How to Fan the Flames of Your Faith

October 1, 2019October 3, 20194 Comments

Is your faith growing cold? Do you feel that you are losing ground in spiritual things? Or are you On Fire for God? Is your love for God burning to share it with others? Let’s talk today about how to fan the flames of your faith.

The Holy Spirit is the Fire in us

When we give our lives over to God, He gives us the Holy Spirit to emblazon our hearts with His love, joy, peace, etc. But the thing is that many of us have invited Christ in but we haven’t given Him complete control of our lives. So then, we are still missing out on that victorious life of which the Bible speaks.

We can quench the fire in us

Yes, disobedience to God or blatant sin in our life throws cold water over that fire of the Holy Spirit. He cannot stay alive in our lives if we are constantly going against His will. There is more to salvation than just allowing Him into your life. We must give Him complete control through obedience and allowing Him to clean out the dross within our lives.

So, How do we Get the Fire Started or Fan the Flames?

It takes intentionality. We need to enact the spiritual disciplines into our life. They are simple but not always easy. Anne Graham Lotz shares a few of these with us in her new book coming out in October.

{These disciplines} include
1. Daily Prayer
2. Daily Bible Reading
3. Sharing the Gospel
4. Continuous obedience as you live out what God says in His word.
5. Continuous trust as you relinquish you expectation and let Him have His way.
6. Deepening surrender to His authority-especially during times of pain and suffering.
Which Discipline do you lack?
Jesus in Me, Anne Graham Lotz, Chapter 16, page 124

A Little About the Book, Jesus in Me

I was so excited about being on this launch team. I could hardly wait to get my hands on this book about Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion.

First, it was just amazing to me that she could write to us WHILE she was going through cancer treatments. I know that when I am struggling through life’s trials, it is nearly impossible for me to even write in my journal. I just don’t want to face the issues. She has been amazing.

Secondly, as always she shares openly and honestly about her own faith. Where she succeeds and where she fails. Then she tells us what she learned. Anne openness helps me connect with her as a common friend. I’m not intimidated by her because she is Rev. Billy Graham’s daughter. More so, I welcome her advice.

Thirdly, this book on the Holy Spirit is greatly needed. From my point of view. Many are not tapping into what He can do for us. Anne can help us do that.

Fan the Flames #holyspirit #spiritualgrowth #sanctification

Now, on to How to Fan the Flames

First, Daily Prayer

I am saddened that even church folks seem uninterested in taking time to pray. But this is our Life-line to God. I’m seriously considering majoring on writing about this discipline more in the coming year. Elizabeth Boles guest posted earlier in the year on The Importance of Prayer.

You may feel you don’t know how to pray. What words should you say? Maybe your tongue gets tangled between your teeth when you try to pray. I’ve always felt that others were so much more elegant than I when they pray. Emily P. Freeman from The Next Right Thing says to borrow their prayers! You can find a prayer online on nearly any subject imaginable. It’s a great place to start. Before long, you will be praying with the best of them.

Second, Read Your Bible

A co-worker once said to me, “Why do you keep reading the Bible? Just read it through once, close it up, and say “That was great.”

At the time I was speechless. I really didn’t know what to say and I feared I would find myself in a discussion that I was unable to stand firm on. But do you know what God says?

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
1 Peter 3:15 NIV

In retrospect, I wish I had said how God’s Word is living and active in the soul’s of man. That it is alive and new every day. Because that is the truth.

Earlier this year, we wrote about Why and How to Read Your Bible. Check out this post for some help.

God's Word is Living and Active in the soul's of man. It is New and Alive every day! #Jesusinme #bookreview Click To Tweet

Third, Share Your Faith

Always be prepared to give an answer. Goodness! Too many of really have no idea what we believe. It’s time to get in the Word and know what you know. There is no excuse today since we have the world at our fingertips. IF you haven’t been through your local church membership class, it may be time to do that. Find out what you believe.

I wrote earlier this year about how to debunk some of the excuses we have for not sharing our faith. Seriously, friend. When we stand at the judgment seat, do you want your friends and those with whom you interact to ask you why you never shared the Gospel with them? Read more here.

Additionally, Fellowship with other Christians and Church Attendance

Why is it that we think we can maintain a good Cristian walk on our own? We go out into the world and rub elbows with all the filth and before long we stink like the world. There are things we can only get when we are attending church and Bible Study

Fellowship with other Christians.
Encouragement.
Training. (We all can learn something new)
To be with like-minded friends.
Accountability.

It’s time to find a local church and get involved.

Yes. there will be some hypocrites around. But they are there to learn and improve. Maybe you can learn and improve too! There are also some amazing Christians and Bible teachers there as well. Go rub elbows with them!

The church is like a hospital. It’s for the sick. We don’t say we won’t go to the hospital because there are sick people there. We go because there are doctors and nurses that can help us get better.

Speaking of sharing the Gospel

Finally, one of the best ways to spread the Gospel is within your own family. Are you teaching your children The Word of God? Are you taking them to Sunday School so they will know that Jesus Loves Them?

I know it’s hard to get up on Sunday morning and get everyone ready to go. Sometimes it all seems futile. But it’s not. You are setting a precedent. You are showing the importance of knowing God and placing Him first in your life. Here are some tips to help you get to church on time.

I encourage you to work on the disciplines. Pick up Anne’s new book today. It will change your life.

My Peace Through the Storm

June 3, 2019June 8, 20202 Comments

Hurricane Season is approaching

In Savannah, we all know what it is like to be awakened in the night with blaring horns warning us that there are severe storms in the area. I recall into the midwest that storms and tornado warnings could come upon us quickly as well. Either way, it’s a frightening experience.

Just like in a tropical storm, we have no control of where or how the storms come in our lives. It may barrel straight through us or it might skirt around us. Some storms may be strong and dangerous and others are slow and become just a thunderstorm or even just a bit of rain. One never knows.

Isn’t Living For Christ a Cake Walk?

We would like to think that if we are following the Lord, life’s path will take us through smooth sailing. But this is not true. The Bible says, “In this life, we will have trouble.” (John 16:33) The Promise we do have is safety through the storm.

Oh, how we must learn that God is faithful through the storm.

God Sees us THROUGH the Storm

pathway through the waters, peace and hope — image built in YouVersion

He will be right there with us, our haven. His path will help us grow and learn. We will be strengthened to face another day. He provides for our every need in every situation. There is Hope in the Hard Places.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:1-2 ESV

Why do we worry and fret and not live in the peace that He offers us? Why do we allow the projected path of a storm to get us all worked up? We aren’t showing the world a reason to follow Christ if we fret and worry over our situation.

We aren't showing the world a reason to follow Christ if we fret and worry over our situation. #peace Click To Tweet

But when we have peace in the storm, THAT is when people stop and wonder what it is that makes us so calm. This is when we exemplify the peace that Christ provides.

When we have peace in the storm, THAT is when people stop and wonder what it is that makes us so calm. #peace Click To Tweet

Let’s rest in Him through our trials so that He gets the glory and we get the peace that passes all understanding.

Let's rest in Him through the trials so that He gets the glory and we get the peace that passes all understanding. Click To Tweet

Enjoy This Hymn Favorite

P.S. I’ve been introducing the old hymns lately. This seems like a good time to share a hymn…

“There is Peace in the Midst of the Storm”

When the world that I’ve been
Living in collapses at my feet
And when my life is all tattered and torn
Though I’m wind-swept, I’ve been battered
I’m gonna cling unto His cross
I’ll find peace in the midst of the storm

-by Stephen Adams

There is peace in the midst of the storm-tossed life
There is an Anchor, there is a rock to build my faith upon
Jesus Christ is my vessel so I fear no alarm
He gives me peace in the midst of the storm

Peace in the Midst of the Storm: Performed by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

peace in the storm, jesus is peace — photo by Mandy

Faith and Patience; Patience and Faith

May 21, 2019May 20, 2019Leave a comment

Question: Are our prayers given in faith and patience with confidence or in demand with entitlement? #prayersofachild #faith #patience Click To Tweet

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…”
“The Lord is good to those who hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

– Hebrews 10:19,22
– Lamentations 3:25-26

Faith & Patience

A few months ago we had planned a family camping trip to celebrate our oldest son’s birthday. It turned unseasonably cold (for Mississippi in November) so we decided to rent cabins instead. All six adults and three grandchildren were gathered in the living were of one cabin, ready to share a meal together.

We joined hands and asked, “Who wants to pray?”

and Grantlee, our two-year-old grandson said, “Me!”

We bowed our heads. Grantlee closed his eyes, and with the most serious of expressions on his face, prayed the following words.

“I Grantlee Atchison, and I want it now. Amen.”

All of us burst out into laughter because it was cute and funny.

Kids! You just never know what they will say or do!

But Don’t We Act the Same?

Later, I was telling my prayer group of our cute little grandson’s prayer. As we laughed, we suddenly realized a sobering thought: Isn’t that the way we do God? We come to Him in prayer, and whether our words are eloquent or simple, we often convey this message.

Dear God, this is what I want and when I want it. Please hurry. Amen." #childsprayer #patience Click To Tweet

A Child Shall Lead Them

Oh, it is so humbling to be preached to by a toddler. Since that fun-filled evening, I have reflected many times on Grantlee’s innocent, heartfelt, powerful prayer. “I want it now. Amen.” I laugh, but then I think, really think.
Hebrews 10:19-22 assures us that we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. Lamentations 3:25-26 reminds us that we must wait, and the Lord will deliver an answer.

Faith and Patience Prayer

Now, when I remember that little prayer, I bow my head and say, “Lord, You know what I want and when I want it. But You also know that what I need most is what You want in Your time and Your way. Keep me asking, but waiting on You with faithful patience. Amen.”

-Glenae Atchison

Other thoughts on Prayer

photo credit free on canva; Modified by Mandy
photo credit: vree @Canva

Are You Praying for Our Nation?

March 16, 2019March 15, 20198 Comments

It’s not time to pray, but rather a time to act.
a recent post on Facebook

Now there IS a time to act, but I believe that we ought to start with prayer. We cannot face evil without first going to prayer and leaving it in God’s hands. When we go to action without God’s direction, we get what we have now. A mess. Just as the Israelites did many times.

We cannot face evil without first going to prayer and leaving it in God’s hands. Click To Tweet

Elizabeth Boles shared earlier this week the Reason to Pray and so many benefits to prayer. One of them is to pray for our leaders and restore our nation to God so that we can live peaceful lives. 1 Timothy 2:2

As Christians, have we truly fallen before God to pray for our nation? Oh, we say we pray and we might even throw in a sentence prayer or two now and again. But let me ask you, “When was the last time you really spent time in prayer over our nation?”

When was the last time you really spent time in prayer over our nation? Click To Tweet

Are we desperate enough to give up a meal, get down on our knees and cry out to God over the sins of our land? Are we willing to humble ourselves and ask forgiveness? God is calling to prayer. He wants to see that we are desperate for Him to do something. Let’s start with prayer.

call to prayer 1 Chronicles 7:14 — Free image modified by Mandy on Canva.com

God promises that if we, HIS PEOPLE, will humble ourselves and repent of not only our own sins but also the sins of the nation that He will restore our land. Let’s claim it and do it. Let’s Start with Prayer.

Start with Franklin Graham’s prayer in 2016

Let’s Pray with Dr. Franklin Graham. This prayer was during the conventions in 2016, but his prayer is still valid today. Pray with him now.

A Prayer Resource to Continue in Prayer

A few years back, Anne Graham Lotz set up several Initiatives to Pray. It’s all written out to guide you through serious prayer for ourselves, our churches and our nation. You can find these prayer guides on her website. There are two that I especially like concerning our nation.

An Urgent Call to Prayer and
A Distress Call to Prayer.
Go to Anne’s website and download these prayers. Use them in your daily quiet times. it might change your own heart.

Let’s Send out a Distress Call to God

God would see that we are serious. Commit to praying for our elected officials, confess the sins of our country, and plead for God to help us turn things aroud.

Will you join me?

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Why Should I Pray?

March 11, 2019March 8, 20193 Comments

The importance of Prayer The Who What When Where Why

Spending time in prayer is a very important aspect of our day. It gives us a chance to spend time alone with God, to have a conversation with him, to make our requests made known to him, and listen to him.

We need to be obedient in praying.

Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him.

Deuteronomy 8:6

First of all, Who Should Pray?

Everyone should pray at all times of the day, every day. Everyone should let their requests be made known to God -Philippians 4:16. God will supply every need of yours (Talking to everyone) according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus -Philippians 4:19. Everyone should pray without ceasing 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

And For Whom Should We Pray?

We should pray for ourselves, our family, friends, church family, co-workers, neighbors, homeless, anyone struggling, and your enemies.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 5:44

God also wants us to pray for our Nation -Psalm 22:28. No matter what nation you are in. God wants everyone’s hearts, not just some. He wants us to pray for the world –John 17:9.

When we listen, God will ask us to pray for certain people as well.

What Should We Pray?

There are many different ways in which we can pray. In my post “Why We Pray and the 12 Forms of Prayer” I go through 12 ways to pray. Here I am going to add to my list because there are so many ways that we can pray.

1. Adoration and Blessing: Adoration is a deep love and respect, a form of worship. (Psalm 84:11, Luke 4:7). A blessing is God’s favor and protection. (Nehemiah 1:11)

2. Communion: Communion is sharing or exchanging your intimate thoughts and feelings with God, all day, all the time. (Psalm 72:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

3. Petition: Petition is your formal request to God with respect for a particular cause. (1 Timothy 2:1)

4. Supplication: Supplication is when you ask or beg for something earnestly or humbly. Lifting up your needs. (Psalm 119:170, Matthew 6:9-13)

5. Intercession: Intervening and praying on behalf of another person. (1 Timothy 2:1, John 17, 2 Corinthians 1:11)

6. Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude to God (Philippians 4:16, 1 Timothy 2:1, and a lot of the Psalms have thanksgiving prayers)

7. Praise: Praise is when you express admiration, respect, and gratitude toward God. (Acts 13:2-3)

8. Spiritual Warfare: Spiritual Warfare is when our Spirit engages in or is involved in war or conflict with our own mind or when dealing with Satan and demons. (Ephesians 6:11-12, Romans 7:23, Hebrews 2:15)

9. Agreement: Agreement is when you are in harmony or accordance in opinion or feeling with the person you are praying with or in agreement with God. (Acts 1:14, Acts 2:42)

10. Faith: Faith is complete trust, confidence, or a strong belief in God. (James 5:15)

11. Consecration: Consecration is making or declaring something. (Matthew 26:39, 1 Timothy 4:5)

12. Watch and Pray: Watch and Pray is when you are constantly aware and praying. (Matthew 26:41, Mark 14:38, Luke 21:36)

13. Immanuel prayer: There is a bit to learn with this prayer. You can learn how to do this prayer at www.immanuelapproach.com. The Immanuel approach is the same thing but a different name for Emmanuel prayer or Immanuel process. Immanuel means God with us. This prayer deepens intimacy with God, resolve past pain, and discern God’s guidance. Related scripture can be found in Matthew 28:19-20, John 14:21, John 15:4-5, and Revelation 3:20.

14. Repentance: Repentance prayer is repenting for sin asking for forgiveness. (Matthew 3:8, Luke 5:32, Acts 13:24, Mark 1:4)

15. Binding and loosing (taking authority): Binding and loosing prayer is when you bind or put chains on something or a situation, such as bind the devil against his attacks, bind under law or authority, bind to a spouse, etc. or when you loosen something such as loosening chains, break free from someone or something, break free from bondages, or to declare something that is unlawful. (Matthew 16:19)

16. Fasting: Fasting prayer is when you fast and pray, saying a fasting prayer is asking God to help you with your fast and to focus on God, rely on him for wisdom and guidance. (Esther 4:3, Matthew 6:16)

17. Declaration: Declaration prayer is like the consecration prayer- when you declare change, you declare breakthrough, or declare something in your prayer. (1 Chronicles 16:24, Psalm 22:22, Psalm 51:15)

18. Proclamation: Proclamation prayer is proclaiming your prayer. Praying out loud to God. Sometimes Satan wants us to be silent so we should proclaim and say them out loud. (1 Peter 3:19)

19. Prophetic: Prophetic prayer is having a conversation with God, not only talking to him but listening to what he has to say and acting or responding accordingly. You can pray with revelation, given to you by the Holy Spirit. You can receive prophetic insight before you pray but use that when you pray or the Holy Spirit can guide you while you pray. Prophetic prayer can be intentional or spontaneous. Know when and how to apply this prayer. Some situations require God’s immediate intervention. (1 Corinthians 14:32, Romans 16:26, 2 Peter 1:19)

20. Praying Bible verses: Praying Bible verses is when you turn to a scripture in the bible and pray it over your life or someone else that needs prayer. For example, I pray strength among other things over my children, one scripture is “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13. So, I pray it like this “Heavenly Father, My children can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens them. Amen”. You can do this with many verses in the Bible for strength, faith, courage, peace, provision, direction, protection, joy, compassion, justice, wisdom, guidance, hope, love, fruits of the spirit, and the full armor of God. Praying Bible verses is praying God’s Word back to him.

21. Promises: Promises prayer is praying God’s promises to you back to God. When you look for scripture that has promises that relate to your situation, pray that scripture and trust God to bring them to pass. (2 Corinthians 1:20, Psalm 106:12, Joshua 21:45)

22. Travailing: Travailing prayer is a very intense form of prayer. It involves expressing a great deal of time and emotional energy. The manifestation of the grief of the heart of God or God desiring to manifest a measure of life or growth. (Mark 6:7-13, Mark 3:13-15, 1 Kings 8: 44-45)

23. Listening: Listening prayer is when you spend time with God and just listen for what he wants of us and being obedient. (Luke 10:39)

24. Prostration: Prostration is when you put your body in a submissive position in the presence of God, whether it is kneeling or bowing, but with your hands on the ground. Submitting fully to God in prayer. (Numbers 22:31)

Forms of #Prayer Click To Tweet

So, When Should We Pray?

We should pray always: Pray without ceasing 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions will all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

-Ephesians 6:18

When we pray we don’t have time to sin, to turn away from God or our faith. We will notice more prayers answered when we pray without ceasing and with faith.

Making time for God should be a priority in our lives. Pray when you first wake up thanking him for letting you see and live another day. Pray during the day about your day, safety, guidance, family, among other things. Pray at night before bed, before you fall asleep.

OK, Where Should We Pray?

We should pray anywhere and everywhere but also God wants us to pray in our prayer closet: Go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen Matthew 6:6

You can pray in your bed, in the shower, on the toilet, while making breakfast, lunch or dinner, in your chair or on your couch, in your car, at church, at work, at school, or anywhere else. You can make time for God at any time of day. You can pray to God in your head all day long, having one constantly long conversation with him.

Why Should We Pray?

REasons to PRay — Photo Credit free on Canva.com
Modified by Mandy

1. We are God’s Children and should have a close relationship with our Heavenly Father. He wants us to have a relationship with him. He wants us to dig deeper.

2. Ask for forgiveness of our sins and receive God’s Forgiveness. God wants us to repent for our sins so that he can forgive us. He also wants us to forgive others.

3. We give thanks to God for all he’s done in our lives and for our many blessings. We have so much to be thankful for and we are beyond blessed by our Heavenly Father. Why not take a moment out of your day to let God know how thankful you are.

4. It helps us call on God, depend on Him and trust in Him. Having a conversation with God is one of the best parts of the day. It’s one way we really get to know him and how he works.

5. It gets our hearts ready for what God wants us to do in our lives and what he wants to for us.

6. Gives us an opportunity to listen to God. We should take time out of our day to listen to God and be obedient.

7. We can pray for God’s guidance. Where is God leading us, what does God want us to do? He answers all of those questions when we pray and ask for his guidance.

8. We can make requests, pray for our needs and desires spiritually, physically and mentally.

9. We ask for God’s blessings. God wants to bless us and pour his favor on us.

10. We get to Praise God. No better time of day than Praising God for who he is. Praising and Worshiping God is such an intimate time with God, you really don’t want to miss this time with him.

11. Show God in one way that we love him. He wants to be shown our love. He shows us his love every day in many ways, we can show him that we love him back.

11 Reasons we should pray Click To Tweet

Finally, How Should We pray?

Finally, there are many was that we can pray. I listed many ways that we can pray in “what should we pray”. Those are all ways in how we should pray. God listens to all prayers, he sees and knows your heart. There is no specific way in how you should say every prayer. As long as you are praying to God our Heavenly Father there is no wrong way to pray. God hears our hearts, even our complaints, struggles, and when we mourn.

One way we can pray to follow the pattern of The Lord’s Prayer
Matthew 6:9-13

Pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows.

Job 22:27

In closing:

No matter who prays, what we pray, when we pray, where we pray, why we pray, or how we pray, we should pray to God our Father.

God wants us to pray at all times, with all requests, everywhere we go, with all kinds of prayer because he wants to have conversations with us. He hears us and he wants us to hear him and obey him.

Spending time with God in prayer is the best kind of relationship we can have with God. He wants our heart and we can give him our heart by praying.

Spending time in prayer is the best kind of relationship we can have with God. #whypray @purposeandlove1 Click To Tweet

I like to keep a prayer journal, I write in it every morning. This gives me a chance to go back and see what prayers have been answered and it keeps me focused in what I am praying for.

Do you keep a prayer journal? Why or why not? If not, have you thought about starting one? Let me know in the comments.

Please share this on your social media with your friends.

With Love,

Spend Time in Prayer — Photo credit: free on Canva.com Modified by Mandy

4 Building Blocks to Growing Our Faith

February 25, 2019February 25, 20192 Comments

I Praise God for His Salvation

I thank Him daily for loving us (me) so much that He sent His Son to earth to live a perfect life, to suffer the cruel death on a crimnal’s cross, but then rise again just to save us all from our sins. Praise His beautiful name! [Read my testimony of faith on my memoirs blog.] But I want to know Him more. I want to grow closer and closer to Him.

Salvation Goes Beyond the Altar

But it doesn’t stop there. Our salvation goes beyond the day that you kneel at an altar and confess your sins to God.

Yes, I believe that we are saved by grace, it is not of works lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8). Yes, I believe that we are made into a new creation. The old is gone and the new is here! 2 Corinthians Praise the Lord!

We are saved by grace, not of works @ggmandy Click To Tweet

We are Called to Grow in Grace

But we are also called to grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:18). If we gave birth to a baby and that child remained a baby forever, we would be saddened. It would break our hearts if the child never learned to walk and talk and live a productive life. Yes, we would still love him but we would desire so much more for him.

The very next verse in Ephesians 2 says,
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Salvation Leads Us into Service

So our salvation should lead us into service for God .. living a life that glorifies Him and leads others to Him. ie. growing in grace

2 Peter 3 says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “

And the Apostle Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 4:1-6 (AMP),
So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation], ²with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love. ³Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful]. ⁴There is one body [of believers] and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when called [to salvation]— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] over all and [working] through all and [living] in all.

Live a Life Worthy of the Call

So, I too, encourage you to live the life worthy of His calling. We need to work to live holy lives to the glory and honor of God and also, to be a light in the darkness so that others can find the way to Christ.

Photo credit: free at Canva.com; Modified by Mandy

In order to “leave a legacy” for our children and those around us we must first grow ourselves. And how to do we grow? First, we study the Bible. We fill our minds and saturate our lives with His Word.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Growth through Bible Reading

Bible reading and study teach us how to live for Him. It corrects us when we are wrong, encourages our faith and keeps us on the narrow way. And because we need this encouragement in a moments notice, we should memorize the scriptures. King David said, “I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.”-Psalm 119:15. If David needed it, so do we.

If King David Needed it, so do we! Click To Tweet

Growth Thru Prayer

Secondly, we must communicate with God. Yes, pray to God and practice His presence every day. Communicating with God includes worship and adoration, repenting of sin, interceding for others, and yes even petition for our needs.

Growth Through Fellowship

Thirdly, we need fellowship with other believers. We are not an island. Without faith and encouragement of others, we would fall too easily. Solomon declared that “two are better than one because if one falls the other can help him up. Three are even better! (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) God promises that whenever we gather together even in a group of 2 or 3, that He will be in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20) Realistically, we need each other so don’t neglect the meeting together of believers.

Growth Through Sharing

And finally, we need to share the Gospel. We are not blessed with salvation so that we can keep it to ourselves. We are commanded to “go and make disciples of all nations”. Even without this command from Jesus, sharing our faith helps us (Matthew 28:19) stronger in it. It confirms in us our belief in Christ.

Let’s do this, friends!

In the coming weeks, we will be sharing more thoughts on these four growth factors. I have searched out some fellow bloggers who can so eloquently speak on these things and I have asked them to write encouragement to us to help us grow in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Join me here on the blog every Monday to be instructed and encouraged. Have you subscribed to receive our updates? You can do so just below in the blue bar. Just add your email address and click submit!

Growing in Grace;

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What to Pray for this Christmas

December 10, 2018December 10, 20182 Comments

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
-Proverbs 1:7

What is the Biggest Issue in our Society Today?

I believe that the biggest problem plaguing our society today is that few people heed this very true proverb.

Entitlement,

selfishness,

rebellion, and

staying on an “even keel” with others’ opinions or beliefs has rendered too many people ignoring God. People seem to forget that God Almighty, Creator of all, is the very reason we exist.[ctt template=”1″ link=”A3vG9″ via=”yes” nofollow=”yes”]People seem to forget that God Almighty, Creator of all, is the very reason we exist.[/ctt]

All the riches in the world, the highest education attainable, fame, and all that the world deems notable is nothing,…

NOTHING…

compared to Almighty God and the wisdom He gives.

Accept or Reject

For centuries, some have accepted and some have rejected all that God offers us. Pray, especially during this Christmas season of love and giving, that the wisdom of our Lord will fill us. Pray that more and more people will come to know Him.

As we celebrate the greatest Gift of Love that God brings, ask for the wisdom to share Jesus with everyone you meet!

[ctt template=”1″ link=”701Je” via=”yes” nofollow=”yes”]As we celebrate the greatest Gift of Love that God brings, share Jesus with everyone you meet![/ctt]

With Christmas Love,

Glenae

Pray for the Believers

October 16, 2018October 10, 20188 Comments

Introducing Glenae Atchison

May I introduce my college friend, Glenae Atchison as a contributor to this website. You may recognize her name if you have been to my Facebook page, Leaving a Legacy. She posts there on a regular basis.

Glenae is a native of Indiana and a long time resident of Mississippi. She graduated from Asbury College in 1983 with a BS in Music Education. She and her husband, Skip have been married for over thirty years. They have two married children and three grandchildren. Glenae is active in choir, two group Bible studies, United Methodist Women, and is a certified lay servant in the United Methodist Church. Her favorite activities include singing and playing the piano, sewing, quilting, making Swedish weave blankets, and, of course, spending time with her grandchildren.

As you will see she is ‘made from the same cloth” as I. And now her first post on the subject of prayer. Continue reading →

Two Lessons from Hannah’s Prayer

October 10, 2018October 10, 20184 Comments

¹⁰Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. ¹¹And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.

.

Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.

1 Samuel 1:10-11, 18 (NLT)

When I read about the anguish in Hannah’s heart, my own heart is pricked.

Do I Pray with Deep Anguish?

First, while I had a great desire to have children, I don’t know this kind of pain of waiting years to be blessed and seeing others around me having children when I did not, however, I do know about pain of a different kinds=. I have actual pain from my chronic illness, I have aching pain for family members that are far from God, I know the pain of rejection.

But I wonder at times if my pain has been deep enough for me to cry out to God in “deep anguish”. I wonder if I have ever fallen before God begging him to work in my life or in the lives of others. Do I fall prostrate before God, asking and fasting while I pray for Him to intervene?

When we say that we are praying for someone, do we really pray for them or do we just hope that things will get better for them? Do we actually take the time to stop and focus on God and ask Him to intervene? I have recently made an effort to always place the person’s name in my prayer journal app. (See Prayer Popper) I don’t say I will pray unless I place them in this journal. This brings them to my mind occasionally and I do lift them up in prayer for a moment. But I still wonder if I am praying or just wishing and wanting. Do I get serious about intercession?

Secondly, Do I Believe God will Answer?

After Eli blessed her and asked God to grant her request she “went and ate with her family and was no longer sad.” She accepted with confidence that God would now answer her prayers. She was no longer distraught over her situation. She left it in God’s hands.

When we are distraught over our situation, do we take it and lay our concern on the altar and then go away “no longer sad”? Or do we pick up our concerns and take them with us?

Are we content to trust Him no matter what His answer may be?

Hannah was able to leave her request at the altar. She went home and was happy. She had not received her heart’s desire yet but she now found joy in her God. Her faith held her up.

Our hope should be in God not in our desires.

Are we devoted to God regardless of whether God has met those desires? Are we willing to give back to God the very things for which we are praying?

I challenge you to lay your burdens on the altar of God and leave them there. Remember, he promises to give rest to our souls if we bring them to Him and let Him do the work.

Lies I Believed About Buttering Up God

November 1, 2017November 27, 2018Leave a comment

I believed several lies about prayer and buttering up God.

Over the course of the last three years, we have experienced some hard “stuff” both professionally and personally. We would unanimously use the word “robbed”. Robbed of co-workers through their untimely deaths. Robbed of time with our daughter. Through those experiences, I believed the lie that I wasn’t praying “good enough”. From that standpoint, I began “buttering up God” by using more flowery words, going on about His greatness, increasing the time spent in prayer. However, the more things spiraled downward the less I felt heard, the more I felt the need to “butter up”. Finally, in frustration with seeing very little change, I decided to give up on prayer. Prayer was obviously not working the way I was praying.

I would ask myself questions like…

Continue reading →