Earlier in the week, Lord.....I was confronted by this question? Actually.....a question of my own making. I forced myself to go digging into the old prayer journals and find some answers. Lord, I think, that first of all I was amazed at the nauseating and incessant prayers for help, strength, courage, and forebearance over and over and over again. I confirm to You that if I had been in Your place....dealing with my prayers (often the same words, over and over)......I'd have left town! Lord, thank You for abiding with me.....and upholding me in my times of need. Having no other option, You were there for me to lean on, time after time. I got so tired of reading the same thing over again. I thought to myself, Lord....."Good grief.....why don't you get a grip!" But, dear One....You were so kind to me. Lord, You have shown us in Your Word to us that You are our hiding place. That You are the "Strong tower" that we deperately need. You give our faith a "resting place". You speak to the Father on behalf of us.....in words we are incapable of speaking. You allow us only what You are sure we can navigate through!
The actual inquiry to "How did you handle your feelings when this happened?" was so stunning to me that after giving a perfunctory answer, I was surprised by the feelings it brought to the surface. Lord, You and I had this connection that I still marvel at and now, after researching my words to You, I see how gracious You were to me.
I remember feeling at the "end of myself". I remember not being able to function in a manner that could ever make You proud of me. Tears were about the only language I could manage. (And, Lord....I know You are well acquainted with grief and understood me, but, fellow christians.....(?)....well, not so much! As I perused the journals, the devotionals and scriptures I leaned on.....I saw without fail how You comforted me over and over. I also saw that many, many places.....in scripture and devotionals, that You urged, suggested, and commanded that "I wait." How that wearied me. I remember, even now, years later.....not wanting to. Wait? To wait means hold off making a decision. To wait means staying still. To wait means to think. To wait means not asking everybody and his brother what they think. I'm really not very good at it. And...... I found out something quite interesting as I was on the precipice of walking into what I viewed finally as Your answer. Your assurance of being content to wait while a storm was about to be unfurled. Your assurance of being quiet and waiting for Your intervention while all around me was a furious gale. Just waiting. Just being quiet. But, as I read my words......I wasn't quiet. I was crying. Moaning. Groaning. Trying not to blame.....but, it came through loud and clear anyway. And, in all reality, being a pain in the neck for You to deal with. Lord, You were gracious. You listened to my pleas. You saw my hurt and confusion. You understood and came to my rescue and gave me the peace I needed even after I failed to just be quiet and wait.
I want to tell You that reading these journals has helped me see that I have learned a couple of things.....and with You guiding me, I will be patient enough to see how I have grown over time. It still amazes me , Lord. If I could, Lord....let me refresh Your memory! (Actually, Lord....it's my memory that needs refreshing!)
Remember, June 13th in the "Streams in The Desert" devotional? The verse was from John 14:27, "My own peace, I give to You." The devotional was about 2 artists rendering paintings that emphasized their own conception of rest. The first chose a scene of a serene lake nestled against the foothills of a far-off mountain. The second chose to paint a thundering waterfall, with a fragile branch of a birch tree bending over the foam of the spray and at the fork of it sat a robin sitting restfully in it's nest. As soon as I read that Lord, I knew You were in control of our situation. What I didn''t know is that bird in the nest was me.....and the ride was about to be bumpy.....and I should not fear.....because You had it all under control. Needless to say, Lord.....it takes me awhile to learn the lessons You teach. I never was very good at figuring out the parables that You taught. You know I need a picture drawn for me....practically....okay, almost always. Anyway, Lord. Thank You. Thank You for showing me how much You love me.....and how far I have come. I love You, Lord....and I pray all of my prayers and ask all of my needs in the name and will of Jesus. Amen. It's been a blessed week for me. I praise You. And, bless Your name.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
"I Don't Know About Tomorrow...."
I wish I did, Lord! I wish I knew what was coming. Okay....scratch that, Lord. I really don't. I am not able to see the end from the beginning as You do.....so, each day has all I can handle and I would like to perfect that part before I am allowed a little more leeway. I have no idea why I would ever think you would choose me to be Your right hand man....but I often think You and I see things alike. You are just a whole lot nicer than I would ever be. This is such foolish talk. There IS NO PERSON like You. Not one. You were created by Your Father.....to be the intermediary for us with Him. Our access to Him is all through You, Lord. And, I am grateful that You see the good in us. Our worth is totally up to You. So often I view myself as worthless and unfulfilled because of my own stubborn wishes and then hang on to the follies of the past. Could You.....Would You give me the transplant I need? I would like to see the generalities of life dissipate and the real depth of our existence....ie.....my existence......contingent on one thing. Your ideal of what my life always was to be. I pray and hope, Lord.....that I am "getting warmer" to what your plan is. I have (so often) gotten off the track at times....wanting to pursue "another" plan.....but, I know my ultimate happiness is to live as close to your plan as is humanly possible. I know You take into consideration all of my drawbacks, my imperfections, my hangups and my stubborn will......and I think You know that above all of that stuff......Your plan for me is what I want more than anything else. Therein, I will be fulfilled. And, ultimately happy. I remember hearing once that You never promised us happiness. I disagreed. The dictionary describes it as "the state of enjoyment" among other terms of satisfaction. To believe that You do not supply a heavy dose of contentment and joy for us as Your people is foolishness. You supply us with wisdom, strength, and hope to live our lives according to your will and plan for us. How often have I wondered if You had my "best interests" at heart? Yes.....Lord, I am sorry......there have been a few. As I continued to walk with You, though stubbornly, at times, I saw that You had it right all along. I know Your plan is the best for me to follow even though there are days I don't understand.
I guess that is my conclusion. All things, work together for my good and Your glory. If You're happy, Lord.....then I am too. Are You? My life remains in the hollow of Your hand. I don't know about tomorrow.....but, I know that You do. Your presence is all I need.
All I ask......and pray for is in the name of Jesus. I say amen. And, amen again.
I guess that is my conclusion. All things, work together for my good and Your glory. If You're happy, Lord.....then I am too. Are You? My life remains in the hollow of Your hand. I don't know about tomorrow.....but, I know that You do. Your presence is all I need.
All I ask......and pray for is in the name of Jesus. I say amen. And, amen again.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
"My Favorite Things: Your Words!"
Running through my head a good part of yesterday, Lord, were the words to a song from "The Sound of Music". And, that was in between the breathless prayers to You for the needs of our family. Lord God.....?......Please help us. Please heal our wounds. Inside and outside. Intercede for us to Your Father. We feel so sorrowful......and sadness is so pervasive. It colors everything around us so gray. We long for bright and soothing shades that make us smile and reflect the goodness You provide all the time.
I believe the name of the song is "My Favorite Things", Lord. There is a line that kept repeating itself to me.
"......When the dog bites......when the bee stings......when I'm feeling sad......I simply remember my favorite things.....and then I don't feel so bad." It points to me one thing that just about always comforts this heart of mine......and that is the comfort of the words in the scripture. So many are there to warn us and convict us. Some make us miserable at times because we do not want to change our ways. But, the ones that move me to fall at Your feet, are the words that lift a shattered and distressed heart. Those verses touch me as nothing else can and shows me how You are touched by our grief....and how you understand our sadness. I am so thankful that You care about what concerns us. When our loved ones are touched by the incidents of life that send us rushing to the Emergency Room, it always stops us in our tracks and immediately makes us do the "What it?" game. It is exhausting. It is self-defeating. And, as everyone knows....it is normal behavior for those who are looking on, knowing that the control we desperately try to hold on to is not in our grasp at all.
I leave it all to You, Lord. My favorite thing that I love to do when I am in a sad place is to look at verse after verse that I have written down for such a time. You always seem to cover the territory I need to have covered.....and it comforts me to read and re-read.....re-write and quote the inspired written words.....that were given to us for just such a time. You have covered every aspect of our lives in the scriptures. It truly is a " lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". My heart is filled with a sense of joy when I read from the Psalms that "Your heart is touched by my grief...." and that "You are close to the brokenhearted and (You save) those who are crushed in spirit." So often, Jesus, we are so very sad at what we consider the injustices of life. The illnesses. The split second decisions that cause regrettable accidents. All of it affects us. Sometimes directly....and then some just indirectly. What we need, Father, is the insight to fall into prayer immediately. Words actually are not necessary. You decipher the groaning of our spirit.....You know how we ache......You know what to tell Him! And, so, dear One......tell Him. Tell Him what we need. And, I won't worry so much anymore. I will trust in You. Sometimes I just don't have any answers. I just have a precious connection to SOMEONE who does. I will depend on Your wisdom to help ease our worries. I will depend on Your love to surround us.
"No one understands like Jesus". That's the friend we have that is beyond compare. "Meet Him at the throne of mercy......He is waiting for You there." Lord, I thank You for the precious word. Thank You for loving us enough to provide that message of hope while we wait for You to return for us. I need Your peace to reign in my soul. And, I ask for the healing touch of the "Great Physician" to minister to those in need.
For all I ask and beg Your favor for....I ask in the name of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.
I believe the name of the song is "My Favorite Things", Lord. There is a line that kept repeating itself to me.
"......When the dog bites......when the bee stings......when I'm feeling sad......I simply remember my favorite things.....and then I don't feel so bad." It points to me one thing that just about always comforts this heart of mine......and that is the comfort of the words in the scripture. So many are there to warn us and convict us. Some make us miserable at times because we do not want to change our ways. But, the ones that move me to fall at Your feet, are the words that lift a shattered and distressed heart. Those verses touch me as nothing else can and shows me how You are touched by our grief....and how you understand our sadness. I am so thankful that You care about what concerns us. When our loved ones are touched by the incidents of life that send us rushing to the Emergency Room, it always stops us in our tracks and immediately makes us do the "What it?" game. It is exhausting. It is self-defeating. And, as everyone knows....it is normal behavior for those who are looking on, knowing that the control we desperately try to hold on to is not in our grasp at all.
I leave it all to You, Lord. My favorite thing that I love to do when I am in a sad place is to look at verse after verse that I have written down for such a time. You always seem to cover the territory I need to have covered.....and it comforts me to read and re-read.....re-write and quote the inspired written words.....that were given to us for just such a time. You have covered every aspect of our lives in the scriptures. It truly is a " lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". My heart is filled with a sense of joy when I read from the Psalms that "Your heart is touched by my grief...." and that "You are close to the brokenhearted and (You save) those who are crushed in spirit." So often, Jesus, we are so very sad at what we consider the injustices of life. The illnesses. The split second decisions that cause regrettable accidents. All of it affects us. Sometimes directly....and then some just indirectly. What we need, Father, is the insight to fall into prayer immediately. Words actually are not necessary. You decipher the groaning of our spirit.....You know how we ache......You know what to tell Him! And, so, dear One......tell Him. Tell Him what we need. And, I won't worry so much anymore. I will trust in You. Sometimes I just don't have any answers. I just have a precious connection to SOMEONE who does. I will depend on Your wisdom to help ease our worries. I will depend on Your love to surround us.
"No one understands like Jesus". That's the friend we have that is beyond compare. "Meet Him at the throne of mercy......He is waiting for You there." Lord, I thank You for the precious word. Thank You for loving us enough to provide that message of hope while we wait for You to return for us. I need Your peace to reign in my soul. And, I ask for the healing touch of the "Great Physician" to minister to those in need.
For all I ask and beg Your favor for....I ask in the name of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
"The Question is: Throw Out? or Save?"
Finally home after vacation and then a couple weeks of 'not so much'! Thank you, Lord! Thank you for helping me do the required work and strength to do so. How do we compare the two? Packing up the result of parents, three children and 8 years of belongings in a 3000 square foot home. I love to compare the possibilities of how You see us. The bags and boxes of our belongings placed at Your feet. What would You throw out Lord? What would You save for future use? What belongs in the trash? What is the possible regret for throwing out what is the best? Either by sheer will or mistake? At this juncture in my life....I am mentally perusing the important and the unimportant. Reading the scriptures and not forgetting that You wired me the way I am......(and often, me badmouthing the end product) I want to be, I read from Ephesians 2:10....." For we are God's workmanship, created in Jesus Christ....to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." The phone calls keep coming. "Mom, do you remember where you might have put this?"
Straining my brain to remember where I might have 'tucked it away'.....and hoping I am right...I wait to hear...."I found it. What a relief!" One thing I do know......I basically threw nothing away. Paper clips, pennies, pieces of puzzles and games....are all yet to be uncovered.
Lord, I want my life and heart to be an open box.....left to be thoroughly checked out by You. Could You check out the places I have tucked things that are really not important for me to concern myself with. There is so much I think You want me to concentrate on. All of the fodder just mucks up my life.....distracting me from the important issues I have been commissioned to do for You. Whatever they are.....wherever they are......I will do my best to bless You , Oh Lord. I am determined to make this happen. Truly Lord.....when I find myself distracted by the unimportant....I lose time and mental acuity. Yes, I want to stay up-to-date on the happenings in the world....the events that affect us....tangibly, physically, mentally and emotionally. But, my concern has got to be the areas that deter my focus.
To start my devotion time today, I read a prayer from a 'Proverbs 31 Ministries' post by Lysa TerKerst. "Oh Lord, You made me in Your image and that is something I seem to forget daily. Please help me to remember to celebrate and live in who You made me to be and not in what I wish I was. In Jesus name."
So often.....rather, too often.....I forget this. I thank You for making me. I balk at the result of what I have done with the creation You made at times. I do know what I have to do.
Once again, I pray for wisdom and strength.
In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Straining my brain to remember where I might have 'tucked it away'.....and hoping I am right...I wait to hear...."I found it. What a relief!" One thing I do know......I basically threw nothing away. Paper clips, pennies, pieces of puzzles and games....are all yet to be uncovered.
Lord, I want my life and heart to be an open box.....left to be thoroughly checked out by You. Could You check out the places I have tucked things that are really not important for me to concern myself with. There is so much I think You want me to concentrate on. All of the fodder just mucks up my life.....distracting me from the important issues I have been commissioned to do for You. Whatever they are.....wherever they are......I will do my best to bless You , Oh Lord. I am determined to make this happen. Truly Lord.....when I find myself distracted by the unimportant....I lose time and mental acuity. Yes, I want to stay up-to-date on the happenings in the world....the events that affect us....tangibly, physically, mentally and emotionally. But, my concern has got to be the areas that deter my focus.
To start my devotion time today, I read a prayer from a 'Proverbs 31 Ministries' post by Lysa TerKerst. "Oh Lord, You made me in Your image and that is something I seem to forget daily. Please help me to remember to celebrate and live in who You made me to be and not in what I wish I was. In Jesus name."
So often.....rather, too often.....I forget this. I thank You for making me. I balk at the result of what I have done with the creation You made at times. I do know what I have to do.
Once again, I pray for wisdom and strength.
In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Everything I Want....Except What I Need!
Lord...I feel a little "not quite right"! I've been living out of a suitcase. You and I know what that means.
I have too many clothes with me for what I really need.....so there's not enough room left to put in there what I really need. I have extra stuff to carry besides the suitcase. I have a bag for my Bible, my notebooks, and a book I'm currently reading for Sunday School. I have another bag for my "pills". I have a bag for my current craft interests....and a special light I use for it. Since there is a little extra room in that one, I place all of my sleep apnea paraphernalia. I also have a really nice bag for my computer and cords. Writing all of this out looks ridiculous, Lord. A special pillow and "blanket" added to the mix is added humiliation. I am most certainly the highest form of the term "bag lady". Yet, with all of my stuff......I rode away from my last stop on the list without my "notebook". I feel like I left a limb behind. "Can you do without it, Mom?", they called and asked. "Yeah, I guess so.", I answered. Dumb and dumbest move I could make.
I feel like my life is in there. I write everything I find that I think is important....recipes, devotionals, prayers to You, unsorted trivia, addresses and phone numbers. All that I take into my brain for about 4 months. Lord....how do I sort all of this out? What lesson can I take from this? First of all, I think the "less clothes" thing could be an answer for me. Like leaving some room for what IS important.
The extra bags just add to the confusion in packing and "finding where I put something" later. One place. One place. One place. One place. Have I mentioned.....one place for it all? Okay. So I have settled that. Haven't I? Oh, brother.....dear One. My focus is slightly off-kilter. Always has been. I always contend.....if I take it all with me.....then I don't have to buy it when I get there. So, I have it all with me. I just never can find it all when I want it. I have a few sewing supplies with me. I have a glue gun and glue sticks. I have breakfast bars here and there.....plus a few other snack items.....that are more than likely crushed. Wouldn't You love to go on a trip with me? Now......where is that hair dryer. Yes, I KNOW I brought it. Which bag is it in? "My hem just ripped.....where is that thread and needle? No, it's not in this one......okay, here is some tape .....that will work in a pinch!" What is the point of bringing the house with me? So, I will feel like I have "it" all together? No. It never seems to work for me. I end up going to buy more....because I can't find what I brought. I think I could start a reality show about "Hoarders on the Road". I do feel like my Mother. She took it all with her too. I think she must have had an index system though! So anyway....Lord.....what do I take away from all of this jumble of words I have written to You. Help me think. Show me what is the most important for me to remember. Give me an insight as to what really is needed to be content for the time I spend away from home. Clothes to wear...a few cosmetic needs...my iphone... my computer...my notebook and Bible....my sleep machine.....and duck tape for good measure. Okay.....let's see if I can pare it down a little more. Yes, Lord.....I will work on that. I'm pretty sure I can!
As a little girl, I thought one day as I looked out of that second story window.....what would I need when you would come to take me to heaven. All I could think that I needed....honestly and truly.....was that favorite long white nightgown that I loved to wear to bed. I had to have only been about five or six. Lord, that's all I wanted to take with me.
As I age.....and think about the years that have passed.....and the things that have changed throughout,
I wonder.....and think that the little white nightgown gave me a sense of security.....within and without. Lord, provide my white nightgown of complete fulfillment on the journey I take with You every day.
"All I need....I've found in Jesus". I can't remember any more words to that song, Lord. But, I think I already know what is most important. YOU ARE ALL I NEED.
I feel as if I need to say I am sorry, Lord. I bother You with all of this rambling....when there are so many with so much to bear.....yet, I know how You understand me.....and take my thoughts and turn them into what I need for today. I'll be watching. I'll be waiting. You won't believe what a gem I will turn out to be. I promise, I will make You proud.
I speak all in the name of Jesus. I bless You, Lord. Amen.
I have too many clothes with me for what I really need.....so there's not enough room left to put in there what I really need. I have extra stuff to carry besides the suitcase. I have a bag for my Bible, my notebooks, and a book I'm currently reading for Sunday School. I have another bag for my "pills". I have a bag for my current craft interests....and a special light I use for it. Since there is a little extra room in that one, I place all of my sleep apnea paraphernalia. I also have a really nice bag for my computer and cords. Writing all of this out looks ridiculous, Lord. A special pillow and "blanket" added to the mix is added humiliation. I am most certainly the highest form of the term "bag lady". Yet, with all of my stuff......I rode away from my last stop on the list without my "notebook". I feel like I left a limb behind. "Can you do without it, Mom?", they called and asked. "Yeah, I guess so.", I answered. Dumb and dumbest move I could make.
I feel like my life is in there. I write everything I find that I think is important....recipes, devotionals, prayers to You, unsorted trivia, addresses and phone numbers. All that I take into my brain for about 4 months. Lord....how do I sort all of this out? What lesson can I take from this? First of all, I think the "less clothes" thing could be an answer for me. Like leaving some room for what IS important.
The extra bags just add to the confusion in packing and "finding where I put something" later. One place. One place. One place. One place. Have I mentioned.....one place for it all? Okay. So I have settled that. Haven't I? Oh, brother.....dear One. My focus is slightly off-kilter. Always has been. I always contend.....if I take it all with me.....then I don't have to buy it when I get there. So, I have it all with me. I just never can find it all when I want it. I have a few sewing supplies with me. I have a glue gun and glue sticks. I have breakfast bars here and there.....plus a few other snack items.....that are more than likely crushed. Wouldn't You love to go on a trip with me? Now......where is that hair dryer. Yes, I KNOW I brought it. Which bag is it in? "My hem just ripped.....where is that thread and needle? No, it's not in this one......okay, here is some tape .....that will work in a pinch!" What is the point of bringing the house with me? So, I will feel like I have "it" all together? No. It never seems to work for me. I end up going to buy more....because I can't find what I brought. I think I could start a reality show about "Hoarders on the Road". I do feel like my Mother. She took it all with her too. I think she must have had an index system though! So anyway....Lord.....what do I take away from all of this jumble of words I have written to You. Help me think. Show me what is the most important for me to remember. Give me an insight as to what really is needed to be content for the time I spend away from home. Clothes to wear...a few cosmetic needs...my iphone... my computer...my notebook and Bible....my sleep machine.....and duck tape for good measure. Okay.....let's see if I can pare it down a little more. Yes, Lord.....I will work on that. I'm pretty sure I can!
As a little girl, I thought one day as I looked out of that second story window.....what would I need when you would come to take me to heaven. All I could think that I needed....honestly and truly.....was that favorite long white nightgown that I loved to wear to bed. I had to have only been about five or six. Lord, that's all I wanted to take with me.
As I age.....and think about the years that have passed.....and the things that have changed throughout,
I wonder.....and think that the little white nightgown gave me a sense of security.....within and without. Lord, provide my white nightgown of complete fulfillment on the journey I take with You every day.
"All I need....I've found in Jesus". I can't remember any more words to that song, Lord. But, I think I already know what is most important. YOU ARE ALL I NEED.
I feel as if I need to say I am sorry, Lord. I bother You with all of this rambling....when there are so many with so much to bear.....yet, I know how You understand me.....and take my thoughts and turn them into what I need for today. I'll be watching. I'll be waiting. You won't believe what a gem I will turn out to be. I promise, I will make You proud.
I speak all in the name of Jesus. I bless You, Lord. Amen.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Loving God With All our Soul, Mind and Strength!
Why is it, Lord? Why do I hesitate writing when it's really what I need to do? Is it because I find myself asking the same old stuff? Talking of issues I've prayed for dozens of times before? Is it because I think You just want me to pay attention to the areas of concern to You about me that I tend to just slide through? Things I've acknowledged.....but find too uncomfortable addressing. I think it's more like "too lazy to address!" Jesus, I have lived my life for You so many years. And, I regret none of those years. It is You that I have leaned on and asked advice for my issues over and over again. I woke up so early today and I read a devotional posted by "Joni and Friends" about starting the day out with time alone with You, Lord....and I feel encouraged immediately. The vacations we have enjoyed with our children are turning into the highlight of so many of our lives. Making our Sunday morning "church time" a very poignant time. The sincerity of our thoughts, laughter at our blunders, tears about the anxieties that have plagued us all....are what our service consisted of this year. It seems that each year we pray for something that stands out for all of us as we ask for prayer concerns to share. Lord, You know about our concerns. You know that as we express our anxious thoughts and concerns for ourselves and show our hearts to be vulnerable, our grandchildren will catch the glimpse of You that we yearn for them to know. That to take our troubles to You.....and expect You to help us solve the concerns of our hearts....is our
expectation....and ultimate joy. We believe in the power of prayer. We do not necessarily want You to erase all the endless troubles that arise in one's life......but we do ask, incessantly, that You give us
Your wisdom in the choices we make.....the words we use to express our heart's cries....the behavior we exhibit in the day to day of our lives. I say "necessarily" because it isn't even realistic.....but, it would be okay once in a while, Lord......wouldn't it? No, I guess not. Forget I said anything!
I remember the day we left.....John prayed that You would watch over us all through any of the events that would surround our family.....I remember thinking, ' maybe he should have prayed that we would be protected by anything that would hurt us, etc., etc., etc..' But, Lord.....to have You give us wisdom throughout the hard places of life that come so swiftly and sometimes totally unforeseen is a special touch from heaven. We all see Your hand on our lives.....protecting, saving, loving, enduring. We do need a special touch, though. Our precious granddaughter is suffering from an unlikely source. Four kidney stones are making their way through her system and wrecking havoc. For a moment, we beg for a miraculous pain free exit.....and then, we say.....Lord, allow what You will.....and give peace. Your peace. That special, quietly sustaining expectation of Your power that calms our soul.
The verses that we listened to yesterday are the ones that give us Your precious thoughts about how to live our lives. From Deuteronomy 6:6-9; I love how You don't just 'suggest', but command us .....to let Your words be in our hearts......teaching them to our children diligently....talking of them when we sit down, when we walk on the road, when we lie down and when we rise up.....writing them on the doorposts and gates of our homes. That is a lot of talk. Especially when they are rolling their eyes.
But, Lord.....consistently, diligently, ever-so-sweetly speaking about the name and words of Your teachings and life will never return void. I am encouraged today, dear One. I believe. I love the nature and depth of Your word. It has never led me astray. My hope is in You. Help me evermore to speak the name of Jesus , without fear.
I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus. I am thankful for that. I bless Your name, Oh Lord......I love You today. Amen.
expectation....and ultimate joy. We believe in the power of prayer. We do not necessarily want You to erase all the endless troubles that arise in one's life......but we do ask, incessantly, that You give us
Your wisdom in the choices we make.....the words we use to express our heart's cries....the behavior we exhibit in the day to day of our lives. I say "necessarily" because it isn't even realistic.....but, it would be okay once in a while, Lord......wouldn't it? No, I guess not. Forget I said anything!
I remember the day we left.....John prayed that You would watch over us all through any of the events that would surround our family.....I remember thinking, ' maybe he should have prayed that we would be protected by anything that would hurt us, etc., etc., etc..' But, Lord.....to have You give us wisdom throughout the hard places of life that come so swiftly and sometimes totally unforeseen is a special touch from heaven. We all see Your hand on our lives.....protecting, saving, loving, enduring. We do need a special touch, though. Our precious granddaughter is suffering from an unlikely source. Four kidney stones are making their way through her system and wrecking havoc. For a moment, we beg for a miraculous pain free exit.....and then, we say.....Lord, allow what You will.....and give peace. Your peace. That special, quietly sustaining expectation of Your power that calms our soul.
The verses that we listened to yesterday are the ones that give us Your precious thoughts about how to live our lives. From Deuteronomy 6:6-9; I love how You don't just 'suggest', but command us .....to let Your words be in our hearts......teaching them to our children diligently....talking of them when we sit down, when we walk on the road, when we lie down and when we rise up.....writing them on the doorposts and gates of our homes. That is a lot of talk. Especially when they are rolling their eyes.
But, Lord.....consistently, diligently, ever-so-sweetly speaking about the name and words of Your teachings and life will never return void. I am encouraged today, dear One. I believe. I love the nature and depth of Your word. It has never led me astray. My hope is in You. Help me evermore to speak the name of Jesus , without fear.
I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus. I am thankful for that. I bless Your name, Oh Lord......I love You today. Amen.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
"I Know What I Should Do...."
Lord, a few months ago I made a pact with a friend that we would do our devotional time with You before we got into other areas of "time consumption" on the internet or daily habits. I think we both have been successful. I insist on continuing this (almost) habit. I want my first order of the day to be some face to face time with You. I have entertained several good devotionals this week. Each one speaking to the issues everyone has to deal with at some time in our lives......and/or...... over and over and over. Slow learner? I wish I could say I wasn't but I can't. Dr. Phil says.....(sorry, Lord!) ......to repeat the same behavior and expect a different result is ......well, I can't remember what he says it is. I call it "The Human Condition".......and stupid, to boot. Lord, why can't we grow strong and effective in Your Word and stop the "Two Steps Forward and One Back" behavior? I really think I can, Lord. How about we start today. Soooo......here I am, sitting on the couch with my coffee.......writing. There's nothing wrong with that......is there? I love writing to You "just about" all of the time. I love to commune with You. I love thanking You for the gifts You've given me.......the blessings, some never even prayed for. Just an overwhelming abundance of Your mercy and grace. I am blessed. And, I am so aware of it......I guess......most of the time. See? There it is. That inner edge of sarcasm that allows a little wiggle room to think about the "What if's". I don't like that. It's not a blessing to have that idling around in my mind. I am sort of wishing my mind would just shut off when I start doing that.
Everytime we stop at a red light, we have to turn the air off, otherwise the car will stall. Sometimes we forget to turn the air back on and we are just stifling hot.....until we crank the knob to full blast! Lord, I think I need to have this mental knob to turn off the issues that satan loves to flood the mind with. Some are so non-sensical.....some are serious.....some are evil. And, Lord.....since our adversary is such a stifling reality, I have to be ready at a moments notice to speak the name of Jesus through the verses of scripture I have retained or hymns and spiritual songs that I know. He will flee. The engine of my soul will not sputter and quit running. It will be smooth sailing. Well, almost. You know, Lord....when I am assured You are at the helm.....I have no worries. I know You know the route You are taking me on ......and the pitfalls that could change the direction of this ship of mine.....but, I have given You permission to make the journey for me. Sometimes I do wish You didn't allow me so much freedom. I would probably gripe though, if You didn't. I just am amazed at what a "slow learner" I seem to be. Could You help me work on that? I'd like to feel that after all You have done for me, I could bless You by assuring You that I am listening to You and working hard. My intention is to see You Lord. My intention is to watch You go down the list with Your finger and then stopping, looking up to see my anxious face awaiting Your nod to my name being in the Book and your affirmation to enter the gate. Thats what my life is about. So, I end with the resolve to make this day a special one. One where I can worship and work at the same time......after I reheat this cup of coffe that has gotten cold. I praise You for the power of Your Word to assure me.....and the gifted authors that write the devotionals that inspire me. Jesus, You are the answer......and a gift.
I pray and ask for all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Everytime we stop at a red light, we have to turn the air off, otherwise the car will stall. Sometimes we forget to turn the air back on and we are just stifling hot.....until we crank the knob to full blast! Lord, I think I need to have this mental knob to turn off the issues that satan loves to flood the mind with. Some are so non-sensical.....some are serious.....some are evil. And, Lord.....since our adversary is such a stifling reality, I have to be ready at a moments notice to speak the name of Jesus through the verses of scripture I have retained or hymns and spiritual songs that I know. He will flee. The engine of my soul will not sputter and quit running. It will be smooth sailing. Well, almost. You know, Lord....when I am assured You are at the helm.....I have no worries. I know You know the route You are taking me on ......and the pitfalls that could change the direction of this ship of mine.....but, I have given You permission to make the journey for me. Sometimes I do wish You didn't allow me so much freedom. I would probably gripe though, if You didn't. I just am amazed at what a "slow learner" I seem to be. Could You help me work on that? I'd like to feel that after all You have done for me, I could bless You by assuring You that I am listening to You and working hard. My intention is to see You Lord. My intention is to watch You go down the list with Your finger and then stopping, looking up to see my anxious face awaiting Your nod to my name being in the Book and your affirmation to enter the gate. Thats what my life is about. So, I end with the resolve to make this day a special one. One where I can worship and work at the same time......after I reheat this cup of coffe that has gotten cold. I praise You for the power of Your Word to assure me.....and the gifted authors that write the devotionals that inspire me. Jesus, You are the answer......and a gift.
I pray and ask for all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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