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At some point, you have declared your trust in God. Arguably, every Christian has done so. You've likely done it through singing along to a song, saying lyrics such as "My trust is in You" or "I will trust You, Lord." And there's a high probability that you've also declared this in your prayers.
It's all part of the Christian experience. Once an individual submits to Christ and makes His Father, God, their Commander in Chief, they become a magnet for trouble. This is because satan wants every believer to regret choosing God. It wants the individual to think their life before Christ was easier so that they slip backward, instead of forward, in their faith.
Thus, Christians beleaguered with opposition, will eventually have to declare their trust in God. Not just as a warning shot to the devil but also as a battle cry that encourages and reinforces God's faithfulness and their confidence in deciding to walk with Him for the rest of their lives.
However, how should Christians show that they actually trust the Lord? Is this just a matter of words or is there something else they need to do?
The Bible provides the insight needed on this issue. Isaiah 26:8 - LORD, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name (NLT). This scripture illustrates exactly how every Believer should practically display what their mouths say when proclaiming that they trust God - obey His laws.
Believers cannot say we trust God if we habitually disobey His instructions. It is not enough to obey those laws that are convenient while ignoring those that we disagree with. We cannot say we won't cheat on our spouses but think it is fine to cheat on our taxes or use artificial intelligence to cheat on school work. We cannot say we trust in the Lord but seek out revenge and do petty things to those who've upset us. A Christian is lying if they claim to trust God but insult their leaders instead of praying for them. Do we complain and grumble when things don't go our way? That is not how to display trust in the Lord who has promised that His plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11).
God cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7). He cannot be fooled. He knows everything we do. He is not like humans who only pay attention to what their eyes see (1 Samuel 16:7). God's gaze pierces into the very marrow of a person. Indeed a person's heart is a lamp to God, nothing can be obscured (Proverbs 20:27).
How are we showing that we trust God? Are we obeying His instructions? Are we even reading His manual - the Bible - to learn what those laws are? Are we praying that His Spirit will teach us and remind us how to live a life reflecting true trust and confidence in who the Lord is and what He can do? These are questions that you and I need to answer. None of us are exempt from taking an honest look at ourselves.
May the Lord help us never to take His faithfulness for granted. May He heal our unbelief so we grow in faith and live lives reflecting complete trust in Him, IJMN we pray, Amen.
To learn more about this topic, please read:
Trust God - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) June 30, 2020
Rely on God, Not Man - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) July 21, 2020
Rely on God - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) March 9, 2021
Faith vs Trust - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) September 10, 2021
Be a Turtle - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) May 20, 2022
It's Gonna Be Alright - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) July 12, 2022
Listen, Obey, Trust - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) August 12, 2022
CLOSING PRAYER
Glorious God, I praise Your name. You are great and greatly to be praised for all generations.
Thank You for the privilege of fellowship. Many do not enjoy this grace to worship and pray with their fellow believers.
Thank You also for this chance to display our trust in You by obeying Your instruction in Hebrews 10:25 to fellowship as well as the call to imitate Christ who intercede for others in prayer. Hallelujah!
As we have done these things, I pray for Your gracious hand to rest upon us. I pray for Your word in Matthew 6:33 to be fulfilled and that "these things" to be given unto us because we have and consistently obey Your call to seek first Your kingdom and righteousness through our gathering in fellowship.
Praise be to God who hears and answers our petitions, IJMN Amen.
From M22 - I just really pray that we have every reason to testify as the year goes to an end. I pray that God wipes away our tears. Even in difficulties, I pray that we know God is by our side and we will rejoice in due timing. I pray that we continue to walk by faith and not by sight IjMN Amen
LAST 10 MINUTES
Let's thank God for not leaving us without correction. The Bible teaches that He disciplines His children in Hebrews 12:6. Therefore, the fact that He is teaching us to show our trust in Him is because we are the children He loves and so, He must steer us in the right direction.
I know that today's message was for me and if it resonated with you, let us pray together -
Heavenly Father, thank You for being a good and loving Father to us. Thank You for being so invested in us that You want to make sure we live in Your knowledge and do what is pleasing to You.
God, help us to consistently show You that we trust in You. Help us to become more familiar with Your word so that we hear Your word as we make choices each day. Help us so that obedience becomes instinctive, a matter of body and soul memory. That we do not war with our flesh but submit to Your laws as obedient children. IJN Amen.
From TJ - Blessings Thank you for the tag My fellow sister in Christ
From UNCG - I'm here! Glory to God!
From CMC - God, today I'm thinking of a woman I know who lives her life for You. Protect and guide her. Fill her with Your strength and hope. I pray she finds her confidence in You, not in the physical beauty standard of the world. Give her wisdom and perseverance as she lives for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Father God, I give You praise for all the mercy You have shown me of recent! Thank You for P&P, an opportunity to praise and connect with You. Father I pray for my brothers and sister in Christ. Father God, You cate for them. You consider the state of their souls. You have good plans for them in Jer 29:11 and You say "nothing will by any means harm them", they are "the apple of Your eye" and You promise to "bring then safely into Your heavenly kingdom". So God, based on these scriptures, I appeal to Your faithfulness for You to visibly prove Yourself in their lives. Counter their doubts with Your mighty works. Let others see and believe that You are God in their lives. Amen in Jesus name
Father God, I give You praise for all the mercy You have shown me of recent! Thank You for P&P, an opportunity to praise and connect with You. Father I pray for my brothers and sister in Christ. Father God, You cate for them. You consider the state of their souls. You have good plans for them in Jer 29:11 and You say "nothing will by any means harm them", they are "the apple of Your eye" and You promise to "bring then safely into Your heavenly kingdom". So God, based on these scriptures, I appeal to Your faithfulness for You to visibly prove Yourself in their lives. Counter their doubts with Your mighty works. Let others see and believe that You are God in their lives. Amen in Jesus name
Father, the reason Jesus died was to free us from the clutches of hell. Before His sacrifice, most men were hell-bound. However, You granted us Your grace and brought forth Your blessed salvation. A salvation that has set us free from satan.
Forgive us, Lord, for forgetting the great feat that was accomplished with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Forgive us for falling for the devil's scheme where it overwhelms us with problems. Forgive us for taking our eyes off the prize - eternal life with You in heaven.
We repent for diminishing what You did for us.
Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank You for Your grace.
Thank You for Your word in 1 Corinthians 1:8 - He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hallelujah!!!! IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for sis @FFJ that you will continue to increase her in every capacity. I pray that you will continue to take care of her and her loved ones. I pray that you will supply all of her needs thriught your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. I pray that you will increase her in supernatural wisdom, favour knowledge, understanding and strength IJMN Amen
Lord, I call on You for Your healing grace upon those waiting on You to bless them and free them from the shackles of disease.
God Your word shows us that You are the Healer. In fact, You have promised that when they cry out to You, You duly send Your healing word. This is even if they themselves brought their sickness upon themselves (Psalm 107:17-20).
Father, satan stands opposed to Your blessing of good health for people. However, I know you can do all things and Your purpose cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2). Glorious God, spread Your healing hand on those in need. Let dry bones come to life filled with Your renewing breath (Ezekiel 37:4-10). You and You alone are Jehovah Ropheka. My trust is in You dear Savior, IJMN I pray so that my joy may be complete, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for foster kids. I pray that you direct them to Godly and loving families that will take them as their own. I pray that you stabilize them in every aspect of their lives. I pray that you turn their lives around for good and you uproot every negative influences that wants to disrupt their lives. I pray that their lives will be a testament to your power snd might IjMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I commit my siblings unto you. I pray that your everlasting peace continue to guard their hearts and minds. I pray that you continue to renew and recreate their hearts and minds for your purpose and glory. I pray that you continue to order their steps and help them to trust in you no matter what. Help them to focus on you and not the troubles of this world. I pray that you grant them success in their endeavors and help them to seek you every single moment of their lives IjMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for couples waiting on the fruit of the womb. I pray that you turn their waiting into fruitfulness. I pray that as they wait on you, you will order their steps. I pray that you will bless them with beautiful babies that they will nourish and nurture in your ways. I pray that you put an end to miscarriages, failed IVFs and difficult adoption processes IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for people in the waiting season. I pray that your promise in Isaiah 40:31 gives them the hope and perseverance they need to wait on you. I pray that they will not wait on vain and you will continue to order their steps. I pray that they will rejoice in due timing IJMN Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for countries ravaged by war. I pray that you put an end to the cycle of instability and chaos. I pray that you touch the hearts and mind of the parties involved to come to a resolution that honors you. I pray that you help these affected countries rebuild and I pray that you restore everything theu have lost. I pray that you also accept the souls of the departed in your bosom and grant their loved ones strength as they mourn. IJMN Amen
From M22 - Father Lord I pray for children across the world that you continue to shield and preserve them from harm, violence and abuse. I pray that you will continue to touch tht hearts and minds of their caregivers, teachers, parents and guardians to nourish and nurture them in your ways. Father I pray that you help them fulfil destiny and your will for their lives IjMN Amen
From JIR - I pray for the homeless and the poor. Please bless them with libations, shelter, and the strength, love, comfort and peace to get out of whatever situation they may be in. Please bless them to seek You, call on You, pray to You, speak with You, and build a relationship with You, Lord. Please bless their faith, hope, belief, love and trust in You to strengthen. Please watch over them Lord and protect them from the elements and bless them with shelter. Please bless them to know that You care for them, You love them and that You are watching over them. IJMN. Amen.
PRAYER TIME
Focus on the needs of others and pray with zeal that God helps them. Don't get tired. Cry out to God on behalf of people.
From CMC - Hello Family!
Hope everyone is doing well this Friday morning. Glad I am able to sit in with you guys today
Trusting the Lord’s process has been one of my biggest hurdles in my journey back to Christ. Everyday he shows me why he is a faithful Father. I recently met with a friend and discussed all that I’ve been going through and how I’ve overcome.. and she was in awe. Saying it aloud hit differently. I didn’t even know what my trust in God had led me into. It has been a wonderful experience and I’m glad he isn’t done with me yet.
God no matter my circumstances, I will still praise you. Thank you for doing great things in my past. I trust you will do greater things for my future. In spite of worry, doubt and pain, I can say holy is your name. Amen
From M22 - Thank you Mighty Father for another beautiful fellowship day! Thank you that we can gather here today to be in your presence. We bless your name for bringing us here despite all odds. May your name be exalted from moment to moment IJMN Amen
Almighty Jehovah! I give thanks to you for sis BW's bday. Thank You for Your kindness upon her. Thank You for beautifying her life and pouring out Your grace upon her. I place herself and her family before You trusting You to extend her blessing of her birthday in many ways. May she and hers experience more of Your grace, Your kindness and may they rejoice in the Sovereign Lord now and always, IJMN, Amen.
From JIR - Thank You Lord for being my God. Thank You Lord for being with me at all times and teaching me to not fear anything but You. My life has change for the good because of You and I thank You. My confidence is in You. I worship You Lord. IJMN. Amen.
Excellent Jehovah I worship You this day and always.
Thank You for being the God who sees all. The One who knows all.
Father, thank You for being all-powerful.
Hallowed be Your Holy Name.
From JIR - “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.”
Psalms 33:8-12 NIV
Great King. I thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for pouring out Your Spirit and Your compassion.
Thank You for understanding and wisdom. Thank You for strategy. Thank You for love.
Thank You for Your kindness upon all mankind.
If not for You, where would we be?
Psalm 77:13 - Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?
Exceptional God.
Creator of the Earth.
Who is like Thee?
Exodus 15:11 - Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Take all the glory! You reign above in all splendor and grace. Almighty King!
I praise Your Holy Name!
From JIR - Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness. You have done more for me than I can ask. You continue to transform me for Your glory and I will continue to worship and glorify You for all that You have done, all that You do and all that You continue to do for all the days of my life. You never left me, You never turned Your back on me. I bow at Your feet and thank You for Your unfailing and unwavering love. You are worthy are all praise. IJMN. Amen.
Thank You, Sovereign LORD.
You are He who has all the answers.
I am grateful to call You Father and I thank You for choosing me.
For all time, I praise You, my King.
PRAISE TIME
Tell God thanks with all your heart for everything He has done for you.
Appreciate Him for being who He is.
From EC - Amen and good morning ladies!
From JIR - Thank You Lord for breathing life into us this morning and making today possible. It’s been raining here these last couple of days and I thank You for Your faithfulness. As warped as this world is that we live in You remind me of Your goodness with little things such as the rain You let down from heaven to prevent famines. I am so grateful to be Your servant and I thank You for being my God. Your patience is indescribable. Thank You for being slow to anger Lord. This world is so evil yet You are still loving and kind to all who inhabit it. I am thankful. Thank You Lord. IJMN. Amen.
Thank for today’s message sis @FFJ. This is a reminder to me and others reading today’s word that no matter how tough things get for us God is there for us to put our trust in. It feels so good to know that He has our best interest and that His will for us is better than we can ever imagine and perfect in every way. Putting our trust in Him is the only way to true satisfaction. I love how you mentioned that there are no surprises with for God when it comes to us and He knows us better than we know ourselves. There is no fooling Him. May we truly understand this and trust in Him no matter how tough things get. He will get us through it and will never leave or forsake us. I needed this message more than ever this week. Thank You Lord! All glory to You, my King. IJMN. Amen.
I need to share something.
The last few weeks have been taxing and yesterday, I was frankly, frustrated. Why? Let's just say, I prayed for revelation and God answered, shining a bright light on an issue. Sadly, I didn't like what I saw. This led to grumbling and wrestling with what I now know were unnecessary questions.
Eventually, I realized I needed to pray, repent and sleep. Thank God for His grace that He allowed me to do all three.
And then later in the day, I sat down to put some finishing touches to today's P&P message. As it was written prior, I'd forgotten what the subject was. But, boy, was I stunned to read it and realize that God knew exactly what I'd go through and made sure a message was waiting for me. A message to get me back on track and remind me that nothing about my life is an accident. He is orchestrating everything for His glory and my good.
I'm smiling as I write this. God is amazing. He knows what's coming and puts what we need in our path to ensure we have the resources to keep going. Sometimes, it's a song that reminds us of His faithfulness. Other times, it's a loved one speaking His wisdom to remind us we're not alone.
I'm sharing this because I can't be the only one who needs to know that nothing about you or your life surprises the Lord. I'm speaking to those who believe in Him and have given their lives to Christ. I'm speaking to those imperfect people whom God is perfecting for His purpose. If that description fits you, then praise the Lord. You are the righteousness of God and Proverbs 24:16 teaches that [t]he godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. The Heavenly Father won't leave you down, He will give you His hand to lift you when you stumble.
That same God is building us up so we consistently and faithfully live in a way that displays the trust we have in Him. When you stumble, repent quickly, remind yourself of what God has done, and let Him revive your soul. God knows we are mere mortals. He knows we struggle and He wants to help us. Please let Him help you. He was faithful to help me. So much so, that He had a message waiting for me. A message I wrote but didn't recall. A message that I would need to be encouraged and strengthen my spirit in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6).
God will help you just as He helped me.
God bless you.
From M22 - Thank Abba Father for another fellowship day. Thank you Father for life, mobility, shelter, provision and protection. Thank you Father for guiding us as we navigate every single day. Thank you for teaching, transforming, pruning, renewing and strengthening us each day for your purpose and glory. May your name be exalted IJMN Amen.
Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ. Today's word is insightful. We show God we trust him by obeying his laws. I admit I wavered in trusting God fully till I read Genesis 22:1-19. I am learning to trust God for each day even when things doesn't go my way. I am learning to study his word and I will keep doing my best to obey his laws as I navigate each day. I pray that God gives us the supernatural strength to trust in him, obey his laws and instructions and to also focus on him every moment of our lives IJMN Amen
Next Tuesday will be our 400th Praise & Pray (for others) gathering on this platform.
Wow, we've come a long way from the early days, lol! But, God is great!
I hope you will make the time to join live. And as you do, please know the P&P message that impacted you. If you have any of the devotional books, was there a chapter that spoke to you?
What about the prayers and testimonies your fellow Peppers have shared over the years? Anything come to mind? Or, was there something you learned during P&P fellowship that you shared with somebody to encourage them?
So many memories come to mind but I pray you will come with your own so we can worship the Lord for each of them.
Remember to jot down what you'll share so that you can come to P&P 400 ready to thank the Lord for how He has used P&P and Peppers to bless you in one way or another. It all goes down next Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
God bless you all.