God Archives - Page 2 of 7 - Jackie M. Johnson

Powerful Prayers: Money and Finances

Are you—or someone you know—struggling financially?

It’s pretty common these days, considering our recent runaway inflation. Everything from gas to groceries to housing costs more, and most salaries are not keeping up.

You may feel like you’re in a financial desert—a dry and barren place. Living with lack is stressful.

And, unless, you have a firm grasp about what God’s Word (the Bible) has to say about money and finances, you will have less peace and joy.

If you’re in a financial desert right now, perhaps it’s time to explore what God has to say about money—and choose to trust God like never before.

What does the Bible say about money?

God owns everything (Psalm 24:1), including what we feel is “our” money. He gave us the job we have and the ability to earn an income.

God gives us the ability to produce wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Yet even though God owns everything, he calls us to be wise stewards or managers with our personal finances.

Money can be an emotionally-charged subject. And we all need wisdom on how to save, spend and give wisely. That’s why powerful prayer is essential.

Praying about how to handle finances is important no matter what your financial status.

When you pray something incredible happens.

Things change. Our hearts change. Our perspective changes. And so much more.

If you are feeling defeated in your finances, turn to God. Ask Him to help you release anything that is holding you back or gripping your heart in this area.

God loves to surprise and delight his children. Here’s an example.

When I was in the desert of financial hard times some years ago, I was amazed at how God provided. Like the joy of getting an unexpected check in the mail from a generous friend. Or a bag of groceries when I needed it most.

Have courage. Have faith. When all seems hopeless, Jesus Christ is your wild hope—and He will provide.

Trust. Believe. And watch what God does next.

And my God will supply all your needs
according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

POWERFUL PRAYER FOR FINANCES

Hear me, LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
Psalm 86:1

Lord, I need help. I feel like I’m always just barely scraping by, and I am tired. I need help with my finance. I need hope. I ask, humbly and boldly, that You would meet my needs with Your amazing resources. I come to you believing, by faith, that You will come through—in Your way and in Your timing. I am grateful that you hear me and will answer me. I ask in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

By Jackie M. Johnson

When Life is Hard–Pray On!

Pray On

By Jackie M. Johnson

When the bills are due, when the pain lingers on,
or the adoption agency is taking too long.

When you’re trying to balance family and work,
or your boss is annoying or simply berserk.

When a prodigal child simply will not come home,
or the debt collectors won’t leave you alone.

When the car wreck leaves you with metal to mend,
or the man that you loved left you for your best friend.

When you feel overwhelmed—always busy and stressed—
or you can’t seem to focus and your house is a mess.

When you’re lonely, depressed, or stuck in your life,
and you wonder if you’re a good person or wife.

When there’s trauma or pain, or just day-to-day living,
or you find that you always do most of the giving.

When you’re pondering daily the life you’ve been dealt,
with finances, job, relationships, health.

When you’re searching for wisdom, or purpose, or faith
some heart healing, joy, simplicity, space.

When there’s less in your wallet and more on your thighs,
and your mind reels with questions, like “What? How? or Why?”

When you don’t understand and you can’t see the way,
You need four simple words: “Lord, teach me to pray.”

Don’t give up, don’t give in, even though strength seems gone,
Just hold on to hope and pray on, friend.

Pray on.

***

By Jackie M. Johnson

IT’S NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IN AMERICA 2023!

Today is the annual National Day of Prayer in America!

What a blessing that every year millions of people across our nation on the first Thursday in May to join together in prayer for the land—and the people—we love.

Whether they gather at one of the hundreds of prayer events around the country, or watch the livestream (on Thursday evening, May 4, 2023 at 8 p.m. Eastern on the NDP website and on many Christian radio and TV stations), or pray in small groups or alone, it is a time to call upon our great God to help and heal our nation.

The National Day of Prayer website provides a wealth of information about the event.

Here are some suggestions they provide for why we pray for America—with added practical lists on what to pray for specifically.

WHY PRAY FOR AMERICA?

God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware.

Through prayer, we are able to tap into His wisdom, strength, protection, and peace. He stands ready to respond to our needs when we humbly ask for divine intervention in the affairs of men.

As we Pray for America whose pledge of allegiance recounts that we are “one nation under God”… and we want Americans to encounter the God who rules over their country.

“He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth—the LORD God Almighty is His name.”
—Amos 4:13 NIV

He is the One who gave us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

As we humbly and diligently seek Him, we’ll be changed, and we’ll see transformation in America through prayer!

HOW TO PRAY FOR AMERICA
PRAY FOR SEVEN (7) CENTERS OF INFLUENCE IN OUR NATION

1. GOVERNMENT
Pray for your leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity. (I Kings 3:28; I Timothy 2:1-2; Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 11:3; Romans 13:1-2)

Federal Government
Consider praying for our President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Congressional Leaders, Supreme Court Justices

State Government
Consider praying for your Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders, Judicial Leaders

Local Government
Consider praying for your Mayor, City Counsel, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, County Officials

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Provide leaders with wise and godly counselors who will provide honest wisdom and encouragement
• Well up humility in the hearts of leaders to make apologies or adjustments when these things are necessary
• Lord, pour out a spirit of cooperation between elected leaders
• Break down the barriers that are built up by selfish ambition for personal power

2. MILITARY
Perseverance to endure hardship (Isaiah 43:2; Deuteronomy 31:6)

Wise leaders who inspire respect from those under their command (Romans 13:1)

Protection and support for the families they have left behind (Romans 1:8-10)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Pray for the leaders to make wise and righteous decisions based on biblical principles rather than personal career gains
• Lord, help all military personnel see You working in their daily lives, that You are with them, whether they are in the field, at home, or abroad
• Remove stigmas for seeking medical attention for mental and physical needs
• God, hold the families of service members close, and may they look to You for the strength and peace that only You can give
• Comfort the spouses who are separated due to military jobs—keep these marriages strong

3. MEDIA

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Lord, encourage the believers who are called to use their creative gifts to glorify You and cultivate a culture of concern for one another
• Teach us to use the news as prayer prompts and ideas for how to serve our local community
• Pour out wisdom for people who bring funding to entertainment media to fund things that are wholesome and speak the truth of God
• Send creativity for artists to create thought-provoking works of art and entertainment that point towards Your redemptive plan for humanity
• Strengthen the Christians in these spheres to boldly stand for Biblical truth in the writer’s rooms, board meetings and creative processes

4. BUSINESS
For areas that need an economic boost (Psalm 132:15).

For Christian workers to display Christ-like humility and service to their co-workers.

Suggestions for WHAT to pray

• May each business leader be of great character: of integrity, humbleness of spirit and heart, honest in speech and actions, empathetic and vulnerable.
• Lord, raise up a workforce that is filled with a spirit of excellence and unity in all they do

5. EDUCATION
For a safe atmosphere conductive to learning

Excellence in educators (Exodus 18:20-21)

Equal opportunities for every student to achieve their full potential (Philippians 1:9)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• To stir the hearts of parents to take an active role in the academic, spiritual, and emotional formation of their children
• Guide school boards to be wise in choosing curriculums that uphold the truth of the Word
• Set young people free from the hopelessness, despair, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and substance abuse
• Bless teachers with an outpouring of grace and endurance of such magnitude it overflows onto their students, their schools, and their communities

6. CHURCH

For the church would find a new zeal and commitment to the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ (Matt 22:37)

Unity with and among churches that reveal God’s love to the world (John 17:23)

Integrity–that God’s people look and act differently from the world (I Peter 2:11; 1 Corinthians 13:6)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• God, use Your Church as a beacon of light and joy to a world that is searching for answers
• Jesus, give your pastors keen wisdom and insight that is in tune with your Spirit so they would never lose sight of the mission of Your Church
• Lord, open hearts in the church to care for people outside the church, to be praying for them and to become visibly and tangibly concerned and helping them in needs and struggles
• Remind us to eagerly look for ways to use our time, talents, and treasures to build up the Body of Christ

7. FAMILY
Unity and love in individual families that reach out in hospitality toward others (Romans 12:9-13)

Establish healthy relationships between parents and children (Malachi 4:5-6)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Wisdom in choosing a spouse; to be equally yoked together in faith
• Grant us humility, and with that humility bring stability and peace to families
• Give husbands and wives the grace to consider each other before self
• Endurance for single parents or grandparents stepping in as parents
• Comfort for families moving forward through grief
• Strengthen families who also serve as caretakers for medically fragile family members
• Give empty-nest parents comfort in transition and the vision to grasp their new role as full-time intercessors for adult kids
• Harmony in blended families
• Create a means of escape and healing from harmful family dynamics

Finally, from the National Day of Prayer website, here is the 2023 Prayer for America:

2023 National Prayer For America

We come with fervent hearts to praise You Lord.
You are The Word, the Way, Truth and Life.

The Alpha and Omega, Lion of Judah, Almighty God
who was, and is, and is to come.

You clothed Yourself in flesh and dwelt among us, to remove
our sin and clothe us in Your righteousness that
we might dwell with You forever and ever.

With broken, humbled hearts we repent of our
sins. Confessing to You our faithlessness,
prayerlessness, and disobedience.

Forgive us for our doubt, our prideful and quarrelsome words
that reveal our unclean hearts.

Cleanse us and renew a right and steadfast spirit within us we
pray.

With grateful hearts we thank You fervently for
the blessings in our life and throughout
America; they are more than we are able to
count.

We will remember Your grace and testify
to Your goodness in all generations.

Help us to refrain from complaining, but instead be
prompted to pray faithfully in every
circumstance. Teach us to have a content heart
knowing You are always enough for our every
need.

As the Church we commit to pray and love our
neighbor and nation as You loved us, that our
reputation in this world would be rooted in Your
love.

Holy Spirit work and overflow through us
in every prayer, thought, word, and deed. May
our character, conversations, and conduct
reflect the righteousness in which You clothed
us and command us to live.

With an obedient heart we put on the full armor
of God; Your breastplate of righteousness
guards our heart from which flows the springs of
life.

We pray fervently for our communities and
country; the people who are in the Church,
Family, Education, Business and Workplace,
Military, Government, Arts, Entertainment and
Media.

Every person is Your workmanship,
fearfully and wonderfully created and loved.
With hopeful hearts we pray that all would
choose to receive Your love and follow You.

We pray that America would confess, “Jesus is
Lord” and reflect Your righteousness in every
sphere of influence, and every aspect of our
lives. We ask that heavenly hope would flood
our hearts, silence hate, and that You will heal
our land.

Believing You; all You are, all You said, and all
You have promised, we pray fervently in
righteousness and avail much. In Jesus Name
we pray, Amen!

–Kathy Branzell, President, National Day of Prayer Task Force

Prayer changes things! And it changes us.

Remember, “…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16).

We choose to trust God, and pray on!

PRAYER RESOURCES by Jackie M. Johnson

Power Prayers for Women

Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough

Prayers With Purpose for Women

60-Second Refreshment: Power Prayers for Women

Photo credit: Aaron Burden, Unsplash

By Jackie M. Johnson

New Year New Perspective: 6 Ways to Make it Better

It happens in a blink of an eye.

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, suddenly it’s a brand new year. A blank slate.

A new beginning.

I, for one, love a fresh new year. It’s so full of potential and possibilities. Anything can happen!

I’ve been pondering what will make this year different? And how to make this year the best year yet.

How can we move from doing nothing to having goals–or from having goals to actually achieving them?

I think it starts with prayer and a change in perspective.

Here are six (6) ideas to consider for making this year a really good one:

1. Start with prayer. Take some time to talk with God about your life. Reevaluate what’s really important to you. Wait and listen for answers.

God always answers prayers. Maybe not always in the way you think He should or on your timetable. But it’s in those conversations with God that old patterns fall away and new ideas come forth.

Prayer will be the foundation for your best year yet, and for your life.

2. Ask questions. Get a notebook or a device and start answering some basic questions that will help you move forward:

What am I thankful for?

What do I need to get rid of (or let go of) in my life (e.g., bad habits, unhealthy relationships, etc.)?

What do I need more of in my life (e.g., more rest, more time with my friends, more self discipline, etc.)?

What do I really want in life?

3. Get a new perspective. As you ask yourself the questions above, don’t forget this key question: What does God have for me? The good news is that God is loving and good. He wants the best for you!

4. Make a plan and take action. Write down your top goals for the year and list action steps you want to take under each goal.

For example, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, some of your action steps could include:

1) See my doctor.

2) Find recipes with healthy foods that taste good.

3) Make time in my schedule each week for grocery shopping, cooking and packing lunches.

4) Make a workout schedule.

5) Have a friend to call for encouragement when I don’t want to do any of these steps.

And so on.

It helps to break down your goal into smaller steps you can achieve on a daily or weekly basis.

5. Overcome obstacles. In any attempt to change, there are often roadblocks. Think about what is keeping you from what you really want. What are the obstacles and how can you overcome them?

Sure, those are big questions. As a Christ follower, I have learned—often the hard way—that I can’t make change happen in my own human strength. I need the power of God working in me and through me to make lasting changes. I need His power to take action and His power to wait.

6. Remember the basics. As you think and pray and make a plan for the new year, it’s helpful to get back to the fundamental things that help build a better life and a healthier you like: getting enough rest and exercise, drinking plenty of water, eating healthy food, getting fresh air, taking in copious amounts of God’s truth, having positive relationships (and not isolating yourself when you feel lonely), serving others, expressing your creativity, managing stress and making time for fun, play and laughter.

So pray and plan.

Take action and trust God.

Start small and don’t freak yourself out.

Remember: God is with you. And He will lovingly lead you step by step.

Thinking about making changes this year? It’s time.

The rest of your life starts right now.

By Jackie M. Johnson

The Wonder of Christmas: Experience His Love Anew

Imagine a night with a million stars in the sky.

It is cold and dark. You are a young shepherd sitting on a hillside tending the flock. It is quiet, except for the occasional bleating of the sheep. And a few words with your fellow shepherds.

It is an ordinary night.

Then suddenly, a bright light bursts open the darkness! And there’s an angel.

An angel!

And the angel is speaking to you in your own language. What would you do?

Here’s the true story:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them,

‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

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.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. –Luke 2:8-19

Long ago, ordinary shepherds were astonished that an angel had chosen them to hear the extraordinary good news:

He’s here!

He came! Just like the prophets of old said He would hundreds of years before. Messiah. Jesus Christ. Deliverer has come!

What else could they do but go to see—and fall on their knees in awe and worship.

And now, we celebrate again the wonder of night Christ was born.

And we, too, fall on our knees and worship in awe.

Grateful for the Love that changed everything.