Today, for whatever reason I woke up very depressed and in a down facing funk. Getting out of bed would have been debatable had I not had 4 little furry beings (my cats) bouncing back and forth across me demanding their breakfast. Ignoring them is not an option! LOL So I literally dragged my tired feeling, unhappy little self out of bed to feed them and start my day. Which of course, as always brings the morning chores of clean up, dishwasher emptying, litter box cleaning, mail sorting....And this gets me even more down. The day's "to do" list starts it's incessant shouting in my head before my feet even hit the floor. I'm sure many of you have heard the same old recording in your heads as you take care of life's little trivialities. "This is all I ever do....clean up, straighten up..." So on and so on. So my mood is sinking even faster at this point, all in the first ten minutes of rising from sleep!
And then the Lord gets involved. And thank Him for that!! I was reminded of something King David said: Psalm 42:5-6 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! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you—even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar. It was time to turn my focus upward. And I had to make the decision to do this, the choice to look upward instead of inward. God is so good. So involved. I am so grateful to have the Holy Spirit with me, living inside my heart to lift my head and remind me of God's Word.
So along with these verses I received some additional instruction on being thankful. My mission for the day is to find things to be thankful for (like I don't have a thousand of them at any given time). When I look downward I see nothing, when I look inward I see the despair that is trying to take hold of my heart. But when I look upward, when I look to my God and my Savior I am reminded that I am loved. Once I gain His perspective, I can look around me with new eyes to see the blessings. Right now, I am comfortable, and warm. I am in a home. I have clothing and comforts. I have a computer to communicate with others, especially this blog to share the Lord's blessings. The Lord is with me at this moment. I know I am loved. There is a peacefulness to the morning around me. And that is just sitting in one space looking around at the goodness of God's care. In less than a minute my heart has been filled with joy.
So the Lord is sending me on a treasure hunt today! Instead of wallowing in the feelings I woke up with, I will search for the jewels He leaves on my path, look at the blessings He has placed in my life and enjoy the sweet fellowship that comes from being His child. I can't tell you how just writing this has has uplifted me this morning and taken my focus off the fickle feelings of despair. What a wonderful God we serve!
I can only say thank You a thousand times Lord! You encourage me. You lift my heart! You teach me and lead me in the path of blessing and joy. Lord, help us to remind ourselves of You goodness, and look for the blessings in our lives instead of focusing on our feelings or our problems. We bring those things to You and trust Your care and solutions. Our feelings are real, our problems are real, but You are bigger than all of that. Lord help us to keep the right focus. Some days that is harder than others. Many times our situations don't change, but the way we face them can with Your help Lord. Gratitude is a wonderful medicine for what ails us. Keep me and all of us in that place. I am once again amazed at You. Thank You again. In the caring Name of Jesus. Amen
Go on a treasure hunt today!
Psalm 69:32 The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Don't Lose Heart
This week's book is Isaiah. That is where we are at in our Sunday Bible study. At first, I started reading this book and it was making my head spin...LOL Back and forth, future, past.... I don't know when Isaiah was talking about. Nation after nation spoken of, events foretold in that time period's near future and some things yet to come. Oh my! As I read further on in the book I started to notice something I could relate to. It was the Father's correction of Israel.
Many times I've felt the Lord's hand heavy upon me. Many times I knew I was being corrected but stubbornly resisted. Many times it took a while before I knew what was going on. Eventually, I came around to God's way of thinking and went back on track. But what I noticed in Isaiah narrative and in my own experience is that God never corrects without the desire and goal of restoration. He never corrects without love being at the center of His heart.
Isaiah 54:6-8 For the Lord has called you back from your grief--as though you were a young wife abandoned by her husband." says your God. "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will take you back. In a burst of anger I turned my face away for a little while. But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you," says the Lord, your Redeemer.
It's beautiful the way the Lord brings discipline, yet also restoration and redemption. His compassion will never fail, even in His anger at our sins. He doesn't abandon us forever. We may have consequences, but when we've learned and turned again to Him, he welcomes us back into His embrace and mercy.
Hebrews 12:5-6 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline and don't give up when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child.
Hebrews 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
Coming under the Father's correction is not fun. It's not meant to be. It's meant to draw us back to the right path. The quicker we turn from our sin, the quicker we will find relief and new joyousness. This book of Isaiah has suddenly become very encouraging!
Lord, thank You that You care enough to correct us, to train us in the right way to live. Forgive my stubborn heart Lord. So many times I resist Your correction. Lord, let that not be so! Help all of us to have a heart that is quick to repent, quick to listen and quick to follow Your leading. In Jesus' most merciful Name. Amen.
Don't lose heart at the Lord's discipline. Repent and return. You are loved.
Many times I've felt the Lord's hand heavy upon me. Many times I knew I was being corrected but stubbornly resisted. Many times it took a while before I knew what was going on. Eventually, I came around to God's way of thinking and went back on track. But what I noticed in Isaiah narrative and in my own experience is that God never corrects without the desire and goal of restoration. He never corrects without love being at the center of His heart.
Isaiah 54:6-8 For the Lord has called you back from your grief--as though you were a young wife abandoned by her husband." says your God. "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will take you back. In a burst of anger I turned my face away for a little while. But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you," says the Lord, your Redeemer.
It's beautiful the way the Lord brings discipline, yet also restoration and redemption. His compassion will never fail, even in His anger at our sins. He doesn't abandon us forever. We may have consequences, but when we've learned and turned again to Him, he welcomes us back into His embrace and mercy.
Hebrews 12:5-6 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline and don't give up when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child.
Hebrews 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
Coming under the Father's correction is not fun. It's not meant to be. It's meant to draw us back to the right path. The quicker we turn from our sin, the quicker we will find relief and new joyousness. This book of Isaiah has suddenly become very encouraging!
Lord, thank You that You care enough to correct us, to train us in the right way to live. Forgive my stubborn heart Lord. So many times I resist Your correction. Lord, let that not be so! Help all of us to have a heart that is quick to repent, quick to listen and quick to follow Your leading. In Jesus' most merciful Name. Amen.
Don't lose heart at the Lord's discipline. Repent and return. You are loved.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
No Greater Love
Hallelujah! He is risen. Easter is the most sacred of celebrations for Christians. Also the most joyous. The proof of God's love is witnessed on Good Friday. The power of God is met on Easter morning. I heard this song over the weekend and it moved my heart in such a deep way. I think about each step Jesus took towards the cross, from the garden of Gethsamene, to finally reaching that hill being powered by His unfathomable love for us. Each strike He submitted to, each insult He bore was borne out of His love. And then Sunday.....
Jesus' power over death exploded out of the grave! He is risen! We are set free and given new life! Victory! Amazing, forever victory!
Even though for most Christians Easter is over (some celebrate this upcoming weekend), I'm still sticking there. For some reason God wants me meditating on it still, and I am happy to oblige. LOL Maybe we should always be there, remembering the death and resurrection of our Savior, in gratitude and celebration.
Anyway I want to share this song, reminding us of how unbelievably and irrevocably and eternally loved we are. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is (Ephesians 3:18).
Or as the Message Bible puts it: And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. See the Father's love for us in the walk of Jesus to Golgotha. Live in the power of His resurrection. Hallelujah!!
Hallelujah! You are alive! Jesus You are our risen Savior. Our hero, our redeemer, the lover of our souls! Nothing in any way could ever or will ever stop Your unending love! Hallelujah!!
Romans 8:35-38 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 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.
Focus on God's love....remember it never ends. You can't outrun it, hide from it or lose it.
Jesus' power over death exploded out of the grave! He is risen! We are set free and given new life! Victory! Amazing, forever victory!
Even though for most Christians Easter is over (some celebrate this upcoming weekend), I'm still sticking there. For some reason God wants me meditating on it still, and I am happy to oblige. LOL Maybe we should always be there, remembering the death and resurrection of our Savior, in gratitude and celebration.
Anyway I want to share this song, reminding us of how unbelievably and irrevocably and eternally loved we are. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is (Ephesians 3:18).
Or as the Message Bible puts it: And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. See the Father's love for us in the walk of Jesus to Golgotha. Live in the power of His resurrection. Hallelujah!!
Hallelujah! You are alive! Jesus You are our risen Savior. Our hero, our redeemer, the lover of our souls! Nothing in any way could ever or will ever stop Your unending love! Hallelujah!!
Romans 8:35-38 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 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.
Focus on God's love....remember it never ends. You can't outrun it, hide from it or lose it.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Prayer, From Mom, Part 3
Mom's last entry on prayer. I hope you have been spurred on to a deeper, more alive prayer life. Prayer starts in our hearts. Mom went on to share how we could pray effectively, and in a God centered way. James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Onward to Mom's entry!
We have to be in fellowship with God. The redeeming blood of Jesus has saved us from our sins and brought us into relationship with God.
Mark 11:24-25 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 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.
Our request: Pray with faith. Believe God is able. God will do whatever is in His will. Readily submit our desires to His.
Our motive: Is our goal to glorify God and let others see Him in us? Or is our goal selfish, greedy and impure?
Our heavenly Father tells us to pray and He will answer when our hearts are pure.
Colossians 1:9-12 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
Pray for others. Pray specifics. Pray without ceasing.
From me.
Prayer is an integral part of the Christian walk. We need to have that open connection with our Father. It should be as natural and as necessary as breathing. Prayer encompasses our hearts desires, our praise and worship, our fears, our failures, our joys, our celebrations. All can and should be brought to the Lord in prayer, shared with Him as we would share with a dear friend. We come to Him in need, we come to Him in thanksgiving, we come to Him in humility like a child to a parent. Jesus died and rose again to bring us into relationship with God....of course He wants us to pray!
This week we remember the death of our Lord Jesus. On Friday we focus on His sacrifice for our sins...the sacrifice that opened the way for us to come into His Presence, the sacrifice that made it possible for us to have this relationship with our Father. On Sunday we celebrate His resurrection, our entrance into glorious eternal life. What a beautiful Savior. What an awesome God! Come into His Presence with thanksgiving and praise! Let prayer open up the door to sit at His feet in wonder and contentment. He is risen!
Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation, thank You for the fact that You desire relationship with us and prayer is the communication of that relationship. Help us to not only come to You with our needs, our praise, our desires, our hearts....but also to learn to listen for Your voice, Your direction and Your heart. Thank You that when we confess our sins we are forgiven, and we stand in the righteousness of Jesus. It's amazing. You are amazing. Thank You for prayer. Deepen our prayer lives, give us listening ears when You nudge us to bring others before You. Show us Your heart. In the Name of our mighty Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pray!
We have to be in fellowship with God. The redeeming blood of Jesus has saved us from our sins and brought us into relationship with God.
Mark 11:24-25 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 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.
Our request: Pray with faith. Believe God is able. God will do whatever is in His will. Readily submit our desires to His.
Our motive: Is our goal to glorify God and let others see Him in us? Or is our goal selfish, greedy and impure?
Our heavenly Father tells us to pray and He will answer when our hearts are pure.
Colossians 1:9-12 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
Pray for others. Pray specifics. Pray without ceasing.
From me.
Prayer is an integral part of the Christian walk. We need to have that open connection with our Father. It should be as natural and as necessary as breathing. Prayer encompasses our hearts desires, our praise and worship, our fears, our failures, our joys, our celebrations. All can and should be brought to the Lord in prayer, shared with Him as we would share with a dear friend. We come to Him in need, we come to Him in thanksgiving, we come to Him in humility like a child to a parent. Jesus died and rose again to bring us into relationship with God....of course He wants us to pray!
This week we remember the death of our Lord Jesus. On Friday we focus on His sacrifice for our sins...the sacrifice that opened the way for us to come into His Presence, the sacrifice that made it possible for us to have this relationship with our Father. On Sunday we celebrate His resurrection, our entrance into glorious eternal life. What a beautiful Savior. What an awesome God! Come into His Presence with thanksgiving and praise! Let prayer open up the door to sit at His feet in wonder and contentment. He is risen!
Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation, thank You for the fact that You desire relationship with us and prayer is the communication of that relationship. Help us to not only come to You with our needs, our praise, our desires, our hearts....but also to learn to listen for Your voice, Your direction and Your heart. Thank You that when we confess our sins we are forgiven, and we stand in the righteousness of Jesus. It's amazing. You are amazing. Thank You for prayer. Deepen our prayer lives, give us listening ears when You nudge us to bring others before You. Show us Your heart. In the Name of our mighty Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pray!
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Prayer, From Mom, Part 2
Prayer is one of the greatest privileges and pleasures we can have in our relationship with the Lord. Imagine, we have a friend, a confidant, a defender, a champion, a listener, a Father, a Savior who is there whenever we need to talk to Him. He is for us and not against us. Part two of Mom's entry on prayer gives us some ideas on prayers that please our Father.
Prayer for boldness. Remain alert. Prayer in the Spirit, with all supplication.
Ephesians 6:18-19 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.
Rejoice in answered prayer. Psalm 28:6-7 Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Seek God's instruction. Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Ask God to examine you and show you your heart. Psalm 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Pray a personal prayer of commitment to our God. Based on 2 Peter 1:5-7 "I will make every effort to add to my faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge and to knowledge, self control and to self control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love."
Pray for guidance every day. Jesus told us in Luke 11:9 "And so I tell you, 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." Certain phrases like, "In Jesus' Name" or "if it is Your will" are not meant to mislead us into thinking they are going to get us what we want. Keep it in perspective, the answers to our prayers are in God's plans, and His hands. Remember we have the responsibility to live HIS way.
From me.
Praying from God's Word is pleasing to the Lord. Praying in faith that God's answers, even when they don't line up with our will, is also pleasing to the Lord. We must remember that we don't always know best. That is one of the biggest "struggle" areas for me. Something my Pastor said on Sunday really resonated with me and I believe it goes along with this perfectly. "Jesus always loves and Jesus always reigns." We must trust that when we pray, God's heart is love, and His answers are right for us. He reigns. All of His ways are perfect. Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Father, may Your Name be kept holy. May Your kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation. Amen. (Luke 11:2-4)
Look up Scriptures to pray over Your life. Trust God to do what is best for you. Ask Him to help you let go of your "right answers" and seek His best answers.
Prayer for boldness. Remain alert. Prayer in the Spirit, with all supplication.
Ephesians 6:18-19 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.
Rejoice in answered prayer. Psalm 28:6-7 Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Seek God's instruction. Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Ask God to examine you and show you your heart. Psalm 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Pray a personal prayer of commitment to our God. Based on 2 Peter 1:5-7 "I will make every effort to add to my faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge and to knowledge, self control and to self control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love."
Pray for guidance every day. Jesus told us in Luke 11:9 "And so I tell you, 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." Certain phrases like, "In Jesus' Name" or "if it is Your will" are not meant to mislead us into thinking they are going to get us what we want. Keep it in perspective, the answers to our prayers are in God's plans, and His hands. Remember we have the responsibility to live HIS way.
From me.
Praying from God's Word is pleasing to the Lord. Praying in faith that God's answers, even when they don't line up with our will, is also pleasing to the Lord. We must remember that we don't always know best. That is one of the biggest "struggle" areas for me. Something my Pastor said on Sunday really resonated with me and I believe it goes along with this perfectly. "Jesus always loves and Jesus always reigns." We must trust that when we pray, God's heart is love, and His answers are right for us. He reigns. All of His ways are perfect. Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Father, may Your Name be kept holy. May Your kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation. Amen. (Luke 11:2-4)
Look up Scriptures to pray over Your life. Trust God to do what is best for you. Ask Him to help you let go of your "right answers" and seek His best answers.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Prayer, From Mom
Mom did a bit of study on prayer. It's such an important part of our Christian experience. It's the most fundamental way we interact with our Father. For some, it can be an intimidating experience. Sometimes it becomes stale, done solely out of obligation or duty. Neither of those is how prayer is meant to be. It's just talking or communicating with our Father. Sometimes, we don't even need words, sometimes it's bringing our tears to Him and letting the Holy Spirit transform them to speak our needs into the Father's ear. Sometimes it's a near silent sigh of helplessness and sorrow. Whatever way, prayer is meant to be a beautiful, meaningful, deeply personal interaction with our God. Let's go on to Mom's entry.
2 Chronicles 6:20 May you watch over this Temple day and night, this place where you have said you would put your name. May you always hear the prayers I make toward this place.
Prayer is talking with God. Meditation is listening to God. Communicating with God through talking with Him (prayer) is the most important element of prayer. It is the line that connects our soul with the battery power of God's power. God's power must flow into our lives as we bow down before Him and remember and recognize Him as Lord of all. Prayer is the battle itself.
Prayer is the greatest gift we can give another person. When we approach the throne on behalf of another, we are doing exactly what Jesus did for us. God takes our prayers and uses them to unlock doors of great blessings in the lives of others. One of the greatest blessings come when we recognize the moving of the Holy Spirit and follow Him in prayer. When a name comes to mind, God is putting a burden on our hearts to pray for that person. This is the Holy Spirit calling out to us to be sensitive and to pray for that person.
How to Prayer
In petition: /God does something for us.
In intercession: God does something through us.
In communication: God does something in us.
Pray specifically. Colossians 1:9-14 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Pray for needs. James 5:13-18 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.
Pray in faith. Micah 7:7 As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.
Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.
Pray in patience. Psalm 40:1-8 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
Pray everyday, anytime during the day and even when awake during the night. Believe He will intercede.
Pray to understand God's plan for your life. Pray to conduct yourself in a manner worthy of Christ and pleasing to Him (see Colossians 1:9-14 above). "I pray to know You Lord, to know Your will and be obedient. Strengthen me according to Your power."
From me.
We'll stop here for now. I am looking forward to this lesson on prayer. Often, we feel like we've been doing something for so long that we think there is nothing more to learn, but with the things of God there is always more. And I love the way He uses the familiar to spark the new. I have a feeling that is going to happen in this study on prayer.
Lord, thank You that You desire to communicate with Your children, Your creation. That amazes me! Open up our hearts to do a new work in our prayer lives that we may be more effective and passionate pray-ers! Make us Your prayer warriors. In Jesus' mighty Name. Amen
Start a new prayer tradition today!
2 Chronicles 6:20 May you watch over this Temple day and night, this place where you have said you would put your name. May you always hear the prayers I make toward this place.
Prayer is talking with God. Meditation is listening to God. Communicating with God through talking with Him (prayer) is the most important element of prayer. It is the line that connects our soul with the battery power of God's power. God's power must flow into our lives as we bow down before Him and remember and recognize Him as Lord of all. Prayer is the battle itself.
Prayer is the greatest gift we can give another person. When we approach the throne on behalf of another, we are doing exactly what Jesus did for us. God takes our prayers and uses them to unlock doors of great blessings in the lives of others. One of the greatest blessings come when we recognize the moving of the Holy Spirit and follow Him in prayer. When a name comes to mind, God is putting a burden on our hearts to pray for that person. This is the Holy Spirit calling out to us to be sensitive and to pray for that person.
How to Prayer
In petition: /God does something for us.
In intercession: God does something through us.
In communication: God does something in us.
Pray specifically. Colossians 1:9-14 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Pray for needs. James 5:13-18 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.
Pray in faith. Micah 7:7 As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.
Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.
Pray in patience. Psalm 40:1-8 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
Pray everyday, anytime during the day and even when awake during the night. Believe He will intercede.
Pray to understand God's plan for your life. Pray to conduct yourself in a manner worthy of Christ and pleasing to Him (see Colossians 1:9-14 above). "I pray to know You Lord, to know Your will and be obedient. Strengthen me according to Your power."
From me.
We'll stop here for now. I am looking forward to this lesson on prayer. Often, we feel like we've been doing something for so long that we think there is nothing more to learn, but with the things of God there is always more. And I love the way He uses the familiar to spark the new. I have a feeling that is going to happen in this study on prayer.
Lord, thank You that You desire to communicate with Your children, Your creation. That amazes me! Open up our hearts to do a new work in our prayer lives that we may be more effective and passionate pray-ers! Make us Your prayer warriors. In Jesus' mighty Name. Amen
Start a new prayer tradition today!
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
You Are Not Alone
When I listened to this song for the first time recently, I thought back on the times that were the darkest in my life. One day life was running smoothly, on track to happily ever after and the next day the bottom dropped and the lights went out. I was sent into a crazy, out of control tailspin that left me hanging over a cliff. There were times I isolated, times I hid in addiction, every day seemed empty, void of help, life or light. There was no escape from the hopelessness, no help for the helplessness. Or so so it felt like. I shut others out, had a nominal relationship with God in name only, I hid from the pain in the bottom of a bottle and packages of drugs. Many, if not all of us have faced that kind of darkness in some way. Illness, loss, difficulties of different kinds show up and take residence in our lives. This song brought me back to those years, and to the wonderful deliverance I experienced. It reminded me that even when I couldn't accept it there were people that cared, and a Savior who was always by my side.
I was blessed enough to have a Mom that didn't give up on me and kept up her prayer vigil until I finally was able to see God's hand reaching for me. He was standing, waiting to walk me out of the hopelessness and pain. He provided a pathway to wholeness in the form of counseling both inside and outside of the church. I spent many hours talking with others like me, in group settings, many hours in study and prayer with the Lord. I found a great Bible that helped me get grounded in healthy thinking...The Life Recovery Bible, I highly recommend it to anyone facing addiction. The struggle to freedom was not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it is so very very worth it.
Those days did not leave me without scars. But our scars can be things of beauty when viewed in the light of God's healing. They are reminders that we survived, that the Lord lifted us out of whatever pit we were in and put us on the right path. Instead of living in shadows we now live in the light of Jesus.
Isaiah 61:2-3 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
Maybe you are still living in the black hole of hopelessness and hurt. My heart breaks for those who see no way out. I was there. But God does not leave us nor forsake us....even when if feels like He has. It's not easy, it's not pain free, but He does deliver us not always from but always through the dark. Sometimes we must walk through the "valley of the shadow of death" to get to the "peaceful streams." (Psalm 23)
Ever since I first heard this song a few days ago, I felt I was to share this message. To share His hope. Deliverance doesn't usually come over night, nor does it come without a fight, but in Jesus we have the victory. One step, on hour, one day at a time. Don't be afraid to reach out, open up and lift your head.
Psalm 121:1-4 I look up t the mountains--does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.
Oh Lord, You are our deliverer. I pray for each person facing life's darkness, feeling alone, left adrift....Lord be with them, hold them, lead them. Today, let the see the first step to take out of their pit. They may still struggle, the problems don't always go away, but neither do You. Lord, help us all to see that in You we can stand, in You we have victory, in You we are strong. I pray that people struggling with so much hardship will know You love them, know You are with them, and know others are praying....I am praying for them. Lord give them courage and give them hope. Show them if there is something they need to do, or somewhere they can get help, lead them in the right direction. You know the best path for all of us. And Lord, thank You for the freedom You now let me walk in. Thank You for all the people You sent to help me and to walk with me out of the darkness. Thank You for never leaving my side and for protecting me even from myself. Lord, You know in this world we will always have tribulations, but all we face here is temporary compared to the eternity in heaven where You wipe away every tear and take away every pain. Thank You.
Please know today that you are not alone. Study and claim as your own Isaiah 61. Believe.
I was blessed enough to have a Mom that didn't give up on me and kept up her prayer vigil until I finally was able to see God's hand reaching for me. He was standing, waiting to walk me out of the hopelessness and pain. He provided a pathway to wholeness in the form of counseling both inside and outside of the church. I spent many hours talking with others like me, in group settings, many hours in study and prayer with the Lord. I found a great Bible that helped me get grounded in healthy thinking...The Life Recovery Bible, I highly recommend it to anyone facing addiction. The struggle to freedom was not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it is so very very worth it.
Those days did not leave me without scars. But our scars can be things of beauty when viewed in the light of God's healing. They are reminders that we survived, that the Lord lifted us out of whatever pit we were in and put us on the right path. Instead of living in shadows we now live in the light of Jesus.
Isaiah 61:2-3 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
Maybe you are still living in the black hole of hopelessness and hurt. My heart breaks for those who see no way out. I was there. But God does not leave us nor forsake us....even when if feels like He has. It's not easy, it's not pain free, but He does deliver us not always from but always through the dark. Sometimes we must walk through the "valley of the shadow of death" to get to the "peaceful streams." (Psalm 23)
Ever since I first heard this song a few days ago, I felt I was to share this message. To share His hope. Deliverance doesn't usually come over night, nor does it come without a fight, but in Jesus we have the victory. One step, on hour, one day at a time. Don't be afraid to reach out, open up and lift your head.
Psalm 121:1-4 I look up t the mountains--does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.
Oh Lord, You are our deliverer. I pray for each person facing life's darkness, feeling alone, left adrift....Lord be with them, hold them, lead them. Today, let the see the first step to take out of their pit. They may still struggle, the problems don't always go away, but neither do You. Lord, help us all to see that in You we can stand, in You we have victory, in You we are strong. I pray that people struggling with so much hardship will know You love them, know You are with them, and know others are praying....I am praying for them. Lord give them courage and give them hope. Show them if there is something they need to do, or somewhere they can get help, lead them in the right direction. You know the best path for all of us. And Lord, thank You for the freedom You now let me walk in. Thank You for all the people You sent to help me and to walk with me out of the darkness. Thank You for never leaving my side and for protecting me even from myself. Lord, You know in this world we will always have tribulations, but all we face here is temporary compared to the eternity in heaven where You wipe away every tear and take away every pain. Thank You.
Please know today that you are not alone. Study and claim as your own Isaiah 61. Believe.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Added Question
Yes! Another question whose answer may make us a little uncomfortable. This goes along with the previous blog on March 21. As always, God strings His proddings together, continuing to work on our hearts.
Yesterday I was out for a jog and as is my custom, listened to Joyce Meyer. The teaching was entitled "Freedom of Self-Control." What a great teaching. I love the practical ways Joyce shares on how to put God's Word and principles into practice. Anyway. She was teaching on the freedom we have when we function in self control as opposed to just living a willy-nilly life of following everything our flesh desires. There is freedom from sin and consequences when we operate in this fruit of the spirit. Self-control adds peace and joy to our lives.
So the question she asked was..."What do you want more?" Now if you look back to March 21st you will see question God posed to me was "Do you want to get well?" As I discussed here, I didn't like my answer any better than I like the question. LOL And I'm not so crazy about Joyce's question either. But I know I need to hear them. And I know I need to dig deep and see what my answers are. In the "Redeemed" study by Angela Thomas-Pharr I am discovering that in order to began living the life God wants, I have to know where my heart is. And to do that I have to answer some hard questions. It's funny how both these studies I'm involved in right now are heading in the same direction. God visit!
So what do I want more? Do I want to get my own way by getting angry and speaking my mind? Or do I want to display God's love and mercy to those around me, putting others needs or desires ahead of my own? Do I want to stay in my pride, not helping people I think don't deserve it because they made their own mess or do I want to be like my Savior and humbly help others, remembering that I didn't (and still don't) deserve His help for my messes. Do I want to remain unhealthy, possibly causing serious long term issues in my body by bad diet choices, or do I want to be as healthy as possible, prepared and able to do whatever the Lord asks me to do. WHAT DO I WANT MORE?
I'm pretty sure I'd like to change my answers right now! LOL
Lord, help me to choose life. To choose mercy, love, kindness, humility, self-control. Help me to live to prefer others, and to follow the good path You set before me. I pray this for all of us. Thank You for the lessons You teach us. I love learning from You. Help each of us walk out our salvation so as to bring You glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen
What do you want more?
Yesterday I was out for a jog and as is my custom, listened to Joyce Meyer. The teaching was entitled "Freedom of Self-Control." What a great teaching. I love the practical ways Joyce shares on how to put God's Word and principles into practice. Anyway. She was teaching on the freedom we have when we function in self control as opposed to just living a willy-nilly life of following everything our flesh desires. There is freedom from sin and consequences when we operate in this fruit of the spirit. Self-control adds peace and joy to our lives.
So the question she asked was..."What do you want more?" Now if you look back to March 21st you will see question God posed to me was "Do you want to get well?" As I discussed here, I didn't like my answer any better than I like the question. LOL And I'm not so crazy about Joyce's question either. But I know I need to hear them. And I know I need to dig deep and see what my answers are. In the "Redeemed" study by Angela Thomas-Pharr I am discovering that in order to began living the life God wants, I have to know where my heart is. And to do that I have to answer some hard questions. It's funny how both these studies I'm involved in right now are heading in the same direction. God visit!
So what do I want more? Do I want to get my own way by getting angry and speaking my mind? Or do I want to display God's love and mercy to those around me, putting others needs or desires ahead of my own? Do I want to stay in my pride, not helping people I think don't deserve it because they made their own mess or do I want to be like my Savior and humbly help others, remembering that I didn't (and still don't) deserve His help for my messes. Do I want to remain unhealthy, possibly causing serious long term issues in my body by bad diet choices, or do I want to be as healthy as possible, prepared and able to do whatever the Lord asks me to do. WHAT DO I WANT MORE?
I'm pretty sure I'd like to change my answers right now! LOL
Lord, help me to choose life. To choose mercy, love, kindness, humility, self-control. Help me to live to prefer others, and to follow the good path You set before me. I pray this for all of us. Thank You for the lessons You teach us. I love learning from You. Help each of us walk out our salvation so as to bring You glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen
What do you want more?
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Dressing
We do it everyday. We get dressed. We look in out closets, check out the weather, pick out what we believe is appropriate for the day. Do we want to dress up, or is it a lazy day, casual and comfortable. Pants or a skirt, do we put on earrings or a necklace. Suit and tie or is is a sweater? Sometimes our time and energy level lends a hand in the decision of what gets put on these old bodies of ours before we walk out the door to face the world.
We are now in the book of Proverbs for our Sunday morning Bible study. I started noticing some of Solomon's words giving us instruction on what I would consider our jewelry. This has me thinking, along with our physical clothes each day, we need to be putting on our spiritual attire too. More important than what we look like is where our heart is. We represent the Almighty God. Looking clean and nice is good. Acting and speaking in humility, righteousness and love is even better.
Proverbs 3:3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
Proverbs 3:21-22 My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace.
Proverbs 4:8-9 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.
Before jewelry we put on our clothes. The Bible gives us so many example of how we should be dressed....and almost all of them have to do with our spiritual "outfits" not what clothes we wear.
Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
1 Peter 3:3-4 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
And of course, the most widely quoted or referenced clothes we wear comes from Ephesians 6....our battle dress, for we are in a war everyday. The Lord provides all we need to be victorious over evil in this world.
Ephesians 6:10-17 0 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.
When I get dressed each day I want to make it a new habit to focus on the spiritual side of my dressing. Perhaps just thinking about the things the Bible asks us to put on as we dress will put us in the right frame of mind to step out into the world and represent our Lord properly. I put on praise, I put on your righteousness, humility. Lord, let me put on kindness, patience....so on and so on. So often we forget things in the heat of the moment or busyness of the day, but starting out in the right place will help us to set our hearts in a godly direction. It's like one of those little memory tricks that help you remember names or dates. This "dressing" trick will help us remember how to interact with people as we go about our day.
God is so practical. And I love that about Him. I love that He comes up with these easy, everyday answers for our spiritual growth.
Thank You Lord for being so "down to earth" and practical. Let each of us wear our "God clothes" as we walk through our days with You. We want to be worthy ambassadors for You. Keep us "looking good!" In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Try thinking spiritually as you dress each day.
We are now in the book of Proverbs for our Sunday morning Bible study. I started noticing some of Solomon's words giving us instruction on what I would consider our jewelry. This has me thinking, along with our physical clothes each day, we need to be putting on our spiritual attire too. More important than what we look like is where our heart is. We represent the Almighty God. Looking clean and nice is good. Acting and speaking in humility, righteousness and love is even better.
Proverbs 3:3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
Proverbs 3:21-22 My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace.
Proverbs 4:8-9 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.
Before jewelry we put on our clothes. The Bible gives us so many example of how we should be dressed....and almost all of them have to do with our spiritual "outfits" not what clothes we wear.
Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
1 Peter 3:3-4 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
And of course, the most widely quoted or referenced clothes we wear comes from Ephesians 6....our battle dress, for we are in a war everyday. The Lord provides all we need to be victorious over evil in this world.
Ephesians 6:10-17 0 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.
When I get dressed each day I want to make it a new habit to focus on the spiritual side of my dressing. Perhaps just thinking about the things the Bible asks us to put on as we dress will put us in the right frame of mind to step out into the world and represent our Lord properly. I put on praise, I put on your righteousness, humility. Lord, let me put on kindness, patience....so on and so on. So often we forget things in the heat of the moment or busyness of the day, but starting out in the right place will help us to set our hearts in a godly direction. It's like one of those little memory tricks that help you remember names or dates. This "dressing" trick will help us remember how to interact with people as we go about our day.
God is so practical. And I love that about Him. I love that He comes up with these easy, everyday answers for our spiritual growth.
Thank You Lord for being so "down to earth" and practical. Let each of us wear our "God clothes" as we walk through our days with You. We want to be worthy ambassadors for You. Keep us "looking good!" In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Try thinking spiritually as you dress each day.
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