Is It Possible to Talk to God Straight Out About Your Needs?

As you consider this coming New Year, how do you plan to make this your best year ever in terms of how you will serve God by dedicating to him completely your time, talent, and creativity? Perhaps you’ve slipped away from that objective by becoming distracted, and you need to make a fresh start.

Occasionally your resilience and energy will deteriorate when you stray from God’s plan, so now you need a new beginning. Resilience is the capacity to recover when you grow weary from challenges that have left you exhausted.

Talk to God straight out about what has happened and ask for his help. This will open the door for you to persevere by renewing your determination to “press on toward the mark of the high calling in Jesus Christ.” You then will have the resolve to put your life’s purpose into God’s care, where it is eternally safe. 

Talk to God now and be thankful! Happy New Year!

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So let us come boldly to the throne of grace and stay there to receive His mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need.

~Hebrews 4:16 The Living Bible

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How Can You Experience the Power of Prayer?

What do you hope will be different in the New Year? If you were to present this hope to God in the form of a prayer, what would it include? Most everyone has a relationship that needs to be strengthened or repaired. Perhaps you need more calmness and peace in your heart and soul.

Is there something about you that keeps you on edge, preventing you from receiving proper sleep and rest? There are many conditions that cause a heart to be troubled. One is anxiety, another is a worried mind, and then there is fear for your future.

Holidays tend to bring out our best or worse character traits. Too much stress weakens our impulse control, so our emotions may get overwhelmed. 

Here is where the power of prayer can give you courage to make amends and apologize. Pray for strength to be honest and sincere. Do that now. The Lord God is waiting.         

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Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.

~Philippians 4:6-7 The Living Bible

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Is It Possible for God to Change Your Attitude?

Celebrating Christmas continues for those thankful to God for sending Christ Jesus to redeem his creation from the darkness of sin. On this first day after Christmas, many have begun to assess how the holidays are affecting their feelings of peace and joy.

Who in your family, including yourself, need prayers? It’s easy to become obsessed with relationship problems. The positive effects of prayer, talking to God about a person, is the calming sensation you experience as you release that person into God’s care.

By truthfully praying for someone you hurt severely, or who hurt you, God will lift the burden from your heart. 

God changes your attitude by replacing anger or guilt with compassion. This enables you to seek forgiveness from others or be able to receive forgiveness. Ask God to help you be willing to give or receive forgiveness so you can have a joyful heart. 

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Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful to God.

~Colossians 4:2 Contemporary English Version 

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A Christmas Gift of Prayer: Could Your Gift Offer God's Comfort and Peace?

What feelings surface when you consider giving the gift of prayer this Christmas? Are you motivated by the idea of offering this special gift that carries with it the idea of comforting those suffering from what you can’t see? You will be a light of hope and love as you offer your gift of prayer.

Most everyone you know has concerns that trouble them. Believing God knows can be reassuring. Acts 3:6 challenges us today: “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have, I give you in the name of Christ Jesus.” 

You have the special gift of prayer to give. So Merry Christmas and God bless you!

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Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

~Luke 2:13-14 New International Version

Tell everyone who is discouraged, “Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue.”

~Isaiah 35:4 Good News Bible

I urge you, as most important of all, to ask, pray, plead, and give thanks for all people.

~1 Timothy 2:1 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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From Sunday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs are being posted each day to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas". 

A Christmas Gift of Prayer: Can You Share God's Love with Your Gift?

Someone declared that “Time spent in prayer for a family member or friend is the greatest Christmas gift you can give.” We can honestly and sincerely present  someone to the Lord Jesus Christ for healing, for comfort and strength without knowing the physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges they’re facing.

Being willing to lift up friends and loved ones to God in prayer has eternal value, for it will stay fixated in your mind and in the heart of the recipient. As you contemplate giving your gift of prayer to others, remember you are a shining light for Christ Jesus, the light of the world. Merry Christmas and God bless you!     

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They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.

~Luke 2:16-17 New Living Translation

God, who first ordered light to shine in darkness,has flooded our hearts with his light, so that we can enlighten men with the knowledge of the glory of God, as we see it in the face of Christ.

~2 Corinthians 4:6 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone you know. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them.

~1 Timothy 2:1 Contemporary English Version/The Message

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From Sunday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs are being posted each day to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas". 

A Christmas Gift of Prayer: Would You Trust God to Help?

Giving the gift of prayer at Christmas is a powerful way to communicate with your family and friends. It takes a minute to get use to the idea, as well as trusting that God will use this gift of prayer as a means of bringing people together.

Giving the gift of prayer may or may not be a replacement for other gifts. The gift of prayer includes talking with God so your heart and mind are in harmony with the Holy Spirit.

Remember you are a light pointing the recipient of your prayer to Jesus. Giving the gift of prayer will be encouraging as Jesus, the light of the world, shines in darkness. Merry Christmas and God bless you!

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An angel of the Lord appeared to [shepherds], and the glory of the Lord shone over them…the angel said to them, …“I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This day in David’s town your Savior was born – Christ the Lord!”

~ Luke 2:9-11 Good News Bible

Jesus…said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have a life filled with light and will never live in the dark.”

~John 8:12 God’s Word Translation

Here are my directions: Pray much for others; plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them.

~1 Timothy 2:1 The Living Bible 

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From Sunday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs are being posted each day to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas". 

A Christmas Gift of Prayer: How Do I Begin?

If you were to give your loved ones and friends the gift of prayer for Christmas, what would it include? This is especially hard to do when a relationship is troublesome. The place to start is asking God to soften your heart and give you peace so you can reflect the light of Jesus.

Pray that each one for whom you’re petitioning will be blessed by God’s special presence. Talk to God about what you’re thinking and feeling as you pray for each person. Ask God to heal the wounds they’ve received in life. “God commanded light to shine in darkness,” so remember you are the light made possible by Jesus and let your light shine. Merry Christmas and God bless you!

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The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

~John 1:9 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

Because the heart of our God is full of mercy towards us, the first light of Heaven shall come and visit us – to shine on those who lie in darkness ... and to guide our feet into the path of peace.

~Luke 1:78-79 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all.

~1 Timothy 2:1 Good News Bible

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From Sunday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs are being posted each day to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas". 

A Christmas Gift of Prayer: How Might God Lead You?

Who in your life makes gift-giving difficult? Not that they are unappreciative, but you can tell your gifts do not conform to their expectations. Perhaps gifting has gotten beyond your physical and financial resources and it’s difficult to accept that reality. 

Can I suggest something that could be the most valued gift you could offer? 

Consider giving each person the gift of prayer that speaks to their special needs or current situation. Yes, this takes time to make your prayer unique for each person. Listen to God’s promise in Psalm 32:8: “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” So Merry Christmas and God bless you!  

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The star…guided [the Wise Men] to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was… they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts.

~Matthew 2:9,11 New Living Translation

[The Lord] leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way.

~Psalm 25:9 English Standard Version

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.

~1 Timothy 2:1 New Living Translation

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From Sunday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs are being posted each day to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas". 

Is Parenting More of a Job or a Privilege?

A parent’s intuition can be a tremendous asset in knowing how to parent a child. Intuition is discernment, understanding, and insight, which depends on a special bond that’s formed at conception. Getting to know your child and forming a lasting bond is an ongoing labor of love.

Bonding is an emotional, mental, and spiritual union between a parent and child that’s anchored in love and gratitude. You have been entrusted by God with the life of a child to nurture, guide, and protect. Bonding begins at the moment of conception in a literal sense.

Positive bonding requires a positive attitude which paves the way for love and affection to be continually expressed for a lifetime. Intuition does not mean that you can know everything about a child, for God has not given that power to anyone. Parenting is more than a job – it’s a relationship based on love, trust, and respect that’s essential for bonding to take place.       

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But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, and you know that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

~2 Timothy 3:14-15 Holman Christian Standard Bible

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From this Sunday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs will be posted each day to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas". 

What Interferes with Getting to Know Your Children?

Very few people would say parenting is an easy task. There are strategies that make parenting less stressful, such as creating a more relaxed atmosphere by not being so rushed physically and emotionally. Spend some fun time with children each day.

Children are extremely intuitive and sense distress and turmoil within the parents.

Someone noted that children are experts in intuition. Although they may not have the language or confidence to verbally state what they sense, they will display it behaviorally and emotionally.

Taking time to relax with your children or grandchildren should be a priority. Reduce the noise and distractions that interfere with getting to know and understand your child. Soft music and voices create a relaxed atmosphere. Consider this: “Bring up children in the way they should go” involves understanding them, which is an awesome task but a wonderful privilege. Remember they are created in God’s image.

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The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness, [O Lord]. 

~Lamentations 3:22-23 Revised Standard Version

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From Sunday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs will be posted each day to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas". 

Is Parenting Supposted to Be Actually Joyful?

Parenting is an ongoing learning experience and varies from being joyful to painful depending on each child’s personality. Today a wealth of information is available on Christian parenting from God’s word, the internet, and child development books.

While it’s important to take classes designed to teach parenting skills and read child development books, most parents learn that what works for one child may fall short with others. Each child’s temperament and personality are unique and vary from being joyful to distressing.

The way you were parented can influence your parenting style. Is it working? Your parent’s disposition and if there was a peaceful or distressing home life are issues. The good news is you can make a new start. Proverbs 22:6 offers encouragement: “Teach your children right from wrong and when they are grown, they will still do what is right.” God gives insight and wisdom as well as patience to make parenting successful.    

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Correct your children and they will be wise; children out of control disgrace their [parents]. If you correct your children, they will bring you peace and happiness. 

~Proverbs 29:15,17 Contemporary English Version

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From Sunday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs will be posted each day to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas". 

Can You Help Your Child Become the Person God Intended?

From the beginning of written language, instructions have been recorded in abundance on how to parent and the problems associated with that responsibility. Some children are more compliant and adaptable to boundaries while others are difficult to the point of being oppositional defiant.

Even in the best of circumstances, parenting can be difficult considering how much there is to learn about keeping children safe and healthy. A strategy that contributes to success in parenting is accepting just how different children are in personality and temperament.

The fact that your children are so different from you can be a blessing when it’s perceived as an opportunity to learn tolerance and patience. Parenting forces you to think beyond yourself. This helps you gain knowledge and understanding about the uniqueness of the children God has graciously loaned you to love and safeguard

Remember, God will help you teach and train your children how to be the people he intended. 

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Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction.  

~Ephesians 6:4 Good News Bible

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From Sunday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs will be posted each day to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas". 

Does God Expect Parents to Set Appropriate Boundaries?

Parenting is always a constant learning experience as children  progress through the developmental stages of childhood. Parents have to accept the complexities of each child’s personality and the impact this has on them as parents. Parenting can be stressful as well as a blessing.

While some children are difficult to parent, most desire to please their parents by complying with rules and boundaries, loving school, and eventually becoming independent. When children know with certainty what to expect, they are more inclined to accept the rules of society.

If parents feel secure with setting appropriate boundaries and enforcing consequences, then children will be motivated to please and respect their parents. God’s word commands parents to raise children with discipline and instructions so they will be mature and capable of competing in society as adults. 

The Holy Spirit is willing to guide you in parenting  your children. Are you available?          

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No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

~Hebrews 12:11 New International Version

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Does Parenting Seem Difficult for You?

Parenting children is always accompanied by some hardship, like the financial cost that’s activated at conception and continues until the child becomes independent. The physical and emotional demands required to care for children are challenging and time-consuming.

The majority of parents willingly expend energy and assets to insure their children are safe and secure. It’s also imperative to accept each child as an opportunity to learn new parenting skills, for each child is different in personality and temperament.

Yet, an often-overlooked attribute children possess is the innate desire to please their parents. Ask yourself, “Am I giving my children adequate time and attention along with boundaries and affection that convey to them they’re loved and needed?” God’s word encourages you to “Teach your children right from wrong and when they are grown they will not turn from it.” Love your children as God loves you. Appreciate every effort they make to please you.

                    

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Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” –which is the first commandment with a promise– “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. “

~Ephesians 6:1-3 New International Version

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When Is It Appropriate to Say "No" to Someone?

Have you ever said “yes” to someone but would have preferred to say “no”? I realize there are individuals who take delight in responding negatively to whatever is asked of them. God created us, however, with the desire to please others, but can this need be inappropriate?

Trying to please to the point of losing the respect of others can be detrimental to relationships

Yet, saying “no” is not a license for acting arrogant or refusing to show respect for the feelings, needs, and thoughts of others.

It’s important to be alert to when it’s appropriate to say “no.” Keep in mind, God does not always respond with a resounding “yes” to each of your prayers. Remember, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Believe God’s word.

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Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy….ready for every good work.

~2 Timothy 2:21 English Standard Version

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Can a Person Be Nice but Be Unhappy?

Is it possible to be nice but unhappy? The answer depends on what you expect from others. Someone relayed how a friend never returned favors or offered help when it was needed. Is there a point where being nice involves acting irresponsibly?

Most people believe if they’re nice, a positive return will be forthcoming and if not, then acts of generosity will be discontinued. However resisting the impulse to be nice may consequently cause guilt, shame, and sadness to surface.

But are you being unkind or sinful by refusing to be nice to someone who sees it as a weakness? Are there times when saying “no” is appropriate? The Good News Bible in Ephesians 4:29 advises you “not to use harmful words but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.” 

Do your best to be compassionate, and imitate the Lord God.                       

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People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.

~Proverbs 16:2 New Living Translation

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How Do Parents Gain the Respect of Their Children?

It is within human nature to try to please others by being nice. However parents can’t always be nice if appropriate discipline and boundaries are used to teach children how to live in a family and society. Refusing to enforce rules and boundaries goes against God’s guidelines for parenting.

Making every effort to please is an attempt to avoid feeling guilty. Unreal or pseudo guilt is triggered by the failure to please everyone. At this juncture ask, “Is it better to be loved and accepted at this moment or to be respected?”

Most parents know children will not always like them, maybe even hate them.

Children who respect their parents go out into the world with a greater chance for success than those who have been pampered and coddled. Let this appeal be yours from Psalm 25:4-5: “Show me your way, O Lord. Teach and guide me in your truths, for you are my God and my hope.”

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“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

~Isaiah 55:8-9 New International Version

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