Changing You

"And we all, with unveiled face, be holding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."- II Corinthians 3:18

"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." - Romans 8:16-17

"For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."- II Corinthians 4:17-18

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. - Ephesians 5:18-21

Dear God, 

I am being changed to be like You. I must be willing to suffer as You have suffered in order to be more like You. And then I will have glory as You have glory. God, troubles are deep right now. Fears abound. Republicans are monsters with regard to healthcare issues. The disabled are concerned. Please intervene and continue to provide for us. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen

While You Wait

"The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him." - Lamentations 3:25 

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11 

Dear God, 

Where are You right now? We have people hurting and people who are terrified of the immediate future ahead in light of the Trump-tastrophe that is about to take off full speed ahead. What the heck have the republicans done to our country? What happened to the compassion for others, the empathy? Why do they take such glee in the fact that because of their stupidity people will die from losing insurance access to healthcare or that they will become homeless and bankrupt? Why do they just not care? What has happened that they dare call themselves Christians yet act with such hatred and ignorance and selfishness? Your plans are to give me hope and a good future, but I am really struggling to see how that is possible right now. God, reveal Yourself. Please. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen

Too Many to Count

"When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul." - Psalm 94:19 

Other translation: "I was very worried. But you comforted me and made me happy." - Psalm 94:19

"So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." - John 16:22 

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29 

Dear God, 

This world has given us many worries this past week, particularly for those of us with complex medical needs that now fear losing insurance access to healthcare again. We need universal care now is what we need. I see problem and troubles everywhere I look, especially in light of the liar-elect coming around the corner. God, I really need Your comfort right now. Help me to remember that You are with me! Help me to remember that You are bigger than all the problems and the worries of this world! Comfort me and bring me joy. Remind me of Your presence, Your peace, and Your love even as I am faced with the worries. Replace my worries with blessings. 

Thank You.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen

The Power of Prayer

"Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies." - Psalm 27:11

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." - James 1:2-3

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." - James 4:7-8

"Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!" - Psalm 143:1

Dear God, 

Worries and troubles are not fun, but teach me how to use them for good. Help me to use them to grow closer to You. Today I am worried because of the republicans who are back with full force threatening to take away insurance for millions upon millions of people who need access to healthcare without having to worry about being denied or dropped or going bankrupt over getting care. Today I am worried about millions of elderly, disabled, and veterans who rely upon the Social Security Administration programs so they can have shelter and food and healthcare they need. Today I am worried about the evil that the republicans have unleashed upon America. I need You God. I need Your shelter. I need Your provision. I need Your peace. I need Your comfort. Show me what to do. Satan, get thee behind me! I bind you Satan in the name of Jesus! 

Thank You God.

In Jesus' Name, 

Amen

Thank God for the Things That Are Troubling You

Psalm 116:17 - I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.

Philippians 4:4-6 - Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer re and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Dear God, is it ever hard to thank You for the troubles on life! Another infection? Thanks. Financial stress? Thanks. Job loss? Thanks. Death? Thanks. Power outage? Thanks. I can definitely understand the struggle of thanking You for troubles. BUT, I can also see where You can come through those troubles to still bless and provide for someone. So I will continue to thank You whether I am in a troubled time or whether I am in a good time. Thank You. In Jesus' Name, Amen!