When we pray, our prayers rise through the heavens to reach God’s ears. When He hears our prayers, He sends down blessings. Praying is warfare and in the case of Daniel, prayers can be held up in the second heaven.
Psalm 5:3: “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”
The second heaven can be considered Satan’s headquarters. From this position he and his fallen angels do everything they can to bring destruction on the earth and resist the purposes of God’s grace, blessings, and mercy.
As an aside, there are three heavens. The first is the visible heaven, seeing the stars at night, it is our atmosphere; the second heaven is the evil ones’ headquarters, and the third heaven is where God lives. (Derek Prince, pp 128)
The sole purpose of the evil one is to kill, steal and destroy. If prayers are breaking through the heavens and people are being blessed, the evil one is alerted. We become the enemy. Satan doesn’t focus on his followers, those who live a worldly life, he focuses on God’s people, those working to advance the kingdom of God.
Satan is 100% pure evil, and he has a plan to destroy our lives. Satan is our enemy, like it or not. The battle is between good and evil, and we are the prize. Satan desires to keep us from all that God wants for us. He is the enemy of all people, followers of Christ or not.
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” John 10:10 NKJV
As our prayers are being answered, he goes on the offensive and stirs up the atmosphere around us. He manipulates circumstances and situations against us. He may cause friction, chaos, loss, and illness, anything that can deter us from our mission. This is deception, he causes us to use our energy to address the things he created around us to dilute and weaken our impact as Prayer Warriors and persistent prayer time.
It is our responsibility to learn to discern the battleground and figure out our strategy to succeed. Do we give up our time in prayer with the Lord to address the chaos the evil one created around us, or do we get up earlier, use our lunch time and go to bed a little later to enter into prayer? “Discernment for the believer is seeing and understanding as God sees and understands. It is the ability to make godly judgments and right appraisals.” (Charles Stanley, pp 53)
When the world turns upside down, take time to discern what is happening and how you will approach it. Do not allow the evil one to dissuade you from your prayer time. We cannot afford to be deceived and sidelined. Our prayers matter and people lives are affected by our praying. Each of our prayers is requesting answers/blessings and resolve in life’s situations and circumstances. The failure to pray for yourself and others leaves everyone prey to the evil ones’ plan for our lives to remain slaves to him and the world.
Do not be deceived, always look through your spiritual lens and cast the evil ones’ efforts as far as the east is from the west. Stay focused on your prayers until you see the blessings manifest. They may manifest in a recognizable way, obvious responses to prayer, or may take another form as God sees fit to advance you into the kingdom. Our prayers may be answered right away, sometime in the future, or not at all, but every prayer has impact and outcomes. We may see some answers to prayers and may not see others. It is all dependent upon how God sees fit to include us in the blessings.
The most important thing is to never stop praying until God leads you to do so. Just make certain you can discern who you are listening to. See my earlier Post on The Voice of God.
Today is the last day of 2025. Where do we go from here? Typically, we rehash the year, with little thought to what aspects of ourselves we should leave behind and what we should carry forward. We get caught up in New Year resolutions, which do not focus on how we intend to become a more mature Christian, one who surrenders and intentionally becomes more obedient, leaving the old person behind and redefining who we are in Christ. The main focus is not just to review the past year, but to intentionally decide which aspects of ourselves to leave behind and which to strengthen, especially in our spiritual walk as Christians. The emphasis is on becoming more mature in faith, surrendering old habits, and redefining ourselves in Christ.
Relinquishing Self: The Word or the World
The world feels like the Stranger Things series – we are lodged in the upside-down place, which is in opposition to the Word of God. Our upside-down world is a world that opposes the Word of God. Chaos reigns, and our leaders are deciphering the Word to support their world of greed and influence. It feels as if we cannot stop the onslaught of destruction; that is exactly what Satan wants us to believe. He not only wants to dim the light, but He wants us to think that darkness is our preferred choice. This is one of the most deceptive lies that darkness cannot be extinguished. We are to live according to biblical principles rather than worldly values. John 1:5 NLT unveils the truth: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
As active Christians, we can stop the dimming. We can stand up to the evil around us. It requires that we commit ourselves to the Word differently than we have in the past. Our New Year’s resolution is not about losing weight, exercising more regularly, or sleeping undisturbed for eight hours. It is about reading the Bible, staying in the Word, and checking daily to ensure we are following the Word, not the world. It means we must put on all the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) every day. We must be aligned with the sword of the Spirit and be ready to wield it as needed. Francis Frangipane (The Power of Covenant Prayer) reminds us that “His Word is the eternal sword we raise against wickedness.” We must become a house of prayer and act according to the Word. It means we must pray throughout the day and night. It does not require lengthy prayer but simple, continuous communication with our Lord. We must also seek to help others in greater ways than donating money. It means we must care for the elderly, poor, sick, widows, and children.
Becoming Warriors through Renewed Strength
Life as a Christian is a responsibility. We are responsible for what goes on in the world. God has given us the titles of ambassadors, disciples, and teachers. These are active roles; no one possessing these titles sits and pontificates about the challenges that lie ahead. The positions require action.
What should we do as Christians? There are so many things going on in the world, do we succumb to the chaos of the day and by doing so contribute to the darkness it is producing, or do we spread the light through the world through the Word of God, expressed through our actions, intentions, and deeds?
Looking forward to the intentions of an actively committed Christian requires some thought. I’m certain there are parts of you that you would like to leave behind and parts that you would like to continue to develop.
An easy way to keep track of your transition is to make a chart and list the parts of your character that you wish to eliminate, leave behind, and those elements you wish to strengthen to deepen your faith. This will become a daily reference point to ensure that you are leaving the old you behind and actively developing the new.
Chart This
Things I want to leave behind …
Things I want to strengthen…
…a haughty heart.
Learn to maintain a humble heart before the Lord.
…focusing on self and the things of this world.
Focus on the Word and how it applies to daily living.
Action Items for Closing Out 2025
1. Reflect and Chart Your Growth
Make a chart with two columns: “Things I want to leave behind” and “Things I want to strengthen.” Use this as a daily reference to track your spiritual growth and personal development.
2. Prioritize Spiritual Commitment
Focus your New Year’s resolutions on deepening your faith, not just on typical goals like fitness or sleep. Commit to becoming a more mature Christian by intentionally leaving behind old habits and embracing new ones.
3. Stay Rooted in the Word
Read the Bible regularly and ensure your actions align with its teachings. Make daily checks to confirm you are following the Word, not the world.
4. Equip Yourself Spiritually
Put on the “armor of God” every day. Be ready to use the “sword of the Spirit”—the Word of God—to stand against negativity and evil.
5. Maintain Continuous Prayer
Pray throughout the day and night. Focus on simple, ongoing communication with God rather than lengthy prayers.
6. Serve Others Actively
Go beyond financial donations. Actively care for the elderly, poor, sick, widows, and children in your community.
7. Accept Responsibility
Recognize your role as an ambassador, disciple, and teacher. Take active steps to address challenges and spread light through your actions, intentions, and deeds.
8. Relinquish Self
Identify parts of yourself to leave behind and areas to develop further. Use your chart as a daily tool for self-assessment and growth.
Shema: Hear and Obey Devotional, Day Four Devotional, YouVersion App
I awoke this morning, and when I opened my YouVersion App, this is what appeared. Shema: Hear and Obey, day four devotional.
Luke 12:32 may be one of the most breathtaking verses in all of scripture. Jesus looks at His followers—fragile, fearful, unsure—and says, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”God doesn’t just allow us into His Kingdom—He delights to entrust it to us. The phrase “good pleasure” carries the weight of resolve. This isn’t a reluctant gesture. It’s a determined one.
So why do so few of us live like heirs? We’ve confused our kingdoms with His. We chase influence, clarity, and comfort—mistaking them for Kingdom. But Romans 14:17 tells us the Kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. These aren’t casual, manufactured virtues—they are costly, Spirit-wrought realities shaped in surrendered lives.
Trust roots us in Kingdom life, though it rarely grows in certainty. Many know the promises but miss the Person behind them. We crave plans and answers, but obedience rarely provides that kind of certainty. It often feels like walking blindfolded. That tension isn’t a flaw—it’s part of the formation process. God isn’t making us comfortable. He’s making us new. Ephesians 4 says the life He leads us into means a new mind and new self.
This is the battleground of real faith. John Kavanaugh, a Catholic priest and ethicist, once traveled to Calcutta to work with Mother Teresa, hoping to gain perspective on where his life with God was headed. When he asked her to pray for him, she replied, “What do you want me to pray for?” “Clarity,” he said. “No,” she answered. “Clarity is the last thing you’re clinging to—and you must let go of it.” When he asked why, she smiled and said, “I’ve never had clarity. What I’ve always had is trust. So, I will pray that you trust God.”
Mother Theresa’s message is that trust is more important than certainty, and that God is forming us through faith, not comfort. Christians are encouraged to let go of the need for charity and instead trust God’s guidance.
Scripture tells us, “The eyes of the Lord run throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is fully His”(2 Chronicles 16:9). He’s not scanning for perfection. He is looking for a Shema *heart. One that is soft enough to listen, brave enough to obey. When He finds it, something happens…
He moves. And the Kingdom moves with Him.
In closing, I wish you well, knowing that the Kingdom belongs to all of us. Strengthening our Christian resolve to become more like Christ, to hold back the darkness and spread God’s love, is not just our resolution for 2026, but our resolution that grows stronger until we reach life eternal.
Romans 14:17 NLT ensures us that living a life of goodness and peace and joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit: For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Shema is a Hebrew word meaning here and listen, and it refers to Judaism’s most central prayer, ‘O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One’ (Deuteronomy 6: 2). More than just hearing, the Shema implies deep understanding, heeding, and active obedience to God. Hearing and listening in the literal sense are deeper than just hearing and listening. It means hearkening and internalizing. Fundamentally, it is truly hearing God’s voice in His commands, encompassing love, teaching, and remembrance. The Shema is a powerful call to holistic devotion. Uniting, hearing, understanding, and acting in loving and serving our God. (AI Overview)
This is the season to internalize the church that is in you because the Holy Spirit resides in you. Daily prayer and communication with God, the direction of the Holy Spirit, whose voice becomes more recognizable as you study, pray, and listen will lead to the gift of the Kingdom in you will be a prevailer of light that cannot be quenched by darkness, rather you serve to break up the darkness and usher in the light of God that replaces wickedness.
In closing, consider leaving behind your haughty heart, focusing on self and worldly things. And, strengthening and maintaining a humble heart before the Lord, focusing on the Word and its daily application.
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” ~2 Peter 3:18, ESV
This verse is a foundational reminder to stay in constant communication through prayer with God. Prayer is not a once and done. Think of God as your best friend who you share everything with, your thoughts, concerns, misgivings, fear, and anxieties, the good, the bad, and the ugly. He wants to hear from you.
He also wants you to pray for the conditions around you that do not fall in line with His Word, things such as government officials, corporate donors, people who choose self over humanity, people and groups that turn a blind eye. The truth is that we are in a principality war. Active Christians are warriors in the Lords army. God has commissioned us, given us armor and the weapons of prayer to overcome evil.
AI Highlights:
Key Themes in Commentary
• Daily Rhythm of Gratitude: The verse establishes a pattern for worship: proclaim God’s lovingkindness (mercy, grace) in the morning and His faithfulness (truth, promises) at night.
• Morning Praise: Acknowledging the new day as a gift, expressing thanks for God’s fresh mercies and grace.
• Evening Praise: Recognizing God’s protection and faithfulness through the day’s trials, giving thanks for His enduring truth.
• Connection to Sacrifices: Often linked to the daily Old Testament sacrifices (Exodus 29:38-39), symbolizing continuous worship.
• Consistency & Joy: Praise isn’t just for good times but a continuous attitude, bringing joy and solidifying one’s relationship with God.
• Enduring Attributes: It emphasizes God’s covenant love (hesed) and reliability (emunah), which are central to faith.
Today is the last day of Advent and the first time I studied it day-by-day. O’ Come Emmanuel. There are seven Antiphons one for each day leading to Christmas Eve. Emmanuel means, God with Us. O come, O come, Emmanuel. What a wonderful thought.
From Lectio 365 App, Day 7
This final antiphon carries within it a delightful surprise: a secret message worthy of Sherlock Holmes.
To find it | must turn to the original Latin of these seven titles: Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia.
The first letters of these words form an acrostic that spells out the answer to the question posed by all the antiphons.
Again and again over the last week I’ve prayed, “O come, O come, Emmanuel” and now the Latin phrase spelled out in the acrostic is: Ero cras, which simply means, “Tomorrow I come!”
At last, after centuries of longing expressed in the ancient prophecies, God whispers:
“Tomorrow I come!” And it’s perfectly timed, because, of course, the code is only finally decipherable today, upon completion of the antiphons, which is the day before Christmas Eve.
Many new and more mature believers grapple with the hesitancy to step into discipleship. A common theme I have encountered throughout my years in BSF is, “I want to be one of Christ’s disciples, but I fear approaching others to share the Good News.”
God commanded all believers to share His Word, change our character to reflect the character of Christ, and show His love for us through our demonstration of loving others. The thought of loving others as Jesus loved us is a risk. It is the risk of being rejected. Hesitancy stems from not knowing how to approach others with agape love, especially those you do not know. Some fear being intimidated and running the risk of being ridiculed. What is happening is that you are caught in a viselike grip known as a stronghold. Your thoughts, or as we will learn later, your self-talk, reflect strongholds stymying your faith. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
God calls all believers to share His Word, transform our character to reflect the character of Christ, and demonstrate His love through acts of kindness toward others. The idea of loving others as Jesus loved us involves an inherent risk, such as the possibility of rejection or the fear of being intimidated or ridiculed. This hesitancy often arises from not knowing how to approach others with agape love, particularly those we do not know. Our thoughts, or as we will discuss later, our self-talk (internal conversations with ourselves), reflect strongholds that stymy your faith. Consequently, we may find ourselves trapped in a stronghold—a spiritual war. According to Biblehub.com, “a stronghold represents arguments and pretensions that set themselves up against the knowledge of God.” The Apostle Paul addresses this in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: “Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Why do we perceive sharing the Word as risky when the Holy Spirit dwells in us? God’s Word is embedded within us. Paul reminds us that the Word serves as our weapon to demolish these strongholds, particularly the fear and hesitancy that come with sharing God’s message. Peter encourages us to stand firm in our faith and resist the devil, which includes combating negative self-talk that tells us we are ill-equipped to share His Word. This negative self-talk reinforces our doubts about our ability to be effective disciples. The good news is that we can reverse this pattern of negative thinking and doubt. Zechariah 4:6 reveals that the Lord instructed him to tell Zerubbabel, and by extension, us, that His power and Spirit are the ultimate sources of success. It is not our strength that empowers us to share the Word. The Holy Spirit provides the right words to communicate effectively with those we speak to. Paul prays in 2 Thessalonians 3:5 “that the Lord direct our hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” If we embrace God’s love and Christ’s perseverance, nothing can hold us back from sharing the Word.
Joshua 1:9 states: “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” If God is with us wherever we go, He is with us when we share the Word. We should not be frightened or dismayed from spreading His Word.
To address our weaknesses and fears, we must examine three factors that hold us back: a lack of confidence, negative self-talk, and, most importantly, inconsistent faith.
Hebrews 10:35 advises us not to throw away our confidence. Verse 36 further stresses the importance of perseverance so that, when we have done God’s will, we will receive what He has promised. Our confidence is rooted in the Lord. Building this confidence is a gradual process that develops through both success and failure. Each failure teaches us what does not work, while each success reinforces what does. Over time, these experiences contribute to our overall confidence. Our confidence rests on our willingness to rely on God’s Word, surrender to His will, and feel comfortable depending on His strength. The more we practice sharing God’s Word, the more confident we become.
In Mark 13:1, we are promised we will be given the words to speak when needed. This passage illustrates divine guidance and inspiration for sharing God’s truth and boldly expressing our faith, even in challenging situations. Luke 12:12 affirms that the Holy Spirit will provide the words we need the instant we need them.
The key is to focus on small, manageable steps rather than becoming fixated on the end goal. Concentrate on God’s Word and seek out scriptures that resonate with your needs. As we develop skills and refine our methods, we build the confidence and strength necessary to share the Word beyond our immediate circle. For instance, initiating a casual conversation with fellow believers and sharing a personal experience can demonstrate how God has influenced, directed, or positioned you to share the Word with others. This approach also opens the door for additional conversations with people you interact with regularly.
As you build confidence in sharing the Word, you will feel emboldened to reach out to a broader audience—associates, friends who are not believers, and even strangers. It is a gradual process; each step brings you closer to feeling comfortable sharing the Word with anyone, including the person you meet on the street.
We are all equipped to become disciples; however, many of us are our own worst critics and fall victim to negative thoughts. Our internal critic is a disruptor, reinforcing long-held fears of inadequacy and failure. Yet, there is always light that dispels darkness (fear), and as you continue to share, you will find stories of victory. The hesitation to step into discipleship often stems from negative thought patterns, strongholds, and wavering faith. Remember, you are fully equipped to become a disciple. As a new creation in Christ, you have been gifted with His values and character. The only thing holding you back is you.
Conversation starters: One of the most challenging aspects of stepping outside your comfort zone is figuring out how to start a conversation. Opportunities arise in various situations throughout your life. The scenarios outlined below may assist you in your efforts to open new doors.
Sitting at a Doctor’s Office: You could say, “I am waiting to be called for my annual checkup. How about you?” If they are also waiting, you can add, “We are so fortunate that God has provided us with medical care; many who are less fortunate.” If they mention being there with a loved one or friend, you can ask, “Do you mind if I pray for them? What is their name? My name is ______. What is yours? It’s nice to meet you. Let’s pray.”
At a Coffee Shop: You could say, “I love coming here for my morning coffee and some quiet time. It’s a great place to reflect on God’s blessings. Do you have a favorite spot where you feel close to God?”
Waiting in Line: You could say, “Waiting can be a bit tedious, but it’s a good time to think about the patience that God teaches us. Have you ever felt God’s presence during a moment like this?”
During a Community Event: You could say, “It’s wonderful to see our community come together like this. It reminds me of the unity and love that Jesus taught us. Do you have any favorite Bible verses about community?”
At a Park: You could say, “Nature is such a beautiful testament to God’s creation. Do you ever feel a sense of closeness to God when surrounded by nature?”
At a Social Gathering: You could say, “Meeting new people and exchanging stories is such a joy! Have you noticed how God has been at work in their lives?”
To anyone, anywhere, at any time: “Have you ever had a moment where you felt God’s guidance in your life?”
Part Two
In his book, *The Confidence Gap*, author Russ Harris explains that people often focus on their goals before identifying what values are important to them. As Christians, our values should guide how we pursue our goals. The first step is to evaluate our identity in Christ. Consider the following questions: Do we reflect the characteristics of Christ? Which characteristics feel most comfortable to us? Why might some be more comfortable than others? Which characteristics do we need to strengthen to effectively disciple others? These reflections will help determine our approach to discipleship.
God has given each of us different gifts for discipling others. Some may feel comfortable speaking with people, while others might prefer volunteering services, leading a Bible study, sending letters, texts, or emails, or even writing a blog or devotional. Regardless of where your strengths and comfort lie, you are discipling others through your interactions and by sharing the Word.
Jesus trained His disciples by demonstrating His gifts and sending them out as apprentices. They did not acquire all their skills at once, and we won’t get everything right from the beginning either. The Bible teaches us that we must learn and strengthen our identity as new creations in Christ. Understanding our identity and the values that best represent Christ is an ongoing journey.
God does not leave anything to chance. Scripture reinforces our identity in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Ephesians 4:24 states, “…put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Finally, Ephesians 3:12 tells us we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him.
We have all the gifts necessary to become effective disciples, which is part of our new identity. Our values and ethics serve as the standards we follow based on what is important in our lives. As Christians, our values align with the principles taught by Jesus. While our beliefs and values remain constant, the way we express them can evolve.
In Philippians 4:9, Paul reminds the disciples: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice, and the God of peace will be with you.” Once we identify our values, we can change the messages we internalize and communicate. For example, we can shift from thinking, “I am uncomfortable reaching out to share the Word,” to feeling, “I am comfortable sharing the Word of God with others.” Our communication style will depend on the specific situation or circumstance.
Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence
Building Confidence: Confidence is built over time through both failures and successes. Failure teaches you what does not work, while success affirms what does. Evaluating your values and characteristics in Christ can help build this confidence. Changing negative self-talk to positive affirmations is also crucial.
Small Steps to Big Goals: Focus on small, manageable steps rather than the daunting end goal of discipleship and reflecting on daily interactions and journaling the outcomes can help build confidence gradually. This approach enables you to feel comfortable sharing the Word with anyone, including strangers.
Practical Approach: Start with casual conversations and understand the person’s needs before diving into scripture sharing. This helps in making the conversation more effective and less intimidating.
Overcoming Negative Messaging: Identify and change the negative self-messaging that holds you back. Rewriting your internal message to positive affirmations can help you become comfortable with sharing the Word.
Focus on What Can Be Controlled: Concentrate on what you can control rather than the end goal. This helps in reducing self-doubt and discouragement.
Listening to Others’ Victories: Hearing others share their victories in discipleship can be encouraging and help you overcome your fears.
Part Three
Summary
Once reborn through faith in Christ, we become new creations, transformed by His love and grace. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, resides within us, guiding and instructing our thoughts and actions. This divine presence leads us along the right path and empowers us with strength during our moments of weakness, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us combat negative self-talk—those critical inner voices that can stifle our confidence and hinder our ability to share the Gospel effectively. By acknowledging our fears and doubts, we can work through them and gradually build the self-assurance necessary to bravely share the truth of our faith. Recognizing the barriers that hold us back is the first step; once we address these obstacles, we can begin to develop a stronger sense of purpose as disciples of Christ. 1Corinthians 6:17 beautifully encapsulates the depth of our relationship with God, stating, “Whoever is united with the Lord is one with Him in spirit.” This profound unity signifies that we are intimately connected to God, sharing in His love and wisdom. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 15:57 triumphantly proclaims, “Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse is a powerful reminder that our victories in life are made possible through Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.
To effectively combat negative self-talk when sharing the Word, consider implementing the following practical steps:
1. Practice Mindfulness: Take time to be aware of your thoughts. Recognize when negative self-talk arises and challenge those thoughts with truth from Scripture.
2. Affirmations: Create a list of positive affirmations based on biblical truths about your identity in Christ. Repeat them daily to reinforce a positive mindset.
3. Seek Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and uplift you. Sharing experiences and insights can strengthen your resolve and confidence.
4. Pray for Guidance: Regularly seek the Holy Spirit’s help through prayer. Ask for clarity and courage to share your faith authentically.
5. Start Small: Begin by sharing your faith in low-pressure situations. Gradually expand your circle as you grow in confidence.
By implementing these steps, you can overcome negative self-talk and embrace your calling to share the Gospel with boldness and joy. Once reborn, we become new creations in Christ, and the Holy Spirit resides within us. The Holy Spirit instructs, guides, and directs us, providing strength in our moments of weakness. He helps us overcome negative self-talk that can hinder our ability to become true disciples. By recognizing what holds you back and actively working to overcome it, you will gain the confidence to share the Word and fully embrace your role as a disciple of Christ.
Some people believe that God has stepped back from performing miracles. They suggest that the Age of Wonders concluded with the closing chapters of the Old Testament. Yet, many individuals have experienced His miraculous presence. This affirms that we continue to live in a New Testament era filled with His grace and intervention.
For the majority of us, life unfolds in a landscape often colored by illness and uncertainty. We seldom witness those breathtaking moments where a person, deeply entrenched in suffering, experiences swift and profound healing. Still, for those of us fortunate enough to have encountered personal healing, the experience is enlightening. Witnessing a loved one rise from the depths of despair also clarifies the fingerprints of divine miracles in hindsight. It is within the small, seemingly insignificant moments that we recognize the turning points in our narratives.
In times of distress, when health falters, medical professionals can only discern that something is amiss; the precise nature of the ailment remains elusive. They tirelessly search for answers, exploring the perplexing landscape of symptoms and the underlying causes. Then, through relentless research and rigorous inquiry, a diagnosis emerges like a beacon of hope, though the path to recovery still feels muddled and uncertain. The doctors, though armed with knowledge, grapple with the question of how to combat the illness itself: Which medications can alleviate the anguish? What treatments hold the promise of halting its progression, or even eradicating it?
Suddenly, a breakthrough occurs—a ray of clarity pierces the fog of uncertainty. Answers materialize, and treatment plans take shape, ushering in a renewed sense of direction. Some people without faith credit this transformation solely to scientific endeavor. However, I believe all creation, including the principles of science, manifests God’s will.
With the diagnosis in hand, a tangible course of action presents itself, fostering hope for positive outcomes. Each step forward is a silent testament to God’s handiwork. Whatever journey we traverse, God accompanies us. We awaken each morning—a miracle in its own right. As we navigate through illness, we are granted another day, even when it feels more like a burden than a blessing. Each round of medication and therapy eventually leads to a flicker of vitality. In these moments, fragments of our former selves break through the darkness of our trials.
Do we recognize these transformations as miracles or as the fruits of science? They result from scientific advancement. Yet, they are also infused with the miracle of divine grace that envelops our lives. When we take the time to express gratitude for these small miracles, we affirm that our Savior stands with us. We acknowledge this divine presence. As we give thanks for regaining our health, we realize we are never truly alone. This holds true regardless of the prognosis. Each day is a precious gift, inviting us to live fully, even midst the challenges we face.
We can open our hearts to the prospect of a grand miracle—the successful completion of a long-awaited operation, the elimination of daily medications, and the farewell to prolonged rehabilitation. We learn to persevere through the harshest trials, eventually arriving at a point where life feels vibrant and manageable once more.
Gratitude fills our souls for the time we have been granted. We cherish the renewal of our relationship with the Lord, who stood steadfast during our darkest moments of illness. With every breath, we embrace the present. We acknowledge the inevitable passage of time. We also recognize the certainty of death that awaits us all. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, we revel in the beauty of each day lived fully. We know with confidence that even amid life’s fragility, tomorrow can bring the promise of renewed hope.
The emergence of renewed hope grants us the invaluable gift of introspection. During moments of self-reflection, we come to understand that healing manifests in various dimensions of our lives. We experience physical healing as our bodies recover and regain strength. We go through emotional healing as we learn to cope with our feelings and overcome past traumas. Most importantly, we experience spiritual healing as we reconnect with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. These transformative experiences are the miraculous gifts of life. Far too many overlook these gifts. They are bestowed upon us by our loving Father in Heaven.
As we close out 2024, reflect on the miracles in your life. List them, and count your miracles, then praise God for His interventions in your life. Our miracles are endless.
Scriptures:
Romans 15:19:
“They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit”.
Psalms 77:14:
“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”
Mark 11:24:
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Romans 15:13:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
James 5:14-15:
“The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well”
Psalms 103:2-3:
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,”
Isaiah 38:16:
“Lord, by such things people live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live.”
God’s knowledge existed before the beginning of time. In Jeremiah 1:5, it is declared, “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you.”
Additionally, in Ephesians 1:4, it states, “Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.”
Hebrews 13:8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” He healed people in the past, He heals people now, and He will continue to heal people in the future.
God declares, “I know the plans I have for you.” God knows what we will go through. Some challenges work together to help you become a mature Christian who submits to His will. Teaching you how to surrender your Will to the Will of God.
Lisa’s Daily Inspirations 