Prayer

Prayer for my family

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If there’s anything we pray for, it’s for our family. No other place brings as much joy and pain to us. What are the reasons behind this?

First of all, the family is the source of life. We all have a mother and father. If you were brought up by relatives or adopted parents, they also provided for you. Even in the most difficult families, there is life.

Still, we often hurt the one’s we care for the most. Maybe it’s because we are tired, and we let our guard down. Or maybe it’s because we trust in our loved ones. We feel that they will still love us even when we don’t behave so well. We trust in love.

The family can be an abundant source of love. When you are sick or in need, family shows up. In the toughest moments, families often come together. In many families, the abundance of generosity and love is astounding.

Still, we can also observe great hurt and betrayal within families. It would be unrealistic to think that any family is perfect, and some live with much pain.

And many times, the greatest acts of forgiveness occur in families.  This is the message of Jesus — forgive and be forgiven.

Pray for your family in the tough times

If we think about Christ on the cross, it helps us to understand our family struggles. That moment of great pain and suffering was also the doorway to salvation. When we suffer and serve our family, the greatness of God’s love shines through. Remember this in the trials your family faces.

Seek God’s promises for your family. Ask the Lord to reveal them to you. Pray upon his promises. Get strength and peace from them. It may take days, months or years — but even a lifetime is worth the life and love that comes from your family.


Prayer for my family

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Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

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PRAYER FOR MY FAMILY

Oh loving Lord,

Do you see my family? Do you see how we have struggled? Do you see how we have hurt? Even each other. Pain going back, for generations.

So right here, right now, in your presence, I claim the promises you set forth for me and my family. Not a perfect family, that never suffers, that never bleeds – but a family united in LOVE, in Spirit and in Truth.

This can only come by your grace. Oh loving Lord, pour yourself out upon us. Wash us clean again. Reach down. Restore us.

Through your mercy, through your love.

In Jesus name,

Amen.

Stuck in a dead end job? Then do this.

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Stuck in a dead end job

The way out is through Christ

A lot of people lead stressful lives. Sometimes the worst form of stress is when you feel like you are stuck in a dead end job. The reason for your anxiety may be that you feel like you have no control over the situation. Let’s look at how to approach this in a healthy, faith-based way.

Don’t water it down

Maybe your job is monotonous and seems like it has no meaning. Perhaps you have a terrible boss as well. You also have bills to pay and mouths to feed. It doesn’t hurt to look at things realistically – that way you can see solutions clearly.

Look at your options

You might hear some say that you should quit your job and start over. While this certainly is an option, maybe it isn’t the right thing for you. It’s not easy to change jobs, and not everyone is capable of starting their own successful business.

And if you have no options and you really are stuck – what then?

It’s like prison

There are some situations that can feel very much like a prison sentence. So in this case, what can we turn to? The example of real-life prisoners. When someone is incarcerated they certainly can say they feel like their life is at a dead end.

Some inmates get into intense physical fitness programs while others take up a new hobby. People have even gone on to get masters and doctorate degrees during their time spent behind bars. Your situation might be different, but options like going to school at night or taking courses online might provide you with opportunities that you thought were impossible.

Also, there are countless prisoners who have found true freedom on the Gospel message. Many of the most amazing testimonies are from those who met Jesus while in prison. Remember, Jesus was a prisoner too.

Look at Paul

In the Acts of the Apostles, when Paul was imprisoned, what did he do? He prayed and sang hymns (Acts 16).  When Paul was in what appeared to be a dead end, he raised up his voice to God because he knew the secret to true freedom.

Your freedom is found in Jesus

No matter what your situation, true freedom is interior. There are many that appear to be free and successful but live in a prison of emptiness. A deep relationship with God is so powerful that nothing can stop it. You can move about with incredible freedom in the space we call faith.

Many disabled or even bed-ridden believers are completely free as they soar on the wings of prayer to our living God. These people offer their suffering for God’s glory. You can also lift up what appears meaningless and make it glorious in the eyes of the heavenly Father. Do it for him until he calls you to do something different.

Intercession is the work of saints

If you feel that your job is at a dead end, then take on a second job: prayer. Pray intensely for those you love and care for. Pray for zones of conflict, disaster and disease, and pray for our religious leaders as pastors need the protection of our prayers. Pray for those you work for – even that terrible boss – and see how they begin to change.

This activity goes completely unnoticed by the world, but God looks upon this work with great interest. Praying in anonymity for others is a great act of faith. And if anything is ever going to impress God, it is great faith.

Your key to freedom

This doesn’t mean that you can’t ask God to change your situation, but the greater victory will be your transformation. Your life that seemed like a prison will take on a richer and deeper meaning. As your relationship with Christ grows in importance you will see that things around you begin to change.

Never give up hope. The secret to developing lasting hope is found in your trials. Paul outlined this in Romans Chapter 5 when he wrote, “because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit…”

Recognizing Jesus Christ in your life puts this Spirit into your heart. So when you face a dead end, as Paul did in prison, lift up your voice and praise God. Then watch the prison gates fly open to set you free.

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Christmas Depression Or Joy?

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Christmas depression or joyIt’s well known that during Christmas time there are increased rates of depression, suicide and suicide attempts. If this is to be a season of joy why is there so much bad cheer?

Causes of Christmas Depression

During the holidays is there is simply too much to be done. Shopping, planning for gatherings and preparing for the year’s end all heap hours of extra work onto our already busy lives.

Others see Christmas as a season of loss. For example, you might have lost a loved one in the past during the holidays. Or it could be that you don’t have fond memories because, as a child, Christmas was a time of sadness in your home. Others who are alone feel even lonelier since this is a time to gather with loved ones.

Finally, the year’s end is often a time to reflect on how things are going in our life. And if things aren’t going well, you can fall into depression.

How to cope with Christmas Depression

Later, we will discuss how your faith makes the biggest impact of all. But here are some practical tips that can help:

  • Buy gifts in batches. For example, scented candles are nice gifts you can buy in bulk.
  • Set limits on shopping and spending. Remember, you can’t buy love.
  • Don’t be afraid to say “no” to invitations. Or feel free to leave the party early.
  • Write down your reasons for being depressed. Setting it down on paper can be liberating.
  • Drink and eat less. Alcohol is a chemical depressant.
  • Find time for yourself to recover from the chaos.

Prayer Time

Perhaps during this time of year, prayer is more important than ever. The busy pace and frequent parties can all lead to temptations, even the temptation to be sad. Some fall into the trap of getting into family arguments since everyone is so stressed out. Time in prayer will keep you centered in the holiday storm.

Party Clothes

The holidays put tremendous pressure on us to perform. We have to look good and put on a happy face. So how does our faith get us through this? Think about the parable of the wedding banquet. Many were invited to the king’s party, but one entered without the proper dress. When this person was discovered, he was tied up and thrown out into the darkness. Seems kind of harsh for a merciful God, doesn’t it?

The Meaning of the Parable of the Great Banquet

When the world celebrates Christmas, the pressure of society looks to distract us from the essence of the holiday. Why? Because it’s good business. But if we go into the party without the proper dress, then we too risk getting thrown out. So we end up feeling depressed or anxious, because we look for something in a worldly celebration that only God can give us.

The proper attire for God’s banquet is the clothing of repentance and acceptance. Now you might be saying to yourself, “Before I was just a little depressed, now you’ve really made me sad.” The reason for this emphasis isn’t to put you down, but rather to raise up God’s Son in glory.

If we look to the holiday celebration only for a reason to “feel good” we will always be disappointed. When we forget the essence we try to feed on something that can’t give us life.

Don’t deny the Son

You see, if we deny our sin, we deny Christ. He came to forgive us and save us. That was, and is, his main mission. So even though we must strive to do good, the first step is recognizing our sin and the great forgiveness of God. This gives everything, especially Christmas, its meaning.

If you are sad or depressed, remember this. The more you suffer and the more you have sinned – all this gives you even greater access to God’s mercy. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus says, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick… go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

So it’s not a matter of values, conduct or appearances. It’s a matter of the heart. Have you given your heart to Jesus? He certainly gives all his heart to you.

It’s all for you and for His glory

The first Christmas was truly sacred. In humility, a child was born in the stillness of the night. This child was destined to give his life for you. When you feel the holiday pressure, let Jesus put everything in perspective. His truth cleans and heals you of past hurt and loss. Strength and hope are yours as you navigate a world offering peace in all the wrong places.

Remember who Jesus is. Remember what he did for you. Go back to the manger; go back the basics of your faith to pull yourself out of the holiday blues. Christmas is a great celebration for reasons that completely transcend our earthly senses. Rise above it all. Rise up with Christ. He alone clothes you in the right attire.

Then step into the banquet; clean and whole with confidence before God. Jesus himself will acknowledge your name before his Father in heaven.

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Why do I worry so much about others?

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Why do I worry so much about others

Is your worry off balance?

If you are reading this you know who you are. You are the person who constantly worries about others. Most of the time it’s worry about a loved one, like a son or daughter. The problem is when worry paralyzes you or harms your relationships. Let’s find out why you worry so much about others, and how faith in God can help.

Roots of worry

It helps to know why you worry so much. Part of it is biological as some of us are programmed to be worriers. This might have entered into your personality because your mother was very worried during her pregnancy with you. Perhaps even your grandmother was worried while pregnant with your mother. In this way, excessive worry is a sort of inheritance.

Environment matters

If you lived in an overprotective environment growing up, this could have caused you to be a worrier. The other extreme – living in an environment of neglect – can also leave emotional wounds that cause worry. The unexpected loss of a loved one – especially during your childhood – can be a cause of lifetime worry patterns too.

Who are you really worried about?

In many cases, worry is a self-defense response. You’ve been hurt or suffered loss, so it’s understandable that the threat of future loss scares you. Here it’s helpful to understand the “balance of worry” because over time this can become distorted. By “balance” we mean, who’s really benefiting from your worry? For example:

  • Are you really worried about others, or are you more worried about getting hurt?
  • Are you more worried that you will look bad (“bad” parent, imperfect family, etc.) and lose what you think is perfect?
  • Are you worried because you fear that you’re losing control?

When you ask these questions, think to yourself, “Am I more worried about myself, or am I genuinely worried about the other person?” In pretty much every case, there’s a mix of emotions, but problems arise when the balance is tilted heavily in our favor.

Isolation and overreaction

The evil one looks to paralyze or divide us through fear. When our worry becomes self-serving, we look inward and take a defensive posture. Ironically we can end up hurting the person we are worried about, and this separates us from them. Satan finds great pleasure in generating isolation, division and confusion. But, as always, Christ shows us the way to victory and freedom.

Jesus worried too

In the Book of Luke (19:41-44), Jesus wept for Jerusalem. He wept for them not only for what was happening, but for what was going to happen. Perhaps worry isn’t the exact emotion Jesus felt; he felt concerned instead. He felt sorrow. His focus was upon the other, not himself.

When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, before his crucifixion, he also worried. But even greater than his anguish was his concern for the will of his Father. This is the heavenly balance we should seek. Jesus didn’t look to protect himself, but looked instead to obey and give of himself.

Imitate Jesus and be free

It seems impossible to attempt to imitate Jesus Christ – maybe even almost blasphemous. But this is exactly what his Spirit allows us to do. God’s great love and sacrifice give us the strength to break the chains of our past. The Spirit allows us to re-balance our emotions in a healthy, Christ-like way. We don’t have to have all the answers, but we can begin to trust in the will of our heavenly Father.

Give and accept

When Jesus died on the cross, he did so with open arms. This is the only antidote against Satan’s lies. Instead of closing in, you give of yourself and you give life. Instead of hurting those you love; you accept them, and you accept what God wills for their life. If you feel your worry is selfish, ask God to forgive you. In the forgiveness of the Father you receive great peace.

Jesus’ walk to his crucifixion was made possible only by the Spirit. And later an even greater glory appeared in the resurrection. Find hope in this truth. Trust the Spirit. Ask him, again and again, to help you. Then rise up and carry your cross, like Jesus did – with confidence, courage and strength.

When you rest in God, you bring the best to your life and to those you care for – and no inheritance could be more protective or nurturing.

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How do I handle all the bad news I see and hear?

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How do I handle bad news

Today’s world is confusing, chaotic, and violent. How do you deal with all the bad news you see and hear? Let’s find out.

Don’t hide your head in the sand

It’s important to acknowledge the reality of our world. It’s not easy, especially when we hear about natural disasters or war. Even more troubling is the violence we witness in our own streets. But when we know what’s happening in the world, it helps us understand how to confront it.

Limit your exposure

As citizens, we have a responsibility to keep up with current events, but limit the time you spend there. Every media outlet wants you to stay tuned in for as long as possible. Sitting glued to the TV only heightens your anxiety. Yes, bad things exist, but once you’re informed sufficiently, move on.

Stand up and fight

The easy way out is to turn off your TV and ignore it all. But this is exactly what the enemy wants from us. He desires to use our fears to divide, isolate, or anesthetize us. The Kingdom of God has weapons too, and they are of a heavenly caliber. This is as much – or perhaps more – a spiritual battle as it is a battle between humans.

It’s worth stressing the importance of God’s Word. Reading your Bible every day will give you strength, clarity, and confidence. In Ephesians 6, Paul speaks about the armor of God which consists of:

  • Truth
  • Righteousness
  • The Gospel of Peace
  • The Shield of Faith
  • The Helmet of Salvation
  • The Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word)
  • Prayer

In Galatians 5 we find the fruit of the Spirit. These fruits are:

  • Love
  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Longsuffering
  • Kindness
  • Goodness
  • Faithfulness
  • Gentleness
  • Self-control

The more we use these spiritual gifts, the more of the Spirit we bring to humanity. You might think, “How do my actions at home affect what’s happening on the other side of the country or the world?” The answer? It makes a huge difference.

Spiritual Combat

The terrible things in this world are meant to destroy those directly affected. They aim to destroy us as well. The enemy wants us to be weak in our faith. The devil wants us to tremble in fear. Instead, through God’s Spirit we can become a great force for good.

A tremendous battle is taking place, and we must respond appropriately. You are not powerless, but rather God’s power can work through you.

Your purpose and life testimony make an impact on all those around you. If we don’t resist the culture of fear and death, the darkness grows. However, if you bring the light of the Spirit, you build God’s Kingdom.

When you get overwhelmed, focus on core missions

When things seem to be too much for you to handle, remember, you have a purpose. God put you on this earth for a reason. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl survived the World War II concentration camps. He concluded that the secret to survival was to focus on a core mission in life.

Maybe your mission is to be a good, reliable mom, dad, or spouse. When bad news overwhelms you, focus on that. Or maybe you have a job to do and others depend on you. That’s important, no matter what the job. Finally, you might think you have no purpose, but your mission may actually be the most important of all.

A most important purpose

Maybe you feel you have no purpose. Maybe you’re all alone. Perhaps you are stuck in a dead end. But if you get on your knees and pray for others, the heavens will open and rejoice. The prayers of those that suffer are very powerful. These prayers cry out to God in a way that a comfortable life cannot reach. The forgotten ones that find strength in prayer have a truly special life mission. Nobody notices this – except God.

Remember, we’re in this together

Exercise your rights and assume your responsibilities as a citizen, but also think for yourself. If you are called to speak out or act, do so with wisdom and prudence. Be careful, as the easiest way to misguide someone is through fear.

It’s never been about individualism. Don’t go into this fight alone. Pray together for things like peace and justice. Pray for healing and transformation in zones of violence, illness, and disaster. Be active in your church for the Body of Christ is made up of many members, all of which are important, even the most humble.

Hope keeps it all alive

We live in troublesome times. If we don’t turn to our faith in moments like these, when will we? Return to the bedrock of your faith. Faith in a God that loves you so much that he sent his only Son to die for you. Faith in his resurrection and ascension into heaven. And finally, the great hope that Jesus will come again.

Don’t keep your eyes glued to the TV. Instead keep them looking upwards for when Christ returns.

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What’s more harmful? Conscious or unconscious secrets?

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Unconscious secrets

The truth sets you free

Depending on the situation, hiding something about yourself can cause problems. Secrets can be a source of anxiety, but which ones are more harmful – conscious or unconscious secrets? Let’s find out how secrets can be harmful, and how prayer can help relieve this stress.

Healthy Secrets

In some cases, a secret may be healthy. For example, if someone shares with you an intimate part of their life, this is a sign of trust. Or maybe you need to make an important decision and require time to process things. Opening up too much or too early might confuse you, so it’s wise to keep to yourself sometimes.

Private Secrets

A secret that is totally private and held for a long time can have negative effects. Obvious examples are infidelity in a relationship or the hiding of an addiction. These kinds of secrets separate and isolate us from others, and the destructive effects delay healing and reconciliation.

Conscious Secrets

Even though they are private, the secrets mentioned above are conscious. You know when you are keeping these secrets and you make a willful effort to hide them. Even those these secrets are harmful, at least there is knowledge about them. This knowledge communicates with your conscious mind giving you hope for problem resolution. Other secrets are more dangerous.

Unconscious Secrets

Unconscious secrets eat away at your life and relationships since they work unnoticed. It’s like a cancer that goes undetected for a long time until it has spread all through the body.

These secrets are very hard to detect since they often mask themselves as other problems. For example, the secret might be that you feel superior to others, however, the effects show up as impatience or anger. Even though you are aware of anger issues, you might be completely blind to your arrogance. In some cases, facial expressions, tone of voice, or word choices can give subtle clues about the truth. However, things aren’t seen clearly since the exaggerated superficial effects grab everyone’s attention.

The truth can be hidden in very complex ways, such as the apparently timid person who deep down suffers from extreme vanity. In this case, shyness may be a way to avoid admitting that they are actually human after all.

The Devil made me do it

The unconscious secret is truly diabolical. The enemy prefers to operate in hidden ways while causing the most damage possible. Conscious secrets are often heaped in layers upon unconscious secrets, for example, a gambling addiction added to a lack of motivation to cover a secret envy. Like all harmful secrets, unconscious secrets separate and isolate use from others and from God.

How to get free

People can live all their lives as victims to these secret tendencies and desires. Even as conscious secrets are resolved, the hidden ones adopt other masks to hide our true deficiencies. Even Christians might adopt a religious fanaticism to hide their wounds. Modern psychology can help to unmask ourselves, but sometimes the secret is buried so deep that only a supernatural intervention will expose what has escaped years of therapy.

The greatest harm we do to others comes from these secrets that we hide at any cost. This conflict might even cause us to harm ourselves, such as through drugs, risky behavior or even suicide. The more time you spend in God’s presence, the greater you are exposed to his light, which is the light of truth. This light exposes the enemy’s lies that attempt to dominate your life.

Concrete changes

As your relationship with God develops, you begin to see yourself as you are, and this is the path to freedom. You begin to identify emotions and reactions more precisely. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m being impatient,” you more correctly think, “I’m being arrogant.” God’s Spirit is the Spirit of Truth; and the Spirit assists you in coming to these realizations.

Healthy expression

The goal here is not to suppress your emotions, but instead adopt healthy ways of expression. The key is to develop a clear understanding of what is going on inside of you. God’s goodness is the best way to get there. He will provide situations to teach you about yourself, and also give you solutions.

Jesus said that if we hold to his teachings then we will know the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:31). The greatest truth that Jesus is God’s Son, and through him we find our salvation.

Lies and deception make you a slave. Ask God to set you free to walk in the light of truth.

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