Sweet Potato Times

Sweet Potato Times

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key Verse:

Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (NIV)

Devotion:

Another Thanksgiving spent with my husband’s family.  I did not want to go, again.  I begrudged the yearly expectation to show up with a smile and a hot dish.  My list of complaints grew each year as to why we shouldn’t go.  For example:

The turkey stuffing included raisins.  

The rolls were store bought.

The glazed ham with pineapple slices was not to my taste. 

All we did was watch football, not play games. 

The women mingled in the kitchen; the men hung out in the den. 

Plus, they always served sweet potatoes and I do not like them. 

I griped incessantly each year pressuring my husband to stay home.  My husband must have felt the truth of Proverbs 21:19, “Better to live in a tent in the wild than with a cross and petulant spouse.”  (The Message) 

Now the funny thing about it, I love his family.  However, my independent spirit yearned for my own holiday traditions.  Any small displeasure validated my excuse not to spend Thanksgiving with them.

Finally one year on the way to his parent’s home, I snapped.  The recipe I was assigned to bring was sweet potatoes.  I’m sure you know the recipe that includes lots of brown sugar, marshmallows and butter spread across the top of the orange squashy vegetable.  (Remember, I do not like sweet potatoes of any kind.)  I wrapped the steamy dish in towels to transport it to Thanksgiving dinner.  We piled the kids into the back seat.  I plopped down in the front seat and my husband placed the hot pan of syrupy bubbling goo on my lap.  As we rounded the first corner from our house, the pan slid, tipped and spilled all across my beige pants.  My legs burned and my eyes filled with tears.  I let all my pent-up frustration break upon my husband as my children sat silently with their eyes looking down.  I ruined Thanksgiving for everyone.

As I look back, I realize how selfish I acted each year.  My heart did not display thankfulness for my husband, my kids, the extended family or the abundance of delectable provision God provided each year.  All I thought about me.  Even worse, I illustrated a poor example of Christian behavior to primarily unbelieving relatives.

Times change.

Two of my three grown children now live out-of-state.  My dear mother-in-law died a year ago.  Funny how time alters our feelings.  At this moment, I would jump at the chance to return to a past Thanksgiving.  I would watch my children play with their cousins.  I would hug my mother-in-law.  I would bring that silly marshmallow orange glob and I would eat it with relish.  I miss those sweet potato times.

This Thanksgiving, remember to be grateful for the small things in life.  And if you are married, give your husband the opportunity to say, “House and land are handed down from parents, but a congenial spouse comes straight from God.” (Proverbs 19:14 The Message.)  Joyfully give thanks to the Father God not only for the food, but for the family, friends and circumstances that you find yourself involved with this Thanksgiving.   Because times change and there is a season for everything.

Prayer:

Father, remind me that time changes circumstances.  Let me display grace and thanksgiving throughout these holidays, regardless of what I want.  Help me to exhibit kindness, patience and joy to my family and friends.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application steps:  

1.  Make a list of everyone you anticipate to gather with you on Thanksgiving Day.  Write one compliment for each person and share it with them with a grateful heart. 

2.  If you crave something special to eat for Thanksgiving Day, stock your pantry with the ingredients.  Decide to prepare it for the holiday or to enjoy it sometime this month. 

Refection points:       

What do I tend to complain about during the holidays?

Is there something I dislike that will change over time?

Would my husband say I am a congenial or petulant spouse?

How can I change my attitude to reflect a truly thankful heart?  

Power verses:

Philippians 2:5, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (NIV)  

Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.” (NIV)  

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, “There is a time for everything,

        and a season for every activity under heaven.

© 2005 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

Death Valley

“Death Valley”

By Susanne Scheppmann 

Key verse: Psalm 23:1-4, “God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. (The Message).

Devotion:

The heat radiated from the pavement through my white athletic shoes. Although, the summer heat was still months away, the sun blazed down on the Death Valley National Park. Bright yellow flowers interspersed with white desert buds bloomed along the highway. The colorful array of desert floral arrangements revealed a testament to the recent spring rains.

Hordes of tourists flock to Death Valley each year. A few never come out alive because they do not follow the instructions given in the brochure. They wander into Devil’s Gulch. Many sip the bitter water at Bad Water. They ignore the signs that warn of unforeseen danger. Too little water, no communications, and no one to aid them, they fall prey to the elements of the arid landscape. 

Sometimes as believers, we wander into a spiritual desert. Our path becomes dry and lackluster as we lose our bearings. We feel isolated. Our prayers seem to bounce back from the heavens. However, no matter how desolate our spiritual landscape, we must cling to the promises of God. He says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 (NIV). In the familiar passage of Psalm 23:4, the psalmist reminds us, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (NIV)

Do you feel lost in a desert today? Do you need some direction? Need refreshing? If yes, I have good news for you! Read the map of life, the Bible, and then follow the directions. Hold to the promise found in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (NIV)  

You will not only regain your bearings, but your thirsty soul will find refreshment. 

Take a cool drink from the hand of the Shepherd. Sip the Living Water of Jesus. “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14 (NIV)  

Step out of Death Valley into the green pastures of Jesus, The Shepherd.

Prayer: 

Jesus, remind me today that you are always by my side as my faithful Shepherd, even when I feel like I am crawling through Death Valley. Open my eyes to the directions you have given me in your Word. Oh Lord, refresh my spirit today with your Living Water. In Your Faithful Name, Amen. 

Application steps:  

Read Psalm 23 aloud.  Think how God has been your faithful Shepherd during this week.  Ponder your Death Valley moments, and then your green pasture experiences.  Take time to thank God for His faithfulness in both the good and bad times 

Refection points:       

When I am in a spiritual desert, do I turn to God and His Word?

Do I read my Bible for direction in my life on a regular basis?

Do I follow the Shepherd or do I go my own direction?

Power verses:  

Isaiah 40:31, “Yet those who wait for the Lord, Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” (NASB)  

John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (NIV)  

Jeremiah 31:25, “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." (NIV)  

      

© 2005 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

“Spouse!”

“Spouse!”

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key verse: 

Psalm 68:3, “But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.” (NIV)

   

Devotion:

My girlfriend, Connie, has a hilarious husband.  With complete love and tenderness in his voice, he will holler for her, “Spouse!”  Now to someone’s ear who doesn’t know him and her it could be perceived as rude and obnoxious.

However, their relationship exhibits joy, love, and fun.  So much so, that my husband and I have started to call to each other with “Hey Spouse!”  It’s fun.  Many times after years of marriage, fun seems to disappear like mousse-gel in wet hair.  We know we need it, but where does it go?

After almost twenty years of marriage, I realized if I want to laugh and have fun, then I will need to plan and create it.  I discovered wonderful mirthful ideas by watching other couples.  At other times, Connie’s husband will grab her in the grocery store and dance her down the aisle.  Embarrassing?  Maybe.  Fun? Absolutely.  There is not a woman in the produce section that doesn’t envy that woman waltzing down by the purplish eggplants. 

God never intended for any of our relationships to be dour and lackluster.  He designed marriage for companionship.  Do you recall what he said after he created Adam? The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper for him.’ (Genesis 2:18 NIV) I believe he intended for the wife to be a helper in several ways, but especially in the ability to create laughter and fun in the family.

One way to rekindle the fun in your marriage is by remembering what you did when you dated.  Perhaps it was going to a park to swing.  Maybe you picnicked by the local lake.  Could you do similar things now?  Of course.  Only now, they could be even better because you are married.  Could you pitch a tent in the backyard; picnic; and then enjoy a warm summer night under the stars?  Use your imagination to pick the perfect fun-filled activity for you and your spouse.  If you need to, ask your friends what they do to promote laughter and fun in their marriage. 

Excuse me. I have to go now.  I hear my husband calling, “Spouse!”  We are going to the local home improvement store.  I not only plan to improve my house, but my marriage.  Yes, I think I will dance with him down the plumbing aisle or perhaps ride piggyback through the lumber department.

“Spouse!”

“I’m on my way, dear!”

Prayer:

Father, I ask for renewed joy, fun, and laugher in my marriage. Give me ideas to create times of laughter and enjoyment that both my husband and I will delight in. Father, not only do I ask for the ideas, but give me the desire and energy to implement them into our home daily. 

Application steps:   

Make a list of things that both you and your husband enjoy doing together. List fun activities you did while dating your husband. After looking at both lists, decide to implement one thing this week that will make you both laugh and have fun together. 

Refection points:       

How often do I laugh with my husband?

How often do I laugh with my children?

How often do I laugh with my friends and family?

How often do I think God would like me to laugh and have fun?

Power verses:  

Proverbs 15:13, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.”  (NIV) 

Ecclesiastes 8:15, “So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.” (NIV)  

1 Tim. 6:17,  “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (NIV)  

Ecclesiastes 3:4, “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (NIV)  

© 2005 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

A Legacy

“A Legacy”

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key verse: 

Psalm 143:5 

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. (NIV)  

Devotion:

I opened the closet and sighed.  My New Year’s resolution to clean out all the clutter of my home suddenly seemed overwhelming.  How do I begin to sort through all the stuff I have collected over the years?  

As I lift a long forgotten box from the shelf, the dust scatters. Sneezing, I peek curiously into the cardboard container.  Ahh!  My children’s memories box!  Crayon-colored cards, plaster molds of kindergarten hands, report cards, whisper recollections of their childhoods long past.  Precious reminisces flood my mind as sweet tears spring to my eyes.

Sifting through the priceless cache, I feel the Lord nudge my heart with these questions, “What treasures are you leaving for your children to remember?  Are you leaving a legacy for them to follow?”

Suddenly a new resolution springs to my mind. I want my children to find a legacy of faith when they divide my belongings after I am gone.  I begin to sing the lyrics of Find Us Faithful the old song by Steve Green. 

May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe 

and the lives we live, inspire them to obey.

Turning from the cluttered closet, I march to my own jumbled bedroom closet. Reaching to the top shelf, I grab down dusty volumes of my history with God. I begin to gather the spiritual souvenirs that will guide my children through my walk of faith. I dig out my old completed Bible studies, tear-stained and joy-filled prayer journals, favorite inspiring books, and dog-eared dilapidated Bibles. These records of my faith will reveal to my children the many moments of my doubts, struggles, and heartaches, but more importantly, they will chart the years of God’s faithfulness in my life. They will provide an accurate and enduring map of my journey of learning to trust the heart of Jesus, even in the most difficult moments of my life. 

Out of the corner of my eye, I spy an old cedar chest tucked in the back of the closet that holds old blankets.  Hmmm…I decide the chestnut furniture will now become the safety deposit box that will guard the heritage my children will someday inherit.  They will reveal a legacy of God’s never-ending love, mercy, and goodness in my life. As I carefully place collectibles of faith into the chest, I pray that my life will become a living inheritance to the goodness of God to all those who come after me.

Prayer:  

Lord, this year let me remember, I am leaving a legacy for all those who come behind me. Help me to live a life that glorifies Jesus Christ. Lord, I pray that my life will encourage others to trust in you not only now, but in the upcoming days. Lord, let my legacy of faith inspire my children and future grandchildren.  

Application steps:  

Think about what legacy of faith your life can provide. As the New Year starts, begin to collect the various treasures of your faith. Keep them in a place where you can review them to encourage yourself and others.  

Refection points:       

How can I ensure that others know about my devotion to Christ?

Whom would I like to know the details of my journey of faith?

Where can I keep the mementos of my faith, so that they will someday encourage others?

Power verses:  

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (NIV)

Deuteronomy 11:20-21, Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. (NIV)  

Deuteronomy 32:4, They are not just idle words for you--they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess." (NIV) 

© 2005 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

“The Freedom Cry”

“The Freedom Cry”

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key verse:

Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (NIV)  

Devotion:

“But as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”  This famous quotation written March 23, 1775 by Patrick Henry was the heart-cry of an American patriot.    This month many of us will commemorate the freedoms the United States still provides for our families and ourselves.   We will celebrate with pool parties, fireworks, and barbecues.

When we celebrate our freedom, we recognize that many veterans gave (and are still giving) their lives to enable the freedoms in our lives. Our patriotism rises within in us. We may sing the “Star Spangled Banner” with goose bumps and tear-moistened eyes to acknowledge their sacrifices.

As women of the Christian faith, we acknowledge that Jesus Christ also gave His life, on the Cross, for our freedom.  The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm.”  However, in the Christian walk of faith lies a paradox.  The paradox being we must also die to gain our freedom.  We must die to self.    Again Paul states in Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

This paradox of dying to self to gain our own freedom is difficult.   How do we claim our freedom in Christ?   We must examine our lives regularly.  We must ask ourselves, do my actions line up with what the Bible says?   Do negative thoughts, worry, or bad habits keep me from living my life with joy in Jesus?  If the answer is yes, then we must allow the Lord to transform “our thoughts” to “His thoughts.”   Every time we give Him control over any area of our lives, we die to self.

Jesus explained this concept as “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed.  But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”    As we die to self, Christ reproduces peaceful thoughts and healthy habits in us.  His sacrifice on Calvary allows us to have freedom, yet we must be willing to die to self to gain the freedom He offers.

Amy Carmichael, a missionary to India said it like this, “If I refuse to be a corn of wheat that dies (‘is separated from all in which it lived before’) then I know nothing of Calvary love.”

As we celebrate our American freedom, this month, let us have our own patriotic cry of faith.  “But as for me, give me liberty in Christ; let me die to self!”   

Prayer:

Father, I thank you that I live in a country where democracy and freedom rule.  Help me never to take this privilege for granted.  I praise you that I am free in Christ, also.  Give me the strength that I might die to myself and allow Christ to live in me. 

Refection points:       

What does freedom in Christ mean to me?

How would I explain it to someone else?

Do I appreciate my freedom?

Power verses:  

Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (NIV) 

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

Isaiah 58:8, “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. (NIV)  

© 2005 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

The Engagement Part 2

“The Engagement”

Part 2

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key Verse:

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!

For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Rev. 19:7  (NIV) 

Devotion:

As the plans for my son’s wedding day approaches with great anticipation, every small aspect is reviewed carefully. We consider. We pray. We reconsidered. We pray. We alter details.

Although I prayed for this precious future daughter-in-law, engagement, and wedding day for decades, tiny mishaps occur. I witness the frustration and anxiety of the future bride. Wedding plans get skewed.  Just like life.

It reminds me that I am engaged to the Bridegroom of Eternity, Jesus. In addition, my life’s plans will often go awry. Life always seems to throw the unexpected our way. Sometimes we catch joy, at other times sorrow skids to home plate. 

Often the Bible speaks in analogy, so that we can understand its concepts and principles. God’s Word states the Church is the Bride of Christ. As a part of that Kingdom of Believers, I will be his bride. Yet as His bride-to-be, I must make myself ready. I must pray the same type of kingdom prayers that I pray for my children. I pray that I will remain faithful when times get hard. I ask that I will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Every bride wants to beautiful and ready for her groom. Revelation 19:7 states, “The bride has made herself ready.” The next verse continues with a description of the bride’s gown, “Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)” As God allows life’s mottled circumstances to produce godly fruit in our lives, it becomes a bridal gown of righteousness for us to wear for eternity. Now isn’t that a thought!

Today as I lift up prayers for my son’s upcoming wedding, I realize that I am in an engagement period of my own. I am going to add a few prayers for my own bridal day in heaven. I want to be ready. In yesterday’s devotional I wrote, “I believe a key to answered prayer is for our requests to be inline with God’s intent for our lives. I like to call them kingdom prayers…so if my requests will benefit his plan for my life and his kingdom, he is pleased to answer, “Yes, my daughter.”

His will for my life is for my character to become more like his Son, Jesus. He wants me filled with the Holy Spirit not only in the good times of life, but also in the difficulties I encounter. His answers to my prayers may appear different from what I expect them to be. However they are answered, I want to prepare myself with righteousness for my Groom.

So as I pray kingdom prayers for my son and his fiancée, I will pray for myself, also.  I will pray. I will consider. I will pray. I will reconsider. I will allow life’s circumstances to alter my character into righteousness.

Will you join me in a kingdom prayer for righteousness?

Prayer:

 Father, help me to remember that I am to make myself ready for a heavenly wedding. I ask that as my life’s plans go awry at times, You will utilize my anxiety and frustration to produce a bridal gown of righteousness.  

Application steps:

Review the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5. Write down which characteristics you need to demonstrate more in your day-to-day life. Ask God to help you today to recognize the life circumstances where you can develop and exhibit those godly attributes. Put the list in your pocket or hang it on the fridge as a reminder of your preparation for Him during your engagement.

Refection points:     

Do I pray for myself as well as for my family?

How can I prepare myself for eternity today?

What fruit of the Spirit would my family and friend say I lack?

Power verses: 

Matthew 25:10, "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. (NIV) 

 Luke 12:35-38, "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. (NIV) 

Ephesians 3:16-19,

 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (NIV) 

© 2004 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

The Engagement Part 1

“The Engagement”

Part 1

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key Verse:

But God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.

Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! Psalm 66:19-20  (NIV) 

Devotion:

 “Mom, I would like to introduce you to my fiancée,” my son said proudly.

Although we had been expecting the joyous announcement at any time, my heart pounded excitedly. I hugged both my son and future daughter-in-law with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving. And I began to ask a million questions.

“Have you set a date?”

“Where will you have the wedding?”

That night as I lay in bed, I reflected on the thousands of prayers that I had floated upward to the Father on behalf of my future daughter-in-laws. From the time my two chubby tow-headed sons toddled on the floor, I had prayed for godly daughter-in-laws. And especially over the past couple of years, I had prayed diligently for God to bring a godly woman into my youngest son’s life. My prayer partner, Shelley, and I prayed for a wife for my son with specific requests. Such as: 

“Lord, let her be a Christian.”

“Let her sweet love pour over my son.”

“It would be nice if she likes to play family games.

“Father, let her have a great sense of humor.” 

“Oh, and let me love her family, too.”

My sweet prayer partner once said, “Gee, Susanne, I feel like we are praying a shopping list. Perhaps, it did sound like that, but God answered my prayers in miraculous detail for each of my daughter-in-laws. I believe God likes us to be specific in our prayers. Because if were not specific, we might not recognize the answer. 

God wants to answer our requests. Christ gave us insight on the Father’s attitude concerning our prayers when he told his disciples the following two statements.

 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 NIV)

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11 NIV)

Now these verses do not guarantee that everything we ask for will be given to us. But they do encourage us to go before the Father and ask boldly for what we would like. I believe a key to answered prayer is for our requests to be inline with God’s intent for our lives. I like to call them kingdom prayers.

God wants my sons to marry within the Christian faith. He desires that I love and get along with my son’s wives. So if my requests will benefit his plan for my life and his kingdom, he is pleased to answer, “Yes, my daughter.”

So, what kingdom prayers could you pray for your children? It doesn’t matter how young or old your children may be, God bends his ear to listen to a mother’s prayers. I know he hears and listens, then answers our prayers that are within his desired will.  How do I know? The engagement has been announced, the wedding planned, and I am off to shop for a mother-of-the-groom dress. My future daughter-in-law was not handpicked, but kingdom-prayer picked.

Prayer: 

Father, help me learn to pray kingdom prayers for my family. Give me the insight and fortitude to continue in prayer for requests that may appear trivial, but will make a lasting difference for my children and their future.

Application steps: 

Ponder in your heart things you would desire for your family’s future. Write them in a journal; then begin to pray, believing God to answer. Watch and record, in the journal, the variety of ways he answers your kingdom prayers.

 

Refection points:     

How can I pray for the future of my family?

Do I pray regular for my family?

Do I pray kingdom prayers or prayers of my own wants and desires?

Power verses: 

Jeremiah 33:3, 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' (NIV) 

Ephesians 6:18, 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 saints. (NIV) 

 James 5:16, Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (NIV) 

1 John 3:21-22, Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. (NIV) 

1 John 5:14,This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (NIV) 

© 2004 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.