"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointedme to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me tobind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedomfor the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaimthe year of the LORD's favorand the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."~fromISAIAH 61 Bible verse for this Blog
APOLOGY to READERS who followed a SEARCH to HERE & didn't find it
On July 18, 2017, I drafted almost 3000 blog posts that I had published since 2008 when I began blogging, rather than edit each one. So if you clicked here from somewhere else and ended up with the post unavailable or error, I am sorry but this is why. It'd be too much work for me to go back and fix them. There's an explanation on7/19/17as I'm still learning.
... so that is where we are on Monday, starting Session Four, in "Draw the Circle" (at least that's where I am, and think we are, if I'm on track with the Online Study emails) ... "Think(ing) Long" which is exactly what I'm doing as I'm praying, I'm also prone to more long thoughts ... (or is that different?) because actually I'm probably thinking too long (and not enough praying, if that makes sense). As Mark Batterson writes in the intro to this:
"We can't dream big without thinking long. We often want God to do things at the speed of light, but in God's Kingdom, things happen at the speed of a seed planted in the ground that has to take root before it can bear fruit." ...Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle
[Personally, I think I'm way past "dreaming big" anymore, yet it does not stop me from thinking long and hard, especially about those hard hearted souls. (sigh) However, I love the image of speed with the seed being planted ... then of course, nourished and watered to grow but that part about taking root ... well, let's just say I don't see that root happening (read Parable of the Sower, which explains about seeds and this root effect - has been a long time favorite of mine from Jesus' parables) and so as far as bearing fruit ... that will take a big miracle (as I've watched this in my own life and how long this takes to cultivate to bear fruit and I am a willing, thirsting soul that wants Jesus' Living Water) ... so I'm thinking really long ... and some souls don't have that long to get sprouting even nor do they even think that they need to believe in Jesus (double heavy sigh) and round and round it goes. The seed(s) get more hardened and seemingly impenetrable, so then I think even harder and longer and deeper as I truly wonder as I release it to God and His perfect timing (or do I?) That's what all of this is about: trusting God to be God and be good, even with the hardened one(s) that I find impossible just to live with so my prayers turn back to me and my heart, my need to change, my changes that need to take root and what I need to concentrate on, in my own life, because this is all I really am accountable for when I stand before Him - and boy, do I have a lot of growth to do, although I'm thinking my roots go down pretty deep by now, almost like a sequoia, just not as firm and strong ... so back to working on me, His seed in me and what iBelieve.]
I digressed but continue with what Mark Batterson writes:
..."This is about trusting His timing - and with the Lord, "A day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day" (2 Peter 3:8) ...
[my interruption again]
that's exactly right
because these more than 40 years
seem like a century to me
of praying for at least one of the lost souls
who just seems more set and comfortable with his own
beliefs
as
my heart grows weary with deep concern
multiplied by others that don't want
to accept or believe in Jesus
and my heart grieves as
the spirit groans
my flesh
cries out for an urgent fix
as I grieve yet another loss
which I can't grasp
as I wonder
how long?
how Our Heavenly Father
must ache as He watches and waits
for each of us to repent, to come
to seek, to be saved
from our selves
but
an eternity?
God
that's forever
(much more than a thousand or 40 days or years)
"... We need more patience and more persistence ... and that's a by product of time and experience." Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle
I just can't
"Draw a Circle"
larger enough to encompass
all that
my, how the enemy is working hard and overtime
so we must
PRAY
even
harder and longer
(that takes no thinking, just much faith and trust)
as long as it takes
("alat" instead of "asap")
which brings me back to
THINKing LONG
because I've been thinking long about this too
as you probably know from the way I wrote last week, perhaps you already sense what I'm going to say and do (yet we're so close to the finish - just one more session) no, it's not give up, not stop thinking, never stop believing, nor praying ... however, I've decided to not post daily, but put them all here - for the whole week (since I do them all on SONday anyways, it's the same for me), it'll just mean one long blog post for y'all to visit, however, and whenever, you'd like ...
Session 4
Days 22 - 28 Joshua 14:6-12
Day 22 "Pray Fleece" Judges 6:33-40 "When God gives a vision, He always makes provision." Judges 6:37
Day 23 "Not Now" Acts 1:4-5 "Sometimes God's no simply means not yet." Acts 1:4
Day 24 "Find Your Voice" 2 Timothy 3:14-17 "If you want to find your voice, you need to hear the voice of God." Jeremiah 1:4
Day 25 "A Prophetic Voice" 1 Corinthians 14:3-4 "Prayer is the way we recognize potential in others." Numbers 11:29
Day 26 "Game with Minutes" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Change of pace + change of place=change of perspective" 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NASB)
Day 27 "Double Circle" Matthew 17:18-21 "If you want to break the sin habit, you've got to establish a prayer habit." Matthew 17:21 (NKJ)
Day 28 "Quit Praying" James 2:14-17 "Don't just pray about it, do something about it." Matthew 25:23
No, I'm really not aware of your situation or circumstances,
nor have I clearly stated mine, yet we can still pray for one another
as we are prompted, because I know and definitely believe that
God does know, and has known, long before we ask, think and pray:
so without a doubt, He's got this taken care of, He is God (and we are not)
He is in control, He is far more patient and persistent than we are,
He loves every one of His creation and is waiting ...
and longing to draw each one to Him,
so He really does care, and about what we pray
He's listening, so keep on drawing the circle and pray
4 Startled, he (Cornelius) was overcome with fear by the sight of the angel. He asked, “What do you want, Lord?”
The angel said, “All of your prayers and your generosity to the poor have ascended before God as an eternal offering. TPT
KEY TAKEAWAY
"Our prayers don't die when we do.
God answers them forever."
Mark Batterson
"Draw the Circle"
Psalm 141:2
{all posts are done on SONday but posted on their proper day}
In my Once-a-Day: Bible Promises Devotional, the promise for this day is "God will make you secure" (2 Samuel 22:33-34) where God promises to me:
"I offer you my strength."
"I help you stand secure."
"I enable you to do what you thought was impossible."
"Oh Lord, I crave You assurance. Please put a spring in my step as I follow where You lead." {we can pray this for our lost loved ones as well}as we "draw the circle" around them today ...
We are in the 3rd Session of "Draw the Circle", appropriately titled "Pray Hard" and on March 8th, we are half-way and truthfully every SONday, especially this one (and for no particular reason), I think to myself, as I come here to catch up and post for yet another week, I should give up ... or at least, give up posting, which often is my attitude (forgive me, Lord) as I come, yet another day and another year, praying for salvation for "hard" hearts ... perhaps not necessarily "prodigals", but people whose hearts and minds (sad to say) seem to be more hardened toward receiving Jesus and what He came to offer every one of us ... then I come here and read (pray) the beautiful, wonderful encouraging prayers left by the dearest sister in Christ, who understands and prays hard, deep spirit-filled prayers of the heart, because she knows ... she gets this but even more she extends an honest, vulnerable prayer that touches a deep core within me and I realize how much of a God send she is and has been since we have known each other, maybe only online and from a distant, however as close as if we grew up together and lived next door ... she is such a blessing, and her prayers in the comments, will (or should) bless you also, even without knowing her. Then God's Holy Spirit blows afresh on me, to keep me accountable and in prayer with a grateful heart, to "Pray Hard" ... because every one of those who are without Jesus, need to come now to His saving grace, so not one would perish, but be saved. Such an urgency, such a heavy heart, such a need for our Savior, and the time is now for us all to repent and pray hard, persevere like never ... read and listen carefully how Mark Batterson opens up this Session (which includes days 15-21):
"By definition, praying hard is hard. In God's kingdom, pray is the heavy lift. But prayer is the difference between "good ideas' and "God ideas." It's the difference between closed doors and open doors. It's the difference between inpossible and possible. But you can't just pray like it depends on God. You also have to work like it depends on you. What I mean by that is: you can't just talk the talk - you also have to walk the walk." Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle
Just like this precious sister in Christ, this week (7) of "Unshakable Hope: Courage" says "GOD GETS YOU ..." and I'm sure He must/does!
So I remain committed to pray:
"Father, in the name of Jesus, I come boldly unto the throne of grace, that I may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in my time of need. Grant me the grace to walk through this day in true godliness with contentment. I bind mercy and truth around my neck, and write them on the table of my heart, and I will find favor in the sight of God." ...
because
"I am building my life on the promises of God. Because His word is unbreakable, my hope is unshakable. I do not stand on the problems or pain in life. I am standing on the great and precious promises of God."
"Lord Almighty, as I pray today for those that do not know Jesus I ask that You can break whatever it is that has control over their heart that takes them away from knowing You. Psalm 119:67 says, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.” It is true that many have to fall to their lowest points in life before they turn their life over to You. It often takes painful circumstances to drive us to Christ. Addiction, lust, materialism, and other deadly sins are false gods that are stealing the hearts of those who need You the most. I pray for those who are unsaved that You will be able to rip the bondage of what is holding them back. May they seek You! Amen."
“Lord Jesus Christ, I bring before You (name). He/she doesn’t know You, Lord. When I speak to them about You, he/she does not want to hear anything. There is total resistance to me. (Name) is not receiving my witness, and persuasion does not work. Lord, he/she needs a revelation of YOU. I ask for that revelation. Jesus, I ask You to search their heart and show them their heart the way You see it. Give them desire and Grace to know You and our Father. Make a way for him/her, where there presently does not appear to be a way out for them. You are the God of the impossible. Nothing is too difficult for you.”
"God always has a holy surprise up His Sovereign sleeve."
Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle
Maybe you remember this quote on an earlier image.
{all posts are done on SONday but posted on their proper day}
I receive an email daily (because I signed up) with a prayer prompt and an image, but so far, many times, I have found the image not to be the right one for that day's key takeaway, so rather than post and then have to change it later, I will just be using the image of the book.
"Prayer is the difference between you fighting for God and God fighting for you." Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle
{all posts are done on SONday but posted on their proper day}
I receive an email daily (because I signed up) with a prayer prompt and an image, but so far, many times, I have found the image not to be the right one for that day's key takeaway, so rather than post and then have to change it later, I will just be using the image of the book. I will try to add the prayer prompts in the box with the scripture.
"Quit talking to God about your problem and start talking to your problem about God." Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle
{all posts are done on SONday but posted on their proper day}
I receive an email daily (because I signed up) with a prayer prompt and an image, but so far, many times, I have found the image not to be the right one for that day's key takeaway, so rather than post and then have to change it later, I will just be using the image of the book. I will try to add the prayer prompts in the box with the scripture.
"God can accomplish more in one day than you can accomplish in a lifetime." Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle
2 Peter 3:8-9
{all posts are done on SONday but posted on their proper day}
I receive an email daily (because I signed up) with a prayer prompt and an image, but so far, many times, I have found the image not to be the right one for that day's key takeaway, so rather than post and then have to change it later, I will just be using the image of the book. I will try to add the prayer prompts in the box with the scripture.
"If we do the little things like they are big things, then God will do the big things like they are little things." Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle
Luke 17:5-6
{all posts are done on SONday but posted on their proper day}
I receive an email daily (because I signed up) with a prayer prompt and an image, but so far, many times, I have found the image not to be the right one for that day's key takeaway, so rather than post and then have to change it later, I will just be using the image of the book. I will try to add the prayer prompts in the box with the scripture.
“Prayer doesn’t just change external circumstances; it also changes our internal outlook. Prayer sanctifies the reticular activating system—the part of the brain that determines what gets noticed. When we pray, we notice things we would not have otherwise. Why? Because prayer is seeing through God’s eyes.” Mark Batterson
Colossians 4:2
KEY TAKEAWAY
"We don't see the world as it is; we see the world as we are."
Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle
1 Corinthians 13:12
{all posts are done on SONday but posted on their proper day}
I receive an email daily (because I signed up with StudyGateway/FaithGateway) with a prayer prompt and an image; but so far, many times, I have found the image given not to be the right one for that day's key takeaway, so rather than post and then have to change it later, I will just be using the image of the book.
"PR# DATE
#274 - OCT 1- I am the everlasting God. Psalm 90:2
#306 NOV 2 My love stretches to the heavens and My faithfulness extends above the clouds. Psalm 36:5
#217 AUG 5 I have cared for you from the moment you were born. Psalm 71:6
#248 SEP 5 All the days of your life are written in My special book. Psalm 139:16
#6 JAN 6 I delivered you from darkness into the kingdom of My beloved Son. Colossians 1:13
#7 JAN 7 I have given you eternal life because you have believed in Jesus Christ. John 3:16
#177 JUN 26 When you leave your body, you will be at home in My presence. 2 Corinthians 5:8
#362 DEC 28 My Son has made you to be a kingdom of priests to be with Me forever. Revelation 1:5-6
#88 MAR 29 I prepared a kingdom inheritance for you when I created the world. Matthew 25:34
#58 FEB 27 Those who overcome will sit with My Son on His throne. Revelation 3:21
#119 APR 29 My everlasting joy and gladness will drive all sorrow and mourning away. Isaiah 51:11
#37 FEB 6 I have sealed you with My Spirit to guarantee your coming inheritance. Ephesians 1:13-14
#162 JUN 11 I have anointed you with My Spirit as a down payment of what is yet to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
#241 AUG 29 You can celebrate because your name is written in heaven. Luke 10:20
#210 JUL 29 You are My children now, and you will be just like Jesus when He appears. 1 John 3:2
#303 OCT 30 I am giving you a kingdom that can never be shaken. Hebrews 12:28
#242 AUG 30 There is a special room in My house prepared just for you. John 14:2
#333 NOV 29 An everlasting city awaits you, for I am not ashamed to be called your God. Hebrews 11:16
#331 NOV 27 I will be your light and you shall reign with Me forever. Revelation 22:5
#180 JUN 29 There is a crown of righteousness waiting for everyone who loves My Son. 2 Timothy 4:8
#178 JUN 22 The world and its passions will disappear, but those who do My will shall live forever. 1 John 2:17
#179 JUN 28 I will rescue you from evil and safely deliver you into My kingdom. 2 Timothy 4:18
#188 JUL 7 My love for you will last forever. Jeremiah 31:3
#147 MAY 27 Those who overcome will eat from the tree of life in paradise. Revelation 2:7
#195 JUL 14 I will shepherd My inheritance and carry them forever. Psalm 28:9
#149 MAY 29 Those who are pure in heart will see My face. Matthew 5:8
#332 NOV 28 The eternal glory that is in store for you far surpasses your present troubles. 2 Corinthians 4:17
#211 JULY 30 One day, you will see My face and My name will be on your forehead. Revelation 22:4
#269 SEP 26 When you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will be with you. Psalm 23:4
#57 FEB 26 When your body fails, you have an eternal home waiting for you. 2 Corinthians 5:1
#304 OCT 31 I promise to give a crown of life to all who love Me despite their trials. James 1:12
#272 SEP 29 You have an everlasting inheritance reserved in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:3-4
#87 MAR 28 An eternal crown awaits you at the finish line, so keep running your race. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
#363 DEC 29 When death is swallowed up, I will wipe away every tear from your face. Isaiah 25:8
#29 JAN 29 When Jesus appears, you will receive a crown of glory that will never dim. 1 Peter 5:4
#89 MAR 30 It is precious for Me to see My faithful ones come home. Psalm 116:15
#151 MAY 31 You can rest in My promise of eternal life, for I cannot lie. Titus 1:2
#30 JAN 30 At the end of the age, My righteous ones will shine like the sun in My kingdom. Matthew 13:43
#243 AUG 31 You can look forward to the new heaven and earth that I have promised. 2 Peter 3:13
#364 DEC 30 I will guide you to the very end, for I will be your God forever. Psalm 48:14 "
"It is precious to You to see Your faithful ones come home"
just as we find it ever so precious and hope for this:
"The hope of eternal life living in the presence of a loving God and Father is our destiny. It is our birthright because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. We do not have to fear death because we have this hope. May today's promise bring comfort to us for those who we have lost and peace to us to know that it is a precious time in the sight of our God when we will finally be home." 365
This indeed is the hope in our hearts for those living and for those who have gone before us
that
"all the days of their lives are written in Your special book"
of life now and eternally
in Jesus' name
I wanted to post a new video this week with More Promises but this is enough
PROMISES
for now
I also came across a wonderful blog that does this daily for prodigals and another NIV Bible devotional with "Once a Day" Bible Promises, which I totally love and am using instead of a different one I mentioned when I started this 40 day journey of PRAYING PROMISES for PRODIGALS and "Drawing the Circle" around them ... as I pray and declare these promises from God's Word for them and myself.
[Kindle is the best deal for this!]
Anyways here's part of a sample of a recent one from my new BIBLE Promises ... without their inspiring devotional, nor the Bible reading, just the reference:
GOD PROVIDES A SOLUTION FOR HARRIED SAINTS Isaiah 30:18
GOD’S PROMISE TO ME
• Return to me, wait for me and I will deliver you.
• You will find strength when you trust me.
MY PRAYER TO GOD
Lord, You are sovereign and holy. Forgive me for acting as though I am in charge of my own life and for doing unholy things. I will turn to You and wait for You.
(wondering if this is like Francis Chan's "Crazy Love")
40-Day Challenge Daily Prayer Prompt
"Too often we pray timid prayers or prayers that we ourselves could answer! Don’t be afraid to pray bold prayers. After all, God is the one who invites us to approach His throne of grace with confidence. Prayer is the difference between self-confidence and holy confidence! And holy confidence isn’t afraid of asking God to do the impossible!" Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle
Luke 18:5 NLT
KEY TAKEAWAY
"Bold prayers honor God and God honors bold prayers."
Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle
{all posts are done on SONday but posted on their proper day}
![NIV, Once-A-Day: Bible Promises Devotional, eBook by [Corporation, Livingstone]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41W-eAC5%2BOL.jpg)
