My heart is heavy, but full. I’ve been sitting with Psalm 138:8 all morning:
“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.”
It hit me like a wave. God’s love endures forever—even when mine wavers, even when I don’t understand, even when I feel like I’ve messed up beyond redemption. His love remains. Unshaken. Unfailing. Unconditional.
I don’t know why, but lately, I’ve been questioning it—not with my mouth, but in the deepest corners of my heart. I still sing, “Jesus loves me, this I know,” but sometimes it feels like I’m just mouthing the words. Why is it so easy to say God loves us and yet so hard to believe it when life caves in?
Let’s be real. People don’t like to talk about doubt. Especially Christian women. We’re supposed to be pillars of faith, right? Sweet, smiling, always believing. But I’m not going to pretend I don’t wrestle. I’m a warrior of faith, yes, but I’m also a human woman with battle scars. Faith doesn’t mean I don’t question—it means I bring my questions to the throne.
And this week, I asked God why. Why I still wrestle to believe He loves me when I already know so many Scriptures, when I serve in my church, when I try to do what’s right. And He answered me in that quiet whisper that cuts through all the noise:
“Daughter, you’re trying to feel My love through your circumstances, not through My covenant.”
Whew.
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God reminded me that His love isn’t proven by my painlessness. That’s where we go wrong. We believe this lie: “If God really loves me, He won’t let me suffer.” But Jesus never said that. In fact, He promised the opposite:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33
If Jesus—God in the flesh—wasn’t exempt from suffering, why do I think I should be? I’ve been holding God to a promise He never made. He didn’t promise ease. He promised presence. He didn’t promise comfort; He promised Christ-likeness.
And it wrecks me to realize how often I’ve measured His love by my pain level. As if tears mean abandonment. As if suffering equals distance. But in truth, the pain draws me closer to His heart. I’ve felt Him in the valley more vividly than I ever did on the mountaintop.
But here’s another lie I’ve battled:
“I don’t deserve God’s love.”
I’ve failed too many times. I’ve said things I shouldn’t. I’ve judged. I’ve envied. I’ve sinned. And in those moments, I tell myself I need to “earn” my way back into His grace. But that’s not the gospel. That’s religion. That’s performance. That’s pride wearing a mask.
The truth is this:
“We are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.” — Romans 8:17
We are already loved. Not because of our “good days,” but because of grace. His love isn’t a reward; it’s a reality. A relentless one. A reckless one, even, if I can say that. It runs to me when I’m still a mess. It wraps me up when I feel dirty. It whispers, “You’re Mine,” even when I don’t recognize myself.
But maybe the hardest part is this:
“I don’t feel God’s love.”
And you know what? That’s okay. Feelings are not the thermostat of faith. They shift with sleep, hormones, the weather, a comment someone made on Instagram. My feelings don’t define truth. The Word does.
“But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him.” — Psalm 103:17
Everlasting. That’s not based on feelings. That’s based on who God is.
So if my heart feels numb or dry or disconnected, I’m learning not to panic. I’m learning to tune it. Just like a radio needs the right frequency to catch the music, my heart needs the right focus to catch His voice.
That’s what fearing the LORD and obeying His commandments does—it doesn’t earn His love; it aligns me with it. It clears the static. It sharpens my spiritual senses so I can receive what’s already being poured out.
So today, I prayed a bold, honest, slightly messy prayer. Maybe someone reading this needs to pray it too:
Dear God,
I believe Your love endures forever. But some days, I forget what that even means. I’ve tried to measure Your love by the good things in my life—and I’m sorry. I’ve doubted when things got hard. I’ve run from You when I felt unworthy. I’ve leaned on feelings instead of faith.
But today, I choose to trust Your Word over my emotions. Tune my heart to receive Your love. Break down the walls I’ve built in pain. Teach me how to fear You rightly—not with terror, but with trembling reverence and wild trust.
Your love is not weak. It’s not small. It’s not moody. It’s forever. It’s fierce. It’s mine.
And I love You for it. Always and forever. Amen.
I don’t know who needs this, but maybe you’re like me—compassionate but tired, faithful but frustrated, loved but struggling to believe it. I want to remind you: You are not beyond His reach. His love is not fragile. His purpose will be fulfilled in your life.
So hold tight. Keep trusting. Keep tuning your heart. He’s not finished with you yet.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the world I’m living in. The way things are shifting — so quickly, so radically. It seems like each time I open my phone or scroll through headlines, there’s a new attack — not just on Christianity in general, but on those of us who actually try to live by the Word of God.
I’ve seen it in the classroom, in the workplace, even in family conversations. There’s this growing hostility — a sharp edge in the air — toward people who hold to biblical convictions. Somehow, we’ve gone from being seen as “old-fashioned” to being labeled as hateful, bigoted, even dangerous.
The irony is painful. The very people who preach tolerance and acceptance can’t seem to tolerate us. Not when we speak truth. Not when we draw lines. Not when we stand on the authority of Scripture rather than the ever-changing winds of cultural approval.
But Jesus told us this would happen.
In John 15:18-19, He said:
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world… therefore the world hates you.”
It still stings though. I’m not made of stone. I don’t enjoy being misunderstood or misrepresented. I don’t like being called names just because I believe God created two genders, that marriage is between a man and a woman, that life begins in the womb, or that Jesus is the only way to salvation.
But those are the “unwelcome convictions” that make progressive ideology bristle. They want a Christianity that conforms. A Jesus who agrees with their worldview. A Gospel stripped of repentance and truth. But that’s not real Christianity. That’s a counterfeit.
I read Isaiah 5:20 this morning, and it hit hard:
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
That’s exactly what’s happening. We’re watching good be labeled as evil. Biblical love — the kind that tells the truth, even when it hurts — is being rebranded as “hate speech.” And evil is paraded in the name of “progress.” But it’s not progress if it walks away from God — it’s rebellion.
I had a conversation yesterday that’s still sitting with me. A friend from college messaged me out of the blue and asked why I “support oppression” because I’m still vocal about my faith. She said Christianity has caused pain and should evolve to reflect modern values. I tried to answer with gentleness and grace, but she wasn’t interested in a dialogue — just a monologue of outrage.
I wanted to cry afterward. Not because she disagreed with me — but because she’s blind and doesn’t even know it. And because deep down, I know the more I stand firm, the more opposition I’ll face.
But I can’t compromise truth just to be accepted. That’s not what Jesus did. That’s not what the apostles did. That’s not what faithful believers have ever done.
2 Timothy 3:12 warns us:
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
It’s not an if, it’s a when. And honestly, the more I reflect on that, the more peace I find. If they hated Him, they’ll hate us too. If they nailed truth to a cross, why would we expect to be applauded for proclaiming it?
This world isn’t our home. We’re ambassadors. Pilgrims. Salt and light in a culture that prefers decay and darkness.
Still… it hurts.
So tonight, I brought all of this before the Lord. I lit a candle, opened my Bible, and just sat quietly. And I prayed:
“Lord, give me courage. Not the kind that shouts or fights, but the kind that stands firm in the storm. Help me love those who hate what I believe. Help me speak truth in a world addicted to lies. Forgive me for the moments I’ve been silent to avoid conflict. Let me never be ashamed of the Gospel. Remind me, Jesus, that You were rejected first — and that in You, I have everything I need to endure. Let my life be marked not by fear, but by faithfulness. Amen.”
I feel calmer now. Not because things are better, but because I’ve laid them at His feet.
This isn’t the first time in history Christians have been despised. The early church faced imprisonment, exile, and even death. And yet the Gospel spread. Light always overcomes darkness.
I think about Paul and Silas singing hymns in a prison cell. About Stephen forgiving those who stoned him. About Jesus praying for the ones who nailed Him to a cross. That’s the spirit I want. Not bitterness. Not fear. Just bold, beautiful obedience.
It’s tempting to retreat. To go silent. To blend in. But then I remember Romans 1:16:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”
This is why I have to keep speaking. Keep loving. Keep living in such a way that even those who hate my convictions will see something different — something divine.
If progressives can’t tolerate Christians, it may not be because we’re doing something wrong… but because we’re finally doing something right.
So I’ll press on. With truth in my mouth. Love in my heart. And Jesus at my side.
Every day, as I’m on my way to church, I witness something unusual.
People around me are frowning.
They look at their phones to make sure they are not missing anything.
And they walk like they’re running away from something.
Everyone in the street seems constantly concerned.
This transforms once I step foot inside my church.
The Christians around me are joyful.
They are more relaxed.
And they laugh with their whole hearts.
It is like a whole different world.
Laughter is something that’s almost gone extinct in the modern world.
But it is an essential aspect of our health.
One that we should strive to maintain.
As Christians, we live with joy and gratitude, no matter what challenges we may face.
God has given us the present of laughter, and He wants us to use it to lift our spirits and those of others.
It naturally reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts the immune system.
When we laugh, we release endorphins, which are natural painkillers that promote feelings of happiness and well-being.
It is so important.
And yet, a lot of people nowadays have almost forgotten about it.
They focus solely on everything that goes wrong.
And they neglect to care for their mental and spiritual health.
As Christians, this is something that we have to support everyone with.
Everyone should be able to laugh and appreciate what they have.
Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” When we cultivate joy and laughter, we are tapping into the strength and joy that come from God.
Laughter can allow us to feel more connected to God and His creation.
When we laugh at the absurdities, we are reminded of God’s sense of humor and His ability to turn even the most difficult situations into blessings.
Taking everything too seriously can have a lot of negative consequences.
Remember, we are on this earth for a finite amount of time.
Having fun and living happily should be a no-brainer.
So let us remember that laughter is a present from God.
And that He wants us to use it to lift our spirits and those of others.
May we always find joy and gratitude amid our challenges.
Biblical “Secret” For Improved Health
I have noticed a positive trend lately.
Regular folks across America are trying to be healthier.
That’s good! It means that people are starting to realize the importance of self-care.
However, most of them run into a significant matter.
They don’t know what to do.
No matter where you look nowadays, there is someone giving different advice.
How are you supposed to know which one is the right one?
Well, no matter how chaotic things become, there is always a place where we can find answers
Our Holy Texts.
Biblical figures show us how to go through our journeys.
Some advice is obvious
But the Texts often talk with symbolism.
So many people don’t recognize some of these symbols when they see them.
In Proverbs 31, a woman is described as being active from before dawn until after sunset.
She works with eager hands, brings food from afar, wakes up while it is still night to provide for her family, and her lamp does not go out at night.
These simple sentences underline some very important messages.
Firstly, she is a woman of constant activity.
She’s not sitting idle, she’s working, moving, using her hands, her feet, her strength.
Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening the heart, reducing the risk of many diseases, and promoting mental well-being.
Secondly, she is conscious of her family’s nutrition.
She brings her food from afar, suggesting she searches for the finest, most nutritious food for her family.
In an age of ultra-processed foods and quick meals, this is a reminder to us of the importance of balanced and thoughtful nutrition.
Of course, this is not just about physical health.
She also shows us the importance of mental and spiritual well-being.
“She speaks with wisdom, fears the Lord, and extends her hands to the needy.”
This is not just a story, these are guidelines.
Modern science confirms what Christianity hinted at millennia ago.
Physical health is intertwined with our mental and spiritual health. Optimal physical well-being can nurture a flourishing spirit, and vice versa.
So if we want to care for our health, let us strive to be like the Proverbs 31 woman.
How To Perform A “Holy Detox”
Have you ever heard of a detox center?
Where you eliminate the harmful toxins from your system?
What if you did the same for your spirit?
I will show you how to perform a Holy Detox.
Rather than focusing solely on physical cleansing, this divine approach provides you with spiritual renewal and emotional healing.
It’s a holistic practice that encourages us to pause, reflect, and rekindle our connection with God.
The core of the Holy Detox is prayer.
Prayer is our direct line of communication with our Heavenly Father.
And it plays a pivotal role in helping us purify our minds, systems, and souls.
Through prayer, we let God in and ask for His guidance, forgiveness, and strength.
By releasing our fears
Our doubts
And our resentments, we create space for His love, peace, and healing to enter our existence.
This process of surrender is essential for the Holy Detox.
It allows us to shed the spiritual toxins that impede our growth and well-being.
When you perform the divine cleanse, you also need some moments of solitude and reflection in nature.
By immersing yourself in the beauty of God’s creation, you can quiet your mind.
You will not be distracted, so you’ll be able to foster a deeper connection with our Creator.
These sacred moments in nature help to revitalize our souls and remind us of the grandeur and majesty of the Lord.
So for a few weeks, or however long you need to, take a few hours of your day to connect deeper with God in solitude.
The Holy Detox is a transformative journey that invites us to experience the fullness of God’s love and healing.
By committing ourselves to this divine practice, we can cleanse our spirits and emerge as renewed, vibrant, and spiritually-centered individuals.
I invite you to embark on this sacred journey of renewal.
And experience the power of the Holy Detox for yourself.
And if you want to invite a fellow Christian to perform this with you, why don’t you forward this Christian article to them?
How To Plan Your Meals According To The Holy Texts
There is no question about it
Our eating habits are essential for our health.
However, eating right consistently, and consuming every nutrient you need can be tough.
Especially if you don’t have any guidance.
That is why I want to give you easy ways to plan your meals in a way that serves God.
First things first, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat.
When you eat with intention and gratitude, you acknowledge the blessings God has given us.
And by making thoughtful food choices, you demonstrate our commitment to stewardship of the environment and compassion for others.
In faithful meal planning, we strive to select wholesome, natural ingredients that benefit our health but also reflect our values as Christians.
Such foods are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, which are mentioned and recommended throughout our holy texts as healthy and nutritious.
Incorporating these foods into your meals will nourish your health and strengthen your spiritual connection with God.
Additionally, it’s important to steer away from processed and artificial foods, as they often contain harmful additives that can be bad for your health.
So this is what you should or shouldn’t eat
But what about how much you should eat?
Well, this is why mindful eating is so important.
Gluttony is a sin.
And we shouldn’t ever overindulge in food.
You have to listen to your natural hunger and fullness signals and quit eating when you feel satisfied, not stuffed.
This seems simple, but a lot of people forget to do it.
And they eat too much without realizing it.
Our hunger levels are controlled by hormones such as ghrelin, and leptin.
God has put these in us for a reason.
To be able to tell when we should eat and how much we eat.
We have to pay attention to our hunger signals and eat in moderation.
We could be talking about the subject of nutrition for days
But in the end, everything boils down to eating whole foods in the way that God has given them to us
And listening to our natural instincts.
So stay mindful of what you eat and prefer natural, wholesome foods over processed ones.
God’s Answer To Overeating
Stress often leads us to seek comfort.
In our relationships. In our households. But most importantly, in our food.
Yes, comfort food is a lot of regular folks’ go-to when they feel anxious. A large bowl of ice cream or a large bag of chips may seem like an excellent remedy for a rough day.
But before you reach for that snack, there’s something you should know.
A recent report from the Garvan Institute in Sydney has revealed something concerning.
Stress, combined with indulging in high-calorie comfort food, is very dangerous.
It doesn’t just make us gain weight. It also alters our cognitive abilities.
These alterations amplify cravings for sweet, unhealthy food and foster a cycle of overeating.
Once you begin indulging in that behavior, stopping becomes more and more difficult.
You keep craving ultra-processed, unhealthy foods that you find in the supermarkets.
Even though you know it is bad for your system.
It’s a startling finding.
But as followers of Christ, we hold a potent tool to combat this cycle. Prayer.
Scripture encourages us to cast our anxieties on God, for He cares for us.
When the stress of everyday concerns starts to weigh us down, we shouldn’t instinctively reach for that box of cookies.
Instead, we should reach out to our Heavenly Father in prayer.
Prayer transfers our worries and stresses onto the One who can carry them for us.
The calming effect that this transfer brings reduces our stress levels and curbs the urge to seek solace in food.
The next time you feel the burdens piling up and the pull of the kitchen growing more intense, I challenge you to try a different approach.
Breathe.
Take a moment. And reach out to God in prayer.
This prayer doesn’t need to be an elaborate ritual.
A simple conversation with God, sharing your anxieties, and asking for His peace to fill you is more than enough.
You will quickly feel calmer, and the urge to overeat will subside.
Let us remember that the next time we become stressed.
How Your Backyard Can Aid Your Fight Against Diabetes
God’s creation is a grand testament to His love for us.
He has given us every tool we need to remain healthy at any age.
I want to talk to you about a profound way to prevent diabetes naturally. Without spending a fortune on medication.
I came across a study from the University of Sydney on a quiet evening after I came back from my church.
I had been praying to God for ways to support my fellow Christians in my congregation.
Diabetes cannot be cured. And once you have it, it can lead to severe health challenges.
I had always been on the lookout for ways to fight it before it even happens.
And last week, our Lord brought this excellent piece of knowledge from the University of Sydney my way.
According to a study they performed there, activities as simple and pleasurable as gardening, brisk walking, or dancing can reduce the risk of diabetes.
By how much?
Well, this is the exciting part.
It minimizes diabetes risk by an astounding 75 percent.
This is what the researchers found when they observed 59,325 adults for seven years.
The author of the study and Associate Professor Melody Ding said his father was also suffering from type 2 diabetes.
So he was especially motivated to find a way to support him and every other person who has this terrible disease.
And his 7-year-old precision bore fruit.
He found that anyone can reduce the risk of diabetes, by simply doing activities like gardening.
Gardening is an excellent way to take care of our health, while also caring for God’s beautiful creations.
As we embrace the physical capacities God has gifted us, we can reduce our risks for diabetes and experience healthier, fuller journeys.
People don’t believe in miracles because they don’t see them.
And yet God works wonders every day.
There is actually one I’d like to share with you in this Christian blog post.
There is a good woman at my church named Sarah (just for this article because I don’t know if she’d want me using her real name without her permission).
Sarah spends most of her time helping people.
In her profession, she nurses people back to health.
In her day-to-day, she volunteers.
She gives most of what she makes away.
And she does that with a smile on her face.
People see her and believe she was always like that.
What they don’t know is that Sarah grew up in the streets.
She was poor, and she was struggling with addiction.
Her friends and family had given up on her.
She felt alone, hopeless, and abandoned.
But one fateful day, God stepped in and changed everything.
Sarah was wandering the streets, lost and desperate, when she stumbled upon a small church.
She had no idea why she was drawn to it, but something within her compelled her to step inside.
As she sat in the back, tears streaming down her face, she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder.
An elderly woman, with a warm smile and a gentle voice, asked Sarah if she was alright.
Sarah, unable to hold back her emotions, shared her story of pain and despair.
The woman listened intently, offering no judgment.
When Sarah finished, the woman asked if she could pray with her.
Sarah, who had long since abandoned her faith, hesitated but ultimately agreed.
As they prayed together, something remarkable happened.
Sarah felt an overwhelming sense of peace and love envelop her.
Unlike anything she had ever experienced before.
It was as if the weight of her struggles was being lifted from her shoulders.
In that moment, Sarah knew, without a doubt, that God was with her.
From that day on, Sarah changed.
She found the courage to face her addiction and began the journey toward recovery.
She reconnected with her faith, attending church regularly, and forging a deep, personal relationship with God.
She even got a job as a nurse!
Over time, she began to share her story with others, offering hope and inspiration to those who were struggling.
That, my friends, is clear proof that miracles still happen.
Sarah’s story of redemption is a true testament to God’s love.
Their study revealed that art has many health benefits.
While they focused on digital art viewing, the power of art in our churches is undoubtedly no less impactful.
When we gaze upon the sacred paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows in our churches, we are reminded of the divine stories they represent.
These sacred works of art are a visual testament to God’s love and grace.
And they invite us into a deeper, more personal relationship with Him.
For many, church art serves as a source of comfort and inspiration.
It provides solace during challenging times and encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith.
It can also help us feel more connected to our Christian brothers, as we share in the appreciation of these creative expressions of our shared beliefs.
The study also found that individuals with high levels of aesthetic responsiveness experienced more pleasurable and meaningful art experiences.
This means that by cultivating our sensitivity to the beauty in our churches, we can harness the full potential of art to uplift our spirits.
And we can enhance our mental health.
So the next time you find yourself in the quiet sanctuary of your local church, take a moment to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.
Let the sacred art speak to your soul, allowing it to inspire, comfort, and transform you.
Remember, art serves many purposes.
It is an incredible way to bring us closer to God, strengthen our faith, and improve our overall well-being.
What is your favorite piece of art in your local church? Message me in the comments section back and let me know!
When people have a lot of stress, it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Like the weight of the world is resting on their shoulders.
I’ve been there…
You’ve probably been there…
And as a Christian, I know that most people have experienced a terrible event in their lives that almost pulled them down to depression.
I constantly hear about it in my church.
There is, however, a simple thing we can do to protect these people from becoming depressed.
And by doing so, we protect ourselves as well.
If we support one another and lift each other up, then nothing can hurt us.
As believers in Christ, we are called to be a light in the darkness.
To help others and show them the love and grace of our Lord.
As it says in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.”
Scientists from Michigan University researched adults who were prone to depression, such as people who had lost their spouses.
And they discovered that simply reaching out to them in times of need can significantly protect them from becoming depressed.
This is an incredible reminder of the power of love and compassion.
It shows how much of an impact we can have on each other by simply being there for them.
As it is wonderfully explained in Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This sums everything up perfectly.
As we navigate our struggles, let us remember to look to those around us who may need our help.
Whether offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement…
Let us do what we can to lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Remember, as the body of Christ, everyone is connected.
When one part of the body suffers, everyone suffers.
When one part celebrates, everyone celebrates.
So let us be there for one another, and show the love of Christ to those around us.
If you don’t know what to say to someone you haven’t spoken to in a very long time,
Are You Giving For The Right Reasons?
I often see celebrities giving to charity on TV.
They give small amounts of wealth and make sure everyone sees it.
And while giving is a good thing to do, something just doesn’t sit right with me.
When they brag about it so much, it becomes more about the giver than the recipient.
However, as Christians, our motivation for giving shouldn’t be for fame or gratification.
It should be rooted in the belief that it is the right thing to do.
The Bible is clear on the importance of humility in giving.
In Philippians 2, Paul urges Christians to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
This passage reminds us that when we give to the less fortunate, we should do so humbly, putting the needs of others before our own.
It is important to remember that when we give to the less fortunate, we are also lending to the Lord.
And in doing so, we will be rewarded for our kindness and humility.
Proverbs 19:17 states, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.”
It is easy to become caught up in the idea of giving for personal gain or recognition, but that is not the true spirit of giving.
Giving should be done with a pure heart and a humble attitude.
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources and blessings that God has given us.
Part of being a good steward is using our resources to help those in need.
It is not about how much we give, but rather the attitude with which we give.
So let us give with humility, knowing that we are not just giving to the less fortunate, but living according to God’s Will.
Let us be reminded that true giving is not about us.
And let us give with a humble heart, knowing that we are blessed to be a blessing to others.
How to Whip Up Delicious Meals From Foraged Foods
My fellow Christians, if you’ve been reading my Christian blog for a while, then you know that I’m not simply trying to barely endure difficult situations.
I’m honestly looking for ways to live conveniently, and even thrive when everything around us seems to fall apart.
When people usually talk about foraged foods, they ask questions like “Can I eat that?” or “How many calories does this have?”
But have you ever considered that making gourmet, delicious meals out of foraged ingredients is possible?
That’s right, folks. Gourmet meals in an emergency situation.
I know, it seems far fetched when our minds are usually focused on the bare essentials.
But the thing is, it doesn’t always have to be about getting by on the bare minimum.
Nature is a veritable pantry, overflowing with a variety of edible plants, roots, and berries.
Sure, it requires a keen eye and knowledge of what you can safely consume.
But once you’ve got a handle on it, then turning foraged foods into meals that others would lust on even in regular times is easier than it sounds.
Let’s talk basics first.
Learning to identify edible plants is essential.
Take the time to familiarize yourself with local flora and fauna.
Next, experiment. You might find things you don’t expect.
For example, did you know you can make a pretty damn good faux potato salad with Jerusalem artichokes?
Or a stew thickened with acorn flour?
You see, enjoying foraged foods is not that complicated, as long as you are willing to try different things.
But there’s a catch.
For this to be possible, there is something you need to learn how to do.
And that’s cooking without your familiar kitchen gadgets. You might not always have them.
That’s where primitive cooking methods can come in handy.
Folks, finding ways to enjoy ourselves when things go south is another aspect of prepping.
Let’s go beyond merely living. Let’s thrive and dine like kings in the wilderness.
Talk of prayer is evident in the Christian home, church, and Holy Bible. We talk about prayer as a means of gaining wisdom, making important decisions, and otherwise living life as God desires for us. Why?
There are numerous examples of people using prayer in the Bible for the same reasons. In some of these instances, prayer is evoked to bring about healing over physical or emotional ailments and even victory over enemies in battle. We can conclude then that prayer at some level is a conversation between the person (or persons) praying and God. Yet, in order to fully comprehend prayer, there first needs to be an understanding of communication.
Communication is the basic foundation for any relationship, friendly, romantic, business. Humans utilize communication through spoken language and also nonverbal body language. Communication is vital in the life of a Christian, not just in how we relate to other people, but more importantly to God. Our language, spoken or otherwise, constantly affects our relationship with Him and our ability to live out His commandments.
At its root, there are three pieces to communication: “the sender, the message, and the recipient.” In prayer, Christians alternate between the roles of sender and recipient. When we operate as the sender, we pray to God seeking some sort of spiritual discernment. We send a message, which God receives. When God answers our prayers, we become the recipient, taking in the message that He sends.
Studying communication explains how prayer fosters a relationship between ourselves and God, and with other people. However, this does not explain the need for prayer in the Christian life. Nor does having communication with God mean He is listening to us. How are we to be sure? For these answers, we must turn to the Bible for insight.
Does God Hear Our Prayers? We know that prayer is our way of communicating with God. The Bible helps us to further this understanding by giving us examples of how others pray and what they prayed about. One great example comes from Matthew 6 when Jesus presents the Lord’s Prayer. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus draws a comparison between true believers and hypocrites. He calls for those following His teaching to not pray out in the open to be seen and admired by others (Matthew 6:5).
Instead, Jesus advocates for a more personal and intimate conversation with God, one that does not to be heard by others to be heard by God. Important to note is that Jesus does not say to only pray in private, but that public prayer done for admiration is wrong. In this sermon, He goes on to recite the Lord’s prayer which embodies all the reasons why Christians pray.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)
Jesus himself informs us of our greatest responsibilities as Christians (Mathew 22:34-40). With this in mind, we can confirm that prayer helps us to live a life dedicated to loving God and others. When we pray, we make our requests known to God, which helps us efficiently live out our responsibilities. Thus, according to Jesus, prayer is intimate, personal, and often private. When we pray, we may seek things to benefit ourselves, but any and all things should redirect us to fulfilling the first and second greatest commandments.
This explains why we pray to God. We pray because of who God is, our Father in Heaven, the one who grants us salvation, the one who guides us through life. We pray in order to live out His will as He has deemed for believers. Like Jesus, there were many figures in the Bible who used prayer to communicate with God. We can follow all of their examples of how to pray, when, and what to communicate to God.
One question still remains though, how do we know God hears our prayers. The Bible too answers this.
How Do We Know That God Hears Our Prayers? The entirety of the Bible can be read as a love story, a story of God caring so much about humanity that He sacrificed His son in an act of redemption. How do we know God hears our prayers? He loves us.
We know that God hears our prayers because of the prayer accounts presented in the Bible. People tell the story of God answering their prayers, how they prayed, and what they prayed about. The aforementioned example of Jesus in Matthew 6 is just one account of many. And there are lines in the Bible of God himself speaking, that reaffirm He hears our prayers.
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
Not being able to hear God as we would another person does not mean we cannot find Him. We also don’t pray to other people, meaning our relationship with God is bound to look different. Our relationship with God is governed by our faith and not by our ability to see Him or audibly hear him (2 Corinthians 5:7).
This information lets us know that God hears our prayers. We can look at the evidence in the Bible and the evidence in our own lives of God answering our prayers. God may not act when we want, or exactly how we want, but God does act when we pray according to His will. Knowing that God hears our prayers makes us better equipped to communicate with Him.
What Can We Learn from the Way People Prayed in the Bible? Prayer Is Honest
“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1)
Psalm 13 is a great reflection of the human experience of suffering. David prays to God with questions. He is not only seeking insight, but deliverance. His words show that he is not approaching God timidly, but openly bearing his anguish. His words are so dramatic as to question God. Nonetheless, David ends on an upbeat note, saying that he will remain trusting in God.
When we pray, we can share with God our positive experiences, as some of the psalms reveal. However, we can also talk to God about our suffering. Much like the conversations we have with peers, everything we discuss does not have to be positive. God wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives, including the moments of despair and desperation.
Prayer Is Constant
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
We are called to pray every day. Much like any relationship with a person, what we invest in our communication is what we will get out of the relationship. The more we commune with God the stronger our bond. There is no time limit the Bible issues on prayer. Quite the opposite. As Christians, when we learn to pray without ceasing, we will begin to see God is all aspects of our lives. However difficult, the benefits are worthwhile.
Prayer Is Not Instantaneous
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Paul serves as a great example of someone who prayed for God to deliver Him from suffering, but God did not. God had His reasons, and Paul was fortunate enough to learn why. When we pray, God may not answer certain prayers when we want, how we want, or at all. We have to trust His reasoning and timing.
Prayer Brings Healing
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16)
Prayer has the power to bring about miracles, whether God is performing the miracle Himself or working through someone. As we seek to bring God’s kingdom to Earth, our prayers for spiritual discernment will put us on the path God sees fit. All the while we can include in our prayers, moments of gratitude, thanking God for the highs and lows of life knowing that He is present always.
The Lord’s Prayer
There are many aspects of prayer. Ultimately, we can conclude that prayer is vital for a relationship with God. Prayer allows us to communicate with Him in a way we do not with other people. Through our words and our actions, we have the ability to live a life that is God-centered like Jesus, or not. Part of power resides in prayer. With this in mind, we can recite the Lord’s prayers with greater wisdom as to how we pray and why we should.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9-13)
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