Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work. Colossians 3:23-25
This is the verse that was on my devotional reading that I read just after I did Thursday's blog. Hmmm....the word is coming in loud and clear!
Work as worship, whether it's out in the workplaces, or in the home, in the church...it's all done as an unto our Lord. It's all to be honoring Him, glorifying Him and pleasing Him. Each and every job we do is to be a reflection of our love for God and His love in us. Oh, that I would have my life shining this truth! I feel so far from it! I am so far from it.
Lord, help me. Help all of us to worship You in all things. You are the giver of strength, the giver of love, the giver of joy. Every step we take is a testament to Your amazing-ness, help us to bring those steps, each moment to You as a living sacrifice. Lord, I want Your character to color my words, my actions and my life. I long for Your love's touch to be upon each minute of my day, broadcasting Your goodness and Your kind heart. Help us all to worship You in spirit and in truth. You are worthy of all worship and all praise. Thank You for giving us life. For giving us salvation. For loving us. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Thursday, October 26, 2017
All an Act
Generally, when I see the same message, coming from two different sources in a short period of time (as in days), I know God is trying to get my attention, sharing His heart and mind with me. This time the subject is worship.
On Sunday, our Pastor taught out of the book of Ephesians. One of the things he said stood out to me. Basically, he told us to "go to work as worship." Hmmm. Really. I don't like going to work. LOL It's somewhat an annoying place. There is a lot of unfairness there. It's physically demanding. My work area is cold in the winter, hot in the summer....And you're telling me to go there as an act of worship to God!! Couple that with the fact that there is so many other things (none of which pay the bills) that I'd rather be doing.....Let's just say, I have to constantly remind myself to be grateful for a job (and I am) and to try and do it with a God honoring attitude. So thinking of it as worshiping God was a stretch for me. Definitely a stretch!
Ephesians 6:5-8 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.
I like the version out of The Message Bible..."with a smile on your face." Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.
This is definitely a tough call. But it is what we are commanded to do. So if God is telling us to do this, then He will supply us with the ability and the power. Something else that came up Sunday: Pride gets in the way of submission. That is quite a thought provoking idea, and something I really don't want to examine too closely but probably need to.
Okay, on to the next mention of this "life as worship" theme. I've mentioned that we are doing the Redeemed study by Angela Thomas-Pharr in our ladies group. And this was the topic she taught on in the chapter I'm up to. Angela stated, "Worship is how we're meant to live our lives every moment of every day." Referencing Romans 12:1-2 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect Angela put the thought out there that true worship comes from a grateful heart, a heart that looks at all God has done for us and that causes it to worship. Makes sense to me.
So, twice, in the span of a few days I am being told all areas of my life are to worship God. This is a tall order. Tiredness, busyness, frustration, little irritations, interruptions....on and on the list of things that get under our skin during the course of a day can set us up to be derailed from gratefulness and praising God. But I think there is so much joy in the act of worship, it's worth the effort to work on. Definitely will take some practice!
Lord, make my life a living sacrifice, a holy worship unto You. Let gratitude fill my heart and mind causing praise to overflow in my words and deeds. As I wrote on Tuesday, I want to fix my eyes on things above, looking over the waves of life's vexations and irritations and find the plateau where thankfulness lives. There is so much wrapped up in being grateful. That becomes more and more clear to me. I want my life to worship You. My heart, my mind, my words, my actions....all glorifying, all singing Your praises. Help all of us get to this place. In Jesus name. Amen
Practice worship today.
On Sunday, our Pastor taught out of the book of Ephesians. One of the things he said stood out to me. Basically, he told us to "go to work as worship." Hmmm. Really. I don't like going to work. LOL It's somewhat an annoying place. There is a lot of unfairness there. It's physically demanding. My work area is cold in the winter, hot in the summer....And you're telling me to go there as an act of worship to God!! Couple that with the fact that there is so many other things (none of which pay the bills) that I'd rather be doing.....Let's just say, I have to constantly remind myself to be grateful for a job (and I am) and to try and do it with a God honoring attitude. So thinking of it as worshiping God was a stretch for me. Definitely a stretch!
Ephesians 6:5-8 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.
I like the version out of The Message Bible..."with a smile on your face." Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.
This is definitely a tough call. But it is what we are commanded to do. So if God is telling us to do this, then He will supply us with the ability and the power. Something else that came up Sunday: Pride gets in the way of submission. That is quite a thought provoking idea, and something I really don't want to examine too closely but probably need to.
Okay, on to the next mention of this "life as worship" theme. I've mentioned that we are doing the Redeemed study by Angela Thomas-Pharr in our ladies group. And this was the topic she taught on in the chapter I'm up to. Angela stated, "Worship is how we're meant to live our lives every moment of every day." Referencing Romans 12:1-2 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect Angela put the thought out there that true worship comes from a grateful heart, a heart that looks at all God has done for us and that causes it to worship. Makes sense to me.
So, twice, in the span of a few days I am being told all areas of my life are to worship God. This is a tall order. Tiredness, busyness, frustration, little irritations, interruptions....on and on the list of things that get under our skin during the course of a day can set us up to be derailed from gratefulness and praising God. But I think there is so much joy in the act of worship, it's worth the effort to work on. Definitely will take some practice!
Lord, make my life a living sacrifice, a holy worship unto You. Let gratitude fill my heart and mind causing praise to overflow in my words and deeds. As I wrote on Tuesday, I want to fix my eyes on things above, looking over the waves of life's vexations and irritations and find the plateau where thankfulness lives. There is so much wrapped up in being grateful. That becomes more and more clear to me. I want my life to worship You. My heart, my mind, my words, my actions....all glorifying, all singing Your praises. Help all of us get to this place. In Jesus name. Amen
Practice worship today.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Fix Our Eyes
The thread continues. If you recall, last week Psalm 52:8 (But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love). was lit up by our Father to show where my heart was to be when troubles and trials come my way. This Sunday, He let me know where my thoughts were to turn when life doesn't play nice.
Our worship team sang one of my favorite songs, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong. As they led our church in God focused worship through this song, the Holy Spirit placed two verses in my head. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. And Colossians 3:2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
When hardships, difficulties, or annoyances seem to overwhelm us like ocean waves, that is the time to fix our hearts and minds on the love of God. The unfailing love of God. I know how hard that is to do. I struggle with that on a daily basis. But I firmly believe when we learn to do this we will find an island of peace in the middle of the tumultuous seas. I'm reminded of Peter who, when he took his eyes off of Jesus, began to sink instead of walking on the water the way the Lord intended. Our eyes need to be above the waves and focused on God--our hearts remembering that His love is unfailing and completely kind and wise. Sometimes I think I believe God doesn't know what He is doing...that He is not aware, or dare I say not smart enough to know how to take care of my life....ugh, when I look at it that way, it's not a pretty picture of where my heart goes!
You guys know how I love when God blends theses thoughts and instructions together to create a beautiful picture of the well lived, God led Christian life. I hope you are as impressed with Him as I am!
Lord, thank You for instruction. Thank You for Your unfailing, always leading, forever patient and kind love. It is consistent. Teach us to lift our eyes to heaven each and every day, through all circumstances, big and small. Remind us. Guide us. Thank You for music, thank You for the Bible. And thank You for allowing me to share this with others through this blog. I pray that it blesses them and helps them to see You more clearly and follow You me closely. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Look up verses that remind you of God's love. Write them down and carry them with you so that you can look at them often.
Matthew 14:22-32 22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
Our worship team sang one of my favorite songs, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong. As they led our church in God focused worship through this song, the Holy Spirit placed two verses in my head. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. And Colossians 3:2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
When hardships, difficulties, or annoyances seem to overwhelm us like ocean waves, that is the time to fix our hearts and minds on the love of God. The unfailing love of God. I know how hard that is to do. I struggle with that on a daily basis. But I firmly believe when we learn to do this we will find an island of peace in the middle of the tumultuous seas. I'm reminded of Peter who, when he took his eyes off of Jesus, began to sink instead of walking on the water the way the Lord intended. Our eyes need to be above the waves and focused on God--our hearts remembering that His love is unfailing and completely kind and wise. Sometimes I think I believe God doesn't know what He is doing...that He is not aware, or dare I say not smart enough to know how to take care of my life....ugh, when I look at it that way, it's not a pretty picture of where my heart goes!
You guys know how I love when God blends theses thoughts and instructions together to create a beautiful picture of the well lived, God led Christian life. I hope you are as impressed with Him as I am!
Lord, thank You for instruction. Thank You for Your unfailing, always leading, forever patient and kind love. It is consistent. Teach us to lift our eyes to heaven each and every day, through all circumstances, big and small. Remind us. Guide us. Thank You for music, thank You for the Bible. And thank You for allowing me to share this with others through this blog. I pray that it blesses them and helps them to see You more clearly and follow You me closely. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Look up verses that remind you of God's love. Write them down and carry them with you so that you can look at them often.
Matthew 14:22-32 22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Pray It, Say It
Last night I was reading Psalms 52-54 as part of our Ladies Bible study lesson. I came to 52:8 and the second part of that verse stood out for me as something that I should commit to memory and make my "mantra." But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God's unfailing love. As I look at the verse now, I see the first part is pretty impressive as well. LOL
I thought to myself, this is a sentence that should be on my lips every time I start to complain or get discouraged about something. Every time I feel frustrated and forgotten, overwhelmed and out of breath. Little things, big things, and all things in between...God's love never fails. And nothing in our lives, not busy schedules, disagreements, health problems, tiredness, broken relationships, hurting hearts, financial woes...nothing, not anything, in any way can change God's love for us or separate us from that love. Nothing reaches us or falls into our lives without first passing through the filter of our Father's unfailing love. Unfailing means unstopping. It means unchanging. It doesn't give way, fall short of expectation. It's completely dependable, inexhaustible, endless. (derived from the list of dictionary definitions)
Each time something happens that I don't like, whether it's something that just topples my to do list or something more substantial that sends tremors through my heart and shakes apart my life....I want to pray these words and speak them to my soul. I want it to be my "go to" reaction. Practice, practice, practice! And so I really need to memorize (I know, that word always scares me too!) this verse.
In Psalm 42:11 we see the psalmist ask and answer: Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again--my Savior and my God! Prayer and encouragement to God and in God go hand in hand. When life seems overwhelming and insurmountable, when it feels like everything is spinning out of control, it's God we rely on.
Romans 8:35-39 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry , or destitute or, in danger, or threatened with death (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today not our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Let's rest in this love today.
Lord, thank You for Your love. Thank You for this love that will never ever ever fail us. Remind us today, remind us tomorrow, remind us again and again and again. I ask that You put this verse in each of our hearts, let us make it part of ourselves so we can remind ourselves as well. Renew our minds with Your Word. Thank You that Your Word is living and active, life giving. Help us to believe this wonderful, unfailing love You have for us. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Commit this verse to memory and use it!
I thought to myself, this is a sentence that should be on my lips every time I start to complain or get discouraged about something. Every time I feel frustrated and forgotten, overwhelmed and out of breath. Little things, big things, and all things in between...God's love never fails. And nothing in our lives, not busy schedules, disagreements, health problems, tiredness, broken relationships, hurting hearts, financial woes...nothing, not anything, in any way can change God's love for us or separate us from that love. Nothing reaches us or falls into our lives without first passing through the filter of our Father's unfailing love. Unfailing means unstopping. It means unchanging. It doesn't give way, fall short of expectation. It's completely dependable, inexhaustible, endless. (derived from the list of dictionary definitions)
Each time something happens that I don't like, whether it's something that just topples my to do list or something more substantial that sends tremors through my heart and shakes apart my life....I want to pray these words and speak them to my soul. I want it to be my "go to" reaction. Practice, practice, practice! And so I really need to memorize (I know, that word always scares me too!) this verse.
In Psalm 42:11 we see the psalmist ask and answer: Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again--my Savior and my God! Prayer and encouragement to God and in God go hand in hand. When life seems overwhelming and insurmountable, when it feels like everything is spinning out of control, it's God we rely on.
Romans 8:35-39 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry , or destitute or, in danger, or threatened with death (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today not our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Let's rest in this love today.
Lord, thank You for Your love. Thank You for this love that will never ever ever fail us. Remind us today, remind us tomorrow, remind us again and again and again. I ask that You put this verse in each of our hearts, let us make it part of ourselves so we can remind ourselves as well. Renew our minds with Your Word. Thank You that Your Word is living and active, life giving. Help us to believe this wonderful, unfailing love You have for us. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Commit this verse to memory and use it!
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Intercession, from Mom
Interceding on the behalf of others. It's part of our work as Christians. Maybe you struggle to know your purpose or function as a follower of Christ. You can start here, praying for people you know, situations you hear about, events or people you see in the news....intercession. While some people are called to specialize in intercession, spending hours and hours a week, all of us are called to be a part of this discipline, to pray on a daily basis for the things and people God places on our heart. Mom wrote this short passage on this in her journal that I share with you now. She realized that intercessory pray was a battle and we needed to be prepared. Pray will meet with resistance.
Put on the armor of God, be prepared for battle with unseen satanic forces. Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. It is a battle. Our prayers need to be sustained by the Holy Spirit, prayed in the Spirit. Confess any known sin and pray for others.
Ephesians 6:10-18 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Remember, when we pray that in all situations God is is our shelter. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
From me.
Prayer is essential to the Christian life. Jesus prayed regularly, He prayed for His disciples, He prayed for us. Paul prayed for the church and asked the churches to pray for him. The prayers of the Old Testament saints are scattered throughout that entire portion of the Bible. No follower of God walks without prayer. I pray for you, my readers, and I ask that you would pray for me also.
Intercessory prayer is specific to carrying the burdens of others to the throne of God. Sometimes it is the best and only thing you can do for someone who is hurting. Many times the answers are not instant, or what we would like. Along with prayer needs to be persistence, trust, and letting God be God. Let the Holy Spirit lead, He knows what to pray even when we don't. Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
Lord, show us where to intercede. Holy Spirit teach us the power and vocation of intercession. Our families need You, our friends, our neighborhoods,the world needs You. Your children are persecuted for Your Name, they need the strength our prayers can offer. Give us soft hearts and calloused knees! Lord, I bring those reading this before You now. I pray that You would work in their lives. You know each one, You know each of their needs, their hearts and I pray that Your perfect will be done in each circumstances, in every hardship. Wrap them in Your care. Let them know You are with them and at work. Give peace where there is pain, healing where there is destruction, and joy in the sadness. Uplift the heads of those who are "here" now. I thank You that You desire us to work with You in this way. I thank You that You answer prayer. I praise You that You are always good and always act or don't act out of a heart of kindness and love. Increase our faith. To You alone Lord, be all the glory. In Jesus most beautiful Name. Amen.
Start a prayer journal today! Start your journey into intercession.
Put on the armor of God, be prepared for battle with unseen satanic forces. Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. It is a battle. Our prayers need to be sustained by the Holy Spirit, prayed in the Spirit. Confess any known sin and pray for others.
Ephesians 6:10-18 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Remember, when we pray that in all situations God is is our shelter. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
From me.
Prayer is essential to the Christian life. Jesus prayed regularly, He prayed for His disciples, He prayed for us. Paul prayed for the church and asked the churches to pray for him. The prayers of the Old Testament saints are scattered throughout that entire portion of the Bible. No follower of God walks without prayer. I pray for you, my readers, and I ask that you would pray for me also.
Intercessory prayer is specific to carrying the burdens of others to the throne of God. Sometimes it is the best and only thing you can do for someone who is hurting. Many times the answers are not instant, or what we would like. Along with prayer needs to be persistence, trust, and letting God be God. Let the Holy Spirit lead, He knows what to pray even when we don't. Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
Lord, show us where to intercede. Holy Spirit teach us the power and vocation of intercession. Our families need You, our friends, our neighborhoods,the world needs You. Your children are persecuted for Your Name, they need the strength our prayers can offer. Give us soft hearts and calloused knees! Lord, I bring those reading this before You now. I pray that You would work in their lives. You know each one, You know each of their needs, their hearts and I pray that Your perfect will be done in each circumstances, in every hardship. Wrap them in Your care. Let them know You are with them and at work. Give peace where there is pain, healing where there is destruction, and joy in the sadness. Uplift the heads of those who are "here" now. I thank You that You desire us to work with You in this way. I thank You that You answer prayer. I praise You that You are always good and always act or don't act out of a heart of kindness and love. Increase our faith. To You alone Lord, be all the glory. In Jesus most beautiful Name. Amen.
Start a prayer journal today! Start your journey into intercession.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
A Word in Due Season
When you are having a difference of opinion with someone and this is the verse of the day from the Bible app on your phone: Proverbs 19:11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. This is called a God visit!! LOL
It's hard to not lash out in anger when we feel we have been wronged, falsely accused or attacked. But God expects more from us. And He had no problem letting me know that!
Another favorite verse that comes to mind when I think of maintaining calm and sweetness is Proverbs 25:28 A person without self-control is like a city with broken down walls. This tells us to go past the emotions of the moment and follow the Spirit instead of our flesh. (And this verse goes a long way toward sooooo many areas of life, but I'll let you dig into that on your own!)
It's difficult when we've been hurt, when life seems unfair, to not want to fight back, to accuse, to defend. And sometimes we have to take a step back and see if we did, indeed contribute to the problem in the first place, be honest with ourselves.
I wasn't exactly thrilled to see this verse pop up on my phone in the middle of a discussion with another person I disagreed with. But then, isn't this how we all want to be treated? We all want to be given a little slack if our words or actions don't live up to the expectations of those around us.
Lord, thank You for Your Word. It teaches, encourages and shows me Your heart. Fill me more and more with Your Word and Your Spirit. Help me to grow and be more like You. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Spend time in the Bible today and everyday. Fill Yourself with God's firepower for navigating the road of life!
Proverbs 15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time.
It's hard to not lash out in anger when we feel we have been wronged, falsely accused or attacked. But God expects more from us. And He had no problem letting me know that!
Another favorite verse that comes to mind when I think of maintaining calm and sweetness is Proverbs 25:28 A person without self-control is like a city with broken down walls. This tells us to go past the emotions of the moment and follow the Spirit instead of our flesh. (And this verse goes a long way toward sooooo many areas of life, but I'll let you dig into that on your own!)
It's difficult when we've been hurt, when life seems unfair, to not want to fight back, to accuse, to defend. And sometimes we have to take a step back and see if we did, indeed contribute to the problem in the first place, be honest with ourselves.
I wasn't exactly thrilled to see this verse pop up on my phone in the middle of a discussion with another person I disagreed with. But then, isn't this how we all want to be treated? We all want to be given a little slack if our words or actions don't live up to the expectations of those around us.
Lord, thank You for Your Word. It teaches, encourages and shows me Your heart. Fill me more and more with Your Word and Your Spirit. Help me to grow and be more like You. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Spend time in the Bible today and everyday. Fill Yourself with God's firepower for navigating the road of life!
Proverbs 15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Redemption
Our ladies group is studying the concept of Redeemed. We are working through Angela Thomas-Pharr's study and learning to live and have the redeemed life God desires for us. As I go through the workbook, dive into God's Word and spend time in prayer, it is my hope for myself and all the ladies that we will truly have lives that portray the redemption given to us by Jesus Christ.
I have to say, I get fearful that I will just "answer the questions" instead of allowing the process and power of God to transform me, causing my life to shine forth the beautiful work accomplished on the Cross. Part of our study was thinking about the banners and chains we wear....the negative labels we place around our hearts and lives. So when I heard this song I just felt so encouraged and grateful to God that He truly desires every part of our lives, of my life to be redeemed. It just seem to put the exclamation point on our study this week.
God, thank Your for being so present and so active in my life. Thank You for redemption. For the blood of Jesus that brought my freedom and captured my heart. I praise You. Please let each of us dig deep into the reality and truth of Your redemption. Let our lives shout Your goodness and love. In Jesus Name, amen.
Dig into your Bible and do a topical search on redemption.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Praying More
Lately, I feel like my prayers go nowhere. The silence and the "no" answers are deafening and disheartening. From the most inconsequential to the monumental (at least in my world) my requests and pleas seem to stop at the ceiling and rise no further. God are You there? Are You listening? Do You care? The people I pray for, their circumstances seem to deteriorate the more I pray. When I ask for bread I feel like I get a stone. Is God mad at me? Or is this supposed to encourage a growth spurt in my faith? Questions circle my heart, while answers remain hidden and elusive.
And this is the exact time I need to draw on the faith I claim to have. Will I trust God when all is silent? Will I believe when I don't see? Don't hear? Don't feel? I have a hunch that the silence I sense is actually the God visit I need. I really don't like this training!
Everyone wants to feel God around them. Have His constant encouragement, see clearly His involvement in their everyday lives. And He is all that. But there are too many examples in the Bible where God caused His children to wait for answers, wait for His timing. Even a quick look through the Psalms shows us David waiting on God time and time again. Hebrews 10:38 And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away. Encouraged and admonished. God honors those who stay the course. Or in some cases, like me, fall off the course and keep getting back on or sit down on the course, have a hissy fit and then get back up and keep walking! (I've done both lately! LOL)
This weekend, I ran my first (and probably my only) half marathon. It was not an easy task. Many times I was running with no one else around me. I felt sometimes like I was the only one on the course. And yet on the sidelines were those directing and encouraging. "You can do it!" "Keep going!" "You're doing great!" I believe this was God's example for me, and for those who are reading this that even when we feel alone, God is there, cheering us on! Softly, sometimes almost inaudibly, but there all the same, on our side, running beside us. The only way we can know this truth is by faith.
Silence is not always bad. Sometimes it is the only thing that stretches us. If we let it, it will cause our roots to sink down further into God's love. Our roots sink and grab hold, while our arms and hearts reach up for the sunshine of His love. We stretch, we grow.
Lord, I want to hate the silence. I want to hate the "no" answers. And I have. I've been angry and frustrated and mistrusting. Forgive me. Cleanse me from a hardened heart. Thank You for teaching me even when my prayers seem to meet dead air and heaven seems mute. Forgive my unbelief. Help my unbelief. I want to trust more. Trust Your kindness and Your love. You've got this! Thank You.
Move past what you see and move into faith.
And this is the exact time I need to draw on the faith I claim to have. Will I trust God when all is silent? Will I believe when I don't see? Don't hear? Don't feel? I have a hunch that the silence I sense is actually the God visit I need. I really don't like this training!
Everyone wants to feel God around them. Have His constant encouragement, see clearly His involvement in their everyday lives. And He is all that. But there are too many examples in the Bible where God caused His children to wait for answers, wait for His timing. Even a quick look through the Psalms shows us David waiting on God time and time again. Hebrews 10:38 And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away. Encouraged and admonished. God honors those who stay the course. Or in some cases, like me, fall off the course and keep getting back on or sit down on the course, have a hissy fit and then get back up and keep walking! (I've done both lately! LOL)
This weekend, I ran my first (and probably my only) half marathon. It was not an easy task. Many times I was running with no one else around me. I felt sometimes like I was the only one on the course. And yet on the sidelines were those directing and encouraging. "You can do it!" "Keep going!" "You're doing great!" I believe this was God's example for me, and for those who are reading this that even when we feel alone, God is there, cheering us on! Softly, sometimes almost inaudibly, but there all the same, on our side, running beside us. The only way we can know this truth is by faith.
Silence is not always bad. Sometimes it is the only thing that stretches us. If we let it, it will cause our roots to sink down further into God's love. Our roots sink and grab hold, while our arms and hearts reach up for the sunshine of His love. We stretch, we grow.
Lord, I want to hate the silence. I want to hate the "no" answers. And I have. I've been angry and frustrated and mistrusting. Forgive me. Cleanse me from a hardened heart. Thank You for teaching me even when my prayers seem to meet dead air and heaven seems mute. Forgive my unbelief. Help my unbelief. I want to trust more. Trust Your kindness and Your love. You've got this! Thank You.
Move past what you see and move into faith.
Luke 17:5 Show us how to increase our faith.
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