Optimistic Journey » Spiritual Development

The Hardest Prayer to Pray

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:34:47 +0000

I believe that one of the hardest prayers to pray is to let God’s will be done in our lives. Generally we want things to happen in our lives based on what we want.

But our will is not always God’s will for our life. Therefore, it can be rather difficult to pray that God’s will be done in our lives.

In doing so we fear that God’s will is not what we want in life. God’s will might mean no to that person that isn’t meant for us to marry. It could mean no to that seemingly dream job. God’s will might mean that the time isn’t right to start that business.

However, regardless us what disappointment it may cause you, I encourage you to pray that prayer as you go through your journey. I believe it’s better to be in the will of God. You have to understand that God’s way is the best way.

It may not seem like the best way at the time. But God sees the future. He knew the end in the beginning. If you will just trust God today and know that He won’t guide you wrong, everything will turn out for the greater good in the end.

You see, your will may be based on the present or maybe even the future as you see it. But God’s will is based on the greater good. He has your best interest at heart.

Next time you pray to God, pray that His will be done in your life. Pray that He gives you the strength and courage to accept His will. It may not be an easy prayer to pray but it’s a worthwhile prayer. It can possibly save you heartache in the long run. Pray this prayer today as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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June 24, 2010 -- 3 Ways to Combat Stress (2)
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Tune Into The Right Frequency

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:50:22 +0000

The other day I was watching a National Geographic documentary on wolves. It turns out, that this very intelligent species of animals have a language of their own.

Often they hang in packs, therefore if you see one wolf chances are there’s another not too far away. Wolves have the awesome ability to tune into the howls of those in his own tribe. Even if there is another pack of wolves nearby, each wolf knows the call of his own.

Sometimes the alpha-male, the leader of the pack, will call out to all in his camp and signal them to assemble together.

He might communicate that it’s time to hunt prey. He may communicate that it’s feeding time. He might even signal that seasons are changing and it’s time to migrate south. Whatever he’s communicating, all the wolves in the pack know the call of their own.

They can filter out the howl of a nearby wolf who isn’t in their tribe. But they know to come running at the call of their own leader.

Like the wolves we should learn to tune into the voice of God. Stay true to your own – remain faithful. We should be reminded that we are the sons and daughters of the most high God. Therefore, when He calls we should hearken to His voice. He’s guiding us in the right direction.

Oftentimes the enemy may come and try to tempt you. He may try to throw you off track and lead you down the wrong path. But you should tune into that one call that says you are destined for greatness.

I encourage you to tune into a different frequency. Tune into that frequency that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you can ask or think.

Ignore the frequency of defeat… that voice that says you’ll never make it. Tune into that frequency that will cause you to triumph today!

Photo credit: Sentrawoods.

May 12, 2010 -- He’s Already Made A Way Of Escape (5)

He Has The Last Say So!

Jarrod Clark — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:28:42 +0000

Often enough when faced with disappointments in life, we have a tendency to dwell on the upset. We find ourselves focusing on the way things look instead up pushing forth to overcome whatever upset we may be facing.

In the interim, you may find yourself tempted to get upset and discouraged. But just like the scripture says, God has your steps ordered today! Another scripture says that He’s the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end.

The enemy may be plotting an attack but remember, if God be for you who dare be against you. Know that God is on your side and He has the last say so. You see, the enemy may be constantly coming at you with ways to get you to crumble. But there is nothing the enemy can do to offset the plan of God for your life.

If God promised you that job then it’s yours! If He promised you that beautiful house on a hill then it’s yours!

I don’t know many people who I can honestly say that their word is the end all be all. But fortunately with Christ, He does indeed have the last say so.

Jeremiah 1:5 says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Know today that no matter what comes your way or how difficult it may seem, it’s not the end all be all. Even when it seems like you’re defeated that’s when you should make the declaration that it’s not over until God says it’s over. The scripture tells us that we are triumphant and victorious in Christ Jesus! And He has a plan that’s tailor-made just for you!

Photo by angelofsweetbitter2009

May 12, 2010 -- He’s Already Made A Way Of Escape (5)
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Don’t Forget to Pray That Prayer

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:49:17 +0000

I say it all the time, when you pray all you’re doing is having a conversation to God. Know that you don’t have to be on bended knees or lying prostrate before God just to be in a moment of prayer.

You can be praying as you walk out the door in the morning. You can pray before the big test at school. You can go forth in prayer before that job interview. Even on that morning run you can offer up a word of prayer.

In fact, that’s the good thing about God – He meets you right where you are. He isn’t inconvenient. He’s not selfish with His time. No, He hears every thought you think, when you think them. And He even knows your heart!

You see God delights when you call on His name. The scripture says that He’s a jealous God. All He wants is for you to acknowledge Him. Always remember where your blessings come from.

You don’t have to know every scripture in the bible, or have the so called “prayer lingo” that your local minister or pastor has. No, God understands every word you say. He even knows your thoughts before you even think them.

The scripture says, The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. He hears your earnest prayer and He’ll respond to them.

You may be in traffic on the way to work. But just take a moment and focus your thoughts on Him. Simply thank Him for waking you up. Pray that He surrounds you all day with His loving-kindness and tender mercies. Pray that He grants you favor. Ask Him to give you the strength and the courage to boldly go where no man has gone before.

Know today that prayer changes things. You can go to God at anytime and He’s there waiting with open arms. He’s never to proud or too busy to respond to your call. He’s not too big to come see about you. Know that an active prayer life will make a difference today. It will give you the strength and ability to withstand whatever trouble the enemy can bring your way. Take some time out today to lift up a word of prayer and watch as you rise to higher heights and deeper depths!

Photo credit: d ha rm e sh

June 24, 2010 -- 3 Ways to Combat Stress (2)
June 2, 2010 -- God Is Just A Prayer Away (1)
February 2, 2010 -- Five Ways We Can Change The World (0)
July 28, 2010 -- The Hardest Prayer to Pray (2)
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He’s The God of Another Chance

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 02:02:16 +0000

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. - Proverbs 24:16

No matter how many times you make a mistake or take a wrong turn in life, you should know that you are guaranteed another chance. Now that’s saying a lot because a guarantee means that you’re made certain to receive another chance.

In other words, God doesn’t grant you another chance based on how messed up your past is. In fact the scripture says He’s no respecter of persons. That means that He doesn’t put one person above another.

You should understand that God is not a God of a second chance — He’s not a God of a third, fourth, or even a fifth chance. No my friend, He’s the God of another chance! That means that His grace and mercy is more than sufficient! His love is unconditional!

Don’t be discouraged, no matter how many times you’ve fallen, know that you can get back up and continue on your journey to fulfill your assignment. As long as you strive to live a life pleasing in the sight of God, you are guaranteed another chance!

In some ways, life is like a video game — you won’t go to the next level until you conquer the level you’re on. In order to be promoted to the next level, you have to take this opportunity to get on track. You may not conquer the fight the first time around but unlike the video game, where you’re only granted a certain amount of lives, God has endless opportunities lined up for you!

You see, if He wasn’t the merciful God that He is you wouldn’t be where you are today. You should wake up with a grateful attitude. Your words should be “I’m thankful to awaken to see a new day to do right by you God!”

Now make no mistake, it’s important to understand that tomorrow is not granted. Therefore, you must take this opportunity to get on the right path because you never know what opportunity is your last. But as long as you have breath in your body, know that you can make a complete 360 degree turn around.

The scripture says that before you were formed in the womb, God knew you. Before you were born, God set you apart. I encourage you to take this chance to live out your assignment. Use this chance to fulfill your God given destiny and rejoice as you rise to higher heights and deeper depths today!

Photo credit: longhairedgit

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God Is Just A Prayer Away

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 04:17:48 +0000

Do you know that when you pray all you’re doing is having a conversation with God? We can become easily intimidated or overwhelmed if we don’t understand how simple prayer is.

You don’t have to have a fancy prayer language or know every bible verse or have all the lingo that your local spiritual leader may have, all you need to do is go unto God and talk to Him like you would your best friend.

That’s essentially who He is, your best friend. I don’t know anyone other than God who, in-spite of our negligence to be disobedient time after time has the grace and mercy to forgive us.

Therefore, we should know that we can boldly go before God and he will hear our prayers.

When was the last time you had a talk with God?

Naturally with age, we have the tendency to want to prove that we can handle all of our problems. We tend to want to take on every burden that comes our way. But my friend the scripture tells us that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

That means that there is no problem or situation too big that God can’t handle. In fact, He’s looking for us to come to Him.

Make a decision to put aside all fear, put aside all doubt and go to Him confidently. Know that He has the solution for your needs.

As I got older, I realized that my parents didn’t have to assume as much responsibility for the things that they did when I was younger. This was due greatly in part to the fact that I was able to provide for myself. Granted, I’m still able to go to them and ask for things that I needed still but that opportunity was more scarce.

That’s the way God is, He’s doesn’t barge in. He allows us the freedom to go to Him at will when we have a need for something. Remember, God is a jealous God. He delights in the fact that we put none other than Him first.

You should place value on prayer and know that prayer changes things. I encourage you to have a little talk with God every chance you can get. I believe there’s a big misconception about prayer. You don’t have to be on your knees just to talk to God. You can talk to Him in traffic on your way to work in the morning — or at school before the big test.

Make a vow today to talk to God more throughout your day. Know today that God is indeed just a prayer away and notice a peace come over you as you charge forth on your journey of life!

Photo credit: Kamoteus (Alive Again / Buhay Muli)

July 28, 2010 -- The Hardest Prayer to Pray (2)
June 29, 2010 -- Don’t Forget to Pray That Prayer (1)
June 24, 2010 -- 3 Ways to Combat Stress (2)
December 2, 2009 -- Prayer Is A Powerful Weapon (0)
February 17, 2010 -- 5 Ways To Start A Successful Day (0)

You Are A Victor, So Carry Yourself Like One

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 26 May 2010 22:52:09 +0000

Often enough, we have a tendency to carry ourselves in a way that doesn’t represent the champion that God has us to be. The scripture reminds us that we are victors not victims. It affirms that we are above and not beneath, that we are the head not the tail.

When you walk around with your head down to the ground and your shoulders all slouched over, you are not representing the true winner that God says you are.

You see, people can sum you up within a few seconds of first meeting you. They judge you by how you dress, how you carry yourself, your body language, and the words that you say. Not that I’m advocating that you should worry or stress over what others think. But if you don’t represent God then who will?

Don’t put the responsibility on your local minister or church pastor to represent Christ, I dare you to take up your cross and follow Him. You’ve got to hold up your end of the bargain.

My friend, when you walk around in a way that says you are defeated, less than accomplished, wash out, burdened or cast down, you’re not showing the world the God that we serve. We serve an omniscient God. He’s all-powerful, all-wonderful, all-knowing — that’s the God that we serve.

The type of God that we serve makes us look like a million bucks even if we’ve never touched a million pennies!

Dare you lift your head up and put your shoulders back and declare that you are all that and a bag of chips! Dare you go around saying, “I’m equipped and empowered to succeed in everything I put my hands to do today!”

My friend, it’s time to shake off all the defeat of your past. Even if your history wasn’t bright and your future doesn’t look promising, I dare you to change your mind-set. Your mentality should be that you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you!

Your words should be, “I am, because God says I am!” In other words you are not the sum of your past. If the doctors said you’re sick, know that you are healed. If others said you can’t, prove them wrong and declare that you can and then go and fulfill your dreams. You are who God says you are!

When you say this power affirmation, your inner confidence will change. You will get your smile back. You will no longer slouch and drag your feet. No, your attitude will change. You will stand tall and walk like you’re headed toward victory.

Don’t give into defeat and discouragement, declare that you’re a winner. Make the decision to carry yourself like the successful vessel that God says you are and experience the life of excellence that God has for you today!

April 16, 2010 -- 9 Ways to Boost Confidence (6)

Pay Attention To That Still Yet Small Voice Inside

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:08:42 +0000

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. – Psalm 119:133

You’ve heard it before, that voice inside that tells you to go left when you would have otherwise went right. That voice that tells you not to go down the street alone at night.

It’s that still voice inside of you. It guides and directs you. Some people call it intuition, others call it fate.

My friend I believe that this voice that I speak of is the voice of God. Well you may say “Jarrod, how can it be the voice of God when it sounds like my inner voice?”

Well, I believe that God reveals Himself much differently today than He did back in the Bible days. He doesn’t ring out of the heavens as a big voice of thunder, calling out to you. He probably won’t come in the form of a burning bush, like He did with Moses the great.

No, He comes in the form of that still yet small voice inside of you. You see, He doesn’t push or prime you, He merely directs and advises you. He nudges you. He encourages you to do right when you want to do wrong.

The voice of the Lord sounds like your own voice speaking to you, don’t ignore it.

Have you ever experienced a time when you were about to do something then suddenly felt strongly inclined to do otherwise? Well, that my friend is a great example of how God operates inside of you. Don’t shun that feeling, for you very well may be ignoring the Lord Himself.

Just like the Psalmist said, “order my footsteps in your word and let no sin over rule me,” this should be your prayer.

I dare you to tune out the distractions, turn off the TV for a while. Get in a quiet place and meditate on God. You will be surprised at what happens when you get still and allow God to speak to you.

God is looking for those who are willing to position themselves in a place to hear what He has to say. Are you that someone?

Whether you call it intuition or fate, don’t ignore that voice inside. Allow the voice of God to guide and direct you along your path and watch as you rise to a new dimension in life today!

Photo credit: Tonyç

November 14, 2009 -- Take The Right Road, Not The Wrong (3)
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He’s Already Made A Way Of Escape

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 12 May 2010 22:14:23 +0000

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5

There are times when you may go through life with a sense of worry and anxiety. You get fearful not knowing what the future has in store and you often lose a sense of direction not knowing where life is taking you.

It’s not God’s will that you go around fretful and full of anxiety. No matter what you face, no matter what obstacles come your way, know that God has the master plan in mind. He’s had your life mapped out before you were born.

He has made a way of provision before you were even thought of. He wants to know to if you’re faithful. He wants to know if you believe that He’s guiding you on the right track toward your destiny.

It’s like being on a ship and not knowing the exact coordinates to get to your destination. You just have to trust that the captain of the ship knows the way to get to your destination.

You may not be able to see your way through but God knows the outcome. Allow Him to guide you along the journey to the next dimension in your life.

You may be facing a difficult situation but know that He’s already made a way of escape for you. Like today’s scripture says, before you were formed in the womb you were set apart. It’s not God’s plan for you to be ordinary, He wants you to be extraordinary. He’s appointed you to achieve greatness in your life.

Know that God has your best interest at heart, and as long as you stay in the will of God, you will never go wrong. Don’t allow fear, worry, or doubt to overwhelm you and throw you off track. Let go and let God! Trust that He’s already made a way out of no way and notice a weight lift off your shoulders as you charge forth on your journey of life.

June 10, 2010 -- Make Your Appointment With Fear Today! (5)
July 11, 2010 -- Tune Into The Right Frequency (6)
July 10, 2010 -- He Has The Last Say So! (2)
June 9, 2010 -- Are You Spreading The Good News? (5)
May 1, 2010 -- Raise Your Level of Expectation (6)

Raise Your Level of Expectation

Jarrod Clark — Sat, 01 May 2010 14:07:21 +0000

A wise man once said, Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars.

What are your expectations when you wake up in the morning? Do you expect to lead a mediocre life or do you expect something great to happen to you?

When the pro shoots in a game of darts, he doesn’t aim for the outer rim of the target, he aims for the bullseye. Why? Because he knows that there are more points for hitting the bullseye. There is a greater reward in nailing the center of the target.

Like today’s quote, we have to ask ourselves- even if we aim for the moon and reach the stars, is it not worth it? Metaphorically speaking, I would much rather land among the stars than land in the desert place. The desert represents a dry place. It represents the land of not enough.

God wants to place you in a land of more than enough but you have to expect more than enough. You have to reach for the stars.

The latter part of 2 Corinthians 13:11 tells us to aim for perfection. Greatness is on you my friend. You can achieve anything you put your mind to as long as you aim high. Raise your level of expectation.

It’s not God’s intent for us to get comfortable and settle. It’s not His intention for us to be mediocre and live average lives. The scripture says that, He will make you the head and not the tail, you are above and not beneath.

Aim high

There may be those who try to tell you that you can’t make it or that it’s pointless to shoot for the sky. You must tune out the voice of the naysayers. Surround yourself around those who are shooting for the moon as well.

Always know that with God on your side no one can be against you. His favor is surrounding you. Even when it looks like you’re destined for failure, know that God is making a way of provision for you. I encourage you to raise your standards. Your expectation should be such that, as they say in Star Trek, you’re going to go where no man has gone before.

Remember, what you focus your time and energy on is what will manifest itself into your life. Don’t focus on mediocrity, focus on the abundance that’s in store for you. When you do so, you will see major life changes come to pass as you charge forth on your journey of life.

Photo credit: SantaRosa OLD SKOOL

November 24, 2009 -- Grab Hold of Your Harvest (0)
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July 30, 2010 -- Learn To Accept Change (0)
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Optimistic Journey » Spiritual Development

The Hardest Prayer to Pray

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