Pray with Purpose

Pray to be Open Lipped

07/22/2023

Which are you? Tight-lipped or open-lipped?  In other words, are you reluctant to speak and don’t reveal much about what’s going on inside of you? Or, are you more open-lipped and let what you’re thinking and feeling readily come forth?  No doubt James 1:19 tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak when we’re angry. But what about in relation to praising God? In this case, we are to be like the psalmist, who prayed in  Psalm 51:15:

O LORD, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise.

Are we grateful? Are our hearts flooded with God’s goodness?  I hope so. Even when there seems to be nothing for which we can praise Him, we can open our lips and praise Him for His presence with us, His provision for us, and His purposes He will bring forth.

Develop a mindset of gratefulness. Fill your heart with praise. Open your mouth and let your praise flow to God. Pray, “LORD, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise.”

LORD, thank You for who You are and for all the incredible ways You have worked in our lives, are working, and will work. You are worthy of our praise day and night. OPEN OUR LIPS so we declare Your praise. 

Record your daily praises in Prayers of My Heart journal.

Do you want to praise God, but don’t know how? If so, HERE’s help.

Share

Have You Ever Wished You Had Someone to…

04/21/2023

Have you ever wished you had someone to watch your back? Or, better, to watch over your soul – your mind, emotions, and will?  The fact is, believers have that person in Jesus. First Peter 2:25 tells us “…you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”  When doing research for my book, Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion about God being the guardian of our soul, I discovered that the word “guardian” is translated from the Greek word episkopos and means an “overseer, a man charged with the duty of seeing that things done by another are done rightly.” (page 98) What a blessing for us to have God as the Guardian of our souls!

God assumes responsibility for being the Guardian of our soul, but it is our responsibility to tune into Him and follow what He tells us to do both in the Bible and when the Holy Spirit prompts us during the day.

Begin each day prayerfully greeting God and lifting up your soul to Him. Invite Him to overwhelm your soul with His Spirit. Then, pay attention to the Spirit’s prompts and follow them throughout the day. You know how I value recording each of God’s attributes in my journal every morning…such as “Guardian of My Soul” today. In addition, I stay in God’s presence with pen in hand and write in my journal how God prompts me to pray and make notes of what He stirs my heart to do that day.  If you haven’t yet tried journaling or tried it in the past and stopped, give it a try again. It can change your life because you will experience the Guardian of Your Soul watching over you and guiding you as never before.   Prayers of My Heart Journal

Quick Start Video           7 Benefits of Journaling Slideshow           Why We Love It 

LORD, thank You for being the GUARDIAN of our souls. Help us be ever-sensitive to Your Word and will. 

Share

Give Me Jesus

12/28/2022

“In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.” The words, “In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus,” are written in bold letters on a plaque my daughter gave me several years ago. I see it every day. Give me Jesus. Yes, I want Jesus in my day, in my decisions, and moments. But certainly, another plaque could hang in heaven. “In the morning when she rises, give me Debbie.” Yes, rather than our relationship with Christ being one way, one in which we benefit from Christ being in our lives, isn’t Christ also to benefit from us being His child? Aren’t we supposed to be serving Him and His purposes? The answer is yes. If you realize your relationship with Christ is one way, get a copy of my book, “Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion” at Amazon. Begin a two-way relationship with Jesus.

Share

I’ll Be Back

11/23/2022

“I’ll be back,” I assured our lab puppy the first time I left her. I knew Katie didn’t understand my words, but wanted to establish a routine so she’d learn I’d return. As Jesus neared the end of His earthly ministry, He explained to His disciples He was leaving, but He’d be back. He did what He said He was going to do. He died on the cross, was buried three days, rose from the grave, and returned to them just as He said. Before His ascension, He told them He was going to His Heavenly Father, but He’d be back. The disciples believed Him and lived in anticipation of Christ’s return. Do you believe Him – that He’ll be back? Are you preparing for His return? If not, watch my free videos of End Times. Prepare for when Christ comes back. 

Share

Drowning Eagles

11/09/2022

Recently I was reminded of a National Geographic special about how eagles catch fish. Eagles fly high above the water and with their keen eyesight spot a fish, then dive for it. They grab the fish with their talons and fly to shore to eat it. However, on occasion, an eagle grabs a fish heavier than it can carry. With their talons deep in the fish, they can be taken into the water and drown. That can happen to us, too. Well intentioned Christians can believe they have a handle on sin, but in fact, it takes them down. 1 Peter is filled with examples of drowning sins that we can avoid. Get your copy of “Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos, a 5-week study that will help you avoid drowning in sins and help you soar in your Christian walk.

Share

Come Back to God

11/02/2022

“Look at the deer. Oh no. There goes Katie! Needless to say, my husband and I called for our lab as she chased the deer. It’s her nature to chase them. We understand that. Then what’s the problem? We bought Katie to be with us, not run away. As we continued to call, we spotted Katie, tongue hanging, running back to us. Thinking about Katie chasing the deer, I realized how much my nature is like hers; that too often I follow my natural instincts. Yet, the Lord who bought me, calls me to Himself. Where are you today in relation to God? Are you running from or to Him? Following your natural instincts or walking by Christ’s Spirit? If you’re running away or have wandered away, turn back. Begin each day with my free devotional, 365 Days of Praise.

Share

How Do You Measure Up

10/25/2022

Taking a break from writing, I decided to measure some bookcases for a project I was working on. Opening the drawer, I reached for a tape measure but hesitated. Which one? The large industrial tape measure or my cute fabric-covered one? Realizing it didn’t matter since an inch is an inch no matter the tape measure, the Lord reminded me sin is sin no matter the person. We will each stand before God, the rule maker, who will measure us by the standard of His righteousness. How will you measure up when you stand before God? If you’re not sure, click the Resources link. Watch the End Times videos. Prepare to meet Jesus. Make sure there will be no sin by which He measures and judges you when you die. End Times Study.

Friends, you’re invited to a study of Acts that I’m teaching. Learn more HERE.

Share

Snip the Fringe

10/18/2022

Several days ago when cleaning out my towels, I reached for one I’d used in the guest room. Picking up the black towel with dangling tassels, I noticed there were several missing tassels. This towel has to go, I surmised, tossing it aside. Then, glancing back at the towel, I realized that rather than toss it, I could snip it. I could snip off the tassels that remained and that way continue to use the towel. Snipping away, the Lord reminded me of how important it is for me to rest in His hands while He snips the sin from my life; so He can continue to use me. What about you? Is there a sin that needs to be snipped from you so God can use you? If so, go to Him. Get my study on 1 Peter. Learn how you can be useful in God’s hands. 

Friends, you’re invited to a study of Acts that I’m teaching. Learn more HERE.

Share

Turbulent Times

10/11/2022

Gripping the arms of the airplane seat, the passenger seated next to my sister was visibly scared. Linda encouraged her, then asked, “Do you know Jesus as your Savior?” The pilot had said there might be turbulence. Everyone’s seat belt was on. But the irregular motion of the air seemed to throw the airplane out of control. Passengers felt the strain against their seat belts and watched unsecured objects fall to the floor. No wonder the lady panicked. No wonder people today are also feeling the strain of life and nearing panic in our turbulent world. As the turbulence worsened, the lady on the plane replied to my sister’s question. “I’m a Christian, but I think it’s time to rededicate my life.” Is it also time for you to rededicate your life to Christ? If so, read About Jesus. Take care of your relationship with Jesus today.

Friends, you’re invited to a study of Acts that I’m teaching. Learn more HERE.

Share

SON Glasses

10/04/2022

“Look how green everything is,” my husband commented after a light rain. “I know,” I replied, looking around.  “Oh, wait, it’s not that green. It’s my sunglasses,” he said, chuckling. As sunglasses tint how we view the world around us, so Songlasses, S O N glasses, tint how we see what is happening around us. Are you worried about the increase in violence? Are you angry about injustices? Is your day dreary? If so, look at life through Christ’s lens. Serve His purposes, mindful of the promise of His return and how He will reward you for what you are doing for His kingdom. Learn about Christ’s return and eternal rewards in my 5 part series: End Times: What You Should Know, What You Can Do.

Friends, you’re invited to a study of Acts that I’m teaching. Learn more HERE.

Share