Tonight we had a beautiful Good Friday service. I wanted to share some of my favorite songs from this most meaningful and solemn day. I pray they lead you into meditation of our Savior's sacrifice and stir up deep gratitude and worship for our Messiah.
Friday, March 30, 2018
Thursday, March 29, 2018
It is Finished
Good Friday. A most solemn, glorious day for us as Christians. Our Lord Jesus Christ, took our sins this day, took our punishment this day, died for us this day. He traded our filthiness, our wretchedness and brokenness and gave us His righteousness, His holiness and His wholeness. What a glorious day! His suffering brought our healing. His death, our life. All I can do is stand in amazement and say thank You. Thank You a million times over!!
Change of Plans
Part of my Easter season devotional reading this morning was Acts 27. In this chapter we read about how Paul was being sent to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. As the ship he was on sailed towards Rome, they encounter many course changes due to bad weather. Paul advised waiting out the season, but his warnings were ignored and so onward they sailed, only to run into a severe storm and thus became shipwrecked on and island called Malta. I am thinking none of those sailors had planned on this disaster. They didn't even plan on all the stops and detours they had to take to begin with. Paul certainly didn't plan on visiting Malta. I'm pretty sure that when Paul was studying under the Rabbi's in his youth he never expected to be on a ship awaiting trial for his beliefs at all! What's the old saying, "Man plans, God laughs."
As I read this today I was reminded of my plan on Tuesday. I wanted to get back to my jogging habit. I've been neglecting my exercise and really need to get back to a routine. I was looking forward to getting out there and listening to a good faith building podcast as I ran. HA! God had another idea. I went out my front door and down my driveway, started my jog and my podcast. Yes. Nice, This is good. Not five minutes into my run does my podcast stop broadcasting. And didn't want to restart either. WHAT!! I was soooo looking forward to this. Now what am I supposed to do while I'm jogging? I didn't have the answer, but God did. LOL He was looking for some prayer time. And boy did He get it.
I felt so strongly that I needed to pray for my family. You see, my family, myself included, has struggled with addiction issues for generations. And as I ran I was led in the most intense, most specific prayers for this wonderful family of mine. I know that chains were broken Tuesday morning. And I know that God wants me to stand for these people I love so much in the spiritual realm. What a beautiful change of plans!
You know, normally I would have gotten stubborn about what I wanted. I could have kept trying to get the podcast to work, getting more frustrated, more annoyed, more grumbly. And I did fuss a little, but let it go pretty quickly (for a change! LOL). And God worked an amazing prayer time into my day. What a blessing!!
It's so important to be open to God leading when it comes to our schedules and our plans. He has so much more than we can think or imagine. That word again..."YIELDED." I want to be yielded to the Holy Spirit's leading.
Thank You Lord for leading me in this time of prayer. And thank You for the freedom and healing You are bringing to my family. Lord, please help all of us to have open and yielded hearts each day that we may fulfill Your plans. Help us to hold our schedules and plans with open hands, willing to let you take them away and replace them with Your will. You know so much better than I what needs to be done. You alone are God.
Pray for an open and yielded heart today.
Acts 27 When the time came, we set sail for Italy. Paul and several other prisoners were placed in the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a captain of the Imperial Regiment. 2 Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was also with us. We left on a ship whose home port was Adramyttium on the northwest coast of the province of Asia; it was scheduled to make several stops at ports along the coast of the province.
3 The next day when we docked at Sidon, Julius was very kind to Paul and let him go ashore to visit with friends so they could provide for his needs. 4 Putting out to sea from there, we encountered strong headwinds that made it difficult to keep the ship on course, so we sailed north of Cyprus between the island and the mainland. 5 Keeping to the open sea, we passed along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, landing at Myra, in the province of Lycia. 6 There the commanding officer found an Egyptian ship from Alexandria that was bound for Italy, and he put us on board.
7 We had several days of slow sailing, and after great difficulty we finally neared Cnidus. But the wind was against us, so we sailed across to Crete and along the sheltered coast of the island, past the cape of Salmone. 8 We struggled along the coast with great difficulty and finally arrived at Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. 9 We had lost a lot of time. The weather was becoming dangerous for sea travel because it was so late in the fall, and Paul spoke to the ship’s officers about it.
10 “Men,” he said, “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on—shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” 11 But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul. 12 And since Fair Havens was an exposed harbor—a poor place to spend the winter—most of the crew wanted to go on to Phoenix, farther up the coast of Crete, and spend the winter there. Phoenix was a good harbor with only a southwest and northwest exposure.
13 When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. 14 But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a “northeaster”) burst across the island and blew us out to sea. 15 The sailors couldn’t turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale.
16 We sailed along the sheltered side of a small island named Cauda, where with great difficulty we hoisted aboard the lifeboat being towed behind us. 17 Then the sailors bound ropes around the hull of the ship to strengthen it. They were afraid of being driven across to the sandbars of Syrtis off the African coast, so they lowered the sea anchor to slow the ship and were driven before the wind.
18 The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. 19 The following day they even took some of the ship’s gear and threw it overboard. 20 The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.
21 No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. 22 But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. 23 For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, 24 and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ 25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. 26 But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”
The Shipwreck
27 About midnight on the fourteenth night of the storm, as we were being driven across the Sea of Adria, the sailors sensed land was near. 28 They dropped a weighted line and found that the water was 120 feet deep. But a little later they measured again and found it was only 90 feet deep. 29 At this rate they were afraid we would soon be driven against the rocks along the shore, so they threw out four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight.
30 Then the sailors tried to abandon the ship; they lowered the lifeboat as though they were going to put out anchors from the front of the ship. 31 But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, “You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away.
33 Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said. 34 “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.” 35 Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. 36 Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat— 37 all 276 of us who were on board. 38 After eating, the crew lightened the ship further by throwing the cargo of wheat overboard.
39 When morning dawned, they didn’t recognize the coastline, but they saw a bay with a beach and wondered if they could get to shore by running the ship aground. 40 So they cut off the anchors and left them in the sea. Then they lowered the rudders, raised the foresail, and headed toward shore. 41 But they hit a shoal and ran the ship aground too soon. The bow of the ship stuck fast, while the stern was repeatedly smashed by the force of the waves and began to break apart.
42 The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they didn’t swim ashore and escape. 43 But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul, so he didn’t let them carry out their plan. Then he ordered all who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land. 44 The others held on to planks or debris from the broken ship. So everyone escaped safely to shore.
Take it away Lord!!
As I read this today I was reminded of my plan on Tuesday. I wanted to get back to my jogging habit. I've been neglecting my exercise and really need to get back to a routine. I was looking forward to getting out there and listening to a good faith building podcast as I ran. HA! God had another idea. I went out my front door and down my driveway, started my jog and my podcast. Yes. Nice, This is good. Not five minutes into my run does my podcast stop broadcasting. And didn't want to restart either. WHAT!! I was soooo looking forward to this. Now what am I supposed to do while I'm jogging? I didn't have the answer, but God did. LOL He was looking for some prayer time. And boy did He get it.
I felt so strongly that I needed to pray for my family. You see, my family, myself included, has struggled with addiction issues for generations. And as I ran I was led in the most intense, most specific prayers for this wonderful family of mine. I know that chains were broken Tuesday morning. And I know that God wants me to stand for these people I love so much in the spiritual realm. What a beautiful change of plans!
You know, normally I would have gotten stubborn about what I wanted. I could have kept trying to get the podcast to work, getting more frustrated, more annoyed, more grumbly. And I did fuss a little, but let it go pretty quickly (for a change! LOL). And God worked an amazing prayer time into my day. What a blessing!!
It's so important to be open to God leading when it comes to our schedules and our plans. He has so much more than we can think or imagine. That word again..."YIELDED." I want to be yielded to the Holy Spirit's leading.
Thank You Lord for leading me in this time of prayer. And thank You for the freedom and healing You are bringing to my family. Lord, please help all of us to have open and yielded hearts each day that we may fulfill Your plans. Help us to hold our schedules and plans with open hands, willing to let you take them away and replace them with Your will. You know so much better than I what needs to be done. You alone are God.
Pray for an open and yielded heart today.
Acts 27 When the time came, we set sail for Italy. Paul and several other prisoners were placed in the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a captain of the Imperial Regiment. 2 Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was also with us. We left on a ship whose home port was Adramyttium on the northwest coast of the province of Asia; it was scheduled to make several stops at ports along the coast of the province.
3 The next day when we docked at Sidon, Julius was very kind to Paul and let him go ashore to visit with friends so they could provide for his needs. 4 Putting out to sea from there, we encountered strong headwinds that made it difficult to keep the ship on course, so we sailed north of Cyprus between the island and the mainland. 5 Keeping to the open sea, we passed along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, landing at Myra, in the province of Lycia. 6 There the commanding officer found an Egyptian ship from Alexandria that was bound for Italy, and he put us on board.
7 We had several days of slow sailing, and after great difficulty we finally neared Cnidus. But the wind was against us, so we sailed across to Crete and along the sheltered coast of the island, past the cape of Salmone. 8 We struggled along the coast with great difficulty and finally arrived at Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. 9 We had lost a lot of time. The weather was becoming dangerous for sea travel because it was so late in the fall, and Paul spoke to the ship’s officers about it.
10 “Men,” he said, “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on—shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” 11 But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul. 12 And since Fair Havens was an exposed harbor—a poor place to spend the winter—most of the crew wanted to go on to Phoenix, farther up the coast of Crete, and spend the winter there. Phoenix was a good harbor with only a southwest and northwest exposure.
13 When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. 14 But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a “northeaster”) burst across the island and blew us out to sea. 15 The sailors couldn’t turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale.
16 We sailed along the sheltered side of a small island named Cauda, where with great difficulty we hoisted aboard the lifeboat being towed behind us. 17 Then the sailors bound ropes around the hull of the ship to strengthen it. They were afraid of being driven across to the sandbars of Syrtis off the African coast, so they lowered the sea anchor to slow the ship and were driven before the wind.
18 The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. 19 The following day they even took some of the ship’s gear and threw it overboard. 20 The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.
21 No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. 22 But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. 23 For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, 24 and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ 25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. 26 But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”
The Shipwreck
27 About midnight on the fourteenth night of the storm, as we were being driven across the Sea of Adria, the sailors sensed land was near. 28 They dropped a weighted line and found that the water was 120 feet deep. But a little later they measured again and found it was only 90 feet deep. 29 At this rate they were afraid we would soon be driven against the rocks along the shore, so they threw out four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight.
30 Then the sailors tried to abandon the ship; they lowered the lifeboat as though they were going to put out anchors from the front of the ship. 31 But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, “You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away.
33 Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said. 34 “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.” 35 Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. 36 Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat— 37 all 276 of us who were on board. 38 After eating, the crew lightened the ship further by throwing the cargo of wheat overboard.
39 When morning dawned, they didn’t recognize the coastline, but they saw a bay with a beach and wondered if they could get to shore by running the ship aground. 40 So they cut off the anchors and left them in the sea. Then they lowered the rudders, raised the foresail, and headed toward shore. 41 But they hit a shoal and ran the ship aground too soon. The bow of the ship stuck fast, while the stern was repeatedly smashed by the force of the waves and began to break apart.
42 The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they didn’t swim ashore and escape. 43 But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul, so he didn’t let them carry out their plan. Then he ordered all who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land. 44 The others held on to planks or debris from the broken ship. So everyone escaped safely to shore.
Take it away Lord!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Imagine
Rev 5:13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
Is 6:3 They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!”
I've been reading a book called "Imagine Heaven" by John Burke. In this book Mr. Burke seeks to compare people's "near death experiences" with Biblical descriptions of Heaven. He has interviewed people around the world, adults and children alike who claim to have visited Heaven when they were medically declared dead or near dead. Amazingly, most of these people have described very similar experiences and their tales line up with what we are told in the Bible. A few things they all have in common is the presence of a great, warm light that fills everything with it's energy and love. This light is coming from Jesus Himself. Another commonality are the amazing colors Heaven seems to be awash with....everything is vibrant, vivid and beyond anything we see on earth. There is a lot of activity, singing, animals, beautiful fields, angelic beings and the whole experience feels so much more reality than life on earth. Many describe this life as actually being dream like while Heaven itself is real.
Last weekend we saw the move "I Can Only Imagine" based on the song of the same title. It was the story of Bart Milliard's life and the redemption he saw for his Dad. Bart Milliard is the lead singer in MercyMe and he wrote the song. I remember going to church after my Mom died and on the way home I this song was playing on the radio as I saw the most beautiful and expansive sky full of clouds....my Mom so loved looking at the clouds. And her dream was to dance with Jesus. And in that moment I knew that is exactly what she was doing.
So I guess you can say Heaven has been on my mind a lot lately. After hearing all the descriptions I almost can't wait to get there....but that's God's timing not mine, so wait I will!!
Today I felt led to write about this. Maybe we all need to be reminded of our future. Sometimes this life gets so gritty. Things are hard, painful. Days seem monotonous and dreary. Even the best days seem to fly by and fade to memory. Up, down, up, down.....life cycles on in a endless stream. Thankfully, God is with us throughout it all. Thankfully we have many bright spots to carry us through the difficulties, His Presence and His love surround all of it, but it's not Heaven. It's not the place of perfection, the place of complete love that I think all of our hearts long for even if we don't recognize that longing. And then there is the loss of loved ones. We need to be reminded although they are not physically with us, they are in a so over the top, beyond imagining, amazingly beautiful, Jesus filled place. So I wanted to share this hope with you all, remind us of our future. Perhaps we need to read the description in Revelation a little more often, especially when we are feeling lost or low.
Revelation 21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” 6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. 7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.
8 “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
9 Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
10 So he took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone—like jasper as clear as crystal. 12 The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. 13 There were three gates on each side—east, north, south, and west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 When he measured it, he found it was a square, as wide as it was long. In fact, its length and width and height were each 1,400 miles. 17 Then he measured the walls and found them to be 216 feet thick (according to the human standard used by the angel).
18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. 19 The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.
21 The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.
22 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. 24 The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. 25 Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. 26 And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. 27 Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Revelation 22:1-7 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” 6 And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. 7 All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.
Lord thank You for the fact that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9). We can't fully imagine what You have for us in Heaven, but I can't wait to be in Your presence. I can't wait to see You fully. Lord, You have put this in our hearts...this desire, this longing for home. I look forward to the day when we are there. Comfort us with this knowledge...help us to focus on the future when we feel this life is too much. And let us take solace when we lose those we love, that they are in Your Presence, filled with joy and peace and fully loved. Life gets us down, but You are the one who lifts us up. I praise You for this wonderful fact! We have a home in You, both now and forever. Thank You for saving us for this purpose. Thank You for saving us period!
Take time to dream and imagine Heaven this week. Let God's Word inspire you.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Meditation, a Different Direction
The last two entries were from Mom's journal. She wrote on meditating and we talked about Scripture, God's Presence, prayer, music, all things that lead us into meditating on our wonderful Lord. But there's more. We can look around us....a sun setting sky drenched in color. The peaceful hush of snow falling and blanketing everything under it's touch. Spring trees and flowers coming to life after the cold empty winter...The billions of stars that are scattered across an inky black sky....look up, look around. The diversity of the human race, no two of us the same. The fascinating and astonishingly complex planet we live on, animals, plants, people all intricately designed, all interconnected... It's amazing...it all speaks of God, it all points to His love, His creativity, His intelligence, His desire for us. Sit and look around, ask God to let You see His hand in what's around You. And then worship! He is worthy!!
Ummmm....
This was supposed to be posted Tuesday....technology! HA!!
Last night I was complaining to the Lord, "Why do I even ask for anything...You never give me a yes answer!" Yup, bratty, disappointed, whiny....that was me. So today, as I type the blog from my Mom's journal I come across 1 John 5::14-15 And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for. Asked and answered. I'm thinking I need to check my requests and make sure they are pleasing to God. Also, as I type today's journal entry that word that has been running around in my head for weeks now popped up again. YIELDED. Ugh!! I have a love/hate relationship with that word!!
Just a God visit within a God visit!! LOL
Last night I was complaining to the Lord, "Why do I even ask for anything...You never give me a yes answer!" Yup, bratty, disappointed, whiny....that was me. So today, as I type the blog from my Mom's journal I come across 1 John 5::14-15 And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for. Asked and answered. I'm thinking I need to check my requests and make sure they are pleasing to God. Also, as I type today's journal entry that word that has been running around in my head for weeks now popped up again. YIELDED. Ugh!! I have a love/hate relationship with that word!!
Just a God visit within a God visit!! LOL
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Meditation, From Mom, Part 2
Here we are at part two on meditation. I've been meditating on meditating and I kind of realized that I do meditate on God, on His Word and even on music that glorifies Him. Wow, who knew! I do mull over what I am reading, listening to and I think about the Lord and talk to Him throughout the day. This is good news. And I bet a lot of you do the same, so you too are meditating without even realizing it. But I still have a hard part. That hard part is listening. I tend to fill my mind with whatever the moment presents, be it Scripture, song lyrics.....but then I forget to stop and be quiet, or I try the quiet thing and my mind refuses to remain so. Overall though, I found it very encouraging that I am not so far off in the meditating department. Mom came up with a pattern for meditating. Perhaps we can find some direction here.
Pattern:
1. Cleansing. Look at yourself. What in my life hinders me. Pray to reveal this. Repent to correct this thing in my life. If I hold onto it, He will not hear me.
2. Surrendering. If I'm to deal with this I must surrender myself to God. 1 Peter 5:6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Humble, yield myself to Him, to serve Him also means surrendering.
3. Asking. According to His will, His direction. 1 John 5:14-15 And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.
4. Meditate on the Word of God, seeking His guidance. There may be something else that is revealed to us. Psalm 119:105 Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
5. Believing. Your faith will increase. God's promise, believe what you ask, you will receive.
Mark 11:22-24 Then Jesus said the the disciples, "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in you heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours.
6. Waiting. If you wait for Me I will act in your behalf. God's guidance. Isaiah 64:4 For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him!
7. Receiving. Ask. Seek. Knock. Matthew 7:7-8 Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
From me.
When we meditate on God, and on His Word, we start to know what pleases Him. He leads us to pray, helps us persist, and we learn to wait expectantly. It's almost as if meditating is linked to our prayers. There is a lot to "meditate" on here. And I think once we start, it won't be near as scary as it sounds. LOL
James 1:25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Romans 12:2 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.
Prayful meditation on Scripture allows the Holy Spirit to remove the veil from our eyes and we are changed. It renews our mind and clears our thinking. It all seems linked...meditating, mind, prayer, actions... And by the way, if you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate, you just need to change direction! LOL
As an aside though, when I came to the verses in Mark 11, I read on to the completion of Jesus' instruction. Verse 25 says, "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too." Unforgiveness blocks our relationship with God. It is extremely dangerous. Just something to think about.
Lord, help us to focus our thoughts, our minds, and our hearts on You. Help us to set aside time to do this every day and also to do it throughout are day. So many times we just go mindlessly through our routines. Please bring Your Word and Your presence to our remembrance in those times that we may meditate on You. Lord, there is so much here, such a gift....I want to open it and take it out of the box, enjoy it and make the most of it. Help us all to learn this discipline. In Jesus' Name. Amen
Start with a verse from this entry, and meditate on it. Perhaps just sit quietly focusing on the Words, maybe jot down thoughts....and then try to listen for a few minutes. Let's do this!
Pattern:
1. Cleansing. Look at yourself. What in my life hinders me. Pray to reveal this. Repent to correct this thing in my life. If I hold onto it, He will not hear me.
2. Surrendering. If I'm to deal with this I must surrender myself to God. 1 Peter 5:6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Humble, yield myself to Him, to serve Him also means surrendering.
3. Asking. According to His will, His direction. 1 John 5:14-15 And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.
4. Meditate on the Word of God, seeking His guidance. There may be something else that is revealed to us. Psalm 119:105 Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.
5. Believing. Your faith will increase. God's promise, believe what you ask, you will receive.
Mark 11:22-24 Then Jesus said the the disciples, "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in you heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours.
6. Waiting. If you wait for Me I will act in your behalf. God's guidance. Isaiah 64:4 For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him!
7. Receiving. Ask. Seek. Knock. Matthew 7:7-8 Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
From me.
When we meditate on God, and on His Word, we start to know what pleases Him. He leads us to pray, helps us persist, and we learn to wait expectantly. It's almost as if meditating is linked to our prayers. There is a lot to "meditate" on here. And I think once we start, it won't be near as scary as it sounds. LOL
James 1:25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Romans 12:2 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.
Prayful meditation on Scripture allows the Holy Spirit to remove the veil from our eyes and we are changed. It renews our mind and clears our thinking. It all seems linked...meditating, mind, prayer, actions... And by the way, if you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate, you just need to change direction! LOL
As an aside though, when I came to the verses in Mark 11, I read on to the completion of Jesus' instruction. Verse 25 says, "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too." Unforgiveness blocks our relationship with God. It is extremely dangerous. Just something to think about.
Lord, help us to focus our thoughts, our minds, and our hearts on You. Help us to set aside time to do this every day and also to do it throughout are day. So many times we just go mindlessly through our routines. Please bring Your Word and Your presence to our remembrance in those times that we may meditate on You. Lord, there is so much here, such a gift....I want to open it and take it out of the box, enjoy it and make the most of it. Help us all to learn this discipline. In Jesus' Name. Amen
Start with a verse from this entry, and meditate on it. Perhaps just sit quietly focusing on the Words, maybe jot down thoughts....and then try to listen for a few minutes. Let's do this!
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Meditation, from Mom
Meditation. Just the works gets me quaking. I find the thought of meditating intimidating and slightly terrifying. I just can't seem to get this practice to be a practice! My mind cannot help but wander off in ten different directions when I try to meditate on God's Word, and His presence. I try, and give up. Try and give up. I always wonder if I had paid more attention to this discipline if I'd be further along in my faith walk. That being said, I will continue to keep at it. Mom did a bit of meditating on meditating and she wrote about it in her journal. This is going to be a two or three parter! Here's what she discovered.
Meditate--to encourage.
2 Timothy 3:14-17 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Psalm 1:2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
Meditation suggests a constant state of communion and fellowship with God. Meditate day and night. Meditate in reverence of God.
Meditation should involve lifting ones heart heavenward, be God focused, should begin with a quite spirit and expectant heart. It should involve seeking God purposely and with consideration and allow God the opportunity to respond to our needs and inquiries.
Why is meditation important?
Read His Word, the Bible, listen and talk to Him.
From me.
What a list of benefits! There is so much blessing in focusing our hearts and minds on the Lord. It really is worth the effort to learn this discipline. But the thought of it still scares me! I think its the whole thought of being still and quiet and not "doing" something. I sure want to get back to trying though!
I hope and pray this first part of Mom's ruminations on meditation start a flutter of excitement in your hearts for this practice.
Lord, teach us to meditate. Teach us to focus our attention on You. Make this real, make this alive to us. In Jesus Name, amen.
Start today!!
Meditate--to encourage.
2 Timothy 3:14-17 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Psalm 1:2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
Meditation suggests a constant state of communion and fellowship with God. Meditate day and night. Meditate in reverence of God.
Meditation should involve lifting ones heart heavenward, be God focused, should begin with a quite spirit and expectant heart. It should involve seeking God purposely and with consideration and allow God the opportunity to respond to our needs and inquiries.
Why is meditation important?
- It encourages holiness in our hearts.
- In quiet submission, God can speak to us directly, revealing His true character and providing insights to guide and direct us.
- Leads to contentment
- Spending time alone with God will bring peace and renewal to our spirit.
Read His Word, the Bible, listen and talk to Him.
From me.
What a list of benefits! There is so much blessing in focusing our hearts and minds on the Lord. It really is worth the effort to learn this discipline. But the thought of it still scares me! I think its the whole thought of being still and quiet and not "doing" something. I sure want to get back to trying though!
I hope and pray this first part of Mom's ruminations on meditation start a flutter of excitement in your hearts for this practice.
Lord, teach us to meditate. Teach us to focus our attention on You. Make this real, make this alive to us. In Jesus Name, amen.
Start today!!
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Peace in the Middle
Lately we have had some walloping storms. Snow, rain, sleet, flooding, winds....winter nor'easters at their best pummeling our area creating messes and disruptions. As I sit here typing this the latest is piling up some snow outside....fortunately I don't think my town is going to be too bad, but others not too far away are in for a lot more shoveling, more achy backs and missed work days.
Last night, as the cold winds picked up, the temperatures dropping, and the snow began to fall I sat in my car at lunch. I had the heat on, I was warm and protected, almost like a cocoon of a snuggly warm blanket wrapped around me. Once again I was reminded of God's love and how it keeps up safe through the storms of life. We can have the peace that passes understanding no matter what storms are hammering away at us. Too often I have given that peace away and let the troubles overwhelm me instead of hanging on to the safety of my Father's hand. I am facing some heart hurting hardships right now, and I know God saw my need for this reminder.
John 14:27 I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
Psalm 23:2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Romans 8:31-38 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, won't He also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one--for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself. Who then will condemn us? No one--for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. 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 says, "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 nor 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.
What amazing promises! What encouragement! Just the Romans verses alone are enough to camp out with for a lifetime! Much like I was protected from the elements as I sat in my car last night, God keeps us securely in His hands as we weather the storms of life.
Lord, thank You. You are our safe place, our high tower, the rock on which we stand. You are our refuge, our retreat and our sanctuary. I am so grateful to have this assurance, to know no matter what I face you will be there, and bring me through. The things of this life are so temporary, even the troubles. Help me and all of us to focus on You when all else seems to fall apart. You carry us through. Thank You for the reminder. And Lord, I want to pray for those who are homeless and face the harsh winters, please help them find a warm place and most importantly, lead them to Yourself.
Find a promise (or two or three..) from the Bible that you can hold on to. Look them up for yourself and cling to it.
Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for You.
Last night, as the cold winds picked up, the temperatures dropping, and the snow began to fall I sat in my car at lunch. I had the heat on, I was warm and protected, almost like a cocoon of a snuggly warm blanket wrapped around me. Once again I was reminded of God's love and how it keeps up safe through the storms of life. We can have the peace that passes understanding no matter what storms are hammering away at us. Too often I have given that peace away and let the troubles overwhelm me instead of hanging on to the safety of my Father's hand. I am facing some heart hurting hardships right now, and I know God saw my need for this reminder.
John 14:27 I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
Psalm 23:2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Romans 8:31-38 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, won't He also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one--for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself. Who then will condemn us? No one--for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. 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 says, "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 nor 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.
What amazing promises! What encouragement! Just the Romans verses alone are enough to camp out with for a lifetime! Much like I was protected from the elements as I sat in my car last night, God keeps us securely in His hands as we weather the storms of life.
Lord, thank You. You are our safe place, our high tower, the rock on which we stand. You are our refuge, our retreat and our sanctuary. I am so grateful to have this assurance, to know no matter what I face you will be there, and bring me through. The things of this life are so temporary, even the troubles. Help me and all of us to focus on You when all else seems to fall apart. You carry us through. Thank You for the reminder. And Lord, I want to pray for those who are homeless and face the harsh winters, please help them find a warm place and most importantly, lead them to Yourself.
Find a promise (or two or three..) from the Bible that you can hold on to. Look them up for yourself and cling to it.
Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for You.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Broken
I wrote this a while back and for some reason it never got posted. This week in Ladies Bible study, we talked about making disciples and some of the reasons why we feel unqualified and unable. A lot of times, our own brokenness makes us feel like we could never show anyone else the way. But as we talked, I felt the Lord impress upon me that instead of our mistakes and imperfections being stumbling blocks, we need to see and use them as open doors to reach others who are just as damaged and broken as we are. It's as if our failing natures can make us more relatable. We show our own need for a Savior, and our ability to face and admit our shortcomings makes us not look so "holier than thou." You know, people can see us and say, "If God loves them and saves them in all their mess, maybe He can love and save me in mine too!" Praying this helps you see yourself as totally usable by God!
I feel so broken, so often. I want to please God, be a good witness, but my "flesh" gets in the way. Pride, emotions, selfishness, tiredness all seem to compete with the God trusting, faith sharing, Jesus reflecting Christian I want to be. I get frustrated and discouraged, but then I hear a song and God reminds me....broken is just fine with Him!
David, adulterer, murderer, didn't want to deal with family issues....A man after God's own heart. and writer of some of the most beautiful and encouraging words in the Bible, sharer of God's heart for us. Paul, persecutor, party (at best) to murder of Christians, hater of God's people, wrote most of the New Testament, God's greatest evangelist to the Gentiles....Peter, big mouth, blustery, over confident, denier, turned into a powerhouse for the Gospel....Mary Magdaline, delivered from seven demons, God's first evangelist! On and on, the list of imperfect, broken vessels, God uses. And that gives me hope!
Paul had some sort of struggle, something he couldn't overcome. In 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 he tells us, Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 4:7 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.
Father thank You for the grace that You give. Thank You for loving and using broken, damaged, imperfect people like us. Shine through our imperfections and go beyond our rough edges. You are our strength, and our light. Thank You for forgiveness. And thank You for seeing the desires of our hearts beneath all the junk that sometimes buries the light we want to show. Help us to live fully and faithfully for You. In Jesus most precious Name. Amen.
Thank God for your weaknesses today.
I feel so broken, so often. I want to please God, be a good witness, but my "flesh" gets in the way. Pride, emotions, selfishness, tiredness all seem to compete with the God trusting, faith sharing, Jesus reflecting Christian I want to be. I get frustrated and discouraged, but then I hear a song and God reminds me....broken is just fine with Him!
David, adulterer, murderer, didn't want to deal with family issues....A man after God's own heart. and writer of some of the most beautiful and encouraging words in the Bible, sharer of God's heart for us. Paul, persecutor, party (at best) to murder of Christians, hater of God's people, wrote most of the New Testament, God's greatest evangelist to the Gentiles....Peter, big mouth, blustery, over confident, denier, turned into a powerhouse for the Gospel....Mary Magdaline, delivered from seven demons, God's first evangelist! On and on, the list of imperfect, broken vessels, God uses. And that gives me hope!
Paul had some sort of struggle, something he couldn't overcome. In 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 he tells us, Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 4:7 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.
Father thank You for the grace that You give. Thank You for loving and using broken, damaged, imperfect people like us. Shine through our imperfections and go beyond our rough edges. You are our strength, and our light. Thank You for forgiveness. And thank You for seeing the desires of our hearts beneath all the junk that sometimes buries the light we want to show. Help us to live fully and faithfully for You. In Jesus most precious Name. Amen.
Thank God for your weaknesses today.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
The Lord's Prayer
A few days ago, our Lenten devotional book pointed to Jesus' prayer in John 17. A few things stood out to me that I hadn't seen before. I love that about Scripture, it's always new and fresh. We are so blessed to have this wonderful gift of the Bible!
John 17:5 Now, Father, bring Me into the glory we shared before the world began. Do you think that there was a part of Jesus that looked forward to the Cross? I mean, not just that the Cross was what would remove the breach between God and His created beings, but because He wanted to go home. Home to heaven. Home to perfection. Home to a place without sin, without hatred, without anger. Home to the glory that He shared with His Father. I imagine those thoughts may have been in our Lord's head as He walked the road to the Cross.
John 17:20 I am praying not only for these disciples, but also for all who will ever believe in Me though their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one--as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in us so that the world will believe You sent me. I have given them the glory You gave Me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me.
Jesus seemed very intent on unity. Us being united with Him and the Father, and us being united with one another. This unity causes us to shine forth His love and His glory. The world would see!!
Resurrection Day is approaching. It's the perfect time to study the last days of Jesus' life here on earth. Oh what a Savior!
We've all sinned. We've all fallen short of perfection's standard, of complete sinlessness. We all need a Savior. Jesus is the only one who can fulfill that role. He is fully God, fully man, fully sinless....the only one who could be the sacrifice to cover our sin. And He did! And He defeated sin on the Cross, and defeated death 3 days later. The empty tomb is our celebration! And not only did He pray for us before His earthly death, He continues to make intercession for us even now. Romans 8:34 Who then will condemn us? No one--for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us and He is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. The first step is to admit our sinfulness and need of His saving, asking Him to become our Savior and Lord to receive His gift of salvation and eternal life.
I love that Jesus prayed. It's our example. Looking at His prayers, we see His heart, see what was important to Him. What a beautiful way to discover our Lord.
Thank You Lord for leading me to this passage! Thank You for praying for me, and for all of Your children!! That thought amazes me. Wow...You God, You Savior, You Creator of everything, Lord of everything, take time to pray for me...both then and today. Just wow.
Read Jesus' prayer in John 17 today. Sit with it a while and enjoy being led to the heart of our Savior.
John 17:5 Now, Father, bring Me into the glory we shared before the world began. Do you think that there was a part of Jesus that looked forward to the Cross? I mean, not just that the Cross was what would remove the breach between God and His created beings, but because He wanted to go home. Home to heaven. Home to perfection. Home to a place without sin, without hatred, without anger. Home to the glory that He shared with His Father. I imagine those thoughts may have been in our Lord's head as He walked the road to the Cross.
John 17:20 I am praying not only for these disciples, but also for all who will ever believe in Me though their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one--as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in us so that the world will believe You sent me. I have given them the glory You gave Me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me.
Jesus seemed very intent on unity. Us being united with Him and the Father, and us being united with one another. This unity causes us to shine forth His love and His glory. The world would see!!
Resurrection Day is approaching. It's the perfect time to study the last days of Jesus' life here on earth. Oh what a Savior!
We've all sinned. We've all fallen short of perfection's standard, of complete sinlessness. We all need a Savior. Jesus is the only one who can fulfill that role. He is fully God, fully man, fully sinless....the only one who could be the sacrifice to cover our sin. And He did! And He defeated sin on the Cross, and defeated death 3 days later. The empty tomb is our celebration! And not only did He pray for us before His earthly death, He continues to make intercession for us even now. Romans 8:34 Who then will condemn us? No one--for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us and He is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. The first step is to admit our sinfulness and need of His saving, asking Him to become our Savior and Lord to receive His gift of salvation and eternal life.
I love that Jesus prayed. It's our example. Looking at His prayers, we see His heart, see what was important to Him. What a beautiful way to discover our Lord.
Thank You Lord for leading me to this passage! Thank You for praying for me, and for all of Your children!! That thought amazes me. Wow...You God, You Savior, You Creator of everything, Lord of everything, take time to pray for me...both then and today. Just wow.
Read Jesus' prayer in John 17 today. Sit with it a while and enjoy being led to the heart of our Savior.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Marriage, from Mom
Mom was a widow from many years when she wrote this, but her insights were spot on. But then, that's what happens when you get into God's Word!
Marriage is a one time thing and in God's eyes should be and always needs to be worked at. It's easy to stay and be unhappy, let's face it, it's a very close relationship with another and "self" can creep in so easily.
These steps are important to keep your marriage on an even keel:
Marriage is a one time thing and in God's eyes should be and always needs to be worked at. It's easy to stay and be unhappy, let's face it, it's a very close relationship with another and "self" can creep in so easily.
These steps are important to keep your marriage on an even keel:
- Hear. Listen to your spouse
- Encourage. Focus on your spouse's positive qualities.
- Date. Celebrate your marriage all the time by playing and laughing together
- Guard. Establish safeguards by setting clear standards.
- Educate. Study your mate to truly understand them.
- Satisfy. Meet each other's needs.
Ephesians 5:21-23 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of His body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.
1 Peter 3:7 In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat you wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
Proverbs 16:16-22 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver! Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall. Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. Those who listen to instruction will prosper, those who trust the Lord will be joyful. The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.
Understanding takes time.
From me.
These seem to be such simple steps to a working marriage. Treating one another with respect, seeking to understand and seeking the best for the other person are keys in a strong marriage. So many times we let selfishness in, let a negative focus take over our hearts. This is not God's intent. A good marriage takes hard work!
Lord, help us to guard our hearts and guard our marriages. Lord, be the focus and center of everything we do in our homes. Help us to be obedient to You, submitting to Your will and Your way. In Jesus Name, amen.
Start with the first step today. If it's hard to do this for your spouse, do it for the Lord.
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