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Showing posts from June, 2021

Drawn with Unfailing Love

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Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. — Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT) The LORD draws us to Himself with unfailing love. Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! He is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. He lavishes unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love Him and obey His commands. (See Exodus 20:6, 34:6 NLT) Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone. (Psalm 33:22 NLT) Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. (Psalm 36:5 NLT) How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. — Psalm 36:7-9 (NLT)

Follow The Spirit

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So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. — Romans 8:6 (NLT) Let us no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit, and bear much fruit for the Kingdom of God. …the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. (Galatians 5:22-23 TPT) So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. (Galatians 5:16 NLT)

Listen

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Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. — 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NKJV) Don't let the noise of events in this world distract you. There is some rubble that the strong winds needs to blow out of your life. Let the earthquake remove what can be shaken and the fiery furnace experiences burn out the impurities. Instead of focusing on the earthquakes and storms of life, listen for the still small voice of the LORD.

The King of Glory

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Lift up your heads, you gates, and lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory? The LORD of armies, He is the King of glory. Selah — Psalm 24:9-10 (NASB) “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is filled with His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3 AMP) The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. (Psalm 19:1-2 (NLT) Have eyes that see and ears that hear. Seek more of his strength! Seek more of him! Let’s always be seeking the light of his face. (Psalm 105:4 TPT) This is the generation of those who seek the LORD… (See Psalm 24:6 NASB) Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. (1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB)

Safe & Secure

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Yahweh, what a perfect God you are! All Yahweh’s promises have proven true. What a secure shelter for all those who turn to hide themselves in you, the wraparound God. God, you have wrapped me in power and made my way perfect. Through you I ascend to the highest peaks to stand strong and secure in you. — Psalm 18:30, 32-33 (TPT) Take refuge in the Lord. For he alone is my safe place. His wraparound presence always protects me as my champion defender. There’s no risk of failure with God! So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? God’s glory is all around me! His wraparound presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength. (Psalm 62:6-7 TPT) Romans 13:14 (TPT) says: fully immerse yourselves into the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.

Peace at All Times

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Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  — Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) Jesus, the Prince of Peace, has given us His peace, and it will continually guard our hearts and minds as we abide in Christ. Therefore, we need not be anxious nor fearful. Let His perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge. (See John 14:27 AMP)  Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. — 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT) 

Proclaim His Greatness

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Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. — Psalm 145:3-6 (NLT) Yahweh, our Sovereign God, your glory streams from the heavens above, filling the earth with the majesty of your name! People everywhere see your splendor! (Psalm 8:9 TPT) Keep me in this glory. Let me live continually under your splendor-shadow, hiding my life in you forever. Pause in his presence (Psalm 61:4 TPT)

He Rescues

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The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. — Psalm 34:17-18 (NLT) We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. (2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT) The afflictions of the righteous are many, but the LORD rescues him from them all. (Psalm 34:19 NASB) Call upon the LORD, for He is faithful to come to the rescue.  Even when bad things happen to the good and godly ones, the Lord will save them and not let them be defeated by what they face. — Psalm 34:19 (TPT)

Our Great Treasure

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We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. — 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT) The great treasure we have is the Presence of Almighty God dwelling inside of us, with the same power that raised Christ from the dead. Our great God is the same. He does not change. The LORD is our constant source of stability in changing times, and out of his abundant love he gives us the riches of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. Yes, the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure! (See Isaiah 33:6 TPT) Fear the LORD, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth,  ... the LORD your God you shall fear; and He will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies. — 2 Kings 17:39 (NKJV)

Focus Your Attention

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We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God! — Hebrews 12:2 (TPT) No matter what circumstances exist in your life today, don't let them distract you. Keep fixing your eyes on Jesus, King of kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (See John 14:6) In Him, we have everything we need. It is through him that we live and function and have our identity. (See Acts 17:28 TPT) As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. — Micah 7:7 (NLT) 

Count on Him

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 Now, this is what Yahweh says: “Listen, Jacob, to the One who created you, Israel, to the one who shaped who you are. Do not fear, for I, your Kinsman-Redeemer, will rescue you. I have called you by name, and you are mine. When you pass through the deep, stormy sea, you can count on me to be there with you. When you pass through raging rivers, You will not drown. When you walk through persecution like fiery flames, you will not be burned; the flames will not harm you, for I am your Savior, Yahweh, your mighty God, the Holy One of Israel!” — Isaiah 43:1-3a (TPT) No matter what you are going through, you can count on Yahweh, to be there with you. And if God is with you, who can stand against you? (See Romans 8:31)

Give Thanks

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Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever. — Psalm 136:1-4 (NLT) He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. (Psalm 103:4-6 NLT) It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High. (Psalm 92:1 NLT) Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. (Psalm 105:1 NLT)

Keep the Faith

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I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; — 2 Timothy 4:7 (NASB) No matter what set of circumstances are before you, keep your eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. (1 Timothy 1:19 NLT) Proverbs 28:1 (NLT) says, the godly are as bold as lions. So fight the good fight, finish your course and keep the faith.

Right Decisions

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Your future is bright and filled with a living hope that will never fade away. As you listen to me, my beloved child, you will grow in wisdom and your heart will be drawn into understanding, which will empower you to make right decisions. — Proverbs 23:18-19 (TPT) We are empowered to make right decisions, as we listen to wisdom and get understanding. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NASB) My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short. — Proverbs 24:13-14 (NLT)

Nothing Compares

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Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. — Philippians 3:8-9a (NLT) Nothing compares to the immeasurable value of knowing Jesus Christ and embracing Him as Lord, in all of His greatness and glory. May we let go of all that we had dear in this world, and set our affections upon Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. He is Immanuel, God with us. Let us be with Him. “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.” — Luke 18:29-30 (NLT)

Live in the Light

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Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” — John 8:12 (NASB) As we continually live in the light, we share unbroken fellowship with our heavenly Father. To live in the light, we have to be hearers and doers of the Word. In Luke 11:28 (NLT), Jesus replied, “…even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:6-7 NLT)

Look with Wonder

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Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children. The reason the world doesn’t recognize who we are is that they didn’t recognize him. — 1 John 3:1 (TPT)  Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 136:26 NLT) For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 AMP) May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. — Ephesians 3:19 (NLT)

Follow His Way

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“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” — Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT) In our limited human perspective, our way often seems easier, faster, or better, but God’s way is always BEST. Seek His way, at all times, and daily renew your mind with the Word of God to elevate your thoughts. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT) “He makes my feet like the doe’s feet [firm and swift]; He sets me [secure and confident] on my high places.” — 2 Samuel 22:34 (AMP)

Come Closer

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Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting. — James 4:8 (TPT) Drawing closer to God, begins with humility. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (See James 4:6 NLT) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, (1 Peter 5:6 NASB). Submit to the authority of God. He is Elohim, the all-powerful, everlasting God. Resist the devil by standing firm against him and he will flee from you. Come closer to God, with a repentant heart and He will come close to you. “ My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the LORD, have spoken! I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word. ” — Isaiah 66:2 (NLT)

His Perfect Plan

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Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (TPT) Whatever challenges come your way, God’s will for us who belong to Christ Jesus is to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and to be thankful in all circumstances. We can rejoice because King Jesus has already gained the victory for us. We pray because the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (See James 5:16 NLT) And we are to continually give thanks to God because His Presence is with us. Our mighty God will guide us along the right path and give us the strength to persevere and overcome. Amen.

A Living Hope

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Celebrate with praises the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has shown us his extravagant mercy. For his fountain of mercy has given us a new life—we are reborn to experience a living, energetic hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. — 1 Peter 1:3 (TPT) Let us keep our hope in Christ, alive and energetic. Living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory! This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for his people, and God wants everyone to know it! (Colossians 1:27 TPT) So then, with this amazing hope living in us, we step out in freedom and boldness to speak the truth. (2 Corinthians 3:12 TPT) …worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. (1 Peter 3:15 NLT) For I’m releasing these words to you this day, yes, even to you, so that your living hope will be found in God alone, for he

Learn to Trust

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…All of the hardships we passed through crushed us beyond our ability to endure, and we were so completely overwhelmed that we were about to give up entirely. It felt like we had a death sentence written upon our hearts, and we still feel it to this day. It has taught us to lose all faith in ourselves and to place all of our trust in the God who raises the dead. — 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (TPT) May the difficulties and hardships we experience, teach us to trust in and rely on Almighty God, not in our limited human strength. When you feel crushed and completely overwhelmed, cast all your cares upon the Lord. He is Elohim, the all-powerful One. ... let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.  — Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

Here to Help

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I am Yahweh, your mighty God! I grip your right hand and won’t let you go! I whisper to you: ‘Don’t be afraid; I am here to help you!’ — Isaiah 41:13 (TPT) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; (1 Peter 4:12 NASB) Jesus warned us we would have many trials and sorrows here on earth. In John 16:33 (AMP), He said: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” Christ’s explosive power residing in us, enables us to do everything that God has called us to do. I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything an

He’s Still with You

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Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our form; He is mindful that we are nothing but dust. — Psalm 103:13-14 (NASB) You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. (Psalm 56:8 NLT) Every single moment you are thinking of me! How precious and wonderful to consider that you cherish me constantly in your every thought! O God, your desires toward me are more than the grains of sand on every shore! When I awake each morning, you’re still with me. (Psalm 139:17-18 TPT)  Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. — Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

Don’t Hold Back

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Come on, everyone! Let’s sing for joy to the Lord! Let’s shout our loudest praises to our God who saved us! Everyone come meet his face with a thankful heart. Don’t hold back your praises; make him great by your shouts of joy! For the Lord is the greatest of all, King-God over all other gods! — Psalm 95:1-3 (TPT) Come and kneel before this Creator-God; come and bow before the mighty God, our majestic maker! For we are those he cares for, and he is the God we worship. (See Psalm 95:6-7 TPT) Be in awe before his majesty. Be in awe before such power and might! Come worship wonderful Yahweh, arrayed in all his splendor, bowing in worship as he appears in the beauty of holiness. Give him the honor due his name. Worship him wearing the glory-garments of your holy, priestly calling! (Psalm 29:2 TPT)  Praise the LORD for what He has done and is doing. Worship Him, for Who He is: the great I AM, Yahweh, and Immanuel (God with us). And don’t hold back. 

Never Abandoned

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We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT) No matter what you are going through, do not despair. Because we have the Holy Spirit residing in us, the same power that raised Jesus from the grave, enables us to overcome every challenge. He gives us strength in every struggle. We can triumph over all our troubles, because Jesus has already gained the victory for us. “ No man will [be able to] stand before you [to oppose you] as long as you live. Just as I was [present] with Moses, so will I be with you; I will not fail you or abandon you. ” — Joshua 1:5 (AMP)

Blessed with Peace

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“ Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful .” — John 14:27 (NASB1995) Jesus, the Prince of Peace, has given us His peace. And His peace surpasses all understanding. His peace will guard your heart and mind as you live in Christ Jesus. (See Philippians 4:7) Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) says, the LORD will keep in perfect peace, all who trust in Him and whose thoughts are fixed on Him. So keep your mind fixed on our great and mighty God, and not the ever-changing events of this world.  “ The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace. ” — Psalms 29:11 (NLT)

Watch Where You're Going!

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Watch where you’re going! Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you. Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked for even a moment or take the detour that leads to darkness.  — Proverbs 4:26-27 (TPT) Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.   (Proverbs 4:26 NLT) The straight and safe path is the one that is aligned to the Word of God, in what we say  and  in what we do. Proverbs 21:8 (NLT) says, the guilty walk a crooked path; the innocent travel a straight road. Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions. (Proverbs 4:25 TPT) Instead of paying attention to distractions, getting caught up in doubt and taking detours, stay fixed on fulfilling the call and purpose God designed specifically for you. Don't try to follow someone else's calling. Be true to who God created you to be.

Live in Union

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 “ I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you— but when you live separated from me you are powerless .” — John 15:5 (TPT) When we decide to do things our own way or choose to go along with the ways of this world, we disconnect from Jesus, our source. As long as we are disconnected from Him, we are powerless and unfruitful. John 15:4 (TPT) says, your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to Jesus. So now, beloved ones, stand firm, stable, and enduring. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures. (1 Corinthians 15:58 TPT)  …live your life empowered by God’s free-flowing grace, which is your true strength, found in the anointing of Jesus and your union with him! — 2 Timothy 2:1 (TPT)

Give It All to God

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Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. — Psalm 55:22 (NLT) Give whatever burdens you have to the LORD. In order to cast all your cares upon the LORD, you need to emotionally separate yourself from them. Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 TPT) Once you release your concerns to God, be sure not to pick them up again. Trust God. He is able to handle all that concerns you. Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you. (See Psalm 55:22b TPT) Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. — Philippians 4:6 (AMP)