Your Requests

"Your Requests" By Diane Webb

Psalms 86: 6—"Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications."

The Lord hears your prayers and listens to your requests. He answers your prayers in His own time according to His will. He knows what is best and sometimes answers differently than you might expect. He wants your life to glorify Him and work for His kingdom. The quickest most obvious solution is not always the best solution to your difficulties. He knows things you don't know about your circumstances. He understands the entire picture and eventually it will all fit together. You have to wait. Submit to His will and wait for Him to work it out. He is just, merciful, and kind. His will is best for all concerned. His timing is the perfect timing. Be patient. Continue growing and developing where you are. There are still things to learn and accomplishments to be made. Trust and obey His will and everything will work out to the good.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for hearing and answering my prayers. Help me wait patiently for your answer and the fulfillment of your will. Help me continue to grow and develop where I am. I trust you completely and submit to your will. I pray in Christ's name, Amen.

Wounded & Broken

"Wounded & Broken" By Diane Webb

1 Timothy 6: 18—"That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;"

Be willing to communicate. No matter what you are doing it's important to stop and talk with those who want to talk. People are more important than tasks. Feelings are more important than deadlines. It may seem like too many people are pulling on you—demanding your time--however God will give you the strength and the will to be there for those He sends to you. Have patience and endure those who are more difficult. Through your patience, gentleness, and endurance you can win some of them over to Christ. Those who are not with Christ will see, through your attitude, what a Christian is really like. Do not gossip, do not voice negativity, and do not use your words to harm or discourage anyone in any way. Use your voice to praise God, uplift others, and share the good news. Look at the people through the eyes of Christ and see what He sees. They are wounded and they are broken. They lack faith or trust in human-kind. They need to see another way. Look past how they treat you and remember how Jesus was treated. Do not take things personally. God will help you.

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for each and every time I used my mouth in a way that is offensive to you. I pray, Lord, that all my words will be pleasing in your sight. Help me say the right things today so others will be uplifted, encouraged, and drawn closer to you. I ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

Past Mistakes

"Past Mistakes" By Diane Webb

Psalms 86: 5—"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."

God is so quick to forgive. He has never ending patience with you. No matter how many times you mess up He is merciful when you repent and ask for forgiveness. Once you recognize your wrong and are sincerely sorry, ask Him to forgive you and He will. Also ask Him for His help in overcoming your weaknesses. He wants you to learn from your mistakes instead of repeating them over and over again. He will still forgive you and over time will expect you to make progress in your ability to resist the world, flesh, and Satan. Once you have asked for forgiveness and have accepted His mercy, do not go back and dwell on your past wrongs. Trust God's word and believe what He says about forgiveness and mercy. Going back to something you have already asked forgiveness for means you have not really accepted your forgiveness. Accept God's forgiveness and mercy. Once you have asked for and received forgiveness, the slate is wiped clean for you. This is what Jesus did for you on the cross. Satan reminds you of your sin. Remind yourself of your forgiveness and the price Jesus paid for it and push all thoughts of past wrongs behind you.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your forgiveness and your mercy. I accept your pardon and rejoice in the salvation of Jesus Christ. Help me, Lord, overcome the temptations of this world, my own flesh, and Satan's influence. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

Your rewards

"Your rewards" By Diane Webb

1 Timothy 6: 19—"Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

Your reward is not on earth but in heaven. All good you do is noticed by your heavenly Father. You will be acknowledged for your work and your efforts to help others. Sometimes it seems the experiencing of consequences only applies to mistakes, problems, or failures. You wait to reap the benefits of your labors and it seems it never comes. Be encouraged because you will enjoy the harvest of your labors some in this life yet most in eternity. You cannot imagine how wonderful heaven will be. Your greatest dreams on earth cannot compare. Jesus has promised mansions, streams of living water, and streets paved with gold. But there is much more. Think of the most beautiful place or scenery on earth. Think of a majestic sunrise or sunset. The earth is full of the wonderful handiwork of God. Yet the earth is corrupted and can only reflect a tiny fraction of God's glory. In heaven, you will experience the full effect of God's creativity and beauty. You will be blessed on earth. You will live a long and bountiful life. You will have prosperity, security, and abundance in this life. However, nothing compares to the overflowing of joy, love, and blessing you will experience for all eternity with your savior Jesus Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for all you've blessed me with. Most especially the health and safety of my family. You are loving and gracious. You are merciful. I owe my life to you. I give thanks and praise today, Lord. Help me be appreciative, secure, and at peace, Lord, in the surety of your promises. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.

For Support

"For Support" Psalms 77: 14—"Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people."

God does perform mighty wonders and makes Himself known to you in many ways. He is evident all around you. His strength is with you. You can draw on His strength anytime you need it. He answers your prayers and He will give you the courage, knowledge, wisdom, power, and strength to accomplish His will. Rely on Him for your support. Ask Him to help you and He surely will. The evidence of His love and miraculous power is obvious in your life. He answers your prayers quickly and clearly. He never leaves your side. In the most hectic day—when you have forgotten Him for a moment—He is there with you. When others are pressuring you, He is with you. Reach out for His hand and it will be there. Feel His presence behind you giving you support and encouragement. Listen closely for His voice and you will hear. You are important to Him. Lean on Him. He is worthy.

Father, I lean on you completely. My whole life is in your hands. I trust you and I submit to your will. Use me, Lord, according to your plan, your wisdom, and for your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Your sanctuary

"Your sanctuary" By Diane Webb

Psalms 77: 13—"Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?"

No one is greater than your God. All your strength lies with Him. He will fortify you and give you wisdom. He will give you knowledge and understanding. He is all powerful against your enemies. He is your savior and your redeemer. Your hope is in Him. Your future is where He is. Find your way in His word. He speaks to you through His Holy scripture. He gives you guidance, encouragement, and hope through His word. He is greater than anyone or anything on earth or in heaven. He is a great and powerful God who loves you as His precious child. His strength can wipe out entire cities and entire continents yet He is gentle with His children. He is your sanctuary. In His arms you are safe. You can run to your God and let him encircle you with His arms. Leave your enemies outside while you are safe in the refuge of your God. There is no power on earth or in the heavens that is greater than your God. Feel love and feel safe in your God.

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your love and your protection of my family and me. I pray for your guidance in everything I do. I pray your will be done in my life. Help me, Lord stand strong in my faith of your power and your love. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

A sound mind

"A sound mind" By Diane Webb

II Timothy 1:7—"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Never feel like you have no power. You have the power of the Holy Spirit and you have the power of intercessory prayer. God did not give you a spirit of fear. Any thoughts which create fear are not from God. God does not want you to make a decision out of fear. Fear-based decisions will not be in God's will. He wants you to make your decisions from a base of power and of love. Never feel powerless. You always have power in the Lord. No one on earth has real power over you. They only have the power you are tricked into giving them—or give them out of fear. Consider the power you have in the Lord through prayer and through the Holy Spirit. Consider the love God has for you and his plan for your life. These things create the sound mind necessary to make good decisions that are in line with God's will. These are the only logical basis for making a decision for your life. Pray for guidance and protection. Pray for the right thoughts according to God's will.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your power, your love, and my sound mind. Help me, Lord to always think thoughts that are pleasing to you. Help me make all decisions out of a sense of power, love, and sound mind. I pray for guidance and protection today. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Be at Peace

"Be at Peace" By Diane Webb

Psalms 77: 12—"I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings".

Think about all God has done for you and tell people of His goodness, mercy, and love. Remember all the times He has moved in your life. Tell others what God has done for you. This is your testimony. Each and every sunrise brings a new opportunity for testimony. He gives you something every day to be thankful for and to share with others. He shows He is present in your life so rejoice. Look for Him in all things and be encouraged. Seek His will in everything you do and be confident. Show His love at all times and be at peace. Demonstrate His mercy and have no resentment. Be an example of His goodness and have no regrets. Let His love fill you and have the energy, strength, and motivation you need to meet each day's challenges. Contemplate His works both mighty and small. Share what your savior means to you.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for helping me in all things. I have so many things to be thankful for. You are good to me all the time. Lord, give me the words and the opportunities to share your love, mercy, and goodness with others so they too might be part of your kingdom. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Those who hurt you

"Those who hurt you" By Diane Webb

II Timothy 2: 3—"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;"

Eventually all deceivers will be exposed. What has been hidden and kept in secret will be revealed. Justice will prevail. You need not worry about those who seem to have gotten away with evil. Those who have done wrong and seem to prosper will, in time, be shown for what they truly are. Truth will be evident and all lies will be uncovered. Do not look back on your life and think "they got away with it". Anyone who has lived outside the will of God has not gotten away with anything. God knows each and every hurt, pain, and lie inflicted on you by others. Those others will answer to your Father in due time. It may not be obvious but each one who has hurt you and has not repented is already reaping the consequences. For many, it seems they are not suffering consequences and seem to be prospering instead. Outside appearances can be deceptive. Inside, no one without God is at peace or fully content with their life. Take comfort in knowing evil against you will not go unnoticed or unpunished. All people will account for their choices and actions. Leave these things to your Father and fret not.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for those who have hurt and betrayed me. I pray each and every one will be saved. Open their hearts, Lord, to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Let them feel your unbounded love and accept Jesus into their hearts and lives. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

The small things

"The Small Things" By Diane Webb

II Timothy 3: 11—"Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me."

You can replace the names of the cities and the sentence is the same. Of all that has happened to you over the years—the trials, pain, betrayals, hardship, and people—God has been there and brought you through. Nothing you have ever gone through or ever will go through is worse than what Jesus suffered for you to live eternally. Never forget Jesus suffered unjustly so you can be forgiven and be accepted into the kingdom of God. The time on earth is just a blink of an eye compared to eternity. Never forget your real goal which is an eternal goal. What happens in your life must be put into an eternal perspective to see the meaning or understand the value of what you experience. Each day should serve to bring you closer and closer to God. God will place you where he wants you and will decide what, if any, hardship you can endure. Everything you experience is approved by God since you have turned your life over to him. Trust, once again, in his goodness, his mercy, and his wisdom. Look for him today and you will find him in your work, in the people you see, and in the quiet moments you allow him to speak to you.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me endure with grace the things I have to endure in order to achieve your plan for my life here on earth. Help me gain an eternal perspective so the little things do not bother me nor the big things cause me to stumble. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Humanity

"Humanity" By Diane Webb

Psalms 77: 11—"I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old."

Never forget what God has done for you—the little miracles, the answered prayers, and the guidance through the Holy Spirit. When you are discouraged and doubtful about the future, remember the times you saw direct evidence of his hand in your life. Remember the times he confirmed he was with you. Remember you closest moments with God. Think of the spectacular sunsets, the ocean, and a mountain vista. Think of the miracle of birth as you held your newborn child. Think of the close calls you were divinely delivered from. There is evidence of God throughout your life. He is all around you constantly orchestrating events so you can remain on the path he chose for you. Sometimes he is working things out to get you back on path after a disobedient detour. Most of all remember how much he loves you as an individual and people in general. He loves you and he loves all people. All of the signs and wonders are to demonstrate his authenticity, his sincerely, and his undying love for humanity. If he loves humanity so much as to send his son to die for your sins, then you too can love humanity as well.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and tireless efforts on my behalf. Help me see humanity as you do. Help me see each individual I encounter the same way you do. Help me minister to them in a way that pleases you. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Worldly Worries

"Worldly Worries" By Diane Webb

II Timothy 3: 12—"Yea, and all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

As a Christian, you can expect to be treated badly by the people of the world. Remember, you are in the world but not of the world. You will never fit in with the world or people of this world. People will not understand you and will not be supportive of you. This is why it is so important you have a fellowship of faith. It's important to be in a group of like-minded individuals so you will not feel isolated and alone. Fellow Christians are your family and these are the ones who will be there for you when no one else is. They are your support along with the Holy Spirit. Do not worry or get upset about how you are treated at work or in any other non-Christian setting. You cannot expect worldly people to treat you with respect or consideration. Their minds are not on Christ but on things of this world. Keep your mind on Christ and not things of this world. Hold your head high and keep your mind focused on Christ and His kingdom. Let Christ lead you each and every day. Let the worldly worries evaporate from around you. Do not allow yourself to get caught up in worldly concerns.

Dear Heavenly Father, I know I have fallen short in many ways on many days. I know sometimes I lose my focus and get upset about something that is not really important to the kingdom of God. I am still growing in my faith. Thank you for the wonderful church you have sent me to for worship, fellowship, and Christian community. I pray, Lord, I will always keep my focus on Christ. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

The Dark Days

"The Dark Days" By Diane Webb

Psalms 77: 10—"And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High."

When you are in dark days remember the good days. Remember when you were closest to God and He blessed you abundantly. Hold fast to the knowledge God still loves you and will never forsake you. It is hard when you are going through rough times. Sometimes it feels as if God as abandoned you. Do not despair. God is always near. He is molding you into the person he wants you to be. When you feel discouraged, alone, or rejected bring to mind the days and times you felt closest to God. Remember answered prayers. Remember the miracles in your life. Remember when His hand on you was obvious. Go through each day with the knowledge and understanding you are still God's child. Even in hardship and even in disobedience you are still God's child. You may walk away from Him but you can always come back. You can distance yourself from Him yet he is always there waiting for you to move closer. Pray for help during the dark days. Pray for the memories of the good days—the days you were confident in your relationship with God.

Dear Heavenly Father please forgive me of anything I may have done to distance myself from you. I want to come as close to you as I possibly can. I want to get through the dark days with renewed strength, courage, and faith. I never want to forget you are my savior and you are always there with me. I pray humbly in Jesus' name, Amen.

Listening to God

"Listening to God" By Diane Webb

Psalms 77: 6—"I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search."

Answers do not lie outside of you. The Holy Spirit speaks to you through your heart and your own spirit. Do not seek answers somewhere "out there". A knowing is present in your heart when you accept Jesus into it first. You understand there is a different feeling inside when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you. It is not anywhere in your head. Thoughts will often mislead. Search your spirit for God's answers. Ask God to lead, guide, and direct you through your spirit and your heart. Some people call this instinct but you know instinct—that gut feeling—is really the Holy Spirit. Trust that still, quiet voice you hear in the night—not the anxious, doubtful, fearful voice—but God's voice which gives a gentle, peaceful feeling—a realization, an inspiration, an insight based on pure truth not distorted thoughts. Listen and you will hear.

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me of anything that would hinder my prayers today. Help me, Lord, tune into the Holy Spirit at all times. Help me discern the voice of God and block the voice of Satan. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Standing with you

"Standing with you" By Diane Webb

II Timothy 4: 17—"Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion."

The Lord is standing by you all day long. He is there to give you strength and to help you have the right words to say. Through you, let the Holy Spirit speak to minister to hurting souls and damaged spirits. In spite of your failings He is with you and can use you to reach people who have strayed from Him or never really knew Him in the first place. He is with you and His strength is available to you. Just reach out for Him and remember He never leaves you. You are weak yet He can still work through you. He will work through you. Open yourself to His guidance and allow Him to fortify you. Listen for His words and use them to encourage the weary, oppressed, and hurt ones. Pray continuously for His strength, His guidance, and His will. Without Him you cannot make it without losing some of yourself. You need Him to protect you from the influence of Satan as it is manifested in others. He will help you if you allow Him to. Ask Him to stand by you and He will. He is ever-faithful and ever-willing to be there for you.

Dear Lord, I pray in all earnestness that you will stand by me today and every day. I open myself to your voice and your guidance. I submit myself to your will. I pray, Lord, you will use me in your kingdom for your work. I pray today I will be a vessel for the Holy Spirit. Allow me, Lord, to minister to others in your Holy Name. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Talking about your fears

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“Talking about your fears” By Diane Webb

Psalms 69: 18—“Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it:  deliver me because of mine enemies.”

Everyone has enemies, some you may not even be aware of.  As a Christian, there will often be someone against you.  This is why it is very important to ask God to redeem you, come into your life, and deliver you from your enemies.  This is a daily battle.  One weak spot or another will be a source of attack or testing.  Build up your areas of weakness when you are aware of them so they cannot be exploited by others.  Do not share your weaknesses, worries, or fears with others.  Often these are the areas people will use against you emotionally.  Sometimes a weakness will be used against you and the person is not completely aware they are doing it.  Regardless, if you had not told them the weakness they could not use it.  Tell God your weakness, worries, fears, and doubts.  Let him take care of them.  Otherwise, keep them to yourself.  Others do not need to know what you are dealing with on any given day.  In this way, you can shrink the areas of vulnerability in your daily walk.  There will not be nearly as many opportunities for others to play on your weaknesses.  Allow God to be your confidante instead of other people.  Then, trust him to take care of things so you need not worry or fear.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for saving my soul.  I pray, Lord, that I live my life according to your will and trust you to take care of my enemies.  Help me, Lord, keep my areas of weakness between you and me.  I trust you will help me overcome.  I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Self-Judgment

"Self-Judgment" By Diane Webb

II Timothy 4: 18—"And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen."

Give God all the glory. He is the master and creator of the universe. He is in control. He takes care of his children. Through him you can overcome anything. You belong to him and he will deliver you from every evil Satan tries to influence you with. God has you set aside for his kingdom. Do not worry yourself over what you say or do when God is in control of your life. You have accepted Jesus as your savior and you have given your life to God's work. You pray every day to do his will. God hears your prayers and he is in control even when you are not. Think of God all day and accept he is in control. Satan is the great accuser and will pester you with thoughts of guilt, doubt, or worry. God knows your heart and only God has the authority to judge you. Set aside all self-judgment and trust God will keep his promises and is in control.

Dear Heavenly Father, please let me know if or when I have offended you. I pray that everything I do, think, feel, or say is always in line with your will for me and my life. I accept the forgiveness of my offenses and no longer listen to Satan's accusing voice. I rebuke Satan and recognize God is in control of my life. I pray this in the holy name of Jesus, Amen.

He is there for you

"He is there for you" By Diane Webb

Psalms 69: 17—"And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily."

Call on the Lord when you need him. He will listen and he will be there for you. He will not turn away from you although you may turn away from him. Be comforted in knowing your God is nearby. He is ready to come to your aide when you call. He will help you when you are in trouble and he will come swiftly. You may have no one else you can really count on. There are none as dependable as he. Do not hesitate in your need. Do not be fearful of troubling him. Every thing that matters to you—large or small—also matters to him. As you grow tired, call on him for strength. As you grow confused, call on him for understanding. He is waiting for you to call on him. He is waiting for you to ask him to help. He is waiting for you to fully trust and depend on him. Even though he knows your every need before you ask, he waits for you to ask. He gave you free will and he respects it. He does not turn his face from you. You are the one who turns away. Turn your face back towards the Lord and ask him to help you.

Dear Lord I look to you for all my needs. I fully trust and depend on you. Forgive me for turning away without realizing it. I ask, Lord, for you help in getting through the day in a manner that glorifies Jesus. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Daily Work

"Daily Work" By Diane Webb

II Corinthians 1: 3—"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

God's grace towards you is abundant and free. He extends it out of his love and favor for you. He wants you to be at peace in your home as well as in your work. God wants you to be happy in doing his will. His work in you will give you more peace. He does not want you to feel ill at ease in your daily toil. God's plan for you leads to peace in your heart not dred in your stomach. Any work that causes you to feel sick, unhappy, or oppressed is not God's will for you. He places in your heart the desire to please him through your work according to his will. When you are doing the right work in the right place you will have peace in your heart. Through his grace and mercy he helps you achieve the work he has set for you to do. He will place you where he wants you to be when the time is favorable. He is working toward this goal now. Have patience and continue doing the best you can where you are. He will move you when he is ready to move you. Rest assured you will not have to stay where you are much longer. God wants you to feel his love and he wants you to feel a sense of peace as you work for him.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the grace and peace you give me. Help me be patient as I wait for your will to be done in my daily work. I submit myself to your will and humbly serve you. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.