Hello, October

Hello, October.. I can't believe you are here already.You arrived with rain drops in Iowa, raindrops we are tired of. We look forward to the sun that is predicted tomorrow. We are weary of the mud and sloshy lawns. But, we know that you come with the promise of changing colors, cool mornings and evenings, football games and volleyball games. We anticipate the beauty that comes with the turning of the calendar page. Welcome, October.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose," (Romans 8:28 NIV).

Not all things that happen to us seem good. But, God can use every instance we endure for long-range good if we love God and are called according to His purpose. Sometimes we wonder how in the world God can make something good out of a situation. When we have the Holy Spirit in us, we trust God and look ahead to the eternal life that awaits believers. That promise wipes away the pain, the suffering, the persecution, and the sorrow we feel in our earthly lives.

Thank You, God, for being with us through every trial and painful experience. Thank You also for all the good that You bless us with. Thank You for the seasons You have created for us to experience, and for the blessings that fill our hearts with joy. Surround us with Your love when we face unspeakable pain and remind us of the eternal home You have prepared for us. We praise You, God, and we love you. Guide us in Your purpose for us, we pray. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

To God be the glory!

God's Testimony

Driving down a tree-lined street near our neighborhood I saw two maple trees with a strikingly rich red section of leaves. It looked like God had taken a brush and swiped through the tree, touching only one section. Somewhere I read that the colors of fall are to be especially beautiful this year. Only time will tell. 

There is no rushing the colors of autumn. They seem to appear magically. One day the color-embellished leaves appear where the day before there was green. As we drove through the hills of northern Arkansas last week I noticed touches of brown dotting the landscape.

"Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy," (Acts 14:17 NIV).

As we enjoy this season of fall, let us pay attention to the testimony of God all around us. No human can touch the leaves and change the colors. Only God can. May every leaf that falls on your lawn be evidence of the blessings from God. Even as you rake bushel baskets of them until your back aches.

Oh, Gracious God, giver of all things, open our eyes anew to the beauty of Your Creation. We thank You for this season and Your testimony. We know You are real! Thank You for sending Jesus to live and die for our Salvation. And thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit to live in us and to guide our lives through every season. We worship You and praise You, praying in the name of Jesus, Amen.

To God be the glory!

Autumn Arrived

Tuesday was the first day of autumn. We were driving the hills of Arkansas that day and saw a sprinkling of gold among the green trees. It was still warm and humid there. No jackets were needed until we returned to Iowa. I hear it has been rainy most days. The grass grew while we were gone. I will look for more signs of fall today.

Fall is a beautiful time of year. Autumn flowers bloom and the leaves change colors creating a landscape of beauty. The palette God uses is filled with rich, warm shades that fill our views with awe. The fields of green corn and soybeans quickly change to gold as the harvest comes near.

Life is often given the symbolism of the seasons. I think of fall as the time we are most productive. Our labor produces a rich harvest in the fall of our lives. We grow in wisdom and in faith.

"The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good," (Ecclesiastes 9:17-18 NIV).

Solomon's words of wisdom in Ecclesiastes offer a good perspective for our lives. The verses above seem especially appropriate for us today.

Lord God, fill us with wisdom this autumn. Show us the things we need to learn and understand. Guide us in our walk of faith so that we please You in all we do and say. We pray in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.

Rules

How are you at following rules? As adults we may not think we have to follow rules but we actually have many rules to follow. When we drive we have many traffic rules to follow: speed limits, stop signs, yield signs, parking does and don'ts. There are weight limits on our suitcases at the airport. First come, first served. Watch your diet, from the doctor.

Christians have rules to follow as given by God to Moses: the Ten Commandments. But a new covenant was established in Jesus Christ, as professed by the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, hundreds of years before.

"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people," (Hebrews 8:10, Jeremiah 31:33 NIV).

Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to live in believers, helping us live the life as God desires. With the Holy Spirit we are reminded of the way we should live. It helps us follow the path that God desires for our lives, and fulfill the purpose He has planned for us.

Lord God, we are Your people. We thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to guide us. Help us listen to His whispers and do the good we should do. We are so thankful that You are our God, and that You sent Jesus Christ to carry our sins to the cross. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Just Say Jesus

Sometimes it is hard to pray. It doesn't seem like a hard thing to do - put together a few words that express what my heart is feeling. But there were times when I needed others to pray for me. I just couldn't speak words to my God.

Maybe it was a Christian maturity thing, or maybe it was such a crushing, painful thing that I was just completely overwhelmed. Now, I do not remember that feeling, but I remember asking others to pray. Then, sometime I read this scripture and learned to say, "Jesus."

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue  confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father," (Philippians 2:9-11 NIV).

Then in 2013 a song, "Just Say Jesus" by 7eventh Time Down was played on the Christian radio station I listened to. The words expressed just what I had been feeling.

"Life gets tough, and times get hard
It’s hard to find the truth in all the lies

If you’re tired of wondering why
Your heart isn’t healing
And nothing feels like home
Cause you’re lost and alone just screaming at the sky

When you don’t know what to say
Just say Jesus
There is power in the name
The name of Jesus
If the words won’t come
Cause you’re to afraid to pray
Just say Jesus

Whisper it now, or shout it out
However it comes out, He hears your cry
Out of nowhere He will come, you got to believe it
He will rescue you
Just call out to the Way, The Truth, The Light

When you don’t know what to say
Just say Jesus
There is power in the name
The name of Jesus
If the words won’t come
Cause you’re to afraid to pray
There is just one name
Strong enough to save
There is just one name
There is just one name
Jesus

When you don’t know what to say

Just say Jesus
There’s still power in the name
The name of Jesus
If the words wont come
Cause you’re to afraid to pray
If the words wont come
And you don’t know what to say
Just say Jesus"

Oh, Gracious, Loving God, I'm so thankful that I can say "Jesus" and You listen to my cry. When I feel overwhelmed I can cry out to Jesus and He hears me. Lord, help those suffering in pain or grief or depression just call out the name of Jesus and You will answer. I'm so thankful You are there, Lord. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Praise God Forevermore!

My home church celebrated 175 years on Sunday. The small congregation planned and presented a beautiful service and program for a church full of people who returned to the country on two miles of gravel. The church was started by pioneer settlers who came from Owen County Indiana in 1849. They first met in homes for worship, but in the spring of 1851 the group established an organized church.

The Bethel Grove Church is the "first church of any communion in Marshall County," according to a history compiled by Miss Mae McKibben in 1961. The area just east of the Iowa River was chosen by the families of John Arney, Willian Arney, and John Hauser, and was referred to in those days as the "Arney-Hauser Settlement."

There are now 175 years of history for this beautiful church set amongst the trees and surrounded by beautiful corn and bean fields. The most important part of this history is the great faith and conviction of the many members through the years. I was a sixth generation member for more than 60 years.

"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy--to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."      (Jude 24-25 NIV).

Heavenly Father, Thank You for my family's deep roots in faith. Thank You for being our rock and stronghold through all time. Thank You that all around me there are churches that worship You. We thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to wash away our sins and present us before You without fault. We honor You, Lord, and give You our loving praise. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Laboring for the Lord

Labor Day has a different meaning when you are retired. I just haven't figured that out yet. Today will be the same as every other day. However, I will be confused about what day it is for the rest of the week. 

When I was working, Labor Day was a welcome day off to catch up on tasks around the house and yard. Way back, when our boys were young, we had a picnic with John's family. When the boys started their own families we hosted a campfire across the creek in a forested area, complete with hot dogs roasted over the fire, S'mores and mosquitos.

Labor Day was established as a national holiday in 1894 to recognize the American labor movement and  its contributions to economic progress and the change from 12-hour to 8-hour work days. (Are you singing Dolly Parton's "9 to 5"?). Unfortunately, it seems like many full-time white collar workers put in more than the 40 hours a week they are paid. Have we reverted back to the 1800's?

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving," (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV).

Perspective makes all the difference. Whether we are house cleaners, receptionists, students, waiters, teachers, lawyers, doctors, cooks, concrete workers, ditch diggers, accountants, store associates, tool and die makers, machinists, bus drivers, ministers, or engineers, our attitude makes the difference.

Heavenly Father, touch me with a new attitude toward my work. Speak into me the purpose You created me for and remind me of my value here on earth. Even those of us who are retired have a job to do for You. Clarify my life's mission and let me labor for You. Amen.

Lift Your Eyes

"Lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth," (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV). 

These verses from Scripture delight my soul! I want to close my eyes and imagine I am surrounded by beautiful purple mountains, or the red hills of Sedona, or the forested slopes of Oregon, or the rolling hills along the rivers in Iowa. 

Choose your favorite picture and imagine the presence of the Lord around you. Protecting you from all evil. Guarding your family. Holding you safely on the edge of a cliff. Carrying you up a rugged trail. Just imagine.

"My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth," (Psalm 121:2 NIV).

No matter what you are going through today, our God is with you, helping you. What a blessing that we can 'turn our eyes upon Jesus' and receive His wonderful help because we cannot go where God is not. He is already there.

Lord God, Maker of all heaven and earth, we look to You for our protection. We trust in Your presence as we journey through life. No matter what lies ahead in our day, we can count on You for the help we need. Thank You, gracious God, Master of all things. We look to the hills and see You. We praise You with all our hearts, confessing our sins to You, and worshiping You alone. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Closing Out August

Good Morning. We have come to the end of another month and tomorrow we enter September. Two-thirds of the year is past. Time flies. Usually I welcome a clean slate on the calendar but our September is filled with appointments, grandchildren's ball games, and travel plans. It makes me tired to think about it.

My concept of time is far different than God's. That is a really good thing! If He was in a hurry for me to change my disappointing ways, I would be in big trouble. However, I can't sit around twiddling my thumbs. I must get moving and fulfill God's work for me. "I'm running out of time," as a Christian song says. 

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance," (2 Peter 3:9 NIV).

Lord God, thank You for being patient with me. Help me be a better person today and every day. Show me where I can introduce You to others, where I can show Your love to others, and where I can be kind. Lord, I trust in Your promises. Teach me to share those promises with others. I praise You and love You. In the holy name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, I pray. Amen.

To God be the glory!

My Teacher and Reminder

I am in awe of those who can speak Scriptures and their verses, off the top of their heads or more correctly, from the bottom of their hearts. Memorizing Scripture is something I have not mastered. That is why I love reading this verse. It gives me hope! 

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you," (John 14:26 NIV).

Memorizing is just not my forte. When I was a child I remember working on memorizing a poem that we had to recite in class. My mother worked and worked with me until I finally got ir. I don't remember if I said the poem correctly in front of my teacher or not, nor do I remember the poem.

I wanted to be in plays at school but I knew I would never be able to memorize long parts so I only tried out for characters that required no speaking. But, even that made me so nervous that I chose working behind the scenes in theatre instead.

But, according to Jesus' promise, there are times that Scripture verses I have read and studied come back to me. Thank You, Holy Spirit.

Oh, Great God of mercy, I'm so thankful that You are present in me as my Counselor and Guide. I trust in You to be my teacher and reminder of all that Jesus spoke and what is in Your Word. I love You, Lord, and I need You. I pray in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.

To God be the glory!

Counting Every Hair

Looking out my window, over my kitchen sink, I can see the hummingbirds at the feeder and the iron hook that holds the hanging geranium and vines. The hook is a favorite resting place of all kinds of birds. Early in the spring it was mostly robins that I saw there. Now it is used by a pretty red finch and the tiny hummingbirds.

I love seeing the birds come and go and often wonder what they are looking at while they rest. I enjoy seeing birds migrate through the area. A Facebook post reminded me that birds are preparing for migration. I would like to attract a few orioles while they move through.

Nature always draws me closer to God. I see all things as His Creation. What an amazing God we have. The variety of wildlife, plants, soil, and humans blow my ming! Every human being has God's fingerprint and His design. We all have a purpose that God planned before we were born. 

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows," (Matthew 10:29-31 NIV).

Lord God All-Mighty: hear our prayer today. We lift our voices to You in worship and praise. Thank you for Your love and care for us. We trust in You alone for You are worthy of all praise. Guide us through this day and new week. We ask for Your protection of students who return to school this week. Direct us in Your perfect way and bless us with Your mercy. We pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.

To God be the glory!

The Chosen

This blog is my annual Iowa State Fair review. We went to the State Fair on Monday with our 19-year-old granddaughter Bailey. I believe it was just one of four trips she made to the fair . I'm not sure if it was because she loves the Fair that much or if she loves being with people she cares about. We were honored to be chosen.

We visited every animal barn: swine, sheep, cattle, and horse, of course. We toured the Varied Industries Building just as it was opening, before the crowd swarmed in and the aisles became impassable. There we hit the Iowa State University booth for a free bag and got the Iowa Public Television magazine and voted on our favorite IPTV character. A cartoon character(s) were ahead that day. We walked from the Avenue of the Breeds to the Animal Learning Center. 

We visited the Heritage Village for our traditional phosphate beverage then climbed the hill to the Cultural Center to view the photography exhibit on the third floor. We found another granddaughter, Paige's three photos that were chosen for exhibit. We walked through both levels of the Agriculture Building where we got the free hard boiled egg on a stick, and purchased our favorite cinnamon nuts.

We returned to the sheep barn where we had the required lamb-burgers near the entrance. We walked through the Walnut Center, had a favorite lemonade, then back to the sheep barn where another granddaughter was working the 4-H lamb show, gathering show person's cards and noting their placings. She was on break so we got to visit with her about her photographs on display.

Eventually we ventured back to our car, parked on a neighbor's yard located south of Dean Ave. We always parked near the south border of the fairgrounds when the grandchildren were showing sheep, to be closer to the Sheep Barn, Yes, I love the Iowa State Fair but this year I experienced my age. My hips are still sore. I could barely get out of the car when we got home.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light," (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the amazing land of Iowa that we are privileged to live in, and the creative, hard-working, God-fearing people who live here. We praise You for Your Creation of differences across the United States and beyond. And we honor You as the Creator of all things. We pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

To God be the Glory!

A Well-Watered Garden

Some of my friends have said their tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers are producing abundantly because of all the rain. Things are certainly well-watered in Central Iowa this year. The fields of corn and beans are as green as I've ever seen them, especially for mid-August.

The prophet Isaiah wrote for the nation of Judah to repent of their wicked ways and turn back to God. He also gave them reasons to change their ways and live godly lives. Isaiah also foretold the coming of a Savior who would save generations of believers.

"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail," (Isaiah 58:11 NIV). 

On my father's ancestral farm, "the Arney Farm," located northwest of Albion, Iowa, is an artesian well. Now owned by one of my nephews, it flows into a pond that is part of a nature preserve managed by Marshall County called "Arney Bend." My father's grandfather, Carey Arney, instilled a love for the land that has been passed down several generations and beyond. The artesian well was so appreciated by my father and those before him, that he showed it to everyone who visited there. I believe the artesian well was just one thing that strengthened his belief in God. For only God could create such an amazing part in nature.

Thank You, God, for the amazing features You have placed in Your Creation. Help us be like a spring or an artesian well whose waters never fail. May You guide us to grow in our service with acts of kindness, charity, justice and generosity. We pray in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

To God Be the Glory!

G.G. #1225 gds

God's Protection

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning alert just came on my phone so I looked up the radar and see a rather large image of the storm coming closer and closer. I usually like to watch storms as they approach but it is still dark. There is.no thunder yet but there is heavy rain approaching Perry and the cloud bank is over Grimes moving closer to Ankeny.

"Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared," (Proverbs 3:23-26 NIV).

If only I had found these verses 50 years ago when we were living in a mobile home. Storms always brought anxiety, especially tornado warnings. But we were kept safe all 15 years we lived without a basement. Prayers surrounded us those years and I am sure that God was the reason why. We did use discernment and sound judgement when danger was imminent and made our way to a neighbor's house and basement.

That is what Christians must do: use sound judgement that comes from God to believers. We apply the knowledge from instruction, training and discipline; all according to God's truths.

The preliminary rain and thunder have arrived. But my confidence is in Christ Jesus!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the rain that You provide. For the beautiful green grass that surrounds us this August. It is such a blessing and a reminder of Your goodness. Thank You for Your protection and the confidence we can hold in You. Bless us with a good day, we pray, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

"Great is Thy Faithfulness"

"My soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:20b-23 NIV).

Every morning! How amazing is our God that He will meet us every morning with new compassion. He is always near to us and forgives us through His Son Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Jeremiah wrote this soon after Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon. He was crushed to see his people destroyed because of their sinful ways. Jeremiah was grieving with God.

Th following hymn was written by Thomas O. Chisholm's poem and William M. Runyan set it to music in 1923. Chisholm wrote these words one morning in response to God's overwhelming blessings in his life.

"Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is np shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changes not, Thy compassions they fail not; As Thou hast been Thou forever will be.

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witnessTo Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided--Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!"

Thank You, God, for Your faithfulness! Though I fail You in so many ways, You are with me and Your compassions never fail me. May the Holy Spirit work in me mightily today, I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

To God Be the Glory! 

Trusting God's Plan

Some days don't go as planned, though in retirement that isn't usually a big problem.  I really like having nothing on my calendar. But sometimes things need to get done in a timely manner. And sometimes things don't go as we want.

The prophet Habakkuk begins writing his book by complaining to God about the desperate situation Judah was in. He pleads with God to punish the evil ones in Judah who have rejected God. God answers Habakkuk by giving him hope in a way Habakkuk didn't expect. God was using the evil Babylonians to punish Judah.

Although Habakkuk didn't understand God's plan, he knew God's ways were the best.

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior," (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV). (underline is mine).

Imagine looking all around and seeing nothing but crop disaster and dead animals. Judah was starving and depressed. But Habakkuk had faith in God and rejoiced in Him.

We can complain to God; He will listen. God is still in control no matter how much evil surrounds us, even today. If we watch the news, we too can become fearful and depressed. But we know God wins!

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful You have the answer to my questions and concerns in life. No matter what problem, large or small, You have the answer. I place my faith in You and I will be joyful in You, my Savior. Amen.

God Knows It All

Along the bottom of my iMac I post quotes or notes to myself that I want to remember.  My Post-it notes don't stick very well to the glass-like front of my computer. The notes come drifting down to my desk at strange times. One that I taped up was a quote I read somewhere but didn't include the author. 

"I will live my life knowing God is fully aware of my intentions, thoughts, words and actions."

Those words give me comfort, not fear, especially when I am misunderstood by someone I love. I believe God knows my intentions and my thoughts. He knows it all and will instruct me when I am wrong in thinking.

"Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal," (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV).

So, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace." (The refrain of a hymn by Helen H. Lemmel, 1922)

Oh, Mighty God, Fill me with Your Spirit, forcing all evil from my being as I begin this new day. As I focus on You, in the face of Jesus, show me how I need to change to be more like You. I pray in the Name of Jesus, Your perfect Son. Amen.

Goodbye July

Here we are at the close of July. Another month is nearly over and where did it go? What did I accomplish? Who did I encourage in their faith? How did I grow in my faith? What scripture touched my heart? 

I remember a lot of hot days. I remember dry weeks and torrential rains. What a month it has been!

The scripture that jumps out at me today was my Scripture reading on July 6. I put a star by the readings that really touched me on that day. I have eight stars in July and many of them I used to write this blog. God is so good at providing topics for the day. 

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God," (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV).

I want to be a fragrant offering.

Lord God, thank You for bringing me through July as Your dearly loved child. Just as Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice to You, help me use my life, loving as Christ loved. Make my life a fragrant offering to those around me. I pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Speaking of...

Remember this?

Here we are on the last Monday in July already. Most of the states in the country
are sweltering in record high temperatures again today.The air in Iowa yesterday could have been scooped up and piled high. It was so thick and heavy. Today will be the same. 

But, imagine the mountains covered with snow. Your can almost feel the cold air radiating from the icy snow. Or remember a time when getting to school required your dad's horse or tractor, or walking through the pasture where the wind had blow it free of snow drifts, while the lane was full: fence-top to fence-top. Or consider opening the freezer door and letting the cool air chill your face. Or take a quick dip in the chilly pool. Awe, how words can change how your mind feels, at least for a moment.

Today, let's forget about grumbling about the heat and offer a smile and a kind word to those we meet.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen,"          (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). 

To God be the glory!

Our Protection from evil

Good Morning, Saints!

Just as Paul prayed for the Thessalonians and for all future believers (that's us!) I also covet prayers for us to be strong and protected by God from satan, who waits around every corner, trying to mess with our heads. 

"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one," (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV). 

My study Bible offers several suggestions on how we can be ready to fight off satan's tactics. First remember that the evil one is real. Pray for God's strength and help to battle temptations and side tracks he throws at us. Study the Scriptures so we recognize satan's tactics. Memorize scripture so it is always with us. Gather with other Christians and practice what we learn from our wise spiritual leaders.

Lord God: lead us in Your Way and arm us with Your weapons to defeat the evil around us. We are so thankful for Your protection because evil waits behind every stone, in every forest and field, and in every untruth that we hear. Help us find wisdom through Your Holy Word. Thank You for being faithful. We pray in the Name of Jesus, our Savior, Amen. 

To God Be the Glory!