Tag: Christianity (Page 1 of 2)

Keep On Praying

September 27, 2025 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” (Matthew 7:7)

Ask. A simple three letter word that sets things in motion. It’s how we get the things we want. We ask the waitress to bring our food selection from the menu. We ask our coworker to help us lift a heavy object and move it where it needs to be. We ask the pretty girl to go out on a date. Without the ask, we can be assured none of those things we want will happen. We go hungry because the waitress never brings us food. We get reprimanded when we don’t get the job done at work. We never get the opportunity to kiss the girl.

Jesus teaches us in our verse today that it works the same way with our heavenly Father. We must ask for the things we want. God’s storehouse is overflowing with gifts for His children. But He waits for us to come to Him in prayer and ask for the desires of our heart. Yes, sometimes He will drop a surprise in our lap, just like our earthly fathers sometimes give us gifts we aren’t expecting. And while our Father knows all that we have need of, He desires the intimacy of a conversation with us. He wants us to come to Him and ask.

Seek. Many times though, especially early in our Christian growth, our Father will say no when ask him for something. God always knows what’s best for us. He sees the future that we can’t. The answer of no then prompts the question, “why not?”. Our ask must always be according to God’s will. That’s why Jesus tells us to seek. We must search God’s word, meditate on it in prayer, and eventually the Holy Spirit will reveal the answer to us. Seeking is how we develop deeper conversations with our Father. In that deeper connection we begin to understand God’s character and will for our life. It’s there we learn what to ask for that will be pleasing to our Father. We must continuously seek God’s will.

Knock. God rewards our seeking with wisdom which gives us understanding, confidence, and assurance. With that in hand we must be persistent. Maintaining enthusiasm while working on any project is key to successfully accomplishing the task set before us. Keep knocking until the ask is answered. Not only does our persistence show our Father that we trust Him, but it also motivates the faith of those watching us in our day to day Christian walk.

Keep on asking. Keep on seeking. Keep on knocking. Keep on PRAYING!!

Purpose

August 8, 2025 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Dan 1:8)

The young Daniel we read about here has been taken into captivity in Babylon. Like Daniel, we are held captive to this world. While we cannot change this circumstance, we can set ourselves apart from our captor. Daniel chose to hold on to his faith in God rather than conform to his ungodly environment. As Christians, we are to follow Daniel’s example by living our life with intention to please God, not men.

God rewarded Daniel for his faith by elevating his status in the eyes of his captors. While he was severely tested at times, he held the favor of the king of Babylon for most of his life. We are not promised the same treatment in our captivity. However, when we purpose in our heart to be faithful Jesus our Savior, we are promised that one day the chains that hold us captive to this world will be broken. The world holds no power over the promises of God. Simply trusting in Jesus assures us according to His word that nothing can pluck us out of His hand.

Today, let’s reaffirm our purpose; follow God; allow Him to transform us to His will rather than conform to this world.

Thank You Jesus

February 23, 2024 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1)

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves seeking miracles, looking for grand signs that will affirm our beliefs. But sometimes, it’s the smallest, everyday moments that hold the power to kindle profound joy in our hearts.

My friends, our path to gratitude and joy begins with mindful appreciation of the daily blessings that surround us. It’s easy to overlook these gifts, but they are like precious gems waiting to be discovered. It might be the warmth of the morning sun, the laughter of a loved one, or the simple taste of a well-cooked meal. Each of these is a marvelous work of the Creator.

As we start our gratitude practice, let us remember that it’s not about the grand gestures but the little things that light up our hearts. Try this: today, pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and think of three things you’re grateful for. They can be as humble as a gentle breeze or a cozy blanket. When we express our gratitude with our whole hearts, we begin to uncover the joy hidden in these small, everyday wonders.

Remember, my dear friends, that as we foster gratitude, we not only find joy in the little things but also draw closer to our Heavenly Father, who delights in our praises and showers us with His boundless love.

In this journey, we invite God to help us in fostering our gratitude and finding joy. Let us pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before you with open hearts, seeking the joy in the little things that you’ve surrounded us with. We thank you for the daily blessings that may often go unnoticed. Help us, O Lord, to develop a mindfulness that appreciates your marvelous works in every moment. May our gratitude practice be a testament to your love and grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Secret Prayers

February 5, 2024 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:6)

Let’s take time today to go to our inner room, close the door, and pray to our Father in secret. In the busyness of life, it’s easy to push our prayer life to the margins. But prayer is vital for deepening our connection to God. When we pray, we enter into intimate communion with our Creator.

Prayer is not simply reciting requests or repeating memorized words. True prayer engages our mind, heart, and spirit. It’s an act of fully focusing on God – acknowledging His presence within and around us. We quiet our thoughts, let go of distractions, and open our inner being to receive His peace, wisdom, and guidance.

As we pray, we can share our honest thoughts and feelings with God. We can cry out in despair, grieve our losses, confess our shortcomings. Or we can voice gratitude, ask for help or insight, and praise Him for His goodness. God already knows our hearts, yet He invites us to freely express ourselves. Through prayer, we cast our cares upon the Lord, knowing He hears us and responds in His perfect way and timing.

Prayer also requires listening. When we still our mind and spirit, we make room to hear God’s gentle voice. His words may come as scripture that suddenly surfaces in our memory, an impression that guides our thoughts, or simply a sense of His presence reassuring us. Regular prayer helps us recognize God’s voice and discern His direction for our life.

Father, we desire to deepen our relationship with You. Help us regularly practice heartfelt prayer. Quiet our distracted thoughts, so we can focus completely on Your loving presence. Speak to us, Lord. Reveal areas where we need to surrender and grow. Fill us with Your peace and wisdom, so we can walk in step with Your Spirit each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be Still

December 18, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

When external forces suddenly shift the ground under our feet, stillness sounds dangerously counterintuitive. As life unravels unexpectedly, instinct demands grabbing control rather than releasing outcomes to God’s care. We rely on restless striving, vainly attempting to steady the crumbling landscape surrounding us instead of trusting the Solid Rock who upholds all things through raging storms.

Yet God commands His children oppositely in tumultuous times: Be still. Cease striving. Surrender thwarted plans and don’t demand answers or solutions on your timeline. For stillness stabilizes perspective. Stillness imparts opportunity to behold the Almighty One reigning unthreatened over human frailties and furies. Our still reflection should mirror back the unshakable God dwarfing disruption and chaos rampant on earth.

The faithful behold the Ancient of Days steady despite the undulations of passing ages and fashions. “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6) Shall we not also know with utmost certainty that though old orders may pass away abruptly; His love withstands resiliently upholding His beloved?

What raging storms tempt reactionary responses today? Pause and ponder instead God’s track record proving almighty faithfulness through history’s stormy eons. Fix your eyes on His immutable character. He alone calms the billows with a word. No foaming tide overflows the boundaries He establishes. Be still in this eternal assurance: The Lord God Most High transcends every threat. He shall receive glory displaying timeless salvation.

Lord, we admit our propensity to plaster over erupting instability with busy striving. Teach us the power unleashed through stillness anchored securely in who You are, not what swirls around us. May we behold You today—unthreatened Majesty calming storms with one whisper, who “laughs at the tempest and rides upon the storm.” In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

The Light of the World

December 11, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:1-5 KJV)

Jesus gives us a powerful lesson that sometimes challenges in life are not a result of our own or our parents’ sins, but rather an opportunity for God’s works to be revealed. In these verses, Jesus emphasizes the importance of his mission and the limited time he has on Earth. He calls himself the light of the world, implying that his presence brings hope and guidance to those in darkness.

Jesus came to this dark world as a beacon of light to illuminate our lives. His presence brings clarity and understanding, allowing us to see beyond the surface and into the depths of our spiritual journey.

Through his teachings and actions, Jesus showed us the power of healing. Whether restoring physical sight to the blind or bringing spiritual enlightenment to the lost, he showed himself as the ultimate provider of light and salvation.

Jesus’ message goes beyond mere illumination; it calls for obedience and surrender to God’s sovereignty. By following his example, we can navigate through life with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

Let us embrace the light that Jesus brings into our lives and allow it to shine through us. May we allow Christ to radiantly shine through us to be beacons of hope, love, and compassion in a world that desperately needs it. Even in the bleakest moments, a glimmer of light awaits to lead us towards a brighter future.

Just as Jesus felt compelled to work while it was still day, we should strive to make a positive impact in this world during our time here. Let us remember that each one of us has a unique purpose and potential to bring forth God’s works through acts of kindness, love, and compassion. May we always seek opportunities to be a light amidst darkness and allow God’s miracles to manifest through us.

The Envy of Angels

November 16, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

Guest Post by Mindi Foster

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
(1 Timothy 1:15)

One of the most beautiful things about the Gospel, and Jesus in general, is not just that it saves us from Hell. It’s not just beautiful because of eternal life with God. It’s beautiful because I’m constantly being saved from the issue of me.

If you take note of any of the Apostle Paul’s writing, he frequently spoke against selfish ambitions. Additionally, the book of James even notes that selfishness, along with envy, create chaos and every evil practice (James 3:16). Granted, it’s understandable that there are spiritual forces at work, but still, these are serious factors to consider.

The default of humanity is selfishness. Every child knows how to be selfish because it’s their natural disposition. It’s the same for us spiritually too. Growth and maturity mean that we learn to walk in the Spirit thinking less of ourselves and more of Christ and others.

This stance goes against the grain of the world and the very popular Christian-psychology movement that’s occurring in many churches today. And don’t get me wrong, I love psychology, but psychology is me-focused, or self-centered which is the opposite of Gospel-entered theology. There is need of proper balance.

It’s fine to understand why you behave or think a certain way, understanding is beneficial and is actually encouraged in Scripture. However, God must still be glorified first and foremost. Otherwise, we are a hopeless mess.

If everything is about me, then it all falls on me and is up to me. I’m not that powerful. Nor can I handle that much responsibility (or want to for that matter).

So let’s get back to the beauty of the Gospel. God didn’t have to save us, but He did. The message of the Cross isn’t about us, but it is for us. To put it in the words of Trevin Wax, “Our Salvation is the envy of angels.” And that is certainly a beautiful thing to behold.

Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. (1 Chronicles 29:11)

Mindi is an encourager, brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, as well as an author and blogger. You can find her blog and books at www.buildingyourmomentum.com.

Trust His Plan

August 20, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

Don’t be afraid of the storms in your life, for they are temporary. Trust in God’s steadfast love and guidance to carry you through. #FaithOverFear

Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

In the midst of life’s storms, remember that you have the power to calm the chaos within. Just like in Mark 4:39, you can rise above any adversity and bring peace to your soul.When the winds of doubt and fear try to shake your foundation, rebuke them with unwavering faith and speak words of tranquility. Embrace the stillness that lies within you.

Believe in your ability to overcome any challenge that comes your way. Let this verse be a reminder that even in the face of turmoil, you have the strength to create a great calm.

So, take a deep breath, hear the voice of the Holy Spirit within you, and let it radiate outwards. You are capable of bringing serenity not only to yourself but also to those around you. Embrace this power and let it guide you towards a life filled with tranquility and fulfillment.

#PonderingGodsWord

The Holy Spirit and Transformational Prayer

August 4, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)

As believers, we understand the importance of prayer in our spiritual journey. It is through prayer that we communicate with God and receive guidance from Him. However, there is a type of prayer that goes beyond just asking for our needs and desires. This is called transformational prayer, and it involves inviting the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, and He plays a vital role in our spiritual growth. In transformational prayer, we invite Him to work in us, revealing areas that need healing and transformation. We surrender our will to His, and allow Him to guide us on the path of righteousness. Through this process, we become more like Christ, and are able to fulfill the purpose that God has for our lives.

There are specific elements of transformational prayer that we can incorporate into our prayer life. These include confession, repentance, surrender, and listening. As we confess our sins and shortcomings, we allow the Holy Spirit to reveal areas that need healing. Through repentance, we turn away from our old ways and turn towards God. Surrendering our will to His allows us to align ourselves with His plan for our lives. Finally, listening to His voice and guidance allows us to receive the transformation that we seek.

Understanding Transformational Prayer

Transformational prayer is a type of prayer that seeks to bring about a change in the individual’s life. It is a prayer that is focused on the Holy Spirit, who is the source of transformation. In this type of prayer, we seek to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, so that we can become more like Christ.

One of the key aspects of transformational prayer is the recognition of our need for transformation. We acknowledge that we are broken and in need of healing. We recognize that we cannot change ourselves, and that we need the Holy Spirit to work in us.

Another important aspect of transformational prayer is the surrender of our will to God. We recognize that God knows what is best for us, and we submit ourselves to His will. We ask Him to transform us according to His plan and purpose.

In transformational prayer, we also seek to align our thoughts and actions with God’s Word. We recognize that His Word is the source of truth and wisdom, and we seek to live according to His principles. We ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand His word and to apply it to our lives.

Overall, transformational prayer is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and transformation. It is a prayer that requires humility, surrender, and a willingness to be changed by God. As we seek to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, we can experience greater peace, joy, and fulfillment in our lives.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Transformational Prayer

When it comes to transformational prayer, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding and empowering us. As believers, we recognize that the Holy Spirit Is the third person of the Trinity and is intimately involved in our daily lives.

One of the primary roles of the Holy Spirit in transformational prayer is to help us align our prayers with God’s will. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26-27). This means that when we pray, the Holy Spirit is interceding on our behalf, helping us to pray according to God’s will.

In addition to guiding our prayers, the Holy Spirit also empowers us to pray with boldness and confidence. Jesus promised his disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). This same power is available to us today, enabling us to pray with faith and expectancy.

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit helps us to discern the voice of God as we pray. In a world filled with distractions and competing voices, it can be difficult to hear God’s voice clearly. However, the Holy Spirit helps us to discern what God is saying to us, enabling us to pray with greater clarity and direction.

In summary, the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in transformational prayer. He guides our prayers, empowers us to pray with boldness and confidence, and helps us discern the voice of God. As we seek to grow in our prayer lives, let us rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us into a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God.

7 Tips for Effective Bible Study

July 31, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

Delving into the depths of the Bible and studying it with utmost diligence is unquestionably a worthy pursuit. With its rich tapestry of teachings, parables, and wisdom, the Bible holds the potential to provide profound insights into the human condition and guide individuals towards a path of enlightenment. By dedicating time and effort to understanding the Scriptures, one embarks on a transformative journey that not only deepens their faith but also fuels spiritual growth. Ultimately, the pursuit of effective Bible study is an admirable endeavor that seeks to nourish the mind, heart, and soul alike.

Here are some tips to help you in your endeavor:

Begin with prayer: Before you start studying, take a moment to pray for guidance and understanding. Ask for wisdom and clarity as you delve into the scriptures. (James 1:5 KJV) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Choose a study method: There are various approaches to studying the Bible. You can opt for a book-by-book study, a thematic study, or a chronological study, among others. Select a method that suits your interests and goals. A daily reading guide can be an excellent starting point but don’t allow it to become just a routine habit, a chore to check off your to-do list. Take time to examine each verse to discover what God intended us to learn from it.

Read with context: Understanding the historical, cultural, and literary context of a passage is crucial. Consider the writer, the intended audience, and the historical background to gain a deeper comprehension of the text. A good study Bible with cross references is an invaluable resource to understand how the whole Bible is one harmonious message from God, not just many unrelated stories. I use this one in my own daily study, Thomas Nelson’s King James Study Bible. (Opens affiliate link)

Make use of study tools: Utilize study aids such as concordances, Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and study guides. These resources can provide valuable insights and explanations to enhance your understanding. I have used many commentaries in my personal studies, but I must caution you that, while they can be very helpful, these are merely the interpretations of fallible men, therefore imperfect. Always, always allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in the truth of God’s word. Beginning with prayer as mentioned in step one, is the key to preventing ourselves from being led astray by possible errors in any commentary. That said, the best resource I have found E-Sword. It is completely free and available to download for PC, Mac, Android, and Apple. Find it here, E-Sword. Within that software are many options for additional free commentaries and study helps. The Preacher’s Homiletical is one I find particularly helpful when preparing lessons for teaching.

Take notes: As you read, jot down key points, questions, and personal reflections. This helps you engage with the material and aids in retention. Take the questions to God in prayer. Many times I question things out of simple curiosity, and those He may not always answer right away. What I have found is that He will answer at a time when I can use it for a circumstance in my life, or at a time when it most glorifies Him. We must trust Him to give the answers just at the right time.

Join a study group: Discussing the Bible with others can provide different perspectives and foster deeper understanding. Consider joining a Bible study group or finding an online community to share insights and learn from others. This one is not just a helpful suggestion but is actually commanded by God. Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Not only can we learn from each other, but gathering with other Christians for Bible study gives opportunity to encourage one another, to provide accountability in our daily walk with the Lord.

Apply what you learn: The Bible is not just a book of knowledge but a guide for practical living. Seek to apply the principles and teachings you encounter in your daily life. James 1:22 KJV But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. God expects us to live out His word, to be salt and light to a lost and dying world.

Remember, studying the Bible is a lifelong journey, and it’s important to approach it with an open mind and humble heart. May your studies be fruitful and enriching as you seek wisdom and guidance from its pages.

Tag: Christianity (Page 1 of 2)

Keep On Praying

Purpose

Thank You Jesus

Secret Prayers

Be Still

The Light of the World

The Envy of Angels

Trust His Plan

The Holy Spirit and Transformational Prayer

Understanding Transformational Prayer

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Transformational Prayer

7 Tips for Effective Bible Study

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Understanding Transformational Prayer

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Transformational Prayer

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