God brought an interesting nugget of wisdom my way recently.
And I am delighted to be telling you this.
The Bayes Business School in England observed people who live in almshouses.
These are institutions that provide housing for the poor and elderly.
They analyzed 100 years of data, and they found that the residents in these communities live two-and-a-half years longer than their counterparts in the wider population.
Why do these people live longer even though they are usually more poor and have fewer comforts?
Well, the answer is quite simple.
And it goes to show how our God cares for us even in ways that are not obvious.
The real reason these folks live longer is because they interact with each other daily.
And this is something that we also do as Christians.
In our Christian churches, we are more than individuals living in proximity.
We are a family, bound by our faith, love for each other, and commitment to mutual support.
This collective, grounded in shared experiences and mutual empathy, forms a shield against loneliness and isolation
Elements known to be detrimental to our physical and mental well-being.
Our communities are living embodiments of “love thy neighbor,” a command that’s not just about morality but health too.
When we care for one another and provide emotional support, we are actively contributing to our own health and longevity.
This study underscores the importance of companionship, showing how the power of a Christian community can significantly enrich our paths and extend them.
While the study’s context might be specific, its message is universal.
It helps us recognize and embrace the power of our faith.
So let us continue praying, going to church, and strengthening our bonds with our Christian brothers and sisters.
Best Christian Prayers for Strength and Healing (At Least in My Opinion)
I always try and learn new prayers that I’m nit very familiar with, and I found a few Christian prayers for strength and healing that I would very much love sharing with today with both Christians, and non-Christians, alike.
Please use these Christian prayers in any situation where you need strength, hope, healing and courage.
Prayer for Healing and Strength
Father, thank you that you sent your Son to bring me life. Life in the fullness. Life for eternity. Thank you that I share in Christ’s resurrection life. That Christ is alive in me. And His Spirit dwells deeply in my being. Right now I receive your healing. I receive the same power that raised Christ from the grave. I receive Your life. I receive Your strength.
Thank you that all things are possible for those who believe. Thank you that you are moving in me right now. May I continue to receive from you. This hour and every hour.
Disappointed in how the media is always talking about doom and gloom…
Disappointed in how pessimistic everyone has become…
And disappointed in how people have forgotten that their lives are a gift from God.
As Christians, we have to remind everyone (and ourselves) that no matter how bad things might seem, we always have things to be grateful for.
We are blessed with the love and grace of God, and that alone is something to keep us going.
We have a purpose and a plan, and we can trust that God is guiding us on our journey.
As the Bible tells us in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I am conscious of my thoughts about you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you hope at the end..”
We also have the gift of salvation, which will forever give us hope.
As the Bible tells us in Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
We have the ability to forgive and be forgiven.
We have food to eat, a roof over our heads, and the love and support of our family and friends.
It’s easy to take these things for granted, but when we pause to reflect on them, we realize how truly blessed we are.
It’s important to remember that we are not alone in our struggles. God is always with us and He is in control.
He has a plan for our lives and we can trust that He will see us through any hardship.
So, let’s take a moment to give thanks for the blessings in our lives.
Say it with me:
“Thank you, Lord, for everything you have given me.”
Let’s be grateful for the small things, as well as the big things.
And let’s be a light in this world, proving good morale and support in these trying times.
Say This Prayer To Acquire Abundance (Takes 30 Seconds)
Matthew 7:7 says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
The Lord helps those who ask for help.
When we are faced with difficulties, we should always seek guidance.
God knows what’s best for us.
But it’s up to us to reach out to Him and receive His gracious help.
If you want to acquire wealth and prosperity, then before you do anything else, you should first ask for it.
Let us say this prayer together:
“Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You in humble gratitude for the blessings and provisions You have given me. I acknowledge that everything I have comes from You, and I am deeply thankful for Your love and generosity.
I ask, Lord, that You guide me in making wise decisions, and help me to be a faithful steward of the resources You have entrusted to me.
Teach me to prioritize Your Kingdom and to use my wealth for Your glory. Let me be a channel of Your blessings, sharing Your love and goodness with those around me.
I claim Your promises of abundance and prosperity, trusting that You will provide for my needs according to Your riches in glory. Help me to walk in faith and obedience as I seek to align my actions with Your plans and purposes.
Amen.”
You might be wondering, why does this prayer work?
There is nothing special about it
Anyone could have thought of it.
But that’s the point!
It’s not what you say.
It’s how you feel when you say it.
The key lies in the goodness in our hearts.
When we pray with sincerity, faith, and gratitude, we make ourselves receptive to the blessings He has in store for us.
This prayer works as a tool to remind us that God is our provider and that we should be faithful stewards of His resources.
God’s ways are higher than ours, and His timing is flawless.
Sometimes, the blessings may not come in the way we expect or when we expect them, but God always knows what’s best for us.
We must always remain grateful for the blessings He bestows upon us.
Cultivate a heart of thankfulness for everything that God has given you.
And you’ll find that your faith and trust in Him will grow, paving the way for the miraculous to take place.
May your prayers lead to abundant blessings.
Best 3 Short Prayers to Help Christians Start Their Day
I always tend to pray multiple times per day.
I also understand that most people are extremely busy throughout their day,
and they may not find enough time to set aside for daily prayers.
So I want to share with all of your “way too busy to pray” Christians,
three very short prayers that you can always find time to do!
Christian Prayer for Healing
Healer of all, touch those who are suffering and bring your comforting and restorative presence to their lives.
Christian Prayer for Strength
God, give me the strength to face challenges with courage and the faith to overcome them through your guidance.
Christian Prayer for Guidance
Heavenly Father, lead me in your ways, for I trust in your wisdom. May I walk according to your will and find your purpose for my life.
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!
One of the most pressing questions that we Christians must grapple with is the issue of pain and hardship.
If God is good, then why does He allow such things to happen?
This is a question that has been asked by believers and non-believers alike for millennia.
And it is one that continues to trouble us.
First and foremost, it is important to acknowledge that pain and hardship are real and difficult experiences that many of us have to go through.
Whether it is physical pain, emotional pain, or the pain of loss, these experiences can be incredibly difficult to bear.
It is natural to ask why we must endure such trials, especially when we believe in a loving and compassionate God.
What everyone must understand, however, is that God did not create a world full of pain and hardship.
In the beginning, everything was good.
But sin entered the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve.
This disobedience caused a separation between humanity and God, which resulted in the pain, hardship, and brokenness that we see in the world.
However, just because sin is the cause of pain and hardship does not mean that God lacks the power to intervene.
God has done everything possible to restore our relationship with Him and to redeem the world from the effects of sin.
This is why He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to undergo the crucifixion for our sins.
Through Jesus, we have the hope of living eternally and the assurance that one day pain and hardship will be eradicated.
In the meantime, we must remember that God is with us in our hardships and that He can use even our most difficult experiences for good.
As Isaiah 55:9 says, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
We must stay strong.
Are You Too Nice of a Christian?
As Christians, we are called to love and serve others.
As it is written in the Bible: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)
We are taught to be kind, compassionate, and understanding.
However, there is a fine line between being kind and being too nice.
Being too nice can actually be harmful to both ourselves and the people around us.
When we are too nice, we often put the needs and wants of others before our own.
And this can lead to feelings of resentment and burnout…even if we don’t realize it right away.
Additionally, when we are too nice, we can often run away from difficult conversations and situations.
We may not confront someone about their behavior or even stand up for ourselves.
This is how unresolved issues are made.
That’s why we should always be direct and honest.
It doesn’t mean that we should be rude or attacking.
We can still be kind and compassionate.
But if you are too nice, how can you even begin to do that?
Well, this is the reason I’m writing this Christian Blog article.
I’ve gathered several ideas you can follow to continue living according to God’s will without putting other people’s needs before your own:
Set boundaries.
It’s important to understand that you have the right to say no and to have your own needs and wants.
Communicate effectively.
When someone is crossing your boundaries or you are feeling taken advantage of, it’s important to speak up and communicate your feelings.
Take care of yourself.
Make sure you are taking care of your own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
We are responsible for our health. And we should take care of ourselves just like we take care of our loved ones.
Stand up for yourself and others.
Jesus stood up for the marginalized and oppressed, as it is written in Luke 4:18:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
We can do the same by speaking up and stepping forward when we see injustice.
As Christians, we can sometimes forget about our own needs and wants.
But we should be compassionate towards ourselves, just as we do with others.
So don’t fall for the “nice trap”, and always remember these 4 tips.
How Many Calories Do You Need To Survive?
Did you know that the average person needs just about 1200-1500 calories to survive?
It’s true. Researchers have found that we don’t need as much food as most people think to keep ticking over.
But let’s not become too excited, folks.
That’s just for pure survival
For your basic physiological functions like breathing, heart beating, and maintaining temperature.
This is essentially what you need to stay alive.
If you are a prepper, then you know that surviving is not the same as thriving.
When you’re trying to make it through a tough situation.
Whether it’s a natural emergency or some other type of situation
You’re not just going to be lying around.
You’ll be active.
You’ll be under stress.
You’ll be using your body and mind in ways that demand much more than those 1200-1500 calories.
So how much do you actually need?
To give you a ballpark figure, an average moderately active man needs around 2,500 calories a day.
And an average moderately active woman needs around 2,000 calories a day to maintain their weight and health.
When you’re dealing with a survival situation, it’s essential to have high energy, nutrient dense foods to keep you fueled.
Things like nuts and seeds, dried fruits, canned goods, protein bars, and MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) can provide a substantial amount of calories in a small, portable package.
Remember, folks, planning is key.
Knowing how many calories you and your family will need in an emergency and preparing your food stores in advance can make a world of difference when the chips are down.
So the next time you’re out shopping, instead of grabbing that pack of ramen noodles, why not invest in some nutrient-rich, high-calorie foods that will really give you the energy you need when SHTF?
Survival is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. And for this long haul, you need to fuel yourself properly.
So let’s keep our survival instincts sharp and our health well-nourished.
Well I’m finally a college grad, and can now spend a LOT more time on writing amazing articles that I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing them!
I took about a 15 month hiatus from blogging so I could focus 100% on my college courses, and I really missed all of my wonderful readers, so I’m going to doi my best to write articles that will reflect my continued love for the Christian community!
How To Invite God’s Beauty Into Your Household
God created a beautiful world for us to live in.
The intricate detail of a leaf, the grandeur of a sunset, the majestic mountains that touch the skies.
Each element of His creation is a testament to His glory and love.
And yet, something blocks us from truly experiencing His magnificent creations.
Our houses.
That’s right. We spend most of our time indoors.
If our living spaces don’t mirror God’s beauty and harmony He infused into nature, then we might feel disconnected from Him.
Our households are more than just brick and mortar. They’re our sanctuaries, where we rest, rejuvenate, and draw closer to our Heavenly Father.
As such, the condition of our houses can significantly influence our well-being.
Dozens, if not hundreds of studies have been published around this very subject.
And everyone has arrived at the same conclusion. A peaceful, well-kept house can promote tranquility, focus, and overall mental health.
So how can we try to invite God’s beauty into our households and enhance our living spaces?
Well, there are more ways than most people think.
Embrace minimalism
Much like the calming simplicity of a serene beach, a house without clutter reduces stress and promotes peace. Keep your space tidy and throw away or donate unnecessary items.
Celebrate natural light
Sunlight pouring through a window is a divine blessing from above. It can lift our mood, improve our sleep, and enhance productivity. Keep windows clean and unobstructed to allow as much natural light as possible.
Grow indoor plants
Just as a tree glorifies God with its growth, so can the plants in our households. They add a splash of God’s natural beauty into our space. Plus, they improve air quality.
Add personal touches
Create a house that reflects who you are and your love for the Lord. This could be family photos, cherished mementos, or religious symbols.
With our houses reflecting God’s natural beauty, let us rejoice in His creation, both outside and within our personal abodes.
May God bless our efforts to make our households an extension of His grandeur and beauty.
Tell Me What Interests You The MostAbout Christianity, God, Jesus & Christian Family Values
So now that I have more time to focus on writing articles about Christianity, with a focus on Jesus and faith, and why we need God’s love in our hearts, I want to make sure that you the reader enjoy what I’m publishing.
I believe the best way to give you what you want the most, is to ask you what type of Christian topics you’d love to read each week.
With that said, please post a message in the comments section of this article and let me know what topic you’d like for me to focus on, and I’ll do my best to write an article you’ll enjoy reading!
God Bless and stay safe in 2024!
The Christian Tech Nerd
This Wifi Mistake Can Put Your Family At Risk
I just thought of something that could be essential for our readiness when SHTF.
Everyone has wifi in their houses, right?
It is something we usually take for granted. Sometimes we even ask for it when we enter a public place.
But every time a storm or an earthquake happens in the US, what does always happen?
The power grid goes down. Cell towers collapse, and no one can log in to the web.
But if you are a prepper, you are probably prepared for this.
You have your own generator. And your own Wifi. You’re sitting pretty, right?
Well, not exactly.
A working Wi-Fi signal in a digitally dead area is like lighting a beacon in the dark.
It signals to anyone with a device searching for a network that there’s someone nearby with resources.
Resources that some people will be willing to do whatever it takes to take from you.
Even by force.
So what can we do about this? Should we throw our routers out the window during power outages?
This is what I have been looking into for the past couple of days.
Apparently, you can reduce the range of your wifi router by adjusting the power settings.
Most Wi-Fi routers have settings to control the transmit power.
By reducing the power output, you can also reduce the range of your Wi-Fi signal.
The specific steps for adjusting power settings vary depending on the router model, so consult your router’s documentation or interface for guidance.
But there is also another way that doesn’t require any technological expertise.
And that’s by surrounding your router with dense materials. Like concrete or stones.
To tell you the truth, if we ever have a massive power outage, this is what I am planning on doing.
During emergencies, we have to think outside the box.
Situations that we might not have dealt with before might begin to surface.
If you don’t want your house to become a target, consider one of the two ways to reduce your router’s range.
Prayer is the power tool for Christians to communicate with the Lord. It is our way of realizing that we have needs and the only provider of our needs is the Father in Heaven. The Bible tells us that He will never leave us, as it is written in Scripture,
The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
And we can lay our worries to Him because He promised to take care of us, as is written, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
As we pray, we can feel a change in our spiritual life. We are closer to God because we continuously communicate. Through prayer, we acknowledge that His love for us is infinite, and He will never leave us. Truly, there is power in prayer and it can change us in many ways. How does prayer change us?
Changes Us by Knowing God Better Prayer changes us by making us closer to God and knowing Him better. The Holy Spirit guides us through prayer. The Bible tells us that Jesus assured us that after His resurrection, the Holy Spirit will be with us forever and that the Holy Spirit is all around us to give us wisdom in knowing God.
The Bible also tells us, “For I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).
It is written that through a very good relationship with God, through prayer, we are able to experience God’s omnipresence through the Holy Spirit. For this reason, we know God better because we experience Him in our daily lives.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen (2 Peter 3:18).
It is also through knowing God that we are able to understand God’s nature. We know that he will never leave us and that He is the great provider, but only through prayer that we may experience knowing him more. And that God’s love for us shines brighter than anything else.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
Changes Us by Listening Prayer also changes us by improving our attitude on listening to what God wants. Most of the time, we are always focused on presenting our request to God and praying constantly that our requests are answered.
Sometimes, we forget to listen to God and acknowledge that it is His will that should be followed. “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:20).
Listening to God is not an easy task. It requires constant discipline, and we can only achieve training through continuous prayer and practicing His command.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:9).
However, there will come a time when we are tempted to not follow His command or His will. That is why, we have to train our minds to avoid the noise of the world and instead, listen to God and God alone.
We can do this by continuously learning about God and communicating through prayer as we strengthen our faith in Him, as Scripture says, “But solid food belongs to those who are full of age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).
Changes Us through Patience Prayer also changes our lives by patience. Because as we pray, we are required to be patient in listening to God’s will. As Jesus Christ said,
Truly I say to you, If you have faith, and doubt not, you shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if you shall say to this mountain, Be you removed, and be you cast into the sea; it shall be done (Matthew 21:21).
However, human as we are, we are sometimes impatient. We become tired of waiting for our prayers to be answered. Do not fret. The Bible tells us that:
Have you not known? Have you not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:28-31).
Continuous prayer can change us and make us patient. Our communication with God will tell us that He will answer our prayers according to His will.
Changes Us through Faith Prayer changes us by nourishing our faith in God. As we communicate with God, we learn that He is truly our great provider and it is only through God that we can receive impossible breakthroughs in our lives.
However, there are circumstances when we feel hopeless, especially when trial after trial happens to us. Remember, it is only in God’s will that we can understand the totality of each situation. As the Word says, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:3).
And “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9).
We are reminded that there is an inexpressible and glorious joy as we continue our faith in God because we know through Him, we can achieve impossible things.
Continued prayer to God makes us remember God’s promises to His faithful servants. That is why it is important for us to continue and communicate daily through prayer.
Changes Us through Our Inner Strength Prayer has the power to change us by building our inner strength through Christ Jesus. As stated in Psalm 46:1-3,
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
The Father in Heaven promises to be the refuge in times of harsh circumstances. Therefore, prayers have the power to change circumstances to a better one by changing our inner perspectives to that of a perspective that has faith in Christ Jesus and the Father in Heaven.
Our life depends heavily on our prayer life and spiritual life. That is also true with our inner strength. As we pray, our inner strength is being built to be stronger and stronger until we become prepared for whatever circumstances we face because the Father in Heaven has promised in Isaiah 43:1-3,
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Whenever we need strength, we can count on God to be there in endless ways as written in Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.”
And rest assured your path is right as long as you have constant communication to God through prayer.
Changes Us through Ultimate Surrender Prayer changes us through our ultimate surrender to God. Prayer is a form of worship and only through worship, we are able to surrender ourselves through God. As Scripture says, Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship (Romans 12:1).
Through ultimate surrender, we can rest all our worries to the Lord, “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7).
Finally, we are reminded that, indeed, prayer is our most important tool in communicating with God. It is also equally important if we have faith in Him and we know Him better, which can be achieved through continuous prayer.
Having a continuous communication with the Lord will help us and lead us to the right path. A stronger prayer life changes us through our inner strength, through ultimate surrender, through patience, by listening, by knowing God better, and through faith in Christ Jesus as the Bible tells us,
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
I just read this article and had to share….and please share your thoughts with me about this article if you have time to do so!
A high school teacher who claims he was forced to resign because he declined to use the preferred pronouns and names of transgender students is alleging religious discrimination in a federal appeals court case.
John Kluge, a music teacher, was forced out at Brownsburg (Ind.) High School after he declined to follow a new district-wide policy mandating that teachers use the preferred gender names and pronouns of students, even though Kluge says he had reached a compromise with school administrators to only use the last names of students.
Kluge, who the suit calls a “man of deep Christian faith,” says the district violated his rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which requires employers to “reasonably accommodate . . . an employee’s . . . religious observance or practice” unless it creates an “undue hardship.”
According to Kluge’s brief, he is only asking that his compromise accommodation – the usage of last names – be allowed. The compromise “would allow him to stay neutral on transgender issues and focus on teaching music,” the brief says.
Kluge lost at the district court but appealed to the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is representing Kluge and filed the opening brief with the court Friday.
“The district considered that accommodation reasonable and granted it,” the brief says. “But after a handful of teachers and students grumbled about his religious accommodation, the district pressured Mr. Kluge to leave the school and – when he refused to do so willingly – revoked the accommodation, brooked no exceptions to its transgender-affirmation rules, and forced Mr. Kluge to resign or be terminated.
“The voices against tolerance and religious accommodation had won, even though no one in our society – in school or out – has a right to demand confirmation ‘of their beliefs or even their way of life,’” the brief says.
ADF alleges the district has created a “heckler’s veto” to religious liberty.
“If avoiding undue hardship means finding a religious accommodation to which no one will object, few – if any – accommodations will survive, and Congress’ nondiscrimination mandate will be eviscerated,” the brief says.
The brief calls Kluge a “deeply religious man who believes that following the district’s policy would require him to tell a dangerous lie to his students and would be perilous to his own soul.”
The case is Kluge v. Brownsburg Community School Corporation.
We live in a culture where it’s finally politically correct to empower women. But how we do it makes all the difference in the world. Neither men nor women get their power or strength from within themselves, nor from others who give them opportunities, promotions, or positions of authority.
Psalm 75:6-7 says, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another” (KJV). Scripture makes it clear the Holy Spirit is the One who empowers (1 Corinthians 10:11). When we understand and acknowledge the true source of empowerment, we can strengthen and empower others far more effectively than training courses and positive affirmation. We can also lead them to a well of power that is constantly available to draw from themselves.
With the recognition of where true empowerment comes from, here are seven ways to empower other women, biblically.
Encourage them to rely on God’s strength.
Encourage their faith that with God, all things are possible.
Teach them to be humble.
Share your own weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
Help them understand their new identity in Christ.
Pray for and with them.
Ask how you can pray for a woman you’re hoping to empower – and then do it. If you’re talking on the phone or via zoom, pray for her right there. If you’re having coffee or lunch together, pray for her at that moment. Saying “I’ll pray for you” and then doing that outside her presence might rob her of the blessing of being empowered by your actual prayer. It also teaches her how to pray. Prayer is empowering in itself. Let women see it through your willingness to pray for them at the moment.
Encourage them to suit up with the armor of God.
Take the concept of “power dressing” to a whole new level when you teach another woman to suit up with the armor of God. After we are instructed in Ephesians 6:10 to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might,” we are then told in verse 11 to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
To put on the whole armor of God (as covered in Ephesians 6:12-18) simply means to abide in Christ in every area of our lives – covering every part of our bodies with Christlikeness, so we can withstand the spiritual battle that rages around us. Scripture says, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (verse 12). There is no better way to be prepared for and empowered against the satanic realm than to literally “wear” Christ by abiding intimately with Him.
Specifically, we are told in that passage to fasten on the belt of truth and – because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) – that means we are to be centered in the truth of Christ. Tell a woman to put on the breastplate of righteousness by explaining that the LORD is our righteousness (Jeremiah 33:6), and we are to cover our hearts with Him or make Him our first love. Encourage her to wear the helmet of salvation, covering her mind with the truth that salvation exists in no other name but Jesus (Acts 4:12), and she is to love Him with all her mind (Matthew 22:37). By encouraging her to suit up daily in the armor of God, you are giving her a whole new perspective on how to “dress for success.”
Be faithful in these seven ways to biblically empower women in your circle of influence, and you will be unleashing within them the power to change the world around them, as they glean the truth from 1 John 4:4 that greater is He who is in them than he who is in the world.
Having a thankful heart can change your entire perspective and outlook on life. One of the best ways to experience the power of thanksgiving is to through prayer. Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic – with job loss, sickness and loss, we can experience blessings. When we offer a prayer of thanks to God, our focus shifts from our problems to our blessings. And that’s the beauty of faith – we can experience gratitude and give thanks despite the circumstances and storms that surround us.
We have a choice every day to give God thanks. Start expressing your gratitude today for His faithfulness and love in your life. Thank God for his sovereign control over your life. Thank God for the hope and joy that we regardless of how we may be feeling in the moment. Let him change your heart to strengthen you with HIS peace. The best way to defeat satan’s attacks of disappointment, fear, worry is through a grateful heart! We surely have so much to be thankful for because of the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and the peace He offers. Let’s learn to thank God for all seasons of life. Below are some of my favorite prayers of “THANKS”. May they inspire and grow a heart of gratitude in you today.
Prayer of Thanks to God Heavenly Father, thank You for caring about my life. Thank You that I can talk to You about everything. I have lots of concerns so I’m bringing each one to You. Thank You for promising to give me Your peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
A Heart of Gratitude Dear Lord, I praise You and I love being in Your presence. Thank You for the sacrifice you made for me on the cross. Thank You for helping my heart to rest in Your presence. In a busy world, it is here that I find truth, grace, and mercy. My heart is overwhelmingly grateful. As it overflows with gratitude, may You present opportunities for me to serve. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Thanks for Blessings Father, thank you for intervening in my life and allowing me to have a personal relationship with you. Thank you for your love for me today and forever.
Thank you for the blessings you’ve given me and my family. Help us use those blessings to bless others. May I live a life of true joy as I see you at work around me today! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
A Prayer for Thanks-Living Dear God, I hate to say it, but I have been guilty of grumbling and griping about all my problems and trials. I have failed to be thankful and to remember that You are at work in my life, even through all the troubles.
Please forgive me, God. I want to be a person who keeps my eyes on You and praises You, no matter what may come my way. So, thank you God for these blessings (name them) and these challenges (name them). I know You are in control of all things.
I know You love me and work all things together for my good. I choose to trust You, Lord. Teach me to be a “praiser” who always finds the good… and not a complainer who always finds the bad. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For Grace and Gratitude Dear heavenly Father, please help me to accept both life’s little challenges and Your restoring help with grace and gratitude. Help me remember that no problem is too large or too small for me to call out to You. Please help me remember that a heart can be filled in with joy every day, not just the easy days. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Praise in the Storm O Lord, thank You that You love me and that You give me comfort like no other. Thank You that You are a God who is well acquainted with all our grief and that You ache when I ache. Help me to remember that in the midst of struggles, trials, and utter heartbreak that You offer hope. You are the Author of Hope and Salvation. I praise You that through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, all things are put under Your feet. Allow me to trust Your heart and believe that there is more to life than the heartache of this world. Allow me to lean ever closer to You in the midst of this fallen world. Thank You God for hope, peace, Your love, Your comfort, and Your salvation. Amen.
A Prayer for Blessing Thank you for your great love and blessing over our lives. Thank you that your favor has no end, but it lasts for our entire lifetime. Forgive us for sometimes forgetting that you are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, that you know what concerns us, and you cover us as with a shield.
Establish the work of our hands and bring to fulfillment all that you have given us to do in these days. We pray that you would make our way purposeful and our footsteps firm out of your goodness and love. Give us a heart of wisdom to hear your voice, and make us strong by your huge favor and grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
For Hope and Joy Heavenly Father, thank You for ordering my life. I choose to trust in You and find my delight in Your laws. I commit my ways to You and ask for divine guidance over my life. I rest in You, believing You’re working all things for good in my life. Come and have Your way in me. Keep my heart steadfast in hope, and fill me with joy today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
A Prayer to Give Thanks to the Lord Lord, teach me to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences of life. Teach me to be joyful always, to pray continually and to give thanks in all my circumstances. I accept them as Your will for my life (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). I long to bring pleasure to Your heart daily. Break the power of the enemy in my life. Defeat Him through my sacrifice of praise. Change my outlook and attitude into one of joyful contentment with my present circumstances. I thank You for… [Name a difficult circumstance in your life presently and thank God for it.]
Jesus, I want to be like You who obeyed the Father without complaint. You embraced the chains of humanity when You walked this earth. Convict me whenever I complain or compare myself with others. Give me Your attitude of humility and thankful acceptance. I want to be like the Apostle Paul who learned contentment in every circumstance. I choose to continually offer You a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that give praise to Your name (Hebrews 13:15). I long to bring a smile to Your face. Teach me the power of a thankful heart. I know that Your truth dwells in a thankful heart.
“I will give thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens” (Psalm 7:17-18:1). In Jesus’ name, amen.
For Faithfulness Father, thank You for the testimony of Your faithfulness and goodness that I have in the cross of Christ. Thank You for Your loyal love and compassion that stocks my pantry with everything I need to live a life that pleases and serves You. Forgive me for the ways I have knowingly or unknowingly rebelled against Your truth. Resurrect the grand vision for my life that You have crafted just for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Thankful for God’s Strength Heavenly Father, thank You for life and hope and bravery. Thank You that even at my weakest, I can rely on You for strength. Remind me of the bravery You’ve called me to step into today, and help me to encourage others with the mighty hope of the Lord too. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
For Creating Me With Purpose Dear God, thank You that in Jesus, I am equipped, enough and loved. Period. Thank You for creating me with purpose and potential. Please use me to change the world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Grateful for Salvation Thank You Lord that Your finished work on the cross has made a personal relationship with You possible. You are our Maker and only You can truly satisfy. Thank You that we can seek You and that You can be found. Thank You that You minister to our spirits with Your Truth. Thank You that You are indeed our “Daddy” in heaven. In Christ’s name, Amen.
I hope these words inspire your own prayer of thanks to God and fill your heart with gratitude today!
The Christian Tech-Nerd 