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prayer of desperation: flat roof

When The Prayer of Desperation Becomes Through the Roof Prayer

I can’t imagine the difficulty of life-long illness or a prolonged physical problem. My shattered finger several years ago was bad enough. I’m left-handed but, with my right hand in a cast, I had difficulty putting my hair into a ponytail, zipping pants, and buttoning shirts. It was miserable. Although it was temporary, the experience gave me considerably more compassion for those who struggle with illness or disability and a better understanding of the prayer of desperation. My recent cornea problems were, in a way, worse than the fractured hand. The vision problem stopped me in my tracks. It limited reading, internet use, writing, driving, and almost everything else I wanted to do. I felt desperate for healing. I prayed and fasted. My friends and acquaintances prayed. The pastor and elders prayed. They anointed me with oil and laid hands on me, more than once. Healing didn’t come as soon as I hoped, nor in the way I expected. The Bible spoke directly to my need. I learned more than I wanted about physical problems and disability. In the midst of my struggle, I read the story of the paralyzed man and the four friends, all likely just as desperate for healing as I. For the first time, I identified with those five men. (Luke 5:17-26) You probably know the story, but here’s a quick recap. Four men, determined to bring their friend to Jesus, went up on the roof of a house because it was so crowded they couldn’t get through the door to the Healer. They lowered the paralyzed man down into the middle of the crowd. No vandalism needed. As a child, I believed the friends ripped the roof apart, then left the owners with a gaping hole. It seemed the worst kind of evangelism possible and I recoiled from the story. Two trips to the Middle East taught me a different possibility. The roof on most Middle Eastern houses is flat. In Jordan (and in Israel) the roof is used for storage, drying clothes on the line, and large water tanks. There’s room for children to play and a grill or small fire pit for cooking outside. In some houses, there’s an entrance from the roof leading directly inside. For others, there’s one door with both a street approach and a roof approach. Maybe it happened like this… I now believe this story might’ve happened something like this: (Leanna paraphrase coming up) “Hey, my paralyzed friend, you need to see that teacher from Nazareth, Jesus. He gives sight to the blind and makes the lame walk again. He might heal you, too.” “How would I get there? Doesn’t he teach out in the wilderness?” “Mostly, but sometimes he’s in town. I’ll take you. Let me get some people together.” They made a plan and waited for an opportunity. One day, Jesus came to town and was teaching in a house nearby. The men quickly hauled their friend on a blanket through the street, but a huge crowd arrived before them. The door was blocked by people. The friends refused to give up. The four buddies looked around the house, and, suddenly, the excitement began. “Hey,” someone probably said, “We could go through the roof door.” The four men hauled the paralyzed man up the stairs to the roof, then down a ladder into the house. They landed right in the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. Through the roof prayer The most remarkable part of the entire story is what happened when they got inside the house with their friend. The men didn’t know if Jesus would heal their friend or not. They simply presented him to Jesus. No request. No description of the problem. Nothing. The presentation of their friend to Jesus was the request. In a way, their action was desperate, “thy will be done” prayer. I pray this way sometimes — I simply call out the name of the one for whom I’m praying. I know they need Jesus’s intervention, so I take them to God in prayer. It’s a prayer of desperation, a “through the roof” prayer. It may be the purest form of prayer because it expresses utter dependence upon and surrender to our Lord and His wisdom. Going through the roof brought their friend straight to Jesus and left the choice of intervention to Him. Are there people for whom you’re praying? Are you desperate and nearly without hope? Have you run out of words to pray? Maybe it’s time for “through the roof” prayer. Take them to the throne of God and leave them there. Ask God to intervene, then leave the choice of intervention to Him. He’s more than able to deliver. But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. (Luke 5:19 NASB) You might also enjoy these posts on prayer:  The Miracle I expected to Remember But Soon Forgot The Prayer Walk and the One With Whom God Wants to Talk When the Answer to Our Prayer is a Much-Needed Delay Prayer and Politics: How to Pray the News and Why We Should Proper Prayer Begins by Taming the Tongue

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Frequently Asked Questions About Prayer

Frequently Asked Questions About Prayer Prayer is one of the most misunderstood tools available to the disciple of Jesus. Keep reading for answers to frequently asked questions about prayer and to learn how God speaks, how to pray, positions for prayer, and what to do if you can’t hear God’s voice. 1. Frequently Asked Questions About Prayer: What is Prayer? Prayer is more than the recitation of a memorized set of words or phrases or a list of wants and needs. Prayer is a conversation with the One who is not only our best friend but also the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We can talk to Him as easily as talking to a trusted confidant but this is not a casual or “homeboy” kind of relationship. He is due all the honor and respect we can give and we should speak with Him accordingly. This two-way communication with God we call prayer is not something we do before a crowd to be noticed by them. (Matthew 6:6-8) We talk with Him and He talks with us. Our heart attitude communicates far more to God than our words. Contrary to popular opinion, what we have to say is not the most important part of prayer. By far the most critical part of the conversation is what God says to us. This page of prayer resources is designed to help you learn more about how to pray and recognize God’s answers to your prayers. Keep reading to learn what the Bible says about how to pray. 2. Questions About Prayer: How to pray? Jesus taught His disciples how to pray using a “template” we call “The Lord’s Prayer.” These simple verses give us a kind of formula to use as we learn to pray. “Our Father”… reminds us God sees us as His much-loved children. When we pray, we talk with the One who loves us most. “Hallowed be your name”… means we want to treat God’s name as holy and sacred and we want others to treat it that way, too. “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”… tell us God’s way is best and we choose to want His will more than our own, regardless of circumstances or situation. “Give us this day our daily bread”… means we trust God to provide what we need when we need it. It also means we’re content with basic needs and do not expect or demand fancy fare. “And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”… shows we know we’ve done wrong and are more concerned about our own wrong-doing than that of others. If we expect God to forgive us freely, we must forgive others just as freely. “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil”…  God doesn’t “make” anyone do wrong but He will allow a season of testing. This testing allows us to see our weaknesses and grow to become more like Jesus. When we ask God to deliver us from evil and not to lead us into temptation, we admit our weakness and our dependence on Him to protect us from sin. “For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory…” It’s all about God, not us, and it’s important for us to recognize and acknowledge this truth. How to Pray: Five Simple Steps: As you can see, the emphasis in the prayer Jesus taught is on God the Father, not us: His holy name, His will, His kingdom, His way. It acknowledges our dependence on His provision, His deliverance, and His power and glory. How to pray? Use your usual words and talk to God as to someone who loves you, because He does, but remember these five simple steps: Focus on God. Surrender to His will and His way. Ask for His help and provision. Forgive others. Be sure to thank Him. Need more help? Check out the blog posts listed below to learn more about how to pray. 3. Does my prayer position matter? The Bible mentions a variety of positions in prayer. Our choice of position may reflect the situation in which we find ourselves or our attitude—about ourselves and about God. James 4:6 tells us God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Proverbs 6:16-19 tells us pride (or “haughty eyes”) is one of the six things God hates. With this in mind, we do well to approach God with an attitude of humility and a position of humility. Five positions for prayer mentioned in Scripture: Hands Raised: Although the Bible doesn’t mention folded hands, it does contain numerous references to raised hands before the Lord, both in worship and in prayer. Job 17:9 and Psalm 24:4 address the importance of approaching God with “clean hands and a pure heart.” It doesn’t mean we need to wash our hands before prayer. Instead, we should repent of our sins and ask for forgiveness in order to approach God with a cleansed or “pure” heart. Psalm 134:2 and Lamentations 3:41 both direct us to raise our hand when we pray while Psalm 141:2 describes hands raised in prayer as a kind of sacrifice to God. In Psalm 63, written while living in the wilderness of Judah, David declared his intention to praise God and lift his hands in prayer as long as he lived. The apostle Paul directed his young protege, Timothy, in the raising of hands during prayer. We raise our hands in prayer before God as a sign of supplication, as a child might raise their arms to their parents to ask them to lift, carry or snuggle them. Raised hands are also empty hands and signify our relative poverty and utter dependence upon the Lord. Kneeling: The kneeling position for prayer is used as a sign of humility and surrender. When Israel dedicated their first temple, King Solomon “stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of the assembly of

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Prayer Resources: Answers to your questions and practical help

Faith Lived Out Loud Prayer Resource Center If you struggle with unanswered prayers, how to pray, and ways to pray prayers God answers, check out these free prayer resources. You’ll find answers to frequently asked questions, blog posts on a variety of prayer topics, information on fasting, and how-to guides for drive-through prayer, prayer stations, and other prayer resources. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out through our contact page. We’d love to help. 1. Prayer Resources: Frequently Asked Questions 2. Prayer Resources: Blog Posts You can find all the “prayer blog posts” at the above link or read a few selected ones with the links below. When the Answer to Your Prayer is Delayed – Learn more about why the answers to our prayers are delayed and how to wait for God to move. Nothing Is Impossible with God – Why don’t we see God do the impossible? Read here to find out some of the possible reasons and what to do about them.  Real Prayer Moves Us Closer to God – How can prayer move us closer to God? How do we pray move-closer prayers? Read this post to find out more. What Does it Mean to Be a House of Prayer– Learn how to make your life and heart a “house of prayer.” Prayer and Politics: How to Pray the News – Concerned about current events? Make a difference through your prayers. Find out more here.   3: Prayer Resources: How to Fast and Why it Helps Prepare Your Heart for Prayer 4. Free Scripture-based Prayer Guides: Free Prayer Guides 5. Prayer Resources: Drive Through Prayer How to Host a Drive Through Prayer Event Drive Through Prayer Check-List 5. Prayer Resources: Prayer Stations Free Prayer Station Download:  Women of Influence Prayer Stations: Esther  6. Free Prayer Guides: Click here to access a variety of prayer guides 7. Our Pray With Confidence Prayer Resources (Articles about prayer): Prayers for the End of Day: Seven Powerful Ones to End the Day with God 12 Poignant Verses About Widows How to Pray According to the Bible: Twelve Simple Steps What is the Difference Between Transgression and Sin? Do Miracles Still Happen? Bible Verses about Teamwork (+ Its Importance) How to Pray and Prayer for Someone Having Surgery Powerful Prayers for Unity and Peace in Our Country How to Pray According to the ACTS Acronym Thanks for sharing a bit of your day with us. You’ve helped us reach around the world through your likes, shares, and pins. Thanks for pinning and sharing! If you found our free prayer resources helpful and are ready to take a deeper step in your faith… here’s an in-depth, life-changing digital Bible study to help you grow in your Christian faith:(This is an Amazon affiliate link, which means we might make a few cents from your purchase but it will not change the price you pay) Let’s keep in touch! Sign up for our Faith Lived Out Loud Twice Monthly Devotionals here: FLOL DEVOTIONALS In addition to inspiring devotionals, you’ll receive information on the latest additions to our website and first access to new freebies. * The information and PDF information sheets are provided at no cost to you as a one-time download for personal use only. They are all copyrighted and may not be reproduced for distribution without the express approval of the author. Leanna Hollis is a peer-to-peer funded missionary with Global Outreach International. If these resources are helpful, please consider a donation of any size to help cover the cost of providing these resources. Click here to DONATE Leannahollis.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This blog post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the link to make a purchase, I may make a small amount of money (usually a few cents) from your purchase. It will not increase the price you pay in any way. featured Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash

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prayer guide national day of prayer 2020

National Day of Prayer prayer guide

Prayer Guide for National Day of Prayer Update: This National Day of Prayer Prayer Guide was written in the early days of the pandemic to help guide us in prayer for our nation and offer ideas about how to pray for America. Today a war rages in Ukraine, millions of refugees have fled for their lives and more leave their nation daily, and the threat of nuclear war looms greater than ever before. Although our circumstances are different than two years ago, this guide for prayer is no less pertinent today.  This National Day of Prayer Prayer guide was first used for the 2020 National Day of Prayer but the prayer needs haven’t changed. It’s as useful in 2022 as it was two years ago.  For the first time in the history of the National Day of Prayer, our nationwide “gatherings” were done virtually rather than on courthouse lawns. This National Day of Prayer prayer guide can help you pray for our world, our nation, our states and cities, as well as for ourselves and our families. Prayer for Our World: The SARS CoV-2 pandemic affected everyone in some way, whether by government regulations for quarantine or by actual infection. Because of ongoing variants, it still affects people around the world. Use this National Day of Prayer prayer guide to help you pray for… Protection from the disease and from the effects of prolonged trauma due to the high loss of life for front-line health workers.  Patience, peace, and provision for the people who shelter in countries where the restrictions are much more strict than in the US. A spirit of repentance to fall and for the gospel to spread like wildfire throughout this world. Many souls to be saved. (Matthew 29:19-20, Acts 1:8) Prayers for the US: This National Day of Prayer prayer guide serves as a prompt for prayers for our nation and a guide in how to pray for America. It is only a beginning.  Divine wisdom in each decision for government and healthcare leaders. Leaders (and all of us) to value the lives of those potentially affected, balance the preciousness of life with the importance of economic stability in creative ways to achieve the greatest benefit and save the most lives. Wisdom and discernment to recognize and ignore foolish speculations and divisive rhetoric seen on social media. Unity in our nation and the willingness to love our neighbor as ourselves. For the church to continue to serve outside the walls of their buildings. Sweeping revival in the church and in our nation. (Matthew 22:35-40, James 1:5) Financial stability for our nation. National Day of Prayer Prayer Guide: Prayer for State and Local Needs Pray for… The wisdom of God for state and local leaders as they make decisions about quarantine and when to ease restrictions. Our fellow citizens to respond with godly decisions about personal protection. Pray for an end to the spirit of condemnation and judgment. Pray for fruit of the spirit to be evident in every believer. Churches to work together to be the body of Christ in ways the community can recognize and for unity among all believers at unprecedented levels and in unprecedented ways. Pray the love of the body of Christ will draw many people to Jesus. (James 1:5, John 17:17-23) Prayer Guide for National Day of Prayer – Prayers for Yourself: Pray for… The fruit of the Spirit, the Spiritual Armor, and a humble surrendered, servant’s heart. Freedom from prejudice of any kind and for sacrificial love to cause people to care for those who are in great need as well as for those who are lost. Pray for a deeper relationship with our Lord as a result of our quarantine and lasting change with greater emphasis on seeking Him first, loving our family with our presence, and loving our neighbor as ourselves. (Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 6:10-18, John 13;34-35, John 15:12-13) Thank you for taking the time to pray through this National Day of Prayer Prayer Guide with us as you pray for our nation and our world. May God bless your prayer for America with fruit beyond your borders and answer them in ways exceeding abundantly above all you hoped or imagined He’d do. God bless you, friends. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14 Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash Want to read more articles like the National Day of Prayer prayer guide or articles about prayer? Need more prayer guides? See the links below and be sure to visit our Prayer Resources section. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your time with us today. If you enjoyed this content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest, sign up for the twice-monthly mailing list (below) to receive exclusive free stories, or click here to get a 5-day free Bible study and the twice-monthly newsletter. Before you leave, would you mind taking a moment to pin to Pinterest and share on social media? It helps extend our digital reach in ways we can’t do ourselves. Thanks again! See you soon. Here are links to a few other posts you might enjoy: Seven Evangelism Truths Every Christian Needs to Know When the God of the Universe Knows Your Name How to Trust God in Hard Times Repentance and the Benefits Package Will We Make Room for God in Our Lives? Contentment Regardless of Circumstances Repentance: It’s Not Optional Here’s an in-depth, life-changing digital Bible study to help you grow in your Christian faith: (This is an Amazon affiliate link, which means we might make a few cents from your purchase but it will not change the price you pay) You’ve helped us reach around the world through your likes, shares, and pins. Thank you! Please keep up the great work. It makes a huge difference. Here’s a pinnable image for Pinterest. Thanks for pinning and sharing.

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When the Answer to Your Prayer is Delayed

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Before I let the horses out one wintery morning, I walked the fence to be sure it was still intact after the storm. My frigid journey through the ice wasn’t because I want a fine-looking fence, although I do, but because I want the horses safe. If they get out of the pasture and onto the road, an accident with catastrophic injuries to humans and horses is far too likely. A big cedar tree was down, but it fell away from the fence. A large oak limb smashed onto but did not break the wire closer to the barn. The limb was at least eight feet long and as big around as a whole frozen chicken. The wire was pressed down far enough that I could easily step over – no problem for the horses to cross. I envisioned them out of the fence and into harm’s way in an instant. Not good. What they wanted was not what they needed. My only choice was to remove the limb. When I returned to the barn for supplies the horses were seriously unhappy. Usually docile, they whinnied. Pawed at the door. Stamped their feet. They wanted out of their stalls, and they didn’t care why I was delayed. I ignored them and did what had to be done. After the fence was repaired and the pasture was safe, I opened the stall doors. The horses raced out the barn door without so much as a nuzzle of thanks for me. My delay kept them safe but their only concern was getting what they wanted…out of the barn. When the answer to our prayer is delayed Sometimes I pray in the same horsey way. I don’t want the answer to my prayer delayed. Instead, I demand what I want with no concern for why God might delay a yes answer. Is there a danger from which I was protected by the delay? Is He preparing something special for me or for those for whom I prayed? All too often, I presume that I should receive what I want when I want it, but there was a reason Jesus told us to ask for God’s will and not our own. His way is best. Always. Waiting time isn’t wasted time.  Jairus, a leader at the local synagogue, fell at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to intervene. His only daughter was desperately ill and near death. Before Jesus could take a step in the direction of Jairus’ daughter, His attention was drawn to a woman with one hand on the fringe of His robe. She, too, was in desperate need of the healing only Jesus could provide. Things didn’t look good for the dying child. The woman was healed but a messenger arrived with heartbreaking news for Jairus. Jesus, it seemed, was too late. Jairus’ daughter was already dead. Jesus time is not too late I’m always surprised by Jairus’ reaction. I might have struck out at Jesus with angry words or left in despair but Jairus stayed where he was – at the feet of Jesus. As soon as the dreaded words of death were spoken, Jesus comforted Jairus. “Don’t be afraid. I can still heal here. No worries.” (Leanna Paraphrase) They headed to the synagogue official’s home and Jesus called the young girl from death into life. The answer to Jairus’ prayer was delayed to the point of desperation, but the miracle Jairus received was much greater than that for which he’d asked. Was it worth the delay? Undoubtedly. Did it seem like it while Jesus was healing the woman with the issue of blood? Probably not. Jesus’ time, however, is always the right time. God has a reason for the delay. He is at work, even when we don’t see His hand. Are you waiting? Are you weary of the delay? Fear not. Today, let’s give thanks for His delay and look for the lesson in the waiting. “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 nasb  Want to learn more about prayer? Be sure to check out our resource page. Click here: Prayer Resources Leannahollis.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This blog post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the link to make a purchase, I may make a small amount of money (usually a few cents) from your purchase. It will not increase the price you pay in any way. Photo of hourglass for Pinterest pin by Wim van ‘t Einde on Unsplash Featured Image Photo by @Misakyanovich on Unsplash [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text] Thanks for stopping by and sharing your time with me today! I’ve glad you stopped by. If you enjoyed this content, follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest, sign up for the twice-monthly mailing list (below) to be notified about my future blog posts, or click here to get a 5-day free Bible study and the twice-monthly newsletter. Before you leave, would you mind taking a moment to pin to Pinterest and share on social media? It helps extend my digital reach in ways I can’t do myself. Thanks again! See you soon. Want to read more? Here are links to a few other posts: Promises of God Fulfilled When the God of the Universe Knows Your Name How to Trust God in Hard Times Repentance and the Benefits Package Will We Make Room for God in Our Lives? Contentment Regardless of Circumstances How to Memorize Scripture Repentance: It’s Not Optional On Being Beloved [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text] Here’s an in-depth, life-changing digital Bible study to help you grow in your Christian faith: (This is an Amazon affiliate link, which means I might make a few cents from your purchase but it will not change the price you pay) [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”87″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Thanks so much for stopping by today. Before you go, please

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how to trust God

How to Trust God in Hard Times

How to Trust God in hard times If you’ve ever wondered how to trust God in a crisis, how to trust God in hard times, or even a more basic question: Is God trustworthy? you are not alone. Most Christians struggle with trusting God in the midst of life’s biggest trials but we need look no further than Scripture to find help and hope in hard times. Help from Scripture The book of Isaiah contains fifteen chapters of woes and oracles filled with promised destruction, discipline, and grief. The “in that day” promises scattered throughout relate to end times and offer hope and a promise of a better future to people in crisis who wonder how to trust God in hard times.  Is God trustworthy? According to Isaiah, He’s that and so much more.  Take a look at the words of Isaiah in Chapter 25: “O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them; You turn mighty cities into heaps of ruins. Cities with strong walls are turned to rubble. Beautiful palaces in distant lands disappear and will never be rebuilt. Strong nations will declare your glory; ruthless nations will fear You.” Isaiah 25:1-3 NLT Cities in ruins. Walls in rubble. Palaces gone forever. Do those sound like wonderful things? Not at all, until we realize these aren’t cities, walls, or palaces of God’s people but of their enemies. When God moves in such a decisive way, Isaiah explained, even the wicked people will recognize Him at work and fear Him. Those who know God will respond by declaring His glory. Think about the situation for a moment. When cities are in ruins, everyone in the city is affected. The municipal services to which its citizens are accustomed are gone and the circumstances are hard—no matter who you are. Even people who know God can look at the destruction around them and be tempted to ask, “Is God trustworthy?” When our Strongholds Need to be Demolished “But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat…You silence the roar of foreign nations…the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. There he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears.” Isaiah 15:4-6 NLT Isaiah 25:4-6 explains this hard truth. Despite destruction all around them, God takes note of His people and provides a place of defense and safety in the midst of their distress. He provides a refuge and shelter. As if refuge and protection in a crisis were not enough, God promises more. He will comfort us, give us joy, and bring celebration. He spreads a banquet and gives us His best. Although the verses in Isaiah 25 relate to end times, they’re equally pertinent to our lives today. Sometimes the destruction that needs to come is not to a world filled with iniquity but to the sin in our own hearts. Walls of judgment and criticism Palaces of pride and arrogance Strongholds of sin Is God trustworthy when it comes to dealing with the sin in our lives? Yes. When God moves against our sin with consequences, we call those consequences discipline. They aren’t always easy, but they’re worth it. Why? Because sin mars our relationship with God and it must be removed if we want to have the relationship He intended. How to trust God in hard times and after the discipline of God… Isaiah understood something we tend to forget about how to trust God in hard times: We trust God because of Who He is, not because of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Consider this truth for a moment: Relationship waits on the other side of discipline. God does not offer a casual acquaintance. He wants a deep, meaningful love relationship in which His people revere and glorify Him. When the places of arrogance and idolatry, judgment and criticism, the strongholds of sin are removed from our lives and we follow Him with abandon, we’ll understand the righteousness of God in a deeper way and see Him as He truly is: A defense for the helpless and needy Refuge from the storm Shade from the heat Subduer of enemies Silencer of accusers One day, we won’t turn to the world for answers in our times of distress, but we’ll trust God in our hard times. We’ll understand God is our defense and stronghold. He is the One who stands ready to help, not the world. Does your heart soar with hope when you read these verses from Isaiah? Perhaps you’re like most of us. Despite all the good, beautiful, and excellent in our lives, there are still a few areas in which we feel helpless and in need, things we’re not proud of but can’t seem to remove, places in our lives that feel like a storm’s brewing. Maybe you have a few of those places, too. Perhaps you have more than a few. Life’s like that. If we want all God has for us, though, those sin-filled, helpless places need to be removed by the intervention of God. How to trust God in hard times: Start with surrender  Are you in a difficult place? Wondering “is God trustworthy?” and how to trust God in hard times? Begin with surrender. Kneel before God, surrender your concerns, and relinquish your plans in order to wait for His. Surrender is always the agonizing first step in hard waiting, but it’s also the step that brings the most peace. It’s the I’m-not-in-charge-but-God-is place that lifts the burden of responsibility

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Does God use doctors to bring healing?

Does Miraculous Healing Still Happen?

Does miraculous healing still happen? Does God still heal? What comes to mind when you think of healing? Does the image in your head include doctors, nurses, surgery, and medicine? What about pastors, elders, and anointing oil?  If the first image, of medical personnel, comes to mind, you’re not wrong. Doctors are frequently used by God to bring healing to those who are sick and hurting. If your image of healing includes faith workers and anointing oil, you’re not wrong, either. Does Miraculous Healing Still Happen:What Scripture says A few years ago, our pastor taught from Mark 1:29-39 about divine healing. Peter’s mother-in-law was seriously ill. Jesus arrived and Peter’s family immediately told Him about her illness. He healed her and she went straight to work, serving Him.  Pastor Noland asked, “Does God still heal?” and left a long pause for us to ponder our beliefs. We might answer his question with a “yes, but…” When the question becomes more specific, “Will God heal me?” we hesitate. We’re less certain. Does miraculous healing still happen when the need is personal? An unexpected eye problem opened my eyes to the reality of God’s healing power. In mid-December some years ago, my bathroom scales developed a problem. The light barely illuminated and the numbers were no longer visible. I changed the batteries. No better. Bought new batteries. Still no better. A vague image of the numbers was visible only if I stood on the scales until the weight was ready, hopped off, and lay on the floor. On a foggy day in early January, I realized something terrifying. The fog outside was in my left eye, too. My vision was seriously blurred.    I saw my ophthalmologist immediately. Corneal edema (or swelling) caused the blurred vision but he didn’t know what caused the edema. Was it trauma, virus, or an as-yet-unknown cause? He prescribed anti-virals and steroid drops. My eye improved.  Soon, I developed a different corneal problem in my right eye. More eye drops. The right eye problem quickly resolved, but the left eye didn’t heal as steadily. It improved with medication but, when the steroids were tapered, it worsened again and the possibility of a vision-losing problem was mentioned.  Most of my days were spent reading a book or on a computer and they still are. Eyesight is my primary tool, but the problem made work difficult. Early morning pain in my left eye worsened with light and my vision was blurred. Symptoms gradually improved as the day went on. I took breaks every 30 minutes or so to keep the blurriness at bay. Life felt slowed down, and it was. By the end of each day, I was exhausted by the struggle and I wondered…is better good enough? Does miraculous healing still happen? Does miraculous healing still happen? When medical care fails I did everything my doctors told me to do, but it didn’t work as well as I’d hoped. I began to ask, “Does miraculous healing still happen?” The answer was yes, as I knew from previous experience. According to James 5, if we, as disciples of Jesus, are sick, we should call the elders and have them pray over us. Since Scripture clearly indicates God heals through the laying on of hands, I thought He might heal me. Before I asked, though, I had to confront a serious problem of faith. Could I deal with it God said no to my request for miraculous healing? What if the vision loss didn’t resolve, but worsened instead? I pondered it, explored options for working blind, and considered the lives of two friends, both of whom are blind physicians and still actively working. God will make a way through, I realized, no matter what happens with my eyes. I prayed the prayer that never fails. “Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done. Even with my eyes.” Restoration of my vision was my goal, but I was willing to accept whatever God allowed. After I reached that hard place, I contacted my pastor and asked the elders to pray for my healing. The place of surrender is the perfect place to begin prayers for miraculous healing. The following Wednesday night after Bible study, Pastor Noland called the elders to the back to discuss a matter of prayer. Then, to my surprise, he called me to the back. This wasn’t what I expected to happen, but my expectations didn’t really matter. Elders and our pastor gathered around me, anointed me with oil, and prayed over me. The earth didn’t shake and I didn’t get hit with a lightning bolt of healing heat. I didn’t feel different at all.  As I drove home that night, I wondered…does miraculous healing still happen? If so, why didn’t I “feel” healed? My uncertainty was another opportunity to choose whatever God wanted and surrender again to His will. The next morning, I awakened and turned on the light. It didn’t hurt. I opened my Bible and could see the pages. The laptop screen wasn’t blurred. I could see. My vision was back to normal.    It was already improving from the treatment, but my vision took a big leap forward after the elders prayed for me, and hasn’t regressed. I continued to taper to steroid drops because that’s what must be done with steroids. My visions and my discomfort were better, but I didn’t know what my cornea looked like. As a physician, healing, in this situation, didn’t simply mean better sight. It also means a normal cornea. Or so I thought. Was I healed? I don’t have a good answer to that question. The pain and blurriness resolved and my vision returned to normal (20/20 with glasses) but the virus left a scar on my cornea. It’s miraculous healing enough for me. Does miraculous healing still happen? Why me? Do miraculous healings still happen? Yes. Why did God intervene on my behalf? God’s intervention was not because I’m such a good person, have superior faith, or because I belong to

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examples of modern-day miracles, can miracles still happen, and do miracles still happen

Can Miracles Still Happen? Miracle in the Middle Drawer

If you wonder, “Can miracles still happen?” or “Do miracles still happen?” you’ve come to the right place. This is the second story in our series of examples of modern-day miracles. Today’s story, the Miracle in the Middle Drawer, wasn’t born of as much desperation as the $100 miracle, (first in our series) nor as showy as the miracle when my vision was restored, but it was just as welcome. In the early days of my time as a peer-to-peer funded missionary,  I rejected the idea of asking people to support my ministry and any effort at raising support for my work or my salary. I’d fund myself. Or so I thought. I began by drawing on my own resources but it didn’t take long before they were nearly depleted. No salary. No support. I didn’t know what to do so I struggled along in silence. Developed a great appreciation for beans, rice, and outdated foods at the local thrift shop. I was quick to say, “God will provide for me,” but not so quick to take Him at His word with a leap of faith. The truth was not pretty. I felt like a counterfeit missionary and the examples of modern-day miracles I heard about from other missionaries were for people a lot more holy than I was. Although I wouldn’t admit it, I didn’t believe God would provide for me. When I need a faith lesson, God often uses a crisis as a teaching tool. This time was no exception. I finally hit a tight spot I couldn’t fix. There was a little more month than money, and someone who owed me money every month was short. Again. I understood the circumstances, and I believed God called me to financial patience, so I waited but the delay made me short of funds. In order to drive to the office, I needed to buy gas but I only had $4 in cash. I didn’t want to use my debit card because the balance was low. It wasn’t $37 low but it was low and my scheduled deposit was still a couple of days away. On this particular morning, I pondered whether to work from home or ask for a miracle of gas fumes and go to the office. Finally, and with much hesitation, I decided to ask for a miracle. Can miracles still happen? I hoped so.  “Lord, if you want me to go to the office, you’ll have to give me some cash,” I prayed. The Still Small Voice answered instantly. “Look in the middle drawer.” I didn’t want to argue with God, but I already looked in the middle drawer the previous day, more than once. I’d also looked in all the other usual places I stash a few dollars, too. No money anywhere. “Which drawer is that, Lord? The middle drawer of my desk doesn’t have any money in it. I looked there yesterday.” The impression of the middle drawer was so strong that I quit arguing and went to look.  I pulled open the drawer and saw a white envelope on top of everything else. Where it had never been before. I opened it, and there was $25 in cash there. More than enough to buy gas. I laughed and thanked God for the modern-day miracle and headed to the office. Needed: Modern Day Miracles. Can you help? The money in my drawer was just one of many examples of modern-day miracles, but it confirmed for me that miracles still happen and was a huge blessing. I soon learned, however, that modern-day miracles happen all the time. Single mothers have one story after another about how God provided for their needs in miraculous ways. They, too, love this way of life. If you’re in a position of need, take heart. God has more than enough funds available to meet your needs and He’s willing to help. Your part is not to fret but to ask Him to provide. If you’re in the position to give, take a look around you. There are single moms, senior adults on fixed incomes, and missionaries all around us who are praying for a $10 or $20 miracle, and you can help. When God prompts your heart, pass along a blessing.  I’ve been the one who was flush with cash and able to give here and there. It’s the most fun you can ever have. Receiving a miraculous provision is awesome, but it’s still more blessed to give than to receive. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13 nasb Can miracles still happen? What’s your experience? When God gives us a miracle, we’re supposed to share it so that He can be glorified by what He’s done. What about you? Do you have your own examples of modern-day miracles? Share your story in the comments below. I’d love to hear what God has done in your life.  Photo by Ben Neale on Unsplash Want to read more? Thanks for stopping by and sharing your time with us today! If you enjoyed this content, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest, sign up for the twice-monthly mailing list to receive exclusive stories and be notified about future blog posts. Before you leave, would you mind taking a moment to pin to Pinterest and share on social media? It helps extend my digital reach in ways I can’t do myself. Thanks again! See you soon. If you enjoyed “Can Miracles Still Happen?” and want to read about more modern-day miracles, check out these stories. Here are links to a few other posts you might enjoy: Miracles Still Happen: The $100 Miracle Does Miraculous Healing Still Happen? The Miracle I Expected to Remember but Soon Forgot When the Prayer of Desperation Becomes Through the Roof Prayer The Prodigal Puppy and the Rescuer Who Brought Her Home Here’s an in-depth, life-changing digital Bible study to help you grow in your Christian faith: (This is an Amazon affiliate

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promises of God fulfilled

How to See the Promises of God Fulfilled

If you’ve read much Scripture, you know it’s filled with the promises of God, but it’s also full of evidence of the promises of God fulfilled. Do you want to learn how to see the promises of God fulfilled in your life? Maybe you wonder, “Does God keep His promises? Will He keep His promises to me?” We sometimes fail to recognize those answers because the promise and its fulfillment are usually separated by both pages and time. Promises of God fulfilled in unlikely ways Let’s take a quick look at the writing of the prophet Isaiah for a better understanding of how the promises of God are fulfilled.  Isaiah was a master of contrasts. He switched from dark to light with word pictures so vivid they stick in your head for years. The passage in Isaiah 8:17-9:3 is a perfect example. He began with a simple declaration. “I will wait for the Lord…I will even look eagerly for Him.” Isaiah expected God to move in a decisive way, and he was willing to wait for God’s timing even if that timing came after he was long gone from the earth. Isaiah’s expectation is a stark contrast to that of the people who didn’t know the Scripture well enough to understand God’s ways. Like a lot of people today, they didn’t understand how to see the promises of God fulfilled and probably wondered, “Will God keep His promises to me?” Instead of asking Isaiah for help, they consulted mediums and spiritists for direction. They wanted quick action and man’s answers but were quick to blame God when the way of the world didn’t satisfy them. They looked to the earth, and the ways of the people around them for answers, but as Isaiah said they only found “distress, darkness, and the gloom of anguish.” (Isaiah 8:22) The prophet knew a solution to the world’s woes would come to the most unlikely of places — on the far side of the Jordan, to “Galilee of the Gentiles.” The Jewish people were not likely to turn to the Galileans for answers but Isaiah urged them to keep their eyes open. A time would come when there was no more gloom or anguish and God’s glory was visible on earth, he reminded them. The fullness of time Does God keep His promises? Yes, He does. Centuries later, we know Isaiah was correct and the promises of God were fulfilled.  The prophecy of Daniel gave us God’s timetable and the writings of the disciples reveal a stunning truth. Jesus arrived right on time and, according to Isaiah’s prophecy, exactly where God said He’d come. The people who walked in darkness saw a great light and Jesus fulfilled every promise God had given. He shined the light in the darkness because He IS the light. Increased gladness. Broke the yoke of burden. Became our Wonderful Counselor, our Mighty God, Eternal Father, our Prince of Peace. An unending reign. Offered eternal peace, justice, and righteousness. “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this,” Isaiah promised, and it did. Promises of God fulfilled in my life If Isaiah is right, and he is, why don’t we have peace, justice, and righteousness? There’s a simple, hard answer. We’re not much different from the people of Isaiah’s time, and we still look to the world for answers. We still want Jesus plus something else. The people in Isaiah’s time wanted a military leader who would make Israel great and powerful. They wanted world domination, not a world surrendered to God alone. Light in the darkness with unending joy isn’t quite the same, is it? Light, joy, and peace are infinitely better but only if we’re willing to surrender the world and cling to the One who conquered sin and death. Promises of God fulfilled in Jesus plus nothing If we want everything God promised and if we want to see the promises of God fulfilled in our lives, we must turn our eyes and our hearts to Jesus alone. How? One simple step. Take our focus off the world and place it where it belongs. On Jesus. Seek Him first. Seek Him only.  How to see the Promises of God fulfilled in your life: You, too, can see God’s promises fulfilled in your life when you follow Jesus, learn His will and His ways, and simply obey. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 Here’s a video from Michael W. Smith featuring Turn your Eyes Upon Jesus If country music is more your style, here’s a video from Alan Jackson singing Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus Want to read more like Promises of God Fulfilled? While you’re here, check out these blog posts: How to Trust God in Hard Times The Benefits of Repentance Promises of God Fulfilled What Does it Mean to Be Beloved? What Does it Mean to Be a Disciple of Jesus? Why We Should Choose Humility and Let Go of Pride Thanks for sharing your time with us today. Before you go… Sign up for our twice-a-month newsletter to receive exclusive stories, freebies, and more. Leave a comment and share this post on your social media pages or through email. Bookmark our website so you can visit us often. Take a look at Today’s Encouragement before you go. We add to this every weekday. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest Leannahollis.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This blog post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on the link to make a purchase, I may make a small amount of money (usually a few cents)

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How to Memorize Scripture: Three Easy Steps

Have you ever heard someone quote a passage of Scripture and wondered why memorize Scripture or why we should memorize Scripture? Keep reading to learn more. If you want to learn how to memorize Scripture, our three easy steps to memorize Scripture can help. A few years ago, I decided to memorize a chapter of the Bible every month as one of my New Year’s resolutions. It might have been a little optimistic. Four days into January, I was already behind on my plan to memorize the first chapter of John before the end of the month. I knew how to memorize Scripture. The problem wasn’t my technique or my ability. My failure to memorize Scripture was due to my reliability. Every morning, I reviewed my verses and made what was little more than a stab at memorizing them. I read them. Quoted them a few times. Put them away as quickly as I picked them up. How to memorize Scripture: Soak your heart with its truth What I didn’t do was soak my heart in their truth, and that’s why they didn’t “stick.” One morning, I read through the first twelve verses of John 1 again.  The second time I read them through, the third verse came alive. “All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” (John 1:3) nasb All things. How to memorize Scripture: Apply it to your life Does all mean all? The image of barbed wire instantly popped into my head. Barbed wire? Does Jesus care about barbed wire?  I pondered that crazy-sounding question a moment and read the verse again. If all things came into being by Him, and Scripture says it did, did barbed wire come into being by Jesus? In a manner of speaking, yes. He made the person who invented it, of course, as well as the mind out of which the invention came. When we apply Scripture to our lives in order to memorize it, we begin to see God in everything we do. The thought about God’s concern for barbed wire wasn’t as random as it seemed. I was building a barbed-wire fence at the time but hadn’t quite finished it. Does Jesus care about the fencing wire so prevalent in the Southern U.S.? Yes, in multiple ways. He cares about the people who make the wire, build the fences, and stretch the wire. He cares about the animals for whom those sharp barbs provide security and protection, too. Suddenly, his care about the fence I was building made verses about His care for me come alive. I understood them, I could remember them, and I soon realized it was one of the easy ways to memorize Scripture.  Does Jesus care about all my concerns? My second thought was about the then-current trouble in the Middle East. My heart broke over recent governmental decisions there. I prayed at length about the situation and begged everyone who’d listen to join me in intercession. Occasionally, my prayers sounded a little accusatory, as if God overlooked the events that gave me such pause. “What about there, Lord? It’s a mess right now,” I asked.  All things. Those two simple words resonated in my heart. Governments are established by God and have their authority with the permission of God. (Romans 13:1) He moves the heart of the king like channels of water. (Prov 21:1) Once again, the application of Scripture to my daily life was an important step in how to memorize Scripture. He knows. God knows about the corruption in governments, crack-downs on religious freedom, and the persecution of believers. He knows about my friends who fled for their lives from their homeland. Nothing escapes his notice. Nothing will be wasted. It wasn’t the answer I wanted. My desire was for God to roll up His sleeves and wade into the battle. I wanted God to do things MY way, instead of His own. It’s a problem as old as creation. We want our way instead of His. How to Memorize Scripture: Embrace Nevertheless My barbed wire pondering led, in a roundabout way, to “nevertheless” about a few things. “Nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done.” (Luke 22:42) The simple act of surrendering to His will instead of mine brought me to the place I needed to be with Scripture memory. Suddenly, the verses came alive. “The light shined in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it” made perfect sense. None of the efforts of believers in the painful place of persecution were wasted. Light shined, but the darkness didn’t comprehend, exactly as John 1 said. The importance of Scripture memory is not in the act of repeating words until we can say them by rote. The value comes when we allow the Word of God to invade our hearts, reveal truth to us, and change us.  Scripture memory was much easier after the Word of God came alive in my heart, took root, and began to grow.  Three Easy Steps to Memorize Scripture Do you want to memorize Scripture? Do you want the Word of God to come alive for you? If we “hide it in our hearts” and nurture it as we would seed in our garden, His Word will grow into full-bloom beauty in our lives and make us more like Jesus than ever before. Don’t strive to gather a bunch of words. Instead, strive for the truth that transforms and let it begin to transform you. Three Easy Steps to Memorize Scripture: PLANT: Don’t tackle an entire passage at once. Choose one verse at a time and marinate in it. Repeat it throughout the day. Try writing it out several times to increase familiarity. WATER: Study the verse. Look up commentary on the passage. LIGHT: Ask God to help you understand and know its truth. Allow it to invade your heart and life until the truth becomes a part of you. When you “know” the verse because you’ve lived

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