No Situation Too Big For God

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. Ephesians 3:20

Have you ever limited God or put Him in a box so to speak? Often times in our little worrisome minds the thought may come "that will never happen" or "I don't see how this is ever going to change" or thoughts similar to those. Guess what? Thinking like that does not originate with Jesus. Those negative thoughts are from our enemy Satan who tries to destroy us and our hope. With God there are always possibilities and always hope.

To think right and believe right takes practice. If you catch yourself sinking into a pit of wrong thinking immediately quote some positive scripture to lift you right out of there. For instance if you doubt for God's provision quote Philippians 4:19 which says "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." The more you make a habit of counteracting wrong thoughts with God's word the easier it will become. To be able to know these type scriptures it is necessary to make a habit of studying God's word regularly. No more excuses, just open it up and dive in. 

So get ready, get set, go believe that God is indeed working in whatever situation you have been praying for.

PRAYER: I want to believe and not be impatient Lord and I know it takes faith and practice. I believe and know you are working in ____________ and look forward to the answer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

HAVE HOPE

Do you believe in impossibilities? Do you believe in miracles? I do! There is always reason for hope. When something in life has you discouraged stop thinking about it and start praising God. Yes, praise and worship God. It is easy to slump into despair and sadness over things in life but God is the God of hope, not despair.

Our enemy, Satan, the devil, whatever you call him, is a liar, thief, and joy robber. Many, even within the church, make fun of others talking about Satan. On Halloween unsuspecting parents often dress their little ones, even infants, in devil costumes. Satan is no joke. He is real. He probably loves it when folks treat him like a comic character. The thing is when we consistently sit and fret and have a doomsday outlook guess who is happy? You got it! Satan. Defeat Him. Speak positive words. When you feel doubts and fears coming on pick up your Bible and start reading the Psalms and quote scriptures to him such as this one in Matthew 16:23 'Get thee behind me Satan".

So many people seem to feel less than hopeful over our world situation, perhaps a sick relative, a broken relationship, an economic problem, an answer to prayer that has not come. Hang on and do not lose hope. Make yourself intentionally think and speak positive. Do you know a friend or family member who seems less than hopeful, then pray for them.

There is a verse I love in Romans 4:17 which simply says "........Speaking things as not as though they were". Simply said that means to thank God ahead of time for your prayers being answered. Instead of being a worrier and constantly down in the dumps, pick up your "armor of God" and be a prayer "warrior"!

PRAYER: Lord I will not give the enemy an opportunity to drag me own into the pit of lost hope. I know with you there is always hope. Help me Lord adjust my attitude to walk more like a child of God and spread hope to others.in Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for awesome song of worship.

http://youtu.be/6_KXsMCJgBQ

Note: Need a dose of Hope? Pick up a copy of the newly released Zondervan book, "Hopelifter Creative Ways to Spread Hope When Life Hurts" by Kathe Wunnenberg.

A CUP OF WATER

How many readers can say they have running water and a flush toilet?Probably most. I know here in the United States we are truly blessed. So blessed as a matter of fact we may take many of our blessings for granted.

The Bible says in Mark 9:41 'Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.' For those in Third World Nations, clean water is a big deal. Many die of waterborne diseases from polluted water from filthy rivers and streams. Missionary groups go to these nations and provide water wells. One of these is the ministry of James and Betty Robinson called Life Today. (800-947-LIFE) . I have a friend whose son is a missionary also digging wells in South America. They are truly giving a "cup of water" in Jesus' name.

You may be able to give a cup of water and this provides hope or better yet you may be able to go on a mission trip to physically help. If you can't, what are some other ways you can "give a cup of water" where you are?Helping others. Seeing a need and meeting it. Get involved with Habitat for Humanity or maybe work in a soup kitchen. Helping a friend who is hurting. Comforting the grieving friend. I am sure you can think of a few.

During the 2011 tornadoes that ravished the area of Alabama I live close to, volunteers could literally give hope and a cup of water in Jesus name by physically passing out water and food to both workers doing cleanup and families collecting what possessions were left. It was rewarding getting to help and offer encouragement to many who were very devastated.

Today look around you and see who may be hurting and in need of that "Cup of Water".

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for opportunities that may come my way to help me be your hands and feet and give a cup of water in your name. In Jesus' name. Amen.

For more ways to give hope check out www.hopelifters.com and get a
copy of Kathe Wunnenberg's recently released book entitled "Hopelifter
Creative Ways to Spread Hope When Life Hurts."

WHAT ARE YOU HOPING FOR?

Victory from an addiction? Recovery from a loss? Waiting for that military spouse or child to arrive safely home from a war zone? A prodigal child to return? Restoration of a damaged relationship? Gaining custody of a child or grandchild? Trying not to lose your home to foreclosure?

Many things in life at times make us feel hopeless. God is a hope giver. When you feel like you are hanging on to the end of your rope and just want to let go, cry out to Jesus! He cares. He loves you. He has a plan for you even though you may not feel like it at the time.

Many people are just worn out from waiting. Perhaps tired of life and wanting to give up. Satan, the enemy of our souls, would love you to give up and quit on life. He would love it if you had no desire to keep on waiting for your breakthrough.

In life things often are not easy. As an example if you are a divorced woman, through no fault of your own, all of a sudden forced to work to provide for yourself and perhaps children too, it can be very tiring. I know a few people in this situation. It is no fun for them and at the end of a day you just wish sometimes you could throw in the towel or maybe already be in paradise with Jesus.

Friend today is a new day with new hope. Lift your hands up to Jesus and praise Him for the good things in your life. Try for a moment to forget your "plight" and thank Him for what He has done and is going to do. Each day brings new hope in your life.

Psalm 147:11(NIV) says 'The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.'

PRAYER: Lord today I thank you for the good things in my life and there are many. Forgive me Lord when I have complained about things or let the enemy make me throw a pity party. I know Lord you are on my side and I have no reason to be disheartened or fear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

NOTE: Please check out my friend author Kathe Wunnenberg's website about hope at www.hopelifters.com.

August 6 her newest book published by Zondervan will be in bookstores and is in pre sale now through Amazon. The title is Hopelifter: Creative Ways To Spread Hope When Life Hurts.

HAVE HOPE

 Do you ever feel hopeless, beat down, in despair and just have no clue how to pull yourself out? Well the first thing is you have to get your mind off yourself and onto God. You might want to try reading the book of Psalms in the Bible. Everyone has probably felt hopeless at one time or another. God is a giver of Hope.

God's word is the ultimate "hope manual" with it's many promises to lift you up and sustain you. One verse that comes to mind right now is Isaiah 40:31(ESV) which says 'They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.' Jeremiah 29:11-12(NIV) may be familiar to some readers and it says '"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you."'

What is it that has got you down? Unanswered prayer? Condemnation? Worry? Fear? No matter what God is greater than mere man who brings most of our troubles upon us. You may be in anguish because of the lies that Satan has made you believe. God is much more powerful than demons. Whatever it is that is troubling you, why not let God take that from you today?

PRAYER: Father use me to bring hope to those who need it. Fill me with love and compassion. Give me just the right words to say. I know when resist Satan he has to flee. You are mighty to save. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Check out my friend Kathe Wunnenberg website at www.hopelifters.org

DON'T GIVE UP!

What it is in life that is getting you down with discouragement and
despair? Perhaps it is loss of a job? Maybe an illness that threatens
your life? Is it maybe the state of our country if you are reading
this from the United States? Loss of a friend or family member to
death recently or in the past? Perhaps guilt over abortion? Maybe you
are pregnant and unmarried? Whatever it is God hears and understands.
Sometimes when people feel "down" they may listen to "wrong

voices" and feel that the only way out is to end their life. My
friend, that is never the way out. Ask any surviving family

members of those who have committed suicide.

On talk radio the other day there was a former Navy Seal who called
in, and I wish I had his name to give him credit for something. He
had lost his leg, arm and was suffering greatly, feeling very down but
he said that talk radio "propped him up when he felt like giving up".
That is sort of how God is and our friends too. When you run to God
and run to the Bible you can have peace. When overcome by discouraging
thoughts it is necessary to not drown your problems in alcohol or
drugs. Those cures are placed in your head by the enemy who is out to
destroy you. God is here to make you whole and to get you through the
tough times to the rainbow that awaits you on the others side.

Sometimes a friend just needs to talk it out. At times you may be
tricked by Satan to not unload your burden and get help. Thoughts such
as, you will be made fun of or your friends will not want to be with

you anymore. Don't believe it! In 1 Thessalonians 5:11(NIV) it says

'Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in
fact you are doing.'

You are of great value to God. He has a purpose for you. He wants you
to run your race to win. Psalm 46:1 (NIV) says 'God is our refuge and
strength. A very present
help in time of trouble.' Run to Him today.

PRAYER: Lord thank you for helping me through the storms of life that
come my way. I know Lord I need to get into the word when the enemy
gets me thinking gloomy thoughts. It is only through you that I gain
strength for each day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below for an awesome song to lift you up.
http://youtu.be/CZzUFei6slA

I have included links to some hotlines for those in crisis:
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE 

Prayer Hotline:1-800-759-0700 (Operated by volunteer counselors from
The 700 Club)
Pregnancy Hotline: 1-800-395-HELP 
Runaways Hotline:1-800-RUNAWAY
Veterans' Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 
ALL ISSUES: 1-800-AFAMILY (Not 24 Hours)

THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE

 A new year is a chance to remember there is always hope. No matter
what the situation you can be lifted out of your pit of despair. Jesus
is our hope! He is there when humans fail us. He is there to comfort.
He hears your prayers.

Hope is defined as a "feeling or expectation or desire for a certain
thing to happen." What is it you are hoping for? A breakthrough
perhaps in a family members life you have been praying for? The Bible
says in Luke 18:1 that 'we should pray and never give up.' Can you
keep on keeping on and pray even when it seems nothing is happening?
God's ways our not our ways it says in Isaiah 55:8.

My hope indeed is in God above, creator of heaven and earth. He alone
can do all things. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Nothing is
impossible with Him it says in Luke 1:37.

PRAYER:Jesus you are our only hope when times are good or when times
are bad. I put my trust in you. I know with you in my life you are my
reason for never giving up. I stand on the solid rock and nothing

formed against me or my family shall prosper it says in Isaiah 54:17.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for a song of praise and hope:
http://youtu.be/W48NfLLSFNc

Also please check out author and friend Kathe Wunnenberg blog at
http://www.hopelifters.blogspot.com/