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God Wants You To Have The Best - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) September 18, 2026

1 day ago

3 min read

Recently, while praying, the Lord told me I couldn't have something because "it's not good enough for you." Those words stunned me because this thing I was praying about was something that many would feel privileged to have. It is good quality and would serve anyone's purposes very well.

Yet, the Lord told me it wasn't good enough for me. I had to take a moment to think about what the Lord had said, and I locked on to a realization - God wants me to have the very best.

I already knew that God has more available for me. I even knew that He wanted me to have what is best. Somehow, I didn't realize just how intentional He was about it. Relying on my own understanding, I was willing to settle for second best. I focused on my budget, forgetting that God has no budget, since all the silver and gold belong to Him (Haggai 2:8).

I'd ignored the word in Philippians 4:19, which states that God meets people's needs "according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Somewhere along the way, I also failed to remember that there was no limit to the riches of His glory through Jesus.

I had to repent for seeing God as smaller than He truly is. I also had to repent for not understanding the depth, height, and width of His love for me (Ephesians 3:18-19). I had to latch onto the truth that He has the best and wants me to have that too. Psalm 24:1 - The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

Let me admit: I am still learning what this means and the different ways that this reality plays out in my life and the lives of others around me. During this process, I've had to review His promises to me. As such, I have been reminded of certain promises that God fulfilled, plus those that are still in the works. Some that I've been waiting on for almost a decade.

The latter didn't cause me to doubt God's faithfulness. Having seen what He has done already, I remember that He will show up for me no matter what I am waiting for. And He will do so at His appointed time. My job, therefore, is to be still and look pretty as I wait on the God who loves me to bring forth His plans for me. That waiting isn't easy, but I know it is His delight to care for me and perfect things around me. However long that takes, it will be worth it.

And in the meantime, I meditate on His word, apply it in my daily life, and trust that God's best is mine according to His riches in glory through Jesus Christ. I pray you will do the same, because once I agreed to have His best - not what I thought was befitting - I watched that thing I didn't consider having become mine.

God wants all of us to have this realization: His best is never outside of our reach. We just have to accept that He knows best and has all wisdom. We might think we know better, and when that happens, we limit ourselves and restrict what we receive from the King of kings.

If you're unsure or have questions about this message, reach out and let me know. By God's grace, He'll lead us to pray and seek Him for understanding and strategy, if needed. God bless you, and remember your miracle is on the way. The Word tells us in Job 8:7 - And though you started with little, you will end with much (NLT). Also, Proverbs 23:18 - Surely there is a future [and a reward], And your hope and expectation will not be cut off (AMP). Hold on and expect His best

What are your thoughts? Please share them. And as you wait for fellowship, watch the video in the Altar Call and read these old posts:

You Have Forgotten God - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) September 15, 2026

P L U N D E R E R

4 days ago

4 min read

Many ask God for help, but once they receive it, they return to the lifestyle they had before they were desperate enough to call on Him. They stop praying, no longer praise, and ignore His instructions, choosing to do what pleases their flesh instead of their Maker. Most of us have likely done this at some point. Although God's grace and mercy spoke for us, we can't afford to make a habit of reneging on our promises to the Lord.

The ancient Israelites made this mistake. They cried out for help, and He brought them out of slavery with great signs and wonders. Yet they repaid His efforts with grumbling and complaints. Despite promising to serve no other god, they crafted a golden calf at Mount Sinai. In their fear and inexperience, they chose to resort to the ways of the land of their captivity, Egypt, instead of the God who'd set them free.

Given that history, they were warned against repeating the error. Deuteronomy 8:11 - Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. They were to be cautious how they treated God once they received their inheritance - possession of the Promised Land.

Alas, they stepped into the promise and eventually strayed away from Him. They served other gods, bowed to statues, and ignored the word of the Lord. The Kingdom of Israel did these things and more for about 390 years, and the southern kingdom of Judah did similarly for 40 years (Ezekiel 4:5-6). In the end, both nations were carted off into captivity as a result of their disobedience.

In many ways, we Christians are no different than those ancient Israelites. Just as they forgot the Lord by failing to observe His instructions, we too are ignoring His commands. It started slowly, and over time, many of us believers have backslid, going further and further from God. He's called us to love others, but we are selective in who we treat well. He's instructed us to serve no other gods, but we bow at the altars of social media, sexual immorality, factions, Mammon (the quest for money), and more.

And like those from the rebellious kingdoms, we don't see the errors of our ways. We don't realize that when we ignore God's word, we ignore Him. We effectively dismiss Him and the role He is to play in our daily lives. When this happens, we end up violating His command in Proverbs 17:13, which tells us not to repay good with evil. Many don't see that this opens the door for satan to gain a foothold in our lives. We ignore the warning in Proverbs 17:13, which states, Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house (NKJV).

Scripture cannot be broken, meaning we cannot set it aside and ignore it when doing so is convenient (John 10:35). Just as ignorance of the law is no defense in a court of law, believers cannot afford to be ignorant of God's word and expect there to be no consequences. When we become ignorant, we will eventually forget the God who shut the lion's mouth to keep us safe. We end up ignoring the very God who pulled down walls meant to keep us from receiving His best. We cannot afford to repay Him with wickedness for His kindness, mercy, and salvation. All of which we received for free.

Have you forgotten God in the way you are living? Most importantly, is the word of God a lamp to your feet? (Psalm 119:105). Are you spending time with the Bible and asking the Lord to help you understand what you are studying (Luke 24:45)? And does what the Bible says dictate how you navigate the world? Are you letting His Spirit guide you so you consistently obey His word? When last did you thank Him for what He did for your loved ones and yourself? When last did you testify about His kindness and the prayers He answered? Do the things of the Lord excite you the way they once did?

If you are unsure or if the answer to any of those questions is no, please know this: God's arms are outstretched, beckoning you into His embrace. Exactly who you are today is who He wants. Step into His presence and allow His grace to change you. He wants to heal the broken parts of you and make you whole. He wants to show you how much you mean to Him. Ask Him to restore the joy of His salvation in you. Ask Him to jumpstart your heart for Him. Pray to remember Him and His word through your obedience.

Romans 10:13 tells us that all who call upon the Lord will be saved, so He will answer when you cry out to Him. When the Lord answers you, be sure to submit to the guidance His Spirit will give. Also, be intentional to repay His loving kindness with your love and reverence. Display this even in how you deal with others and, of course, how you treat yourself. Begin applying His instructions in your life, taking it day by day. God bless you as you do.

What are your thoughts? Please share them. And as you wait for fellowship, watch the video in the Altar Call and read these old posts:

Become Friends With Jesus - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) September 11, 2026

P L U N D E R E R

Sep 11

4 min read

Jesus wants a relationship with you. He wants friendship with you. Christ died for His friends but also for His enemies on the cross. He allowed Himself to be a sacrifice for all of humanity and for all time. He did this because we human beings are sinners and our sin creates a barrier in our ability to step into God's presence. God cannot abide iniquity because He is holy, and as human beings continuously sin, the distance between them and the Lord grows.

But not if you become a friend of Christ. Those who choose this path receive a deposit of God's Holy Spirit, who helps them become more like Christ. And the more like Christ a person becomes each day - even if by only a smidge - the more pleased God is. And His blessings overflow all the more. Christ died to make this possible. He died to ensure every human being could be redeemed, washed clean to enjoy the more God has to give.

Christ loved His friends when He walked the earth. He helped Peter by healing His mother-in-law. He displayed His love for His friends Martha and Mary by crying with them over the death of their brother Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. He even called a paralyzed man 'friend' (Luke 5:20). This was someone He'd never met before, but when that man was lowered down a roof, he walked out of that house on his own legs. Friendship with Jesus had many benefits.

Are you wondering whether the benefits might come at too high a price? Maybe you don't want to give up certain things? That makes sense, but Jesus said the 'burden' of following Him is light (Matthew 11:30). When you choose Him, you get the Holy Spirit, who provides guidance. Perfection isn't required, just submission. The aim is to get you to heaven, so whatever is stripped away from you will be worth it. Besides, the consequences of not choosing Jesus are steeper than wanting Him in your life.

Maybe you don't think this message applies because you were born a Christian and regularly go to church. Alas, many Christians end up in hell because though they say they believe in Jesus, they haven't allowed His teachings to change them. Yes, they serve in church and help the poor. However, they also have ungodly ways such as habitually cheating on taxes, unforgiveness, or gossiping. Is this you? Then be intentional to choose Jesus and let Him wash you clean, so you start doing things God's way.

Perhaps you don't think you need to become friends with Jesus because you believe you are a good person and need nothing else. It is not wrong to be good, but God is calling all people to be godly. That can only happen when we have faith in Jesus as the Son of God and obey His teachings, which are God's instructions. In so doing, we choose to receive what He promised - the Holy Spirit - and we honor God's Spirit by letting Him lead us as our Guide.

In John 14:6, Jesus said that no one can come to God except through Him. You can gain this access and a closer relationship by saying the following prayer if you mean it: Lord Jesus, I am a sinner and I repent for my sins. I believe that you are the Son of God. I believe that you came, you died, you rose again, and you paid the price for my sins. Today, I accept the new life, today I accept the Holy Spirit. Come dwell in me, make Your home in me. I will never be the same again. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God bless you and visit you in a unique way. Learn more about the new life you signed up for. There are great resources like sermons, books, and podcasts. But nothing will ever beat Bible study. Each time you study, ask God for understanding. He will make it come alive for you. Read about Jesus in the Book of Matthew and discover some fundamental truths in the Book of Romans. Also, don't ignore the Old Testament.

Make prayer a regular part of your life. Prayer is simply you talking to the Lord. He wants you to talk to Him. Tell Him about your day and your desires. Be sure to make time to hear what He says back to you. He can talk to you audibly, softly in your heart, in a song or show, and through people. Desire to hear Him, however He chooses to communicate. Get water baptized as quickly as you can and ask God to lead you to a church of His choosing.

And, if you've got questions about the New Life with Christ, please ask. When I became intentional to live as God's child, I talked to people who answered my questions, prayed with me, and more. By God's grace, there are sisters in this fellowship and I who can be a resource. Read the Testimony thread to see how God is answering the prayers of ordinary people who trust in Him. It is and shall be well with you, in Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

Let's talk about being friends with Jesus. You can also learn more about it with the video in the Altar Call below this message.