"You Are Stronger than You Think ..."

Releases on October 12, 2021

I could not wait to begin reading "You are Stronger than You Think ... " by Joel Osteen (Pastor & Author) to learn more from his motivational style of how to "...Unleash the Power to Go Bigger, Go Bold and Go Beyond What Limits You" (the rest of this title) & Pastor Joel, as an author, pastor and motivational speaker, never disappoints - book after book, or message after message to America's largest church in Houston, Texas - Lakewood Church and throughout the world online. 

This book does Go Bigger, and definitely is filled with wise words that go Bold & go Beyond; using biblical and personal, individual stories of people that help us to be Stronger (especially after the year we just went through and continue to face with this pandemic, etc.) in 15 chapters of encouraging words to see ourselves the right way, as God sees us, and the fullness that is in each individual awaiting to wake up, be unleashed and flourish. Each chapter shows us how we are designed with the inner strength and the ability to take on each challenge as we reach for the next level and purpose in our life. 

For many years, I have been encouraged by watching Pastor Joel online & through reading some of his other books. So as I began reading this, I could actually see & hear him speaking these words to me & into my life. As I started off reading Chapter 1, with the same title as the book, I could sense a “can-do power” rising up inside of me & already impacting my attitude & mentality, but then I thought what can he (as the author) possibly add to this message in the next 14 chapters. So I sat back & read on, seeking more of his inspiration & God’s to strengthen me further chapter after chapter. 

I learned that:

• I am stronger than I think; 
• to Invite God into each difficulty; 
• my victory begins (began) in the dark
• to fight for my future; 
• special strength is coming (one of my favorite chapters, although I have favorite parts in each chapter); 
• I am who I say I am; and who God says I am
• I am designed to withstand; 
• and overcome weakness (my favorite chapter & one I really needed); 
• I am still going to get there (that passion & fire is still in me);
• my faith... is anchored in Jesus Christ, so I will stay in faith & release my faith as I walk by faith, not letting negative voices silence my faith & I will throw off the ‘beggar’s coat’;
• I am a ‘nevertheless person’ who sees the impossible as God’s possible miracle; 
• and ‘by this I know’ (like in Psalm 41:11 ) as I proclaim “But God...”;
• the hot winds of testing (though never easy) are meant to develop & strength me & become part of a better me testimony;
• as I keep on walking;
• because I am surrounded by the Most High. 

[The previous bulleted part is a paraphrase of each chapter’s title as I personalized them into what I learned & intend to apply as I will need to reread this often, whenever I may need to recall the strength & power already within me]. 

Thank You Lord, & Pastor Joel for speaking strength back in to this weary & worn soul through faith words in this book.Now I just need to align all these lessons in my heart, mind & life and truly believe that I am "Stronger than You Think" (and I think) and walk in His Strength. This is a great book to help turn around any difficulties, defeat & discouragement with a positive power to overcome & move forward. 

[Because of my personal preference to have each chapter conclude with a prayer, a declaration or scripture, I would rate this only a 4 star for me, however, Joel Osteen writes books that are meant to motivate a wide range of readers, not just religious/spiritual readers, even though he does use scripture stories and Biblical characters well to illustrate his message or point]. Nevertheless ... Joel Osteen has done it again - another successful book with great encouragement that "You are Stronger than You Think"; so overall, this really does deserve a 5 star rating! If you’re feeling tired, weary, worn out — this is for you. If you want to tap into God’s supernatural strength and rise to new levels, this is for you. If you just need to be motivated & encouraged to be stronger than you think & more bold - this is for you or someone you need to encourage. It was for me & will continue to be until I am ...

Book Description

"Unleash the untapped power inside you! You were designed with the ability and inner strength to stretch to the next level, to stand strong and overcome the opposition, to learn new skills, to believe bigger, dream bigger, and to take on new challenges. In You Are Stronger than You Think, #1 New York Times bestselling author Joel Osteen encourages you to stand firm when the difficulty is not turning around. When the pressure mounts, when you feel overwhelmed, when the struggle looks too big, or the goal is out of reach, you have to remember that is not your destiny. You are more powerful than you think. You need to see yourself the right way and realize what’s already inside you. You were made to outlast the competition, to go further than you thought you could, and live a life beyond what limits you. As you read You Are Stronger than You Think, you will find the power to break the cycle of defeat, the courage to set a new standard for your family, the hope to conquer your fear, and the confidence to accomplish every dream. You will discover that you have more strength, more talent, more determination, and more endurance than you ever imagined. Nothing can hold you back…because You Are Stronger than You Think! "

Disclosure: I received a hardbound copy of this book free from the publisher in return for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTCs 16 CFR, Part 255

Lakewood Church, Joel Osteenshared in Sunday October 10 like a promo
 

God is NOT Finished With Me (and others) Yet - More aMazing Grace

When I began September with my "September STRONG" post, I really was hoping to share more throughout this month of September & more about JESUS STRONG!

My intention was to proceed into October and this final quarter of the year, sharing more on the 2021 Word of Strength (being Strong) through so many Bible verses, yet truly God isn't finished with me still. So, not realizing this fully and what that might entail upon finishing that short 5 day sample plan "Jesus Strong" from Lisa Whittle, I ordered and received promptly her book, thinking it was her new book, only to find out that "The Hard Good" is her newest, "Jesus Over Everything" before that, and that " Put Your Warrior Boots On: Walking Jesus Strong, Once and for All" was written and released back in 2017 - Not that this takes away anything from the value of this book and me reading it, since I totally loved the sample and knew I wanted to read more, so I have it, began reading it...

BUT I was so easily sidetracked once again by another offer of two books being released in October. Both of these books just so happen to not only be in what I call 'my month' ... but also they are about my 2021 Word: Strength/Strong and I was being given the chance to receive and review the books from the Publisher. I couldn't decide which one ... so God did! I will be reviewing that book in the near future, on or before its release date of October 12th. The *other book, not sent, is also from a well-known author that I like, but would have been one that I should have been using for this entire year since it's a 365 day devotional. There's not much left to this year, and although there's much still to gain about Strength, I already know this will not continue to be my One Word for 2022 because I have another one waiting. Anyways, I did read a 3 day sample devotion of the other book in a You Version plan and may consider getting it still in my Kindle when it releases on October 19th. As you can see, I have not revealed either of these new releases, nor their authors. But since I am reading one to review, you will find out that one soon enough. And the other, I will mention after that. 

As we wrap up the month of September, I am also wrapping up the 4th Week in "Take Back Your Life" but not to worry, I still have two more weeks in this 40 day interactive journey to "thinking right so (I)you can live right". Truthfully, I am not really doing very well in this at all. Week 5 is "Be the Difference" and then Week 6 will be "Think Right, Live Right" - so there's still hope for me as I continue & finish each day with the "Breathe, Think, and Live" section, with many questions to ponder & if you were doing with a group - to discuss. For me, this has been a very personal journey and currently looks like I will need a "re-do" of this book. I need to journal more of my ponderings and thoughts as I had intended to do when I started because "this is more than a book;" (as the back of the book reads) "it's an intimate self-analysis tool that helps you recognize what's weighing you down or holding you back and equips you to embrace it head-on ..." AND I am not doing this, as I hoped to so that I can "... become the best version of" myself. In fact, my failing to even interact as I planned is an indication to me that I just wasn't ready to "take back my life". Yes, I was serious about it and that this year of STRENGTH would be the year that I could perhaps handle something like this, however as I read, I discover ... I need to be & stay committed to this immense LIFE task (which I haven't been) and come to realize that I am Stronger than I think and only in God's Strength for Each Day will I be able to think right & live right. Hopefully and prayerfully, that day, my day, is coming soon in Jesus' name

Yes 

God is NOT Finished With Me (and others) Yet - More aMazing Grace

Required 

and
Lots more 
STRENGTH
to be
JESUS STRONG

Thanks Lisa Whittle!all images belong to Lisa Whittle{but her email says you can download & share}so I am

* update on October 1st: I was sent the other book also, so now I really have to get reading to finish & review by their release date. Thanks to this Publisher, I have received a double portion of blessings of STRENGTH for October (and it's just the 1st of the month). 

SEPTEMBER STRENGTH

[Sign up for this 5 day Bible study plan]

I cannot believe that I have not posted anything since PALM SONday and the entire summer has gone by and fall is approaching. However, I most definitely have been pursuing "Strength" every single day, especially in my Bible reading plans & studies. So I can be #Jesus Strong (with Lisa Whittle).

Currently, I am in a 40 day Interactive Journey to "Take Back Your Life" by Levi Lusko among many other OBSs. Plus I just completed one on "Restored" & * "Strengthen Your Faith..." Clearly, by taking back my life, I am hopefully strengthening my faith & perhaps have a totally different idea than Pastor Levi, but if you have read my testimony or know me & my life, you will understand the significance in me taking back my life. On the other side of these 40 days, I hope to be filled with God's power & strength to face better anything our future & my personal future may hold. Only with God's Strength can I overcome my past & build my future based on God's principles & my beliefs. God is the Strength of my life! Without my beliefs, my faith walk & my relationship with Jesus, I don't know where I would be now or throughout my entire life. 

Here are some Promises that strengthened my faith*

"I (you) can trust, because God will never change." Matthew 24:5 "The miracle depends on my (your) response." Matthew 9:28-30a "Having peace of mind is a position of faith." Psalm 46:10 "God is the one who fights for me (you)." 2 Chronicles 20:15 "Sons of Israel (Peggy), march!" Exodus 14:15 "Whoever believes in God will never be ashamed."1 Kings 18:37-39 "Don't give up on what God has promised you." Genesis 15:5

{those were the 7 days of *that plan}

... I AM STRONG & COURAGEOUS ...

Yet another plan of 30 days & a book I have now too!I completed this one on May 1, 2021

I will continue to press on and 
"LIVE WITH STRENGTH & COURAGE"
GOD IS THE STRENGTHof my heart
Perhaps you read the title of this blog, and came here looking for "Strength for September" because you are so weary, or weak and really need some strength to make it through some current situation, crisis or difficult circumstance. I began this post only as an update because I have been away so very long & wanted you to know that I am still here. 
Other than that I had no particular gem of wisdom to share so that you might be filled with God's strength, yet the plans at YouVersion & the Song at the end are the best I have to share because I, myself, am really leaning in and seeking more Strength every day to battle all that currently faces us in this world. We all need more Strength in our daily living. So get in God's Word & seek His Strength in many verses & may you be encouraged this September in the Lord with an abundance of His Strength, which I've read & heard comes through having more JOY ... so sing it out "the JOY of the Lord is my Strength!" (Twila Paris) or maybe this one with Jenn Johnson (Bethel) Joy of the Lord/You Make Me Brave!!! and Joy Unspeakable (Bethel) with Steffany Gretzinger! YES, be filled with Jesus, Others than You (true JOY will come) as You serve in Jesus' name!

PALM SUNDAY STRENGTH

There is Strength in Humility

Jesus Modeled Humility

"...humility was expressed most when Jesus became a man and died on the cross."{clearly}

Isaiah 53 portrays Jesus as the suffering servant. Jesus had lowliness of heart.We see more of this on Maundy Thursday when we commerorate the Last Supper."Throughout His life on earth, Jesus demonstrated a spirit of profound humility."(Matthew 20:28)

Jesus exemplifies Humility & Strength throughout this Holy Week.
 However, today, on this Palm Sunday,I want to draw our focus to the
Humility of our KING
Palm Sundaytraditionally known as theTriumphal Entry
NLT reads Jesus' Triumphant Entry for John 12:12-19;Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40

For me, in the story of Jesus entering into Jerusalem, I see His riding into town on a donkey colt, reveals His character quality of Humility ... which requires His strength, but demonstrates much more. He is fulfilling prophecy as He claims His rightful place as the prophesized Messiah. And He chooses the precious, lowly animal - a donkey colt rather than a majestic warhorse/stallion.

{Don't get me wrong, I love donkeys and God must also since He placed a cross stripe down the middle of their back in black plus notice the frequency that donkeys are used in the Bible, even with Jesus' mother Mary, on their journey for His birth. Yet, let's be truthful, donkeys are known to be stubborn & dumb creatures and still expected to carry large burdens. I can relate. But I regress ...with my [Lessons from a Donkey] The sweet donkey also symbolizes peace and God's blessings to His people. This story also connects us with the Old Testament story of Abraham with his son Isaac (in Genesis 49:10-12). 

So much rich symbolism starting out this Holy Week and the events that unfold beginning with the celebration of Palm Sunday. I also think the people that greeted Jesus with those palm branches (and even their own cloaks/clothing) being placed on the road beneath the feet of the donkey and Jesus, their King, showed humility ... laying it all down at the feet of Jesus. 

It was the weakness of His humility that doomed forever the power of evil.
the Palm branchsymbolizes:- the victory of the faithful over enemies of the soul-justice and good; victory, triumph, peace & eternal life-associated with the Feast of Booths, the establishment of the kingdom-custom to honor & greet great leaders, heroes & winners of competitions-a mark of rejoicing
the Palm treesignifiesuprightness or righteousness
Jehovah saved His people out of Egypt
Palm tree wood may not be strong, it is surprisingly resilent & malleable;they are more flexible than sturdy
sothe Strength I'm seeking this Palm Sunday is NOT in the Palm branches
it's in the characteristic ofHUMILITYexemplified thisHoly WeekinJesusour Lord & King

"... Humility comes from the Latin word “humilis,” which literally means “low.” It resides just a stone’s throw from “humiliation.” Sure enough, excessive humility eventually softens into obsequiousness and self-subjugation. False humility is even worse: a conscious manipulation covertly aimed at winning praise, often to compensate for unacknowledged feelings of inadequacy. But genuine humility is a reflection of neither weakness nor insecurity. Instead, it implies a respectful appreciation of the strengths, a lack of personal pretension and a more relaxed sense of confidence that doesn’t require external recognition. ..." Tony Schwartz, NY Times, 11/15/13

Humility is Power
I can find strength in the power & the victory won by Jesus
"...Jesus’ submission to His Father’s will was an expression of His strength and irrefutable trust in God." ~Megan Pacheco

"... Great strength hides in weakness"... ~ Pastor Steven Furtick, 3/28/21

My intent for this Holy Week was to present a series on my 2021 One Word: Strength* - and show STRENGTH throughout this week found in Jesus through each of the events as we journey to the Cross and onto the Resurrection, where we find the ultimate Strength for each day of our Christian walk - with Jesus Christ. Bits and pieces of His Strength poured out in my scattered thoughts shared today & for this week Jesus undeniable

 "STRENGTH in Holy Week" 

Clearly as each of us reflect throughout this week, you (we) will notice the examples of the Strength it took, even for Jesus Christ, the Son of God, yet He chose to obey His Father, even to His excruciating death on the Cross to show us the power of Life over death! The victory He won, giving us the choice for an eternal life. This is what gives me HOPE which is what gives me STRENGTH & Joy in the Lord, our Risen Savior, our Messiah, our King ... and is the Strength of my Faith to believe that my Redeemer lives!

May you find STRENGTH & HOPE each day as you look to Jesus!

 A Blessed Holy Week and Happy Resurrection Sunday!

* due to circumstances beyond my control (and they all are) I won't be able to fulfill my intention of this series, but I pray for STRENGTH for you and for me ... and all that Jesus portrays to us through this Passion Story ...

ASH WEDNESDAY - "R" YOU READY?

Preceding every ASH WEDNESDAY, I search for a 40 day plan* or book to lead me to the Cross & through to the greatest celebration in life for me - the Resurrection! But without the Cross & the Tomb, without Jesus' sacrificial love, there would be no Resurrection to celebrate. Without our Lord Jesus Christ, we would not know the triumph from the tomb, the victory of His life over death - over the death of sin. And the death of sin comes from our repentance and the salvation of Jesus Christ that redeems us from our sin & death. But still, we are called to die to self, die to sin and make changes. God asks us to admit to our wrongs (sin), acknowledge when we do wrong or even think wrong or when we speak wrong, when we speak death over life. We are called to speak life over death - His Life, the life of Jesus.

Death is represented by ashes. 

We are reminded by this on

ASH WEDNESDAY

in traditional denominations of faith

there is the ritual of making a

sign of the cross

on each sinner's forehead

with ashes

while this declaration is said,

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. "

which comes from
Genesis 3:19

or
“Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” 

to remind us of our human mortality
and our need to change
believing in the power of the Gospel.
It is an outward reminder not only of our
REPENTANCE
but also that
our lives are meant to be of service to
God
who created us out of nothing
mere dust

"...We are reminded that we will return to dust after our death because our lives here on earth are temporary, but we repent because we are made to live forever with the Lord in heaven, and repentance ensures that we are living in a manner that is in accord with God’s commandments.”

"...Up from the ashes, Hope will arise...Death is defeatedThe King is Alive!"
<>

So far this month & year of 2021, I have shared 3 words that all begin with the letter "R". On this day, as we begin this next 40 days of journey (from my 1st paragraph), you will see other "R" words - REPENTance ... and also RESURRECTION. In the time in which we live, our nation is in need of much REPENTANCE and many have been crying out for REVIVAL since Coronavirus & before for our world. Through my recent posts, I've shared an additional word REFOCUS along with the main ones RENEW, REBUILD, RESTORE and I think somewhere along our journey of RECOVERY, I must have shared REPENT. 

I am the least to write or speak about the steps to REPENT - because I (like you & all other human beings) are sinners and have done wrong, so I am quite familiar with the lifelong process of repentance, the building stones to RESTORATION through RECONCILIATION, but actually this post is a sum of many "R" words that remind me how to proceed through 40 days of Lent  {however, I did find a book and a plan for me personally} The lesson I've learned for contrition & feeling regret with the need to turn from my wrong (sin) and make amends begins with these steps to REPENT (similar to the steps to praying for our salvation found in our belief in the saving grace of Jesus Christ) we need to:

acknowledge the sin, admit our wrong confess the wrong ask for forgiveness turn away from doing that wrong restore the wrong done

So we're right back to one of my "R" words
RESTORE
and then
for 
REVIVAL
it needs to start with each individual
for me, REVIVAL means to bring back to life
{I'm pretty sure that would be in the definition of it}
similar to
ASHES to RESURRECTION
to begin again
For REVIVAL, we need to be led by the Holy Spirit, to
Repent & Forgive.
Recalibrate your Perspective.
Recall God's Sovereignty.
Recenter your Hope.
Reinforce with Praise.
Resolve to Shine & Stand.
My prayer is that truly each one of us take these next 40 days
to get us to a place of
REVIVAL
through
REPENTing


{I don't think my previous way of defining words that begin with the prefix "re-" works with this word because that would make my short cut mean that "RE-PENT" would be to "pent again". I don't think there's a meaning for pent but indulge with me, for a minute, that 'pent' means having kept much inside (pent up) and the final need to let it out again & again until we've emptied ourselves from all of our wrong thinking, wrong speaking, wrong doing & finally make that change completely & not RETURN to it}


As I reflect on "ashes", it sadly reminds me of returning from Mexico after the total loss of our house to a fire and the rebuilt structure but the many things that were inside were so damaged by soot and much was left in piles of ashes. Any loss, including death, the remains decompose and living beings become changed into the very essence of ashes or dust. Fire destroys & leaves our earthly belongings as ashes. I think that the process of being REFINED also burns out things that don't belong in us, changing our earthly bodies & thus preparing us for our heavenly ones. Day by day, especially during Lent, we should allow our lives to be REFINED by the Word & discipline of denying ourselves so that we can continually reaccess the way we live & give to others life-giving words & actions; ridding ourselves of all impurities so we can resolve to Shine & Stand as Lights in a very dark world even among people that claim to be Christian or in the Church that are living so hypocritical & judgmental lives of others & following after others rather than focused on following Jesus! REPENTANCE is long overdue & needs to happen before REVIVAL can come to the Church, our own lives & hearts have to change first. "The human heart is full of eternal hopes."~Chris Tiegreen, The Promise of Lent, Day 1 of 40

May the Lent of 2021 bring us to our knees & examine our own hearts & lives before we judge or speak out against others. 

May our ASHES lead us through REDEMPTION to a glorious RESURRECTION! May Jesus Christ REDEEM & RESTORE each of us! REPENT and get READY for Jesus Christ (God) to show up.

Join me on a journey *"From Ashes To Resurrection"... exploring the ways Jesus delivers us through His life, death & Resurrection. "When Jesus Christ saves us, He makes us new." (rephrased, to personalize plurally)He flooded the dark corners of our lives with His purifying light and breathed the fresh life of His Spirit into us."

I believe that He can do the same for the darkness in our world still today, starting with each one of us, and I pray He does this for our nation too, but it starts in us. God is continuing (if we humble ourselves & let Him) His miraculous work in each of us,  every single day as we individually prepare our heart, mind & lives as we REPENT & READY ourselves now, and for eternity & Jesus' imminent RETURN. 

Prayers to RESTORE

... Renew, Rebuild, Restore ...

In the middle of this week, it's Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40 days of Lent, leading up to Holy Week & Resurrection Sunday (commonly called Easter, but no longer do I refer to this major significant day in my spiritual calendar as that - hard to find cards or ecards without it). Whereas, Advent is our time to prepare our hearts for Jesus' coming/return; Lent is also a time of preparing our hearts through repentance & returning to Jesus by setting time aside for reflection & spiritual discipline/self-denial, which in my opinion is the essence of the process of these 3 R's:to RENEW, REBUILD, RESTORE with adding: to REPENT. You would not want to RENEW, RESTORE or REBUILD if you first have not REPENTED. Too many of us, no longer see the need to repent - we have come to think we're not the one God wants to change or that we are right & justify not admitting when we're wrong. This takes humility in our humanity.

Let's start out again with the

DEFINITION of RESTORE

"Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary: 1. (v. t.) To bring back to its former state; to bring back from a state of ruin, decay, disease, or the like; to repair; to renew; to recover. 2. (v. t.) To give or bring back, as that which has been lost., or taken away; to bring back to the owner; to replace. 3. (v. t.) To renew; to reestablish; as, to restore harmony among those who are variance. 4. (v. t.) To give in place of, or as satisfaction for. 5. (v. t.) To make good; to make amends for. 6. (v. t.) To bring back from a state of injury or decay, or from a changed condition; as, to restore a painting, statue, etc. 7. (v. t.) To form a picture or model of, as of something lost or mutilated; as, to restore a ruined building, city, or the like. 8. (n.) Restoration. "

There seems to be 10 different Greek and 10 different Hebrew words are used for RESTORE or variants.

Prayers to RESTORE

Day 15 "Restored life in Christ"

Ezekial 37:1-14

"Lord, I pray that You will restore my lost hope and future. Just as You promised to the people of Israel, “I have spoken, I have done it”, help me to hold on to Your promises and to Your word. I receive Your restoration in Jesus' name, Amen."

16 "Restoration through praying together"

James 5:16

"Dear Heavenly Father, I thank that You have given us the ability to pray to You, help us not to underestimate the power of the privilege to pray with and for one another at times of confession. Thank You for the restoration that this brings. Amen."

17

Matthew 16:18

"Lord Jesus, I understand that though Peter wanted to stand for You, he denied at a time of trouble, but he deeply repented for it. You graciously brought him back to the right track and restored his ministry with the help of the Holy Spirit. So, I need Your strength to stand for You and follow Your plan in my life. Please restore my spiritual life. In Jesus' name, Amen."

18 "Restoration from shame"

John 4:14

"Thank You that You can restore us from feelings of shame and that You have time for us. Thank You that through the power of Your spirit we can be changed and have a desire to live our lives in a way that pleases You. Give us a thirst for You and may Your Holy Spirit fall afresh on us today."

19 "Restoration through love & forgiveness"

Job 42:10

"Dear Heavenly Father, please give me a heart of forgiveness and a heart to love others as You have loved me. In the loving and gracious name of Jesus, I pray, Amen."

20 "The Restorative Power of the Bible"

John 8:31-32

"Dear Father God, I thank You that I have scriptures to change and direct my life, I am sorry that I do not place enough importance on spending time in Your Word on a regular basis. Lord, please help me to realign my priorities in the future. Amen "

21 "Restore your worship"

Psalm 22

"Lord, I pray that You will restore my heart of worship today. There have been so many times I have allowed my worldly worries and situation set the tone of my worship, but today helped me to change that, and may my worship set the tone of my response to the situational problems of my life. As David says, the Kingdom is Yours and You rule over all, come and reign over my life in Jesus' name, Amen."

RENEWwas the first week
thenREBUILDlast week

I believe the Rainbow holds God's Promises to

RENEW, REBUILD & RESTORE

so I will begin

during

LENT

"... to RENEW my STRENGTH ..."

'though I may be or grow

tired or weary

'though I may stumble or fall

my hope is always

in the Lord

so

I will wait to find 

HIS STRENGTH

in 

2021

 and 

I will be strengthened

in

J

E

S

U

S

Enjoy a Happy

Prayers to REBUILD

... Renew, Rebuild, Restore ...

DEFINITION of REBUILD

If we go with my simplistic definition I set up last week, 're-' as a prefix means "again" so this simply would be to "build again." Even Webster's Revised unabridged dictionary agrees with me on this; with the addition of "to construct anew". Also the Thesarus & Greek word uses this as its definition. However, the Greek word, at times, uses edify ... You can check this out by clicking on the word REBUILD above and reading at the Bible Hub more.

 

We start with "Rebuilding Foundations " (day 8) cites Isaiah 54:11 where "God promises that He will rebuild the city that is lashed by storms with precious stones."~from the King City Church devotional

REBUILD

Prayers

Day 8 "Rebuilding Foundations " 

"Thank You, Father, that You can rebuild our lives and when storms have lashed us, You are our comforter. We pray that however hard the process of rebuilding our foundations is, that we are open to this so that we can be a new creation that can shine for You. In Jesus' name, Amen."

9

"Rebuild your wall"

"Dear loving Heavenly Father, Please, help me to be faithful and humble before You. Lord, give me the courage and strength to rebuild the things that You want me to rebuild in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen."

10

"Rebuild your faith"

"Lord, I pray that you will rebuild my faith life. Even at times when I don’t see or experience the good things that you have in store for me, help me to have a faith that is unshaken by my circumstances. I replace my faith back in Jesus, and to follow him closely for the rest of my life. May this prayer become my reality in Jesus' name, Amen. "

11

"Lessons on re-building from Nehemiah"

Cause, Cry & Confess, Courage & Consent, 

Capacitate & Cheer, Commit & Charge, Covenant

"Heavenly Father, please help me as I re-build my ……………… I earnestly seek Your guidance and plan for my life. Please use me like You used Nehemiah. You are the potter, I am the clay – mold me and make me, I pray."

12

"Rebuilding the broken-hearted"

"Father, thank You that we can come to You and You will help rebuild our broken hearts, that You can free those who are in darkness and distress. Give us all a compassion and a desire to give comfort and hope to those who are broken-hearted. Give us the opportunity to reach out to those who are in need today. Amen."

13"Rebuild your faith in Jesus & He will rebuild your life"

"Dear Heavenly Father, Please Rebuild my faith in You, please heal my life so that I can serve You faithfully. In the gracious name of Lord Jesus, I pray, Amen."

14

"Rebuilder of Lives"

"Dear Lord, thank You that You rebuilt the life of Ruth as she was kind, obedient and continued to do good things in her life. Please help me to do the right thing with Your wisdom. In Jesus' name, Amen."

RENEWwas last weekandnext week will beRESTORE
I am enjoying reading this again & noting the connections betweenRENEW, REBUILD, & RESTORE
I've also seenREFOCUSpreceding this process
As I age, I've increasingly noticed my need to
REFOCUS
sobeforeIREBUILDIwillREFOCUSandRENEWmyself in Godin2021

Prayers to RENEW

... Renew, Rebuild, Restore ...

 

Before I start out with this 21 day plan,

I was thinking I should define "Renew, Rebuild, & Restore"
 Yet as I opened up to read the devotional for day 2, I noticed that they give a definition for renewal from
Ephesians 4:22-24As "... putting off former conduct (that is our sinful life) and putting on a new man that is growing in the true righteousness and holiness (likeness of God). It is the process of transformation or sanctification that takes place in our spirit from our old nature to a new life in Christ. II Corinthians 5:17 confirms that if we are in Christ we are a new creation and made new." 
The reading plan also seems to divide the 3 weeks into 7 days in each word. This week starts off with "Renew".
If I defined "renew" before reading or checking a dictionary,I would have gone the easy route, and said:
"re" is a prefix meaning "again"so I just would have saidto make new againwhich is agood place to start2021
*At the end of this week's prayers I have shared the KJV Dictionary Definitionand the wordRENEWis linked toBible Hub(between prayer for day 1 & day 2)
PRAYERS
Day 1-7

Spirit of Prayer "Dear Heavenly Father, we pray that Your Holy Spirt and Your glory will fill our hearts as we set out these next 21 days in prayer. Help me to be open to hear from You and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice in my life. Lead me and guide me as I will be renewed, rebuilt and restored through my prayers. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen." (day 1) shared yesterday

RENEW

"Dear Heavenly Father, today I submit myself to be renewed every day. I regret my past mistakes and I ask You to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and dwell in me. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen."

"Dear Loving Father God, I pray for the forgiveness of my sins and help me to have a heart that is open to listen to You when it convicts me of repentance of my sins. I ask for a repentant heart like David and the renewing of Your spirit within me. Amen."

"Father in heaven, I come before You today with a decision to trust You and You alone in everything. In my weakness, Your grace is sufficient. Through You, I can do anything, help me set my eyes on Jesus in whom I am made righteous, perfect and a conqueror. Help me to run my race with the strength that comes from You in Jesus' name, Amen."

"Lord, I pray that You will renew my heart and help me to repent from where I have fallen. Restore my hunger for Your word during these days of prayer in Jesus' name, Amen."

"Dear Loving Father God, I ask that I am not conformed to the ways of the world and that my mind is transformed and renewed to become acceptable to You and to follow Your will. Amen."

"Father, thank You for the call in my life. I am called to make a difference and not to be conformed to this world. As a Christ follower, help me to understand that I am called into a greater commitment, to be transformed in my mind to see things the way You see it and help me to reflect Christ's love to this world. Help me set out and make a difference in my family and to the community in Jesus' name, Amen.  "

The word renew means:
Give fresh life or strength to, revive, regenerate, revitalise, reinvigorate, restore, breathe new life into, resurrect, resuscitate, awaken! 
The process of your mind's renewal takes intentional effort, by choosing to wash your mind in God's Word and truth, but its rewards are life and peace!

renew RENEW', v.t. L. renovo; re and novo, or re and new. 1. To renovate; to restore to a former state, or to a good state, after decay or depravation; to rebuild; to repair. Asa renewed the altar of the Lord. 2Chron. 15. 2. To re-establish; to confirm. Let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there. 1Sam. 11. 3. To make again; as, to renew a treaty or covenant. 4. To repeat; as, to renew expressions of friendship; to renew a promise; to renew an attempt. 5. To revive; as, to renew the glories of an ancestor or of a former age. 6. To begin again.

May this spiritual journey strengthen you and fill you with God’s presence in your life. Let's renew our spirit, mind and strength!

RENEW, REBUILD & RESTORE our HOPE in 2021

One month has already gone by in 2021 and once again (I think) I have not shared my One Word for 2021, although I a lotm fairly certain of my verse in the Bible that contains that One Word ... however there are various words in that Scripture verse that it could be, such as "Hope", which I've heard or been told, many are leaning towards "Hope" in 2021 (understandably, after 2020). Yet HOPE already has been one of my One Words in previous years, which does not mean that it could not be again. As with my One Word that had been PROMISE for 2020, I still have plenty that could keep me focused on God's Promises for an eternity and I probably will in many ways, continue to seek His Promises on any given topic. The same may be true with the repitition of any of the One Words that I had in previous years, like "HOPE" but I don't think that's the One for me, for 2021. It could be though, so I'm not ruling it out completely. Like I mentioned, it is in my verse! But I'm still not revealing my verse or my One Word ... from many words & His Word. 

Another word that is in my verse for 2021 is RENEW, which seems like that might be a really good One Word also. Starting this month of February, over at YouVersion (bible.com), there is a 21 day challenge that I usually have done in other years. In fact, the reason that I decided to do a blog post today, is/was to share this and a reading plan that I did back in 2019 with the word RENEW, even if it isn't my One Word. I have decided that it is one that would be good to share here on aMazing Grace, especially since it is connected to my One Word - actually it's the action word (verb) to my One Word. However, the reading plan has a couple other words, related to RENEW ... which I believe will be helpful to me once again, as this plan was back in 2019. I have not chosen this for my plan again over at YouVersion because there are so many other new ones to choose from but I have been setting myself & time aside (doing a fast somewhat) so  I can Seek God more diligently & hunger after Him better to meet me in this season of restoration & renewal, being rebuilt in my faith in so many aspects already in 2021 but perhaps mainly because of 2020. I think 2020 was a year of having a 20/20 vision for many of us that refocused & challenged us, stretching us to the maximum & still requiring more from us, & in us, & through us. So it only seems fit that these 21 days should be in prayer & fasting, refocusing on God, His Word, His Way, His Will.

Let's Run Forward in 2021, perhaps with this reading plan, in part, or along with another one you already have chosen and let's

RENEW, REBUILD & RESTORE                          in 2021

Of course, there are many other good plans at YouVersion and studies available right now, with so much available now online.

This one, not only goes well with my One Word, but also with a Faith Gateway and Chrystal Evans Hurst's 28 day Prayer Journey plan that I've already started, as well as the one that Max Lucado has on his new book,*Begin Again... with Bible Gateway as a reading club. I had already begun 2021 with First 5 in the book of Ephesians, so truthfully this was plenty for me to focus & fill up my daily faith journey putting Jesus first & center in my life. 

"Jesus, as I start this 21 day challenge & continue with others, help me to do it from a heart that wishes to know You better, rather than just for what You can do for me. I want to finish this journey more in love with You than when I started. Amen."

*By the way, the rest of the title of Max Lucado's "Begin Again..." book is "... Your HOPE and RENEWAL Start Today".  

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Day 1 of 21

days in prayer from

RENEW, REBUILD & RESTORE

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray that Your Holy Spirt and Your glory will fill our hearts as we set out these next 21 days in prayer. Help me to be open to hear from You and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice in my life. Lead us and guide us as we will be renewed, rebuilt and restored through our prayers. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Please join me and others in prayer & this reading challenge to RUN FORWARD for the next 21 days, however you choose with God, the Father, Son & Holy Spirit! The Church and our Country really need us to RETURN to JESUS in 2021. Fix our eyes on Him & may our Words & Hearts follow Jesus only. RELY on JESUS, REST in Him and READ His WORD, not the words of others. Let's SEEK Him alone, for our Salvation is found in Him. Be REFRESHED! 

{I hope to be back with at least a Prayer each day!}

A Very Happy & Blessed Birthday

to my special sister & friend

in Christ

💚