Hello, Lord. Yesterday I received an email from TJ, well actually Thursday night, I just didn't get it until yesterday. Today I emailed him back.
More...
It seems like no matter what I try to say to him, he manages to twist it around and make it sound like he is feeling sorry for himself. I get so frustrated at the "sorry for being me" thing that I just want to scream. I have tried to talk to him about how I don't want him to be sorry for being him, just that if he has a problem with how he deals with things then to ask You for help and change it. I decided to stop going to my church for awhile and see if that helps him have the break he says he wants. I can't be near him and not tell him how I feel. I called Robin, Judy, and Debra to let them know. Robin is upset and thinks I am making a mistake, that my not being there will only make it easier for him to not go. I don't know, Lord, it is in Your hands. I am trying to learn to turn to You and trust in You, with not just my words, but with my actions also. I hate that I sometimes struggle with my pride and impatience. I know You are looking out for me and You know what is best, I just hurt so much right now.
The following is taken from The Gift the New Testament for New Believers:
On a crisp November noonday, a gray-haired gentleman in a navy blue vinyl windbreaker stands at solemn attention--one hand over his heart, the other brushing away a noble tear--just like every year at the Veteran's Day parade. Yet a block away, a frazzled young business man darts his car through alleys and side roads, barking his disbelief at why they would block off a main downtown street like this in the middle of lunch hour.
The only reason customs and traditions wither into meaningless ritual is because we forget or don't understand what they represent.
When we eat the bread and drink from the cup of Communion, we're joining with millions of fellow believers across centuries and time zones, affirming our common faith and remembering the price of our salvation. We're renewing our commitment to holy living and piling up or forgiven sins at the base of the cross. And we're getting just a taste of the celebration that's in store when we gather around heaven's table at the "marriage feast of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:9).
Come and dine.
One of the most holy moments in the entire Christian experience is the observance of Communion or the Lord's Supper. Don't miss its deeper messages. Every time you receive the bread and the wine, you're a witness to life's most incredible mystery.
"Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks He said, 'Take this and share it among yourselves. For I tell you, from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.' And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said, 'This is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way He also took the cup after supper and said, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.'" Luke 22:17-20
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Forgiveness Under the Bridge
Lord, thank You for Your patience. It is Yours, I give up and turn it over to You. All I did was make a big mess of it all and I'm sorry. I know You can handle and only You can use it for Your purposes.
More...
"Shouldn't you also have mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?" Matthew 18:33
You know how much God loves to see you in church. He smiles the whole time you're tugging yourself out of bed on Sunday morning, splashing water on your face, grabbing a bagel or biscuit, and zooming down to soak up the fellowship, enter into praise, and hear the Word explained and experienced in the flow of worship. Throw in Sunday and Wednesday nights, and you're a long way toward getting your Cristian priorities in apple-pie order.
Knowing how important church attendance and involvement are in your overall spiritual health, it's worth listening carefully when Jesus says, "If you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there and in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:23-24).
Your life will stay fairly empty and you'll strain to be free to worship and serve the Lord if you don't give forgiveness the chance to come first.
The following comes from The Gift the New Testament for New Believers:
"Our principal weapon in the crises we face in the world is love, and love operates only in a state of reconciliation and forgiveness." Pat Robertson
"'Shouldn't you also have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' And his master got angry and handed him over to the jailers until he could pay everything that was owed. So My heavenly Father will also do to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from his heart." Matthew 18:32-35
We all know that love is the unifying force which turns our faithfulness into effectiveness. But trailing along at a close second is another key ingredient: forgiveness. You'll learn how to forgive, or you'll live a life of inadequate blessing and short-circuited ministry.
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and i will give thanks to Him in song." Psalm 28:6-7
"O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in--behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,' even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine lie the day, for darkness is as light to You. For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with You. If only You would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! They speak of You with evil intent; You adversaries misuse Your name, Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against You? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139
Pray for all things, even in anger. God knows what is meant and what is felt. We need God's help to forgive others.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Help me, O God.
More...
"Shouldn't you also have mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?" Matthew 18:33
You know how much God loves to see you in church. He smiles the whole time you're tugging yourself out of bed on Sunday morning, splashing water on your face, grabbing a bagel or biscuit, and zooming down to soak up the fellowship, enter into praise, and hear the Word explained and experienced in the flow of worship. Throw in Sunday and Wednesday nights, and you're a long way toward getting your Cristian priorities in apple-pie order.
Knowing how important church attendance and involvement are in your overall spiritual health, it's worth listening carefully when Jesus says, "If you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there and in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:23-24).
Your life will stay fairly empty and you'll strain to be free to worship and serve the Lord if you don't give forgiveness the chance to come first.
The following comes from The Gift the New Testament for New Believers:
"Our principal weapon in the crises we face in the world is love, and love operates only in a state of reconciliation and forgiveness." Pat Robertson
"'Shouldn't you also have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' And his master got angry and handed him over to the jailers until he could pay everything that was owed. So My heavenly Father will also do to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from his heart." Matthew 18:32-35
We all know that love is the unifying force which turns our faithfulness into effectiveness. But trailing along at a close second is another key ingredient: forgiveness. You'll learn how to forgive, or you'll live a life of inadequate blessing and short-circuited ministry.
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and i will give thanks to Him in song." Psalm 28:6-7
"O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in--behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,' even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine lie the day, for darkness is as light to You. For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with You. If only You would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men! They speak of You with evil intent; You adversaries misuse Your name, Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against You? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139
Pray for all things, even in anger. God knows what is meant and what is felt. We need God's help to forgive others.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Help me, O God.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Witnessing--Sharing the Wealth
Good morning, Lord. I come before You again today and say I am Your willing servant.
More... It is tough to try to make myself available to You, Lord. My spirit is willing but my flesh fails all too often. I am thankful that You are patient, kind, and forgiving. If only it were easy to be forgiving of myself. I have prayed about You using me and I still find myself trying to take over. I'm sorry, Lord.
"Be willing to enter their world to tell them about Christ, rather than bringing them into your world before you can talk." John Camp
Family and friends need to hear my story so they might learn more about You. I am Your instrument, use me, O Lord, to restore, to rebuild, and to renew my marriage. You have given me some insight into our problems and I wait for the opportunity to use what You have taught me.
So now the question comes to me that is that what You want, for me to wait? I am afraid of not hearing You when You tell me to speak and of not waiting when You tell me to wait. I want what You want me to do, I know I can not repair anything in my relationship, but I do know that You can use me as an instrument for You to repair it. Help me, O Lord.
The following comes from The Gift the New Testament for New Believers:
Share the Wealth: Witnessing
"How can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing a preacher?" (Romans 10:14)
He's got a point there.
As logical as it sounds, you'll never have to look far to find an excuse for staying silent. You're in too big of a hurry. Or you don't know your Bible well enough. Or you're not a good enough Christian to be talking. And you're pretty sure they're not interested anyway. Besides, you've got milk spoiling in the trunk.
But if you're ever able to realize that God can use you right where you are, that you're not personally responsible for how people take your word of witness, and that you never know where the seed you plant today may sprout tomorrow, you can feel free bringing God up in conversation anywhere He says. And trusting Him to get through to the people closest to you.
If you're willing to open your mouth, God will give you the words to say--and an audience that He's already primed to hear what Jesus Christ has done for you. You have a story that'll speak volumes to someone, and a God who can put the two of you together.
"But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to the sanhedrins, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of Me, as a witness to them. And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. So when they arrest you and hand you over, don't worry beforehand what you will say. On the contrary, whatever is given to you in that hour--say it. For it isn't you who are speaking, but the Holy Spirit." Mark 13:9-11
Am I missing the point? I believe God will give me the words to say at the right time. I am sometimes afraid of not hearing Him though. I am working and learning and am thankful that God is patient and forgiving.
Numbers 14:17-18: "Now may the Lord's strength be displayed, just as you have declared: 'The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet, He does not leave the guilty unpunished; He punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.'"
Moses pleaded with God, asking Him to forgive his people. His plea reveals several characteristics of God: (1) God is immensely patient; (2) God's love is one promise we can always count on; (3) God forgives again and again; (4) God is merciful, listening to and answering our requests. God has not changed since Moses' day. Like Moses, we can rely on God's love, patience, forgiveness, and mercy.
"A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." Proverbs 12:16
When someone annoys or insults you, it is natural to retaliate. But this solves nothing and only encourages trouble. Instead, answer slowly and quietly. Your positive response will achieve positive results. Proverbs 15:1 says "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on speaking gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. To turn way wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.
"Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:9
More... It is tough to try to make myself available to You, Lord. My spirit is willing but my flesh fails all too often. I am thankful that You are patient, kind, and forgiving. If only it were easy to be forgiving of myself. I have prayed about You using me and I still find myself trying to take over. I'm sorry, Lord.
"Be willing to enter their world to tell them about Christ, rather than bringing them into your world before you can talk." John Camp
Family and friends need to hear my story so they might learn more about You. I am Your instrument, use me, O Lord, to restore, to rebuild, and to renew my marriage. You have given me some insight into our problems and I wait for the opportunity to use what You have taught me.
So now the question comes to me that is that what You want, for me to wait? I am afraid of not hearing You when You tell me to speak and of not waiting when You tell me to wait. I want what You want me to do, I know I can not repair anything in my relationship, but I do know that You can use me as an instrument for You to repair it. Help me, O Lord.
The following comes from The Gift the New Testament for New Believers:
Share the Wealth: Witnessing
"How can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing a preacher?" (Romans 10:14)
He's got a point there.
As logical as it sounds, you'll never have to look far to find an excuse for staying silent. You're in too big of a hurry. Or you don't know your Bible well enough. Or you're not a good enough Christian to be talking. And you're pretty sure they're not interested anyway. Besides, you've got milk spoiling in the trunk.
But if you're ever able to realize that God can use you right where you are, that you're not personally responsible for how people take your word of witness, and that you never know where the seed you plant today may sprout tomorrow, you can feel free bringing God up in conversation anywhere He says. And trusting Him to get through to the people closest to you.
If you're willing to open your mouth, God will give you the words to say--and an audience that He's already primed to hear what Jesus Christ has done for you. You have a story that'll speak volumes to someone, and a God who can put the two of you together.
"But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to the sanhedrins, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of Me, as a witness to them. And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. So when they arrest you and hand you over, don't worry beforehand what you will say. On the contrary, whatever is given to you in that hour--say it. For it isn't you who are speaking, but the Holy Spirit." Mark 13:9-11
Am I missing the point? I believe God will give me the words to say at the right time. I am sometimes afraid of not hearing Him though. I am working and learning and am thankful that God is patient and forgiving.
Numbers 14:17-18: "Now may the Lord's strength be displayed, just as you have declared: 'The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet, He does not leave the guilty unpunished; He punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.'"
Moses pleaded with God, asking Him to forgive his people. His plea reveals several characteristics of God: (1) God is immensely patient; (2) God's love is one promise we can always count on; (3) God forgives again and again; (4) God is merciful, listening to and answering our requests. God has not changed since Moses' day. Like Moses, we can rely on God's love, patience, forgiveness, and mercy.
"A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." Proverbs 12:16
When someone annoys or insults you, it is natural to retaliate. But this solves nothing and only encourages trouble. Instead, answer slowly and quietly. Your positive response will achieve positive results. Proverbs 15:1 says "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on speaking gently. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. To turn way wrath and seek peace, choose gentle words.
"Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:9
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Only Believe--Miracles
Hello, Lord.
I slept better last night although I awakened at 4am with More...
TJ on my mind. I went to sleep praying and woke up praying. I am praying that You, Lord, restore my marriage, use it as a living testament that Your will is good, acceptable and perfect. A miracle... I believe.
Today's lesson is on miracles and I didn't look ahead although I have been tempted at times. I am learning to be patient. I know that is difficult to believe, especially if you know me.
The following is taken from The Gift the New Testament for New Believers:
You probably don't have any problem believing that miracles still occur in our day. You may even have enough faith to believe He'll perform one for you. The biggest problem we have with miracles is understanding why He does one for this person while overlooking another. It seems so random. So arbitrary. Not at all like the deliberate God of order and justice we've discovered Him to be.
But God does perform His miracles for a purpose--the same reason Christ performed them by the thousands while He ministered here on earth: "so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, and by believing you will have life in His name" (John 20:31)
Healing cancer, saving lives, restoring relationships, providing cash flow, opening eyes, locating children, connecting people, salvaging ruin--these are not God's grand finales.They are merely entry points God uses to get through to people's hearts, to capture the attention of another skeptic to lift the faith of another doubter, to turn the eyes of the lost to their only answer in life.
Unless God was just buttering us up with wishful thinking, we have a right to trust Him for anything. But He has more in mind for His miracles than answering our wish lists. He uses His wonder-working power to make bold statements about who He really is.
"The same thing happened in Iconium; they entered the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers. So they stayed there for some time and spoke boldly, in reliance on the Lord, who testified to the message of His grace by granting that signs and wonders be performed through them." Acts 14:1-3
Today Eddie emailed TJ to try to establish a connection. Eddie told me that all he would tell me was whether or not TJ responded. I told Eddie I wouldn't ask for more. I firmly believe that TJ needs a friend whom he can trust. Our marriage is worth saving, our love is worth fighting for. It is not me, but God who is giving me patience, perseverance, and hope. God is first and our marriage is second only to God. My self has always been one to give up, move on, and run from problems. I always wanted to hide from the truth. Satan's greatest victory is us not believing in his existence. Our temptations we must fight, which is difficult, but through Jesus Christ can be overcome. We only have to ask for His help and believe. I want to have fun with TJ and to learn how to work our problems out together with the help of God. I want TJ to realize that friends (good Christian friends) can be our accountability partners. Balance is only possible with God's help.
I slept better last night although I awakened at 4am with More...
TJ on my mind. I went to sleep praying and woke up praying. I am praying that You, Lord, restore my marriage, use it as a living testament that Your will is good, acceptable and perfect. A miracle... I believe.
Today's lesson is on miracles and I didn't look ahead although I have been tempted at times. I am learning to be patient. I know that is difficult to believe, especially if you know me.
The following is taken from The Gift the New Testament for New Believers:
You probably don't have any problem believing that miracles still occur in our day. You may even have enough faith to believe He'll perform one for you. The biggest problem we have with miracles is understanding why He does one for this person while overlooking another. It seems so random. So arbitrary. Not at all like the deliberate God of order and justice we've discovered Him to be.
But God does perform His miracles for a purpose--the same reason Christ performed them by the thousands while He ministered here on earth: "so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, and by believing you will have life in His name" (John 20:31)
Healing cancer, saving lives, restoring relationships, providing cash flow, opening eyes, locating children, connecting people, salvaging ruin--these are not God's grand finales.They are merely entry points God uses to get through to people's hearts, to capture the attention of another skeptic to lift the faith of another doubter, to turn the eyes of the lost to their only answer in life.
Unless God was just buttering us up with wishful thinking, we have a right to trust Him for anything. But He has more in mind for His miracles than answering our wish lists. He uses His wonder-working power to make bold statements about who He really is.
"The same thing happened in Iconium; they entered the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers. So they stayed there for some time and spoke boldly, in reliance on the Lord, who testified to the message of His grace by granting that signs and wonders be performed through them." Acts 14:1-3
Today Eddie emailed TJ to try to establish a connection. Eddie told me that all he would tell me was whether or not TJ responded. I told Eddie I wouldn't ask for more. I firmly believe that TJ needs a friend whom he can trust. Our marriage is worth saving, our love is worth fighting for. It is not me, but God who is giving me patience, perseverance, and hope. God is first and our marriage is second only to God. My self has always been one to give up, move on, and run from problems. I always wanted to hide from the truth. Satan's greatest victory is us not believing in his existence. Our temptations we must fight, which is difficult, but through Jesus Christ can be overcome. We only have to ask for His help and believe. I want to have fun with TJ and to learn how to work our problems out together with the help of God. I want TJ to realize that friends (good Christian friends) can be our accountability partners. Balance is only possible with God's help.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Braced for Your Battle
Good morning, Lord.
Thank You for a new day, for a new beginning...
I didn't sleep well last night. More...
All night long I fought the urge to get up and go to church. A couple of times I was in the process of getting up out of bed before I awakened. The feeling to go to church was so strong. I'm sorry, Lord, if You were trying to speak to me, I didn't understand. I went to sleep praying and prayed off and on all night. I kept falling back to sleep but the feeling never left me that I needed to go to church. I realized it was only Monday night/Tuesday morning, so I kept falling back asleep. My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. I will try to listen better next time, please don't give up on me, Lord. I spoke with Sara and Eddie about this feeling and Eddie asked if it was a feeling to go to my church or just to church and whether or not I felt the urge to pray for anything or anyone in particular. Today's lesson in The Gift is about being braced for battle and this is something that Eddie mentioned this morning, about perhaps my urge to go to church may have been the angels needing more prayer support. I am here, Lord, use me as You see fit. I want to grow in my faith and in my walk with You, help me, O Lord.
The following is taken from The Gift the New Testament for New Believers:
Even as marvelous and beyond description as God has created our minds and bodies, He has built into us certain restrictions to keep us from overloading on outside sensations and information. For example, if we could truly grasp the staggering depths of human need around the world, our hearts literally could not contain the grief. If our ears could detect every sound wave in this very room, we would run screaming into the hills.
He knows that we can only withstand so much--which makes us wonder why He'd even mention the fact that we are being opposed this minute by "the world powers of darkness" and "the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens" (Ephesians 6:12). Seems like knowledge as horrific as that would fall under the "don't-need-to-know" category.
But God must have a reason for wanting us aware. He must want the devil to understand that we're wise to his schemes. He must want us to understand that we have nothing to fear. With Christ leading the charge, we mere mortals can handle anything.
You may not like to think about harmful spiritual forces having you in their cross hairs, but you'd be delighted to know that you've got them out manned. Go ahead and talk up where the devil can hear you, and remind him Who's fighting on your side.
"He said to them, 'I watched Satan fall from heaven like a lightning flash. Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will ever harm you. However, don't rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.'" Luke 10:18-20
"We don't have to fear being inadequate. Our God is adequate. He will provide everything we need to serve Him." Chip Ricks
Thank You for a new day, for a new beginning...
I didn't sleep well last night. More...
All night long I fought the urge to get up and go to church. A couple of times I was in the process of getting up out of bed before I awakened. The feeling to go to church was so strong. I'm sorry, Lord, if You were trying to speak to me, I didn't understand. I went to sleep praying and prayed off and on all night. I kept falling back to sleep but the feeling never left me that I needed to go to church. I realized it was only Monday night/Tuesday morning, so I kept falling back asleep. My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. I will try to listen better next time, please don't give up on me, Lord. I spoke with Sara and Eddie about this feeling and Eddie asked if it was a feeling to go to my church or just to church and whether or not I felt the urge to pray for anything or anyone in particular. Today's lesson in The Gift is about being braced for battle and this is something that Eddie mentioned this morning, about perhaps my urge to go to church may have been the angels needing more prayer support. I am here, Lord, use me as You see fit. I want to grow in my faith and in my walk with You, help me, O Lord.
The following is taken from The Gift the New Testament for New Believers:
Even as marvelous and beyond description as God has created our minds and bodies, He has built into us certain restrictions to keep us from overloading on outside sensations and information. For example, if we could truly grasp the staggering depths of human need around the world, our hearts literally could not contain the grief. If our ears could detect every sound wave in this very room, we would run screaming into the hills.
He knows that we can only withstand so much--which makes us wonder why He'd even mention the fact that we are being opposed this minute by "the world powers of darkness" and "the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens" (Ephesians 6:12). Seems like knowledge as horrific as that would fall under the "don't-need-to-know" category.
But God must have a reason for wanting us aware. He must want the devil to understand that we're wise to his schemes. He must want us to understand that we have nothing to fear. With Christ leading the charge, we mere mortals can handle anything.
You may not like to think about harmful spiritual forces having you in their cross hairs, but you'd be delighted to know that you've got them out manned. Go ahead and talk up where the devil can hear you, and remind him Who's fighting on your side.
"He said to them, 'I watched Satan fall from heaven like a lightning flash. Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will ever harm you. However, don't rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.'" Luke 10:18-20
"We don't have to fear being inadequate. Our God is adequate. He will provide everything we need to serve Him." Chip Ricks
Monday, February 9, 2009
Breakfast of Champions
You may not think fasting is for you. After all, isn't that more of an advanced skill--something more suited to those who have enough holiness in reserve to survive on 40 days of tap water and beef broth?More...
Actually, fasting is for anyone who's ever felt squeezed by a pressing prayer concern, anyone who battles to keep his sinful self-will from calling the shots, anyone who's woken up in the morning with his head in a blur, unable to concentrate on one thought for two seconds without being bombarded by three more.
It's for everyone.
Try it for just one meal. Or one day. You can fast with lots of things besides just food, such as a certain food group you're struggling to avoid. Or the television. Or the Internet. Or the mall. Anything that's standing between you and pure, free-flowing fellowship with the Lord.
By starving the growling appetites of the flesh and devoting the time you save into quiet times of prayer, worship, and Bible reading, you'll find yourself renewed, refreshed, restored. Back in control.
The following is taken from The Gift the New Testament for New Believers:
Some people aren't all that high on the discipline of fasting, but the one protesting the loudest is that old flesh inside you that wants its way about everything. Once you've gotten yourself filled up at God's table, you won't be hungry for anything else.
"Then they said to Him, 'John's disciples fast often and say prayers, and those of the Pharisees do the same, but Yours eat and drink.' Jesus said to them, 'You can't make the wedding guests fast while the groom is with them, can you? But the days will come when the groom will be taken away from them--then they will fast in those days.'" Luke 5:33-35
I realize just how dependent I had gotten on the television. I missed it a little bit a first, but am discovering I don't really need it. Thank You, Lord, for all You have done.
I have struggled today, something just hasn't felt exactly right. I know You are in control, but sometimes my mind tries to take over. Forgive me, Lord, for being impatient. Thank You for Your gift of seeing the workings of Your spirit in my life as well as the lives of others. Amen.
I am realizing I prayed for help and that this is a opportunity for me to grow and search my heart and understand what I want, with all my heart. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
Actually, fasting is for anyone who's ever felt squeezed by a pressing prayer concern, anyone who battles to keep his sinful self-will from calling the shots, anyone who's woken up in the morning with his head in a blur, unable to concentrate on one thought for two seconds without being bombarded by three more.
It's for everyone.
Try it for just one meal. Or one day. You can fast with lots of things besides just food, such as a certain food group you're struggling to avoid. Or the television. Or the Internet. Or the mall. Anything that's standing between you and pure, free-flowing fellowship with the Lord.
By starving the growling appetites of the flesh and devoting the time you save into quiet times of prayer, worship, and Bible reading, you'll find yourself renewed, refreshed, restored. Back in control.
The following is taken from The Gift the New Testament for New Believers:
Some people aren't all that high on the discipline of fasting, but the one protesting the loudest is that old flesh inside you that wants its way about everything. Once you've gotten yourself filled up at God's table, you won't be hungry for anything else.
"Then they said to Him, 'John's disciples fast often and say prayers, and those of the Pharisees do the same, but Yours eat and drink.' Jesus said to them, 'You can't make the wedding guests fast while the groom is with them, can you? But the days will come when the groom will be taken away from them--then they will fast in those days.'" Luke 5:33-35
I realize just how dependent I had gotten on the television. I missed it a little bit a first, but am discovering I don't really need it. Thank You, Lord, for all You have done.
I have struggled today, something just hasn't felt exactly right. I know You are in control, but sometimes my mind tries to take over. Forgive me, Lord, for being impatient. Thank You for Your gift of seeing the workings of Your spirit in my life as well as the lives of others. Amen.
I am realizing I prayed for help and that this is a opportunity for me to grow and search my heart and understand what I want, with all my heart. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Not All About Me
The drive up to NC was breathtaking. About the time I neared Traveler's Rest, I looked at the sky. More...
I could see the mountain tops above the clouds, I paused a moment and thanked God for the beauty of His awesome creation. In the clouds, I could see the mighty hand of God, white and touched with the palest of pinks across the tops, I was amazed. The worship service was awesome also, with the sermon on the power of love. I looked over at TJ at the end of the sermon right before prayer and saw tears in his eyes. I reached out to him and he took my hand and held on tight throughout the prayer. I believe he is approaching the time of needing someone to hold out a hand, I am willing, Lord, use me as Your instrument. Just last night Eddie was saying he didn't feel led to attempt to open a dialogue with TJ, yet You spoke to him in church today and he feels it is time. I am continually amazed at Your ways, Lord.
The following comes from The Gift the New Testament for New Believers.
My, my, my.
You don't have to look far to find plenty of personal matters you can pray to God about. Between the new clutch, that costs 500 dollars you don't have, the work that's due the day after tomorrow, the sins that overtake you in the day and the worries that keep you up at night, you can talk God's ear off from now till next weekend and never get past your own little world.
But as surely as God cares about the things that concern you most (and loves it when you turn to Him for help), He wants to begin transforming your prayer life the same way He's been changing you everywhere else--from inside out, from self to service, from me to my neighbor.
God is making you into a person who genuinely loves and cares about people other than yourself. As your heart for them begins spilling over into your prayer time, you'll find yourself continually pleading their case before a higher court, sharing the load of their sufferings, and taking their hope in Him to new heights.
We can hardly sleep sometimes from thinking about our own problems. Even when we're not praying about them, they never quite leave the back of our minds. But as you start praying for other people's problems you'll become a lot less frightened of your own.
"Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. 'What?' He asked Peter. 'Couldn't you stay awake with Me one hour? Stay awake and pray, so that you won't enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.' " Matthew 26:40-41
O Lord, I pray You will continue to lead me in Your ways and help me to continue to grow. Amen.
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