Tag Archives: God’s promises

January 15, 2016 · 5:30 AM

Panic Prayer

Sometimes when I get into a situation that doesn’t look like anything like what God promised, I panic. I then pray and remind God what He told me. “God, you said that if I did this, then you would do that. So why am I in this situation? Where are you? Why aren’t you being true to your promise?” Have you ever prayed a panic prayer like that? You heard God, did what He said, and the results weren’t what you expected.

When that happens, we trend to freak out a bit. We hear God and then our imagination creates what the outcome should look like. When it doesn’t turn out that way, we ask God why He isn’t holding up His end of the bargain. We think our obedience should be rewarded. We even think our act of faith should be broadcast to all of creation, but we end up in a situation that requires more faith.

Jacob was in this same boat in Genesis 32. God told him to return to the land of his father Isaac. On the way, he sent servants to his brother, whom he had double crossed, to tell him that he was coming. The servants came back with the news that his brother was coming and that he had 400 men with him. Jacob’s mind went to work. He thought of the worst possible scenario. In verses 11 and 12 he prayed, “Save me, please, from the violence of my brother, my angry brother! I’m afraid he’ll come and attack us all, me, the mothers and the children. You yourself said, ‘I will treat you well; I’ll make your descendants like the sands of the sea, far too many to count’” (MSG).

He didn’t know if his brother was still angry 20 years later. He didn’t know if his brother was coming to kill all of them. He saw a small piece of the puzzle, made assumptions, panicked, and prayed. He’s not that different than we are. He saw a situation snd thought of the worst outcome. He didn’t trust God, so he reminded God of what He had said. I wonder how that makes God feel. I wonder if He does a face palm with some of our panic prayers and says, “Will you just trust me?”

It’s one thing to pray a promise of God so you can build your faith and another to use it to remind God in case He forgot. Jacobs situation wasn’t anything like what he had imagined. In fact, his brother was coming to bless him. The same is true of our situations. If God has promised you something, and you’ve acted in faith, don’t look at the circumstances. Trust God to do what He said He will do. There’s no need to panic pray. God keeps His promises and is true to His word.

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December 17, 2015 · 5:46 AM

The Destiny Of The Righteous

Psalm 37 is one of those chapters I find myself going back to over and over again. In it, David wrote about the destiny of the wicked and the righteous. When life shovels on a helpful of trouble, I like to go to this chapter to remind myself of the promises of God. It helps me to change my focus from my current situation to what my future will be. When hard times hit, it seems like they will never go away, but David reminds us we have a destiny that is promised by God.

One of my favorites in this chapter is verse 25. I found it when I was young and have held onto it my whole life. David wrote, “I am old now; I have lived a long time, but I have never seen good people abandoned by the Lord or their children begging for food” (GNT). No matter how bad life gets, the Lord does not abandon us. When friends and family separate themselves from you, you can rest assured that there is One who never will.

Now that I’m older and have a family, the second part is of particular interest to me. If I uncompromisingly continue to do what is right in God’s eyes, my child will be protected as well. As a father, as a protector, and as a provider, that gets my attention. The next verse does to. It says, “At all times they give freely and lend to others, and their children are a blessing.” I want my child to be a blessing to others and not a burden.

In these verses in Psalm 37, God promises us that if we will do good and follow His path, we won’t be abandoned, our children won’t have to beg, we will always have enough to give to someone else, and our children will be a blessing. That’s a lot of motivation to do what’s right in God’s eyes. It’s also a good promise to hold onto when your destiny seems unsure because of present circumstances. Don’t get caught up looking at what your life looks like today. Focus on your destiny.

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September 11, 2015 · 5:30 AM

Words Of Comfort

Life can be very unpredictable. Things can be going well and then the rug gets pulled out from under us. I heard someone say, “All people are in one of three places: in a trial, coming out of a trial or heading for one.” Life is a series of ups and downs. No one gets to stay on top of the mountain forever, no matter what they say on social media.

In my own trials and tests, these scriptures have brought me comfort; I hope they do the same for you.
  
1. From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. 

Psalm 61:2-3 NLT

2. May the Lord himself, who is our source of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.

II Thessalonians 3:16

3. When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, With your other hand save me. Finish what you started in me, GOD. Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now. 

Psalm 138:7-8 MSG

4. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles. 

Psalm 34:17 AMP

5. Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect GOD to get here soon. 

Psalm 31:24 MSG

6. God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 

Psalm 46:1 NASB

7. I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 

Psalm 34:4 AMP

8. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. 

Psalm 34:19 NLT

9. Call to me when trouble comes; I will save you, and you will praise me. 

Psalm 50:15 GNB

10. My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need. 

Psalm 73:26 GNB

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August 7, 2015 · 6:33 AM

God My Defender

  

1. You must defend my innocence, O God, since no one else will stand up for me.

Job 17:3 NLT

2.   The Lord is my strong defender; he is the one who has saved me. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will sing about his greatness.

Exodus 15:2 GNB

3.   DELIVER ME from my enemies, O my God; defend and protect me from those who rise up against me.

Psalm 59:1 AMP

4.   Declare me innocent, O God! Defend me against these ungodly people. Rescue me from these unjust liars.

Psalms 43:1 NLT

5.   My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe. He is my savior; he protects me and saves me from violence.

2 Samuel 22:3 GNB

6.   MAY THE Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high and defend you.

Psalm 20:1 AMP

7.   Don’t rob the poor just because you can, or exploit the needy in court. For the LORD is their defender. He will ruin anyone who ruins them.

Proverbs 22:22-23 NLT

8.   The Lord is your mighty defender, perfect and just in all his ways; Your God is faithful and true; he does what is right and fair.

Deuteronomy 32:4 GNB

9.   For He will give His angels especial charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways of obedience and service.

Psalm 91:11 AMP

10.   Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea.

Psalms 54:1-2 NLT

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July 17, 2015 · 6:40 AM

10 Promises From God To You

  

1. “Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because GOD, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 MSG

2.   “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!”

John 14:13-14 NLT

3.   “But those who wait for the Lord who expect, look for, and hope in Him shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up close to God as eagles mount up to the sun; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.”

Isaiah 40:31 AMP

4.   “But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”

Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT

5.   “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 GNT

6.   “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

7.   “But He said to me, ‘My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in your weakness.’”

2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP

8.   “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19 NLT

9.   ““When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” GOD ’s Decree. “I’ll turn things around for you… You can count on it.”

Jeremiah 29:12-14 MSG

10.   “He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”

Revelation 22:20 NLT

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June 26, 2015 · 5:45 AM

10 Scriptures On Virtue

 

1.   For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face. (Psalms 11:7 NLT)

2.   A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman–who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. (Proverbs 31:10 AMP)

3.   If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it. (Proverbs 19:11 GNT)

4.   The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act. (Proverbs 21:29 NLT)

5.   For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8 ESV)

6.   Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness (all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed); [and aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace (harmony and concord with others) in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22 AMP)

7.   Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV)

8.   Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 MEV)

9.   You have loved righteousness [You have delighted in integrity, virtue, and uprightness in purpose, thought, and action] and You have hated lawlessness (injustice and iniquity). Therefore God, [even] Your God (Godhead), has anointed You with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond Your companions. (Hebrews 1:9 AMP)

10.   Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives. (Titus 2:1-6 MSG)

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June 5, 2015 · 5:30 AM

10 Scriptures On “Good”

  
1.   Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are right [with You and all people] in their hearts. (Psalm 125:4 AMP)

2.   Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light. (1 Timothy 5:24-25 NLT)

3.   Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; GOD probes for what is good. (Proverbs 16:2 MSG)

4.   Do not be fooled. “Bad companions ruin good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 GNT)

5.   Turn your back on evil, work for the good and don’t quit. GOD loves this kind of thing, never turns away from his friends. Live this way and you’ve got it made, but bad eggs will be tossed out. The good get planted on good land and put down healthy roots. (Psalm 37:27-28 MSG)

6.   Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good. (Romans 12:21 GNT)

7.   As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. (2 Thessalonians 3:13 NLT)

8.   Beloved, do not imitate evil, but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen (discerned or experienced) God [has enjoyed no vision of Him and does not know Him at all]. (3 John 1:11 AMP)

9.   Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of GOD! (Proverbs 18:22 MSG)

10.   So—join the company of good men and women, keep your feet on the tried-and-true paths. It’s the men who walk straight who will settle this land, the women with integrity who will last here. The corrupt will lose their lives; the dishonest will be gone for good. (Proverbs 2:20-22 MSG)

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March 6, 2015 · 5:30 AM

10 Scriptures On Practice



1.   You must faithfully keep all my commands by putting them into practice, for I am the LORD. (Leviticus 22:31 NLT)

2.   LET LOVE for your fellow believers continue and be a fixed practice with you [never let it fail]. (Hebrews 13:1 AMP)

3.   Practice God’s law—get a reputation for wisdom; hang out with a loose crowd—embarrass your family. (Proverbs 28:7 MSG)

4.   Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice. (James 1:22 GNT)

5.   Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity). (1 John 3:18 AMP)

6.   Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. (Romans 12:9-10 MSG)

7.   Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9 GNT)

8.   When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. (Romans 12:13 NLT)

9.   Till I come, devote yourself to [public and private] reading, to exhortation (preaching and personal appeals), and to teaching and instilling doctrine…Practice and cultivate and meditate upon these duties; throw yourself wholly into them [as your ministry], so that your progress may be evident to everybody. (1 Timothy 4:13, 15 AMP)

10.   Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. (Philippians 4:8-9 MSG)

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February 19, 2015 · 8:01 AM

The Marvelous Light

Each morning as I drive to work, I have the privilege of watching the sun rise. I watch as the sky goes from black to purple to blue. As the sky becomes a lighter blue, the clouds change from a deep red to orange then yellow and a stark white. As I watch God pain the sunrise each day, I’m reminded of His goodness and love. To me, it’s like God is writing, “I love you” across the sky. There are some days where I watch in awe and think He’s just showing off.

IMG_0457

When I’ve watched some of the most spectacular sunrises, Psalm 19 has come to mind. Verse one says, “How clearly the sky reveals God’s glory! How plainly it shows what He has done! (GNT)” When I read this chapter, I imagine David sitting on a hillside marveling in one the sunrises where God was showing off. I see him overcome, as I often am, at the goodness of God as He watches. When the sun finally peeks through the brilliant colors I hear it reminding me that God’s mercies are new.

In the next few verses in that chapter, David tells how the sky speaks without a word, yet its message goes throughout the world. He wrote, “God made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.” It reminds him, and us, that the instructions of the Lord are perfect and revive the soul. As the sun brings life to everything on the earth, God’s word brings life to us. It chases the darkness out of our lives and fills us with His perfect light.

Darkness can only abide where there is no light. It can only linger where light isn’t let in. When hard times come and we are under attack, our human nature wants us to go into a bunker for protection. It wants us to hide, but somewhere in that hiding, we usually run from the light and our lives become dark. God wants to pierce that darkness with His marvelous light. I Peter 2:9 says, “But you (this means you) are a chosen race, a Royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, God’s own purchased, special people that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfect ions of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (AMP)”

God reminds us who we are in that verse. We aren’t the type who hide in the shadows. We are children of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We are royal priests who are called to take light into the dark places. God purchased us with the blood of Jesus and He calls us to walk in His light. The sun coming up each morning is our reminder that God’s desire for you is to come out of the darkness and to burst forth with brilliant colors so the world will see what great things He has done in your life. It is the metaphor of what He wants to do in your life, but you have to hear His call and come out of that darkness in order to walk in that light.

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January 30, 2015 · 5:30 AM

10 Scriptures On God’s Faithfulness

IMG_0259

1. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. (Lamentations 3:23 NLT)

2. For the word of the Lord is right; and all His work is done in faithfulness. (Psalm 33:4 AMP)

3. Praise GOD, everybody! Applaud GOD, all people! His love has taken over our lives; GOD ’s faithful ways are eternal. Hallelujah! (Psalm 117:1-2 MSG)

4. If we are faithless [do not believe and are untrue to Him], He remains true (faithful to His Word and His righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:13 AMP)

5. With faithfulness and love he leads all who keep his covenant and obey his commands. (Psalms 25:10 GNB)

6. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. (Psalms 119:90 NLT)

7. May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it! (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG)

8. Yet the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen [you] and set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil [one]. (2 Thessalonians 3:3 AMP)

9. Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. (Deuteronomy 7:9 NLT)

10. The Lord says, “I love justice and I hate oppression and crime. I will faithfully reward my people And make an eternal covenant with them. (Isaiah 61:8 GNB)

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