent two weeks following a serious manic episode. My mom, wanting a second opinion, sought out a Christian mental health professional to help us navigate the next steps.

The behavioral health facility had informed my family that the diagnosis was Bipolar Disorder 1. They recommended a clinic specializing in ADD and brain testing that utilized biofeedback for individuals with complex mental health cases.

Following the test, the therapist showed us images of my brain activity. He confirmed the previous doctor’s diagnosis: I did indeed have BP 1. Based on the brain map, it was a severe case. He explained that medication would be required to prevent further brain damage that results from the manic episodes that would continue to occur if left untreated.

The therapist was gracious. He believed in the power of God to heal, but he wanted us to have a realistic picture of the severity of the illness and the precautions necessary for the future. The clinic even held Bible studies for their patients, which I began attending shortly after that meeting.

Receiving that diagnosis forced our family to face a crossroads. We had to make choices about what this meant for my future—choices rooted in our beliefs that would greatly impact my life as a 23-year-old.

According to the world’s standards, it would have been acceptable—even expected—for us to adopt beliefs like:

“My life is never going to be the same.”
“I have a mental illness that has no cure.”
“Medication is the only way to survive.”
“I just need to learn how to live with this burden.”

But before I share the path we chose as a family, we must acknowledge as believers that we are facing the greatest identity crisis our world has ever seen. With record-breaking numbers of people struggling with anxiety and isolation, mental health challenges are at an all-time high. We are living in a time where the “digital mirror” of the world tries to tell us who we are before we ever give God the chance to tell us who He created us to be.

Read the rest here: https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/identity-over-diagnosis-how-we-won?r=5sajy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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The Bible tells us that wisdom is more valuable than rubies and that nothing we desire can compare with it. (Proverbs 8:11)

We are also told that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:11)

If wisdom is the principal thing (Proverbs 4:7), we must pursue and grow in Godly wisdom this year.

So what is wisdom? Before we tackle wisdom, I think it’s important to understand what comes before wisdom as you grow in your Christian character.

The path to wisdom begins with knowledge, which leads to understanding and ultimately to wisdom.

Knowledge, simply put, is what you know. When you first become a believer, you know very little. As you grow in spiritual disciplines like reading the Word, your knowledge—what you know—about the Word grows

Understanding comes next as you start to see how things connect within what you are learning and what it means. Context comes, and clarity and insight are developed so that you can connect it to your real-life experiences.

Just like when you learned at some point in your life that “words can hurt people.” Understanding was developed when you could see how certain words could damage relationships and erode trust.

Wisdom comes last as a result of applying what you know and understand to your life. Like in the previous example of knowing that words can hurt people, wisdom is gained when you begin to choose the words you use when speaking into your life or someone else’s.

To sum it all up in another way:

Knowledge: What I know
Understanding: What it means
Wisdom: How I live it out

Read the rest at: https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/walking-in-godly-wisdom?r=5sajy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Can Life Trials benefit Your Life?

As I started this year, one of the first books in the bible I wanted to dive back into was the book of James. It’s a quick read but also filled with what I believe are some of the most important lessons for those entering this year with high hopes, dreams, and a vision for making it better than the last.

Spiritual maturity is a central theme of this book and is imperative to the life of any believer looking to grow and do all that God’s called you to do this year.

The scriptures I want to focus on today come from James 1:2-4, around our faith and enduring various life trials. I’m someone who hopes for great things from the Lord each day and year, but I would be foolish to think I’m going make it through this new year without some trials along the way.

James 1:2-4 says,

2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

As James writes, I want you to consider, as you pause and reflect on these scriptures today, the question, “Can trials in my life also benefit me?”

I know it might sound for a moment that you cannot begin to believe that the trials you go through can benefit your life. I mean, you might be going through a trial right now that, in no way, shape, or form, can you see a benefit in. And if that’s you right now, I get it, I’ve been there too, even in this last year, but why would James write that when (not if) we go through various trials to consider it an opportunity for great joy?

If you continue to read on to verse 3 we find out that trails give us the ability to grow in our Christian character to produce things like endurance, patience, persaverance, and steadfastness. These Christlike qualities are developed through trials, as we begin to expand the way we look at them beyond just the negative or painful things they bring.

Trials test our faith to see if we’re going to depend on the Lord or depend on our own strength.

Your trials have great benefit, producing within you the Christian character that God wants to see fully developed. Verse 4 is not about being a perfect Christian without sin, but a spiritually mature one. We all start our lives as spiritual babies requiring spiritual milk. But we can’t stay there and must grow in our knowledge and understanding of the word of God so that we can become spiritually mature.

A spiritually mature Christian grows from the trials of life so they don’t just break them but also build them. I know you might be hearing this now, thinking many of your life trials have only broken you, but I want to encourage you to really look for the things that God produced within you during those tough times. For one, you’re here now, having come to the other side, and if you are still going through it, choose to see what the Lord can build within you as you move through this.

Like Pator Phillip Anthony Mitchell, one said, “I believe pain should pay you, and you would be a fool to go through pain without it paying you, and what it should pay you, it should pay you in is wisdom, knowledge, character growth. Don’t let it be a coffin that buries you.”

Again, those words may be harsh to hear, having been through some serious life challenges that were painful, but ultimately, you get to decide what this means for you going forward.

Will you choose not to sell the peace and joy that comes from your Heavenly Father, who walks right next to you through these seasons?

Read the rest at: https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/let-your-trials-build-you?r=5sajy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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This episode marks a return — and a new direction.

After time away from writing and podcasting, I’m stepping back into this space with a clearer sense of calling and focus. Overcomers is a place for believers who want to grow deeper in their faith, understand who they already are in Christ, and learn how to live from the victory Jesus has already won.

In this welcome episode, I share:

Why I stepped away and why I’m coming back
The heart behind Overcomers
What it means to live as an overcomer according to Scripture
What you can expect moving forward

Salvation is the beginning — not the end — of the Christian life. As believers, we are already victorious in Christ, yet we are still being formed, refined, and prepared through obedience, faith, and daily fellowship with the Lord.

My prayer is that this space would help equip you to grow in Christian character, deepen your prayer life, and walk faithfully in whatever season God has you in.

New episodes will be released weekly.

If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join me on this journey.

Read the written version and join the Overcomers community at: litwithprayer.substack.com

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Last week we left our story with Queen Esther inviting her husband, the King of Persia, and his second in command, Haman, a descendant of the Amalakites, to a second banquet. Here, Queen Esther would make her request to the king. Haman did not have any idea that the queen was herself Jewish and related to Mordecai, the Jew.

Although the decree to kill all the Jews had been set for a certain date and Haman was invited to a second banquet with the queen and king, he could not be happy because of his hatred towards Mordecai. Haman’s wife and friends suggested he have gallows built specifically to hang Mordecai. They suggested that he ask the king if he could hang Mordecai the next morning. This would finally make Haman happy and he could enjoy the banquet with the king and queen later that evening.

That night before the day of the second banquet, the king could not sleep. He had one of his servants bring in the book of records and had it read to him aloud. The news that had been recorded gave an account of Mordecai saving the king’s life when he overheard two of the king’s personal servants’ plan to kill him. Mordecai reported what he had heard and after an investigation was done, it was found to be true. The king asked what reward or what honor had been given to Mordecai and the servants reported that nothing had been done.

As the king was thinking, Haman had entered the outer court and had planned to ask the king to hang Mordecai the next morning. When the king heard that Haman was in the outer court, he called for him to come into his chambers. He asked Haman to suggest an appropriate display of honor for someone that the king really wanted to honor. Haman immediately thought, “who else would the king want to honor other than me?” He proceeded to suggest that a royal robe that the king had worn be put on the person and let that person ride the king’s horse with the king’s royal crest on its head. One of the king’s princes would parade the person through the town square and proclaim to the people that he is the man that the king delights to honor.

The king loved Haman’s suggestion and told him to quickly go do it and be the person that parades Mordecai. What a shock and turn of events for Haman. He did as the king commanded and after he paraded Mordecai, he quickly went home with his head covered. He was humiliated and very upset. As he was discussing the matter at home with his wife and friends, the king’s servants came to take him to the banquet.

After the king had a great time at the banquet he asked Esther for her request. She could ask him for anything up to half of his kingdom. She asked that her life and the lives of her people be spared from being killed and annihilated. She said she would not have said anything if they had been sold as slaves, but being killed and destroyed was different. The king asked who was responsible and the queen said “the adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman!” The king was furious and he went out into the garden while Haman begged Esther to spare his life. When the king came back inside Haman had fallen across the couch where the queen was sitting and the king accused him of assaulting the queen. The guards told the king that Haman had prepared gallows to hand Mordecai who had saved the king’s life. The king ordered that Haman be hung on his own gallows. Mordecai later replaced Haman and became second in command to the King of Persia.

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Queen Esther had a difficult decision to make which was a matter of life and death not only for herself but for her people. She had hidden her identity as a Jew and now a proclamation to kill all Jews had been decreed for a certain date. After fasting for three days and nights she made a decision to go into the inner courts of the king and wait to see if she would be killed or given permission by the king to approach him. She said in a message to Mordecai, her uncle, “I will go to the king, which is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” She went in faith and with courage.

The king raised his golden scepter allowing Queen Esther to come and speak with him. The Bible says that she found favor with the king and he asked her to give him her request. He said he would give her up to half of his kingdom. Queen Esther came prepared with her request. She didn’t beg the king to save her people at that time. Here is her opportunity to make such a request, but instead she invites the king and Haman to come to a banquet that she has prepared for him. The invitation pleased the king so he quickly called for Haman and invited him as well.

Haman attended the banquet with the king and again the king asked Queen Esther for her request, up to half of his kingdom. Queen Esther invited the king and Haman back for another private banquet the next day and said she would make her request at that time. Haman was so happy on his way home from the banquet until he saw Mordecai the Jew. Mordecai would not bow to him and tremble before him. Haman was incensed, but restrained himself from doing anything at that moment. He didn’t want to spoil the memory of being with the king and queen at the banquet.

When Haman got home he gathered his wife and friends and bragged about the banquet, his riches, his blessings, his many children, and how he had been promoted. But he did reveal what was truly in his heart. With all of his great riches, family, and promotions, when he saw Mordecai sitting at the king's gate (the town square where business is conducted), these great things meant nothing to him. His hatred toward Mordecai was greater than the good fortune he was experiencing.

The evil heart is never satisfied. Haman could not fully enjoy all of his worldly blessings and his family as long as he saw Mordecai disrespecting him. You may be wondering, “Why didn’t Mordecai show respect and bow to Haman?” The book of Esther does not give the reason for Mordecai’s refusal, but it does describe Haman as the son of Hammedatha the Agagite. Haman came from the lineage of Agag, former king of Amalek. The Amalekites had been enemies of the Jews for many centuries because they were the first to attack them when they came out of Egypt and continued to have battles with them as recorded in the Old Testament. Some historians believe that Haman may have worn a pagan symbol or idol. Bowing to an idol goes against God’s law which is Jewish law (Exodus 20:2). When Mordecai is referred to as, “the Jew,” it would be customary for a Jew not to bow to an idol or pagan symbol.

Jesus said in Matthew 15:19, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, sexual immorality, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” God does not look at the outward appearance of a person, but what is in a person’s heart (I. Samuel 16:7). What comes out of the mouth, your words, comes from your heart and the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. (I Chronicles 28:9).

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Last week we left the story of Esther with a death sentence over the Jewish people. The wicked Haman had talked the King of Persia into signing a proclamation that on a certain day all the Jewish people would be killed, including women and children, young and old. Haman allowed his hatred for Mordecai, the Jew, to include every person who was of the Jewish race.

Little did Haman know that Queen Esther was also a Jew. She kept her identity a secret because her uncle told her not to reveal it. She was orphaned as a child when both her parents died, and was adopted by her Uncle Mordecai. When the king was looking for a new queen to replace his disobedient wife, he had his men search his kingdom for the most beautiful young virgin women who would be considered as the next queen of Persian. Esther was one of the young women taken for this competition. Although it sounds glamorous the young women taken would all have to sleep with the king and if not chosen to be his queen, they would become a part of his harem and not have their own husbands or families.

Esther was beautiful and lovely and found favor with the servants that helped her and when her turn came to visit the king, he fell in love with her and chose her to be his queen. Queen Esther could only visit the king when he called for her. If she were to go see him without being called, she would be killed unless the king lifted his golden scepter allowing her to visit. When news got back to Esther about the decree to kill all Jews, Mordecai asked her to go to the king and ask him to save her people.

Mordecai made it clear to Esther that God may have chosen her to be in this position for such a time as this. He said if she did not act, God would deliver His people, but she would not be spared. If she kept silent she would not be spared according to Mordecai, but if she went to the king without being called she could be killed. She had to make a difficult decision and called for her people to fast from food and water for 3 days. Esther and all her maidens fasted as well.

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The midterm elections have been completed and you may be happy or upset at the outcome. Did you know that the Bible is full of stories containing lies, conspiracies and politics? In Ecclesiastes 1:9, the verse reads, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Although we have made technological advances and man’s knowledge has increased over time, the nature of man is still influenced by good versus evil, light versus dark, and God’s love versus Satan’s hatred towards mankind.

In the book of Esther one man’s hatred towards another almost caused the slaughter of the Jewish people. During the reign of King Ahasuerus the Jewish people had been living in Persia. Many years before the land of Israel had been invaded by the Persians and the Jews were taken as captives to Persia. Although they were captives, the Jews continued their religious practices and served God among the Persian people who served idols.

Mordecai was a Jew who became the enemy of one of the king’s top leaders, named Haman. Haman had been promoted by the king and an order was given that all the king's servants who were within the king's gates had to bow and pay homage to Haman. Mordecai sat within the king’s gate but would not bow or pay homage to Haman. The other servants told Haman and when Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow or pay homage he became very angry. The servants told Haman that the reason Mordecai gave for not following the king’s rule was that he was a Jew.

From that day on Haman decided that he would get rid of Mordecai and all of the Jewish people. He came up with a plan casting lots (like throwing dice) to set the future date of the genocide. He went to the king and told him that there were certain people scattered around Persia who had their own laws and did not follow the kings laws. He talked the king into signing a decree which set a date for the destruction of all the Jews, young and old. The decree allowed the killers to take all of their possessions as well. Once the king had signed the decree he could not go back on his word or change his mind. When Mordecai found out about the decree he was very upset and cried out to God for help.

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One of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving with friends and family. It’s the one day that most Americans take time to celebrate around a table, give thanks to God, and spend time catching up with each other. It’s also the day that many Americans see as “turkey day” without any thoughts of thanksgiving to God.

Throughout scriptures in the old and new testaments we see verses of giving thanks to God for His loving kindness, tender mercies, His goodness, His faithfulness, and awesome grace. (Psalms 106:1;I Thess. 5:18). King David in the book of Psalms wrote songs and verses giving thanks and praises to God. Although he had many moral failures (committed adultery with Bathsheba and was responsible for the death of her husband), he was repentant and asked God for forgiveness. He had a very close relationship with God and through his lineage with Bathsheba, the Messiah would be born.

In the book of Luke, there was an occasion when Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem near the border of Samaria and Galilee. He came across ten lepers who cried out to Him and asked Him to have mercy on them. Jesus responded and told them to go and show themselves to the priest. Why would Jesus respond this way?

During Jesus’ time on earth leprosy was an incurable contagious disease. The disease is caused by a bacterial infection that grows slowly and affects the nerves, skin, and mucous membranes. Untreated the disease will eat away at skin, cause blindness, loss of fingers and other extremities of the body, and eventual death. Because the disease was contagious those that had leprosy had to be separated from their families and the general public. They formed their own small communities like this group of ten lepers. According to Biblical law, only the priest could declare a person clean after inspection and that person would be allowed back into society. Today, leprosy is curable with antibiotics and drug therapy. It is not a common disease and most new cases are found in India.

The ten lepers had heard of Jesus and His healing and miraculous works. They did not come close to Him because it was against their laws to do so. Even from a distance they cried out to Jesus to have mercy on them. When Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priest, they did as He said. They had faith for their healing and were obedient to do as Jesus instructed. They didn’t wait to see if they were healed first, they followed Jesus’ instructions. As they were on their way to see the priest, they were cleansed of the disease. One of the lepers when he saw he was healed, turned back and with a loud voice glorified God. He went back to Jesus, came close to Him and knelt by His feet and gave Him thanks. He was a Samaritan and not a Jew.

Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” Jesus commented that the only one that returned to give glory to God was this stranger (Samaritan). Jesus said to the Samaritan, “Arise, go your way: your faith has made you whole.” He was already cleansed of the disease but if he had any missing fingers or disfigurement, his body was made whole.

Read the rest at: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/why-be-thankful?sd=pf

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Read the rest at: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/why-be-thankful?sd=pf

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The Apostle Paul wrote most of the New Testament in letters to the various churches such as the churches in Ephesus, Corinth, and Thessalonica. Although Paul was not one of the twelve disciples, he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Before he met Jesus, his name was Saul, Saul of Tarsus. As Saul, he was a highly educated Jew in the law, the scriptures, and was also a Roman citizen. Saul was a religious leader who knew the scriptures, kept the law, and thought that followers of Christ were the enemy of God. He was responsible for hunting down Christians and having them killed. After he had an encounter with the risen Jesus, he was converted, became a Christian and was renamed Paul. Paul dedicated the rest of his life to spreading the gospel, planting new churches throughout the region, and wrote letters to the churches when he was in prison.

Because new Christians were coming out of paganism and idol worship Paul explained God’s saving grace versus the law (10 commandments & the other 600 laws) and gave instructions to the churches. Although some of Paul’s instructions and teachings were directed at the culture of his day some Christians today disagree on the true meaning of his teachings as it applies to our day and cultural norms. The Bible tells us to study the Word and become a good student rightly or correctly understanding the meaning of His Word. There are many passages that cause controversy among Christians, but are not major issues that would make a difference in one's salvation or going to heaven. Many times scriptural controversies distract us with the main message of God’s love, our need for salvation, His saving grace, and our faith walk. Arguing with one another on scriptural teachings can be divisive, cause guilt, be judgmental, legalistic, and take our focus off what is most important.

We will take one example and discuss whether men and women should wear hats or head coverings when praying or prophesying according to I Corinthians 11. Some people say men should not wear hats or caps in church because it is disrespectful to God. However, Jewish men wear Yamakas on their heads and it is very respectful. Some say long hair is the covering on the head and not a hat or fabric. Men should not have a head covering and do so by wearing their hair short, but women need to have long hair because they need to have their heads covered. Some say women should wear head coverings, hats, veils, in church but only certain religions and denominations practice this custom. Does wearing something on top of your head as a man or a woman make a difference to God? Will He hear your prayer only if you have your head uncovered as a man but covered as a woman? Will God hear your prayer only if you are a man with short hair but if you have long hair no? What about all the women with short hair? Will God not hear their prayers?

The point is when reading scripture, we must also take into account the context of the message. What were the customs of that day and how did those customs relate to what the scripture was addressing. When we don’t fully understand and know the answer, we can go to God and ask Him to reveal the meaning and give us understanding. When it comes to hats or no hats, short or long hair, a woman or man praying or prophesying, what is the Holy Spirit telling you? If you feel convicted that you should pray without a hat, then follow your conscience. Should your convictions be the same as someone else’s? If God is telling you that you should have short hair, should you make others feel bad if they have long hair? How short is short and when does hair become long?

read the rest at: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/rightly-dividing-the-word?sd=pf

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The four gospels in the New Testament give a different point of view of Jesus and His ministry on earth before He ascended into the heavens. However, each gospel showed Jesus doing good, healing the sick, performing miracles, and even raising the dead.

There are more than 25 recorded accounts of Jesus healing the blind, the lame, the diseased, the demon possessed and even the dead. In most instances people asked and begged Him for healing. On other occasions He was moved by compassion. Jesus saw a sorrowful mother grieving over her son and He raised him from the dead during the funeral procession. In most instances Jesus healed when He saw faith in action.

One day, when Jesus had crossed over to a coastal town called Gennesaret, on the western side of the Sea of Galilee, people recognized Him. They immediately spread the word that He was there and they brought those that were sick. The people begged Jesus to let them just touch the hem of His garment. He didn’t have to lay His hands on them because they had heard about Jesus and they believed that touching the hem of His garment would be enough to bring them healing. They were not disappointed. As many as touched His hem were made perfectly well.

Perhaps these people had heard about the woman with the issue of blood who was healed when she pushed her way through a crowd and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. Jesus did not know who had touched Him until He asked and she replied. The point is when people heard that Jesus was close to them they brought the sick, the lame, and those in need of healing to Jesus believing that He could heal them. They heard, they spread the word, and they brought people to Him. How much more should we, today, spread the word of Jesus, His loving kindness and grace towards us and those we know?

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Jesus spoke in parables and gave illustrations to help people understand the relationship between God and man. In the book of John Jesus says, “I Am the True Vine” and He goes on to say that His Father God is the vinedresser or gardener of the vineyard. We, His children, are the branches that are supposed to bear fruit.

The vine is the lifeline of the plant and the branches grow from the vine. The role of the branches is to bear fruit and become more fruitful. Jesus said that the branches that bore no fruit would be cut off and those that bore fruit the Father would prune or cut back so that they could bear more fruit.

Jesus said that if we abide in Him, relying on Him and not our independent selves, and He abides in us, we would bear much fruit. Without Him we can do nothing. Jesus wants us to have an intimate relationship with Him and as we draw our life from Him through His Word and Holy Spirit we would bear a lot of fruit.

What is the fruit that we are to bear? In the book of Galatians (Gal. 6:22-25) the fruit of the Spirit is listed as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The opposite of those characteristics are works of the flesh which include adultery, hatred, jealousies, envy, murders, drunkeness, sorcery, and the like (Gal. 6:16-21). Jesus wants us to depend on Him to change our character from the flesh driven desires of man to the character of Christ. To have a life of love, joy, and peace is so much better than a life full of anxiety and depression which is the fruit that comes from the works of the flesh. You may not be a murderer but how many times has social media made you envious of someone else’s lifestyle, looks, or things?

Why did Jesus use the term “bear” fruit and not “produce” fruit? We may think that the fruit we are to bear is saving more souls and preaching the gospel to more people. Bearing fruit comes from God working in us, and through us. Producing fruit is us trying to work for God to please Him by what we do. Our job is to believe and depend on Jesus, His Word, to help us in every area of our lives. We may go through unpleasant circumstances or a period of pruning where our Father is cutting off areas that are hindering our fruitfulness. Just like the vines, we will grow and become more fruitful. If you feel you are going through a period of pruning, stay close to Jesus who loves you so much, and know that this season will be short and you will bear more fruit from it. (Psalm 1:3)

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The Bible is full of prophecies from the old testament beginning in the book of Genesis and ending with the book of Revelations. The common thread throughout the Word of God is the story of Jesus Christ coming to redeem or pay for the salvation of mankind. When man sinned death was introduced and man’s authority was given to Satan, God’s enemy. When Jesus came, He paid the price for man’s salvation on the cross and all who believe in Him and receive Him as savior have eternal life, a free gift. Along with salvation, man can take back his authority over Satan and do the works of Jesus through faith.

During Jesus’ time on earth, the Jews were under the rule of Rome. The people had to pay taxes to Caesar, they were governed by Roman rulers, and the Roman military made sure that there were no insurrections or attempts to take back their land. The Romans allowed the Jews to continue their worship of God in the temple in Jerusalem. The temple was very lavish with tons of gold and beautiful stones and was the center of Jewish life.

In the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, each one gives an account of Jesus predicting the destruction of the temple. Jesus warned that the temple would utterly be destroyed and no stone (temple walls) would be left on top of the other. He told His followers to watch and when they start to see armies surrounding Jerusalem, then they are to escape to the mountains and not go into the city again. Jesus said that the destruction would happen during their generation and warned that many would be killed.

Jesus went on to say that Jerusalem would be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Jesus continued to predict that there would be wars, rumors of wars, famines, pestilence, and many things that would cause men’s hearts to fail because of fear and the expectations of bad things coming on the earth. Jesus warns and tells His followers to watch and pray and not get trapped in the cares of this life, drunkenness, and carousing. He tells us to watch what is going on and know the signs of the times. As Christians we are to live with the expectation that Jesus can return anytime but we are to continue His work while we are here.

Shortly after Jesus made the prediction of the destruction of the temple, He was arrested and crucified, rose from the dead, and later ascended into heaven. Approximately 35 years after Jesus’s crucifixion, there were rebels fighting against the Romans. Roman armies were camping around the city. Those who remembered Jesus’s words escaped out of the city and did not return. In 70 A.D. During Passover many Jews were returning back to Jerusalem but were not allowed to leave. The Roman general Titus attacked the city, fire broke out, and many were killed during the full destruction of the city. Those that listened to Jesus escaped. The Jewish accounts of the destruction were written by historians who survived and were eyewitnesses of the event.

**Today, when there seems to be a war against Christian values and freedoms, remember, Jesus had already predicted this. He told us not to be fearful. He is with us always and we are to keep watch and pray. These are exciting times and God put you here during this time for His purpose. (Jer. 29:11; 1 Peter 2:9)

Read the rest at: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/signs-of-the-times?sd=pf**

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This week we conclude Jacob’s journey from being a deceiver, running away from his greatest fear, becoming a victim of deception, paying the price, and finally maturing as a leader and returning to face his greatest fear.

Throughout Jacob’s journey we see that God was faithful to his Word and kept him safe and blessed him despite his many shortcomings. God was very patient and it took Jacob 20 years before he was ready to face his greatest fear. It was time for Jacob to become the leader of his household and separate himself from his father-in-law. He decided to go to his own homeland and face his brother Esau who swore that he would kill him because of what he had done. Although Esau sold his birthright with its many privileges for a pot of stew and was tricked out of the first born blessing, God had blessed him as well.

By the time Jacob left for his homeland, he had become very wealthy with livestock, servants, and possessions. Because Laban, his father-in-law, had deceived him many times and cheated him of his wages, Jacob and his family, servants, livestock left in the middle of the night without Laban or his son’s knowledge. They left while Laban was away shearing his sheep. When Laban returned and saw they had left, he and his men pursued after Jacob. It took seven days but he caught up with them. During this time God had given Laban a dream and told him, “Be careful that you speak to Jacob, neither good nor bad.” Although Laban could have harmed Jacob, God warned him not to entice him with rewards or threaten him with harm to force him to go back to Laban’s household. It was God’s will for Jacob to go back to his home. After Laban said his goodbyes and blessed his daughters and family, Laban and Jacob made an agreement of peace between their families. Laban returned to his home and Jacob continued on his journey.

God took care of Jacob and now the final challenge was ahead of him. Jacob sent some of his servants to Esau with a message saying that he had flocks, donkeys, oxen, and servants and asked to find favor or grace in Esau’s sight. Then the servants returned to Jacob and reported that Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men. Instantly Jacob became very afraid and stressed out. He thought about his family and how they may get killed by Esau. Jacob decided to divide his group into two companies so if Esau attacked the front company, the second company could escape and may live.

Jacob then prayed to God for deliverance admitting that he was not worthy of God’s mercies and that he was afraid. In his prayer he reminded God of His promises to keep things well with him and that he would have a great number of descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered. If he and his family are killed there would be no descendants. Jacob then sent his servants with large numbers of camels, goats, rams, and other livestock. They were to meet Esau and tell him that they were gifts from Jacob and that he was behind and will meet him. Jacob had three waves of gifts for Esau. While the gift presentations were done, Jacob was hoping that the gifts would calm his brother and he would spare the lives of his family. He took his wives and children and sent them further back for their protection should anything happen to him.

read the rest at https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/facing-your-greatest-fear?sd=pf

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God is faithful to His Word and His promises. In Genesis 12:1-3, God promised Abraham that He would multiply his descendants as the stars in the sky. He would be their God and give them a specific piece of land forever. From that promise came Isaac who was born to Abraham when he was 100 years old and his wife Sarah 90 years old. Isaac married Rebekkah and they had the twins Jacob and Esau. Although Esau was born first the birthright blessing went to Jacob.

Jacob obtained the birthright blessings through deceit, but would experience being deceived by his uncle Laban. During his twenty years working for his uncle, he had been tricked into marrying Leah instead of her younger sister Rachel and had to work for 14 years to pay off his debt for Rachel. The next six years he would work to provide for his growing family and build his own wealth. God had promised Jacob that he would be blessed and while he was with Laban, Laban was blessed. Laban used Jacob and changed his wages ten times. Because God was with Jacob, Laban’s wealth increased and naturally he didn’t want the blessings to leave.

Jacob wanted to go back to his home and take care of his own family. By this time he had many sons with Leah and one son, Joseph, with Rachel. He asked his uncle for his wages. Although Laban didn’t want him to leave with his family he agreed to give Jacob all the spotted, speckled, and streaked livestock of sheep and goats. This was a good deal for Laban because he expected very few would go to Jacob. Jacob separated the livestock so they would not breed with Laban’s flock and produce spotted, streaked, or speckled offspring. Any newborns that were speckled, spotted, or streaked would go to Jacob.

Jacob continued to take care of the livestock and did something unusual. When the animals would go to the water troughs to drink, he put in some sticks of peeled poplar, chestnut, and almond branches so that the white parts would be exposed. When the animals came to drink they would also breed. Jacob used the sticks when the stronger flocks would drink and remove them when the weaker ones came to drink. When the animals gave birth they produced spotted, speckled, and streaked offspring. Remember, these animals were not spotted, speckled, and streaked to begin with, so it was God that blessed Jacob. The number of Jacob’s flocks increased greatly and Laban could not cheat him out of his wages. It was plain to see the difference in the flocks. When Laban’s sons began to complain that Jacob was becoming wealthy off of their father’s flocks and Jacob could see that Laban had a different look on his face, Jacob knew it was time to leave. God also told him it was time to take his family and leave. Without telling Laban, Jacob took his family, his livestock, and possessions and left without saying goodbye.

God was faithful to His promise and blessed Jacob financially. Jacob was exceedingly prosperous when he left with livestock, camels, donkeys, and servants. By this time Jacob had matured and was the leader of his family. It took him twenty years but God was with him.

You may be believing God for one or more of His promises to come to pass in your situation. Don’t give up if it seems to be taking a long time. Keep speaking His Word and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.

**(2 Tim. 2:13; Numbers 23:19)

Read the rest at: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/god-is-faithful?sd=pf**

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The Bible is such a wonderful book full of life’s lessons, wisdom, and God’s promises to His children. The Old Testament is full of stories that actually pertain to character development and God’s patience towards His children. Last week we went over the story of Jacob, the trickster, who gets tricked into marrying the sister of his true love. He was promised Rachel, the younger sister who was beautiful, but woke up in the morning with Leah, the older sister. By morning Jacob was sober and could see that his new wife was Leah and not Rachel. As Jacob had tricked his father Isaac who could not see clearly, Jacob was now suffering from his own blindness on his wedding night.

Both Jacob and his father in law Laban have character flaws and use deceit to accomplish their goals. Jacob who bought Esau’s birthright for a pot of stew and tricked his father into giving him the first born blessing has now been tricked and has to work an additional 7 years to pay for his wife Rachel. Why would God choose Jacob?

God had made a promise to Jacob’s grandfather Abraham and that promise was passed down to his father Isaac and then was passed to Jacob. The promise included a multitude of descendants, the promised land, and through his blood line all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Jesus the Messiah).

One night as Jacob was escaping from Esau after stealing the blessing from his father, he camped out and had a dream. In this dream there was a ladder from the ground to heaven and angels were going up and down the ladder. Then God who was above said to Jacob that He was the God/Lord of Abraham and Isaac and He would bless him with the promises given to Abraham. He also said that He would be with him and keep him and bring him back to his homeland.

Jacob woke up and made a vow to God saying that if the Lord would be with him, keep him and provide bread to eat and clothing to wear and bring him back to his father’s house in peace then the Lord would be his God and he would give a tenth of all that God would give him. Later, Jacob would spend twenty years working for his uncle and father in law Laban. Fourteen years for his true love Rachel and the next six to build his wealth and provide for his family.

God honors His promises and next week we will see how God provides financial blessings on Jacob in a very unusual way. The point is that God keeps His Word and we as His children should remind ourselves that sometimes God’s promises may take longer to manifest than we expect. God is more interested in changing our character first than changing our circumstances.

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The story of Jacob, the son of Isaac, and the grandson of Abraham is very interesting because when he was born, he was holding on to his twin brother’s heel who came out of the birth canal first. Jacob’s name means supplanter (someone who replaces or overthrows a thing or someone) as in the case of Jacob replacing his brother Esau in the birthright and receiving the first-born blessing from their father Isaac. Jacob was known as a deceiver, a trickster, because of how he obtained the birthright and how he deceived his father for the blessing that should have gone to Esau. We can safely say that Jacob was not a person of good character in this stage of his life. He probably learned some of these things from his mother Rebekah who came up with the plan to deceive her husband Isaac. Jacob was Rebekah’s favorite son and Esau was Isaac’s favorite son.

As we discussed last week, Jacob tricked his father and stole the first born blessing given by his father Isaac. When Esau returned from hunting, cooked a delicious meal for his father, and was expecting to receive his father’s blessing, he was devastated to find that he had been tricked by his brother once again. He hated Jacob and had murder in his heart towards Jacob. Rebekah instructed Jacob to flee to her brother Laban’s home until it was safe to come back. She instructed him to find a wife there as well.

Little did Jacob know that his stay with Laban would take twenty years of his life and he would never see his mother again. Jacob goes to Laban’s house as instructed and helps him with his livestock business. After a month, Labon says to Jacob, “I need to pay you for your work. How much do you want?” Now Laban had two daughters, Leah, the oldest and Rachel the younger. Rachel was beautiful and Jacob had fallen in love with her. Jacob asked Laban to give his daughter in marriage to him and he would work for him for seven years. Laban agreed and Jacob happily worked for him knowing that he would have Rachel as his wife.

Time went by quickly for Jacob because he loved Rachel very much. Seven years past and he asked Laban to give him Rachel to be his wife. A wedding feast was held and that night Jacob slept with his new wife for the very first time. Jacob may have celebrated too much because he didn’t realize that Leah had replaced Rachel and in the morning Jacob discovered that he had slept with Leah and not Rachel.

Jacob was not happy to find that he had been deceived by Laban and the two sisters. When Jacob confronted Laban, his father in law said that it was the custom in his country for the older daughter to be married first before the younger. How ironic that Jacob had supplanted his older brother for the birthright and blessing and now the older sister had supplanted the younger sister in marriage to Jacob. Laban had a solution, he told Jacob to fulfill his honeymoon week with Leah and agree to work another seven years for him and he would give Rachel to him as his wife as well. Jacob agreed and fulfilled his week with Leah and then received Rachel as his second wife.

Fortunately for Jacob, he didn’t have to wait another seven years. He loved Rachel more than Leah and Leah knew it.

Jacob, the deceiver and trickster, gets deceived himself. What a shock it must have been to finally finish seven years of labor and discover that he had married the wrong wife.

Did Jacob reap what he sowed? He deceived his father and stole from his brother and had his mother as an accomplice. At this point in his life he is working for love and gets cheated out of his first love. What an emotional experience that must have been. But Jacob had a promise of blessings on his life from God.

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Last week we focused on Esau and Jacob, twin brothers, and how each valued the birthright of the first born male. Esau was born first with Jacob hanging on to his heel when he was born. As an adult, Jacob was willing to take advantage of his brother’s weaknesses for his own benefit and Esau put more value on satisfying his fleshly appetite over his birthright. By his actions and in the spur of the moment decision, Esau despised his birthright when he sold it to his brother for a meal of lentil stew. In the Jewish culture the birthright determined who would become the family leader and receive a double portion of the family inheritance.

Isaac, the father of Esau and Jacob was getting old, could not see very well, and he wanted to pass on the blessing of the oldest son before his death. He asked Esau to go hunting for game and then make him his favorite dish so he could enjoy it and then bless him as the oldest son. Rebekah, Esau’s mother heard isaac speak to Esau and had a better idea. Isaac loved Esau more than Jacob and Rebekah loved Jacob more than Esau. She told Jacob that she would prepare a delicious meal for Isaac her husband and that he should pretend to be Esau and go and get the blessing instead of Esau.

Rebekah prepared a great meal from goats meat for her husband and Jacob took it in for him to eat. Now Esau was a hairy man and Jacob had smooth skin. Jacob was worried that he might get caught and be cursed instead. Rebekah had more tricks up her sleeve. She had Jacob take animal skin and put it on his hands and on his neck, she clothed him with Esau’s clothes, so he would smell like him and sent him in. Isaac was a little suspicious because he said how did you get this game animal so quickly. Jacob lied and said that God had blessed him and he was able to get the animal very quickly. Jacob said you sound like Jacob and he started to feel his arms and said, but you feel like my son Esau. Since he couldn’t see properly, he asked Jacob if he really was Esau and Jacob lied and said yes.

Isaac blessed Jacob with the birthright blessing of the oldest son. He pronounced blessings and prosperity over him and gave him the blessing of ruling over their family. He blessed Jacob with the blessings of Abraham which would be passed down from generation to generation. Jacob deceived his father and pleased his mother. As soon as Jacob left his father, Esau came in with his savory meal prepared for his father. When he found out that Jacob had already been there and received his blessing, he started sobbing and asked his father if he had a blessing left for him. Isaac was very upset for he knew that he had been deceived but he could not take back the blessing. He did give Esau a blessing, but it was not the birthright blessing. From that day on Esau hated Jacob and wanted to kill him because he had taken advantage of him with the birthright sale for stew and now the first born blessing was stolen from him.

Rebekah heard that Esau had murder in his heart towards Jacob so she instructed Jacob to leave and go to her brother’s place for safety and find a wife there. She would let him know when it would be safe for him to return. Little did she know that she would never see her favorite son Jacob again. He was gone for many years and Rebekah died before his return.

Isaac and Rebekah played favorites with their sons and it only caused more trouble and heartache. Although it was prophesied that Jacob would become the leader of the family, Rebekah’s plans for her son’s blessings would later cause him heartache and he would be greatly deceived by Laban, Rebekah’s brother.

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In the book of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament, the genealogy or blood line of Jesus Christ is recorded starting from Abraham who begat Isaac who begat Jacob and so forth continuing for forty more generations until finally the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Messiah, was promised to come from the bloodline of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Isaac married Rebekah when he was forty years old. Rebekah could not have children until twenty years later after Isaac had pleaded with God to let her become a mother. God answered Isaac’s request. When Rebekah was pregnant she was having some physical discomfort and asked God if everything was fine why was she having these physical issues. God told her that she had two nations in her and one would be stronger than the other and the older would serve the younger. The discomfort she was experiencing was from her children struggling within her womb. When she gave birth, there were twins, the first was very red and hairy. They named him Esau. Hanging onto Esau’s heel was the second baby and he was named Jacob. The name Jacob means supplanter (one who wrongfully seizes and holds the place of another).

The significance of the birth order of Esau and Jacob is the birthright. The oldest son would become the leader of the extended family and he would receive a double portion of the family’s inheritance. Being the oldest son had its privileges. As adults, Esau was a man’s man, a skillful hunter, an outdoors man and the favorite son of his father. Isaac loved eating the game that Esau would bring home from hunting. Unlike Esau, Jacob preferred to stay home and was a tent dweller. He was the favorite son of his mother.

One day Jacob had cooked a delicious stew and Esau came in from the field and asked Jacob to feed him. He said he was very weary and was about to die because he needed food. Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright today.” Unfortunately, Esau did not consider the value of his birthright and he swore and agreed to exchange his birthright for bread and the stew of lentils that Jacob had prepared. He ate and drank and left despising the birthright. Although Jacob took advantage of his brother at a weak moment, his brother being the oldest, should not have made that agreement. He devalued his birthright and sold it for one meal. Esau allowed his flesh, his appetite, his stomach to rule over his sense of doing the right thing no matter how much it hurt at the time. His excuse was, “What is the value of a birthright if I am about to die right now?” He didn’t care at the moment.

When you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior, you become part of God’s family and you inherit the promises of God through faith. How many times have you allowed your flesh, your appetites, to overrule what you know is the right thing to do. We have weak moments and unfortunately we regret some of the decisions we make without thinking of the consequences. Despite our bad decisions, we can ask God to forgive us and help us through our weaknesses. God says that there is no temptation that is common to man that we cannot escape through Him. He is faithful to help us. (I Corinthians 10:13) Let’s value our birthright through Christ Jesus and live an abundant life. (John 10:10)

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Triple Blessings - Numbers 23-25

This week we conclude the story of Balaam. He is hired by the King of Moab to curse the Israelites who have just moved into the land of Moab. Balaam is a sorcerer who seeks knowledge and power from God but also prays to false gods which have demonic spirits. Balaam is not a prophet of God, but in the Bible God answers him when he asks God about cursing the Israelites.

Balaam practiced his art for money. Even though God told him not to go to the King of Moab, and not to curse the Israelites because they had been blessed by God, Balaam did what he wanted. Although an angel almost killed him, Balaam kept negotiating with God and finally God allowed him to go, but told him to only speak what God tells him. Finally arriving at his destination, the King of Moab was very excited to have Balaam with him. Now, he could do what he was paid to do and curse the Israelites.

Three separate times, in three different locations, 7 altars were built and burnt sacrifices of bulls and rams were offered on each as offerings to God. Balaam would go pray to God and then return to speak the word of the Lord before the King of Moab. Balak, the king, expected to hear curses but instead, words of great blessings over the Israelites came out of Balaam’s mouth. Changing locations had the same results. God had already told Balaam that the Israelites had His blessings on them. Perhaps Balaam thought if they gave a lot of sacrificial offerings to God, He would change His mind.

Naturally, the King was very angry at Balaam, but Balaam reminded him that he could only speak what God tells him. But, Balaam doesn’t give up. He knows he can’t curse the Israelites, but he also knows that God wants His people to worship Him and no idols and false gods. Their disobedience to God’s commandments would bring God’s anger on them. Balaam advises the king to send women to the Israelites to tempt them to party, go to their festivals, become sexually immoral and have them worship their gods. Unfortunately, this plan worked and in the end 24,000 disobedient Israelites died. Balaam and King Balak were eventually killed when the two nations went to battle.

During one of the blessings, Balaam spoke these words from God, “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent (change His mind). Has he said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19)

In today’s world when truth and lies are hard to distinguish, knowing that God’s Word is the truth and we can rely and trust in His Word/Bible should encourage and reassure us as we grow in our faith. God does not lie and His promises are yes and Amen for His children. (2 Cor. 1:20) God has a great future for you and He loves you beyond any measure. (John 3:16; Jer. 29:11) Remember, you are blessed and you can speak blessings over yourself and your family each day.

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Last week we discussed the situation of Balaam, who seemed like a prophet of God, but was actually described as a prophet who practiced divination (an evil practice of sorcery, fortune telling, and black magic), completely against God’s Word. The Israelites were warned and commanded not to practice those arts and were subject to stoning if they were caught. (Leviticus 20:27)

Balaam received God’s message that he was not to go to the king of Moab and put curses on the Israelites because they had already been blessed by God. He, however, was tempted to find a way where he could obey God, but also get the riches and rewards that the king promised him. Unlike true prophets of God (Elijah), who refused any money for miracles, Balaam was paid for his “blessing & cursing” services. Balaam was open to God and the many demonic spirits that would give him supernatural knowledge and power to bless and curse.

Although Balaam was already told by God not to go to the king of Moab he made a second request to God. This time God said, “If the men come to call you, rise up, and go with them; but yet the Word which I shall say unto you, you shall do.” We can surmise that the men did not come to call him first, because he had already gotten up the next morning and saddled his donkey to go with them. The next verse says that God’s anger was aroused because he went with them.

As Balaam was riding his donkey, the donkey made some moves on her own and would not go where Balaam was directing her. The Bible says that the donkey could see an angel with a sword in front of him so she steered away from the path into a field. Balaam hit his donkey and directed her back on the path. Again the angel appeared in front of the donkey and this time there was a wall on both sides of the road and the donkey veered towards one wall crushing Balaam’s foot. Balaam hit his donkey again. The angel went further up the road where there was a narrow pass and the donkey would have to run into the angel if she continued. This time the donkey just laid down on the ground before getting close to the angel. Balaam was so angry that he hit her with his staff.

Then God opened the mouth of the donkey and she spoke to Balaam asking him why he had hit her three times. He replied that she had abused him and if he had a sword he would have killed her. The donkey replied that she had been obedient since she came into his possession and had never done such things before. God opened Balaam’s eyes and he was able to see the angel with his sword drawn. The angel asked Balaam why he had struck the donkey three times. He went on to tell him that he would have killed him and let the donkey go. Balaam confessed that he had sinned and he didn’t know that he stood in his way. He asked if he should go back and the angel told him to go with the men to the king but only speak what God tells him.

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Blessings & Curses: Numbers 22-1-21

When the children of Israel were on their journey to the promised land, they moved and camped in the plains of Moab which was on the side of the Jordan river across from the city of Jericho. The inhabitants of the land had heard of their exploits and how the God of Israel had delivered them. The Moab people were very upset and afraid. The king of Moab, named Balak, sent his princes to call on the services of Balaam who was a practitioner of divination. Divination was the art of revealing the future and using supernatural means to cause good fortune or curses. Although Balaam sought supernatural knowledge and acknowledged God, he was not called a prophet of God in the Bible but a diviner.

In the old testament the practice of divination was against God’s law. In Deuteronomy 18:10-11 God tells the Israelites that when they come into the promised land they are not to follow the ways of those nations. They are not to practice divination, witchcraft, fortune telling, consult spirits, interpret omens or use sorcery.

Balaam was hired for a fee to put a curse on the Israelites. He had the reputation of successfully blessing or cursing people. King Balak sent his princes on a long journey to get him. He told the princes to stay the night while he sought a word from God. God asked Balaam, “Who are these men with you?” Balaam replied that they came from King Balak and were sent so he could accompany them and put a curse on the people who had come out of Egypt. King Balak wanted to defeat and push them out of Moab.

God told Balaam not to go with the princes and said, “you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” In the morning Balaam sent the princes of Balak back home to tell the king that God had not given him permission to leave. He left out the message that God had blessed the Israelites and he was not to curse them.

The king sent back more honorable and important people to ask Balaam to return with this group and he promised Balaam honor and whatever he wanted. Although God had told him “no” the first time, Balaam said, “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.” However, he said he would seek what God had to say that night. Again Balaam sought God and this time God said, “If the men come to call you, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto you, you shall do.”

The scripture does not say whether the men the next day came to call on Balak or if Balak got up himself and got ready to go. The next verse says that Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab. The next verse says that God’s anger was aroused because he went with them. Balak disobeyed God and his heart was set on getting wealth. Perhaps he thought he could place the curse, make a lot of money, and it wouldn’t make a difference because the Israelites were blessed. But God told him not to curse them when He told him not to go.

Have you prayed and felt that God was telling you what you should do, but deep down you wanted a different answer? Perhaps you were praying about taking a certain job that would pay more but it would take up your Sundays and you couldn’t go to church or you would be working so much and wouldn’t be spending enough time with your family. Perhaps there’s a toxic relationship or bad influence in your life that you know you need to end, but you are afraid of being alone. Have you been tempted to read a horoscope to get guidance on what you should do rather than seeking God. Have you given God scenarios like “if you want me to do this then make this happen…?”

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Jesus Opens Blind Eyes John 9:1-41

When Jesus read Isaiah 61 He said that He was anointed to preach recovery of sight to the blind. There are several stories of Jesus healing the blind, but one story stands out because it was of a man who had been born blind. Jesus took dirt and made mud with His saliva. He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the mud and told him to go wash in the pool of Siloam.

The man obeyed Jesus and went and washed his eyes. As soon as he did, he was able to see clearly. Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath which was against their religious traditions. On the Sabbath, the Jews were commanded to rest and not do any work. When the religious leaders heard that this man had been healed by Jesus on the Sabbath, they were very critical and called Jesus a sinner.

The religious leaders were themselves blind because they didn’t recognize that Jesus was sent from God to heal those who were physically blind as well as spiritually blind. The religious leaders didn't celebrate the miracle of sight for the blind man because their traditions were more important to them. The good news is Jesus still opens blind eyes today. He can heal you physically and open the eyes of your understanding and give you wisdom. Whatever your need, take hold of God’s Word and ask Him to make it a reality in your life.

God wants you well and He wants you to see through the darkness of this world. Jesus is our light and His Word will guide us. God’s Word never changes and all His promises for you are there when you take them and believe. (John 3:16)

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“All these (God’s commandments) I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” (Matt. 19:16) These were the words of the rich young ruler who ran up to Jesus, knelt before Him, and asked what he should do to inherit eternal life.

Jesus went through many of the commandments, “do not commit adultery, do not lie, do not steal, do not murder, honor mother and father, love your neighbor as yourself,” of which the rich young ruler said, “all these have I done.” Here the young man states that he has been doing all of the right things since he was a youth.

Jesus loved this young man and He told him that he lacked one thing. Jesus told him to go and sell his possessions, give the money to the poor, and to come and follow Him. Jesus told him he would have treasure in heaven. Why did Jesus tell him to do this?

The young man wanted to know what he needed to do. Jesus gave him something to do, but it was something that he truly didn’t want to do, because his wealth and possessions were more important to him than to give them up to follow Jesus. Jesus revealed what was in the heart of this young man, who thought his performance of keeping the laws and commandments since he was young, and perhaps he thought his wealth and stature in the community was proof of his “good and righteous” living.

This young man knew he needed something because he ran, knelt, and asked Jesus for the answer. Did he want reassurance from Jesus that he was righteous and he would have eternal life? How many of us think that we are going to heaven because we live a “good” life and we do “good” deeds or we are very “religious?”

Compare this young wealthy ruler with Zaccheus who climbed a tree to see Jesus when people were all around Him. Zaccheus was a tax collector who made his money off the people and he was hated by them. He cheated them out of their money because of his position as a tax collector. When Jesus went to have dinner with him in his home, Jesus didn’t tell him to do anything with his wealth, but Zaccheus had a change of heart and said in Luke 19:8-10:

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

**What a difference. Jesus looks on the heart and He wants us to have a change from the inside out. Jesus came to let us know that we are all lost without Him. We can’t earn our way to heaven or be good enough.

Read the rest here: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/the-rich-young-ruler?sd=pf**

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Last week we talked about Jesus’ message of freedom, deliverance and liberty from the following text He read in Isaiah 61. Jesus was anointed to preach the gospel to the poor.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,

Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted

To preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind

To set at liberty those who are oppressed

To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

The word “gospel” is translated from the Greek and means a proclamation of “good news.” Jesus came to proclaim good news to the poor. Why the poor and not the wealthy? Jesus came to save everyone (John 3:16), but He said it was much harder for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:23).

When a rich young ruler came to Jesus he asked Him what he must do to inherit eternal life. The young man said that he had kept all of the commandments. Jesus knew that money was a hindrance so He told the young man to go sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and to come and follow Him. The young man was saddened by this request because he had many possessions and he didn’t want to give them up.

One who is rich has money to rely on and it’s harder to let go of it, whereas a poor person has nothing to rely on and very little or nothing to give up. When the good news is preached, the poor do not need any money to receive salvation. It is a free gift to anyone who will believe and receive, whether rich or poor.

But the good news is not only for eternal life after one leaves this world, it is the good news that you don’t have to remain poor in this life as well. The promises of God for believers is that He would meet our needs and He would bless us (Phil 4:19; Psalm 23). Not only does God want to save you, He wants you to live an abundant life because He loves you so much. All He asks is that you believe and trust in Him for everything in your life. (John 10:10)

Read the rest at: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/jesus-preaches-the-gospel-to-the?sd=pf

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This week we celebrated our country’s Independence Day when the original colonies declared their freedom from British rule. We remember the sacrifices that were made to give us freedom that we enjoy today.

As followers of Jesus we enjoy freedom from sin and remember the sacrifice that was made on the cross for our behalf. Jesus paid the price for us because He loved us and wanted us to be free from sin and have everlasting life.

When Jesus first started His ministry, He was baptized in water and then filled with the Holy Spirit. He was led into the wilderness where He was tempted by the devil for forty days. Afterward He went about preaching and teaching with great wisdom and power. When He returned to His hometown in Nazareth, Jesus went into the synagogue on the Sabbath and was given the book of the prophet Isaiah to read. Jesus stood and read the following (isaiah 61:18)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,

Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted

To preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind

To set at liberty those who are oppressed

To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

When Jesus finished reading from Isaiah 61, he stated, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Jesus came to deliver the captives and set at liberty those who are oppressed. In John 8:32 it says, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” **When you are struggling with challenges like addictions, self doubt, or unbelief that God wants the very best for you and has a great plan for your life, read the truth. What does God say about your situation? As you read God’s Word, you are transforming your mind everyday and becoming free from life's hindrances and challenges. (Romans 12:1) Celebrate your freedom today!

Read the rest at https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/jesus-preaches-freedom?sd=pf**

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After Jesus had been baptized by John the Baptist, the Holy spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice from heaven said,”You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” From that moment Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. He was led into the wilderness where he didn’t eat anything and was tempted by the devil for forty days. The devil tempted Him in every way he could and towards the end when Jesus was hungry, He challenged Jesus to prove that He was the Son of God by commanding a stone to become bread. But Jesus only answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God.’”

Jesus was quoting scripture from Deuteronomy 8:3 when God fed the Israelites manna every morning. Manna was bread that came from heaven each day to feed the Israelites. They had to consume their daily ration and not save any for the next day. If they tried, the food would be spoiled or rotten. God was teaching them to rely on Him for their daily bread or daily needs.

When temptation came from the devil, Jesus used the Word of God against him. Jesus at this point was hungry and physically weak after not eating for forty days. Satan tried the same trick or temptation he used with Adam and Eve in the garden. He tempted Eve with forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, that he said would give her wisdom and be like God. She ate of the fruit and also gave it to Adam who also ate in disobedience to God.

Jesus is referred to as the second Adam. The first Adam did not use the Word of God when tempted to eat of the fruit, but Jesus, the second Adam, did not fall for Satan’s trickery. He used the Word of God and did not try to prove He was the Son of God by doing what Satan asked Him to do. Jesus knew Who He was and didn’t need to obey Satan’s request to prove it.

We are always faced with temptation, but do we use the Word of God to overcome it? Jesus knew Who He was and we should know who we are in Christ Jesus. When we give our lives to the Lord, we become new creations and the children of God. Our identity is what God says who we are. We are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, we are redeemed, we are saved, we are healed, we are a chosen and holy people, we are God’s handiwork made in His image. (Deut. 28:13; Eph 2:10)

**So when you are tempted to beat yourself up for something you feel guilty about, when you are tempted to fear and be anxious, or tempted to do something you know is wrong, use the Word of God as your weapon and live a victorious life through Jesus Christ, our Savior. (Romans 8:37)

Read the rest at** https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/fight-temptation-with-gods-word?sd=pf

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One interesting story in the Old Testament is about Abraham and his son Isaac. Abraham was 100 years old and his wife Sarah was 90 years old when Isaac, their only son, was born. God had promised Abraham that he would have a son with Sarah even though she was past child bearing age. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and that through his child with Sarah the nations of the earth would be blessed.

One day God made an unusual request. He asked Abraham to take his son, his only son, whom he loved, to the land of Moriah and offer him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains. Abraham took Isaac and two other men and traveled to Moriah. When they were close, Abraham instructed the men to stay and said that Isaac and he would go and worship and return back to them.

Abraham knew that God had told him to sacrifice Isaac, but he had faith to know that he and Isaac would return. Did he think that God would raise Isaac from the dead after the sacrifice?

And why would God ask him to sacrifice, kill his only son, that was the promised child? Abraham trusted God that He would return Isaac back to him even after death.

As Abraham and Isaac were walking towards the place where the sacrifice would be held, Isaac asked his father “where is the sacrificial lamb for the burnt offering?” Isaac had no idea that he was the sacrifice! Abraham replied and said, ”My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” After Abraham built the altar and placed the wood on it, he tied up Isaac and laid him on the wood.

The Bible doesn’t say if Isaac resisted or complied, but He must have trusted his father to be willing to be tied up and placed on the altar. Abraham takes a knife and is about to kill his only son, when an angel from God calls him from heaven and tells him not to kill his son. He tells Abraham that God now knows that he completely trusts God and he is willing to do what God asks him, even to sacrifice his only son. God was testing Abraham to see if he honored Him more than his promised son. Abraham proved himself and God provided a ram whose horns were caught in the thicket. Abraham frees his son, sacrifices the ram and then they both return back to the men and then back home.

In this story, Abraham is a picture of God our Father and Isaac, a picture of Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb, who ultimately dies to take away our sins. God tested Abraham to see if he would give up his only son, the one he loved dearly, to follow what God had instructed him. But, Abraham had great faith to believe that even if he killed Isaac, God would raise him from the dead. So when God the Father sent Jesus His Son, He was willing to give His only begotten Son “that whosoever believed in Him, would not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) And Jesus was willing to go to the cross and suffer to pay for our sins. Jesus knew He would rise from the dead after three days and three nights, but He also understood the pain, suffering, and separation from His Father that He would have to endure. If Abraham was willing, God was willing.

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Prayer was such an important part of Jesus’ lifestyle that He would break away from the crowds that followed Him to go and pray to His Father (Matthew 14:23). Often He would go alone up on a mountain or into a secluded place. One day the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. What Jesus taught them is known as the Lord’s prayer and it is an example of how we can pray as well.

The original King James Version uses old English that we don’t use today. However, many of us may have memorized it when we were children. The following is from the New King James version.

“Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.(holy and praise be to Your name )

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one (or evil).

For Yours is the kingdom and the

power, and the glory forever. Amen.”

This prayer was given to the disciples before Jesus went to the cross. After Jesus died, rose from the dead, and went up to heaven, the old covenant of law (Old Testament/agreement) was fulfilled. Jesus brought the new covenant (New Testament) of grace and truth through faith which was paid by His shed blood. Should we pray this prayer today or use it as an example of how to pray?

We can use this example for prayer, but keep in mind that this was directed to the Jewish people during Jesus’ time as they were transitioning from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament because He came to be the perfect sacrifice that would pay for our sins once and for all if we accept Him into our hearts and make Him our Lord and Savior.

As we start with the prayer, we should give praise and honor to God our Father. As we continue in prayer we can pray for spiritual and physical needs. Today, as a Christian, the kingdom of God is within us because Jesus our king reigns in our hearts. We ask for His will to be done in our lives. We can also ask for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Is it God’s will to heal, to forgive, to save? Yes, so let's pray for others as well.

Jesus is our daily bread and as we read, hear, and study the Word we are able to feed our spirit being and grow in faith. We can also pray for our physical needs to be met. Thank God we have our debts or sins forgiven because of Jesus. When we ask Him to forgive us of our sins and we receive Him by faith, we are forgiven. As we have been forgiven, we should also forgive those that have sinned against us.

Does God lead us into temptation if we don’t pray against it? James 1:13-15 says that God does not tempt man but man is tempted by his own desires. We are to pray that God delivers us when we are going through trials and temptations. God says that He will never allow temptations that are more than we can handle (I Cor. 10:13).Temptations can include unbelief, doubt, and fear. Finally, glory, honor, and power are the Lords Amen. As Christians we conclude or include the name of Jesus in our prayers (John 14:13-14) because the power is in the name of Jesus (Phil. 2:9-10).

Read the rest at: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/jesus-always-honored-his-father?sd=pf

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Throughout the Bible we read stories of people who faced fearful circumstances and yet chose to obey God. One such story is in the book of Daniel during the time when the Jews were in captivity in Babylon. The prophet Daniel had already faced the lions in the lion's den and was delivered unharmed. Daniel’s friends, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abed-Nego, would also go through a testing time where their faith would be challenged.

The Babylonians did not serve the God of the Jews, but served their own man-made gods and idols. When Daniel revealed King Nebuchadnezza’s dream and the interpretation of it, the king promoted Daniel to be the head administrator in the Babylonian kingdom. The king also stated that Daniel’s God was the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets. Despite this, the king made an image of gold that was 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide. The king had a dedication with all of the important leaders of the kingdom. There was an announcement that when musical instruments were played as a symphony, then all people who heard the music had to bow down and worship the image of gold. Whoever did not, would be thrown into a burning fiery furnace.

It was reported to the king that Daniel’s three friends did not obey the king's decree when music was played. In fact, the king was told that these Jews did not serve the Babylonian gods or worship the golden image. The king became furious and commanded that the three be brought to him. When they came before the king, the king questioned them and gave them a chance to obey his decree or be thrown into the fiery furnace. The king added, “And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”

The three answered that their God would deliver them from the fiery furnace and the king’s hands, but if not, they would not serve their gods or worship the gold image. Upon hearing this, the king became more angry and commanded that the furnace be heated up seven times more. He commanded certain mighty men of valor in his army to tie up the three with ropes and throw them into the furnace. The furnace was so hot that the mighty men of valor were killed by the flames of the fire.

The king could see into the furnace and what he saw was completely amazing. He saw the three walking around in the furnace with no ropes, but they were still clothed. He also saw a fourth person with them whom he described looked like the Son of God. The king went closer to the furnace and called them to come out. When they came out, their clothes didn’t even smell of fire and not even their hair had been singed. The king admitted that God had delivered them and he issued a new decree that any people, nation, or language who speaks against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego would be cut in pieces and their houses burned. The king then promoted the three of them into higher positions of leadership in the kingdom.

Read the rest at: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/choose-god-over-fear-and-man?sd=pf

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Speak the Word - Matthew 8:5-13

This week we celebrated Memorial Day to remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives serving in the military. They served to protect and keep us safe from enemies who wish to harm and dominate free people. They may have volunteered or they may have been drafted and had no choice. Once they were enlisted they had to be physically and mentally trained, educated in weaponry and their field of expertise, disciplined to follow orders and the chain of command.

During the times of Jesus the Jewish people in Israel were ruled by the Romans. The Roman Empire was strong and covered north Africa, parts of Asia and Europe, and the middle east. Roman soldiers were foreigners who served many gods and goddesses. It was Roman soldiers that carried out the orders to crucify Jesus on the cross.

On one occasion Jesus had entered the town of Capernaum and a Roman centurion (military leader in the Roman army) approached Him and pleaded with Him, saying “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” Jesus responded and said, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I am also a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go’, and he goes, and to another, ‘Come’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard the centurion speak He was amazed and said to His followers, “Truly I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way, and as you have believed, so be it done for you.” And the servant was healed that very same hour.

**The Roman centurion understood authority and He respected Jesus’ authority to heal. Although he had a prestigious position in the military, he came to Jesus with humility and faith to plead on behalf of his servant. The centurion only needed a spoken word from Jesus. As far as he was concerned, once Jesus said the Word that was enough for him. As Christians we have the spoken Word in written form. We are to speak His Word (scriptures in Bible) when it comes to our circumstance and mix it with faith believing that what God has promised He will perform. Jesus said the centurion had great faith. If we want great faith then we must continue to hear the Word of God and speak to our circumstances. Faith can grow by hearing and hearing the Word of God. As we speak the Word the seeds of faith get planted in our hearts and grow. As we meditate on God’s Word we can expect to be prosperous and have good success. (Joshua 1:8; Romans 10:8; Romans 10:17)

Read the rest at: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/speak-the-word?sd=pf**

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Elisha was a prophet of God that was trained by the prophet Elijah for many years before Elijah was taken up into heaven. He was given a double portion of his gift by God and performed twice as many miracles as Elijah.

Elisha was consulted by the kings of Israel and Judah during their times of war. He would prophesy whether they would have victory and he was able to let them know the plans of the enemy. The king of Syria was at war with the king of Israel but it appeared to him that someone was telling their secret plans to the king of Israel. One of the servants told the king of Syria about the prophet Elisha and how he knew even the things that he discussed in his bedroom.

The king of Syria found out where Elisha was staying and sent a great army with horses and chariots to surround the city of Dothan. In the morning, Elisha’s servant got up and saw the great army surrounding the city. He said to Elisha, “what are we going to do?” Elisha told him not to fear because those that were with them were much greater than the army. Elisha then prayed to God to open his servants eyes so he could see into the spiritual world. God opened his eyes and he was able to see the whole mountain full of horses and chariots of fire.

As the Syrian army approached Elisha and the city of Dothan, Elisha prayed to God to strike the army with blindness. God did and Elisha approached them and said that this was not the city and they should follow his directions and he would take them to the man they were seeking. Elisha led them to the king of Israel who was in Samaria. Elisha prayed to God to remove the blindness and He did. The soldiers found themselves captured by the army of Israel.

God’s prophets served God and were leaders who communicated God’s messages to the people of Israel. God used them to give direction to the people and advise their leaders, to turn to God and away from idolatry. God showed His power through them with many miracles. The ministry of prophets exists today, but not in the same way because Jesus came and brought a new relationship between God and man. Each person who receives Jesus as Savior has a direct relationship with God and can communicate with Him all the time. When we need protection from the enemy, God and His angels are around us. We do not need prophets like Elisha because we have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit within us.

God’s Word is full of promises regarding protection. When our enemies surround us, we are not to fear but to believe and pray. Your enemy may be depression, fear, addiction, anxiety, sickness, and physical danger. Protect yourself with the armor of God which is the shield of faith, sword of the Spirit, and the gospel of truth. (Ephesians 6:10-18) To remind you of God’s love and protection for you, read and memorize Psalm 91 and personalize it to you and your loved ones.

Read the rest at https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/god-is-our-protector?sd=fs

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Clearing Your Vision (Matthew 7:1-5; Luke 6:41-42)**Jesus spoke in many parables using stories and illustrations that even the simplest of people and children could understand. On one occasion Jesus was teaching on a subject that is very fitting for us today even in our culture.

How many times are we quick to judge and condemn others? In Matthew and Luke Jesus tells us that we should not judge or condemn others until we have looked at ourselves. He illustrates this point by saying that before we try to remove a speck in someone else's eye, we need to remove the plank that is in our own eye first so we can see clearly. He is saying that we are looking and judging others on small things, but we have much bigger things in our own hearts that could condemn us. Before we criticize others, we need to look at ourselves and remove what is not good, which may be our negative or bad attitude, hatred, jealousy, unkindness, pride, self-righteousness, impatience, and other negative thoughts or behavior. He actually called people hypocrites who didn’t judge themselves first.**

Jesus says to judge not, so that we will not be judged. When we judge others we will be judged the same way. How many times are we more harsh with others but want grace and mercy for ourselves? So does Jesus not want us to use good judgment when dealing with people who may seem dishonest or untrustworthy? God wants us to be wise and use good judgment. We are to look at the fruit of the person. What does this person produce? Do they have love, kindness, patience, and other good qualities? God looks at the heart and many times we look at the outer self. We may look at someone’s attractiveness, their social standing, their money, and what appears to be good. We have to rely on the Holy Spirit to help us when it comes to dealing with people. If someone is a bad influence on your life, don’t hang around with them. The Bible gives us guidance and tells us to guard our hearts and mind.

What about others judging you? People are quick to judge and condemn and sometimes they can be your friends and family. Sometimes that person is you. Have you ever beaten yourself up emotionally or mentally because of mistakes or bad choices and behaviors? We all do, but thanks be to God, He knows your heart and He loves you so much. So whenever you want to criticize or condemn someone, look at yourself first. Clear your vision, so you can help others. If you are criticizing and condemning yourself, know that Jesus came to save and help you, not to condemn you. See yourself the way Jesus sees you, His child, forgiven, righteous through Him and deeply loved and highly favored.

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Two of Jesus’ closest disciples were brothers, James and John, also known as the Sons of Thunder. Their nickname depicted their fiery disposition. On one occasion when Jesus and his disciples were traveling to Jerusalem they stopped in a village of the Samaritans and wanted a place to stay. They were rejected because they were Jews. The Samaritans and Jews did not get along. The brothers asked Jesus if they should call fire down from heaven to consume them because of their disrespect for Jesus. Jesus rebuked them and said, “you do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” (Luke 9:55)

John later became the author of the gospel of John, and 4 more books in the New Testament. Jesus picked John to take care of His mother when they were at the foot of the cross. John was also the only disciple that could not be killed even though he was boiled in oil and forced to drink poison. He was exiled to the Isle of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelations.

It is interesting to note that John called himself, “the disciple that Jesus loved.” Spending time with Jesus was transformative. When Jesus was hanging on the cross, John was the only disciple that was at the foot of the cross with Mary the mother of Jesus, and other women who were followers of Christ. All of the other disciples had scattered because of fear.

John had a revelation of how much Jesus loved him and he was not afraid to be by the cross or of the Roman soldiers and the Jewish religious leaders who were responsible for Jesus’ death. In 1 John 4:18, it says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

When we have a deep revelation of how much God really loves us, it is transformative. It’s not how much we love Jesus, but how much we understand and know that Jesus loves us so much, more than we could even imagine.

Having that confidence that God is for us and not against us and He loves us with all of our faults and shortcomings eliminates guilt, condemnation, and fear.

Receiving Jesus Christ as your personal savior is the first step to a transformative life. (John 3:16)

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Jesus was a storyteller who spoke in parables to get His message across. Many of these parables were simple, but had truths that were hidden. When the disciples (followers of Christ, not just the twelve) wanted to get a deeper understanding, Jesus would explain the meaning of the parables. What is interesting, is today as you and I read the Word of God, we may come across a parable that we don’t quite understand based on what we read.

In Luke, Jesus tells the story of a certain rich man who had a steward (business manager), who was in charge of the resources of his boss including all of his business affairs of selling and collecting payments for his boss. This steward was not doing his job. He was accused of wasting his boss’s resources. His boss calls him in for an accounting and so he can fire him.

The steward knows he’s going to get fired, and he says to himself, “What shall I do? My boss is going to fire me, I cannot dig and do manual work, and I am too embarrassed to beg.” He comes up with a plan to secure his future. He goes to all of his boss’s debtors and asks each one how much they owe. One said, “a hundred measures of wheat.” He tells him to take the bill and write eighty. Another says, “a hundred measures of oil.” He tells him to write fifty on the bill.

The plan was to discount all of the debtors’ bills so when he loses his job, the debtors will feel obligated to help him out. He did them a favor and saved them a lot of money, and now it would be their turn to do him a favor and provide for his livelihood.

Now, you would think that the boss would be very upset that the steward had discounted the bills. On the contrary, he actually praised the dishonest (unjust) manager for acting shrewdly and prudently or wisely. Jesus goes on to say that the sons of this age are more wise or shrewd than the sons of light or those that serve God and do what is right. The unjust manager was thinking ahead and made a plan to secure his future.

Jesus was saying that this steward knew he was going to be fired for wasting his boss’s resources, but made friends with those that could help him in the future. He was smart. As followers of Jesus, we have resources as well. God has given us our lives, bodies, minds, gifts, talents, time, and the ability to work and earn money. We are stewards or managers of what God has given us. We have probably wasted some of those resources on our own selfish desires and needs without thinking of the future.

God wants us to be wise and use our talents, time, and treasure while we are on the earth, but also think about God’s kingdom and what we are doing to expand it. Use what God has given you and think about the future. Use wisdom to turn your negative situation around, and also use your resources to help spread the gospel so that more people will be saved and they will be your friends forever.

Read the rest at: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/take-lessons-from-the-shrewd

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The Choice is Yours Luke 23:39-43

As we reflect on the great sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross, most of us know the conversation that occurred between the two thieves that were on either side of Jesus.

Both men were convicted criminals who were punished for their crimes.

One of the thieves says to Jesus, “If you are Christ (the anointed Messiah) then save yourself and us.” The other thief rebukes him and says “Don’t you fear God? We deserve to die for what we have done, but this Man has done nothing wrong!” That thief addresses Jesus and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into Your kingdom.” Jesus replies, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

The one thief asked Jesus to remember him. By Jesus’ statement, the thief was saved from that point on and went to Paradise/heaven when he physically died. That thief had enough faith to ask Jesus to remember him as he was dying and in his last moments before death. The other thief had the same opportunity after mocking Jesus and being rebuked by the saved thief, but chose not to reconsider and ask Jesus to remember him as well.

Two men, with the same opportunity, make different choices. You may think that if you live a good life, unlike these thieves, you will go to heaven when you physically die. The Bible says that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” or have fallen short of God’s standard. The only one who was sinless and met the standard was Jesus. We can never meet God’s standard even if we think we are good people. The Word of God says, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 4:17) The Bible also says that hating your brother/sister is like murder (I John 3:15) and “whatever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). What about things that are in your heart but you don’t act on them? Jesus Christ said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery;' but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:27)

The point is, whether you think you have lived a good life or deserve punishment like the thieves, you have a choice to make to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior or to reject Him. If you were born into this world you are automatically a sinner no matter how good or bad your behavior is. When you receive Jesus, you are reborn in your spirit-being and God sees you through the blood of Jesus which has cleansed you of all sin. In God’s eyes you have met the standard because of Jesus. Does this mean you will never sin again? No, your spirit is reborn in Christ and God sees you righteous (in right standing with God) but you still have a body with fleshly desires, a soul with a mind, will, and emotions that need renewing by the Word of God each day. (Romans 12:2)

Once you have received Jesus, as long as you are not on your deathbed, you have a great earthly journey ahead of you. You are a baby Christian who has an exciting life ahead to grow each day and become stronger in your faith. God has a promise “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)

If you haven’t made that decision yet, don’t wait until you are physically dying, today is the day of salvation. (Hebrews 3:13; John 3:16)

Read the rest at https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/the-choice-is-yours

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Raising Jesus from the Dead - Matthew 28

Christians throughout the world just celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For many, the salvation message of God’s love reached them, and decisions to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior were made. The Bible tells us that the angels in heaven rejoice when one person makes that life-changing decision. (Luke 15:10)

The resurrection of Jesus was proof that He was the Son of God, He spoke the truth and He came to die for our sins because of God’s love for us. The Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 15 that if Jesus did not resurrect from the dead then the preaching of the gospel was in vain and that our faith was also in vain. But what evidence can we use today to prove that what we read about Jesus was an actual account of fact?

There are over 300 Old Testament prophecies that relate to the Messiah and Jesus fulfilled all of them. Since Jesus had spoken of His death and resurrection before the crucifixion the religious leaders wanted to make sure that His dead body would not be stolen by the disciples. They went to Pilate and said that the body must be secured because Jesus had spoken of being raised from the dead on the third day. (Matthew 27:62-66) Pilate sent guards and had the tomb sealed.

While the guards were doing their duty to watch over the tomb, there was an earthquake and the angel of the Lord came and rolled the boulder from the tomb’s entrance and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and he was dressed in all white. The guards were so frightened that they trembled and fell over like dead men.

They reported what had happened to the religious leaders who paid them off with a lot of money and told them to say that they fell asleep at night and the disciples came and stole the body. (Matthew 28)

After Jesus arose from the dead He appeared to Mary Magdalene and other women who had gone to the tomb with spices after the Sabbath. They wanted to anoint the body, but there was no body, the tomb was empty. The women told the disciples that Jesus was alive, but they did not believe them until He appeared to them. Jesus appeared to many including over 500 people at one time.

When Jesus was arrested all the disciples scattered and even Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed in the morning. The only disciple who was at the cross when Jesus was crucified was John who was comforting Mary the mother of Jesus. After the disciples saw the resurrected Jesus, their faith came back and they all became bold preachers of the gospel. They witnessed Jesus ascent into heaven, they waited for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and preached with signs and wonders. They were all willing to die for their faith and all but John were killed as martyrs for the gospel. A great transformation happened between the time of the crucifixion and the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell on them. (Acts 1 and 2)

Lastly, the Apostle Paul, who was responsible for the death of many early church Christians, had an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and wrote most of the New Testament under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He preached the gospel of grace through faith in Jesus. These eyewitness accounts were corroborated by historical records not only from the writers of the Bible but other historians as well. As the resurrected Jesus said to doubting Thomas, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Because of the resurrection, we can believe that all the promises in God’s Word are for us and we are truly loved and highly favored. (John 3:16)

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This week has been named Holy week because Christians and Jews around the world celebrate Passover and Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Passover is celebrated to remember the night the death angel was released to kill all the firstborns in Egypt. The Hebrew people, who were slaves in Egypt, were instructed to kill a sacrificial lamb, paint its blood on the door frame of their homes, roast, and eat the lamb that night with their families and friends. They all had to stay in the home. That night the death angel would pass over all the homes that had the blood of the lamb on the door frame and all inside would be saved. The Egyptians, including the Pharaoh (king of Egypt), were struck by the death angel. Each firstborn of every home including Pharaoh's oldest son died that night. It was the final blow that caused Pharaoh to finally let the Hebrew people leave Egypt and their captivity. From that time on the Hebrew/Jewish people would celebrate the Passover every year and remember how they came out of slavery by the hand of God.

When Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples they didn’t know what was about to happen and they didn’t know what He was telling them. While they were eating, Jesus told them that one of them would betray Him. He also took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:26-28) This meal is referred to as the last supper and today we call it Holy Communion or communion. As Christians, we are to remember that Jesus, who knew no sin, died a horrible death on the cross to save you and me from our sins. His blood was poured out of His body when He was whipped by the Roman soldiers for our healing. His blood also represented the payment for our sins and represented the New Covenant or Testament. The new covenant meant that animal sacrifices were no longer required because Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, once and for all.

But why death on the wooden cross? It was the cruelest slow form of death, a public humiliation, and one that only the Romans performed. The Jews had used stoning as their public means of capital punishment. In the Old Testament, it states that cursed is anyone who hangs from a tree. In the New Testament, it says that Jesus became a curse for us, so any curses that may have crossed our paths, have no legal rights to remain if we have received Jesus as our personal savior.

If you feel that your life is cursed even though you may be a Christian, the good news is that Jesus took all the curses on Himself when He went to the cross. Many times, our own words or those we have received from others have become curses. In the book of Leviticus, there are blessings and cursings listed under the law. The New Covenant or Testament brings us grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Through Him, we have the blessings and all the curses were put on Jesus. Find the promise or scripture that addresses your situation and become free from all curses in your life. Jesus died but rose from the dead on the third day so that you can have an abundant life. (John 10:10; John 3:16; Galatians 3:13)

Read the rest at https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/why-the-cross

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The Old Testament gives us a historical account of God’s chosen people, the Jews, starting from creation with the first Adam and ending before the birth of Jesus Christ, the second Adam. God’s grace and mercy is illustrated throughout the Old Testament in the many recorded stories.

Last week we highlighted the story of David and King Saul. There were many accounts of King Saul going after David to kill him. Although there were two recorded stories where David could have killed King Saul, he never took advantage of those opportunities and allowed God to work in His timing.

David became king after King Saul and his sons were killed in battle against their enemy, the Philistines. David’s best friend was Jonathan, Saul’s son, who was also killed that day. When news of Saul and Jonathan’s death was known, Jonathan’s son named Mephibosheth, who was five years old at the time, was taken by his nurse to a safe location. Unfortunately, as the nurse was running with Mephibosheth, the boy fell and became lame in his legs. They stayed in hiding because they feared that David would kill Mephibosheth if he found out that he was alive. Traditionally a new king would kill the family of the old king so no one would try to get the throne back. King David did not follow these traditions, but some who served King David took it upon themselves to seek out family members and kill them. When David found out he had those men executed.

As the new king, David inherited all of King Saul’s possessions and lands because there was no one left alive from the house of Saul that David knew. Years later, David asked his staff if there was anyone alive from the house of Saul that he could show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake. There was a servant named Ziba from the house of Saul that spoke up and told David about Mephibosheth. David had him brought to the palace.

When Mephibosheth was in David’s presence, David told him not to be afraid and told him that he would restore all of his grandfather Saul’s possessions and land. Mephibosheth, who was still lame in his legs, fell forward bowing on the ground and said “ What is your servant , that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?” David instructed Ziba to take his sons and servants and farm the land for Mephibosheth and take care of everything for him.

David’s other request was that Mephibosheth dine at his table every night like a king's son. So from that time on, Mephibosheth went from poverty and hiding, to a rich inheritance of land, possessions, servants, and a place of honor at the kings table. Mephibosheth didn’t earn these blessings and he had nothing to offer. Even when he heard David speak he considered himself like a dead dog. He was given back these blessings because David had a close relationship with his father and had promised him at one time that he would take care of his family if anything should happen to him.

This story is important because it is recorded in the second book of Samuel for our sakes. David was a man after God’s own heart. He loved God and did his best to do the right thing. Because of his relationship with Jonathan, he had respect for King Saul, did not avenge himself even though Saul was trying to kill him. King David showed grace and mercy to Mephibosheth who could not do anything for him, did not earn it, and had no power or riches. Grace and mercy was extended because of Jonathan, his father. How much more should we embrace God’s grace and mercy towards us because of our relationship with Jesus? We cannot earn God’s goodness because it is a free gift if we receive it. Understanding how much God loves us will help us trust Him and receive his goodness and grace. (John 3:16)

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Can you trust God’s timing? (I Samuel 19; 21; 24)

Before a monarchy was established in Israel, the prophets and judges were the leaders of the Jewish people. The people did not want to continue with prophets and judges as their leaders but wanted to have a king. They approached the prophet Samuel who went to God and God chose Saul, a tall, handsome, and courageous warrior to be the first King of Israel.

As the new king, Saul was to keep the commandments of God and lead his people so they could live in peace and in God’s blessings. They had the Mosaic law (10 commandments under the leadership of Moses) as well as many other traditions and regulations that were to be followed. God used the prophet, Samuel, to advise King Saul in many matters, especially in those regarding war with their enemies, the Philistines.

However, Saul allowed his emotions of anger and pride to get in the way, and he made some bad decisions and disobeyed God’s messages that came through the prophet Samuel. During Saul’s reign, David, the shepherd boy, became a hero when he slayed the Philistine giant named Goliath. David went on to become a great warrior and Saul started looking at David as a threat to his throne. As battles against the Philistines were won, the people started singing songs of celebration about Saul and David. One day King Saul became very angry when he heard the people sing, “Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands!” Saul was so jealous and angry that he became more obsessed about killing David. Instead of focusing on the real enemy, the Philistines, King Saul was blinded by his jealousy and hatred towards David and diverted more of his attention to go after him.

Although the prophet Samuel had anointed David to be the next king of Israel, David continued to be on the run to escape being killed. There was one occasion when David and his men were hiding in a cave and King Saul came into the cave alone to urinate. David could have killed the King, but he did not and instead cut off a piece of his robe. David later showed King Saul that he could have killed him but did not. Although David’s men thought that God provided this opportunity to kill Saul, David responded that Saul was God’s anointed and in God’s timing, God would replace him, but not by his own hands.

King Saul and his sons would later die in battle against the Philistines. David mourned the death of Saul and his best friend, Jonathan, Saul’s son. David takes the throne as Israel's second king and from his lineage comes Jesus Christ.

We have two leaders, Saul and David, both chosen by God. One allowed his emotions to rule his actions and the other trusted God and His timing. David respected God’s anointed King Saul but knew that his time would come in God’s timing. The lesson is to trust God in everything and not allow the negative emotions of jealousy and pride to get in the way. We all struggle with those emotions depending on our circumstances, but we have the Holy Spirit to help us in our struggles. When you are tempted in those negative areas, reach out to the Lord and He will be there to strengthen and help you. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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Abraham in the Old Testament is known as the “Father of faith,” because through his lineage came the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian faiths. The Jews came through his son, Isaac whose mother was Sarah and the Arabs came through Ismael, whose mother was Hagar. Jesus Christ came through the lineage of Isaac, and thus Christians through faith were promised the blessings of Abraham.

Abraham had a nephew called Lot who was a righteous man who made poor decisions. Lot moved his family to a prosperous but wicked city called Sodom. Sodom and its close-by neighbor, Gomorrah, were filled with people who were sexually immoral, very proud and arrogant, and did not care for the poor and needy. God told Abraham that he was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness and sin. Knowing that Lot lived in that area, Abraham asked God to spare the cities if there were 50 righteous people. God agreed. Then, Abraham asked for that number to be 45, then 40, then 30, then 20, and finally he said one more time, 10. God agreed and then left Abraham.

God sent two angels who appeared as human men to the city of Sodom. Lot saw them as they entered the city and came to them. When he found out that the men were going to spend the night in the city square, he asked them to come and stay at his house because it was very dangerous at night. The angels agreed. That night old and young men came to Lot’s house and banged on the door and called out to Lot. They asked Lot to send the two strangers out so they could gang rape them. Lot went outside and pleaded with them to leave them alone. Lot even offered his daughters to them, but they wanted the men. Finally the angels pulled Lot back inside, closed the door, and struck the men with blindness. They instructed Lot to get his family ready to leave in the morning because God’s judgment was coming to destroy the city.

Lot went to his married daughters and sons in law and asked them to leave with him. The sons in law laughed at him as if he were joking. When morning came the angels had to take Lot, his wife, and two daughters by the hand and lead them out of the city because they were lingering too long. They instructed them not to look back at all. They headed out of the city and when they were safe, fire and brimstone began to fall on the cities. Lot’s wife was disobedient and looked back. She was instantly turned into a pillar of salt.The cities were utterly destroyed and everything in it. Only Lot and his two daughters were spared.

From a distance, Abraham could see the smoke coming from Sodom and Gomorrah. Although God did not find 10 righteous people in order to spare the cities, He had grace and mercy and saved Lot, his wife, and two daughters. The destruction of the cities because of great wickedness and sin reminds us of the days of Noah when he and his family were saved.

Abraham could bargain with God because he had a covenant relationship with Him. Abraham knew God was willing to show His mercy and grace, however, he stopped short at 10. When we have a relationship with Jesus, we become righteous (in good standing with God, holy), not because we are morally good in ourselves, but because Jesus is perfect, sinless, and He took our punishment on the cross. When we receive Jesus through faith, we become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21; Phil 3:9; Romans 4:3)

**The good news today is that we don't have to bargain with God. In Hebrews 4:16 it says “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” The Bible is full of promises for our good and as a child of God we have access to all of them. (John 3:16; I Cor. 15:57)

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The Apostle Paul and the Unknown god (Acts 17)

The Apostle Paul was a very educated scholar in the scriptures and was one of the religious leaders called a pharisee. He was also the son of a pharisee. Paul, a Jew, was also a Roman citizen which gave him additional rights under Roman law, especially when the Jews were trying to imprison him.

God called Paul to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, the risen savior, to both Jews and Gentiles. In many of his travels to various cities outside of Israel, he would find Jewish synagogues and go and preach and argue the scriptures with those who would listen. Many believed and became Christians but others were angry and tried to imprison him. Paul would flee to another city to avoid imprisonment. On one such occasion, Paul left the northern area of Greece and headed for Athens. The other brothers in Christ would join him later.

Paul was distressed when he saw that the city of Athens was full of idols. He went into the Jewish synagogues and the public marketplace to debate and continue to proclaim the gospel of Jesus and His resurrection. There was a group of philosophers called epicureans and stoics who began debating with him. The Greeks were very interested in philosophy and new ideas and were curious about what Paul had to say. They took Paul to a forum called Areopagus where he could address the thought leaders of the city.

Paul got up and said, “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.” He continued, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Paul continued to preach the gospel of Jesus and His resurrection. Some scoffed and others became believers.

Like the days of Paul, when the gospel is proclaimed, there will be scoffers who reject the good news, and then there will be those who believe and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. When we don’t know the true God, we make our own idols hoping that they will bless and help us. An idol can be money, status, our looks, other people, and material things. Why seek worldly idols when we have the great creator who loves and cares for each of us?

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The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1:9)
Have you ever wondered why there are so many different languages around the world? Without an interpreter or technology could an English-speaking person communicate effectively with a Chinese-speaking person? In the book of Genesis, we have an account of what happened.

After the massive flood that killed everyone except Noah and his family, God blessed Noah and his sons (Shem, Ham, and Japheth and their three wives) and said, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” Noah lived 950 years and his descendants lived many hundreds of years as well. As new generations were born their life spans would be shortened.

A few generations after the flood, there was still one language among all the people. As they traveled east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and decided to settle there. They decided to build a city and a tower whose top would be in the heavens. They were not building it for the glory of God, but instead, to make a name for themselves and not be displaced around the earth. The Lord saw what was going on and said, “Behold, the people are one, and they all have one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” The Lord scattered them abroad based on their separate languages and the building project ceased. The name of that place became known as “Babel” or as we know, the Tower of Babel, which means “confusion.”

There are two interesting points about this story. First, what was the motive behind the building of the tower? The people wanted to erect this structure for themselves. One of the sins that God abhors is the sin of pride. It was the motivation behind Satan's fall as the chief archangel of the Lord. Satan wanted to be like God and be worshiped. Proverbs 8:13 states, “Pride and arrogance…, I hate."

The other interesting point is what God said to Noah and his sons. He told them to multiply and fill the earth. Instead, the descendants of Noah decide to stay together and build the city and tower. God said, “Behold, the people are one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.” Their knowledge of building may have been far more advanced than we know. They had the ability to do whatever they could imagine as a united group, even though they were not obeying God’s instructions.

The takeaway is to follow God’s instructions and be humble. Give God the glory in all you do. Whatever we can imagine, we can accomplish it if it is God’s will. And we know God’s will through the Word of God by believing and receiving the promises that are written. Find your promise for your dream, but remain humble in your journey. God loves you so much and He has a great plan for your life. (John 3:16; Jer. 29:11-12)

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Tragedy Strikes the Widow of Zarephath (I Kings 17:17-24)

Last week we told the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. In the story, the widow experienced a miracle of provision that provided an endless supply of flour and oil during a period of drought and no rain. Her miracle came through her faith and obedience to the prophet Elijah’s word.

During this time of drought, the widow, her son, and Elijah had plenty of bread to keep them alive until rain would come upon the land. But, something tragic happened. The widow’s son became ill and died. The widow, a non-Jew, assumed that it was a punishment for her sins and blamed Elijah and His God. She says to Elijah, “What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?”

How many times has God been good to us and then something goes wrong and we instantly become guilty and think He’s reminding us of our sins? Life happens, both good and bad. However, knowing that we have a loving God who loves us so much, we have to remind ourselves that He will work things out for our good. We may not understand it at the time. We just need to pray, find the scriptures that address the issue and believe that He will take care of us.

God took care of Elijah by providing him safety in a land outside of Israel, a place to stay at the widow’s house, and a never-ending food supply for the household. Even though Elijah was a man of God, he experienced the tragedy as well. He told the widow to give him her son and he took him to the upper room where he lodged. He laid the boy on his bed and cried out to God and said, “O Lord my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?” Elijah, like the mother, was just as human in his response. He was asking God if He brought this tragedy. Then Elijah did something strange. He stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to God and said, “O Lord my God, I pray, let this child’s soul come back to him.” God heard him and answered his prayer. The soul of the child came back to him and he was alive once again.

Elijah brings the boy down from his room and gives him to his mother and says, “See, your son lives!” Then the mother responds, “Now I know you are a man of God and the Word of the Lord in your mouth is the truth.” We go through trials and challenges in life, and this story reminds us of God’s faithfulness. His Word, which we have in the Bible, is the truth. When you are faced with a personal challenge or tragedy, remember that God loves you and His promises in the Word are for you. As we face our challenges, go through the emotional ups and downs, we can hold onto the promise in Romans 8:28 which says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ( John 17:17; Romans 8:28; John 3:16)

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Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath (I Kings 17:1-16)

In the Old Testament, God used prophets who declared His word to the children of Israel, warned leadership of their sins and actions against God, and performed miracles to show God’s power. The people were blessed with prosperity and peace when they followed God and obeyed His commandments. There were kings that ruled righteously and followed God and there were kings who were disobedient and followed after pagan gods and celebrated idolatry. In the book of I Kings, we read about King Ahab who was the worst of all the kings that had ruled before him. He erected wooden idols and worshiped the false god Baal. He also married a very wicked woman by the name of Jezebel.

God’s prophet at that time was Elijah from the area of Tishbi. Elijah proclaimed to King Ahab that there would be no rain or dew for years until he would speak the word for rain. God instructed Elijah to go into hiding by a brook that had flowing water. God provided bread and meat in the morning and evening by sending ravens to bring him food. After the water dried up due to the drought, God told Elijah to go to a coastal town called Zarephath which was outside of the land of Israel. God told Elijah that a widow would provide for him.

Elijah arrives at the city gates and sees a widow gathering sticks. Although she is a Gentile and not a Jew, Elijah obeys God and asks her for a cup of water and then asks for a piece of bread. The woman replies, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it—and die.” Elijah responds, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first, make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.’

The widow had faith in the man of God and did as he requested. The flour and oil never ran out and all three of them were sustained during the rest of the drought which lasted a total of three and a half years

In the New Testament, Jesus refers to this story in the book of Luke and says, “I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.”

This story is a great illustration of God’s grace and mercy even during a time of drought and famine. Although God had a covenant or agreement with the children of Israel to be their God and they, His people, their disobedience opened the door for a poor Gentile widow woman to receive His grace and mercy. When Jesus came to earth to His chosen people, the Jews, and they as a nation rejected Him, it opened the door for the gospel to go to the Gentiles. When you are going through a period of drought and famine, call upon the God who loves you and expect Him to come to your aid. The widow of Zarephath was not qualified for any benefits under the covenant, but God’s love and grace qualified her because of her faith. We, whether Jews or Gentiles, are not qualified or worthy, but through faith in Jesus and His sacrifice we are when we believe in Him and His love for us. (John 3:16; Luke 4:25-26)

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How Is Your Heart? Matthew 15:1-20

Roses, chocolates, gifts, and special meals are traditions that say “I Love you,” especially on Feb 14, Valentine's Day. Like many of our celebrated and commercialized traditions, Valentine's day has its roots in pagan traditions that were later adopted by the Catholic church as a Christian tradition named after Saint Valentine. The red heart is the most recognized symbol of this tradition celebrating love and romance.

When it comes to the heart and man’s traditions, Jesus had a lot to say. In the book of Matthew, the religious leaders, Pharisees, and teachers of the religious law asked Jesus, “Why do your disciples break the traditions of the elders, and not wash their hands before eating?” Jesus, as His usual custom, answered them with a question. He asks them why they allow their traditions to supersede God’s commands and gives them an example. Under God’s law, they were to honor their mother and father including taking care of them and their expenses as they aged. They had a loophole in their man-made traditions that allowed a person to declare that their resources/money was devoted to God and not use it for their parent's welfare. Later they could cancel that declaration and avoid their responsibility.

Jesus goes on to say, “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”

Jesus always came against man-made traditions that superseded God’s intentions for man. In Jesus’s day, the religious leaders cared more about their traditions being kept than the welfare of their people. God is more concerned with the condition of our hearts and not what we do out of tradition. Going to church may be a tradition for you, but how is your heart? The Bible tells us to guard our hearts and minds, hold onto God’s Word in our hearts and live, and to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not depend on our own understanding.

God knows the intentions of our hearts. The Bible says that a good heart produces good and an evil heart produces evil. When we receive Jesus into our hearts we become a new creation. God forgives us of our sins, cleanses our hearts, and puts His Spirit in us so that we can start a growing relationship with Him. When it comes to love, no man-made tradition can compare to God’s greatest love gift, His Son, Jesus Christ. If you have never accepted Jesus, today is a great day to do so. (John 3:16, Prov. 3:5, Matthew 12:35; John 1:12)

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God is With You: I kings 18:25

Have you felt that God is not with you when you are going through a struggle? Do you feel that life has dealt you a hand that is negative and unfair? It happens to everyone at some point in life. It’s life and thank God we don’t have to struggle alone.

In the book of Kings, God’s prophet, Elijah, had experienced a great victory over the prophets of the false god Baal. Elijah had challenged them to call on their god to bring fire on their sacrifice. It did not happen. He even mocked them and said, “shout a little harder, perhaps your god can't hear or is traveling.” Their false god failed them as they tried as hard as they could for a response. Once Elijah called on his God, the Lord of Israel, the fire came down and consumed the sacrifice.

The prophet Elijah had faith in his God that He would answer his prayer. Elijah wanted to prove that His God was the true God and God came through. After the great victory, Elijah was threatened by an evil queen named Jezebel. He, like many of us, went into fear and depression. The great prophet Elijah experienced what you may be going through today. Elijah went into hiding and complained to God that he was the only prophet left. God promptly told him that He had many more in hiding.

When you are struggling in life, call on your Savior the Lord God almighty, Who loves you so much and wants to come to your aid when you are faced with a challenge.

Believe that God is with you for you are not alone.

(John 3:16)

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Personal Development Tip of the week:

If there is one thing in your life that you are working to make happen when it comes to your career, purpose, whatever it might be, here are a few things to consider when it comes to getting the result you are after.

Know your outcome or the result you are after: The more specific you are when it comes to the result you are after the greater you can see what you need to do in order to achieve it.
Take one action towards this outcome: This could be making a phone call, applying for that job you want, buying a book to help you in your career.
Evaluate: Evaluate the outcome of your actions to see if they worked or didn’t. A key thing to remember is whether the outcome of your action works or not it isn’t bad because you can learn from it and know what didn’t work. Feedback is never bad if use it going forward.
Change your approach: If your previous action did not work change your approach by taking a new action until you get what you want. Yes, it’s as simple as that. Just because something doesn’t work the first time doesn’t mean you can’t get what you are after you just have to keep going and taking new actions. Lastly, anything new you try typically doesn’t work on the first attempt.

Question for you? What’s one thing you are working to improve upon in your life right now? Let me know in the comment section below!

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Prayer for the week:

Dear Lord, thank you for this new week ahead. Bless me this week to make good decisions and continue to prioritize my relationship with you in my life. I thank you in advance for this blessed week I am about to have and the blessing you are going to bring my way in Jesus name amen.

God Bless

Dayne

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In the book of Samuel, we read about David as a shepherd boy. Watching over, feeding, and keeping predators away from the sheep was the responsibility of the shepherd. Although an important responsibility, it wasn't a desirable job and was usually assigned to the youngest or weakest in the family, as was the case in David’s situation. He was the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse.

Keeping sheep was a lonely job but David was never alone. He spent his days worshiping God, meditating on His Word, and playing music on his harp. He also had plenty of time to practice shooting stones with his slingshot. Being in the wilderness with sheep, David developed courage and strength when faced with predators that were after the sheep. Some of these predators included bears and lions and David killed both. One time a lion had snatched one of the animals in its mouth and David rescued it by striking the lion and taking the sheep from the lion's mouth. When the lion would rear up, David would grab the lion by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. Little did David know at the time that his wilderness training and skillsets would put him in a place of promotion and authority.

You may be in a season where you are being responsible but you feel like you are in the wilderness. You may feel alone and are not getting any recognition or appreciation for the work you are doing. Take advantage of these times to come closer to God and experience His love for you. Meditate on God’s Word and use your time to develop your skills, both internally and externally. Just because nothing exciting is happening in your life right now, do your best in the season you are in and improve or learn new skill sets and work on developing a strong mind and a closer relationship with God.

As a young boy, David wasn’t even considered or remembered by his father, Jesse, when the prophet Samuel came to anoint one of his sons as the next king of Israel. David was still out watching the sheep. Finally, when all of David’s brothers had been considered and refused, Samuel had to ask Jesse, “are these all the sons you have?” When David was brought to Samuel, the Lord chose him and he was anointed to be the future king of Israel. Afterward, he went back to the sheep and was not treated any differently.

When the current king of Israel, Saul, had trouble with his emotions and mood, David was asked to go to the palace and play his harp before him. David was known as an excellent skilled musician. When David played, King Saul felt much better and his depressed and oppressive mood was lifted. David was favored by King Saul who promoted him to be his armor-bearer as well. Later David slays the giant Goliath and after Saul’s death, he becomes king of Israel.

As a musician, David also wrote many songs including a well-known one in Psalm 23.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I will not lack

He makes me lie to down in green pastures

He leads me beside still waters

He restores my soul

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

I will fear no evil

For You are with me

Your rod and Your staff

They comfort me

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies

You anoint my head with oil

My cup runs over

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

If you are going through a wilderness experience, remember Psalm 23 and know that God is preparing you for greatness. He is your loving Shepherd who will be with you. (Jer 29:11; John 3:16)

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Are We Living in the Days like Noah? Genesis 5 and 6

We go back to the old testament to revisit the story of Noah in the book of Genesis. Noah was the tenth generation from Adam, who was created by God, in the image of God, and was the first human being. The Bible says that Noah was a righteous man living in a very evil and violent world.

During the time of Noah, people lived hundreds of years. The book of Genesis records Noah’s ancestral line from Adam and the ages of all his ancestors. Noah lived 950 years. Lamech, Noah’s father lived 777 years and Noah’s grandfather, Methuselah, lived 969 years, the oldest recorded age in the Bible. What happened that caused lifespans to be drastically reduced?

As the world was populating, God saw that the wickedness of man was great and that every intent of man’s thoughts was only for evil continually. Genesis also gives an account of a seemingly super race of people who were giants that were born from the offspring of the “sons of God” who married the “daughters of men.” Some theologians believe that the “sons of God” were fallen angels who intermarried with human women. You can read the passages in Genesis 6:1-7.

Although mankind had been corrupted by evil and wickedness, God found one righteous man, Noah, who was perfect in his generation and walked with God. Noah found grace and favor with God and God instructed Noah to prepare an ark that would save his family and the animals from the judgment and destruction that would be coming to the earth in his time.

In Matthew 24:37 the Bible says, “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.” As we see evil increase, we have hope that our salvation is secure because Jesus is our “ark of salvation.” When we receive Him as our Savior, we have grace and favor on us and we need not be afraid of what is going on in the earth. We need to be informed, aware, and wise in the times we are living in so that we do not fall for the lies of the enemy. He may put thoughts in your mind that it’s the end of the world so there’s no use doing anything productive. This is the time we need to be strong and do what Jesus told us to do and that is to spread the good news and fulfill our destiny that God has called us to do, even in an evil and wicked world. (John 3:16; Hosea 4:6; Jeremiah 29:11)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

One thing that has served me so much in my life is the use of the questions I ask myself every day. If you think about it, all thinking really is asking and answering questions. If you think about what I just said to question whether that statement is true or not you are asking yourself a question.

Interesting right? The reason I bring this up today is that if we can realize our thinking consists of asking and answering questions we might want to look at the questions that we constantly ask ourselves every day. Do you find yourself from time to time asking yourself questions that don’t serve you? Probably because we all do. When was the last time you said…

Poor question examples:

Why am I such a screw-up?

Why do I continue to fail?

Why am I always in a bad mood?

Why is God doing this to me?

A large part of the quality of your life comes down to these questions we ask ourselves each day. In knowing that, we can start the process of creating new more empowering questions that lead us to better answers. Bad question, bad answer. Good question, good answer.

Some of the biggest breakthroughs in your life are just a good question away. Here are some examples of the question I ask myself each day in my prayer life and when I’m just thinking.

Good question examples:

How can I love and appreciate even more the life that God has blessed me with?

How can improve my life today that serves myself, others, and God?

What do I need

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Why Not You? (I Corinthians 1:27; Exodus 3)

Did you know that the Bible says that God uses what the world considers foolish and weak to confound the wise and the strong? Even though God says in His Word that He has a great plan for your life, you may feel very inadequate and unworthy. You may feel that you are not good enough, don’t know enough, and have to work on all your issues and weaknesses first. Well, I have good news. God can use you for His purposes starting where you are right now. It may not happen in your timing, but trust Him in the journey.

When God called Moses to go back to Egypt and lead his people, the Israelites, out of slavery, Moses said to God, “Who am I to go to Pharaoh (King of Egypt) and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt? Moses did not feel qualified to do such a thing and had run away from his past. Forty years before, when Moses was a younger man in Egypt, he visited his people and saw the cruelties and hardship of the Israelites. He witnessed an Egyptian beating an Israelite and when no one was around, Moses killed the Egyptian and buried him in the sand. The next day when Moses was with the Israelites he tried to help two Israelites who were fighting and one of them responded, “Who made you our judge, and will you kill me too like the Egyptian?” Moses got out of Egypt very quickly and fled to safety until God called him many years later.

When Moses asked the question, “Who am I to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out?” God answered and said that He would be with him. Moses willingly followed God’s instructions and became the deliverer of the Jews who were in slavery. There are many examples throughout the Bible where God uses the most unlikely people to do great feats. God is looking for a willing person who trusts in Him. It’s easier for God to use someone who may be the least qualified because that person hasn’t become proud of all their accomplishments and talents. God wants the glory and wants to show off His love and power through us so that we cannot boast in ourselves.

Moses had a strong desire to help his people when he was young and living in Pharaoh's palace as the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He allowed his emotions to take over when he saw injustice and killed the Egyptian in secret. God still had a plan for Moses’ life, and when the timing was right, he was able to deliver his people from Pharaoh and Eqyptian slavery.

Personal Development Tip of the week:

God helps us with our dreams and goals. He knows that we may not be qualified by man’s standards, but His Word says that “All things are possible with God.” He said He would be with us always, including those times when we experience doubts and fear. What are your dreams and goals?

Ask God to help you and believe that He loves you so much and nothing is impossible with Him. (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37; Philippians 4:13)

Prayer for the week:

Father God, help me to remember today that I am qualified for your great work in my life and that I can do all things through you who gives me strength. Bless me, guide me, and direct me this week to make wise choices and continue to progress in the areas of my talents and gifts that you put inside me from the moment I was born in Jesus name Amen.

God Bless

Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

Do you know Jesus?

If you have never asked Jesus to be the leader of your life and forgive you of all your sins, this is the right time to act. Pray this simple prayer and believe it in your heart: “Dear God, Your Word says that You loved me so much that You sent

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Do You Have Childlike Faith? Luke 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19:13-14

If you were fortunate to be taken to Sunday school as a child, you might remember a song with the following words:

“Jesus loves the little children of the world,

Red and yellow black and white,

They are precious in His sight,

Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

In the book of Matthew, while Jesus was teaching, people began bringing their children to Him so that He could bless and pray for them. When the disciples saw this they were annoyed and rebuked or reprimanded them so they would turn around and not bother Jesus. Seeing this, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” In Mark and Luke’s account, they include Jesus stating, “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

Jesus had compassion and love for children and wanted to bless and pray for them. So what was the connection between the children and the kingdom of heaven or kingdom of God? Young children are very trusting and Jesus tells us that we are to receive the kingdom of God like a child. God asks us to trust Him in everything and not to worry or have anxiety. Children who know they have loving parents, trust them and they don't worry about the electric bill or where the food is coming from. They know that their loving parents will take care of them.

Our heavenly Father, who loves us so much more than our earthly parents/family, wants us to approach Him with trusting childlike faith in Him. You may be a super Christian who knows the Bible front to back, or you may be a baby Christian who just received Jesus as Lord and Savior. Wherever you are in your walk with God, approach Him without fear and come with trusting faith knowing that He loves you and wants to bless you with an abundant life. (John 3:16; John 10:10)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

Comparison is the thief of Joy. I have talked about this quote before and I want to revisit this today because when we compare our lives to someone else's whether that be where we are at in our faith in relation to someone else or just what we have we rob ourselves of our own unique God-given life.

God made you on purpose with a purpose and you are uniquely gifted to do wonderful things while you are here on earth.

Don’t let someone else life and or success in life steal the Joy that God has given you.

Ask yourself today, “Is what I’m consuming on social media and or T.V. making me feel less significant?”

If the answer is yes, maybe it’s time to decrease the amount of time you go on social media and or stop following the people who make you feel this way. You get your identity in Christ and Christ alone. Not in what other people have or are doing in their lives.

Focus today I what God is doing in your life to bring out your unique talents to the world. He is just getting started on your life. Believe that and receive that each and every day.

Prayer for the week:

Father God, help me to remember today that where I am in my walk with you however small is still pleasing to you, and knowing I can grow closer to you and understand your word each day. Bless me this year to put you first in everything I do and continue to progress and not try and be perfect. You love me so much and I meditate on that today and thank you for this great week ahead I am about to have in Jesus name Amen.

God Bless

Dayne

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Know Your Enemy (Ephesians 6:10-20)

As we begin a new year, feelings of uncertainty and anxiety may have been pushed back a little as we hope that 2022 will be much better than 2021. The message from many of our leaders in power and mainstream media for the past two years has been one of fear, fear of sickness, and fear of death. If you are a child of God then you know or should know that we as children of God are in a full face war with darkness, evil, and fear. Fear causes anxiety, doubt, and confusion. But thank God, we can overcome and be victorious. “... in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)

As children of God, we must be alert and armed, because our enemy, the devil, wants to steal, kill, and destroy God’s children.(John 10:10) The enemy starts with our hopes and dreams to get us discouraged and wonder if God really cares for us and what is going on in the world. There are so many voices trying to influence us and our beliefs. Jesus said to be of good cheer and not be afraid. He has overcome the world. In this world, we will have trials and persecution, but when our confidence is in Jesus, we can “be of good cheer and have peace.” (John 16:33)

In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul writes to the church and tells them to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” He explains that we as Christians are like soldiers, but our warfare is spiritual and not physical. Roman soldiers in Paul’s time had to wear full armor for war to protect their vulnerable body parts. Since our warfare is spiritual, we must fully arm ourselves with the gospel of truth, righteousness, peace, and above all, take the shield of faith which will absorb all the fiery attacks from the enemy. When the enemy attacks your body with sickness or your mind and accuses you with thoughts like, “you are not good enough for God, you keep doing the same sins over and over, you will never achieve your dreams and goals,” then like a soldier, you have to put on the protective helmet called salvation. You have to know that Jesus is your salvation. Jesus loves you so much and He is there to save and deliver you.

Lastly, the armed soldier has both defensive and offensive weapons for warfare. They include the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and the act of praying always. (Eph 6:10-20) So if you want 2022 to be a great year, then wherever you are in your spiritual journey, make it a year where you stay alert and armed every day to fight off fear, evil thoughts of failure, protect your mind by knowing that you are truly loved by Jesus, and meditate on God’s Word for your situations and challenges in life. Pray by talking to God like a friend who is always with you. Jesus will never leave or forsake you.

Personal Development Tip of the week:

One more thing on fear… Anything that comes into your mind on a daily basis that is negative is an attack from the enemy. In knowing that we must act to speak victory over our life and not defeat.

God has given you authority over any attack from the enemy. (Read Luke 10:19.)

When you feel those attacks or negative thoughts arm yourself with the words and scriptures so that you can speak a victory and God’s blessings over your life.

Prayer for the week:

Father God be with me today and protect my mind to guard off any negative thoughts or attacks from the enemy. You have given me authority and I claim that authority right now in Jesus name amen.

-Dayne

PS. If you would

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Who Were the Magi and What Was Their Purpose?

The Gospel of Matthew is the only one of the four gospels that gives an account of the visit by the Magi or wise men from the East. Although Christmas traditions tell the story of the three wise men coming from the East to present their gifts to the baby Jesus, the scriptures do not tell that account. The Magi were highly educated scholars and astronomers who were part of a religious sect. They came from the East (Media, Persia, Assyria, and Babylonia). They came based on the Jewish prophecies of the birth of the King of the Jews.

Several hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Daniel was the leader of the Magi or magicians, also known as the wise men. He had favor with the King of the empire at that time because God was with him and he was able to interpret dreams. Daniel was the wisest of all of the wise men of his time. This was the same Daniel that had been thrown into the lion’s den and came out unharmed. Daniel prophesied that a virgin would give birth to a Son, and they would name Him Emmanuel (God with us). The teachings of Daniel would have been passed down so that the wise men during Jesus’s birth would have recognized the signs in the sky.

The wise men traveled to Israel as an entourage carrying valuable gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to present to Jesus. They had seen the star and knew the season for Jesus’ birth. They traveled to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” King Herod and those in Jerusalem were greatly troubled about this announcement. King Herod called his chief priests and scribes and asked them about this question. The religious leaders told King Herod that the scriptures state that the Messiah would be born in the town of Bethlehem. Herod met with the wise men and told them to go to Bethlehem and after they find the child to come back and let him know so he could also go and worship the child.

The wise men left for Bethlehem and the star went before them and stood over the area of where the child was located. Jesus was no longer a baby in the manger, but a young Child under two years of age. The wise men and the entourage were extremely overjoyed to see Jesus and they brought their gifts and worshiped Him. The gifts were very valuable and included gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gifts were highly valuable, practical, and symbolic. Gold symbolizes Christ’s divinity, frankincense, a fragrant oil, is used for worship, and myrrh, another oil/perfume is used in embalming a dead body. Jesus was the Divine King who left His divinity to be born as a man. He was also the sacrifice for mankind and came to die to pay for our sins and put us back into a relationship with God the Father.

The wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. They went home another way. Joseph was also warned in a dream to take his family to Egypt because Herod would be coming to kill Jesus. Joseph immediately took his family at night and left Bethlehem for Egypt. The family had money to travel and remained in Egypt until King Herod had died.

King Herod expected a visit from the wise men but realized that they were not coming to see him. He was so angry because he wanted to kill Jesus. There was no way that he would allow another king to take his place. He was a ruthless leader who killed his own sons, siblings, and anyone who would threaten his position as King. He immediately ordered all male children under the age of two in Bethlehem to be killed. This was a horrible and sad event.

When Herod died Joseph had another dream where the angel of the Lord told him to take his family back to Israel. Those who wanted Jesus dead had all died. Joseph took his family back but settled in Nazareth. The account of the wise men is important to s

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The Good News that Brings Joy, Peace, and Goodwill to All: Luke 2: 8-20

In the book of Luke, shepherds were out in the field watching their flock of sheep at night. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared unto them and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The shepherds were afraid until the angel spoke and told them not to be afraid and announced the good news that a savior, Christ the Lord, had been born in the city of David (Bethlehem). The angel proclaimed that the birth of Christ, the anointed Messiah, would bring great joy to all people. The angel told the shepherds that they would find the Christ wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

There was great fanfare and a great host of angels appeared and started praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Once the proclamation and celebration had been made and the angels had gone back into heaven, the shepherds said, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that the Lord has made known unto us.” They quickly made their way to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus lying in the manger. He had been wrapped in swaddling cloths. They told everyone around them about the angels and the announcement of the birth of Christ, the Savior.

The shepherds returned back to their fields praising God for what they had heard and seen. So, why did God make his announcement to lowly shepherds and not to the very important people of the town? Jewish law required a sacrificial lamb to be slaughtered each year for the forgiveness of sins of the people. A perfect lamb, with no spot or defect, had to be chosen for the sacrifice. The shepherds were the keepers of the lambs that would be used for sacrifice and also used for the Passover celebration. Jesus is referred to as our Passover lamb and God’s sacrifice that would end all sacrifices for the payment of man’s sin once and for all. (I Cor. 5:7-8; John 1:29)

Jesus is called the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the lives of His sheep. We, His people, are referred to as sheep. Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself and came into the world as human flesh to show God’s great love for humanity. Although Jesus was God, He put aside His divinity and experienced life 100% as a man. He was born a sinless human because His Father was the Holy Spirit. He chose to live a sinless life and was obedient even unto death on the cross. Even when He went into full-time ministry at 30 years old, He healed the sick, raised the dead, performed miracles, cast out demons, as a man.

The Good News is that Jesus came to bring man back into fellowship with God the Father. Sin from Adam in the garden had separated man from God. But Jesus, the second Adam, paid the price and anyone who receives His free gift of salvation can have eternal life and live with the joy that God loves you so much and has a great plan for your life. So, as you celebrate the season, make sure you have received Christ as your personal savior. (John 3:16; Jer. 29: 11-12)

Something Exciting is coming tomorrow!

I’m so excited to be launching something new tomorrow! What is it?

Tomorrow I will be launching a new book “The Book of Proverbs”, (NKJ translation) created in a unique way with design and images to make the experience of reading the bible enjoyable and peaceful.

We all struggle to read the bible in some shape or form so I wanted to create something that gives you a way to enjoy the bible while you read it.

This will be the first in a series of books that we will be launching in 2022 and we wanted to start with Proverbs because Wisdom is so important in our walk with God and as we grow as Christians.

Will will be doing a big sale for the week of Christmas starting tomorrow exclusively on Amazon so if you would like to be the first t

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Paul and Silas Unjustly Jailed - Acts 16:19-40

Last week we went over the story of how Paul and Silas commanded a demon spirit of fortune-telling to come out of a slave girl. When this happened she lost her powers of fortune-telling and her owners were very angry at Paul and Silas. The owners accused Paul and Silas of teaching customs which are not lawful for Roman citizens. The magistrates (legal authorities) had them beaten and thrown in jail. The jailer was commanded to keep them very secure. He put them in the center of the prison and put their feet into stocks so they could not escape.

Although unjustly beaten and thrown in prison, Paul and Silas worshipped God and sang praises and songs to Him. They were praying and singing at midnight while the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosened. The jailer, fearing that all the prisoners had escaped, drew his sword and was about to kill himself when Paul called out to him to not harm himself. He reassured the jailer that all of the prisoners were still there.

The jailer rushed to Paul and Silas, trembling, said, “What must I do to be saved?” They responded, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Paul and Silas spoke the Word to the jailer and he accepted the Lord as his savior. He took them to his house, cleaned up their wounds, and fed them. His whole family believed, were baptized, and saved. The next day the magistrates told the jailer that he could let Paul and Silas go. However, Paul and Silas were unwilling to go secretly and said they would not leave. The magistrates were afraid because they found out that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens and by law, they could not be beaten without a trial. The magistrates came and pleaded with them to leave their city. They came out of prison but went directly to the house of Lydia to finish what they came to do in the first place. After their visit, they left the city.

God used the Apostle Paul and Silas who were both Jews and Roman citizens to spread the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews). Through unjust circumstances, Paul and Silas were not defeated. They praised God and sang their way to freedom. In doing so they saved the life of the jailer and his household became believers in Jesus as well.

When you ever feel locked up in discouragement and unfairness, keep praying and singing to the Lord. The devil, your enemy, hates any kind of praise and worship to the Lord God. In your darkest moment find praise and worship songs that will lift up your spirits as you pray and trust God for your deliverance. As the jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household.” This is a great promise to keep for your household if you are the only Christian. Keep believing for your loved ones to come to Christ. Jesus is the answer. (John 3:16)

Exciting Announcement!

Last week we were able to find a partner, Donorbox, to help Litwithprayer’s future mission of launching the Litwithprayer foundation and attaining our 501C3 status in 2022!

The giving back part of our mission is extremely important to me and I can’t wait to share with you more of our plans as we head into 2022!

If you would like to support the efforts of Litwithprayer going into 2022 and the many initiatives we are working to deploy, consider checking out our page on Donorbox here to make a contribution.

Your support means the world to us and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at dayne@litwithprayer.com

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The Holy Spirit Gives Us Power: Acts 16:16-24

The church of Jesus Christ was birthed on the day of Pentecost (50 days after Passover) when the Holy Spirit came as a mighty rushing wind and filled the followers of Jesus who were waiting and praying in the upper room in Jerusalem. Of the 500 people who witnessed Jesus ascend up into heaven, 120 of them were in the upper room waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had instructed all of the people who had gathered around Him to go to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that He had to leave earth, but He would send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, Who would be with them/us to guide and help them/us in their/our journey on earth.

When the Holy Spirit fell on the 120 followers, they began speaking in tongues, other languages that other foreigners could understand. The gift of the Holy Spirit empowered the followers to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and 3000 people became Christians or followers of Christ that same day. The church was born and the followers became empowered to preach the gospel with signs and wonders (healing and miracles) following them.

On one occasion, the apostle Paul and Silas were preaching the gospel, and a slave girl who was a fortune teller was following them around shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally, Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit in the girl, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. Her slave owners were very upset because she made a lot of money for them. They were so upset that they charged them with a crime and had them beaten and thrown in prison.

Although the slave girl was telling the truth about who Paul and Silas were and what they were doing, Paul was annoyed that she kept shouting her proclamation of who they were. Paul had enough of it and commanded that the spirit in her come out. What was this spirit? It was a demonic spirit that gave her powers to predict the future and enabled her owners to make a lot of money with her gift. The spirit of God in Paul had greater power over the demonic spirit in the girl. In Matthew 10:8 Jesus commanded his disciples to, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons." What Jesus commanded of His disciples applies to us today. Often we forget that there is a spiritual world where demonic influences and forces are fighting against us and God. We do not need to be afraid, because the Holy Spirit in us is greater than the demonic forces in others. If you have not received the gift of the infilling or baptism of the Holy Spirit as a Christian, pray and ask God for that experience. You can also ask mature Christians to pray for you to receive that infilling. (Acts 19:1-6)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

How are you guarding your mind?

Your mind is one of the most powerful things you use every day to direct and empower your life.

Your mind is responsible for thought, imagination, memory, desire, pain, belief, intention, emotion, and much more. If we know how important our mind is it might also be important to take account of what is influencing our mind.

Every single day you are being influenced by everything you hear, watch, listen to, and experience.

Now let me ask you, are you bringing into your mind more things that are propelling you forward or holding you back?

Some things to consider...

What am I reading?

What am I listening to?

What am I watching?

Who am I surrounding myself with?

Am I spending more time in the Past, Present, or Future?

We have to remember that wherever we direct our focus is going to greatly determine how we feel and kn

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An Attitude of Gratitude: Luke 17:11-18

One of the stories that we have highlighted in the past has been from the book of Luke in the New Testament where Jesus heals ten lepers. Because leprosy was a contagious bacterial disease that would damage nerves and disfigure its host with skin sores, infections, loss of fingers and toes, lepers had to stay far away from those who were healthy. They were outcasts and their community consisted of other lepers. They could not be with their families or loved ones.

When Jesus entered into a certain village a group of lepers who were standing afar off, raised their voices loudly and asked Jesus to have mercy on them. When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” According to the law of Moses, the priests would inspect them to see if they were clean, meaning free of leprosy. Only the priests could declare them clean and fit to go back into society. As the ten lepers obeyed Jesus and were on their way to see the priests, they were healed of leprosy.

When the lepers saw they were cleansed of the disease, one of them, a Samaritan and not a full Israelite, returned to Jesus, glorifying God. He fell at Jesus’ feet and gave Him thanks. Jesus asks, “Were there not ten cleansed, where are the nine?” Jesus is surprised that the others did not return to give glory to God, except this one stranger, a Samaritan, who is not of the household of Israel. Jesus tells him to arise and says his faith has made him whole. We can only surmise that any missing fingers, toes, or any other parts of the body that had been damaged by the disease were made whole and complete.

Thanksgiving to God should be an everyday affair in our lives and not just on Sundays at church or when we have a miracle. The Book of Psalms is full of scriptures giving thanks and praise to God. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:1-5.Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

When we go through challenging times, rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks may not be top of mind. We don’t thank God for bad circumstances such as illness, poverty, pain, etc., but in our circumstances, we give God thanks that He will bring us through victoriously and we thank Him for the answers to our prayers. We find the scriptures that address our challenges and pray for them and thank God for the positive outcomes of those scriptures.

One of my favorite scriptures is in Philippians 4:6-7. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

So don’t worry about what is going on in the world, what is going on in your life, and what is going on with others you care about. Jesus wants to hear your prayer, your requests, and your thanks for the answer and He will give you that peace that comes from God. Our Father God is loving, caring, and gracious. Make thanksgiving a daily habit not only to God but also to your fellow man. (Psalm 50:14; Col. 3:17)

Cyber Monday Sale!

For Cyber Monday today, the Litwithprayer store is doing a 25% Off Site-Wide Sale plus a Free Gift (up to $25 value) when you order any physical product we have.

Go to Litwithprayer.com to secure your order and claim your free gift today :)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

Remember this week that God wants you to prosper in all the areas of your life.

Some people only think the wor

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God’s 300: Judges 6 & 7

The story of Gideon, his calling from God, and his victories through God are recorded in the book of Judges in the Old Testament. Gideon was a military leader, judge, and a prophet of God. When the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor.” Gideon responded, “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” He did not see himself as a “mighty man of valor.” Manasseh was one of the 12 tribes of Israel and a clan was a smaller subsection of the tribe headed by the family’s Father or extended family’s patriarchal (male) leader.

During the days of Gideon, the Israelites were living in fear of their enemy, the Midianites, because God had allowed their enemies to harass, defeat them, and steal their flocks and crops. The Israelites had strayed from the Lord and even worshipped the idol Baal which was direct disobedience to God’s commandments of not having idols or worshipping anything other than the Lord God of Israel. The people had cried out to God to save them and help them.

When the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he told him that God was with him and that God would deliver his people from the Midianites. That night the Lord spoke to Gideon and told him to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and cut down the wooden image beside it. In place, he was told to build an altar to the Lord and place a sacrificial bull on it and burn the wood from the image for the sacrificial offering.

In the morning the men of the city saw what had happened and were angry. They investigated and found out that it was Gideon. They went to Gideon’s father, Joash, and demanded that he turn over his son so that they could kill him for what he did. Joash, who knew that God was not pleased with their idol worshipping but had practiced it anyway, told the men that if Baal is god he should be able to avenge himself and that he didn’t need men to do it. He announced that he who wants to plead the case for Baal, let him be put to death by morning. The Israelites knew God’s law (Exodus 10:3-6) but had willfully disobeyed. No one stepped up to avenge Baal’s altar and wooden image.

The Midianites and the Amalekites, their enemies, crossed into the Valley of Jezreel, which was land that was given by God to the tribe of Manasseh. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon and he blew the trumpet and sent out messengers to the rest of his tribe and other tribes to gather for battle against the Midianites. There were approximately 135,000 men in the army of the Midianites and Amalekites who were gathered to attack the Israelites. Thirty-two thousand Israelites gathered to fight. God told Gideon that there were too many of them. They would claim the victory as their own and not give glory to God. Gideon told the men that they could go back to their homes if they were fearful and afraid. Twenty thousand left and ten thousand remained. God told Gideon that there were still too many.

The Lord God told Gideon to bring the men down to the water and watch how they drink. He said that all those that kneel to the ground and those that lap the water like a dog were to be dismissed. He said to choose only those that would use their hands to bring the water to their mouths and were not on their knees. Another 9700 were dismissed with 300 men left. God had a plan to use 300 brave men. The night of the attack, the Lord had instructed Gideon to give every man a trumpet, an empty pitcher, and a lit torch inside of it. They were divided into three companies of 100 men surrounding the enemy's camp. Once they heard Gideon blow the trumpet they were to do the same, break the pitchers and hold the lit torches in their left hands and yell, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” When this happened the enemy

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The Holy Spirit Births the Church: Acts 1 and 2

Jesus’ ministry, demonstrating God’s love with signs, wonders, healings, casting out demons, and raising people from the dead was accomplished in three years. After Jesus was crucified on the cross God raised Him from the dead after three days and three nights. Jesus had an immortal body that could appear, disappear, go through matter, and transcend time and space.

Jesus remained on the earth for forty days after His death and appeared to His disciples showing infallible proofs of His resurrection and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. There is no account of Jesus healing the sick or doing miracles after His resurrection. He appeared to those who loved Him like His mother, Mary Magdalene, His eleven disciples (Judas Escariot betrayed Jesus then committed suicide), and hundreds of others. When Jesus left the earth and ascended into heaven, there were 500 eyewitnesses.

Before Jesus left the earth physically, He promised that He would send the comforter, the Holy Spirit, who would be with us, guide us, and lead us into truth. Jesus told His disciples before He left for heaven to go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost (fifty days after Passover- a celebration of the first fruits of harvest) the following account is given.

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they (the disciples and followers of Jesus-120 of them) were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound, the multitude came together, and they were bewildered because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?” (vv. 1-8)

Because this was the day of Pentecost with first fruits festivities, there were Jews who came from all over the world. They heard the disciples and followers of Jesus speaking in their own home language and were astonished. They knew that the followers were from the Galilean region and were not world travelers knowing many languages. Some of the crowd made fun saying they were drunk, but the disciple Peter, got up and said that they were not drunk because people do not drink at 9:00am in the morning. He started to preach about Jesus, His miracles, His unjust crucifixion, and His resurrection from the dead. He preached from the scriptures in Psalms where David foretold the coming of Christ, His death and resurrection. Peter went on to say that they, the disciples, were all eyewitnesses and what they (the crowd) heard (tongues in their language) was what was promised by the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28).

Peter stated that they, the Jews, crucified Jesus but God had made Him both Lord and Christ. When the people heard this, they were “cut to the heart” (heavily convicted within themselves) and asked what they should do. Peter said, “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” On that day, about 3000 people were added to the faith and the church (body or people of Christ) began to grow.

If you have been a Christian for a while and have not received the baptism or infilling of the Holy Spirit as portrayed in the book of Acts, it is a gift and freely given when asked. As the body of Christ, we are to carry on where Jesus left off. Yes, we are to do greater things than Jesus did in His three years of ministry. Can we dare to beli

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Honoring God Has Great Rewards: Daniel 6:1- 23

The prophet Daniel served under King Darius during the captivity of the Jews about 600 BC in the Babylonian region. Daniel was one of three governors over the region and he was greatly favored by the king. Daniel had an excellent spirit and was gifted in wisdom and could interpret dreams.

God had blessed Daniel and placed him in a very high leadership role. He was far superior in his leadership than the other governors. Because of this, the other governors and government officials were jealous of him and wanted to destroy him. They tried to find something wrong that they could use to accuse Daniel but found nothing. Daniel had great integrity and was a strong man of faith. His custom every day was to go to the upper room of his home, open the windows that faced Jerusalem, kneel, pray and give thanks to God.

The Babylonian leaders were idol worshippers and planned a strategy that could get rid of Daniel. They approached King Darius and appealed to his ego. They told the king that all of his governors, administrators, and advisors had consulted together to establish a royal law that no one can petition any god or man, except the king for a period of 30 days. If they broke the law they would be thrown into the lion’s den. The king liked the idea and he signed a decree that could not be broken according to the laws of the Medes and Persians.

Although Daniel was a governor he found out about the law after it was signed by King Darius.

Despite the new law, Daniel went home and prayed to God making petitions to Him only. He knelt down on his knees three times that day and prayed. His enemies quickly went to the king to tell him that Daniel had broken the law and he needed to be thrown into the lion's den. King Darius was so upset with himself for being tricked into hurting Daniel. He could not change the law that he had signed. King Darius knew that Daniel served the God of Israel, but that thought never crossed his mind when the other leaders were praising him.

Before Daniel was put into the lion’s den the king spoke to Daniel saying, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” Daniel was put into the lion's den and the king went to his palace, fasted all night, and could not sleep. King Darius arose early in the morning and went to the lion's den. He cried out to Daniel asking if his God was able to deliver him. Daniel replied, “O king live forever!” Immediately Daniel was taken out. He told the king that an angel from God was sent to shut the mouths of the lions and he was not hurt. The king was so happy and he had the accusers of Daniel thrown into the lion’s den. They unfortunately did not have a good ending.

King Darius made a decree honoring the God of Daniel throughout the Medo-Persian kingdom.

He declared that the God of Daniel was the living God, Who delivers and rescues, and works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth. Daniel prospered under King Darius and later under the next king, Cyrus the Persian.

The laws of God are higher than those of man. God wants us to worship Him only and not idols or other people even when it becomes a government law. Daniel disobeyed the law of the land and was punished for it, but God protected him. There are many stories in the Bible of ungodly leaders who have exalted themselves and not honored God. Daniel was not afraid to practice his faith in a foreign land. God blessed Him and God will bless you when you take a stand for your faith and not follow the ungodly ways of the world. Ask God to give you an excellent spirit like that of Daniel and give you courage to witness to others about God’s great love. ( James 1:5; Phil. 4:6 )

Personal Development Tip of the week:

Taking time to reflect on our lives is so important. This is why I’m a huge fan

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Persistence Pays: Luke 18:1-8

Jesus made a statement that people ought always to pray and not to lose heart. He spoke in a parable to illustrate the value of persistence. In this story, there is a widow who wanted justice against an adversary. This widow went to a judge in a certain city to ask for justice. In Jewish law, widows were given special protection under the justice system.

The book of Luke states that the judge did not fear God nor regard man. The widow came to him saying “Avenge me of my adversary.” Although he had the power to grant the widow her justice, he would not do it. However, he changed his mind and said to himself, “Though I do not fear God nor regard man, I will avenge her, so that she’ll stop coming to me continually to ask for justice and make me weary.

Jesus called him the “unjust judge” because he did not fear God nor regard man. He wasn’t interested in helping people, like this widow, find justice. He knew that this woman’s determination would keep her coming and make him weary. Jesus points out if an unjust judge avenged this woman, how much more will God avenge His own people who cry out day and night to Him, even though it may take a while. Finally, Jesus says “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?

Our prayers may not get an immediate answer, but God wants us to have a consistent prayer life. It takes faith to continue to pray and believe that God is faithful to His Word. The Bible says to pray without ceasing, ask, seek, and knock and we would receive, find, and have the door opened, Only God can bring us true justice. Don’t give up, keep praying and believing. (I Thess. 5:17; Matthew 7:7)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

What is one thing you want to focus on for the month of November? It could be your prayer life, fitness routine, or even giving up a bad habit.

Every new month gives us the opportunity to grow in an area of our lives that we would like to improve upon.

If you are up for this challenge let me know in the comments section of this newsletter what you want to improve upon this month!

Prayer for the week:

Thank you Lord that I am blessed every day, not because I deserve it or earned it, but because Jesus paid the price for me. I walk in your favor because you go before me, you are with me, and you never leave me or give up on me. I have no reason to be afraid and when I am tempted to take on fear, I will tell it to go away in Jesus name, Amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

Subscribe at litwithprayer.substack.com

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Make God Bigger than Your Giants: Numbers 13 & 14

In the Old Testament, the Book of Numbers tells the story of Moses and the Israelites traveling to the Promised Land after their miraculous departure from Egypt. God had promised the land to Abraham and his descendants, the Israelites. God told them to conquer the land for He would be with them.

Moses chose twelve men, each a leader of their tribe, to go and scout out the land of Canaan. They were to report back on the people, their numbers, their strengths, and weaknesses, where they lived, and they were to bring back some of the provisions of the land. The men went out and returned after 40 days. One of the items they brought back was one cluster of grapes that was so large they had to have two men carry it on a pole between the two of them.

The land was occupied by several tribes that included the descendants of Anak, who came from a line of giants before the flood in Noah’s day. When the spies returned they reported how the land was prosperous and said it truly flows with milk and honey and they showed the fruit that they had brought back with them. They reported that the cities were large, well-fortified, and the people were strong. Sensing a negative response from the Israelites, one of the spies, Caleb, responded and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” But the other spies said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” They proceeded to continue with their bad report and said that the men had great stature. The spies compared their enemies’ physical size to themselves and stated that they were like grasshoppers compared to them. They didn’t think about the size of their God who had done wondrous and miraculous things to bring them out of slavery. They instilled fear into their people who started weeping and murmuring against Moses. They wanted another leader to take them back to Egypt, back to slavery.

Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, spoke to the Israelites saying that the land was an exceedingly great land and that the Lord was with them. They said, “Only, do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” Despite this speech, the congregation of people wanted to stone them.

Obviously, the Lord God was not pleased with the Israelites and their unbelief. God told Moses that He would disinherit the people, bring a pestilence, and make a nation from Moses’ line that would be greater and mightier than them. Moses intervened and told God that the Egyptians will hear of it and say that the God of Israel took out His people but could not deliver them to the promised land and so He killed them in the wilderness. Moses then reminded God of His abundant mercy, his enduring patience, and His forgiving nature. Moses pleaded on behalf of the people and God pardoned them.

Because of their unbelief in God and their fear of man, God told Moses that no Israelite, twenty years and over will go into the Promised land except for Joshua and Caleb. Out of twelve spies, they were the only ones that gave a good report. The Bible says the others gave an evil report. For a total of 40 years, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness and when Caleb was 85 years old, he, Joshua, and the younger generation that survived conquered their enemies and went into the Promised land. Caleb stated that at 85 years old, he was just as strong as he was on the day that Moses sent him out as a spy on the land.

Personal Development Tip of the week:

What giants are you facing that are keeping you in fear and unbelief today?

God has promised us good things in His Word and He promised that He would never leave us. In today’s cultur

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God Looks at Your Heart ( I Samuel 16:1-13 )

Many of our favorite Bible passages in the book of Psalms were written by King David of the Old Testament. We know that David loved the Lord because he was a worshipper of God and would play his harp, sing praises, and even danced before the Lord in celebration.

Before David would become king and fight Goliath, King Saul was the ruler of Israel. Saul was tall and had a commanding presence. However, King Saul willfully disobeyed God and tried to make excuses to the prophet Samuel for his decisions. The prophet Samuel said that his kingdom would be taken away from him and given to another.

God told Samuel to go to Bethlehem to anoint the future king of Israel. When Samuel entered the town, the elders asked if he had come peacefully. He said yes and that he came to sacrifice an animal to the Lord. He invited them and Jesse, David’s father, to join him. Now Jesse had several sons and as Samuel saw one of them, Eliab, he was impressed by his great stature and appearance. Samuel thought, this must be God’s choice, but God said no. Samuel proceeded to meet Jesse’s other seven sons to see if one of them was God’s choice. None of them were chosen and finally, Samuel asked Jesse if he had any other sons who had not come to the sacrifice.

Jesse said, yes, his youngest, who was taking care of the sheep. Samuel said that they would not sit down until the youngest was present. David, the youngest son, watched the sheep and protected them. He played his music in the field and practiced his marksmanship with the slingshot. When David came before Samuel, God told Samuel to anoint him as the future king of Israel. David is described as ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. He was not tall land of great stature like King Saul.

In verse 7 of I Samuel 15, God says to Samuel, “Do not look at the appearance or at the height of his stature (Eliab), because I have refused him. For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Personal Development Tip of the week:

In our walk with God, it’s more important to work on our hearts than to rely on our outward appearances. We can’t make ourselves taller, change the color of our skin, or change our biology. We may not look like leaders to the world, but God looks within. What are our motives, do we trust and honor God in all that we do? David would grow up and face many challenges in his life, including adultery, murder, and war, but He always had a great love for God and his goodness and mercy.

Read Psalms 1, 23, 91, and 103 to get more insight. God wants to have a deep and personal relationship with you just as He did with David. Invite Jesus into your heart today and ask Him to lead and direct your life like the good shepherd in Psalms.

Prayer for the week:

Thank you, lord, for another great week. Thank God it’s Monday, bless us lord this week to grow, give, and be courageous in everything we do. Be with us as we make decisions and give us wisdom, guidance, and direction this week in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

Subscribe at litwithprayer.substack.com

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Tricking Jesus: Matthew 22:15-22; Luke 20:20-26; Mark 12:13-17

When Jesus was in His ministry (age 30 - 33), He performed miracles, healed people, raised people from the dead, multiplied food to feed thousands in one seating, walked on water, and cast out demons from people. He went about doing good and helping those who were oppressed. He taught the people about God and the scriptures and mentored His disciples who would later carry out the gospel.

Jesus was criticized by the religious leaders who accused Him of hanging out with people who did not have good reputations like prostitutes and tax collectors. Jesus transformed people’s lives and then He gave the ultimate sacrifice, Himself so that all mankind could have a personal relationship with God and have everlasting life.

The religious leaders were constantly plotting to find fault with Jesus. They were very political and would try to trick Jesus by asking Him questions that could, depending on His answers, cause the crowds to go against Him or could get Him in trouble with the Roman government body. The religious leaders hated Jesus because He didn’t fit into their mold, He helped the people, and He did things that went against their religious beliefs. They cared more about their rules than the lives of their people. Jesus healed on the Sabbath, He didn’t have his disciples fast, and He called Himself the Son of God. He proved His divinity through miracles, healings, and wonders.

Since taxes were a major concern for the Jews who had to pay taxes to Rome as well as their temple taxes, the religious leaders asked Jesus if it was lawful to pay taxes, specifically to Rome. Remember, the Jews had been conquered and were living under Roman law. Jesus asked the religious leaders to bring Him a coin. He held up the coin and asked whose image and inscription were on the coin. They answered, “Caesar.” Jesus then says, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.” They marveled at His answer and had nothing to accuse Him.

The religious leaders were eventually able to accuse Jesus unjustly and had Him brought to trial where He refused to defend Himself. This led to the crucifixion on the cross where Jesus died. But praise be to God, He did not remain in the grave and was resurrected on the third day. The devil thought he had won when Jesus went to the cross, but the trick was on him because it was God’s plan of redemption for mankind. A sinless man had to be our substitute sacrifice to take our sins away and bring us back to God. Jesus had to shed His blood for our salvation and our healing.

I Corinthians 2:7-8 says, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” In other words, the devil didn’t know God’s full plan to save mankind and he doesn’t know God’s full plan for our lives. Our enemy is not all-powerful like our God and we have the wisdom of God when we seek it. Trust in God and know that He loves you so much and wants the best for you. If you do not have a relationship with God, now is a good time to ask Him to forgive you of your sins and accept Him as your Lord and Savior. (John 3:16; James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6-7)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

This week I challenge you to watch what you speak out loud about your life. We have to remember as Christians that the words we use have power behind them.

How many times can you remember saying to yourself, I can’t do this, I'm not that. Although we might not think at the moment it means much everything we say has power behind it to either help us or hurt us.

In Proverbs 18:21 it says, “The tong

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The Widow’s Mite: (Mark 12:41-44 Luke 21:1-4)

In the times of Jesus, people would donate money to the temple/synagogue by bringing their money and dropping it into the treasury containers. The location was an open-air area of the temple where people would walk by and drop their money into the containers and others could hang out and observe who was putting in money and how much by the sounds of the coins dropping into the containers.

Jesus and His disciples were there and He was observing the activities of the moment. He saw many wealthy people drop a lot of money and then noticed a poor widow. She gave two mites, which is the lowest denomination of money, about a penny or less today. Jesus called His disciples and pointed out that this widow had given more than all of the rich people who had donated large sums of money. He pointed out that she had given all she had and the rich gave of their abundance. It didn’t affect the rich, because they had plenty of money left over. This widow truly sacrificed because she gave all she had and had nothing left. She had no husband who could support her and had no other money left to live on.

The Bible doesn’t go on and report what happened to the widow after she gave all she had. We can only look at other stories in the Bible for references. We know that Jesus cared for people, especially widows. A few weeks ago we shared the story of Jesus having compassion on a widow who had just lost her only son. During the funeral procession, Jesus raises the son from the dead and he is returned to his mother. The Bible speaks of God being the Father of the fatherless and the protector of widows and instructs us to help them. (Psalm 68:5; Psalm 82:3; Isa. 1:17)

The point that Jesus is making is not how much you give, but the faith you have in what you give even when it is sacrificial. He looks at the heart and knows your needs. He wants you to give in faith. Look at Luke 6:38 for the promise is when you give, it will be given back to you and we know our God is generous. The Bible also speaks that when you give to the poor you are lending to the Lord and He always repays. (Proverbs 19:17)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

I heard someone once say, “The Secret to Living is Giving”. Not just of your money but of your time, effort, or anything you can do for someone else.

When you focus on helping others in any way you can it’s hard not to feel good. It’s when we focus on ourselves and what’s wrong or missing in our lives we feel bad.

With 3 months left in the year, ask yourself each day, how can I give into someone else’s life today? Even as simple as calling someone up on the phone and letting them know how much you care about them.

Prayer for the week:

Thank you, Lord, for another great week. Bless us to have a great month this month of October. Guide us, direct us and help us grow and be cheerful givers in everything we do. Protect us from the top of our head t o the bottom of our feet in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

Subscribe at litwithprayer.substack.com

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Mud in Your Eye (John 9:1-41)

As Jesus was leaving the Temple on the Sabbath, He came upon a beggar who had been blind since birth. Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus if it was the man or his parents that had sinned causing him to be born blind. Jesus said neither, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. Jesus said He had to work the works of His Father who sent Him. He said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” He then spat on the ground, stooped down, and made clay with his saliva. He took the clay and anointed the eyes of the blind man and told him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam.

The blind man went and washed in the pool and immediately received his full sight. Neighbors were asking if he was the beggar or someone else. He said he was, but no longer because Jesus healed him. The people brought him to the religious leaders, and they questioned him. They didn’t believe that he had been blind so-called for his parents. His parents came and confirmed that he was born blind since birth. The religious leaders were not happy with the situation. They said that Jesus was not a man from God because He did this on the Sabbath, which is against their religion. The people said He must be from God to do such miracles.

The religious leaders kept asking the parents how their son was healed. They said, ask him, he is of age and can answer for himself. Again, the man told them what happened. The religious leaders were upset and threw him out of their place. Jesus heard what happened and He went to find him. When He found him, He asked, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He replied, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” The man said, “Lord, I believe!” and he worshiped Him.

Jesus said that He came into the world so that those who do not see, may see, and those that see may be made blind. Some of the religious leaders heard what Jesus said and responded, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would have no sin: but now you say, ‘We see.” Therefore, your sin remains.

Here we see Jesus healing a man by spitting and making clay and putting it on his eyes. The man had to take action by going and washing in the pool of Siloam. He was a beggar, never had sight in his whole life, but obeyed and received his sight. Unfortunately, the religious leaders were not excited about Jesus healing this poor beggar, especially on the Sabbath, a day when no one was allowed to work. They cared more about their religious rules and regulations and not on the miracle that transformed this man’s life. They could not see God’s love and compassion for those in need. Open your eyes and see that God loves you and wants the best for you. Receive His free gift of salvation, if you have not done so. And if you have, then share the good news for those in need. (John 3:16)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

There is a powerful saying that goes, “Whatever you focus on you feel.” Think about that for a moment. If you focus on what’s missing in your life you feel a sense of loss or that something is not right.

If you focus on what you have and what you can be grateful for you will feel that too.

As you go through your week pay attention to how you direct your focus because whatever you give attention and focus to becomes stronger.

Prayer for the week:

Thank you, Lord, for another great week. Thank God it’s Monday and thank you for wisdom today as we make numerous decisions. Bless us to be bold today in everything we do and to remember that the Joy of the Lord is our strength. Protect us from all harm and evil and guide us to have a great day in Jesus name amen

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Unusual Healings: Mark 7:31-37

Jesus’s ministry began when He was 30 years old after He was baptized and went into the wilderness to fast for 40 days and 40 nights. His ministry was 3 ½ years long before He was crucified on the cross, rose from the dead, and was taken up into heaven. During His ministry, He performed miracles, healed people of their illnesses, delivered people from demonic spirits, and raised people from the dead. Sometimes He would heal in strange ways.

As Jesus’s fame spread by word of mouth, multitudes of people would follow Him to hear Him teach and see what He would do. As Jesus was on His way to the Sea of Galilee a group of people begged Him to lay His hands on their friend who was deaf and had a speech impediment. Jesus took the man aside from the multitude of people so He could help him.

Jesus did not lay His hands on him, but He puts His fingers into his ears, spits into His hand, and then touches his tongue with His saliva. The man could not hear but could see with his eyes, feel the fingers in his ears, and taste the saliva on his tongue. What a strange thing to do. Jesus looked up into heaven and said, “Be opened.” Immediately, his ears were opened and his tongue was loosened so that he could speak clearly and plainly without any issues.

Sometimes we try to put God in a box and expect Him to work a certain way on our behalf. Our job is to trust Him and have faith that He hears us when we pray and let Him work on our behalf. God will use His ways in His timing. We can be assured that “all things work together for our good because we love Him and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28; Isaiah 55:8-9)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

Today is World Gratitude Day. Spend a little time today thanking God for all he has done in your life and also thank him in advance for what he is going to do.

God is always working for you and never against so and in knowing that we can thank him for everything we are praying for in Faith.

I love to journal about the things I am grateful for as well as Pray them out loud.

Prayer for the week:

Thank you God for this great day, thank you for making me strong, healthy, wealthy, and wise. Thank you for my family, friends, and community. Bless everyone in my life to be happy, healthy, and successful in all they do. Guide and direct us today to have a great day In Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

Subscribe at litwithprayer.substack.com

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Jesus conquered death so we could live. Matthew 27:51-54

We’ve spent the last three weeks on Jesus and His resurrection power. But did you know that when Jesus was raised from the dead after His crucifixion, there were other saints that rose from the dead as well? The book of Matthew tells us that there was darkness throughout the land from noon to 3 pm on the day that Jesus hung on the cross. When Jesus died there was an earthquake, rocks were split, graves were open and the thick 30-foot veil which hung in the temple was torn into two pieces from the top to the bottom. The veil separated the Holy of Holies court from the outer court. Only the priest could go in and commune with the presence of God once a year to atone or gain forgiveness for the people’s sins. (Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur.)

After Jesus rose from the dead some graves had been opened from the earthquake and past away saints were resurrected from the dead. They went into the city of Jerusalem where many people saw them. The bible does not say what happened to them after. We don’t know if they found their families and lived a longer life or if they met Jesus in the air when He ascended into heaven.

When Jesus rose from the dead, He was considered the “first fruits” of all who would be saved and resurrected in the future. He conquered death. The old way of forgiving sins by the sacrifice of animals was done away with when He died on the cross and the veil in the Holy of Holies had been ripped in two. Jesus was the final and ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Because He rose from the dead, our faith is not in vain. The Bible says that Jesus will return and those that are dead in Christ will rise first and be caught up in the air with other Christians who are living on earth. No one knows and the Bible does not reveal the hour and the day that this will happen. Jesus’ disciples thought He would return during their lifetime and we as Christians should also anticipate that He can return in our lifetime as well. If Jesus came back today would you be ready? Make sure, by asking Him to be your Lord and Savior and receive His free gift of salvation. (John 3:16)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

What are you doing this week to grow in your life? We can grow each and every day if we do one thing that can move us forward. Maybe you need to prioritize your health each day and eat a little bit better. Maybe you need to spend 20 minutes each morning reading to sharpen your mind.

Whatever it may be, ask yourself “What can I do to improve just 1% today” because small progress each day is what leads to long-term growth and happiness.

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week. Thank God it’s Monday and I’m praying for you lord to bring peace over this person and their families lives this week. I pray they protect their acceptance of you lord and work to honor you in all they do in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

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What’s dead in your life? Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8;41-56

There are three accounts in the Bible that tell of Jesus directly raising people from the dead. One was a close friend who had been dead for four days. Another was in his coffin, the only son of his widowed mother. Jesus had compassion on her and gave her son back to her, alive. Lastly, this story of Jairus’ 12-year-old daughter. Jairus was a well-known religious leader, a ruler in the synagogue. His daughter was gravely ill and he came to Jesus asking Him to come to his house so that He could heal his daughter.

Jesus proceeded to follow Jairus to his house as people were thronged around Him. As Jesus was walking a woman who had a blood disease believed that if she touched even the hem of His garment she would be healed. As Jesus continued walking He felt that power had been released from His body and didn’t know who had done this. He stopped and asked His disciples who touched His clothes. Since there were throngs of people around Him, the disciples were surprised at His question. The woman who had believed for her healing spoke up because she felt the power that healed her. Jesus called her daughter and said her faith had made her whole and to go in peace and be healed.

As this was going on a messenger came to Jairus and said that his daughter had died and not to bother Jesus, it was too late. Jesus hearing this said to Jairus “Do not be afraid, only believe.” Jesus did not allow the crowd to follow Him, only His disciples, Peter, James, and John and Jairus. When they got to the house there were a lot of mourners grieving loudly over the girl’s death. Jesus said, “Why are you making so much noise, the child is not dead but sleeping.” They laughed with mockery and contempt.

Jesus sent the mourners away and took the parents and His disciples to where the daughter laid. He took her hand and said, “Little girl, I say to you arise.” Immediately she arose and walked. Jesus told the parents to give her something to eat. Everyone was amazed.

No matter what stage of death, Jesus had the power to raise the dead. Lazarus was dead for four days and in his tomb; the widow’s son in his open coffin was in his funeral procession, and Jairus’ young daughter had been dead for a few hours. Jesus had asked Lazarus’ sister and Jairus to believe and not be afraid. Jesus also said that we could do the works He did and even greater works, if we believe.

Personal Development Tip of the week:

Although we have a long way to go, we can build our faith by not letting fear be a part of it. The Bible says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God and it is a force that can grow.

It doesn’t matter what stage your faith is in, Jesus can resurrect your faith, your hopes, and your dreams, if you believe. (John 14:12-14; John 11:25; Mark 11:24)

What are some dreams you have written off because you don’t think you can accomplish them or you have been deterred by challenges or setbacks?

Write them down today and pray and ask God for guidance and wisdom because he put those dreams in you for a reason and wants you to pursue them while you are here.

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week. As we return from the holiday break I’m praying for you lord to continue to pour your favor and grace over their life. I’m praying for your protection this week and explosive blessings on whatever they put their hands to in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

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The Gift of Life: Luke 7: 11-17

The Bible records three instances where Jesus resurrected someone from the dead. One was His close friend Lazarus who had been dead four days and was already in his tomb when Jesus called Him back to life.

This story is about Jesus going into the city of Nain with His disciples followed by a crowd of people. As Jesus was approaching the gates of the city another group of people were coming out mourning and carrying a coffin of a young man. He was the only son of his mother, who was a widow. When Jesus saw her weeping He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.” Jesus approached the open coffin and touched it which caused the men who were carrying it to stop and be still. In Jewish culture, touching a dead person or a coffin was an unclean act. Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” The son sat up in the coffin and began to speak. Jesus presented him to his mother.

The book of Luke states that fear (reverence and deep respect for God) came upon the crowd and they glorified God. In the story of Lazarus, he was a close friend of Jesus. Here Jesus does not have a relationship with this widow, a stranger to Him, but He has compassion on her. She had lost her husband and now her only son. She didn’t ask for a miracle and Jesus didn’t ask her if she wanted it. He knew her pain and raised her son back to life without her asking for it, earning it, or even expecting it. It was a gift of love and compassion during her time of sorrow.

When Jesus went to the cross to pay for our sins, it was a gift of love and compassion. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life. Jesus raised the widow's son and presented him to his mother. God raised His Son, Jesus, from the dead and presented Him to us if we would receive Him as our Savior. Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly.

Life can have moments of sorrow and deep grief especially when we lose a loved one, a relationship, a marriage, a job, income, an opportunity, or even control over ourselves and our emotions. Jesus knows our pain and wants to comfort us. As a believer, we know that God has given us eternal life, but He has also given us His Word that is full of good promises. Through His Word and prayer or communication with Him, we can go through life’s trials and still find joy and peace. (John 3:16; John 10:10; James 1:2-4; Phil. 4:6-7)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

Have you ever heard the phrase “know your circle”? It refers to the peer group you surround yourself with on a day-to-day, week-to-week basis. A lot of us overlook how important our peer group is but, in reality, the quality of our life has a lot to do with the expectations of our peer group.

We rise and fall to the expectation of the people we surround ourselves with so we have to remember we get around people who want the best for us and inject faith into our lives not fear into our hearts.

Here are some important questions to consider when evaluating the people you surround yourself with.

Is there someone in your life who consistently makes you feel bad about yourself or your life?

Is there someone in your group who is constantly trying to influence you in a negative way?

Is there someone in your life who shouldn't be?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider starting to distance yourself from the person. I know this is not always the easiest thing to do at first but the people you hang out with have one of the strongest influences on your life.

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week. Thank you for a new week lord and another opportunity to grow closer to you and your calling ove

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Resurrection Life: John 11:1-43

Sisters, Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus lived in a town called Bethany and were very close friends to Jesus. While Jesus was away from their town, Lazarus became sick. His sisters sent word to Jesus expecting Him to come immediately and heal their brother.

When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, He stated to His disciples that the sickness was not unto death and it would be for the glory of God. Instead of leaving immediately, Jesus stayed two more days before heading to the town of Bethany. As He was nearing the town, Martha met Him and said, “Lord if you had been here my brother would not have died.” Jesus said, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Jesus responded, “I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Martha said, “Yes, Lord, I believe…” Martha went to her house and told Mary to go see Jesus. Mary goes to meet him and says the same thing that Martha had said. By this time there were quite a few people that had followed Mary and they were all weeping and grieving with Mary. Jesus asked Mary where the body was. She took Him to the cave where he was buried with a stone over the tomb. Jesus told the people to remove the stone. Martha says it’s been 4 days and by now he stinks. Jesus replies, “Didn’t I say if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”

They took away the stone and Jesus thanked God the Father, stating that He always hears Him and said He would do this so those around would believe that He had sent Him. With a loud voice, Jesus shouts, “Lazarus come forth!” Immediately, Lazarus comes out of the tomb with his grave clothes. Jesus tells them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

There are three accounts in the Bible of Jesus raising someone from the dead including Lazarus. In this story, the scriptures reveal that Jesus groaned in His spirit, was troubled, and even wept before He called out to Lazarus. Was Jesus emotional because his friends, whom He loved, we’re grieving and sad, or was He disappointed that they didn’t have enough faith in Him that He could raise up Lazarus from the dead, or did He hate the fact that death was an enemy caused by Satan? Maybe Jesus was groaning because Lazarus was in a better place and now He had to bring him back. The Bible does not elaborate.

The point is, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. When we believe in Him, and have received Him as our Lord and Savior, physical death is not the end. Although our bodies will die one day, we, our spirit and soul, will live forever with Him. Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. Not only that, He planned for your birth and loves you so much. He has a great plan for you so that your life will be a testimony of His goodness and will give glory to God. (John 3:16; Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

There are exactly 130 days left in 2021. It might sound like a lot but it is going to go faster than you think.

I challenge you today to take some time today to review the year you have had so far. I would write down things that you accomplished that you are proud of and areas you would like to improve before the end of the year.

Also, set one end-of-the-year goal that if accomplished you could say this was a great year. See the example below.

What have I accomplished this year that I am proud of?

What is an area of my life I would like to improve?

What is one thing I could accomplish by the end of the year that when looking back if accomplished I could say this has been a great ye

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Are You Planted in Good Ground? Matthew 13:1–23, Mark 4:1–20, Luke 8:4–15

Last week we went over the parable of the sower sowing seeds in four different types of ground or soil. Some seeds fell on hard ground, a foot-trodden pathway, so the seeds were quickly seen and scooped up by the birds. The next were among the rocks which had some soil and moisture, so the seeds sprouted for a short time until the sun came out and dried them up. The third ground was among thorns and weeds which choked the sprouted seeds. The last fell in good ground that produced 30, 60, and 100 fold return.

When the Word of God is preached or taught, it is being sown into the hearts and lives of those that hear it. As the parable refers to four different kinds of ground or soil, we can also look at the ground or soil that we put ourselves into and see if the result is something fruitful or productive. Are we growing in our spiritual walk with God? Has our relationship with God made a positive difference in our lives and the lives of others we are around?

Although we live in the world we have choices in whom we surround ourselves with. Are we surrounding ourselves with positive people who support and speak life into us and our dreams or are we surrounding ourselves with negative, naysayers, or those who don’t believe that God is a good God that cares and loves us and wants the best for us?

Personal Development Tip of the week:

Plant yourself into good ground. Get away or spend little time with those that are hardened towards the things of God, those that have no depth in their relationship with God, and those that would distract you from your destiny and calling from God. Although we may not be able to choose who we work with, certainly who our family is, and who we may interact with on a daily basis, we can protect our hearts. Everything we allow, what we see, what we hear, what we feel, that scares us, puts doubt in our minds and distracts us from prayer and God’s Word, are tools that our enemy, Satan, uses to take away the good Word of God that has been sown into our hearts.

God wants us to grow, mature, and be fruitful in our relationship with Him, be in good health, and prosper so that we can help spread the good news of the gospel to others. Not only that, God has placed goals and dreams in our hearts which are supported by promises in His Word. Do you need healing, better relationships, a miracle, a job, prosperity, health, whatever it is, make sure you know God’s Word and think on good things. (Phil 4:8)

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week. Thank God it’s Monday lord and I’m praying for a week filled with confidence, joy, and strength. I’m praying for this individual to remember to fight fear with faith and know that God is always working for you, not against you. Bless this individual to be filled with the holy spirit this week and make progress in whatever they put their hands to in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

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Keep Your Heart in Good Condition: Matthew 13:1–23, Mark 4:1–20, Luke 8:4–15

Jesus spoke in parables which are stories about natural things with underlying meanings. One story he told was of the sower who went out and sowed seeds. This parable is recorded in three of the four gospels. Sowing seed is the process of planting seed to produce a harvest of grain for food.

There was a farmer who went out and scattered seeds. In scattering, some of the seeds fell on a hardened walkway. Birds quickly spotted the seeds and flew down to eat up the seeds. Other seeds fell on rocky places where there was a shallow amount of soil with a little moisture and they were able to grow. But when the sun came up they were scorched, dried up, and withered away because they did not have any roots. Other seeds fell on thorny ground so when they started growing the thorns choked them and they died. Lastly, some of the seeds went into good ground and grew and produced crops of 30, 60, and 100 fold. Jesus told this story and said, “Whoever has ears, let him hear.”

What was the underlying meaning of this parable? The ground where the seed was sown is the condition of the heart of a person who hears the good news of the Word or gospel. The first condition is the hardened heart that hears the Word but doesn’t believe it or has an understanding of it. The Devil comes and takes that Word away before it has any chance to grow. The second type of person hears God’s Word and is joyful and excited, but their experience only lasts a short while because it was just an emotional experience and they didn’t allow the Word to take some depth by learning more about God. The third type of person is one who begins to grow in God but the cares and distractions and worries of the world choke out their growth and they never produce. Lastly, the fourth type of person is one who hears the Word and it takes root in his/ her heart and that person grows in relationship with God by praying, studying, and hearing God’s Word. This person becomes a fruitful Christian (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control) and is a living testimony of God’s grace. This person can sow seeds into other lives such as those of friends and family. Each person can share his/her testimony with others, share words of encouragement and gratitude, pray for others, help others in need, and/or give of their means to help spread the gospel around the world.

Keep God’s Word in your heart, for it is life to those who find it, health to your flesh. Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:20-27)

Personal Development Tip of the week:

How are you keeping your heart in good condition?

Write down a few things today that you are doing or can start doing in your life to not just hear God's words but meditate on them and grow to understand them more in your life each day so that you can reap all the blessings God wants to bring you.

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week. I’m praying that this individual can continue to draw closer to you this week lord and stay planted in your word even when life challenges get hard. No battle is bigger than your God and I’m praying for you to speak to that battle and continue to move forward in faith this week in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

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Keep Running Your Race: 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (NLT)

(25) All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (26) So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. (27) I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”

The apostle Paul illustrates that our walk with God is like a sports competition that includes racing and boxing. The athletes of Paul’s time competed for a prize that included a crown that would soon fade away. The winners were crowned with a wreath made of tree branches and leaves. As athletes, they had to discipline themselves and physically train for their athletic competitions. Athletes are strict in their diets, sleep habits, and they practice and train hard so they are prepared for their sporting events and competitions.

As Christians, we are running our race as well, but our prize of victory is an eternal prize that does not fade away. We run each step with purpose and we, like athletes, discipline ourselves as well. It takes effort to pray, read and study the Word of God when watching TV is so much easier. In many areas, we can overindulge and create unhealthy lifestyles and habits. Our walk is a walk of faith in God’s Word, believing that what He has promised can be achieved and we can live a victorious life.

Personal Development Tip of the week:

What areas in your life would you like to have victory? Write your challenges and goals and find the Bible scriptures that support your desired outcome. Believe that God loves you and wants you to be victorious in all areas of your life. Speak victory over those areas and ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you.

Unlike earthly competitions where there is only one winner, each one of us has our own race to run. We have our own spiritual Holy Spirit coach, Who is with us always to help us get over the hurdles and challenges of life. Keep on pressing forward and don’t give up. Finish your race that God has called you to complete. (2 Timothy 4:7)

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week. Thank God it’s Monday lord and I am praying for a great week ahead filled with joy, love, excitement, and confidence. Remember this week the joy of the Lord is your strength! I pray for protection, healing, and total favor this week in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

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Mirror, mirror, on the wall… James 1: 22-25

The book of James tells Christians to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. He illustrates his meaning by telling us that a person who only hears is like someone who looks into a mirror and sees him or herself and then leaves and quickly forgets what he or she looks like. In the natural world, we use mirrors to see and examine the areas that our own eyes cannot see directly. The reflection is an exact picture of our outward appearance. When we see dirt on our face, our hair out of place, how an outfit looks on us, we can do something to make improvements. We can clean our face, comb our hair, or change into a better looking outfit. We not only saw our reflection, we did something to improve what we saw.

In similar fashion, the Word of God is like a mirror reflecting back what we spiritually look like and where we need improvement. We can read and hear the Word of God which builds our faith and reveals God’s will for us, but if we do nothing, we are deceiving ourselves. For example, the Word of God can tell us to forgive others and ourselves, but we just hear and don’t do. We continue to have problems because we hold onto grudges and don't trust God to help us where we are weak. The Bible says to ask Him for help but we rely on ourselves to solve our own problems. God says to give and it shall be given to us. Can we give encouragement, a smile, a helping hand? When you are a doer of God’s Word He tells us that we will be blessed.

Take what you have heard from God’s Word and ask the Holy Spirit in you to help you see yourself as you are and ask Him to perfect your shortcomings. When you have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He is there to help you grow and mature in your faith, become closer to Him, and have His power in your life to affect positive changes. When you look at the mirror every morning, remember to be a doer of God’s Word and not just a hearer only.

Personal Development Tip of the week:

This week I challenge you to watch the words you speak over your life every day and bring awareness and focus to when you are speaking negatively towards yourself.

Our self-talk is so important and the only way to improve the way we talk to ourselves is to observe ourselves when we speak negatively.

When you do catch yourself speaking negatively, take a step back and reclaim who you are in Christ.

For example, if you say to yourself, “I’m stupid”, observe what you said, then say something like, “I am not stupid, I am wise, so smart, and so capable because I am a child of the most high God and can do all thing through Christ which strengthens me.

Working on this daily will help you overcome negative self-talk and God wants us as Christians to speak victory over our life and not negativity.

Proverbs 21:18 says The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week. Thank God it’s Monday lord and I am praying for blessings, prosperity, and breakthrough this week! I pray that you protect them from all harm and evil and bless them to grow stronger in their faith and self-talk this week in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

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Why Do We Need a Savior? Genesis 2-3

Adam and Eve were like God because they were created in God’s image, had dominion over all living things, and had everything they needed. God had placed them in the beautiful garden of Eden which was full of fruit-bearing trees. Both Adam and Eve, husband and wife, were naked and they were not ashamed. Among the trees were the “tree of life” and the tree of the “knowledge of good and evil.” God told Adam that they could eat of every tree except from the tree of the “knowledge of good and evil”. God said to Adam that the day he eats of the fruit he/they would surely die.

Now among the beasts in God’s creation was the serpent who was the smartest of all the beasts and could speak. He spoke to Eve and asked a question. He asked Eve if God had really said that they could not eat the fruit of every tree in the garden. Eve replied that they could eat from all the trees in the garden except for one. She said they could not eat nor even touch the fruit of the tree of the “knowledge of good and evil,” or they would die. The serpent went on to say that they “would not surely die because God knows that the day they eat of the fruit of that tree they will become like God having their eyes opened to know both good and evil.”

Eve looked at the fruit, seeing it was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise. She took off the fruit and ate and gave some to her husband Adam who was with her and he ate of it as well. Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they realized that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves and when they heard the sound of the Lord God walking through the garden in the cool of the day, they hid themselves.

God called out to Adam and asked where he was. Adam said he hid himself when he heard His voice because he was afraid and was naked. God asked him, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat of the tree that I commanded that you should not eat?” Adam quickly blamed Eve, the woman Whom God had given him. He said she gave the fruit to him and he ate it. God asked Eve, “What is this you have done?” Eve quickly blamed the serpent and that he had deceived her and she ate of the forbidden fruit.

God cursed the serpent so that it would crawl on its belly all of its days. God told the woman that she would have pain and sorrow in conception, bring children into the world with pain, her desire would be for her husband, and that he would rule over her. For Adam/man, the earth would be cursed and he would have to work and sweat for his/their livelihood.

God said that mankind had become like Himself, knowing good and evil. To keep Adam/Eve from going to the “tree of life” to eat of its fruit and live forever, He drove them out of the garden and had a winged angel with a flaming sword guard the entrance. God also made tunics of skin and clothed them.

God gave Adam free will to choose to obey and live forever or disobey and die. Since God gave the commandment to Adam before He created Eve from Adam's rib, it was Adam’s responsibility to make sure that neither he nor his wife disobeyed God. God created Adam both male and female but took Eve from Adam’s side to be his equal complement. Eve knew that they were not to eat of the forbidden fruit, but listened to the serpent as he lied to her. She gave the fruit to Adam who was with her. Sin was introduced into the world, the emotion of fear became real, and the process of physical death became a reality. The Bible says that we are all born into sin because of Adam’s disobedience. How could God save mankind when His creation chose to disobey?

The Bible calls Satan, the Devil, the old serpent, and makes many references from the book of Genesis to the book

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Know Who You Are and Whose You Are: Genesis 1 and 2

The first book in the Bible is the book of Genesis where we have the account of God creating our world, life, and mankind. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Gen. 1:1) The Spirit of God moves upon the waters and in the darkness of the earth, He says, “Let there be light,” and there was light. He saw the light and called it good. God continues to speak into existence his creation and calls the result of each day “good.”

Here is a summary of the seven-day account in Genesis:

Day One: God speaks light into the world, divides the light from darkness.

Day Two: God speaks and creates a firmament or expanse to separate the waters above and below the earth’s atmosphere.

Day Three: God speaks and brings up dry land and keeps the waters separated and calls the land Earth and the water Seas. He speaks and creates herbs, fruit trees, and other plant life that have seeds within them.

Day Four: God speaks and creates the lights in the heavens, stars, sun, moon, and sets them as signs and seasons, days, and years.

Day Five: God speaks and creates living sea creatures and winged birds. God blesses them and He commands them to “Be fruitful and multiply.”

Day Six: God speaks and creates the beasts of the earth, cattle and all living creatures that creep on the earth. God says, “Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish, birds, cattle, all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathe Into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living being. He created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God said it was not good for man, Adam, to be alone and that He would make him helper comparable to him. God caused Adam to have a deep sleep and while he was asleep he took one of his ribs and closed up his flesh. With the rib, he created woman, Eve, and brought her to Adam. God said that man and his wife would become one flesh. God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth, subdue it and have dominion over all living creatures.”

Day Seven: God rests from His work which was completed and sanctifies the day as set apart special and Holy.

When you believe that you are created in God’s image, life has meaning and purpose. God created a beautiful world/earth for mankind that was fully sustainable and would provide an abundance of food and water for life to carry on. God created mankind as male and female and told them to be fruitful and multiply. Although the Genesis account of creation is not a worldview, it is God’s Word and helps us to identify who we are.

If you are made in God’s image, your life has value because He planned for your birth. God is not the author of confusion, so when you are not sure who you are, read Psalm 139:13-18. “You are fearfully and wonderfully made...and God saw your substance, being yet unformed, in the womb of your mother.“ He has plans for your life to give you hope and a future. (Jer. 29:11; Psalm 139:13-18)

Personal Development Tip of the Week:

This week I challenge you to journal down a few “I statements”. Writing statements like this is a way to continue to strengthen your identity which needs to be worked on as we have so many external influences trying to tell us who we are and why we are not enough. See some examples I write below.

“I am a child of the most High God.”

“I am worthy”

“I am loved”

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me”

“I

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Have you found freedom yet? John 8:1-11

Jesus was teaching a crowd of people at the temple when the religious leaders (scribes and Pharisees) brought a woman who they accused of adultery and put her in the midst of them. They proceeded to tell Jesus that this woman had been caught in the very act of adultery and according to the law of Moses she should be stoned to death. They asked Jesus, “What do You say?”

Jesus stooped down, not responding to their question, and started writing on the ground. Jesus knew that the motives of the religious leaders was to find something that they could use to accuse Him of false teaching and prove to the people that He was not sent by God. Would He tell them to follow the law and have her stoned? If so, where was the love of God that He preached? Or would He tell them that God loves her, forgives her, and disobeys the law of Moses by not having her stoned? They kept asking Jesus their question and He finally responded. “He who is without sin, throw the first stone.”

Slowly, as their consciences convicted them, each one left and only the woman and Jesus were left. Jesus stood up and asked the woman, “Where are your accusers? Has anyone condemned you?” She answered, “No one Lord.” He responded, “And neither do I, go and sin no more.”

Jesus was the only one in that crowd that had no sin and would be justified in stoning her, but He came to save the lost, bring liberty to the captives, and freedom to those enslaved to sin. The Word in John 8:36 says “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Without Jesus, we are slaves to sin. When we receive Him as Lord and Savior, we are set free and have the privileges and rights of a child of God. Addictions, depression, bad habits, negative emotions, and anything enslaving has to bow to the name of Jesus and His Word. Whatever has a hold on you, even a negative mindset, you can be free from it. Find the scriptures or the promises in God’s Word for your physical or emotional healing, your challenges, and believe that you receive God’s promises. John 8:32 says “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Choose freedom today, by receiving Jesus as your Lord and Savior and continue to seek truth through the Word of God! (Isaiah 61:1, Romans 8:2)

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Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week. Thank God it’s Monday and I’m praying for a week of explosive blessings ahead in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

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Prodigal Son or Self Righteous Son, which one are you? - Luke 15:11-24

Jesus had told the story of a wealthy man who had two sons. The younger son took his inheritance, left his home, family, faith, and culture so he could travel to other countries and do whatever he wished. He ended up wasting his inheritance, being hungry and working with pigs. The older son stayed and did everything his father asked. He was the obedient son who listened and showed respect for his father, family, faith, and cultural traditions. He worked in the family business and everything that his father owned was his after the younger brother had taken his share of the inheritance.

When the younger brother came to his senses, returned home, asked for his father’s forgiveness and a servant’s job, he did not expect a loving welcome. He knew he didn’t deserve anything good and was hoping that he could be one of the servants. He didn’t know the depth of his father’s love for him. His father never stopped loving him as a son and was always waiting for him. He loved him so much that he put the best robe on him, gave him a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. He called for a great party with the best-fatted calf, music, and dancing.

Meanwhile, the older son is returning from the fields and hears music and dancing. He asks what is going on and is quickly told that his younger brother has returned and his father is throwing him a welcoming party. The older brother does not share the same emotion as his father. In fact, he becomes angry and refuses to go inside where the party is going on. The father comes out and asks him to go into the party. The older son is angry and tells his father that he has worked all these years for him, been obedient, and his father has never even once given him even a young goat for a party for him and his friends to celebrate. His brother, on the other hand, leaves the family, wastes all his money with prostitutes and partying, comes home and he is celebrated with the best-fatted calf. How unfair!

The father’s perspective was quite different. He tells his son that he is always with him and everything he has is his. However, he lost a son when the younger one left. He could have been dead for all he knew. He didn’t care that the younger son squandered his money, he was grateful to have him back. He cared more for his son than his past behavior or the fortune he wasted. His son didn’t have to earn his love, it was always there.

The older obedient brother had everything and could have killed the fatted calf himself and thrown a party with his friends anytime. His father had already given him everything. Instead, he was angry and resentful at his father, judgmental and jealous of his brother’s return being celebrated. Do you ever feel that you have been so good and obedient to God but he hasn’t answered your prayers or blessed you the way you would like? Then, someone who has been living in sin, returns to God, and all of a sudden they get blessed the way you would like to be blessed?

The point Jesus is making is that our Father God loves us and has already given us everything (promises in the Word) for a blessed and happy life. We need to use our authority in Christ to take action by believing His Word and celebrate with thanksgiving for His goodness. But when a child of God leaves and comes back, or a sinner finds Jesus as savior for the first time, all of heaven celebrates. God is always looking to add into His family and He wants us to have compassion on the lost and celebrate when they are found. (John 3:16; Luke 19:10)

Personal Development Tip of the Week:

Are you dealing with a difficult situation right now? In any situation you are faced with you have to remember there are things that you can control and things that you cannot.

We can’t alw

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Are You Wasting Your Inheritance? Luke 15:11-24

Jesus came to save the lost and express God’s deepest love for you and me. In the book of Luke Jesus is telling a story about a certain man who had two sons. The younger son asked his father to give him his share of his inheritance while he was still living. In Jewish culture, the son’s request was very disrespectful and it meant that the son could not wait until his father died. He wanted his share of the family money and wanted to leave his family and go travel.

His father could have said no, but granted his son’s request. It wasn’t the father’s will to do this, but because he loved his son, he allowed him to take his inheritance. It wasn’t long before the son had packed up and left his father and older brother. The younger brother had money and the freedom to go and do whatever he wanted to do. He didn’t have to work in the family business anymore.

The younger brother traveled to a faraway country and ended up squandering his inheritance, partying, and having a good time. A famine came to the land and the younger brother had run out of money and friends. Because he had no food, he went to work for a citizen of that country and had to take care of the pigs. He even tried to eat pig food to satisfy his hunger. He had hit rock bottom because in Jewish culture, pigs were unclean animals, and Jews were forbidden to eat or handle anything unclean. One day, he came to his senses and thought about his home with all the servants who had plenty of bread and food to eat. He decided he would go home and ask his father to forgive him and ask if he would hire him as a servant because he was not worthy to be called his father’s son any longer.

The son goes back home. From a distance, the father sees his son with nothing, has compassion for him, and immediately runs to greet him. For a long time, the father had been waiting and watching for his son to return. The father is so happy to see him and greets him with hugs and kisses. The son proceeds to tell his father that he has sinned and is not worthy to be called his son. Before he can continue the father orders the servants to bring his son the best robe, a ring, and sandals for his feet. He orders them to kill the fatted calf and have a great party to celebrate his son who was dead and is now alive, who was lost and now is found.

This story is a picture of God’s love for you and me, even when we leave our faith or stray away to go and live however we wish. It’s not God’s will that we leave His side, but God does not force us. He gives us free will to choose a life with Him or a life without Him. He is always there and loves us so much. Sometimes our strong desires for independent living without God gets us in trouble. No matter what mistakes we have made, He is always waiting and watching for us to change our minds and come back to Him. Like the prodigal son, who did not feel he was worthy to be called his father’s son, we may not feel worthy of God’s love and grace, but He gives it to us when we return back to Him. When we come back to Him, heaven celebrates.

Your inheritance is in God’s Word and His promises are for you. (2 Cor. 1:20; John 10:10)

Personal Development Tip of the Week:

Are you praying to prosper in your life? Sometimes as Christians we come to God only when we are struggling or in need of something. God doesn’t only want you to come to him in times of need but also to thank him for what he has already done in your life as well as what’s to come.

Praying to prosper to me means to pray about the blessings in all areas of your life that God is bringing your way. This to me demonstrates strong Faith and is so pleasing to God.

I made an Instagram T.V. video about this specific topic and if you would like to learn more about praying to pros

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Jesus is looking for you. Luke 15:1-7

One day a group of tax collectors and sinners had gathered around Jesus to hear Him speak. There were religious leaders (Pharisees and scribes) looking on and murmuring among themselves, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” They were critical of the company that Jesus was keeping. Jesus proceeds to ask a question comparing lost people, (sinners) to lost sheep.

Jesus says, “Which of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and goes after the one which is lost until he finds it?” Jesus goes on to say that when the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he is so happy, puts the sheep on his shoulders, and carries it back home to the sheepfold. He doesn’t celebrate alone but calls his friends and neighbors to celebrate with him because he has found his lost sheep.

Jesus goes on to say that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just people who do not need to repent. Jesus is always seeking those who are lost and when found/saved all heaven rejoices. Yes, Jesus cares for you, loves you, and wants you to be with Him. It doesn’t matter how many people have already been saved, He cares and loves you. It doesn’t matter how bad you might think you are, what your past has been, or where you are now, He wants to save you.

If you need to be saved, say this simple prayer and believe. Lord Jesus, thank you for finding me and giving me hope, forgiveness, and eternal life. I repent of all my sins and I receive you as my personal savior through faith. Thank you for loving me and for not giving up on me. Guide me and fill me with Your Holy Spirit right now, in Jesus name I pray, Amen. (Isaiah 53:6, John 3:16)

Personal Development Tip of the Week:

Momentum is so important to our progress in our daily lives as well as our spiritual lives. If you remember Newton's first law of motion part of it says, “A body in motion will stay in motion”.

Just like when we create momentum in our lives we can continue that momentum given we act on what created the momentum in the first place. Momentum creates progress and when we progress we achieve a level of success and happiness.

Ask yourself today, what area of my life would I like to create more momentum in? Then ask yourself, what can I do each and every day to continue that momentum? Daily disciplined practice like, “praying, reading, studying, teaching, etc. will continue to drive the momentum in any area you would like to improve and build upon.

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's new week ahead. Thank God it’s Monday and I’m praying for you and a great week ahead. I’m praying for momentum this week in whatever area this individual is working to progress in lord. I’m praying for their mind, their health, their family, and a breakthrough in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

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Heaven Celebrates When You Are Found: Luke 15:8-10

Jesus used many stories and parables to get his messages across. One such parable was about a woman who had ten silver coins. She loses one of the coins in her house and proceeds to search diligently for it. She gets a lamp so she can see and sweeps her whole house until she finds the coin. She is so happy after she finds it that she calls her neighbors and friends together and tells them to rejoice with her because she has found her lost coin.

Jesus goes on to say that in the same way this woman celebrates with her neighbors and friends, the angels in heaven celebrate and rejoice when one lost sinner repents and comes to the Lord. Jesus loves those that are lost and He came to find them. Jesus called Himself the light of the world. As sinners we were once lost and in darkness, but when the light of Jesus’ love finds us we are no longer in darkness. Heaven celebrates that day when we choose to become a child of God and walk in the light.

This is a short story and one of many that Jesus shared showing God’s love for those who are lost and are in need of a savior. If you don’t know Jesus today and you want to be in God’s family, pray this simple prayer.

Lord Jesus, thank you for finding me and giving me hope, forgiveness, and eternal life. I repent of all my sins and I receive you as my personal savior through faith. Thank you for loving me and for not giving up on me. Guide me with Your light and fill me with Your Holy Spirit right now, in Jesus name I pray, Amen. (John 3:16)

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Step Out of the Boat and Experience the Miraculous: Matt. 14:22-33

The ministry of Jesus attracted thousands of people at times. After one such event, Jesus told his disciples to take a boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while he dismissed the crowds that had come to hear and see Him. He would meet them later.

During the 4th watch (3am-6am) the disciples were only halfway across and were struggling due to the stormy conditions, high waves, and ripping winds. Jesus was walking on the water and they were troubled saying it was a ghost. Jesus immediately spoke to them saying “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

The disciple Peter immediately responded and said “if it’s really you Lord, tell me to come out to You on the water.” Jesus replied, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. But then the wind started picking up again and Peter began to focus on it and fear came over him. He started sinking and cried out to Jesus to save him. Jesus stretched out his arm and caught him and said,” O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” As soon as they got to the boat, the wind stopped.

In life, we will experience stormy times that challenge us as we struggle to reach our goals and destination. Jesus wants us to know that we do not need to be afraid because He is always with us. He is our miracle-working Savior who wants us to believe and not doubt His Word. What a miracle for Peter who trusted Jesus’ word to “Come,” and when he got out of the boat he walked on the water to Jesus. It must have been an exhilarating experience to defy the laws of gravity and actually walk on the water. But, as in life, stormy conditions and challenges can shift our focus onto the surrounding circumstances which bring fear and we start to sink. Thank God, we can call on Jesus even when our faith is weak. He lifts us up and brings us peace and safety.

Take God’s Word, meditate, and speak it over your life and your circumstances. You can experience miracles too when you keep doubt out and unbelief out and focus on Jesus and His love for you. (Psalm 91:2; John 14:12-14)

Personal Development Tip of the Week: It’s time to go on a diet. And not the type of diet that consists of eating certain foods. I’m talking about a diet of the things you watch, the people you hang out with, and anything that influences your mind.

Ask yourself this week, what should I be letting go of or doing less of starting this week and take action to remove it for just this week.

I know I always feel better when I eliminate certain things from my life that are holding me back in any way.

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's new week ahead. Thank God it’s Monday and I’m praying for you to open some new doors of opportunities this week for this individual. I pray that they remember they are a child of the most high God capable of doing all things through Christ which strengthens them. Bless them, protect them, and guide them this week lord to have a great week in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

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Are You Sleeping With Your Enemy? Part 2/2 (Judges Chapter 13 - 16)

Samson, had a special calling from God before he was born to lead his people, the Israelites, and deliver them from the hands of their enemies, the Philistines (idol worshippers). God gifted him with supernatural strength that he could kill a lion with his bare hands and 1000 Philistines in battle. He was a one-man army.

During Samson’s 20 year leadership over Israel, he would go to Gaza where the Philistines were and visit women including prostitutes. He later fell in love with a woman by the name of Delilah and spent a lot of time with her. The Philistines knew that Samson was in town and offered Delilah a huge sum of money (about $1 million today), to find the secret of his supernatural strength and how he could be subdued and weakened. Each time Delilah would ask Samson and he would tell her something ridiculous. She would do what he said and then shout out that the Philistines were coming. Each time he would rise up from his sleep and break whatever was used to tie him up. Samson allowed his passions and desire to take over common sense and the laws of God. He forgot or didn’t care that he had been betrayed by a Philistine woman before. He was in love and unfortunately thought that Delilah loved him as well.

After many times of playing this game with Delilah, Samson became weary of her constant nagging. She would say, “how can you say you love me and not tell me your secret? You have made a fool of me.” The Bible (NIV) says that “With such nagging, she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it.” Samson finally told her the truth, that no razor had ever touched his head. While he slept, Delilah had one of the Philistine men shave his head. She yelled the Philistines were coming and as he awoke his strength did not come upon him. God’s supernatural power had left him. Delilah was paid, the Philistines took Samson, gouged out both eyes so he could not see, put bronze shackles on his legs, and sent him to prison where he would be tied up to a grindstone. He would walk in circles grinding grain the rest of his life.

One day, all the Philistine rulers were having a grand sacrificial celebration at their temple for their idol god Dagon. They were celebrating that their god was so great and had brought down their enemy Samson. They decided to have Samson brought in for their entertainment. There were thousands of people at the celebration, including 3000 on the top of the temple building. By this time, Samson’s hair had grown out. While at the temple Samson asked a servant boy to put him between the two central pillars that hold up the temple. As the Philistines were celebrating, Samson asked God to give him strength one more time. God’s supernatural strength came on him and he pushed the temple pillars apart that caused the building to collapse killing him as well as thousands that had attended the ceremony. He killed many more enemies at his death than he did while he was alive.

When God calls us He equips us with what we need to accomplish His plans for our lives. However, God never forces us to do things his ways. Although Samson was brought up in a Godly home and knew that he was to keep God’s laws as both a Nazerite and Jew, he chose to follow his passions, desires, and revengeful ways. He went after women who were idol worshippers and did not follow the laws of God. He didn’t learn his lesson the first time and the second time the love betrayal would be life altering. Not only did Samson lose his Delilah, he lost his eyesight, his strength, and his freedom. How many times has our enemy tricked us into believing his lies. Our enemy, the devil, comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He repeats his lies over and over until we grow weary and give in. Have you experienced his lies? “Do what you feel like, let your em

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Are You Sleeping With Your Enemy? - Part 1 of 2 Judges 13-16

Samson was born with a special calling to be a warrior leader over his people, the Israelites. Before he was born an angel of God came to Samson’s mother, who was barren (could not have children) at the time, and told her that she would give birth to a son who would lead their people. He was to be a Nazerite, dedicated to the service of God, and he was to abstain from alcohol, any fermented drinks, grapes/raisins, anything unclean, and could not cut his hair. Samson’s mother was instructed by the angel not to partake of alcohol or fermented drinks as well during her pregnancy.

Samson ruled Israel for twenty years and protected Israel from their enemies. Their enemies were the Philistines who worshipped idols and their pagan god, Dagon. Samson had supernatural strength from God that he could kill a lion with his bare hands and in a battle he slew 1000 Philistine warriors using a jawbone of a donkey as his weapon.

Although Samson’s parents instructed and encouraged him to find a wife among their own people, who worshipped the God of Israel, Samson chose to spend time with Philistine women who were idol worshippers. He even married one who betrayed him at his wedding feast. He was so enraged that he went out and slew 30 Philistines and took their clothing to pay his wedding companions. Still upset Samson left his wife with her family and he went back home to his parent's place.

As a Nazerite, Samson was to live a holy life and follow the laws of God. Samson allowed his passions, desires, anger, and revenge to take over at times and he suffered the consequences. When he later returned to get his Philistine wife he found that his father-in-law had given his wife to the best man who was at the wedding.

Although God had a plan for Samson’s life, Samson made choices based on his strong emotions and desires. Samson would continue to make poor choices with women and revenge, but redemption would come later. Like Samson, we at times make mistakes and allow our emotions to take over and then suffer the consequences of our actions.

Thank God, our past mistakes do not define us and when we have Jesus as our Savior, He continues to work with us to overcome our weaknesses. When we are weak, He is strong within us. We can overcome because he has empowered us with His Spirit and His Word. Jesus will never leave us and He has given us His supernatural power to change us and help us in every area of our lives. When we make decisions we need God’s wisdom. God tells us if we lack wisdom, to ask Him and He will generously give us His wisdom. (James 1:5)

Personal Development Tip of the Week:

Last week I made a YouTube video on challenging yourself this Month to do something personally, physically, spiritually.

If you would like to join me in this challenge check out this video below where I share my personal challenge and how you can do the same for yourself!

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's new week ahead. Thank God it’s Monday lord and I'm praying for this person reading or listening to this right now to seek you father in all that they do this week. When they are challenged this week lord to come to you and ask you for guidance because your wisdom and love supersedes anything we might be able to do ourselves. I’m praying for healing, direction, and a mighty week ahead in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.

Subscribe at litwithprayer.substack.com

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What Are You Cursing in Your Life? Mark 11:12-14, 19-24

Jesus and His disciples were on their way to the city of Jerusalem. Jesus was hungry and in the distance saw a fig tree that had leaves on it. Thinking that it would have figs, Jesus approached the tree and saw that there was nothing but leaves on the tree. He said to the tree, “May no one eat fruit from you again.” The disciples heard what He said.

The next day as Jesus and His disciples were on their way out of the city, they came across the same fig tree. This time the tree was withered and dried up from its roots. It would never again produce any fruit. Peter, one of Jesus' disciples said, “Rabbi (Hebrew for master or teacher), look, the tree you cursed has withered!” Jesus replied, “Have faith in God. If you say to this mountain, be removed and thrown into the sea, and have no doubt, but believe that what you say will happen, you will have what you say.” He continued by saying “whatever you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

This story shows the power of Jesus’s words even when spoken in a negative fashion. When the disciples pointed out that the tree had died after Jesus had cursed it, Jesus told them to have faith in God and believe that what they say will happen. Telling a mountain to jump into the sea was an illustration of speaking to our mountains of challenges and problems. We are to speak to our challenges and tell them where to go and believe without doubt that what we say, will occur as we have stated. It is interesting that Jesus says to believe one time, but to “say” or speak to the mountain three times within the Mark 11:.23 Bible verse.

What are the negative things and circumstances in your life that you should speak to? Is it negative thoughts, fear, depression, sickness, disease, addiction, poverty, lack, what is your mountain, your challenge today! Through the power of your belief in God, speak to your negative situation until its roots dry up. As you continue to speak to your challenge/mountain, believe that your faith will grow as your doubt diminishes, and thank God for the positive outcome. Remember, to speak good and positive words about yourself, your life, and your circumstances. Bless yourself continually, because You are highly favored and deeply loved by Your heavenly Father. (Prov. 18:21; Mark 11:24; Phil. 4:6-7)

Personal Development Tip of the Week:

I once heard a navy seal speak about the power of what you say. He was running a 100-mile race with some friends and his one tip he gave to each of them was to “not give your pain a voice”.

What he meant by this was to not speak anything painful over your life, for example, “I’m tired, I’m hurt, I’m weak. He challenged them to say, “I never get tired, I am strong, I have so much left in the tank.

I challenge you this week and month of May to not give your pain a voice and when you are feeling that pain whether it be emotional pain or physical pain to not give power to that pain. Be ready to speak victory over your life each day and to feed the voice of strength, power, and a sound mind.

There is power in your voice and we as Christians need to use our voice each and every day to speak victory and the promises of the word over our lives.

Create those powerful words for yourself today so you are armed and ready to speak victory when you need it because whatever you feed grows.

Action Item: Write down 3-5 words or phrases you can speak over your life each day this week and month.

Examples:

I am strong, healthy, wealthy, and wise!

Every day in every way I'm getting stronger and stronger!

If God be for me who be against me!

Bonus tip: Speak these words with

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Faith is an Action Word

(Matthew 9:20–22, Mark 5:25–34, Luke 8:43–48)

The gospels tell a significant story of a woman who had spent 12 years and all her money with physicians trying to get well from her issue of bleeding. Instead of getting better she was getting worse. She was an outcast in her culture according to Jewish religious law because of her issue of blood. According to the law, a woman who had a menstrual period was considered unclean for seven days and anyone who touched her was unclean for that day. Due to her continual bleeding this woman had to stay away from others and was not allowed into the temple. What a lonely and sad life she must have led for 12 years.

This woman heard the good news about Jesus and His healing power. She determined that she would go where He was and sneak her way through to Jesus and just touch the hem of His garment. She kept saying to herself, “if I just touch the hem of His garment, I will be made clean/whole.” She didn’t say it once, she kept on saying it to herself. She encouraged herself with her own words and built her faith by speaking those words. She didn’t allow her state of being “unclean” around other people to stop her. She heard that Jesus healed and she believed. She knew that touching the edge of His garment would work and that Jesus’ healing power would make her clean again. She didn’t wait for Jesus, she took action, despite the challenges before her.

When the woman made her way through the crowd of people thronging Jesus, she reached out and touched the hem of His garment. Right away she felt healing in her body. Not only did she know, Jesus stopped and said, “who touched me?” The disciples said everyone is touching you, look at the crowds of people. Jesus said that He felt power going out of Him. The woman, knowing what Jesus meant, came trembling before Him and fell at His feet and said that she had touched Him and was healed. Jesus, said “Daughter, your faith has healed you, go in peace.”

What is interesting, is that there were crowds of people surrounding Jesus, who probably needed healing, but this woman was the only one that could extract the healing power without Jesus even knowing beforehand. She heard, she believed, she spoke words of belief for what she wanted, not only once, but continually, and took action. Sometimes in desperation or when nothing else is left, we finally do what God wants us to do. That is to believe in His Son Jesus, the promises in His Word, and through faith with our own words, take action. What do you need in your life today? Write down your needs and find the promises in the Bible for your situation and write your statement of faith and pray it everyday believing that you receive from Him in Jesus name. (James 4:2-3; 2 Corinthians 1:20)

Personal Development Tip of the Week:

Do you believe God has a calling on your life? I truly believe God has a special calling on each and everyone's lives. If you are still trying to find this for your self check out this YouTube video I made on how to find this calling for your life.

Check it out here below!

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's new week ahead. Thank God it’s Monday lord and I’m a praying victory over their life today and this week. Jesus loves you so much and I pray that you can continue to grow your relationship with Jesus and trust him during this week. I’m praying for breakthrough, confidence, joy, peace, success over your week in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS. We just launched our first T-Shirt! “Gods Got Me” in black and white. If you would like to check it out and support us go to

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Jesus responds to our faith: Mark 2:1-13

During Jesus’ ministry of 3 years, He healed the sick, multiplied food that fed thousands, raised the dead, cast out demons from people, and performed other miracles. Obviously, He was very popular and people would seek Him out. One day He was preaching at a home, and the house was packed inside and out with people including the religious scribes who were highly educated in the law.

Hearing that Jesus was in town, four friends who had faith that Jesus could heal their paralyzed friend brought him on a stretcher-bed to the house. Seeing that they couldn’t even get to the door they went on top of the house and took apart the roof. They pulled their friend up and lowered him on his stretcher right in front of Jesus. Jesus, seeing the faith of these men that they were confident that He could heal their friend, said to the paralytic, “your sins are forgiven.”

The religious scribes were offended by what Jesus said and in their hearts and minds were thinking that Jesus was speaking blasphemy because only God could forgive sins. Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, asked them, why they were questioning His authority and power to forgive sins? He said to them, which is easier, to say “Your sins are forgiven or Rise, take up your bed and walk?” To prove He had the authority, right, and power to forgive sins, He told the paralytic to take up his bed and walk. The man instantly jumped from his bed, picked it up, and walked out of the house. All were amazed and praised God for the miracle.

What moved Jesus was the faith of the friends who didn’t allow an obstacle to get in their way. The door to Jesus was blocked with people, so they found another way to get to Him. Today, you and I can reach Jesus because He is with us always. He is the answer when life throws obstacles and challenges in our way. Through faith in Jesus and His Word, we can come to Him knowing that He has forgiven us of our sins and He responds to our faith. As the friends took action we must put action to our faith as well. What obstacle or challenge are you facing today?

(James 2:14-26; Mark 11:23-24)

Personal Development Tip of the Week: Do you set goals for your life?

I made a video on this not too long on how effectively set and achieve goals. Check it out here below!

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's new week ahead. Thank God it’s Monday lord and thank you for all the blessings you have coming our way. Bless this individual to continue to trust you and the season you are taking them through. Bless them to remember that your words are for yes and Amen and you are bringing great things into their life this week in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

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Facing Your Goliath - I Samuel chapters 16 - 17

We read in the book of I Samuel that David, the youngest son of Jesse, was chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel to become the next King of Israel. David was just a boy and his job was to take care of the sheep. After he was anointed, the spirit of God was with him and he continued taking care of the sheep. During these times David perfected his skills at playing the harp and also became skilled at using a slingshot. God was with him and he was not afraid to protect and go after predators that tried to steal and kill the sheep. He killed a bear and a lion and even grabbed the lion by its beard and killed it. David knew that God was always with him and he developed a strong relationship with Him. He grew to become a great man of prayer and worship and wrote the beautiful Psalms.

There was a time when Israel’s enemies, the Philistines, were challenging the Israelites to a battle. The challenge was one Philistine against one Israelite. The problem that the Israelites faced was that the Philistine challenger was a giant measuring about 9 feet 9 inches and was extremely strong and wore heavy armor. His name was Goliath and he wore a brass helmet, a coat of mail (weighing 125 pounds), and brass leg coverings. Even his spearhead weighed 15 pounds. All of the Israelites were very afraid of him and no one wanted to fight him. Every day for 40 days Goliath would come out and challenge the armies of Israel.

During this time, Jesse sent his son David to the battlefield to provide food and provisions for his brothers and others in the army. When David found out what was happening, he said he would go and fight the enemy. When the current King Saul heard about David he sent for him and told him that he was too young and had no experience against this great man of war. David told him that God was with him and with the armies of the living God. He relayed his experience of killing a bear and a lion while protecting his sheep and that this Philistine would be no different.

The king agreed and dressed him in armor and gave him a sword to go fight Goliath. After trying on the armor and equipment David said he could not wear them because he was not used to them and had no experience in wearing armor while fighting. He elected to go with his normal clothes, armed with his shepherd's staff (stick), a bag that held 5 smooth stones, and his slingshot. When Goliath saw David he was insulted and said “Am I a dog that you would come to me with sticks?” He then cursed David by his own gods. David replied that he was coming to him in the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, and that he would strike him down, take his head, and give his carcass to the birds and that all will know that there is a God in Israel. David said the battle is the Lord’s and he would have victory. He then proceeded to run towards Goliath, swinging his sling and released the stone that hit Goliath right on the open spot of his forehead. The stone sunk into his forehead and he fell to the ground onto his face. David took Goliath’s own sword and removed his head. The Israelite army then shouted for victory and proceeded to run towards their enemy to defeat them.

Although David had never fought a man of war, God had prepared him during his job of watching and protecting the sheep. Often God chooses the lowly and humble to accomplish great things. David was confident of God’s power to protect through his own experiences and acted in faith and spoke of God’s power. He ran towards his enemy with full confidence that God would give him the victory and success.

What is your enemy or your challenge today? Remember the victories that God has given you in the past and use the talents and skills that God has given you to face your enemies/challenges speaking His words in faith by Christ Jesus.

(Mark 11:22-23;

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Victory comes from “the empty tomb.

(John 20;Luke 24;Mark 16; Matthew 28)

After the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, His body was placed in a cave-like tomb that had been carved out from solid rock. A large heavy stone was rolled in front of the entrance to seal it. Jesus’ enemies, the Jewish religious leaders responsible for His death, asked Pontius Pilate (Roman governor) to secure the area because they remembered that Jesus had spoken of His own resurrection.

Pilate provided Roman guards and placed a Roman seal on the tomb stating that removal of the stone would be punishable by death. If any Roman soldier were to fall asleep while on duty, the whole group would be put to death. Security was extremely high. Early on the first day of the week, a sudden earthquake shook the area and an angel of the Lord, who looked like lightning and was clothed with white, rolled back the tombstone and sat on top of it. The guards were so afraid that they shook and dropped like dead men. Some of the guards went to the city to tell the chief priests what had happened. The priests and elders came up with a plan to hide the facts of the resurrection. They paid off the guards with a large sum of money and told them to say that they fell asleep while the disciples stole the body. They said they would protect them if the Roman governor (Pilate) had any questions.

Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene, another Mary, and other women approached the garden where the tomb was located bringing spices to prepare the body. Each gospel gives an account of how the women were told by angels that the tomb was empty and that Jesus had risen from the dead. Those that looked inside the tomb saw the linen cloths laid out where Jesus’ body had laid. They were instructed not to be afraid but to go and tell the disciples. Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus freed from seven devils, was the first person that Jesus appeared to after His resurrection. Jesus later appeared to the other women as they were on their way to tell the disciples. Although the disciples didn’t believe them at first, Jesus later appeared to them and they started their journey to change the world by spreading the gospel of Jesus’ love.

Paul the apostle stated that without the resurrection, our faith would be in vain. Our Christian faith is based on Jesus’ death and confirmed by His resurrection. Multiple witnesses saw Jesus during the forty days after He arose from the grave. When Jesus rose from the dead, He also gave us His resurrection power to overcome challenges in our lives. The Bible says that the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead, dwells in us. Victory comes from the “empty tomb.” Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. Dare to live it. (Rom. 8:11; I Cor. 15:14)

Personal Development Tip:

Remember that the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you and you don’t have to lean on your own strength when going through challenges in your life. Pray in faith and speak God’s word.

Prayer for the week:

Dear heavenly Father, as I celebrate my salvation I am thankful that You have forgiven me of all my sins, past, present, and future. Thank You Jesus for providing me with total healing in my body, mind, and heart. As I believe I am saved, I believe I am totally healed from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet because the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me and empowers me in all I do in Jesus name, Amen.

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Remembering God’s Power (Exodus 10-13)

When the Israelites were suffering under the slavery of Egypt, God called Moses to be their deliverer. God had already told Moses and his brother Aaron that Pharaoh would be very resistant and God would show his power to him and all of Egypt. Although a series of plagues including the Nile River turning to blood and killing the fish, an infestation of frogs, swarms of gnats biting people and livestock, blood-sucking flies, animals dying, a breakout of boils and sores on the people and animals, heavy rain and huge balls of hail that destroyed crops and injured/killed livestock and people, swarms of locusts that ate the leftover crops, and thick darkness lasting 3 days, Pharaoh would not let the people go. Throughout these plagues, Pharaoh would say “yes I’ll let the people go, just stop the current plague,” and then change his mind after the plague had stopped. He would go back and forth, but never let them go until the last plague. Meanwhile, the Israelites were not affected by any of the plagues.

The last plague was the game-changer. Moses instructed his people to ask the Egyptians for jewels, gold, silver, and clothing. God gave them favor and the Egyptians gladly gave them what they asked. These items of value were for their journey out of Egypt and was compensation for the many years of slave labor. Moses told each family to prepare a feast of unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and roasted lamb for each household. It was extremely important that they smeared the blood of the lamb on the sides and the top of the doorway into their houses. Everyone had to stay in their houses until morning because the death angel would be moving throughout Egypt and would “pass over” any dwelling that had the blood of the lamb on the doorposts and lintel. That night the death angel visited each unprotected family and every first born, both man and beast, died, including Pharoah’s first born son. With death all over Egypt, Pharaoh was now willing to let the Israelites go and wanted them out immediately. The Egyptian people who had suffered from the plagues wanted them out and were willing to give them gold, silver, jewels, livestock, and everything they needed to leave Egypt permanently.

From that time on the Israelites/Jews continue to celebrate Passover to commemorate their passage from slavery out of Egypt to freedom to worship their God and journey to the promised land filled with fruitfulness and prosperity.

When Jesus Christ was on the earth, he celebrated Passover with his disciples. During the last supper with them, Jesus took unleavened bread, gave thanks, broke it, and passed it out to them. He said that the bread was His body that was given to them and in like manner He took the cup, gave thanks, and said it was His blood covenant that was poured out for them and for the forgiveness of sins. As Christians, we remember what Jesus did for us, by taking part of what is known as Holy Communion today. As often as we practice taking the bread and the cup (even at home during our devotional time) we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. He was the sacrificial Lamb of God who died and took our punishment of sin so that we could be saved. He was and is our “Passover” from death to life. When you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you receive His forgiveness of sins, and you are entitled to everything that Jesus came to give you. The new covenant is a covenant of love, grace, and faith that gives you salvation in every area of your life. When you receive Jesus, you become part of His family. The proof that this was and is true, was in the resurrection of Jesus, who arose from the dead after 3 days and 3 nights and was seen for many days by his disciples and at least 500 people before He ascended into heaven. If you don’t know Jesus, now is a good time to ask

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The Old Testament is full of stories of God’s saving power, redemption, and grace. Moses, a Hebrew/Israelite, grew up in the palace of the Egyptian Pharaoh (leader/king) as the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter. While he lived as a prince, his people, the Hebrews, lived as slaves making bricks of mud and straw for Pharaoh’s building projects. One day as Moses was visiting the area where his people were working, he saw an Egyptian taskmaster brutally beating one of the Hebrew slaves. Moses was angered by what he saw. When no one was around, Moses found the taskmaster, killed, and buried him in the sand. After Moses realized that his crime had been witnessed and the Egyptians were seeking him, he ran from Egypt and began a new life in a place called Midian.

Forty years later, after Pharaoh had died, Moses is watching over sheep and sees a strange phenomenon. He sees a burning bush that does not destroy the bush. God calls out to Moses to approach and take off his shoes because the ground is holy. Moses obeys and God calls him to return to Egypt to lead his people out of slavery to a promised land filled with milk and honey. Moses asks God, who should I say sent me, and what if the Israelites do not believe me? God tells him what to say and gives him the power to perform miracles so the people can see that God is with him. Still hesitant, Moses says that he is a stutterer and cannot speak as a leader. Although God tells him that He will help him, Moses asks God to choose someone else. Angered, God finally tells Moses, fine, He will have Moses’ brother, Aaron come and meet him and Aaron will speak for Moses. Moses and Aaron meet after 40 years, Moses tells Aaron everything God has told him. Moses, at the age of 80 returns to Egypt and so begins the journey called Exodus of the children of Israel from slavery and Egypt to freedom and a promised land.

How many times have you allowed your past mistakes or sins to haunt you and condemn you so you feel that you are not worthy to become anything but mediocre or a failure in life? Perhaps you had a dream for a business or a calling on your life to be something specific, but you think God is mad at you and you have to continue to pay for your mistakes. Perhaps your confidence keeps getting knocked down because you may still be suffering the consequences of your mistakes and sins.

Moses killed a man, hid his sin, and ran away from Egypt’s death penalty. God had a purpose for Moses, to lead his people out of slavery into freedom and into their own land. Moses could have become the next Pharaoh had he not killed the Egyptian taskmaster in secret. Although Moses took things into his own hands, God still used Moses, 40 years later to accomplish His plan. Moses had a lot of time to mature and master his negative emotions. When you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior of your life, your sins are forgiven and God does not hold that against you. God can even use your mistakes and turn them around for your good. God wants you to be willing to follow His calling and depend on Him to help you in everything you do. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Jer. 29:11)

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week ahead. I pray that they remember that they are loved by you unconditionally no matter what, faults in all. None of us are perfect lord and we can come to you when we make mistakes or feel bad about the choices we made. I pray that they have the courage this week to step up and keep believing in your goodness over their life and that they have a blessed week in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

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Knowing Your Purpose. Exodus chapter 2

As we approach Passover, we are reminded of one of the most important stories in Judeo-Christian history. Over three thousand years ago the Israelites (Hebrews, Jews) were freed from Egyptian slavery after living in Egypt for 400 years. The Pharaoh (ruler/king of Egypt), at that time, had either forgotten or had never been taught the history of the Israelites, who with God’s direction, had saved Egypt from a 7 year famine, and prospered the Pharaohs’ wealth and power position in the world during that time.

Not only had history been forgotten, the Pharaoh had feared that the Israelites were growing too much in population and may seek to overthrow his government. He enslaved the Jews and put out a command to kill all of the infant boys so that their population of men would not grow and become strong. However, one mother, put her baby, in a waterproof basket, and sent him into the Nile River. His older sister, Miriam, followed the water basket to see where it would go. It happened to float into the river bath of the daughter of Pharaoh who was with her maidens. The princess heard the baby cry and had one of her maidens fetch the basket. When she saw the baby, she loved him, and although she knew he was a Hebrew she wanted him as her son. Moses’ sister saw this and quickly approached the princess and told her that she knew of a wet nurse (a woman who could breastfeed a baby after giving birth) that could take care of the baby. The princess agreed and paid to have Moses’ mother bring him up until he was older so he could become her son.

Moses grew up in privilege, was well educated, and learned the ways of the Egyptians. Because his natural mother brought him up he also learned about his people, the Israelites. When Moses was older he witnessed one of the Egyptians beating up one of the Hebrew slaves. He was so angered, thinking no one was watching, he killed the Egyptian abuser and covered up his crime by burying the body. The next day Moses returned and saw two Hebrews fighting with each other. He tried to break up the fight, then one of them said, “will you kill me too like you did the Egyptian?” Frightened that his crime had been witnessed Moses ran for his life and left Egypt to become a shepherd in a land called Midian, an area away from Egypt. Forty years later God calls Moses to go back to Egypt to get his people out.

Sometimes in life, we make poor choices that disrupt our God given purposes. God saved Moses as a baby so that he could one day free his people. He, however, allowed his anger and emotions to take over when he killed the Egyptian abuser. Although Moses may have been justified in his own eyes, to his fellow kindred, he was worse than the abuser. In the eyes of Pharaoh, he had broken the law and would be subject to death. God can take our messes and turn them around for our good, but it may take time so that we can grow in wisdom and leadership. Ask God to give you wisdom and grace so that you find your purpose without the costly mistakes. (Gen. 50:20; James 1:5; Jer. 29:11)

Personal Development Tip of the Week:

God has a special calling on your life that he put inside you from the moment you were born.

It takes us time to figure out what that purpose is. Ask yourself today, what am I naturally good at and what am I interested in? I do believe that your God given purpose in your life is an intersection between what you are naturally good at and what also interests you.

The quality of your life is determined by the quality of questions you ask yourself each day. Remember to ask yourself questions like this each day because you will get answers that can help take you down the path to finding that out for yourself.

Maybe it’s being a great mom or dad, or a doctor, lawyer, engineer, et

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Jesus Our Rock

Jesus used many word pictures and stories in His teachings to help people understand. He said if you listen and follow His teachings you are wise. You are like a person who builds their house on a solid rock foundation. When the torrential rains and gusty winds beat on your house and floodwaters rise, your house still stands. Whereas a foolish person is one who builds their house on sand and when the storms and floodwaters come their house falls apart and comes crashing down.

To build a house on a foundation of rock is considerably harder and takes longer than building one on the sand. When your life is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, our solid rock, the Word of God, you can weather the storms of life and not collapse. No matter what challenge, temptation, fear, or desperate situation you are in, Jesus can carry you through. By reading, studying, and believing the Word of God and praying, you will build a strong foundation and grow in Christ. Spend time with the One who loves you and cares about everything in your life. (Psalms 18:2; Psalms 62:2; I Cor. 3:11: John 3:16)

Personal Development Tip of the Week:

I challenge you this week to ask yourself each day, “what are the 2-3 things I need to accomplish that If I get them done I can be proud of this day?”

Remember the quality of your questions determines the quality of your life so ask yourself this question each day before you start your day. You can also plan this the night before so you won't have to think about what you have to do when you wake up.

Once you decide what these things are, commit to get them done, and take negotiating this commitment off the table!

Let’s make it a practice this week to not negotiate the things we know we should do each day to keep progressing our lives. Remember, it’s not about the destination but who you are becoming along the way. When you can understand that you start enjoying the process of who you are becoming each day personally and spiritually!

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week ahead. I pray that they remember they are strong, healthy, wealthy, and wise capable of doing all things through Christ which strengthens them in Jesus name amen!

PS: If you would like more tools and resources to help you get closer to God consider checking out our New 31 Day Devotional Prayer Journal available at https://bit.ly/352QxAk

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What Are You Worried About? Matthew 6: 25 - 30

Have you taken time to look at the natural beauty of wildflowers or listened to birds chirping in the morning? Jesus talked about the birds and how His Heavenly Father, your heavenly Father, feeds them. They don’t plant seeds for food or store food for a rainy day. They depend on God every day to supply their needs. Sometimes people feed them, other times they find food wherever they fly. Jesus said that we are far more valuable than the birds and we shouldn’t worry about things like food, drink, and clothes. Of course, we need those things and we need to work in order to get those things, but the state of “worrying” will not improve or make a difference. Jesus wants us to know that God loves and cares for us and all our needs.

Have faith, confidence with expectation, that when you pray that God will supply all your needs according to His riches by Christ Jesus. Don’t worry but thank God for the supply and ask Him boldly for what you need and believe that you will receive it because your Heavenly Father loves you so much. (Mark 11:24, Phil. 4:13, Phil. 4:6, and Heb. 4:16)

Personal Development Tip of the Week: I challenge you this week to speak these words over your day before you start your day. Remember the words you speak every day over your life have the power to lift you up or pull you down.

Daily Words:

This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Every day and every way I’m getting stronger and stronger!

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me!

Bonus Tip! If you can speak this out loud with confidence each morning before you start your day I believe this will make your day and week better!

Prayer for the week

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week ahead. I pray that they continue to speak powerful words over their day each and every day. Speak, claim, believe, and receive the promises of God. I pray that they have a wonderful week lord in Jesus name I claim amen!

-Dayne

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God Cares About Our Hearts: Jonah 4

When God spared the city of Nineveh that had a population of 120,000 people, Jonah was very upset with God. He knew that God was gracious, slow to anger, merciful, and had great kindness. Jonah left the city and went to the outskirts where he could view the city. He was angry that God did not punish the people and he told God that he knew this would happen and that is why he went in the opposite direction to Tarshish in the first place.

As Jonah was on the outskirts and depressed, God prepared a gourd to grow to provide him with shade from the heat of the sun. He was happy to have the shade and comfort. The next day God sent a worm to eat the gourd and sent a strong wind with the heat beating on Jonah’s head and body. Jonah was so faint that he wanted to die. He felt sorry for the gourd that had made him comfortable the day before and now he was angry and wanted to die. God showed him that he had more pity on the gourd than he did for the 120,000 people that lived in the city of Nineveh.

God is a loving and compassionate Father that cares about his creation. His desire is for all to be saved, but He gives each one of us free will to choose the right way and separate ourselves from evil. As children of God, He wants us to have love and compassion for others, even our enemies. We may want them to be punished by God even when they change their ways. Our hearts must reflect our Father’s heart and that is to share the good news of the gospel to others and to pray for their salvation.

Personal Development Tip of the Week:

I challenge you this week to not get flustered or upset if someone treats you wrongly. I know this might be a difficult thing to do but we have to remember we don’t know what’s going on in someone's life when they decide to lash out or speak negatively about us.

In Luke 6:28, it says, Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (NIV).

I know it’s hard not to want to push back against someone who mistreats you or demonstrates anger towards you but you have to remember that that person might be going through something very difficult in their life. Maybe they just needed to lash out to make them feel a little better.

And if you can be the bigger person who lets them release that anger and demonstrates love back by simply not reacting and praying for them it will help also create more peace and joy in your life.

We already have enough going on in our lives to let some small encounter steal our joy. I know this hard to do but try your best this week to meet any type of hate or negatively towards you with love.

Prayer For The Week

Dear Heavenly Father, I am praying over this individual's week ahead. Bless them to trust in you with all their heart and not lean on their own understanding. You are always working behind the scenes for our greater good and I pray that this person remembers that this week no matter what happens to them, good or bad. I pray for your protection over their life and their family from the top of their head to the bottom of their feet and to remember that they can do all things through Chirst who strengthens them in Jesus name I claim Amen!

-Dayne

PS: If you would like more tools and resources to help you get closer to God consider checking out our New 31 Day Devotional Prayer Journal available at

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God’s Mercy: Jonah 1-3

Jonah was a Jewish prophet of God during the days when the City of Nineveh was a great trading center located in the ancient Assyrian empire (modern-day city of Mosul in northern Iraq). It was a very wicked Gentile city (non-Jewish) according to God and Jonah was instructed by God to go to Nineveh. He was to preach to the people about their wickedness and tell them that destruction was coming if they did not turn from their wickedness. Jonah did not want to obey God and fled to the port of Joppa to catch a ship headed to the city of Tarshish, which is in the opposite direction.

A great storm came while the ship was sailing and the mariners had to throw goods overboard to lighten the ship. They each prayed to their own gods for help. As the storm got worse and it looked like the ship would break apart, they found Jonah who was below deck fast asleep. The Captain woke him up and told him to call on his God to help them. They also cast lots (like rolling dice or drawing sticks) to see who was the cause of this distress. The lot fell on Jonah and they asked him what he had done that might have caused the storm. He explained that he was a prophet of God who was running away from his assignment. He told them to throw him overboard and the sea would calm down. They didn’t want to do that and struggled to row to safety. When the storm continued raging, they prayed to Jonah’s God to stop the storm, declared that they were innocent of his blood, and threw him over into the ocean. The sea stopped raging and the men gave thanks to God.

Jonah was on his way down to certain death when a great fish that God had prepared came and swallowed him whole. Jonah was in the belly of this great fish surrounded by seaweed and darkness. During this time he cried out to God, gave Him thanks, and changed his mind about running from his assignment. He was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. The great fish vomited Jonah onto dry land. Once again, God told Jonah to go preach to the people of Nineveh. This time Jonah obeyed. He entered Nineveh and started preaching that in forty days the city would be overthrown because of their great wickedness that had come up before God.

The leadership and people of Nineveh believed and listened to Jonah. The king published a proclamation that all the people should pray and cry out to the God of Israel, they and their animals should fast and wear sackcloth, and that they were to turn from their evil ways and violence. They were hoping that God would change His mind. God saw their works and that they had turned from their evil ways. God revoked His sentence and spared their city.

The story of Jonah is in the Old Testament of the Bible. It was a story that showed God’s mercy even for those who were not under the old covenant (agreement) with the Jewish people. Under the Old Testament, there were the ten Commandments during Moses’ time and many other laws and rituals that had to be followed (over 600) for forgiveness of sin and moral standards and laws for living.

Under the New Testament, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is the fulfillment of God’s mercy for all mankind ( to the Jew first and then to all). When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, our punishment for our sins has been paid and His Holy Spirit helps us change our ways starting from our hearts and minds.

Personal Development Tip of the Week:

As this Valentine's weekend comes to an end remember, whether you are in a relationship or not we can all practice self-love more in 2021.

Your relationship with yourself is so important and we can love others, even more, when we love ourselves.

Practice this week looking at yourself in the mirror when you wake up and saying, (I love you, I like myself, I can do all things through Christ which s

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Believe God’s Word for healing: Matthew 8:5:13

When Jesus had entered the city of Capernaum, a Roman centurion approached Him, pleading and saying, “Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed and dreadfully tormented.”

Jesus replied, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered, “Lord I am not worthy to have You come under my roof, just speak the word and my servant will be healed.” When Jesus heard the centurion, He marveled and said, “Assuredly I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way, as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” That same hour the servant was healed.

A Roman centurion was a military officer who commanded around 80 men. He also had to obey his commanding officer over him. Understanding authority, this centurion had confidence that Jesus was one with authority and had the power to heal. He did not need Jesus to come, only to speak His word. Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1) and when we believe His Word, we can receive his healing, even today. Last week, we learned that Jesus is willing to heal. Today, we learn that it is our belief in His Word that causes us, like the centurion, to receive healing.

Personal Development Question of the week: What’s one thing you can be more grateful for in your life this week?

Comment below and let me know if you would like to share!

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I’m praying for this child of God as they step into this new week ahead. Bless them to be thankful for this new day and wake up saying, thank God it’s Monday! I pray lord they continue to find joy and gratitude in the little things that happen this week and not let the challenges that come get them down. I pray that they look at any challenge or setback as a setup for something greater. Bless them to be strong, healthy, wealthy, and wise protected from all harm and evil from the top of their head to the bottom of their feet in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

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Jesus is willing to heal you: Matthew 8:1-4

Jesus had just spoken to a large crowd of people and was walking down a mountain when he was approached by a leper. The leper came and worshipped Jesus saying, “Lord if You are willing, You can make me clean.”

Then Jesus put out His hand and touched the leper, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leper was cleansed and all of his leprosy was gone. Jesus told him not to tell anyone, but go show himself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.

Leprosy was a horrible contagious flesh-eating disease and those who were lepers had to live in isolation from their families. Jewish law required that people stay at least 6 feet away from them and no one was allowed to touch them. This leper believed that Jesus could heal him through his words and his action. He approached Jesus in humility and respect calling Him Lord and worshipping Him. He acknowledged that Jesus could cleanse/heal him if He were willing.

Jesus, not only said He was willing, but He also put His hand out and touched him. Jesus’ word and touch brought total healing. Today we have God’s written Word in the Bible and promises of healing. Speak healing over your body and mind each day using the Word of God.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases…” (Psalm 103:1-2)

Personal Development Tip Of The Week: “Mental Toughness”

Mental toughness is a measure of an individual's resilience that predicts success in school, sports, work, etc.

Mental toughness is much more about persistence not how intense or tough you try to make things. Just like our journey as Christians, we will be faced with many challenges and if we can continue to persist forward in faith we can become mentally tough to get through any challenge.

Scripture to reflect on: Galatians 6:9 - And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray right now that you fill us up with your Holy Spirit as we step into this new week. Bless us to not lean on our own understanding but to trust in you because you know the plans for us. I pray for your protection over our lives and our families this week lord and pray that you open new doors of opportunity for us in Jesus name amen!

-Dayne

PS: If you would like more tools and resources to help you get closer to God consider checking out our New 31 Day Devotional Prayer Journal available at https://bit.ly/352QxAk

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Victory Overcomes a Death Sentence: Esther 5-10

On the third day, Queen Esther approached the king’s inner court as she had promised Mordecai. God gave her favor in the king’s eyes and he raised his golden scepter acknowledging that she had permission to approach him without harm. He asked her what her request was and said he was willing to give her up to half of his kingdom. Instead of begging for her life and the lives of her people she invited the king and Haman to attend a banquet that she had prepared for the king. The king and Haman attended the banquet and again the king asked Esther if she had a request for him. She answered that she wanted both of them to attend another banquet the next day and she would answer him.

The king and Haman had no idea that Esther was related to Mordecai and that she was a Jew. That evening the King could not sleep and he asked his servant to read from the book of the Chronicles. In reading, he was reminded of what Mordecai had done in saving his life. Finding that nothing had been done to honor Mordecai he pondered on what should be done.

At this time Haman had entered the outer court and intended to ask the king to allow him to hang Mordecai from the gallows he had prepared for his death. The king asked who was there and being told it was Haman he had him enter and asked what should be done to the man that the king wants to honor? Right away Haman thought that the king wanted to honor him so he suggested that the king's royal robe be put on the person and that the person be paraded around the city on the king's horse with a noble declaring that this was the person the king wanted to honor. The king loved the idea and told Haman to go and honor Mordecai and parade him around the city!

The next day Haman did as the king requested and was so embarrassed that he covered his head on his way home. Soon he was called to Esther’s banquet and had to leave his house. During the banquet, the king asked Esther for her request up to half of his kingdom. At this time she asked for her life and that of her people the Jews. The king asked who has done this evil thing and Esther replied that it was the wicked Haman who was there with them.

The king granted Esther’s request and was so angry at Haman that he had him hung on his own gallows and he gave Haman’s property to Esther. A decree went out to stop the destruction of the Jews and those that tried to destroy them were killed. The Jews and Esther were saved and the people celebrated and gave gifts to one another. Mordecai was promoted to second in command replacing Haman.

Esther did not know that God had a plan for her to save her people. Facing the possibility of her own death, she stepped out in faith and used wisdom in bringing to light Haman’s evil plan. Your challenge may not be as significant as saving your people, but every major challenge should be approached the same way, with prayer, fasting, faith, and courage.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Personal Development Tip Of The Week: “Never Make a Challenge Bigger Than God”

Can you remember a time when something challenging or difficult happened to you and you made it so much bigger than it is?

You thought about it constantly, ran scenario after scenario in your head about why this isn’t fair, how am I going to get through this, and story after story almost making this challenge bigger than yourself and your God.

Remember, wherever you direct focus, energy followers. If you spend so much time on the problem the problem becomes bigger and bigger. You have to remember that no challenge is bigger than you and your God and you can get through anything with th

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Speaking Up Takes Courage: Esther 3-5

During the reign of Queen Esther, King Ahasuerus promoted Haman to be his highest-ranking official in his government. Haman was a descendent of the Amalakites who were long time enemies of the Jews. The king's law required that people bow, kneel, and show respect for Haman in his new position. As he would enter or exit the king’s gate Haman’s servants noticed that Mordecai would not bow or kneel down to Haman. They told Haman that Mordecai would not obey the law even though they had told him to do so many times.

Haman became enraged and wanted to harm Mordecai, but finding out that he was a Jew, decided that he would rather destroy all the Jews living in Persia. He devised a plan and told the king that there were certain people living throughout Persia who had their own laws and did not obey the king’s commandments. He asked the king to decree that this group of people be destroyed and he said that he would pay ten thousand talents of silver (750,000 pounds at $24 per ounce today= $ 288 million) to the king’s treasury. The king agreed and on the 13th day of the first-month notices of this decree were sent throughout the provinces. On the 13th day of the twelfth month all Jews, including women and children would be killed and all of their possessions would be confiscated.

When the Jews found out they mourned, fasted, wept, wailed, and laid in sackcloth and ashes. Mordecai sent a message to Esther to go before the king and ask him to reverse the decree. Esther responded that she could be killed because she has not been summoned in over thirty days. Mordecai replied that if she kept silent, deliverance would come from another source, but she would not be saved. He said, “who knows whether you are in this royal position for such a time as this?”

Esther instructed Mordecai to have the people fast for three days and three nights with no food or water. She and her maids would do the same. With courage, she told Mordecai that she would go to the king, which is against the law, and stated “if I perish, I perish!”

From orphan to queen, Esther lived a privileged life of wealth and luxury. God had given her favor and placed her in a unique position. She had a choice, to remain silent or risk her life to plead for her people’s safety. She was willing and did not cower to fear.

God has a unique plan for your life and sometimes He puts you in a place that will make a difference in the lives of others. The choice is always yours, but you are never alone. “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Personal Development Tip Of The Week: “Speak Up!”

Have you ever felt afraid to speak up about what you want or voice your opinion on a matter? We all have at some point due to fear of being judged or rejected.

Remember, FEAR is (false, evidence, appearing, real). It’s okay to feel hesitant about speaking up due to what the outcome might be but the way we overcome this fear is to feel the fear and do it anyway. How many times have you felt fearful about something that never happened? Too many times for me to count, we have all been there.

What you have to remember is that the things we are fearful of hardly ever end up happening and what’s the worst thing that could happen from speaking up? You get rejected, you get judged? Rejection is a part of life and we become stronger Christians the more we learn how to handle and overcome rejection and or judgment.

Lastly, remember, you can’t get something you don’t ask for so the next time you feel the urge to speak up or ask for what you want, just do it. It will be okay no matter what happens.

Prayer for the week:

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Doing the Right Thing: Esther 2 and 6

After Esther became the queen she had her own living quarters that were in a separate area from the kings. In those days the king had absolute power and although Esther was the queen and his wife, she could not go and visit her husband anytime she wanted. If she tried to see him without being called, she could lose her life. Mordecai, Esther’s Uncle, would sit in the king’s gates which was the entrance area of the palace. It was a busy area where a lot of community activities occurred. There, Mordecai could get messages to and from Esther and check on her well being. Mordecai was known as the Jew, but no-one knew his relationship with Queen Esther. Being obedient, Esther kept her secret of being a Jew.

One day Mordecai overheard two of the king’s doormen who were very angry and were plotting to harm him. Wanting to keep Esther safe, Mordecai sent a message to Esther to let the king know of the plot. There was an investigation that proved that these two had planned to harm the king. They were sentenced to death. Esther told the king that it was Mordecai who brought her the information. His deed was recorded in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king. Although Mordecai was not rewarded immediately, a few years later the king had the record book read to him on an evening when he could not sleep. When the story of how Mordecai saved the king was read, the king asked what honor was given to him. Since nothing had been done, he planned to do something special to show his appreciation.

Although Mordecai was not rewarded right away for his good deed, he kept Esther safe. What would have happened if the king had been killed? Would Esther still be queen or would she have been killed as well? Mordecai did not know that God had a greater plan for him. He was faithful in doing the right thing. Sometimes we may think that doing the right thing is not a big deal, but the Bible says, “Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17) We don’t always do the right thing, but we can ask God to help us when the opportunity comes or when we fail.

Personal Development Tip Of The Week: “Know Your Circle”

Are you surrounding yourself with people who are positive and uplifting? Do they challenge you to better yourself and want the absolute best for you?

Take inventory this week of the people you spend time with and make sure you have people in your circle who love you and want the best for you.

There is a saying out there that says, “you are the average of 5 people you spend the most time with” so make sure you are surrounding yourself with people who love you and want the best for you.

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for your complete and total protection of this individual as they step into their week. I ask your lord to help them grow this week in the things they are working on and for you lord to open new doors of opportunity in their life. I pray lord that they continue to love themselves this year and to continue to protect their peace. Bless them to remember that no weapon formed against them shall prosper and that they can do all things through Christ which strengthens them. I pray for your healing over their life if they are facing any sickness or illness and for them to be healed from the top of their head to the bottom of their feet in Jesus name I claim Amen!

-Dayne

PS: If you would like more tools and resources to help you get closer to God consider checking out our New 31 Day Devotional Prayer Journal available at https://bit.ly/352QxAk

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Trust God for Favor Esther Chapters 1-2

The Book of Esther in the Old Testament is a story of how the Jewish people were saved from annihilation while they were living in Persia (now known as Iran around 483BC). Although the Jews were foreigners, they still maintained their culture and kept their faith and worship of God.

During this time the Persian King Ahasuerus was very powerful and wealthy. He reigned over 127 provinces from India to North Africa. During the third year of his reign, the king wanted to show off the splendor of his kingdom, his wealth, and riches to all of his noblemen, officials, and princes of his provinces. It took six months and after that, he hosted a great seven-day feast with royal wine flowing in abundance. At the same time, his beautiful wife, Queen Vashti, entertained the wives and women in her own palace. On the seventh day when the king had plenty to drink he wanted to show off his beautiful wife and ordered her to appear before him and all of his guests. She was to wear her royal crown, and most likely not anything else. The queen refused and the king was very angry and humiliated before all of his guests. To punish her he took away her royal position and said he would replace her with someone else.

An order was made to gather the most beautiful virgins who would undergo a 12-month beauty preparation before meeting the king. Each would have a turn to be presented to the king for him to choose a new queen. One of those was an orphaned Jewish girl by the Persian name of Esther whose guardian was her Uncle Mordecai. Mordecai instructed her to keep her Jewish heritage a secret. Esther was beautiful and God gave her favor. The head of the women, Hegai, favored Esther and gave her the best place to stay and gave her seven of the best handmaids to help her. She was given daily beauty treatments and instructed in the royal ways. When it became Esther's turn, she could pick anything she wanted to wear and how she wanted to look. Being wise she asked Hegai for his advice and followed what he recommended. She was delivered in the evening and was to return in the morning. The king fell in love with her and crowned her as his new queen.

Although an orphan, Esther was obedient to her Uncle and found favor with those she was around. She sought the wisdom of others (Hegai) and followed instructions. God gives us favor no matter our humble beginnings. Claim God’s favor over your life and allow Him to elevate you to new heights.

For You O Lord will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround me as with a shield.

Psalm 5:12

Personal Development Tip Of The Week: “Take 10”

I challenge you this week to take 10 minutes every morning before you start your day to be with God. This could be sitting silent praying or speaking out loud (my favorite!) with God.

Praying has had such a profound impact on my life and if you start your morning right you set yourself up to have a great day.

Take 10 each morning before you start your day and spend it with God. If you don’t feel like praying, read a couple of pages in the bible, watch something on YouTube, challenge yourself to spend the first parts of your day with the lord in whatever way feels right with you.

We have to remember this is a relationship and a relationship takes time and effort.

Prayer for the week:

Dear Heavenly Father, as the holidays come to an end I ask you to be with us as we get back to our normal routines. Help us find time to be grateful like we are during holiday times. I ask you lord to help us not try to lean on our own understanding of things but to seek you first and the kingdom of God in all that we do because with you all things are possible. Bless us to have a great week lord, bless us to do everything we need to do to show up and be our

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An attitude of Gratitude for 2021: Luke 17:11-10

On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus was passing through a village that was located between Samaria and Galilee. In those days the Samaritans and Jews would have nothing to do with each other. However, there were ten lepers at a distance, who recognized Jesus. Leprosy was an incurable disease that was contagious and would eat away at a person’s flesh. Lepers were outcasts and had to stay away from their families and normal healthy people. These ten men called loudly, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When Jesus saw them, He said to them, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they did, they were healed of their diseases.

One of the men, a Samaritan, when he saw he was healed, returned to Jesus, glorified God, and fell down at Jesus’s feet and thanked Him. Jesus asked, “where are the other nine who were healed?” Jesus remarked that only the foreigner, the Samaritan, returned to give glory to God. Jesus said to him “Arise go your way. Your faith has made you well.”

As you contemplate 2021, thank God for all the good things He has done for you and thank Him for His plans for you.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

"Don’t worry about anything, but in every situation, pray and make your requests known to God, with thanksgiving for the answer. And God’s peace which we can’t even understand will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Personal Development Tip Of The Week: “1 New Habit for 2021”

As 2021 approaches this Friday think about 1 New Habit you can set for yourself this New Year that could really make a difference in your life. Sometimes we overcomplicate the New Year by trying to set all these goals for ourselves only to fall short. Remember, that complexity is the enemy of execution.

If you think about it, habits, which are a regular practice of something, ultimately get us towards our goals. Also, consider asking yourself this question…

“What’s one habit I could practice regularly that would make this my best year ever?”

Remember, the quality of the questions we ask ourselves determines the quality of our life. Take some time to reflect on this as you go into the New Year.

Lastly, a new habit typically takes 30-70 days to form so once you decide on what this habit is going to be, make sure to work on it each and every day to the best of your ability.

Bonus Tip: Practice your new habit around the same time each day. It helps make it easier when you write it on paper or on your phone and schedule it into your routine. Try it for yourself and see if it works for you too!

If you are serious and will do your best, let me know what your New Habit is in the comments below or email me at Dayne@litwithprayer.com

A Prayer For You and Your New Year:

Dear Heavenly Father, I’m praying for the individual reading this right now as well as their family members and friends as 2021 approaches. I am praying lord your hand of favor and protection on this individual's life. I am asking you lord to make 2021 the best year of their life in whatever it is they are praying for. I’m praying for health, wealth, wisdom to overflow into their life this year. I’m praying for them to get closer to you this year lord and create unshakeable faith. I’m praying for this individual to remember that every setback in our lives is a setup for something greater. Bless this individual lord to finish this year strong and be run down with your favor and explosive blessing in 2021 in Jesus Name Amen!

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Christmas 2020 will be the strangest one you’ll ever experience, I would imagine. Memories of Christmas pasts with family, friends, parties, and traditions may be very different this year. Living in a pandemic has taken a toll on our normal way of life and may continue to do so for a while.

Christmas for many is the “most wonderful time of the year,” and for others, it’s the saddest time, because of the loss of a loved one, or the lack of resources to pay bills and buy gifts. Yesterday, I lost my Uncle who one week ago went into the hospital. It’s a sad time for my family and me because we didn’t get to say goodbye and we will miss him. However, my Uncle knew Jesus and I know that physical death is not the end, because of the true meaning of Christmas. I can have joy knowing that He is healed, is in the presence of God, and I will see him again.

The Christmas story is about God's love for you and me. God loved you (the world) so much that He sent His only Son Jesus to pay the price for our sins (death on the cross) so that we could have the free gift of eternal life and have a personal relationship with Him if we believe and receive Him as our Savior. (John 3:16)

Some Bible scholars believe that there are over 300 prophesies about Jesus in the old testament. I have not personally gone through the old testament to count and verify that number, but you can read a couple of them in Isaiah. The birth of a savior was written about 700 years before Jesus' birth.

Read Isaiah 7:14 and see the fulfillment in Matthew 1:23 ( a virgin will conceive and have a son and call His name Immanuel - God with us); Isaiah 9:6 and Isaiah 61:1 and fulfilled in Luke 2:11 (Jesus' birth as son and Messiah).

You can read the Christmas story in both the gospel of Matthew and the gospel of Luke. Matthew proves that Jesus was the fulfillment of the old testament prophecies of a coming savior. Luke gives an accurate historical account of the life of Jesus Christ.

Read the accounts yourself in your own Bible or online. Here is my summary combining both.

The Christmas Story

The Virgin Mary Conceives a Baby

Mary, a young virgin, was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph. The Angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her that she was highly favored of God and that she would conceive and have a baby by the Holy Spirit. This baby, a son, would save His people from their sins. She asked how this could happen since she had not had any sexual relations with any man, she was a virgin. The Angel said she would conceive by the Holy Spirit. She agreed and said “let it be as you have said.” She conceived.

When Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, he did not want to publicly shame her so he thought he would secretly divorce her. The angel of the Lord, appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, because the baby within her was of the Holy Spirit and He would save his people from their sins. Joseph listened to the angel, took Mary as his wife, and did not have physical relations with her until after the baby Jesus was born.

Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem

During this time in history, the Roman empire was in control of the land of Israel. There was a census and the citizens were to return to their family’s place of birth to be counted in the census. Joseph was from the house of David so he and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem from their town of Nazareth. When they got to Bethlehem they could not find a room at the inn (hotel). The inn keeper allowed them to stay in a stable.

Jesus is Born

While staying in the stable, Mary gives birth to Jesus and wraps him in swaddling clothes, and puts him in a manger (box or trough used to hold hay/food for livestock).

Shepherds and Angels

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