When We Choose Not to See: Recognizing Life’s Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late

When We Choose Not to See: Recognizing Life’s Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late

We've all been there - that moment when we know something isn't quite right, but we push the feeling aside.

Maybe it's a relationship that's slowly draining us, a job that's lost its spark, or a nagging health concern we're trying to ignore. Like walking through a familiar room with our eyes half-closed, we navigate these situations aware of the truth but choosing not to fully face it.

This fascinating human tendency - to see yet not see - can shape the course of our lives in profound ways.

The Paradox of Selective Vision

Life often presents us with clear warning signs, yet we develop an uncanny ability to look past them. Think about that friendship that once brought joy but now leaves you feeling empty, or the career that's slowly dimming your inner light. Your mind registers these signs - the constant negativity from a friend, the Monday morning dread that extends into every other day - but something holds you back from acknowledging their full weight.

Life often presents us with clear warning signs, yet we develop an uncanny ability to look past them.

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This selective vision isn't just about avoiding discomfort; it's a complex dance between awareness and denial. We see the truth in fragments, accepting it piece by piece, like slowly adjusting to light in a dark room. The challenge isn't in seeing the signs - they're often crystal clear. The real struggle lies in gathering the courage to act on what we already know.

Samson's Story: A Tale of Ignored Warnings

The biblical account of Samson provides a powerful illustration of this human tendency. Here was a man of legendary strength, chosen by God for a specific purpose, yet he repeatedly ignored clear warning signs in his relationship with Delilah. The name "Delilah" itself meant "to weaken" or "to exhaust" in Hebrew - a warning sign hidden in plain sight.

Samson's story unfolds in Gaza, a Philistine stronghold where archaeological evidence confirms the historical context of this cautionary tale. Despite his incredible physical strength, Samson's inability to heed warning signs led to his capture and imprisonment. His journey reminds us that even our greatest strengths can't protect us when we choose to ignore clear signals of danger.

Lesson From Samson: Our greatest strengths can't protect us when we choose to ignore clear signals of danger.

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Breaking the Cycle of Avoidance

Recognizing that we're ignoring warning signs is the first step, but how do we move from awareness to action? The key lies in understanding that avoiding truth doesn't change it - it only delays our encounter with reality and often makes the eventual confrontation more challenging. Here are practical steps to break this cycle:

  • Ask for Clarity: Instead of rushing to conclusions or avoiding thoughts altogether, take time to seek genuine understanding of your situation.
  • Seek Wise Counsel: Share your concerns with trusted friends or mentors who can offer objective perspectives and support.
  • Trust Your Instincts: Those initial feelings of unease often contain valuable wisdom. Rather than dismissing them, explore what they might be telling you.
  • Take Small Steps: You don't have to solve everything at once. Start with small actions that acknowledge the reality you've been avoiding.

Avoiding truth doesn't change it - it only delays our encounter with reality and often makes the eventual confrontation more challenging.

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Finding Courage in Vulnerability

Opening our eyes to uncomfortable truths requires courage, but it also offers freedom.

When we finally face what we've been avoiding - whether it's a toxic relationship, an unfulfilling career, or a personal challenge - we create space for new possibilities. This vulnerability, though frightening, becomes the foundation for authentic growth and positive change.

Remember, seeing the truth doesn't mean you have to have all the answers immediately. Sometimes, simply acknowledging what you've been avoiding is enough to begin shifting your perspective and opening doors to new solutions.

When we finally face what we've been avoiding - whether it's a toxic relationship, an unfulfilling career, or a personal challenge - we create space for new possibilities.

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Conclusion

The choice to see clearly isn't always easy, but it's invariably worth making.

Like Samson, we all have areas where we might be choosing selective vision, hoping things will somehow work out on their own. Yet true peace and purpose come not from avoiding reality but from facing it with courage and wisdom. The signs we need are often already there - we just need to choose to see them.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Take a moment this week to reflect on areas in your life where you might be choosing not to see. Choose one situation that's been nagging at you, and write down the warning signs you've noticed but perhaps been avoiding. Then, take one small, concrete step toward addressing it - whether that's having a difficult conversation, seeking professional advice, or simply acknowledging the truth to yourself. Remember, you don't have to face these challenges alone.

 True peace and purpose come not from avoiding reality but from facing it with courage and wisdom.

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Want to Go Deeper?

  1. Watch the full message on YouTube. Dive into a deeper exploration of this topic and gain additional insights about recognizing and responding to life's warning signs.
  2. Grab a copy of Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence & Expectation:
     Learn how to strengthen your prayer life and develop a deeper connection with God's guidance.
  3. Check out my Podcast: Join me for weekly discussions about leadership, faith, and personal growth.

Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor who can support you in taking these important steps toward positive change. Sometimes, the most significant growth happens when we stop choosing not to see and start embracing the truth that leads to transformation.

Overcome Your Fear of Asking God for Big Things

Overcome Your Fear of Asking God for Big Things

Do you ever hesitate to ask God for something big because you're afraid He won’t answer? Or perhaps, deep down, you feel unworthy of such bold requests?

Many of us find ourselves in this place of fear or doubt when it comes to our prayer life. We may be praying, but we’re praying small—safe prayers that don’t fully reflect our trust in a big God.

The truth is, the size of our prayers says a lot about the size of our faith. If we are afraid to ask for the seemingly impossible, we’re limiting what God can do in our lives.

It’s time to break through that fear and ask boldly, trusting that God is ready and able to show up in big ways.

The truth is, the size of our prayers says a lot about the size of our faith. 



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Small Prayers, Small Faith?

In Philippians 4:6, Paul reminds us not to worry but to pray about everything. Yet, how often do we limit ourselves by holding back? Many of us fear disappointment, thinking,

What if I ask for something huge and God says no?

Others may feel unworthy of receiving large blessings or are afraid to be let down. These fears often keep us praying small prayers, making sure we don’t ask for too much just in case God doesn’t come through.

But Scripture tells us something different. Ephesians 3:20 assures us that:

God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."

This verse is a reminder that God is not bound by our limited perspective. He wants us to ask, and to ask big. Yet, when we don’t bring our boldest requests before Him, we miss the chance to witness His greatness.

So, here’s the challenge: If you’re not asking big, are you really trusting God to do big things?

Fear Keeps Us from Bold Prayers

Fear is a natural emotion, but when it comes to our relationship with God, fear can be crippling.

James 4:2-3 reminds us that sometimes we don’t have because we don’t ask, or we ask with the wrong motives. What keeps us from asking? Fear of rejection, feelings of unworthiness, or even doubt in God’s ability to provide.

However, bold prayers are an expression of deep trust. They acknowledge that we believe God is capable of handling the big things, even when we can’t see how it’s possible. It’s not about demanding things from God, but about coming to Him with expectancy and faith.

Bold prayers are an expression of deep trust. They acknowledge that we believe God is capable of handling the big things, even when we can’t see how it’s possible.



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Take the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel. She was barren, deeply troubled, and carrying the weight of cultural shame. Yet, in her brokenness, she boldly asked God for a son, and her prayer was not timid or vague. It was specific, faith-filled, and persistent. Despite years of disappointment, Hannah trusted that God could do the impossible—and He did.

Hannah’s bold prayer wasn’t just about her personal desire for a child. Her request played a crucial role in the destiny of Israel, as her son Samuel would go on to anoint Israel’s first kings.

Her willingness to ask for something big was part of God’s bigger plan. Her story is a reminder that our bold prayers can have far-reaching effects beyond what we can see.

Want to dive deeper into this message? Check out the full sermon, "Overcome the Fear of Asking Big in Prayer | Bold Prayers That Move Mountains" on YouTube: Watch here.

How to Overcome the Fear of Bold Prayers

So how do we overcome the fear that holds us back from asking for big things? Here are a few steps you can take:

  1. Identify Your Fear: Start by reflecting on what specific fears or doubts keep you from asking God for big things. Is it fear of disappointment? Doubt in His goodness? Write it down and confront it head-on.
  2. Ask Specifically: Bold prayers aren’t vague. They’re specific and intentional. Just as Hannah didn’t simply ask for a child—she asked for a son—you can ask for something big in your life, whether it's in your career, relationships, or personal growth. Be clear about what you need.
  3. Pray Persistently: Bold prayers require persistence. Hannah didn’t give up after her first prayer. She kept coming back to God, trusting Him even when she didn’t see immediate results. Likewise, set aside time daily to bring your requests to God, knowing that He hears you.
  4. Surrender the Outcome: Finally, bold prayers are not about demanding your way but about trusting God's plan. Once you’ve prayed, release the outcome to Him, knowing that His ways are higher than ours. Trust that whatever happens, His response will be in your best interest.

The Power of Bold Prayers

God invites us to ask boldly, and when we do, we step into a deeper relationship with Him. Our fear of asking for big things can be more significant than our faith, but it doesn’t have to be.

Remember, bold prayers are not about convincing God—they’re about convincing yourself that God is big enough to handle your requests.

Take action today: choose one bold prayer that you’ve been afraid to ask, write it down, and commit to bringing it before God daily. As Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, we serve a God who can do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."

Let’s stop praying small prayers and start trusting God for big things.

Ready to take your prayer life to the next level? If you’re looking for guidance on how to pray with confidence and expectation, check out my book, Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence and Expectation. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. This resource will help you move past fear and doubt, empowering you to ask God for the big things He’s waiting to give you.

Bold prayers are not about convincing God—they’re about convincing yourself that God is big enough to handle your requests.



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Dare to Pray BIG: Unlocking the Power of Bold Prayer

Dare to Pray BIG: Unlocking the Power of Bold Prayer

Have you ever found yourself praying small, safe prayers, not quite daring to believe that God can do the impossible?

I found myself in that exact situation as our church faced a significant decision about whether to stay in our current building or relocate. It wasn’t about space; it was about the financial burden of ongoing repairs.

The question loomed:

Should we stay and hold onto the familiar, or take a bold step into the unknown?

Our church building held deep sentimental value. It was a place where life-changing events had occurred—baptisms, worship services, and countless moments of transformation.

Personally, it felt like home. But during a meeting, someone asked, “Are we limiting what God can do by staying?”

That question hit hard. Were we allowing emotional attachment to cloud our decision-making and limit God’s plans for our future?

That night, I prayed with a new sense of purpose. It wasn’t about holding on to the past anymore.

I asked God for clarity and courage, not just a solution to our building problem but a bigger vision for what He could do through us. As I prayed, I realized something powerful: the building isn’t the church—the people are.

After much prayer and discussion, we decided to relocate. It was hard, but we stepped out in faith, trusting that God had bigger plans for us.

The decision freed us from financial strain and opened doors for new ministry opportunities. It was a reminder that bold prayers, rooted in faith, can unlock God’s provision in ways we might never expect.

The building isn’t the church—the people are. Bold faith moves us beyond the familiar and into God’s greater plan.



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Are You Limiting God's Power?

Too often, our prayers are limited by what we think is possible, not by what God knows is possible.

We hesitate to ask for big things because we’re afraid of disappointment or because our human understanding creates limits that God doesn’t have.

But as Ephesians 3:20 tells us,

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

What if we dared to pray bigger, bolder prayers?

What if we trusted God for things beyond our imagination, knowing that He is always at work, even when we can’t see it?

Are we limiting God’s power with our small, safe prayers? It’s time to pray big and trust Him for the impossible.



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Taking the Next Step in Faith

Bold prayer requires bold faith. 

Like Abraham in Genesis 18, who interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, we need to approach God with confidence, believing in His justice and mercy. Abraham didn’t hold back—he boldly asked God to spare the city, trusting in His character.

The challenge for all of us is to stop tiptoeing around in our prayers. Ask God for what seems impossible. Trust that He will move in His way and in His time.

Whether you’re praying for healing, the salvation of a loved one, or transformation in your community, remember: bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.

Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.



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Are you ready to take that next step of faith? 

Are you ready to take that next step of faith? Dare to pray big—and watch what God can do.

 Here are three key takeaways to help you on this journey:

  1. Stop praying safe prayers – God isn’t limited by what we think is possible. It’s time to trust Him with the bold, impossible requests.
  2. Bold prayer requires bold faith – Like Abraham, we must come to God with confidence and expect that He will move.
  3. Faith grows when we step out – Stepping out in boldness opens the door for God to do extraordinary things in our lives and in our ministries.

Dare to pray big—and watch what God can do.

If you want to dive deeper into bold prayer, I encourage you to check out my book, Bold Prayers: How to Pray With Confidence and Expectation. It’s available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats.

This book will help you transform your prayer life, teaching you how to approach God with the faith and confidence that invites Him to work in extraordinary ways. Available now on Amazon!

For more insights on leadership and faith, check out The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast, where I dive deeper into topics like bold prayer, leadership in ministry, and trusting God’s plan.

Listen to the latest episode here on Apple Podcasts.

Continuing the Legacy: The Next Chapter of Mars Hill Revealed! 🎁

Continuing the Legacy: The Next Chapter of Mars Hill Revealed! 🎁

Welcome back to the unfolding story of Mars Hill Baptist Church, a sanctuary that has stood as a beacon of faith, hope, and community in the heart of Chicago for over six decades. 

If you joined us for Part 1, you already know Mars Hill is no ordinary church. It’s a living testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together, united by faith and driven by a vision

As we dive into Part 2 of this compelling series, prepare to be inspired by the church’s innovative outreach, transformative leadership, and bold steps into the future. 

Whether you’re a long-time member or new to our community, what you’re about to read will deepen your understanding of Mars Hill’s enduring legacy and its exciting path forward.

Mars Hill Baptist Church: Continuing the Legacy

In our previous post, we embarked on a journey through the early days of Mars Hill Baptist Church, a sanctuary of faith, hope, and community nestled in the heart of Chicago. As we delve deeper into this continuation, we’ll uncover more facets of this remarkable institution, highlighting its growth, outreach, and the modern touches that make it a beacon in Chicago’s religious landscape.

Innovative Outreach: Beyond the Church Walls 

Mars Hill’s vision has always transcended its physical boundaries. One of its groundbreaking initiatives was the bus ministry, a transformative outreach inspired by Jack Hyles and the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. This wasn’t merely a transport service; it was a mission to bring children from the inner city to Sunday school, planting seeds of faith and hope. By 1982, Mars Hill’s commitment to education and community led to the inception of a school, resulting in a surge in membership, reaching about 850 souls by 1992.

Transition and Transformation: A New Era 

The dawn of the late 1990s heralded a significant transition for Mars Hill. With the leadership baton passed, Clarence E. Stowers, Jr., the founder’s son, emerged as a beacon of youthful energy and innovation. The untimely passing of Rev. Stowers Sr. in 1999 propelled the younger Stowers into leadership, marking a revitalization, growth, and transformation period for Mars Hill.

Diversifying Ministries: Catering to a Dynamic Congregation 

Mars Hill expanded its horizons under Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.’s visionary leadership. By spring 2001, the church had birthed several new ministries. Mars Hill was moving from the Basketball ministry for sports enthusiasts to the Music ministry for budding talents. One standout event was the “Taste of Mars Hill,” a testament to Mars Hill’s commitment to community, faith, and fellowship.

Embracing Modernity: A Progressive Approach 

While Mars Hill Baptist Church is steeped in tradition, it has always been forward-thinking. Recognizing the evolving dynamics of worship and the diverse needs of its congregation, the church made bold moves. Shorter, concise services were introduced, and the traditional pulpit was removed, symbolizing Mars Hill’s commitment to blending tradition with modern worship methods.

Looking Ahead: The Dawn of Mars Hill Anywhere 

Mars Hill recognized the need to evolve as the world became more interconnected and digital. The church began envisioning a model to cater to its in-person congregation and growing online community. This vision led to “Mars Hill Anywhere,” a hybrid church model that seamlessly blends physical and digital worship experiences. This innovative approach ensures that no matter where someone is, they can be a part of the Mars Hill community, partaking in worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

Conclusion: A Legacy Continued and a Glimpse into the Future 

As we wrap up this second installment on Mars Hill Baptist Church, it’s evident that its journey is a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, faith, and community outreach. From its humble beginnings in 1963 to its current hybrid model, Mars Hill continues to inspire and nurture souls.

Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll delve deeper into the evolution of “Mars Hill Anywhere” and explore how the church has seamlessly transitioned into a hybrid model, catering to its in-person and online communities.

For a deeper dive into Mars Hill Baptist Church and its myriad programs and initiatives, visit ​www.marshillchicago.org​.

Celebrating Six Decades of Faithful Service

As we reflect on the remarkable 60-year journey of Mars Hill Baptist Church, it’s evident that our legacy is not just built on bricks and mortar but on faith, dedication, and community. Our history is a tapestry of countless stories, prayers, and miracles; each of you is an integral thread.

This Sunday, we commemorate our past and ignite our future. Whether you’ve been with us since day one or just getting to know us, we invite you to be part of this milestone celebration.

Join us in person or tune in online at 10:30 AM Central for our 60th-anniversary service. Let’s honor the legacy, celebrate the present, and anticipate the boundless possibilities that await.

Key Dates and Links:

⏰: ​Next In-Person Service is Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 10:30 AM Central​ @ 7941 47th St. McCook, IL 10:30 AM 

📺: YouTube (ClarenceStowersTV)

🖥: My Facebook Creator Page

🖥: Facebook Live (Mars Hill Chicago’s Page)

🐦: Twitter (@MarsHillBC)

💕 Support Us –  Click here to support Mars Hill and help us continue reaching people worldwide

📲: Text MHGIVE from your phone/mobile device to 33777, follow the prompts, and give. 

🎯:  Join our Facebook Group.

We eagerly anticipate the joy of worshiping with you online on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 10:30 AM Central. 

Remember, regardless of how you choose to participate—whether in person or online—the power of our collective worship transcends physical boundaries, uniting us as one body in Christ.

Be there. Be part of the legacy. Let’s write the next chapter of Mars Hill together.

Let’s celebrate!

How to Draw Closer To God Through Prayer

How to Draw Closer To God Through Prayer

When you know precisely what you want to accomplish and how your goals seem realistic, it's easier to achieve objectives like 10 pounds lost, debt eliminated, and a new career when they're concrete. Specifics provide a reference point and instruct you on what to do next.

It's a journey that will last a lifetime—and then some. It's not something you should expect to happen immediately. So, set any anxiety or guilt aside and commit to making modest progress each day, week, and month.

I was feeling stuck in a rut spiritually. I had been growing in my faith, talking and walking with God, but then I stopped maturing. After trying these steps, I noticed an improvement in my relationship with God.

What if there was a simple way to get closer to God? What if it only took three steps? Would you try it? I did, and now I want to share what worked for me and pray they work for you. First, you begin by getting into prayer mode.

Get Into Prayer Mode

A big part of my spiritual walk is prayer, and I found that many times when I was starting to feel distant from God, I wasn't tuning in to prayer. So I sat down one day and created a schedule to pray twice a day - Once in the morning and once in the evening.

When I sit down to pray, it's usually just God and me. I ask Him for forgiveness for whatever troubles me or has bothered me throughout the day. And at night before bed, I thank Him for all of the blessings He's given me during the day and thank Him for making me feel closer to Him than ever before.

My goal with this schedule was to spend at least 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes before bed talking to God. I wanted to make sure I had a connection with Him each day, no matter how busy I was. This schedule truly helped me feel closer to God, and I hope it does the same for you. Try it out for a week or so, and see how much more connected you feel with God!

Now that you're in prayer mode, next, eliminate all distractions, including electronic distractions.

Eliminate Electronic Distractions

I also recommend turning off any digital devices that might disturb or distract you from the prayer. Try to find a place where you can be alone and uninterrupted, even for a short while. It's not about being perfect, but it is about making an effort.

If you can't find a place to pray, don't worry about it. I was tempted to make it easier for you by listing some great spots to find solitude in, but the truth is that you can pray anywhere: your bedroom, church, bathroom (no one will judge), or even while walking the dog!

You can pray anywhere and anytime that you feel led to. Some ideas are listed below.

If you're having a hard time following or concentrating on what you're saying, don't worry about it! You may find yourself repeating the same general prayer over and over because your thoughts are all over the place. That's okay. It's not about being perfect! Just keep at it until you feel a sense of peace or hear God's voice encouraging you to continue.

You're in prayer mode and eliminate all distractions, including electronic distractions. Next, give thanks in advance for the little things that will happen on this day.

Turn off any digital devices that might disturb or distract you from the prayer. 



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Give Thanks in Advance for the Little Things That Will Happen on This Day

Every day when you wake up, say a short prayer. It doesn't have to be anything too complex or lengthy. Just remember and thank God for the day that he gave you of life. Then ask Him what He would like you to do with your life today. Make it personal by mentioning specifics of things He has done for you.

And when it comes time to fall asleep, say another prayer. Thank God again for the blessing of a new day, and ask Him if there is anything that he would like you to do tomorrow. If you woke up with any problems or concerns, pray about them and ask God how to handle them.

Try to read a chapter from the Bible each day. It doesn't have to be in chronological order or necessarily anything extensive. Just try to get into it and understand what you are reading, even if that means rereading some parts over again. If possible, make sure that the section of the Bible that you chose relates somehow to what you are going through that day.

For instance, if you recently learned about a significant mistake your friend made, read the story of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12). This will help remind you that we all make mistakes, even though God still loves us.

Write down any thoughts and questions during your devotional time. This will benefit you in the long run. If an idea or question comes to your head, write it down and ask God about it later that day. By doing this, you are helping yourself get closer to God by staying in a constant conversation with him.

Give thanks in advance for the little things that will happen on this day. Begin each day with an attitude of gratitude. Write down:

-I am grateful for

-I am grateful for

-I am grateful for

...and so on.

Finally, you're in prayer mode, and eliminate all distractions, including electronic distractions; gave thanks in advance for the little things that will happen on this day; it's time to make a few slight necessary adjustments.

Give Thanks in Advance for the Little Things That Will Happen on This Day.



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Slight Necessary Adjustments

Try These Steps: (James 5:16)

Step 1: Change your perspective on your relationship with God. If we are willing to admit that we have grown distant from God, He is more than happy to help us feel close again!

Step 2: Start each day by reading the Bible for 10-15 minutes. It doesn't matter where in the Bible or what part of life you read about; start with reading every morning!

Step 3: Spend time in prayer each day as well. Pray for others, pray for yourself, and thank Him (God) for all He has done.

If you are willing to commit to prayer, you will see an immediate difference in your relationship with God.

Here's What You Can Do This Week

1. Find a time and place where you will not be disturbed and can focus.

2. Turn off any digital devices that might disturb or distract you from the prayer.

3. Get into what some refer to as "prayer mode." This is your way of getting ready for prayer, with an attitude of reverential awe before God.

4. Address God as Heavenly Father in your own words and use the pronouns "Thou" and "Thee."

5. Give thanks in advance for the little things that will happen on this day, but remind yourself that God knows what will happen tomorrow, too - so don't be disappointed if you forget something today or if you don't get to pray about everything that's on your mind.

6. Pray sincerely from the heart. Give thanks, express gratitude, ask for blessings and make requests of God as you feel inspired by the Holy Spirit.

7. Express your feelings at any promptings from the Holy Ghost and take note of what thoughts or feelings you may have received, either from the Spirit or your thoughts.

8. Conclude your prayer with a statement of gratitude and love for God, such as, "I'm grateful for this opportunity to communicate with Thee O Heavenly Father" or "I love thee." Then take time to sit quietly and contemplate on any feelings that came through in your prayer.

9. Some people like to finish with a closing prayer, but others prefer to sit silently until their thoughts turn back to the world and they're ready to begin their day. It's up to you and what works best for you personally!

10. Make sure that you have been reverent in your demeanor and sincerely give thanks in your prayer. If any distractions come up, such as your mind wandering to thoughts or concerns that aren't related to what you're praying for, gently return them to the things that you were brought before God to pray about - making sure not to get frustrated with; yourself! Turn again and start over.

Conclusion

We all need to take some time for prayer. Prayer is essential in our lives, and we must find a way to include it in our day-to-day lives. The best time to pray is at night when you sleep, but other times during the day work well.

There's no right or wrong time of day—do what works best for your schedule! To start getting into prayer mode more often, try setting aside 10 minutes every morning before school starts or before work begins where you can spend that time praying with God about anything on your heart, from family issues, worries about finances in general (including how they may affect current debt), problems at work anything that is a burden on your heart should be shared with God.

Christians are to pray at all times, not just when they feel like it or for some specific reason. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 in context, "Pray without ceasing." It doesn't mean we can't sleep or do anything besides pray. This is my testimony of how I was able to get closer to God. I hope it will help you, as well.

Drawing closer to God begins with prayer. Don't forget to join us for part two on "How to Get Closer to God." If you found value in today's post, can you do me a favor and share it? Thanks!

How do you get into prayer mode? I'd love to hear more about your prayer strategies.

You Can’t Have It Both Ways, It’s Either All or Nothing

You Can’t Have It Both Ways, It’s Either All or Nothing

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “I’m All In or All or Nothing?”

Originally and still a poker metatphor, ‘all in’ has also come to mean a situation whose subject is unreservedly involved, without qualification. Fully committed. In this sense the term “all in” is almost the same as its denotative opposite, “all out,” as in all-out warfare.

When many people think of church membership, they may think that it just means their name is on a roll at a church. And in some churches it means you were baptized or dedicated at that church. But it’s actually much more than that.

ALL OR NOTHING

It’s about an attitude, not an action.

In my new message series for 2016, I’m laying out the basic principles for what it means to be “ALL IN.”

  • All In
  • It’s Not About me…It’s All About Him
  • In Order to Go Up, I Must be Prayed Up.
  • As For Me and My House, It’s Settled.
  • Sit or Serve…It’s a Choice

Why waste your life when you can make something of your life? If you wait, life will probably pass you by. But if you go out and do the things you want to, take the risks you fear, you may just find that everything falls into place. Join us each Sunday in January at the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago at 8 AM or 10:30 AM. It’s a safe place to hear a dangerous message.

[shareable]It’s about an attitude, not an action.[/shareable]

Question: What would it take for you to be “All In” in 2016 Share your answer on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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