We all go through times in our lives that can be hard and discouraging. The loss of a loved one or being a victim of a crime can be devastating. Losing your job, a relationship, or your home can damage your confidence in life. Here are some powerful bible verses and quotations to encourage you soul, no matter what you’re going through today!

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. – Matthew 11:28-29

God’s word is powerful in making people feel stronger by reminding them that they can get through anything with God’s love. The Holy Spirit ministers to our souls when we read the Bible. These uplifting quotes are a great way to start your morning, and they can also guide your thoughts when you’re going through a hard time.

Keep these Bible verses close to your heart. They will keep you going through difficult times.

Faith in God is the certainty of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1). It is what keeps us going when others would quit. Here are some Bible scriptures that emphasize the significance of faith and how powerful it can be.

Matthew 17:20
Our faith can move mountains.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Fear can be suffocating. It can leave you feeling paralyzed or unable to take the next step. By God’s grace, you can overcome the debilitating power of fear, as these verses show.

Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, or the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Joel 2:21
Do not fear, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things!

There is no limit to how much God loves us and how powerful his love is. These inspiring quotations show us just how far it goes. Knowing that God loves us gives us hope, and the promise of a peaceful and joyous life to come is welcome news. These texts in the Bible reveal that God’s love for us is renewed daily.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Psalm 121:1-5
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is, but what is unseen is eternal.

Isaiah 55:12
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

If you’re feeling down or hopeless, turning to God can give you a boost. When we connect with God, anything is possible, according to Mark and Matthew. His presence in everything that we undertake bolsters us.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Mark 10:27

Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man, it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.’

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.’

What we’ve listed above is a collection of Bible verses that can help us stay strong during hard times. These may give you the inspiration or reminder to stay strong in your faith. Remember, God’s love will empower us to overcome anything we can face in this life.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. 

We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and practical training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. 

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The Bible is full of examples of people praying to God and seeing His power at work in their lives. These prayers cover various topics, from requests for help to expressions of thankfulness, and each one is powerful in its own way. 

It doesn’t matter who you are or how perfect your words are—all that matters is that you are genuine before God. Anyone who believes in God will be shown His love and kindness. The truth will set them free (John 8:32)!

The words of the Bible are timeless and can serve as our guide through life. To put you on the right path, these Bible prayers can be referenced whenever you need some help or encouragement:

That all Christians stay one, despite their differences, is also one of Jesus’ most heartfelt requests in the Bible. He prayed for our unity so that the world might believe in God (John 17:20-23).

I do not pray for these alone [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for [all] those who [will ever] believe and trust in Me through their message, that they all may be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe [without any doubt] that You sent Me.

I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected and completed into one, so that the world may know [without any doubt] that You sent Me, and [that You] have loved them, just as You have loved Me.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said this prayer to the Father. During Jesus’ time on earth, he prayed and wept bitterly, fearing the agony he would experience due to his death and the subsequent separation from God (Matthew 26:36-45). 

The human character of Jesus’ struggle, even though he understood that his crucifixion was unavoidable and part of God’s plan for him, can encourage us greatly. When we feel overwhelmed, we can remember that Jesus had sweat that looked like blood because of his anguish (Luke 22:44).

And being in agony [deeply distressed and anguished; almost to the point of death], He prayed more intently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down on the ground.

He can comfort us because he knows what it is like to suffer, and we can take courage from him to totally surrender in obedience to the will of God, despite the cost to ourselves.

David’s prayer for fury and peace is also included in the Bible, as is his plea for God’s mercy. When David wrote this brief psalm, he was lamenting God over the false accusations that were leveled against him and seeking shelter in God (Psalm 7). 

God! God! I am running to you for dear life;
    the chase is wild.
If they catch me, I’m finished:
    ripped to shreds by foes fierce as lions,
    dragged into the forest and left
    unlooked for, unremembered.

God, if I’ve done what they say—
    betrayed my friends,
    ripped off my enemies—
If my hands are really that dirty,
    let them get me, walk all over me,
    leave me flat on my face in the dirt.

Stand up, God; pit your holy fury
    against my furious enemies.
Wake up, God. My accusers have packed
    the courtroom; it’s judgment time.
Take your place on the bench, reach for your gavel,
    throw out the false charges against me.
I’m ready, confident in your verdict:
    “Innocent.”

Close the book on Evil, God,
    but publish your mandate for us.
You get us ready for life:
    …probe for our soft spots,
    you knock off our rough edges.
And I’m feeling so fit, so safe:
    made right, kept right.
God in solemn honor does things right,
    but his nerves are sandpapered raw.

Nobody gets by with anything.
    God is already in action—
Sword honed on his whetstone,
    bow strung, arrow on the string,
Lethal weapons in hand,
    each arrow a flaming missile.

Look at that guy!
    He had sex with sin,
    he’s pregnant with evil.
Oh, look! He’s having
    the baby—a Lie-Baby!

See that man shoveling day after day,
    digging, then concealing, his man-trap
    down that lonely stretch of road?
Go back and look again—you’ll see him in it headfirst,
    legs waving in the breeze.
That’s what happens:
    mischief backfires;
    violence boomerangs.

I’m thanking God, who makes things right.
I’m singing the fame of heaven-high God.

Over seventy-three of the Book of Psalms 150 books are composed of David’s hymns and psalms. Many of David’s prayers in the Bible were very personal and deeply felt. 

For this reason, the Book of Psalms is sometimes called the “anatomy of the soul.” You’ll find it all there when it comes to feeling thankful, asking for forgiveness, praying for deliverance, and even being angry in Psalms. 

One of the most consoling prayers in the Bible was spoken by King David in 2 Samuel 7:18-29. It is a prayer of thankfulness and a beautiful tribute to God’s greatness.

The prayer of Jabez for strength and protection in the book of Chronicles is one of the Bible’s most meaningful and powerful. Jabez was listed in the genealogy of Judah in 1 Chronicles 4:2-21. 

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would indeed bless me and enlarge my border [property], and that Your hand would be with me, and You would keep me from evil so that it does not hurt me!” And God granted his request.

The Chronicles author provided a brief history of Jabez’s name and a short prayer to the Lord. Even though it was just a few words, it was a powerful plea for protection. 

He seemed meant to do great things in this world and prayed to God for aid.

Hannah’s prayer is one of the most potent ones recorded in the Bible, and it’s one that we should study closely. Hannah was a devoutly religious lady who had to deal with the stigma of being childless. 

Hannah prayed for a son in the temple of Shiloh and swore to devote her child to the Lord. Samuel was born due to her prayers, and she named him after the Lord. Hannah expressed her thanks with her adoration prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10).

Hannah prayed and said,

“My heart rejoices and triumphs in the Lord;
..horn (strength) is lifted up in the Lord,
My mouth has opened wide [to speak boldly] against my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Your salvation.
“There is no one holy like the Lord,
There is no one besides You,
…no Rock like our God.
“Do not go on boasting so very proudly,
Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
For the Lord is a God of knowledge,
And by Him actions are weighed (examined).
“The bows of the mighty are ^[a]broken,
But those who have stumbled equip themselves with strength.
“Those who were full hire themselves out for bread,
But those who were hungry cease [to hunger].
Even the barren [woman] gives birth to seven,
But she who has many children withers away.

“The Lord puts to death and makes alive;
He brings down to Sheol (the grave) and raises up [from the grave].
“The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
He brings low and He lifts up.
“He raises up the poor from the dust,
…lifts up the needy from the ash heap
To make them sit with nobles,
And inherit a seat of honor and glory;
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
And He set the land on them.
“He guards the feet of His godly (faithful) ones,
But the wicked ones are silenced and perish in darkness;
For a man shall not prevail by might.
“The adversaries of the Lord will be broken to pieces;
He will thunder against them in the heavens,
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
And He will give strength to His king,
And will exalt the horn (strength) of His anointed.”

We can learn a lot from Paul’s prayers in the Bible. After his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul spoke about God everywhere he went. He also had a role in the founding of the Ephesian church, and it had been a long time since he had seen them. 

Consequently, Paul composed a letter addressed to the Ephesians in which he asked God to provide the Ephesians with a spirit of understanding that would lead to spiritual progress (Ephesians 1:15-23).

 [I always pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may grant you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation [that gives you a deep and personal and intimate insight] into the true knowledge of Him [for we know the Father through the Son]. And [I pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the Holy Spirit], so that you will know and cherish the hope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints (God’s people), and [so that you will begin to know] what the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His [active, spiritual] power is in us who believe. 

The Bible is packed with requests for wisdom and direction, and that’s because we all need it. There are many renowned and powerful prayers in the Bible, but one of the most well-known is Solomon’s request for direction (1 Kings 3:5-15).

“So give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart [with which] to judge Your people, so thatI may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge and rule this great people of Yours?”

The Bible is full of powerful Spirit-led prayers that have touched people’s hearts and shaped people’s prayers for centuries. Our prayers reveal our deep emotions as well as the splendor, mercy, and grace of God. These pleas to God have inspired many and will continue to inspire many more people for generations to come. 

Are you interested in knowing more about discipleship organizations in Canada?

Global Disciples trains leaders who live near the least-reached communities to multiply disciples of Jesus Christ and share His Good News. We provide discipleship training to local churches to assist them in activating and mobilizing their members. Contact us and become a part of our community as we spread the Good News of Jesus worldwide.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. 

We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and practical training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. 

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

In the Great Commission, Jesus told his closest friends to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). After ministering to others, it’s beneficial to know whether we are actually fulfilling that instruction.

Have we in fact made disciples of the people we’ve ministered to? How can we be sure?

Are we living out Jesus’ Great Commission to make disciples?

Fortunately, the Bible has given us some guidelines to help us define discipleship. Characteristics of righteous people are mentioned throughout the Bible and certainly agree with each other. We must learn to interpret scripture through the lens of scripture itself.

Looking God’s attributes is an ideal way for us to see the qualities we need to reach for.

We need to know who God is if we are to identify His followers.

A disciple is one who is a follower and learner of a person or group. The goal is to learn, live, and be like Jesus Christ.

The path of discipleship is a journey that includes studying the Bible, fellowship with others, receiving ministry, and doing ministry. The Bible gives us a variety of characteristics that are desirable in a disciple.

What are these qualities? The Bible is clear on the qualities of discipleship.

Below are 5 characteristics of a disciple of God, as shown in Scripture, and consequently 5 qualities of God Himself.

The Bible tells us that God is patient with us, slow to anger and abounding in love (Psalm 86:15).

Consequently, the Bible also calls us to be patient, kind, and gentle. We do this by bearing HIS fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22). When we allow His fruit to grow in our lives, our actions naturally become more patient, kind, and gentle.

God is reflected in the Bible as having a very clear plan for humanity and sticking with it (Philippians 1:6). The very life and death of Christ is the fulfillment of this plan. As He resonates through his disciples, they will begin to let Christ become ruler over every aspect. Wasteful living is rejected and daily activities are carried out with the purpose of serving God.

Christ gave up everything to be the ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. The Bible calls us to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). This means being willing to give up our own desires, dreams, and comforts to instead be a blessing to others. There have been many examples in history of disciples showing this sacrificial love to violent people whose lives completely changed. They saw their need to also have that kind of sacrificial love.

It is Biblically true that we are all saved by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:9). Its also true that our works are an indication of our salvation (James 2:18). We are not saved BY good works. But, if we are saved we will DO good works. This is also true in our willingness to work. There is a big difference between resting in the Lord and laziness. Laziness can de defines as not willing to work. Whereas, resting in God is finding the strength in Him to be able to work and work well. A disciple will still work to earn a living, and be willing to work hard as a blessing to others.

In our human nature, we are often quick to judge. How often to we place labels & expectations on others?.

Through Christ, we should be ready to believe the change in others. Its always useful to remember the changes God caused in us. The Bible calls us to always look for the good in others. Just as, in fact, God always saw the potential in us (Ephesians 4). Remember Jonah? He’s described in as having an attitude contrary to God’s attitude toward the people of Nineveh. Nevertheless God worked powerfully IN him and THROUGH him! God saw Jonah’s potential even when Jonah was not living up to that potential. We need God’s grace to be able to see the potential in others.

These 5 qualities of a disciple of God are by no means conclusive.

God is the one who causes His nature to grow within us (1 Corinthians 3:7). We cannot be better people without His strength and guidance. While we all still struggle with sin and can fail many times, by His grace we can start to show more of the attributes mentioned above. These attributes will be some of the markers that can confirm that indeed, Christ lives within us and we are His disciples.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today! 

Psalm 78 tells the story of an army fully equipped to fight but which turned back in the day of battle because they “forgot what God had done.” They lacked unwavering faith in God’s power and care. The enemy speaks often in our ear that God is not able, or God does not care, or God is not good. Faith counteracts this lie and helps us to keep praying even when the battle is difficult or long. 

And without faith, it is impossible to please God. For anyone who comes to Him (that is prayer) must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. – Hebrews 11:6

It is impossible to have relationship/communication with God without faith. When we come to God in prayer, we must have two things:

Faith and Prayer are inseparable.  If we have faith that God is sovereign, cares for us and loves to communicate with us, we will pray.  As we pray, obey and testify, we naturally grow in faith in God’s strength and care.

Our faith filled declaration of God’s word and His love plays a role in overcoming the kingdom of darkness.

“They overcame him (Satan), by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives
so much as to shrink from death.” – Revelation 12:11

There are many ways we can begin to understand the beautiful character of God but three ways we can grow our faith and pray faith-filled prayers is to focus on creation, the bible, and history.

Creation – The vastness of our universe is incredible. The Milky Way Galaxy, of which the earth is a part, has about 100 billion or more stars. The Milky Way is one of about 100 billion galaxies in the currently observable universe (some believe there could be two trillion). The average distance between stars in our galaxy is about 48 trillion kilometers. Traveling at the speed of the space shuttle, 8 kilometers per second (30 minutes from the USA to Indonesia), it would take 201,450 years to travel the average distance between stars. Unimaginable–and our God is the creator of it all. 

Psalm 103:11 states, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.”

Let that love settle into your soul!

The Bible – Consider the story of God’s deliverance of his people from the sovereign and powerful nation of Egypt as recorded in Exodus chapter 14. Read it as though you have never read it before. In response to the cries of His people, God literally split a sea in a night, dried the ground beneath, and led his people through. What an amazing act of deliverance! The Bible holds countless records of his power and works on behalf of His children.

History – In the early 1960s while reading through a Time Magazine story about a brutal gang-related murder in New York City, the pastor of a small country church 350 miles away, heard God speak. He saw a picture of the seven members of the Dragons gang who were charged with the murder, and he began to cry. In the book The Cross and the Switchblade, David Wilkerson recounts his experience, “I was dumbfounded by a thought that sprang suddenly into my head – full-blown, as though it had come into me from somewhere else: ‘Go to New York City and help those boys.’” Wilkerson obeyed God, went to New York City, and brought the life of Jesus to the leader and members of that gang. The story of God’s work described in this book is nothing short of remarkable. Take time each year to read at least one biography or autobiography of a Christian to encourage you to see how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His Kingdom.

Just as you read or hear stories of God’s work in the lives of other people, remember your own stories. Take time to reflect on what Jesus has done in your life–how you came to salvation, where he’s changed your habits, your attitudes, and your actions. And tell these stories to your children, your friends, and your co-workers. This is your story of faith; as you share it, it will build your faith and influence others to see the great work of God. Be honest, humble, and open but give God praise for His work.

As you reflect on the work God has done in your life, or you see the testimony of His work in the lives of people around you, pray for more–more opportunities to say yes to him, to act in obedience and faith. Praise Him for His power and love, then obey–take action–on what He shows you to do. It may be uncomfortable at times, even risky, but it will be worth it. It’s how you exercise the faith that’s growing in you. And yes, it will be part of your testimony and can multiply to greater faith and deeper prayer in your life and in those you influence.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Prayer is relational. In both Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4 when Jesus talked to his disciples about prayer, He initiated the prayer with, “Our Father…”

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:3-8 

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:14-15

God is our Father! We come to him in prayer as His children. Our communication with Him is relational.

When you’re a parent, you know that most of the time your children come to you when they need something or have a problem. 

While asking for things comes easy, it seems rarer for most children and even many adults to offer thanks on their own initiative. Many cultures seldom express thanks. It takes discipline to learn to be thankful. Luke shares an interesting story from Jesus’ life in Luke 17:11-19 about ten lepers who were cleansed.

While Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing [along the border] between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers who stood at a distance; and they raised their voices and called out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were [miraculously] healed and made clean. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying and praising and honoring God with a loud voice; and he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. He was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten [of you] cleansed? Where are the [other] nine? Was there no one found to return and to give thanks and praise to God, except this foreigner?” Jesus said to him, “Get up and go [on your way]. Your faith [your personal trust in Me and your confidence in God’s power] has restored you to health.”

Jesus heals ten people of their disease and yet nine out of ten didn’t bother to come back and thank Him.  Only one man returns and thanks Jesus over and over again. This man receives more than just healing–Jesus actually makes him well and restores him to full health.

The word in the original language that is translated “well” actually means “whole.”  Nine were healed but only one was made whole. 

Something happens in us when we are thankful. It also impacts the relationship with the one to whom we offer thanks. The writer of Psalm 50:23 heard God speak about this: “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”  

In Psalm 100:4 we are reminded to “enter His gates with thanksgiving.” 

Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name.

This is how the psalmist pictures worship at the temple. Pilgrims first passed through the gates to enter the courtyard which held the water for cleansing and the alter for sacrifice.  The psalmist pictured this as a first step of moving into prayer and worship.

Our thanksgiving to God is powerful.

“Father, thank you….”

“Heavenly Father, I so appreciate you because….”

“Our Father, we are so blessed….”

“Abba, I love it when you….”

God loves to hear from you. He loves to hear the gratefulness of our hearts.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. – 2 Corinthians 9:11

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. – Psalm 86:12

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. – Psalm 106:1

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples – 1 Chronicles 16:8

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Our Father, we bring _______ before you today. Thank you for your tender mercies towards _______. Thank you for your promise to be close to the brokenhearted. Thank you for your power to heal and the many times we have seen you heal. We remember the blind man. We were so blessed when you healed _______. Our Father, we need you to do it again in ___________ life.”

“Our Father, thank you for your love towards the _______ people group. Thank you for revealing your heart towards the lost. Father, we so appreciate that all people are precious to you and that you are willing to leave 99 to search for one that is lost. Oh Father, we want to be like you with the same love for them. Please increase our love.“

“Heavenly Father, thank you for your love towards me. Thank you that your mercies are new every morning. Thank you that you have forgiven my sins. Thank you for your patience and kindness that you have shown me. I humbly ask you to teach me your ways. Teach me to love like you love, to speak as you speak, and to embrace others like you would have me do. I am thankful that your love is living and active in me.”

Thankfulness is not an attempt to flatter God so that He does something for us. Our thanksgiving prayers flow from a heart that recognizes His goodness in our lives and His amazing character. It takes discipline, and helps us to remain in a posture of humility, adoration and thankfulness for all that God has done.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

“I give thanks to God and Global Disciples,” Chetan reported. “Since we started our leadership training in 2011, we’ve trained 675 leaders, pastors, and church planters.”

Chetan directs leadership training and discipleship-mission training near his home in Nepal.

He’s seen tremendous growth as they reach out and share the Good News of Jesus.

Through the discipleship-mission training, he’s trained 6 groups of disciple-makers, averaging about 15 participants per group, and so far, they’ve planted 32 churches in nine different areas of Nepal.

The leadership program has multiplied too – planting another 27 churches.

Chetan said, “In our district, there are one hundred fifty churches; our vision is to have a church in every village. In one place we preached, 11 people came to Christ.

Another group wanted to have a church there so we gladly handed the new believers over to them. In another village, 40 people believed. It’s very far from our base and so the follow-up was going to be difficult. But a nearby church offered to help and they are now looking after these believers.”

But it’s not been easy. Chetan reflected on the challenges they face. “When one person believes, there is persecution,” he said, “When one family believes, there’s opposition. At one place we planted a church, and a local police officer gave us land on a lease to establish a church. Our prayer is to purchase the plot. But the community is circulating a petition to keep us from building a church there.”

At times, those participating in the training were difficult to deal with, Chetan says, “With spiritual training, we must humble ourselves and serve. We spent much of our time in prayer. I have 11 prayer warriors who prayed for 72 hours, and God blessed and worked in this area. The Holy Spirit has helped us develop workers for the ministry.”

With prayer, persistence, and a God-given vision to reach those still waiting for the Gospel, Chetan and those he serves are seeing the Lord do great things in their area of Nepal.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The Christian dictionary defines a servant as, a person who serves the needs or purposes of another, especially one who serves out of devotion.

Bob Gordon in his book, “Foundations of Christian Living“, defines a servant as one who is not his master but rather has another as his master. He further says,” A person serves that which occupies most of his time or that which has priority in his heart, or that which he spends most of his money. Whoever or whatever you serve to them or to that you are a slave or a servant”.

A servant is one who carries errands on behalf of the master. A servant of God is one who has dethroned himself/herself and everything else in his or her life or experience and enthroned Jesus and made him Lord of all his life. This means that he puts Jesus first in everything. As disciples of Jesus, we are expected to serve God only 1 Corinthians 4:1,” So then, men ought to regard as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God”. This implies we will put God first in our lives.

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”, and we will not serve riches, possessions, or anything else.

“So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me teacher and Lord and so I am. If I then your Lord and teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master nor is he who sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things blessed are you if you do them.”
– John 13:12-17

Jesus Christ is our great example in John 13:12-17 when He washed the feet of His disciples and instructs his followers to do so also.

People often forget things that are said, but they rarely forget things that are acted out. Here Jesus carries out a teaching action. Jesus models something in His behavior so that they will not forget. He takes on the role of one of the most menial of household servants, the one who washes people’s feet. This is not a position worthy of a teacher and yet he does it. Jesus serves the men gathered as he gets ready to give His ultimate act of service to all of human kind.

Jesus makes it clear that he is modeling a behavior He expects them to follow. John 13:15, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you”.  In verse 16, He reminds them that they who are servants are not greater than he who is their master and the one who sent them.

As Jesus finished washing the feet, He said in John 13:17,” There is a blessing in serving”. Knowing about it wasn’t good enough. We have to do something about it to get the blessing of God. It says. “Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” There is a clear separation between head knowledge versus actually doing something about it. All too often, Christians seem to pay lip service rather than actually live it out.

In Matthew 20: 25-28,” You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus makes several contrasts. This is between the “great ones” and the” great ones’’ in the kingdom. The great ones of the gentiles ‘’control and subjugate” their followers, however the” great ones” of the kingdom “run errands, wait on tables, and perform menial duties for others.” In verse 27, Jesus tells us how to be number one or at the top. It is to become a slave. A slave gives up their rights to another and is devoted to another’s interests rather than their own. Giving up one’s rights is not something that sits well with us. No one wants to be a slave.

God is calling us to the ministry of serving others. How often do we wash the feet of others? We can do that through prayer.

Carrying the burdens of others through prayer. Gal 6: 2,” Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ”.

A servant of God gives himself to the needs of the master Jesus and to the needs of others. He serves others through prayer and in doing so serves the Lord Jesus. Matthew 25:31-40, ” I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirst and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Then the righteous will answer Him,” Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirst and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invited you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” “The King will reply,’’ I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did foe me.”

We can offer our service by supporting God’s work. In the Global Disciples Alliance we believe in transforming prayer as one of our core values. Hence when we pray for others we are fulfilling what we believe in. He follows the example of Jesus in that he is unselfish and serves rather than he is waited on.

God is calling us to servanthood in prayer. When we pray for others, our needs are satisfied too. Proverbs 11:25,” A generous man prospers, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

We always find time for important things. The most common excuse for little time spent in prayer is the, “To Do List” that crowds our day, and all our many duties. To Martin Luther, an extra load was reason enough to pray more, not less. Hear his plans for the next day’s work, “Work, work from early till late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer”. If Luther was busy and prayed so can we.

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the name of someone in need of prayer. Envision yourself washing the feet of the person and then pray for that person as the Holy Spirit leads you.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Did you know that in many places around the world, prayer is considered a one-way conversation? In fact, when we think about prayer, we often first think about speaking, asking, enquiring, petitioning, or complaining to God. But, do we think about listening prayer?

However, prayer involves both sharing and listening! In fact, its relational.

The Bible is full of expressions and experiences in which God spoke. A few of those examples include;

We consider the Bible as the written Word of God and Jesus to be the visible expression of God’s Word.

First is “logos” which is normally used to refer to the written Word of God or scripture. The second is “rhema” which is usually associated with a fresh Holy Spirit revealed in the moment. Consequently, sometimes God uses scripture (logos), nature, another person, or even His Spirit within us to communicate these “rhema” words.

In fact, both Jesus and Paul encouraged us to believe that God speaks to us in the present to give and sustain life!

Matthew 4:4 is the account of the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness. He was tempted to turn stones into bread, He answered:
“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every (rhema) word that comes from the mouth of God.“

And, Paul also communicates this truth to the Hebrew Christians, Hebrews 1:1-3:

In the past spoke to our ancestors through the prophets many times and in various ways, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful (rhema) word.

In fact, the primary way to hear from God is by spending time in God’s written (logos) word. Consequently, the Holy Spirit encourages our heart with a fresh life-giving (rhema) word specific for that day and season of our life.

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

If we want to hear God’s “Rhema” to us, it is important that we:

Did you know that God speaks in a variety of ways? Here are some of the ways people hear from God are:

Friend, don’t dismiss a thought or picture in unbelief. In fact, God uses many unusual ways of communicating. Just read some of ways He communicated in scripture! Many times the more unusual the word or picture, the more you know it wasn’t something you would have thought up!

“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.” 
– Mark 4:3-7

I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]— even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit of the sheep. I have other sheep [beside these] that are not of this fold. I must bring those also, and they will listen to My voice and pay attention to My call, and they will become ^[f]one flock with one Shepherd. 
– John 10:14-16

So, do you want to hear from God? Do you need his guidance in your life today? Do you believe that wants to speak to you today? Read God’s Word and allow his words to comfort you, guide you, and instruct your life.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Is it okay to complain to God about the injustices in society?

One of the most solemn prayers of triumph is made by Habakkuk when he complained about the injustices in society. After complaining about the worldly trials and tribulations, he ends his prayer with professed confidence in God. In fact, He acknowledges that there is no greater power than God.

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. – 2 Corinthians 2:14

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. – Colossians 2:15

The Romans gave a military procession of triumph to a conqueror. One qualification was that the victory put a complete end to the war with no enemies remaining. In the procession the conqueror would ride in a chariot pulled with four horses. Consequently, all the temples was covered with flowers and incense was lit on all the altars. The city greeted the victor with a cloud of aroma.

In the same way, the victory of Jesus at the cross was complete. All enemies including Satan, sin, and death were defeated. We pray as Jesus taught us that His will would be done on earth just as in heaven. The victory is complete in heaven and now we walk and pray in that understanding. We are the trophies of His victory. Our lives and prayers continually go forth as a cloud of sweet-smelling aroma to Jesus and a stench to Satan.

This dream is a testimony to the mission of Global Disciples. In fact, we walk by faith to bring the gospel to God’s people and give them the good news that the battle for their salvation has already been won.

The Bible reveals to us the story of the victory of God. Throughout its pages, we read of the ongoing work to defeat the forces of evil. Nowhere in the Bible does evil have the final victory. Hebrews 11 reminds us that even those who have lost their lives because of faith in God do not, in the end, suffer defeat. They experience glorious victory in the life to come. 

Whenever you pray, remind yourself that you are praying to Jesus who has completely destroyed the work of the enemy. The victory ALREADY belongs to us!

Pray with confidence through faith and belief in our salvation and that no evil will prevail against us . “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God”  –   1 John 5:4-5     

Pray with confidence through worshiping and glorifying His name. By doing this we are sharing God’s victory and glory with all the nations– “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to SHARING God’s glory” – Romans 5:2

As a Christians, we cannot let worldly trials and tribulations make us feel defeated.

We need to walk with bold confidence and endure life’s challenges and ordeals in our stride. It pales in comparison to the victory we have in Christ.

Encourage family, friends, co-worker to remember that God is ultimately in control, we just need to walk in his Glory. God’s ways are not our ways, yet He can be trusted, even when things seem out of control. God loves us and only wants the best for us. It is NOT our job to understand what God is doing. It is our job to trust Him and have the confidence that the battle is won.

Let’s come together in agreement and stand on the powerful Word of God. As we pray let’s remember that we are the trophies of His victory. Our lives and prayers continually go forth as a cloud of sweet-smelling aroma to Jesus and a stench to Satan and his demons. 

When we pray, we must pray with great confidence and expectation, with the confidence that Jesus has defeated the devil’s works and God’s power is supreme. Let us be bold to ask for change, for intervention, for healing, because we know there is absolute power in prayer. Nothing is impossible for our mighty God. He has won the battle. Amen.

When we give thanks, praise, and worship, let us do so with the knowledge of WHO we are giving our thanks, praise, and worship to – the Creator of Heaven and Earth, God Almighty, let us feel the power of our words in honoring His name.

Pray with people to encourage them, in their everyday lives, to walk with confidence as they claim victory of the battle against good and evil. God has already won the battle for us – we are victorious in His name. We must pray and walk by faith that God will use us to bring His people running toward Him, just like in the dream from 20 years ago.

Let us consider the prayer of triumph that Habakkuk sang before the Lord where he acknowledges the trials and tribulations of the world yet he continues to rejoice in his salvation – “Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit; though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:1).

I invite you all to take their trials and tribulations to the Lord in prayer and thank Him that the battle has been fought on our behalf and the victory belongs to us, His beloved children.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Discover how prayer is a struggle with God, leading to transformation and a deeper understanding of God’s power.

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings.  He is always wrestling in prayer for you. That you may stand firm in the will of God, mature and fully assured.  I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Herapolis.” Colossians 4:12

I grew up wrestling with my dad.  He wrestled in high school and taught us the basic holds and throws on our living room floor.  Eventually, my brother and I were matched up against each other. But he was in a different weight and muscle category than me.  He had a lean, six-foot-four-inch frame with 230 lbs of raw, farm-boy power.  I was a wirey, 220 lbs spread over a 6’7”.   There were times when I could hold my own with him as long as the match was controlled. I really didn’t know how much he was holding back until one day when discovered his true strength.

It was an after-school arrival at an empty house and we were both getting on each other’s nerves. Pushing and shoving led to me throwing wild punches.  In the chaos of the moment, one of my flailing fists connected with the back of his head.  In a rage, he grabbed me and tossed me into the air. I felt my whole body elevate and then take flight toward the kitchen window. Just before my head connected with the glass, I grabbed hold of the kitchen counter and brought myself to a halt.   

The brief encounter gave me a new respect for my brother’s strength. It changed my understanding of our relationship. 

In the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul tells the believers that Epaphras is “always wrestling in prayer for you”. The metaphor of wrestling beautifully captures an important aspect of discipleship of every believer. 

Prayer is a struggle with God on behalf of others and often a struggle with Him about our circumstances that leads to our transformation. The benefit of spiritual wrestling, like my physical wrestling match with my brother, is that we discover God’s power in a deeper way than we ever knew before.  Through the struggle of prayer, information that we have in our heads about God travels down to our hearts and souls.

Jacob’s story in Genesis illustrates what it means to wrestle with God and be transformed by Him.  While Jacob’s wrestle with God is one of the most famous stories in the book of Genesis, it is also one of the most mysterious.  The narrative is set in the midst of a long conflict with his brother Esau.  Jacob has decided to return to his homeland after living with his uncle for many years.  Messengers have just returned to Jacob with a message that his brother Esau is coming toward him with 400 men. Sure that his brother has come to attack him, Jacob fears for the safety of his family. 

These emotions are understandable given Jacob’s past life.  Before these twin boys were born, God spoke to their mother, Rebekah, and told her that, “Two nations are in your womb…one will be stronger than the other and the older will serve the younger.” Jacob, being the younger twin, who was prophesied to be stronger and rule his brother does not pursue these promises in faith.  Instead, he attempts to ensure they are fulfilled by resorting to manipulation and deception. First, he swindles his brother’s birthright (Genesis 25:27-34) for a meal.  Then he tricks his father into blessing him by dressing up as his brother (Genesis 27).  The effects of this con-artistry are predictable, Esau’s anger boils over and Jacob needs to run for his life to his uncle Laban’s house.

Fear, then, is the natural response to meeting his brother for the first time since stealing his blessing.  Eager to avert the anger of his brother, Jacob devises a plan to appease his brother by sending gifts ahead to him.  However, as he camps that night by the Jabbok river, he comes to the realization that no amount of coercion or manipulation will not get him out of this mess.

The tension of this moment is perfectly captured by his prayer just before he wrestles with God,  “Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me and also the mothers with their children.  But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted’” (Genesis 32:11-12).  God’s promise is set in tension to Jacob’s dire circumstances. Jacob puzzles at how God’s promise will be fulfilled in the face of impending doom. 

That night as Jacob attempts to sleep, “a man” who is later called “God” (Genesis 32:28) wrestles with him late into the night.  Jacob wrestles so hard that the man cannot seem to overpower him at first.  As they entered the last round of their match, the man suddenly dislocated Jacob’s hip by touching it.  Shocked by this sudden display of power, Jacob hangs on desperately insisting that the Man bless him.  God then gives him a new name, “Israel” meaning “God fights” or “Fights with God” and does bless him. This new name is the marker of a new identity and a transformed life.  From this point forward, Israel walks with a limp.  Rather than relying on his own strength and manipulation skills, Jacob must now rely on God’s power to fulfill His purpose. 

What God did for Jacob he wants to do for us today.  He wants to transform us into his likeness. In order for us to follow Him, we need to give up control of our lives. We need to deeply believe that it is the cross of Christ that has purchased a blessing for us and not our own work. God’s wrath has been turned away by His mercy and He has promised to bless us eternally in Christ.  This surrender is not an easy one and it may require several rounds with the Almighty in order to fully submit to His purposes but as we learn to trust and follow Jesus we will experience his blessing on our lives and the lives of others. 

Finally, wrestling is not only about personal transformation, it is about seeing others fully transformed into devoted followers of Jesus. Ephaphas wrestles on behalf of the Colossians so that they stand firm in the will of God and become mature and fully assured. 

Is there a person in your life today that you need to wrestle with God for?

So often when we think of discipleship, we think of teaching or doing something to help others.  However, we see in this passage that discipling others also involves working for them in the unseen realm. As we do the work of wrestling in prayer, God waits to bless us and those in our community.  

Jordan Mayer – Global Disciples Canada Advocate & Prayer Supporter

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!