My 2020 Challenge for You

Posted on January 1, 2020January 1, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Happy New Year, my friends and welcome to 2020! Are you excited about a brand new year with endless possibilities? I know that I am. Are there things you want to do differently this year than last? Me, too. Let’s work on that together.

Contemplating the next twelve months, what would you like to accomplish? Do you have things you really yearn to do or maybe stop doing? I think some people call that resolutions.

Since I am a list maker, I took pen in hand and began. My list started and soon became overwhelmingly long. Immediately I felt discouraged. I would encourage you to keep yours challenging but still attainable. Don’t begin the year feeling defeated. Asking God to hone your 2020 aspiration list will make it perfect for you.

Tell me, do you have a strategically crafted plan to fulfill your dreams for this year? The first thing on that list should be to pray for that plan. Ask God to show you what to do and how to do it. That is what I intend. With His help it will be much easier.

Scripture tells us in Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

I find the above bible verse comforting. God, the Creator, will teach me what I need to know to accomplish my plans. Really? Me? God cares enough about me to do that? Absolutely, and He cares that much for you, also. He might place people in my life that will be able to help me. Perhaps a book or article will be brought to my attention. The ways He will help you and me are limitless.

My challenge for you for 2020 is to pray.

I want to challenge you to join me this year. Commit yourself to daily pray over your 2020 goals. Adopt a system using a prayer jar or journal. Record your specific prayer requests in a prayer journal or place them in a prayer jar. As your prayers are answered and results seen, make notes by the request.

Besides praying for yourself, add 20 people to your list. Ask God to place those people on your heart for prayer. Place these names after your list or in your jar. Each day lift one or all of these people up to our Heavenly Father. Maybe you are praying for health, healing, salvation, or financial issues. Perhaps you don’t even know why Abba brought this person to your mind. Just intercede for them in prayer.

Get a Prayer Partner

A prayer partner is someone that will be there for you to take your requests, thanks, and praises to God. My prayer partner lives many, many miles away but is ready within a few minutes of a text to pray. There is a deeper level of prayer coming before Jehovah with another Christian. She keeps me accountable, too. If you do not currently have a prayer partner, I would encourage you to try it. Ask at church or in your circle of friends. Better yet, ask God to send you one.

Let me know if you accepted my challenge and how you are doing. I’d love to hear if you are using a prayer journal or prayer jar. As always, if you have a prayer request for me, leave it below and I will most assuredly pray. Thanks for spending some time with me today.

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Goodbye, 2019, and Hello, 2020

Posted on December 31, 2019December 30, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Goodbye, 2019 and hello, 2020! Here we are again. Another year is winding down to a close. Don’t worry. There is a brand new one just waiting to take 2019’s place. The years seem to come faster and faster anymore.

How did 2019 treat you? Whether this has been your best, worst, or just an average year, it is time to take inventory and plan for the next one. Do you have expectations for this coming year, 2020, or yourself? A new year is exciting. It’s like getting a blank piece of paper to begin a new chapter in your story. Exhilarating, isn’t it?! The promises it holds are limitless.

What are your plans to escort the old year out and the new year in? Will you go out and celebrate or choose to party quietly at home? The past few years we have opted for the latter. Watching a movie and switching over to see the ball drop is exciting enough for my hubby and me.

The majority of people begin the year with a resolution or two. Not a bad idea, but how many resolutions make it all year? Grand plans and hopes turn to ashes when someone offers a piece of homemade fudge or favorite cookie. Even a 75% off sale can crash plans for saving money. My hubby made a resolution a decade or more ago that he continues to keep……”to stop making New Year’s resolutions.” Perhaps I should try that one. My resolutions don’t seem to make it very long. How about yours?

One tradition that I do at the end of each year is to review my prayer list. On it is usually one item that looms greater than any of the others. If you have a prayer list you know the one I mean. It is the one you give over to Jesus to handle and take to the Father. Then later that day you start fretting over it again, take it back, and give suggestions to Him on how to work it out. You pick it back up and cannot seem to give it away. It is your Velcro problem. It seems to stick with you no matter what.

The problem is so big and seems unsolvable. Oh, but I have great news for you. God is bigger and more powerful than anything. Period. He is also in the business of miracles.

This is my solution to permanently give it over to Abba. I take a piece of paper and jot down that problem which has now become a mountain. Then I pray about it, completely surrendering it to Jesus, throw the paper in the fireplace, and I watch it burn. As it is eaten up by flames and disintegrated, I give thanks that the problem is out of my hands and into His. I have totally relinquished it to my Maker. He is doing what needs done according to His perfect will. Before my prayer ends the paper has turned to ashes, tears stream down my cheeks, and my worry has vanished. I am at peace. Shalom.

Try it with one of your problems that has grabbed you and refuses to let go. God says not to worry. We can do that only by praying and turning things over to Him. He is good and He is faithful. God won’t let us down. In fact, He will give us His perfect peace. Go into 2020 with one less issue hanging over your head, and with you holding onto Jesus’s hand. Give it to Him. Trust Him. He has this, He has 2020, and He has you!

Heaven Help Us!

Posted on October 5, 2019October 5, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Heaven Help Us! That was the name of the Independent Christian Bookstore that I owned for ten years. It was truly a labor of love. I loved the atmosphere, the customers, our employees, and the service we provided. Oh, and the books!

We hated having to close our store, but the time had come. Our competition was Amazon, e-books, and big box stores. In December 2012 with tears we locked the doors for the very last time.

Recently I received a call asking “is this Heaven Help Us?” After I explained that we had previously owned it and now it was closed, the caller moaned and replied “oh, I don’t know what I will do now. I went there all of the time.” Hmmm, she called almost seven years after we closed and had no idea it happened yet she frequented the store “all the time”. That was the last of many calls I have received identical to it. Everyone shopped there all of the time but had no idea we had gone out of business years earlier.

Time has a funny way of slipping up on us, doesn’t it? What seemed like just yesterday to some people was actually years. Big difference. When we think we recently phoned someone to check in with them in reality it might be a lot longer. Visiting with family or dear friends could appear to be “all of the time,” but maybe it has been months or even years since the last one.

Don’t let precious time slip by. Time waits for no one. Carve out some to spend with loved ones making memories and reminiscing about treasured ones. They might be sitting and waiting to hear from you.

How about talking to your Heavenly Father? Do you really do that as much as you think? Make it a priority to start and end your day with Him. Do not just plan to do it, actually do it. You will find the pieces of your day fall into place with daily prayer. Don’t know what to pray sometimes? Try “Heaven help us or Heaven help me.” We can all use help from above.

Happy Birthday America! Patriotic Desserts for All!

Posted on July 4, 2019July 3, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Happy 4th of July to you and Happy Birthday to America! This is the 243rd birthday for this country of ours. The United States of America is the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Each year on this day we celebrate by throwing a big birthday party!

What are you giving America this year? Peace, harmony, and respect might be on her list. She deserves all three and much more.

Usually the party ends up being a picnic or pool party. Family and friends gather from near and sometimes far to celebrate living in the extraordinary country. We celebrate freedom, our freedom. Summer is in full swing. The weather is hot with the nights warm. Fireworks light up the skies to celebrate.

When my family gathers to celebrate we usually have a pitch-in. Does yours? We have some favorite dishes and try to make at least one patriotic dessert. What are some that you make? Here are a few from our recipe box:

Recipe for above:

Take any flavor of cookie dough and spread in the Pampered Chef round white stone. Bake according to directions for a big cookie. Let cool. Frost with white icing and decorate with red, white, and blue M&M’s.

Below:

The following is a luscious, light dessert that pleases everyone. It looks gorgeous, too.

Flag Red Velvet Cakes:

These Red Velvet Flag cakes are really a hit at the party. They are easy to make and eat! Kids and adults love them. They work for more than Flag Day.

Today is about much more than red, white and blue desserts, fireworks, and picnics. Far more. It is about freedom, liberty, and justice. Blood was shed so that we might live free. Never take that for granted. Our forefathers planned and organized to make certain this would be the best land for them and their descendants. Their blood was given for it.

While you are celebrating the birthday of this land that I love today, please lift this country, her leaders, and her protectors up in prayer. They need our prayers daily now just like our founding fathers prayed for them. Our country and each one of us needs God. Let’s start with prayer. That would be a precious birthday gift for America.

Strike the Mark Book Tour & Giveaway by Celebrate Lit

Posted on May 16, 2019May 14, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today on my blog is a stop on the book tour for Strike the Mark by James W. Gill. There is information on him, his book, the other stops, and his giveaway. Don’t forget to enter so you might win.

My Thoughts

Strike The Mark is a no nonsense book on prayer. Its subtitle says “Powerfully targeted prayers for victory and breakthrough.” This nonfiction book says “prayers that strike the mark are specific prayers authorized by the Holy Spirit and endowed with divine power to accomplish the will of God in your life and for the needs of the world.” Wow, heavy reading here.

The author included scripture as well as person stories to make his point. I particularly liked that each chapter was closed with a prayer. His writing was concise and for the most part easy to understand. However, at times I felt like I was in a theology class and my mind wandered.

There are twelve chapter in this book. Dealing with a wide variety of topics such as confessing our sins and praying for others there are some chapters that touched me more than others. I did learn a lot but sometimes I did not personally agree with his line of thinking.

I would recommend this book on prayer. It would be perfect for a small group on prayer. There is much to ponder and discuss after reading Strike the Mark. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review.

About the Book

Book: Strike The Mark

Author: James W. Goll

Genre: Christian non-fiction, prayer, spiritual warfare

Release Date: May 7, 2019

Prayers that strike the mark are specific prayers authorized by the Holy Spirit and endowed with divine power to accomplish the will of God in your life and for the needs of the world. On the cross, Jesus fulfilled the ultimate answer to all of our prayers, but He awaits our invitation to come into our situations and circumstances. When people of prayer intercede, they create a meeting place between the heavenly Father and His children. God comes upon the person who is praying and moves them from the natural to the supernatural. Empowered by God, the intercessor has the authority to cut down enemy forces and pick out “targets” for God’s lightning bolts of glory, bringing victory and breakthrough.

Intercession could be called “extreme prayer” because it links extreme needs with the extraordinary power of God. Inserting ourselves into the gap between God and a need, we call upon the Holy Spirit, our Helper, who is ready to move us from finite ability to infinite ability, take hold of difficult situations, and help accomplish the will of God. We have the great honor of being called to “paint targets” on cities, churches, ministries, family members, contemporary “Sauls” (those who persecute or cause difficulty), and even ourselves. Our believing, persistent prayers will Strike the Mark!

“He covers His hands with the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark” (Job 36:32 NASB).

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

JAMES W. GOLL is the president of God Encounters Ministries and has traveled around the world sharing the love of Jesus, imparting the power of intercession, prophetic ministry, and life in the Spirit. He has recorded numerous classes with corresponding study guides and is the author of more than forty books, including The Seer, The Discerner, Releasing Spiritual Gifts Today, Passionate Pursuit, The Lost Art of Intercession, and The Lifestyle of a Prophet. James is the father of four wonderful children with a growing number of grandchildren, and makes his home in Franklin, TN.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 11

For the Love of Literature, May 12

Spoken from the Heart, May 13

Mary Hake, May 14

Genesis 5020, May 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 16

Just the Write Escape, May 17

Artistic Nobody, May 18 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 19

Texas Book-aholic, May 20

janicesbookreviews, May 21

Power of Words, May 22 (Spotlight)

A Reader’s Brain, May 23

Inklings and notions, May 24

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, James is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbucks gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e2ac/strike-the-mark-celebration-tour-giveaway

But, Who is Praying for Me?

Posted on April 23, 2019April 23, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Prayer Warriors are constantly praying for someone. There is so much to lift up to God and it seems so little time. We intercede for the sick, lost, hurting, and needy. For the mother whose baby is desperately trying to stay in her womb to grow strong. For the father trying to work overtime or a second job just to make ends meet. For the teenager caught in the middle of making some life changing decisions. For our President and government leaders. Let’s not forget our family and friends.

See what I mean? We have so many people depending and deserving of our prayers. Years ago my niece, Phoebe, and I were talking about praying. She was little and not even in school. A friend had called me and asked if I could pray for her granddaughter. One thing led to another and I told Phoebe if she listened with her heart instead of her ears she could hear who needed her prayers. Many times God will tell us.

A couple of weeks later she was excited to tell me she felt her first prayer request. After dinner the night before she heard her Daddy say that a lady he worked with was going to be out because of surgery. “I don’t even know her name, Aunt Sissy, but my heart heard for me to pray for her.” Wonderful! She did understand what we were discussing. Right then we stopped everything and prayed for the woman. Now in her mid-twenties, Phoebe is still a Prayer Warrior.

On the flip side, I have someone that has been mad at me for over two decades. I can’t say exactly why, buy I have apologized and shouldered the blame in hopes of reconciling with this friend. A few times I have tried to have a “peace talk” with her, but it always goes no where. This last time, I asked how things had been going in her life and told her that I had been praying daily for her and our relationship. Then I asked if she prayed for me and our relationship, too. She looked at me as if my hair had just turned turquoise and laughingly said “no, why would I?”

Out of all the vicious remarks this friend has made, none hurt even a fraction as much as this one did. I thought everyone prayed for the people they loved. Maybe that was it, she had stopped loving me. All I know is that in that moment I felt so lost and alone. No one was praying for me? Prayer is the biggest blessing to give someone.

Ever feel like you are lost and alone with no one to lift you up in prayer? I have great news. You may pray for yourself. Yep, it is allowed. Also, the Holy Spirit will lift you up, too. You might be surprised to find some little Phoebes that have been listening with their hears and are praying for you.

There are no special words needed. No super formula. Just have a heart to heart with your maker. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:26“…but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

We always have someone praying for us. No need to fret. Easy your mind and rest in the Lord. Oh, and keep praying!

He Lives!

Posted on April 21, 2019April 20, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah! Today is Easter, Resurrection Sunday. Lent has been finished. Have you prepared your body, mind, and spirit for worshipping our risen Savior? We have talked about why He came, what He did, what He expects of us, and learned many things these past forty days, but the most important thing about Lent is have we prepared ourselves for Easter and worship? Are you ready? Me, too!

Churches have all types of Easter services some started on Friday night and go through tonight. One of the most popular is the Sunrise Service. Did you go today? It is a special time to worship and usually done outdoors. If not today have you ever worshipped at dawn on Easter watching the sun come up and imaging Jesus Christ rising from the dead? It doesn’t matter when or where we worship, just that we do.

On Easter morning the women went about their normal routine of checking the tomb for Jesus. What they found today was quite different. An angel sat on the huge stone that had been rolled away.

The Bible says Mary, mother of James, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Salome gathered at the tomb and saw that the large stone had been rolled away from the entrance. An angel was there and said “Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen.” (Mt. 28:5-6, NLT).

When they looked inside the tomb it was indeed empty. The angel asked them “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you that He would be turned over to sinful men, be crucified, and rise again on the third day!” – Luke 24:6-7

The shroud covering Christ’s body was neatly folded and placed where His body had been. That is significant because during those times a folded napkin at a table meant the person would return. He was not finished. He was returning. Jesus took the time to send that message to His followers. “I am returning.” He was not finished yet.

Jesus had accomplished what was foretold by the prophets. God’s Son was beaten, accused, crucified, placed in a tomb, and He arose on the third day. He had done what He said He would. He conquered sin and death. Our sin debts had been stamped “paid in full” because of our Savior. He gave everything for our salvation, but what have we given in return? Do I give Him my love and devotion? My obedience? Have I submitted my will to His?

Take time this Easter to really worship and think about the great sacrifice Jesus made for you. He didn’t just die on the cross for the disciples and Bible people. We are included in the covenant, too. He died for Cheri, Janice, Joyce, Tom, Donna, Den, Vanessa, Jason, and even me. Yes, He died for us, but He arose. He paid the price so that we may reign in Heaven as heirs of the true King. He died so that we might live. Life after death is real. It is our gift for the taking. Rejoice! He is alive. Worship Him. He will return as promised. Let’s rejoice, worship, and stay ready.

Aren’t There More of Us?

Posted on March 31, 2019March 29, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I am struggling with this full term abortion that some states are wanting to allow. Actually, I struggle with the idea of abortion at all. Obviously this is one of the most heavily debated topics. As much as I want to jump on a soap box and give you my views, that is not what I want to talk about today. I know. Surprise opening if I am not debating pro-life and abortion, but everyone should know my heart on that by now.

What I want is discuss is if there are so many people outraged at this, why is it happening? We live in the United States of America which I was taught in school is a republic. The definition of republic is: “a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.” Okay, I will agree to that. I have also heard it said we are a democracy. A democracy is “a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.”

So whatever our country is, it is “by the people” and not just by the elected. With so many citizens being upset with this latest abortion ruling, I ponder why it is passing. Aren’t there more of us that are appalled and against it than there are that are for it?

If the information I have been reading is true, it is absolutely nothing short of barbaric. For a Nation that says “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. . .” this latest news on full-term abortion doesn’t sound too welcoming. It sounds like veiled infanticide. I see the comparisons of the protection for the young endangered species verses an unborn human child and it breaks my heart.

What can we do? Honestly, if so many of us are disturbed by this shouldn’t we be doing something? My thought is to PRAY FERVENTLY and WITHOUT CEASING. Each day take this before Abba, our Father and Creator. If we are so immensely grieved, He must be so much more than we can fathom. Second, tell every elected official. Ask what can be done to stop this lunacy. Someone much smarter than I should have some ideas on what it takes to stop this killing.

Please, nothing else. No violence, no protests, nothing that could get out of hand. This was something I needed to talk to you about and request prayer. It seems ridiculous that there are so many against this and yet it bulldozes through. We need to put on the Armor of God and pray! Will you join me?

Perfect Timing

Posted on March 29, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Lent is a time of waiting and preparing. Reminiscent of the forty days Jesus spent in the desert preparing for Holy Week and His crucifiction, it allows us time consider things in our lives as we patiently wait for Easter.

How patient of a person are you? Are you able to sit and let things happen in their own time? Perhaps you are more impatient and would rather nudge things along? My mother takes delight in sharing that I was “born 25 days early and have kept up that pace ever since.” Obviously, she doesn’t think I am a patient waiter.

Scripture tells us to “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him…” (Psalm 37:7). Nothing in that says to hurry Him along. In Psalm 130:5 it says “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.” All throughout the Bible we are instructed to wait on God. Assurances are given that His timing and His ways are far better than our own. Do we listen and wait? I try, but. . .

Have you ever tried to rush things? You wanted something so much that you just couldn’t wait? Maybe you took something out of the oven before it was fully baked and instead of experiencing a perfect bite it was awful. I had a friend whose son took his driver’s test the first day he was able but didn’t study. It wasn’t the right time, and yes, he failed.

For four years I have been praying for someone who is troubled. Physical issues are now manifesting in emotional ways. Depression and anxiety have not just set in but rooted themselves. I haven’t given up. The Bible says to “pray without ceasing” and so I am. I have to catch myself because I want to give God some suggestions on how to get this done. He doesn’t need that.

So I pray and wait until it is His time, completely giving my loved one over to the Creator. When it is His timing then things will change. In the meantime, God is here. Always here.

Lent is a time of preparing my heart and mind for the miracle of Easter. It is a time of waiting for what is to come and denying ourselves luxuries like Jesus did in the desert. This is a time for drawing near to God and waiting. Take comfort in knowing that no matter what you are waiting for when it is God’s time for it to happen, it will. Until then, keep praying.

Listen to What I Mean and Not What I Say

Posted on March 22, 2019March 21, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Mammaw used to tell us often, “you need to listen to what I mean and not what I say.” To a kid that sounded ridiculously funny. As an adult, I get it. How many times have I lost a word when speaking or switched one for another? Anyone else ever do that?

My husband laughed at me as I asked him recently to put something in the dishwasher in the garage. At the time I was doing dishes and needed something put in the outside refrigerator. My daughter would have chuckled and complied. Not my comedian of a hubby. “Want me to put in dishwasher soap, too, honey?” he asked trying to maintain a straight face. Then I realized what I had actually said. (Watch for him in a comedy club near you – hahaha!)

Words are meant as a means of communications. Sometimes they work smoothly and others they just don’t. We share them with others. Sometimes when life gets tough and trials come, words fail me. They want to stay bottled up inside. Friends are always ready to lend a shoulder and ear, but it isn’t always that easy.

Abba hears us and knows exactly what we mean even before He hears the words. His Word assures us of that. Isaiah 65:24 says “…before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Our God is so powerful He know our prayers before we pray them. He always listens to what we mean.

Sometimes my soul is weary or hurts and words leave it. I want to pray but I can’t seem to form the words. Tears fall with no problem. Things in my life or the world seem insurmountable. There is a lot going on that should not be. In Romans 8:26 scripture tells me that “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” So God hears me even when I cannot form the words. The Holy Spirit knows.

I hope you take comfort as I do in knowing that our prayers are always heard even when we are so down hearted we can only “be silent” with God in prayer and let the Holy Spirit intercede for us. If you misspeak, like I often do, God hears what you mean. He sees us through the eyes of a Loving Father.