Don’t know if you have been up to date with the current scams going on out there, but every week hackers and scam artists are crafting ever so creative new ways to scam us all.
It seems every week I get a phone call from the IRS saying they have a warrant for my arrest for unpaid taxes.Or I get an email phishing for personal information impersonating my bank or fake profile friend requests on Facebook.
The hacking and scam attempts have become so heightened to the point the IT Security team at my work sends me a scam of the week email with the new bad guys’ scams.
Just like these online predators, the enemy likes to invade when we least expect it.
With all the new technology and security measures in place, the little thieves in waiting learn how to adapt and discover different ways to break the boundaries of security to rob us of our identities and take everything they can get at our expense!
I appreciate my work emails warning me of the ever-evolving and lingering scams waiting to attack and invade my bank accounts.Their message is know before the scam.If it weren’t for them warning me I may fall victim to even more scams.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we were all warned about the scams and tricks of Satan before the attack?
A Scam of the Week email would be nice right?
These scams remind me of the Bible verse, “Watch out for false prophets.They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”Matthew 7:15
Imagine a wolf lurking around wearing a sheep’s costume.I know this isn’t possible, but just think for a moment what does a wolf gain by pretending to be a sheep?His next meal.
“For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”2 Corinthians 11:14
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Have you ever been stuck in a rut or the same pattern that keeps repeating over and over? You wonder how do I get off this treadmill that leads to the land of nowhere?
Sometimes I tend to blame my situation or circumstances of why I can’t move forward or get off that treadmill when I realize I AM the stumbling block. I’m the one trying to do things my own way, with my own strength, forgetting to rely on God for HIS Courage to get me through.
When you feel yourself getting into a rut or running on the treadmill keep these verses near and hide them in your hearts, so we don’t keep trusting in our own strength but in God’s strength. When we refer to the ONE who is the PROVIDER of COURAGE we will always have an endless supply.
Here are 10 Bible Verses That Will Give You More Courage:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
This Bible verse is hanging in my bedroom above my bed. I love how I can physically see this verse and be reminded of it’s power. We don’t have to fear or be afraid when God is holding our hands.
2. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God, I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4
In my experience, displaced trust causes more fear. When we put the trust in ourselves we will always fall short and fail. We don’t have to be afraid when our trust is placed in God our PROTECTOR who is able to keep us safe.
3. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
I love how before Jesus left this earth, he gives encouragement we don’t have to be afraid. We can receive a peace that’s not of this world when we focus our hearts on HIM and not our circumstances.
When God’s courage strengthens us.
4. “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14
God uses EVERYTHING we go through for HIS GLORY and HIS PLANS. He uses our circumstances, our trials, burdens, our struggles to strengthen us and build our COURAGE so he can use us for what He has in store for us, if WE LET HIM. When we patiently WAIT for what he has for us we will see HIS glorious plans unfold within our lives.
5. “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24
God never says what we go through isn’t going to be hard. He left instructions in how to strengthen the courage he gives us. Courage needs strength in order for it to be courage. When we depend and seek God for our strength we will have all the courage we need. We can trust his courage is enough and all we will ever need.
6. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10
We can rest in God’s mighty power for our strength and courage. We don’t have to use our own strength to go through what we’re going through. Nothing in this world can compare or even come close to be being more powerful that God’s power and strength.
When God’s Courage motivates us to accomplish His will for us.
7. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
We don’t have to be discouraged. Whatever work we we do, when we do it for the Lord, it will never be in vain. We can stand firm even when don’t like our circumstances and trust he will use them for something greater. The assignments God has for us can’t be messed up by the circumstances of our past (@OhSheNoble). God made us with flaws and all. He made us all with a specific purpose.
8. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Don’t miss out on the journey God has for you, because of fear-filled thoughts and discouraging doubts. God didn’t create us to live in a world of defeat but be victorious in His strength and courage. Embrace who you are in how God made you, flaws and all and allow HIM to use them as a platform for HIS strength.
We can trust in His plans.
9. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
We can trust God’s plans are the best plans.
10. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
When you feel the tug of defeat weighing on your heart, refer to these verses. And Remember…………
How God use situations of adversity like David when he defeated Goliath. A young boy was an unlikely choice to defeat a giant, but God used David’s skill and God’s courage to defeat a giant 4 times his size.
Remember how God used a storm to show Peter, when we step out of the boat in obedience to God’s calling we see miracles happen (walking on water).
Resting in God’s endless supply of Courage will his greatest accomplishments to arise in US! God’s strength is ENOUGH!
Do you need more courage?
What makes your courage stronger?
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I’ve been doing a little Bible journaling lately and wanted to share with you one of my Bible journaling entries.
The Most Amazing Plan Ever Revealed
Read Luke 24:13-35.
I can’t imagine what everyone was thinking after the death of Jesus. Even though Jesus foretold of His death and resurrection many times His followers were thinking ‘why did Jesus have to die?’, ‘what now?’ The Jews very much wanted Israel to be redeemed and restored, now that Jesus died, where was the hope?
I love how Jesus reveals His plan in the most unlikely ways. The day Jesus’ tomb was found empty, two men were walking hanging their heads in defeat, wallowing in their despair of Jesus’ death.
As they were discussing the events of Jesus’ death, Jesus himself drew near to them but the men did not recognize him (Luke 24:15-16). Jesus even asked them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” (Luke 24:17).
These men, prior to Jesus’ death must have spent time with Jesus. According to this verse He is someone they should have recognized, obviously because they were talking about him.
One of the men named Cleopas basically says, “Didn’t you hear?” “Don’t you know the things that have happened?” (Luke 24:18). Jesus responds to him, “What things?” Cleopas responds, “You know about Jesus? We were hoping he was our redeemer and would restore Israel. And now these women said the tomb is empty where he was buried, they saw angels and he’s alive” (paraphrased Luke 24: 19-26)
Isn’t it ironic how Jesus Himself asked the men what were they were talking about even though He already knew? Jesus knew the men were doubting and discouraged and was trying to expose their hearts to the greater plan which had already unfolded.
How patient is Jesus with us? He appeared to these men, walked alongside them and listened to their every word. He could have jumped in front of them to get their attention and said ‘Hi! It’s me! Jesus! The one you’re looking for!’ But that’s not His way. He patiently waited for their response to draw out what was in their hearts and then responded.
Jesus basically said to the men, ‘I’m right here in front of you! You’re a little behind! I sent the women to check out the tomb and an angel to tell you I have risen!’ What other proof do you need?’ He then asks a most profound question.
Wasn’t it necessary that Christ should suffer to enter into his glory?
The men just like everyone were confused probably thinking, ‘huh?’ They saw Jesus suffer and die a brutal death on the cross 3 days earlier and now his body is no where to be found. The men still did not yet believe Jesus had risen and now they had a stranger telling them wasn’t it necessary Jesus suffered.
Why do you think the men were kept from recognizing him?
Cleopas and his companion, before walking with Jesus were hanging their heads with discouragement focusing on the emptiness of the tomb. Even though they had so much evidence right in front of them they still couldn’t see the victory. Jesus was challenging the two men, do you only see an empty tomb, that offers no hope? Or do you see the new message of hope, that I have conquered death and have risen?
How many times as believers do we do the same thing? We put our hope in ourselves and the things we see instead of putting our hope and trust in Jesus?
After Jesus had walked with these men almost the entire day, they asked Jesus to stay with them. The next scene blows my mind. In verse 30-31, Jesus sat at the table with them, blessed and broke the bread and then the men recognized Jesus.
This scene is very similar to the Last Supper Jesus shared with His disciples. As far as we know from the Scriptures, the disciples were the only ones at the Last Supper and the Apostles were the only other men instructed about the Last Supper. I love how Jesus chose a common meal, something we do in our everyday lives to reveal Himself!
Can you imagine not only being a witness to Jesus’ resurrection, but also partaking in the Last Supper with Him after He rose from the dead?
Once the eyes of their hearts were opened, then they recognized Jesus.
It makes me wonder in my walk of life, how many times have I walked with Jesus and didn’t even recognize He was right in front of me?
Cleopas and his friend were missing the point until Jesus came along and opened their eyes to see the tomb for what it really was. The empty tomb no longer meant Jesus was dead, but indeed “He had risen!” This changed everything! Jesus didn’t leave Cleopas and his friend until they heard the good news, the new message of the gospel, God’s bigger plan.
This new plan offered an exit plan for their defeat, no longer seeking hope in what they saw or in their circumstances, but one that offered a new hope in what Jesus did for them. This new plan offered a way to leave their brokenness at the cross, leave their unforgiveness in the grave and rise up new with Jesus and walk with Him everyday in victory!
Can you even imagine being a firsthand witness to the most amazing plan ever? The Resurrection of Jesus!
Even though we didn’t see with our own eyes the resurrections of Jesus, we have first hand accounts of what He did for us in the Bible and why he did it–because He loves us.
Do you believe Jesus died for you?
What is the most amazing plan ever revealed to you?
God’s plans are always greater. Cleopas and his friend thought there was no hope for Israel, oh how wrong they were. You may be going through hard times right now, thinking there is no hope. It may seem God didn’t answer your prayers. Please know God answers our prayers in bigger ways than we could ever imagine. If God can resurrect Jesus from the grave after 3 days he can resurrect our circumstances. You are loved!
Did you enjoy this blog post? Please share with others! Want more encouraging messages sent right to your inbox? Subscribe to my blog and receive a FREE E-book, “The Jericho Prayer” and a weekly Monday Message. Like my Author Facebook page to catch the latest posts. Have a blessed week!
I would love to hear from you! Leave your comments below! Have a Blessed Week!
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Have you ever prayed so hard for a prayer you desired God to answer?
Not just any ordinary prayer haphazardly thrown up to heaven, in hopes God will answer. But praying like you believe God is able to move the mountains. Praying as your life depended upon it.
Maybe you’re praying, for your marriage to be restored, for someone to be healed from a sickness, or for a struggle or temptation to be removed from your life.
Whatever circumstance you’re praying for, do you believe God is able?
One person in the Bible who reminds me what happens when we pray like it counts is Nehemiah. Two main events happen in the book of Nehemiah, the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem and the return of the Jewish exiles, none of which would have happened without prayer.
When Nehemiah heard about the suffering of his people and the destruction of Jerusalem’s walls, his heart was broken.
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said:
“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel”. Nehemiah 1:4-6
This was not the first time the walls of Jerusalem had been destroyed. They had been rebuilt under the leadership of Ezra in 516 BC which took almost 20 years.
When Nehemiah heard the news the city wall of Jerusalem had been destroyed and his people were in exile, he prayed for an entire 4 months, before making any decisions. After the 4 months of prayer were over the wall was rebuilt in just 52 days.
What was the difference?
Nehemiah didn’t let the knowledge of the previous wall under Ezra’s care deter him from rebuilding the wall.
Nehemiah never lost sight of God’s purpose of doing this WITH God not FOR God. He stayed in prayer to receive God’s mission until the job was done.
Nehemiah’s strong leadership skills- He knew his team. He dealt with noblemen, priests, tradesman, servants, etc. Although they didn’t have the enneagram personality test to determine what everyone’s skill sets were, Nehemiah had wise decisive skills that allowed him to use his team to the best of their abilities. When the complaints and doubts poured in, he put a stop to them before they could undermine the work.
Nehemiah never allowed the obstacles of the wall to be bigger than God. Even though Nehemiah faced a lot of inward and outward opposition during the wall rebuilding, staying in prayer allowed him to discern when someone or something was trying to throw his mission off course.
Nehemiah’s story is a testimony of what God is able to do when we pray like it counts. His fervent prayer was enough to move God’s heart, to help him stay focused on God’s purpose in completing the wall. When we embrace God’s purpose for us, staying focused on his purpose and not our obstacles, God will move our obstacles.
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What obstacles are you facing?
Do you believe God is able?
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“When a believing person prays great things happen.” James 5:16 NCV
Do you believe prayer changes everything?
I admit, there have been times in my prayer life when I’ve prayed but didn’t really believe God was able. I threw prayers up to heaven not truly thinking anything was ever going to change in my life. But then something happens when we pray when we believe God is able.
When we start praying like it matters.
When we focus on His purpose.
God has the power and strength to do anything at any time, anywhere, yet he patiently waits for us in our unbelief. He uses prayer to shape and mold our unbelieving hearts, to make room for what He desires for us.
Our prayers mean so much to God. They move His heart. Imagine our prayers have the ability to move the heavens.
In Matthew 18:19-20 says, “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Have you ever had an experience when prayer changed everything?
Many times I’ve believed, God isn’t listening. I have prayed the same prayer for over 20 years and God still hasn’t answered it. Does that mean He doesn’t care or we should stop praying?
God hears our prayers. I believe God cares about what we care about because we are His children. Our persistent consistency gets God’s attention and shows our faithfulness. When we are constant in prayer, God sees what we’re passionate about. He sees what matters to us. A prayer a person has prayed for years is never wasted and will be used in greater ways than we could ever imagine.
We are only one prayer away from the sick being healed. One prayer away from someone else’s breakthrough. One prayer away from lives being changed. One prayer away from God doing the impossible.
Nothing changes when our prayers are silent and when they go unspoken.
Would you like to make a difference with your prayers?
Whatever is important to you. Whatever concerns you. Gather two to or more friends to come together and pray about what’s weighing heavy on your heart. Meet together in numbers, pray consistently with a fervent passion that shows God I’m serious, please hear my prayers. One of the greatest tragedies is when a prayer goes unspoken. God will use us to carry out his greatest plans. God uses our prayers to fill our hearts with what He desires for us. Our prayers matter and make a difference. Don’t give up, keep praying with a believing heart. God hears our prayers and is able to accomplish the impossible.
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Have you ever failed something? Not just a little failure, but a big failure that defined the course of your life? I’ve shared in other posts the failure that changed my perspective was when I failed my nursing boards. But what if you have a constant failure in your life one you have to deal with every day?
I’ve shared before about our daughter Brooklyn who has dyslexia which there is no cure. She will have dyslexia for the rest of her life. Every day she’s reminded of her inability to interpret text when she’s asked to read something. Her deficits and inadequacies are amplified every time she’s asked to spell a word. I can’t imagine what she goes through on a daily basis fighting the battle within thinking she’s not smart and not capable to do what others can do.
As a mother, I have a choice in how to treat my daughter and my daughter has a choice in how she will respond. Will, I treat her that she has a disability and allow her to use it as a crutch to make excuses for why she can’t? Or will I show her I believe in her and give her the skills she needs so she can run?
Many of us believe the lie, our failures define us and hold us back from our future.
Praise God we serve a God who is bigger and is able.
We are more than our past failures. We are more than our weakest link. God uses our weakest traits as a catalyst to propel us towards his greatest plans. Our weaknesses are not an excuse to go through life walking with a limp, but an opportunity to learn how to overcome and grow stronger for what God has in store for us.
Our failures don’t define us, God’s truth does.
I am always so amazed how God uses the unlikely to carry out His almighty plan. He doesn’t use the strongest, the wisest or even the most powerful to carry out His plans. Instead, he used a little shepherd boy named David, a young teenager named Jeremiah and a man with a stuttering problem named Moses.
When you are chosen, you can’t run or hide from God’s choice. God sees so much more in us than we will ever see in ourselves. When God chose Moses to go before Pharaoh, Moses wasn’t so sure.
Exodus 4:10 “And Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
I love God’s response to Moses.
Exodus 4:11-13 “The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go, I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
God didn’t say to Moses, ‘you know you’re right, my plan is never going to work because you don’t have the skills to be a great leader.’ Instead, God reminds Moses, who made you and gave you the ability to hear and see?
We may feel deficient. Not adequate. Not prepared. But God will never ask us to go somewhere without equipping us with the skills we need to accomplish what he is asking of us. The tasks God asks may be hard and difficult. They may even seem impossible, but God is bigger.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. “
When Moses went before Pharaoh, he had already provided a way and means to communicate to Pharaoh, his brother Aaron. He provided the words and the details of what to do. Moses was merely God’s vessel and needed his obedience. Moses had no idea how everything was going to turn out, but God did.
I can’t always be there advocating for my daughter in what she needs to succeed, but with tutors, teachers and a strong support system, we are going to give her the skills so she can fly. I never want her dyslexia to be a stumbling block and reason why she can’t but the reason why she overcomes and succeeds.
Just because my daughter has dyslexia doesn’t mean she’s deficient.
Just because Moses had a stuttering problem didn’t mean he was incapable.
Where we fall short, God makes up for our deficiencies and accomplishes His greatest plans through us.
We have two choices. Allow the limitations of our deficits to confine us and stay in cycles of brokenness or allow God to use our deficits to refine us and move forward in His plans for us.
Do you believe God is bigger?
How will you allow your deficits to impact you? To confine or refine?
Has God helped you do the impossible?
Did you enjoy this blog post? Please share with others! Want more encouraging messages sent right to your inbox? Subscribe to my blog and receive a weekly Monday Message or like my Author Facebook page to catch the latest posts. Have a blessed week!
I would love to hear from you! Leave your comments below!
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