Prayer & Free Pretty Prayer Graphic

Many years ago, when a family member was seriously ill, an acquaintance told me she'd be sending all her positive energy for healing. I thanked her for the concern. I knew that all the positive energy she and her friends had combined, wasn't going to help my loved one.

God gave us His Word, the Bible as an instruction manual for our life. A quick online search (www.biblegateway.com) gave me a word count that pray/prayer is mentioned over 600 times in the King James Bible. I did a search for "positive energy" and it's no surprise, that phrase is not in the Bible.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always
keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:18

click for largest size, free for personal or ministry use, not for sale. 

Have you ever thought - All I can do is pray!!

Billy Graham said that's the equivalent of offering a starving man food.

Meaning, it's the BEST we can offer someone.

He says, Praying unlocks the doors of Heaven and releases the power of God.

God wants us to pray for others, He uses our prayers to touch their lives.

I have a dear friend in a severe trial. When I saw her this past week, she said she was filled with so much anxiety that particular morning, she could hardly bear it. She prayed and asked the Lord to lift the oppressive burden from her and she immediately had a sense of peace wash over her. The trial didn't go away, but the Lord gave her the peace she needed for that day. It was evident on her face. There was a physical change I saw in her before she even told me.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Elisabeth Elliot - What God gives in answer to our prayers will always be the thing we most urgently need, and it will always be sufficient. 

Corrie Ten Boom – Sometimes I pray with an open Bible and say, “Father, You have promised us this, now I trust that You will do it.” I know God likes that for He has meant every promise and He is pleased when we believe His promises.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13

My husband (and pastor) shares his thoughts on prayer: 
Have you ever thought of all the people in the world, who are praying at the same time in hundreds, possibly thousands of languages and dialects? God hears every prayer. He not only hears the prayers, He remembers every word of each prayer. The number of prayers God has heard since Adam & Eve is as the number of the grains of sand by the sea. That in itself is remarkable, yet to further astound us is the fact He has remembered every word that has ever been spoken by anyone. He knows all the words we will ever speak. We serve an awesome, omniscient God with unlimited abilities.

The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 145:18

My stepson and his wife have a prayer jar with names of people or situations that need prayer. After dinner, each family member (children included) chooses a stone and prays. One of their prayers was answered today for someone they had been praying for five years.

Trust.... leave the details to God. He knows your future, He knows what is best for you. He knows you better than you know yourself. His thoughts toward you, outnumber the sand on the beach. That's Awesome!!

For other free printables on my blog, you can visit here: http://littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com/p/freebies.html

 

Free Vintage Graphics - Missionary Quotes

I have a lovely new printable for you to download if you'd like. It features three different quotes by three missionaries - Hudson Taylor, Corrie Ten Boom, and Elisabeth Elliot. You'll see an example below of what the printable looks like, it's in pdf format and the link is available at the end of this post.

Hudson Taylor (1852-1905) was a missionary to China and founded China Inland Mission (CIM). Hudson trusted God completely for all aspects of his mission work. The featured quote is:

When I cannot read,

when I cannot think,

when I cannot even pray, 

I can trust. 

~ Hudson Taylor ~

Corrie Ten Boom - Corrie, her father and other family members helped many Jewish people escape the Holocaust during WWII. Corrie and her sister were sent to a concentration camp, where he sister died and she was later released due to a clerical error. She continued to serve the Lord. One of  history's greatest women of faith. The featured quote is:

When God allows extraordinary trials for his people,

He prepares extraordinary comforts for them. 

~ Corrie Ten Boom ~ 

Elisabeth Elliot - Missionary, author and so much more. One of the top influential Christian women in history. Her first husband, Jim Elliot was killed in 1956 along with other missionaries while attempting to make contact with the Auca people. The featured quote is:

Help me to receive grace, 

to keep a quiet heart,

sure that I am, in this very moment,

held in the everlasting arms. 

~ Elisabeth Elliot ~

My friend Michele, who blogs at Living Our Days, has probably read every one of Elisabeth books and frequently write about her. Here is one of her posts about Elisabeth's new book Suffering is Never for Nothing. 

Knowing God in the Midst of Our Pain
 

You can download your free printable here:

http://bit.ly/lbbmissionaryquotes

You can find other free printables here on my blog by going to my freebies page:  bit.ly/lbbfreebiespage

Thanks so much for visiting my blog. If you're viewing this via email, you can find the blog here: https://littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com/

Advent Series ~ Day 23 ~ FORGIVENESS

25 Days of God Given Gifts

Be kind and compassionate to one another, 

forgiving each other,

just as in Christ God forgave you. 

Ephesians 4:32

In 1999 Craig Scott was in the library of his high school – Columbine, when two shooters massacred his close friends and classmates in front of him.

He didn’t know until the next day that his sister Rachel Scott had been one of the first students killed in the cafeteria. He tells how hatred and bitterness took root and consumed him. A mentor shared some life changing words with him.

Forgiveness is like setting a prisoner free and finding out that prisoner was you.

Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. Luke 6:28 (KJV)

Craig Scott learned when resentment and hatred are harbored in our hearts, we not only hurt ourselves, but those who love us. Healing can’t begin until a point of forgiveness has been reached.

Corrie Ten Boom was a Holocaust survivor. She endured horrific circumstances while in the concentration camps. She tells in her own words, a situation where she came face to face with a man she did not have the human strength to forgive.

He extended his hand to her and asked forgiveness. Listen to this you tube video to find what she did when faced with this difficult situation. If you don’t have time to watch it now, please come back to it. It’s about 7 minutes long and well worth it.

Corrie Ten Boom on Forgiveness

Thank you so much for visiting today. I hope and pray if bitterness and resentment has taken root in your heart, you’ll consider these scriptures and seek God's help in forgiving.

PREVIOUS ADVENT DEVOTION LINKS HERE

Day 1 ~ ABUNDANT LIFE

Day 2 ~ COMFORT

Day 3 ~ DELIVERANCE

Day 4 ~ STRENGTH

Day 5 ~ GRACE

Day 6 ~ WISDOM

Day 7 ~ PRAYER

Day 8 ~ SALVATION

Day 9 ~ PEACE

Day 10 ~ LOVE

Day 11 ~ REST

Day 12 ~ HOPE

Day 13 ~ BIBLE
Day 14 ~ FAITH
Day 15 ~ JOY
Day 16 ~ REFUGE
Day 17 ~ PROVIDER
Day 18 ~ MERCY
Day 19 ~ BLESSINGS

Day 20 ~ HEAVEN

Day 21 ~ GUIDANCE
Day 22 ~ HELP

Two FREE printables that go with this series. You can find download links here:

http://bit.ly/FREEadventgraphics

These images are free for personal use, ministry use, or for gifting. Not to be sold. If you share the images on your blog, a link back would be appreciated. Please do not copy my entire posts to your blog. Thank you. 

Little Birdie Blessings by EMAIL

Little Birdie Blessings - FACEBOOK

Little Birdie Blessings INSTAGRAM

25 Days God Given Gifts - Day 23 - FORGIVENESS

Day 23 ~ Unwrapping the gift of:

FORGIVENESS

Be kind and compassionate to one another, 

forgiving each other,

 just as in Christ God forgave you. 

Ephesians 4:32 

I was in my early 20’s when my mother brought some of these forgiveness verses mentioned here, to my attention. I was struggling with the emotional turmoil of an older woman who hated me.  She hated me due to lies she believed about me. It was at that time I learned a hard lesson about forgiveness, and praying for people that had wronged me.  

This woman didn’t ask me to forgive her and she was never remorseful for the hurtful things she said to me, but I chose to forgive and to pray for her.  In turn, it released me from bitterness taking root.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV)

When we harbor resentment and hatred in our hearts, we’re hurting ourselves and those that love us.  Healing can’t begin until you reach a point of forgiveness.  In 1999 Craig Scott was in the library of his high school – Columbine, when two shooters massacred his close friends and classmates in front of him. 

He didn’t know until the next day that his sister Rachel Scott had been one of the first students killed in the cafeteria.  He tells how hatred and bitterness took root and consumed him.  A mentor shared some life changing words with him.

Forgiveness is like setting a prisoner free and finding out that prisoner was you.

Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.

Luke 6:28 (KJV)

I’ll close with a very moving video of a dear woman of God, Corrie Ten Boom. As a Holocaust survivor, Corrie endured horrific circumstances while in the concentration camps.  She tells in her own words, a situation where she came face to face with one she did not have the human strength to forgive.  

He extended his hand to her and asked forgiveness.  Listen to what she did when faced with this difficult situation.   If you don’t have time to watch it now, please come back to it.  It’s about 7 minutes long and well worth it.

If you aren't able to view the video above, you can find it here on you tube:
Corrie Ten Boom - How to Forgive

Thank you so much for visiting today.  I hope and pray if bitterness and resentment has taken root in your heart, you’ll consider these scriptures and seek the Lord’s help in forgiving.

You can find this series in the following places:

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Here on this Blog

Lovely Victorian Graphic

When God allows extraordinary trials for his people, 
He prepares extraordinary comforts for them. 
Corrie Ten Boom

In the multitude of my anxieties within me,

Your comforts delight my soul.
Psalm 94:19

This beautiful Victorian graphic is from a lovely scrapbook of the Victorian era, given to me by my daughter.

Comfort in Trials

When God allows extraordinary trials for his people,
He prepares extraordinary comforts for them. 
Corrie Ten Boom

In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.
Psalm 94:19

Lovely Free Vintage Facebook Covers

Hello friends, I have some free Facebook Covers that I designed for you.  You'll notice a pink theme to them as it's Saturday, and I'm linking this to Beverly's Pink Saturday.  Some of these covers you may recognize, others may be new.  Either way, I thought it would be fun to put them all together today.  The one below was made from a vintage postage stamp quilt that I scanned.  I'm somewhat partial to this one. 

Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:24b

To save to your computer, click on image for largest size, right click and save to your computer.  These Facebook Covers are free for your personal use, or sharing.  They may be used for other things as well, such as on your blog or website.  Please link back if used in this way, it's nice to share.  

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future
to an all knowing God.
Corrie Ten Boom

Count Your Blessings

Untroubled be thy Days

Huge Pink Rose

Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings. 
Psalm 63:7

.....But the greatest of these is Love.
1 Corinthians 13:13b

These were all made using vintage images or materials from my collection.  I hope you enjoy them.  You can find me on Facebook here:  Little Birdie Blessings on Facebook

I hope you all have a blessed day.

The Tapestry of our Lives

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21 NIV

If you’ve ever done needlework, weaving or sewing, you know the top side is always the most attractive. 

Source

I came across this poem a number of years ago while going through a box of family photos.  It was handwritten on a piece of paper, the author unknown.  I am still deeply moved by the incredible insight of the author.   

The Tapestry

My life is but a weaving,
 between my Lord and me;
I cannot chose the colors,
He worketh steadily.

Oft times he weaveth sorrow,
 and I, in foolish pride,
Forget he sees the upper
and I the underside.

Not ‘til the loom is silent
 and the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
 and explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
in the Weaver's skillful hands,
as the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

When I think of an actual weaving or tapestry, I know that a lot of precious time and care goes into making it.  It’s not something that can be whipped up in an evening.   The beauty of the finished product is in the various fibers used.  If a tapestry was made of all gold threads, there would be no beauty in it, as it would not form a pattern.

It’s in the combination of colors, threads, fibers, weaves, and strands that the artist chooses to use, that make the finished product beautiful.  Our lives are a tapestry and God is the designer.  He sees the finished product while the work is still in progress.   

God knows and is interested both in the hardest problems we face and the tiniest details that concern us.  He knows how to put everything in place, like a jigsaw puzzle, to make a beautiful picture. 
Corrie Ten Boom

The dark threads are as needful
in the Weaver's skillful hands,
as the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

What are our dark threads?  Illness, death of a loved one, emotional or physical pain, broken relationships, financial stress or any other trial that’s personal to you. 

God is love. 
His will is always best
God is all-knowing. 
His directions are always right
God is all-powerful. 
He can enable you to accomplish His will.

Sometimes you find yourself in difficult or confusing circumstances.  To understand bad or difficult circumstances, God’s perspective is vital.  Never ever determine the truth of a situation by looking at the circumstances.  You cannot know the truth of any circumstance until you have heard from God. 

Henry Blackaby ~ Experiencing God

My times are in Your hand.
  Psalm 31:15a

We may never know while here on this earth why we experienced a certain trial, but for those who trust in the Lord, there will be a day when the top side of our personal tapestry is revealed to us.   It will be so beautiful, it will defy description. 

Only Heaven will reveal the top part of God’s tapestry.
Corrie Ten Boom

Encouragement for Trials ~ Printable Quote

When God allows extraordinary trials for His people,
He prepares extraordinary comforts for them.

~ Corrie Ten Boom ~

free printable quote by Corrie Ten Boom

In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.Psalm 94:19 NKJV

free vintage birthday postcard

I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4 NKJV 

free blank vintage postcard frame

Thanks for visiting here today my friends.  These graphics are free for you.  Click for a larger size, then right click, and save to your computer.


This post is linked to Anything Blue Friday,  

Scripture Thursday ~ Forgiveness

But I say unto you, Love your enemies,
bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them
which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
Matthew 5:44 (KJV)

free for personal use or sharing

I was in my 20’s when my mother brought this verse to my attention.  I was struggling with the emotional turmoil of an older woman that hated me.  She hated me due to lies she believed about me.  It was at that time I learned a hard lesson about forgiveness, and praying for people that had wronged me. 

This woman didn’t ask me to forgive her and she was never remorseful for the hurtful things she said to me, but I chose to forgive and to pray for her.  In turn, it released me from bitterness taking root.

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking,
be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32 (KJV)

free for personal use or sharing

There is a young woman in my life that is very dear to me.  I’ve known her since she was 4 years old and she is now 15.  She has this to say about forgiveness: 
Something I have noticed with forgiveness is, I end up needing to forgive someone more than once.  I will say I forgive someone, but do I really?  Sometimes I will still be bitter towards them and I know I haven’t completely forgiven them.  I wish I could forgive the way Jesus does.  It would be nice to forgive and forget.

Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another,
if anyone has a complaint against another;
even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Colossians 3:13 (NKJV)

When we harbor resentment and hatred in our hearts, we’re hurting ourselves and those that love us.  Healing can’t begin until you reach a point of forgiveness.  In 1999 Craig Scott was in the library of his high school – Columbine, when two shooters massacred his close friends and classmates in front of him.

He didn’t know until the next day that his sister Rachel Scott had been one of the first students killed in the cafeteria.  He tells how hatred and bitterness took root and consumed him.  A mentor shared some life changing words with him.

Forgiveness is like setting a prisoner free and finding out that prisoner was you.  

free for personal use or sharing

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Luke 6:28 (KJV)I’ll close with a very moving video of a dear woman of God, Corrie Ten Boom.  As a Holocaust survivor, Corrie endured horrific circumstances while in the concentration camps.  She tells in her own words, a situation where she came face to face with one she did not have the human strength to forgive. 

He extended his hand to her and asked forgiveness.  Listen to what she did when faced with this difficult situation.   If you don’t have time to watch it now, please come back to it.  It’s about 7 minutes long and well worth it.

Thank you so much for visiting today.  I hope and pray if bitterness and resentment has taken root in your heart, that you’ll consider the scriptures and seek the Lord’s help in forgiving.

This post is linked to: Word Art Wednesday, Titus2uesdays, Women in the Word Wednesdays, Hearts 4 Home Thursday, Monday Musings, Deep Roots at Home,