LORD,
Do I value the things that you concider important, useful, and worthy? Sometimes I let the world around me tell me what is important and worth pursuing. It's so easy to go with the cultural flow and even become a fearful slave to the ways of the world. How can I be so blind to the motivations within my own heart? My values are crystal clear to those around me. What I do, where I spend my time and money, and what I talk about shows exactly what I value the most. Lord, I choose to value you most. Let that decision reflect in the words I speak and in how I spend my time, energy, and money. Help me to value what you consider to be most important: loving and worshiping you, obeying you wholeheartedly, making godly choices, and serving others.
*** Wherever your treasure is, there the disires of your heart will also be.
LUKE 12:34***
Oh, how I miss Calvary Kids Bible Club. Hearing all the kids sing and singing with them. " Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven.
Where theives and robbers cannot break in..............
Where your treasure is! There your heart will be also! There your heart will be also!" Even the simplest songs can have a great impact.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Perfection
DEAR GOD,
I can be such a perfectionist! Why do I feel the need to control everyone and everything? I know you love to work through imperfect people and circumstances, and the biggest disasters are often your best opportunities. When I think about it that way, Lord, it's a relief to know that you have everything under control. Help me to trust you.
*** Even perfection has it's limits, but your commands have no limit. PSALM 119:96 ***
Man, does this prayer and verse hit the target! I know I am a perfectionist, Iv'e been medically labeled so OCD. I often struggle with seeking perfection over the smallest things, silly things that matter only to me. Just the other day I had a quick and enlightening conversation with a friend about imperfect and rushed work. As crafters, we want our work to turn out how we had envisioned it. PERFECT! Over the years I had come to learn that often the work that didn't come out exactly how I wanted it had received the most praise. Then I realized, why was I stressing so much about it being perfect as long as it was pleasing. We need to let go perfection and trust that the end result with turn out just as its was meant to.
I can be such a perfectionist! Why do I feel the need to control everyone and everything? I know you love to work through imperfect people and circumstances, and the biggest disasters are often your best opportunities. When I think about it that way, Lord, it's a relief to know that you have everything under control. Help me to trust you.
*** Even perfection has it's limits, but your commands have no limit. PSALM 119:96 ***
Man, does this prayer and verse hit the target! I know I am a perfectionist, Iv'e been medically labeled so OCD. I often struggle with seeking perfection over the smallest things, silly things that matter only to me. Just the other day I had a quick and enlightening conversation with a friend about imperfect and rushed work. As crafters, we want our work to turn out how we had envisioned it. PERFECT! Over the years I had come to learn that often the work that didn't come out exactly how I wanted it had received the most praise. Then I realized, why was I stressing so much about it being perfect as long as it was pleasing. We need to let go perfection and trust that the end result with turn out just as its was meant to.
Commitment
HEAVENLY FATHER,
Help me to get it through my head that commitment involves giving you my whole self- body, soul, emotions, and mind. Though my mind must decide to commit to you,it's my will that allows me to follow through. I know commitment can be costly, but you promise great blessing to those who are faithful. I want to be fully devoted to you- no matter what. This is my fervent prayer today.
*** Give yourself completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. SO use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. ROMANS 6:13***
Oh, Commitment! What a topic. The biggest thought on anyones mind when the big "C" word comes up is marriage. You mention commitment, and marraige comes in the mix. Now, commitment is not seen the same, you have 90 days to try something out before you are fully charged for it. You can lease a vehicle, cause lots of time people look forward to the trade up. If your not satisfied with something that you purchased from a warehouse store, that you pay to be a member of, you can return it at anytime. And I mean anytime, years down the line even, after you've used it to its make and no longer like it.
Its lack of commitment and lack of respect for it, that creates no need for it. Take for instance, children and marraige. I was once asked by an old schoolmate if all my children were from the same man. I was completly shocked at the question. Then I realized that there are lots of women who have kids with different fathers. But it was when I kindly replied with a giggle " Of course. My husband is the father of all three of our children" , that the next comment really got me. " OH, so youre married or really married like legally?" I couldnt believe what I was hearing. Marraige is now just a word to claim that two people are together. The sacred act of committing yourself to one peorson was no being used as a disrespectful way for people to feel good about their lack of committment. Committment to Christ and a committment to marraige are one in the same. We give ourselves completely, body, soul, emotions, and mind. We can never know true committment and the security that comes with it until we committ ourselves in return. Its not to be taken lightly , but by NO means to be tossed about lightly and disrepectfully either.
" You know my heart as well as the Lord. For that, I praise Him ."
Help me to get it through my head that commitment involves giving you my whole self- body, soul, emotions, and mind. Though my mind must decide to commit to you,it's my will that allows me to follow through. I know commitment can be costly, but you promise great blessing to those who are faithful. I want to be fully devoted to you- no matter what. This is my fervent prayer today.
*** Give yourself completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. SO use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. ROMANS 6:13***
Oh, Commitment! What a topic. The biggest thought on anyones mind when the big "C" word comes up is marriage. You mention commitment, and marraige comes in the mix. Now, commitment is not seen the same, you have 90 days to try something out before you are fully charged for it. You can lease a vehicle, cause lots of time people look forward to the trade up. If your not satisfied with something that you purchased from a warehouse store, that you pay to be a member of, you can return it at anytime. And I mean anytime, years down the line even, after you've used it to its make and no longer like it.
Its lack of commitment and lack of respect for it, that creates no need for it. Take for instance, children and marraige. I was once asked by an old schoolmate if all my children were from the same man. I was completly shocked at the question. Then I realized that there are lots of women who have kids with different fathers. But it was when I kindly replied with a giggle " Of course. My husband is the father of all three of our children" , that the next comment really got me. " OH, so youre married or really married like legally?" I couldnt believe what I was hearing. Marraige is now just a word to claim that two people are together. The sacred act of committing yourself to one peorson was no being used as a disrespectful way for people to feel good about their lack of committment. Committment to Christ and a committment to marraige are one in the same. We give ourselves completely, body, soul, emotions, and mind. We can never know true committment and the security that comes with it until we committ ourselves in return. Its not to be taken lightly , but by NO means to be tossed about lightly and disrepectfully either.
" You know my heart as well as the Lord. For that, I praise Him ."
Reputation
Dear God,
Sometimes I think that what I do in my personal life does not matter as long as I perform well on the job or look good in public. But you do not make a distinction between the way we should act in public or in private. I know that I will develope a good reputation when I display the same godly integrity alone as I do in front of others. What matters most is not what other people think of me but what you think of me. I want to develop the strong character you want me to have, with characteristics that reflect you- like justice, righteousness, integrity, mercy, honesty, fairness, and faithfulness. Lord, please give me the character to be a person of integrity at all times, not just when others are watching. Only then will I understand what it means to walk with you.
*** Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather tahn for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritanceas your reward, and that Master you are serving is Christ. COLOSSIANS 3:23-24 ***
I have to say that the most difficult thing to do when it comes to our reputation is to keep quiet. While the other person is acting a fool and making a scene it better just to stand silently and not react. Its just what they want and what the enemy wants. " Take care of your behavior and I will take care of your reputation". Its never about who won the arguement, in the end arguing means someone, most often both people end up getting hurt. Words get twisted and lies are told, one side always wants to play the part of the victim. If we have reflected true character that will honor the Lord then he will take care of the rest.
Sometimes I think that what I do in my personal life does not matter as long as I perform well on the job or look good in public. But you do not make a distinction between the way we should act in public or in private. I know that I will develope a good reputation when I display the same godly integrity alone as I do in front of others. What matters most is not what other people think of me but what you think of me. I want to develop the strong character you want me to have, with characteristics that reflect you- like justice, righteousness, integrity, mercy, honesty, fairness, and faithfulness. Lord, please give me the character to be a person of integrity at all times, not just when others are watching. Only then will I understand what it means to walk with you.
*** Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather tahn for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritanceas your reward, and that Master you are serving is Christ. COLOSSIANS 3:23-24 ***
I have to say that the most difficult thing to do when it comes to our reputation is to keep quiet. While the other person is acting a fool and making a scene it better just to stand silently and not react. Its just what they want and what the enemy wants. " Take care of your behavior and I will take care of your reputation". Its never about who won the arguement, in the end arguing means someone, most often both people end up getting hurt. Words get twisted and lies are told, one side always wants to play the part of the victim. If we have reflected true character that will honor the Lord then he will take care of the rest.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Apathy
LORD GOD,
My faith is lukewarm right now, and my sense of passion and purpose is gone. This apathy is like a parasite that feeds on my motivation and devours the talents and gifts you have given me. Lord, I know one of Satan's greatest lies is that following you is nothing to be excited about. That couldn't be further from the truth. It is only through serving you that my life will have meaning, energy, and purpose. Your spirit is a driving force within me, lighting a passion for service in my heart and encouraging purpose rather than boredom. God, your Word describes the antidote to apathy: purposeful work, a thankful heart, and service to others. These three things can help me fight off feelings of apathy, renew my focus on your purpose for my life, and anticipate with excitement the blessings you have in store for me. Please revive me, Lord!
* God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have showed your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. HEBREWS 6: 10-12 ***
What is it that causes us to lose our excitement for Jesus? When we start out, I know personally and seeing it in my husband, that we are on fire for The Lord. We throw ourselves into service and attenting as often as we can. We are huge sponges that cannot absorb enough. Maybe its circumstances that keep us away from church and fellowship or maybe its the enemy. No matter what it is im sure that everyone at some point feels that fire slowly glow dim. When I have felt this way the only thing I could do was to make no excuses and serve. Serve as much and often as I could. Even when I was told by others that I should be at home resting, I felt that it was better to be at church serving and having fellowship with others. Feeding the fire. Ensuring that when I could not make it that my flames would not glow dim. I'm not saying that service is a way to say " I did this , so I can take off time". Me , personally, I have always felt drawn to serve at church no matter what was going on in my life. Serving others and loving others was a greater impact on me than I could have ever imagined. When I think of becoming spiritually dull I think of a blade. Unused it can become rusty and dull but if we are sharpening that tool it will always be ready whenever we need it.
Don't let your blade become dull and rusty , keep it well oiled and sharp. Ready to help others and by doing so you will be helping yourself.
My faith is lukewarm right now, and my sense of passion and purpose is gone. This apathy is like a parasite that feeds on my motivation and devours the talents and gifts you have given me. Lord, I know one of Satan's greatest lies is that following you is nothing to be excited about. That couldn't be further from the truth. It is only through serving you that my life will have meaning, energy, and purpose. Your spirit is a driving force within me, lighting a passion for service in my heart and encouraging purpose rather than boredom. God, your Word describes the antidote to apathy: purposeful work, a thankful heart, and service to others. These three things can help me fight off feelings of apathy, renew my focus on your purpose for my life, and anticipate with excitement the blessings you have in store for me. Please revive me, Lord!
* God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have showed your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. HEBREWS 6: 10-12 ***
What is it that causes us to lose our excitement for Jesus? When we start out, I know personally and seeing it in my husband, that we are on fire for The Lord. We throw ourselves into service and attenting as often as we can. We are huge sponges that cannot absorb enough. Maybe its circumstances that keep us away from church and fellowship or maybe its the enemy. No matter what it is im sure that everyone at some point feels that fire slowly glow dim. When I have felt this way the only thing I could do was to make no excuses and serve. Serve as much and often as I could. Even when I was told by others that I should be at home resting, I felt that it was better to be at church serving and having fellowship with others. Feeding the fire. Ensuring that when I could not make it that my flames would not glow dim. I'm not saying that service is a way to say " I did this , so I can take off time". Me , personally, I have always felt drawn to serve at church no matter what was going on in my life. Serving others and loving others was a greater impact on me than I could have ever imagined. When I think of becoming spiritually dull I think of a blade. Unused it can become rusty and dull but if we are sharpening that tool it will always be ready whenever we need it.
Don't let your blade become dull and rusty , keep it well oiled and sharp. Ready to help others and by doing so you will be helping yourself.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Words
DEAR JESUS,
I've never really considered the impact of my words. But the things I say and even the meaning behind them have enormous impact on those who hear. In a sense, my words are gifts that I can give. My words can be a gift of praise to you or a gift of encouragement to a friend. I know that I have often spoken words that are annoying, complaining, insulting, demeaning, or simply useless. I'm sorry I have been so irresponsible with my tongue. I want to make my words count. Help me to be thoughtful in my prayers to you and my speech to others. Perhaps the greatest gift I can give others is not in a box covered with paper and bows but in the words I use to encourage, inspire, comfort, or challenge them .
*** Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. EPHESIANS 4:29 ***
Words are very powerful. They have a great effect when use correctly and can create a great damage as well if used for the wrong reasons. The two most obvious things I can think of are building up or breaking down. As a mother, I see that my words toward my children mean a whole lot more now at such a young age. These words now are buliding blocks for my relationship with my children. Bulding a good foundation is going to be very important later on for our communication when they get older and are changing from children to growing adults. I know that there is the flip side to this as well if I am not buliding then I am breaking. My words can have the effect of a sledge hammer on bricks. Ill be destroying the bricks and creating an uneven surface. You cant stand on an uneven surface without having to constantly keep balance and worry about falling and getting hurt.
This image is the same for us towards our Father. Are we using the correct words in our prayers toward Him to build a strong foundation or are we constantly slamming the bricks with that sledge hammer? I encourage you to take time in your prayers and ask the Lord to help you with your words and become a better brick layer instead of a demolition laborer.
I've never really considered the impact of my words. But the things I say and even the meaning behind them have enormous impact on those who hear. In a sense, my words are gifts that I can give. My words can be a gift of praise to you or a gift of encouragement to a friend. I know that I have often spoken words that are annoying, complaining, insulting, demeaning, or simply useless. I'm sorry I have been so irresponsible with my tongue. I want to make my words count. Help me to be thoughtful in my prayers to you and my speech to others. Perhaps the greatest gift I can give others is not in a box covered with paper and bows but in the words I use to encourage, inspire, comfort, or challenge them .
*** Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. EPHESIANS 4:29 ***
Words are very powerful. They have a great effect when use correctly and can create a great damage as well if used for the wrong reasons. The two most obvious things I can think of are building up or breaking down. As a mother, I see that my words toward my children mean a whole lot more now at such a young age. These words now are buliding blocks for my relationship with my children. Bulding a good foundation is going to be very important later on for our communication when they get older and are changing from children to growing adults. I know that there is the flip side to this as well if I am not buliding then I am breaking. My words can have the effect of a sledge hammer on bricks. Ill be destroying the bricks and creating an uneven surface. You cant stand on an uneven surface without having to constantly keep balance and worry about falling and getting hurt.
This image is the same for us towards our Father. Are we using the correct words in our prayers toward Him to build a strong foundation or are we constantly slamming the bricks with that sledge hammer? I encourage you to take time in your prayers and ask the Lord to help you with your words and become a better brick layer instead of a demolition laborer.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Gossip
DEAR JESUS,
I have been burned by the rumors of gossip, and now I'm feeling convicted about the way I talk about others. I confess I have found it entertaining to let others in on my little secrets. But now I see that my words are meant to damage someone's reputation or make myself feel better. Sometimes I share information without evening knowing if it's true! I am so sorry for the way I have fanned the flames of gossip within my own circle. I see how much hurt it causes. Forgive me, God. You are the only one who can judge a person, and I should leave that in your hands. Who am I to destroy a person's reputation based on a rumor? Who am I to allow gossip to continue just so I feel like I'm in the loop? When I am tempted to gossip, remind me how others talke about me. Let the gossip stop with me. Give me the courage to change the subject or spin the conversation by saying something positive. I don't want to add fuel to the fire in any longer. Please, Lord, let my kind words allow your grace to break through to those around me.
*** The Scriptures say, " If you want to enjoy life and see amny happy days, keep your tounge from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies." I PETER 3:10 ***
I have to say that I like this prayer , for the reason that this is what I will say the next time I am on the receiving end of the rumors. I never knew that as a grown woman rumors could be spread about by another grown woman. It still hurts no matter what age you are but I think that it is a bit more shocking when you are well past high school and college age. That being said , I don't believe that this is only limited to women alone. Yes we talk more than men do and more frequently too, but it is possible for rumors to be spread by both men and women alike. Rumors are hurtful wether you start them or are the victim of them. The victim is wrongfully shamed and spoken about and the " Butter knife", person who starts the rumor and spreads is can get hurt by ruined and forever broken friendships because trust is lost. A lie is a lie and the thing worse than a lie is taking something that someone has brough to you in confidence seeking prayer and councel and using it as a tool to bring positive light onto yourself while making the other person look back. NOthing good ever comes from a lie and you cannot repay evil with evil and expect good to come from it.
I have been burned by the rumors of gossip, and now I'm feeling convicted about the way I talk about others. I confess I have found it entertaining to let others in on my little secrets. But now I see that my words are meant to damage someone's reputation or make myself feel better. Sometimes I share information without evening knowing if it's true! I am so sorry for the way I have fanned the flames of gossip within my own circle. I see how much hurt it causes. Forgive me, God. You are the only one who can judge a person, and I should leave that in your hands. Who am I to destroy a person's reputation based on a rumor? Who am I to allow gossip to continue just so I feel like I'm in the loop? When I am tempted to gossip, remind me how others talke about me. Let the gossip stop with me. Give me the courage to change the subject or spin the conversation by saying something positive. I don't want to add fuel to the fire in any longer. Please, Lord, let my kind words allow your grace to break through to those around me.
*** The Scriptures say, " If you want to enjoy life and see amny happy days, keep your tounge from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies." I PETER 3:10 ***
I have to say that I like this prayer , for the reason that this is what I will say the next time I am on the receiving end of the rumors. I never knew that as a grown woman rumors could be spread about by another grown woman. It still hurts no matter what age you are but I think that it is a bit more shocking when you are well past high school and college age. That being said , I don't believe that this is only limited to women alone. Yes we talk more than men do and more frequently too, but it is possible for rumors to be spread by both men and women alike. Rumors are hurtful wether you start them or are the victim of them. The victim is wrongfully shamed and spoken about and the " Butter knife", person who starts the rumor and spreads is can get hurt by ruined and forever broken friendships because trust is lost. A lie is a lie and the thing worse than a lie is taking something that someone has brough to you in confidence seeking prayer and councel and using it as a tool to bring positive light onto yourself while making the other person look back. NOthing good ever comes from a lie and you cannot repay evil with evil and expect good to come from it.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Experience
HEAVENLY FATHER,
Thank you that you waste nothing but use everything to further your good purposes. David's first job was shephering--hardly the recommended grooming for a future king. Yet the lessons David learned on the hills with the sheep served him well on the throne; he ruled not as a tyrant but as a shepherd. Thank you, God, that you can use me, too, in whatever situation I find myself, and you will use my current circumstances to prepare me for future service. Even if I think my job, activities, or circumstances are signifigant now, help me remember that you may be preparing me for service later. God, I need your help to make the most of where you have put me right now. Let my service to you in the present become a time of preparation for the future you have planned for me.
*** I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. PHILLIPPIANS 1:6 ***
I must say that I absolutely love this prayer and bible verse. For years now I have known that the Lord was doing a great work in me and through me. I can reflect on many days were I felt like the simple and mundane seemed useless when it came to a service for the Lord , but know I look back and can smile on the things that I have learned and can share with others. I know know that even now the Lord has a plan in motion and Im excited to find out where it will lead and what kind of service I will be doing for the Lord.
Thank you that you waste nothing but use everything to further your good purposes. David's first job was shephering--hardly the recommended grooming for a future king. Yet the lessons David learned on the hills with the sheep served him well on the throne; he ruled not as a tyrant but as a shepherd. Thank you, God, that you can use me, too, in whatever situation I find myself, and you will use my current circumstances to prepare me for future service. Even if I think my job, activities, or circumstances are signifigant now, help me remember that you may be preparing me for service later. God, I need your help to make the most of where you have put me right now. Let my service to you in the present become a time of preparation for the future you have planned for me.
*** I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. PHILLIPPIANS 1:6 ***
I must say that I absolutely love this prayer and bible verse. For years now I have known that the Lord was doing a great work in me and through me. I can reflect on many days were I felt like the simple and mundane seemed useless when it came to a service for the Lord , but know I look back and can smile on the things that I have learned and can share with others. I know know that even now the Lord has a plan in motion and Im excited to find out where it will lead and what kind of service I will be doing for the Lord.
Promises of God
DEAR GOD.
I often find it hard to trust in others' promises. Few people are truthful and dependable, and even if they are, sometimes life just happens and they are unable to carry what they promised. But if I can't believe a promise from you, I can't believe a promise from anyone, because you alone are completely trustworthy. You are truth, and you have the power to carry out all you have said. Even when circumstances might lead me to doubt, please strengthen my confidence that your promises will come true.
*** God can be trusted to keep his promise. HEBREWS 10:23 ***
Its easy to look at the prayer and think WOW!!!!!...... it seems like if i dont trust anyone then I dont trust God. But if I only trust God and no one around me then where does that leave me . If I put my trust in others and things fail does that mean that God failed me? Nope. Simply put , we can put our trust in God that His promises with be fulfilled. He will provide for us , there is always a way and we have to remember that our way is not His way. Doubt does creep in when circumstances are difficult and that of course is natural in this world we live in. But turn your head up and focus on the Lord.
I often find it hard to trust in others' promises. Few people are truthful and dependable, and even if they are, sometimes life just happens and they are unable to carry what they promised. But if I can't believe a promise from you, I can't believe a promise from anyone, because you alone are completely trustworthy. You are truth, and you have the power to carry out all you have said. Even when circumstances might lead me to doubt, please strengthen my confidence that your promises will come true.
*** God can be trusted to keep his promise. HEBREWS 10:23 ***
Its easy to look at the prayer and think WOW!!!!!...... it seems like if i dont trust anyone then I dont trust God. But if I only trust God and no one around me then where does that leave me . If I put my trust in others and things fail does that mean that God failed me? Nope. Simply put , we can put our trust in God that His promises with be fulfilled. He will provide for us , there is always a way and we have to remember that our way is not His way. Doubt does creep in when circumstances are difficult and that of course is natural in this world we live in. But turn your head up and focus on the Lord.
Availabilty
DEAR JESUS,
To be available to you means more than acknowledging your existence. It means reorienting my life so that no matter what I do, I do it as a service to you. Jesus, please give me an eagerness to go where you call me and to serve where you show me, Make my hesitant heart a willing heart. May I experience your blessings- not because of my ability, but because of my availability to you.
*** My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. JOHN 10:27 ***
To be available to you means more than acknowledging your existence. It means reorienting my life so that no matter what I do, I do it as a service to you. Jesus, please give me an eagerness to go where you call me and to serve where you show me, Make my hesitant heart a willing heart. May I experience your blessings- not because of my ability, but because of my availability to you.
*** My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. JOHN 10:27 ***
God's Hand
O GOD,
Sometimes you have demonstrated your power through visible, miraculous signs. At other times it has been much more subtle, moving in my heart as I seek you. Sometimes you have worked through events in my life or used surprising people to accomplish your will. Sometimes you have been a still, quiet voice in my mind, and at other times you have been a force to be reckoned with. Some things about you are constant and unchanging: your love, your law, your promises. Other things about you are wild and mysterious. You have rarely worked the same way twice in my life, so I know i must trust you diligently and live with a sense of expectancy, knowing that you wan to work your will through me. Often, it isn't until I look back that I cansee your fingerprints. You have proved that I can trust you, and I am thankful that your hand is on me even now.
*** The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." PSALM 32:8 ***
Sometimes you have demonstrated your power through visible, miraculous signs. At other times it has been much more subtle, moving in my heart as I seek you. Sometimes you have worked through events in my life or used surprising people to accomplish your will. Sometimes you have been a still, quiet voice in my mind, and at other times you have been a force to be reckoned with. Some things about you are constant and unchanging: your love, your law, your promises. Other things about you are wild and mysterious. You have rarely worked the same way twice in my life, so I know i must trust you diligently and live with a sense of expectancy, knowing that you wan to work your will through me. Often, it isn't until I look back that I cansee your fingerprints. You have proved that I can trust you, and I am thankful that your hand is on me even now.
*** The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." PSALM 32:8 ***
Regrets
O LORD,
Regret is one of the heaviest burdens I carry. I have made bad decisions that I wish I could do over. I ask you to release me from the guilt I feel about my past sins and mistakes. Free me from my chains of remorse, for you are the God of transformation and renewal. I am taking you up on your promise to help me deal with my regrets so I can move on without carrying that heavy load. Since I am a follower of Jesus, you forgive my confessed sins--all of them. And more than that, you actually forget them and give me a fresh start. Oh, how I want that. How I need that! I know the consequences of my past actions are not retractable. I can live with that if I know that I am fully forgiven and that you consider me worthy to serve you. If you don't hold my past against me , neither should I. My mind is free to look ahead and not look back. I am no longer a slave to my regrets because I have thrown them off in order to do something better, more worthy, for you. After all, if Peter had been burdened by his regret after denying Jesus, he would never have been able to preach the Good News so poerfully. Thank you that you can relieve my burden too.
*** Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin. ROMANS 4:7-8***
Regret is one of the heaviest burdens I carry. I have made bad decisions that I wish I could do over. I ask you to release me from the guilt I feel about my past sins and mistakes. Free me from my chains of remorse, for you are the God of transformation and renewal. I am taking you up on your promise to help me deal with my regrets so I can move on without carrying that heavy load. Since I am a follower of Jesus, you forgive my confessed sins--all of them. And more than that, you actually forget them and give me a fresh start. Oh, how I want that. How I need that! I know the consequences of my past actions are not retractable. I can live with that if I know that I am fully forgiven and that you consider me worthy to serve you. If you don't hold my past against me , neither should I. My mind is free to look ahead and not look back. I am no longer a slave to my regrets because I have thrown them off in order to do something better, more worthy, for you. After all, if Peter had been burdened by his regret after denying Jesus, he would never have been able to preach the Good News so poerfully. Thank you that you can relieve my burden too.
*** Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin. ROMANS 4:7-8***
Relationship
DEAR GOD,
The image of love between a husband and wife or a parent and child is a glimpse of the kind of relationship you want to have with me. How amazing that part of your design in relationships was to help people know how to relate to you. I want my bond with you to be stronger than with anyone else, but I struggle to know how to talk with you or feel closer to you. That's because too often I see you as a distant God. But when I think of relating to you as I do my close friends or family, I see you have given me living examples! It is through closeness with others that I can learn to be intimate, how to share my heart, thoughts, and dreams with someone else. But God, you already know those things. You know the best and the worst in me, and you saved me anyway. That alone proves you are not a distant God but a personal God who loves and pursues me. Thank you for always reaching out to me, always seeking to be close to me. Let the response of my heart be to pursue you, just as I would in any other relationship. I pray that as I do, I would begin to know you intimately. May I experience a loving relationship that is second to no other.
*** Moses said to the LORD. " . . . If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor." EXODUS 33:12-13 ***
Almost everyone has someone that they talk to everyday or close to that. We become so close to that person we have a bond that others do not. We know how they are doing feeling by the expression on their face, the tone in their voice or what they post on Facebook. Yes , I said it. My idea of a relationship like the one described is the same as when I see someone I love , expressing with either body language, tone or facial expression, that something is troubling them and I want to be there and help them. I pursue them because I love them . Its the same for the Lord, He loves us and wants to be closer to us.
The image of love between a husband and wife or a parent and child is a glimpse of the kind of relationship you want to have with me. How amazing that part of your design in relationships was to help people know how to relate to you. I want my bond with you to be stronger than with anyone else, but I struggle to know how to talk with you or feel closer to you. That's because too often I see you as a distant God. But when I think of relating to you as I do my close friends or family, I see you have given me living examples! It is through closeness with others that I can learn to be intimate, how to share my heart, thoughts, and dreams with someone else. But God, you already know those things. You know the best and the worst in me, and you saved me anyway. That alone proves you are not a distant God but a personal God who loves and pursues me. Thank you for always reaching out to me, always seeking to be close to me. Let the response of my heart be to pursue you, just as I would in any other relationship. I pray that as I do, I would begin to know you intimately. May I experience a loving relationship that is second to no other.
*** Moses said to the LORD. " . . . If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor." EXODUS 33:12-13 ***
Almost everyone has someone that they talk to everyday or close to that. We become so close to that person we have a bond that others do not. We know how they are doing feeling by the expression on their face, the tone in their voice or what they post on Facebook. Yes , I said it. My idea of a relationship like the one described is the same as when I see someone I love , expressing with either body language, tone or facial expression, that something is troubling them and I want to be there and help them. I pursue them because I love them . Its the same for the Lord, He loves us and wants to be closer to us.
Worth
GOD,
I often struggle to see myself as you might. I either fail to see my faults, or I fail to see my value. I know you love me for who I am, because you created me this way! I know your love for me is not based on what I do for you, because you loved me before I made my first mistake, before I uttered my first word, and even before I took my first breath. Your love for me is an eternal thread woven throughout my life and fortified through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus on my behave. I still struggle with believing that your approval doesn't depend on what I do. I confess that sometimes I get so caught up in doing things for you, God, that I lose sight of the greatest privilage of all--knowing you and being known by you. To have my name registered as a citizen of heaven means that I belong, without question, to your eternal Kingdom. Nothing else on earth can compare with that joy. Lord. please keep me from the trap of basing my self-worth on my performance. Teach me to rejoice that it is based on your unconditional love for me.
*** You made [people]only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. PSALM 8:5 ***
Sometimes its hard to share the love of God with others because they feel that they are not worth anything at all and that are worth even less in the eyes of God. This is untrue. How many were deemed worthy by Jesus as others protested that they were not? Its this example that shows true love. The same kind of love that a mother and father feel about their unborn child and then suddenly increased to the moment that child comes into this world. " How can you love someone so much that you just met?" It comes upon us instantly and we are covered in it. Like a wave that just washes over us. This in my eyes is the same love that the Lord has for each of his children. Our worth is much more than we think .
I often struggle to see myself as you might. I either fail to see my faults, or I fail to see my value. I know you love me for who I am, because you created me this way! I know your love for me is not based on what I do for you, because you loved me before I made my first mistake, before I uttered my first word, and even before I took my first breath. Your love for me is an eternal thread woven throughout my life and fortified through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus on my behave. I still struggle with believing that your approval doesn't depend on what I do. I confess that sometimes I get so caught up in doing things for you, God, that I lose sight of the greatest privilage of all--knowing you and being known by you. To have my name registered as a citizen of heaven means that I belong, without question, to your eternal Kingdom. Nothing else on earth can compare with that joy. Lord. please keep me from the trap of basing my self-worth on my performance. Teach me to rejoice that it is based on your unconditional love for me.
*** You made [people]only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. PSALM 8:5 ***
Sometimes its hard to share the love of God with others because they feel that they are not worth anything at all and that are worth even less in the eyes of God. This is untrue. How many were deemed worthy by Jesus as others protested that they were not? Its this example that shows true love. The same kind of love that a mother and father feel about their unborn child and then suddenly increased to the moment that child comes into this world. " How can you love someone so much that you just met?" It comes upon us instantly and we are covered in it. Like a wave that just washes over us. This in my eyes is the same love that the Lord has for each of his children. Our worth is much more than we think .
Sin
GOD,
Why do I sometimes feel like sin is such an offensive word? I can talk about crimes like theft or murder; I can calculate statistics about adultery, unwed mothers, and divorce; I can trivialize greed, selfishness and lust--but to call anything sin makes me uncomfortable. It implies the violation of an object, absolute standard of behavior, and if I'm honest, I feel like that kind of standard is an infringement on my rights. I know my reaction displays a terrible misunderstanding of sin and an underestimation of you, God. If a doctor were to correctly diagnose a fatal disease in my body, I would not accuse him of intruding on my freedom; rather, I would be grateful because he could treat me. The bible teaches that sin is a disease of the soul that will destroy my life if I do not treat it. God, your standards of behavior are like preventive medicine for my soul; your commandments are not meant to limit my freedom but to curtail the disease of sin. When I understand sin in this way, Lord, I am thankful that you care so deeply for my soul.
*** If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. I JOHN 1:9 ***
Why do I sometimes feel like sin is such an offensive word? I can talk about crimes like theft or murder; I can calculate statistics about adultery, unwed mothers, and divorce; I can trivialize greed, selfishness and lust--but to call anything sin makes me uncomfortable. It implies the violation of an object, absolute standard of behavior, and if I'm honest, I feel like that kind of standard is an infringement on my rights. I know my reaction displays a terrible misunderstanding of sin and an underestimation of you, God. If a doctor were to correctly diagnose a fatal disease in my body, I would not accuse him of intruding on my freedom; rather, I would be grateful because he could treat me. The bible teaches that sin is a disease of the soul that will destroy my life if I do not treat it. God, your standards of behavior are like preventive medicine for my soul; your commandments are not meant to limit my freedom but to curtail the disease of sin. When I understand sin in this way, Lord, I am thankful that you care so deeply for my soul.
*** If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. I JOHN 1:9 ***
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