Tag Archives: God

What Kind of Prayers Does God Really Answer?

2 Sep

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

How much we labor in our prayer time has nothing to do with Labor Day. Recently while a pastor taught this topic, some of us squirmed in our seats.

“When we ask God for blessings,” he said, “we often repeat mousy petitions.”

Mousy petitions? He explained the prayers we blurt out often carry doubt. We lack the reassurance that God will grant what we ask. They repeat the circumstance, not the victory we can count on. They mention the dark side, and fail to declare God’s triumphant possibilities.

And when we ask, we forget to give thanks. We forget to anticipate He will answer. We overlook the mighty way He can exercise His power.

So, what’s the best way to pray?

With boldness, with conviction, with authority, with firmness and with holy audacity.

The number of words we use don’t matter. Nor the flowery expressions. But, the complete faith, the firm authority because of Jesus is what makes the difference.

They did for John and Peter. They saw the beggar at the entrance of the temple. “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” (Acts 3:6-8)

Why did Peter take the man by the hand? Because he was sure he could get up. Because he declared it in the name of Jesus. Because he counted in Jesus’ power at work. Because he was confident Jesus was working through him. And because he knew the man’s crippled legs were no match to Jesus’ healing power.

How about making that change?

When on your knees, lift the power of God at work, the authority you have in Jesus, the answers that align with Scripture, the promises that echo through His Word.

When you pray the power instead of the problem, you activate the confidence you need, the boldness you must express, and the answer in which you must believe.

On a personal note, I don’t dwell or labor in asking God over and over again for healing of my blindness. I declare I am healed. I will see whether here on earth or in heaven. It’s a guarantee.

In the meantime, when I focus on the power at work not the problem, my blindness isn’t a sorry circumstance, but a reminder that God’s power is still at work.

Let’s Pray

Father, thank You for transforming the way I bring petitions before you. I praise You for the freedom that comes when I focus on Your power, Your promises, and our divine position to give me the answer in Your perfect timing. In Jesus name.

Who counsels you when life gets sticky?

Bonus article on today’s subject. 

Janet

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

Your copy waits for you HERE.

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

The Glory of the Lord

21 Aug

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day,

So is the appearance of the brightness all around it,

The appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. 

Ezekiel 1:28

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

You Answer Our Prayers

14 Aug

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Psalm 65:5-6 TPT

You answer our prayers with amazing wonders

And with awe-inspiring displays of power.

You are the righteous God who helps us like a father.

Everyone everywhere looks to you,

For you are the confidence of all the earth,

Even to the farthest islands of the sea.

What jaw-dropping astounding power is yours!

You are the mountain maker who sets them all in one place

Photo Credit:Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

Covenant

7 Aug

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Genesis 9:12-15

And God Said: This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations;

I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.

When I bring a cloud over the earth, the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh.

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

Bless This House

17 Jul

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Joel 2:25+

I will restore or replace for you the years that the locusts have eaten. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord, your God, who has dealt wondrously with you, and my people shall never be put to shame, and afterward, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters will dream dreams and see visions. 

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

Our God Forever

10 Jul

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Deuteronomy 7:9

Remember that the Lord your God is the only God and that he is faithful. He will keep his covenant and show his constant love to a thousand generations of those who love him and obey his commands. 

Let us adore Him

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

My Passion

3 Jul

My Take

DiVoran Lites

My passion and delight is in your word, for I love what you say to me! I long for more revelation of your truth, for I love the light of your word as I meditate on your decrees. 

As I journey through life, I put all your statutes to music; they become the theme of my joyous songs.

Throughout the night, I think of you, dear God;

I treasure your every word to me.

All this joy is mine as I follow your ways! 

Photo Credit:Pixabay

The Blessing

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

No Eyesight, No Limbs, But Enjoying the Fullness of Life

1 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 7/1/23

In the middle of the crowded NRB convention, I stood beside Nick Vujicic and faced him. “Can we take a picture together?” I asked him.

“Sure,” he said in his Australian accent.

So here we are, me, the blind gal, and Nick, the amazing man with no limbs.

My blindness is nothing compared to his limitations. But wait a minute, limitations? No, Senor! The world may see them that way, but Nick has no limitations when it comes to fulfilling his mission to spread the Good News.

He has no arms but he embraces the Gospel. He has no legs or feet but walks on God’s truth and takes it to literally millions across the world.

So how do we live that abundant life despite perceived limitations?

Here are three ways:

  1. Listen to the right voices. Turn away from the internal voice that says, “I can’t do that” or “that’s impossible for me.” When that type of thinking dominates the mind, we become silly sheep who end up eating discouragement for lunch. However, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27)

Jesus’ voice says in Him there are no limitations, no handicaps, no disabilities. In Him, those disabilities turn to abilities for you to see how He guides you better, brings you farther, and lifts you higher. His voice opens doors that even those without legs walk through. He paints beautiful horizons even the blind can see.

  1. Remain connected to Christ Jesus, the divine source. Whatever challenge, physical, emotional or mental, He’s the source that supplies all we need, makes all things possible and takes us over hurdles of difficulties. Even without sight, without limbs, Jesus says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5).

And we celebrate that fruit that we bear, not because of our own abilities, but because we remain In Jesus. And He remains in us, in our struggles, in our tough moments and seemingly in impossibilities.

  1. Expect God’s provision to exceed your expectations. To the world, those unable to see or walk may be labeled as having limitations, but there’s no limit in He “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us” (Ephesians 3:12).

God’s power within lifts barriers, makes the way and moves mountains of opposition.

No matter your perceived limitations—dark prognosis from the doctor, failure, rejection, loss or loneliness, broken relationships—in our eyes, limitations turn to obstacles. And in God’s hands, limitations turn to beautiful possibilities.

Let’s Pray

Father, let my life reflect Your truth that with you as my source of power. There are no barriers to the abundance You promised. In Jesus name.

What preconceived limitations are holding you back?

Check out Nick’s message of hope HERE.

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Special Announcement

I invite you to dance with me in celebration of my newly released book: Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy. I wrote it for you—to uplift you with fresh inspiration. You can get it HERE.

Let’s Stay in Touch

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

Revelation

26 Jun

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Ps. 119:33-40

Give me revelation about the meaning of your ways so I can enjoy the reward of following them fully.

Give me an understanding heart to know and passionately obey your truth.

Guide me into the paths that please you, for I delight in all you say. 

Cause my heart to bow before your words of wisdom and not to the wealth of this world.

Help me turn my eyes away from illusions so that I pursue only that which is true;

Drench my soul with life as I walk in your paths.

Reassure me of your promises, for I am your beloved,

Your servant who bows before you. 

Defend me from being criticised because I keep your beautiful words.

See how I long with cravings for more of your ways? 

Let your righteousness revive my spirit!

Photo Credit: Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

King Priest

19 Jun

My Take

DiVoran Lites

He understands humanity, for as a Man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are and conquered sin. So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness. 

Photo Credit:Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”