"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24 (NIV)
Sin is alive and well in the world today. We all know people in our lives that we continue to pray for as they battle through different sins that may ensnare them daily. We, as Christians, find ourselves satisfied that we have prayed for the "sinners" around us, asking God to forgive them and help them see their shortcomings.
I know this woman who is a great and loyal friend, but who can be prideful and self-righteous many times in our conversations. This woman can be judgmental at times and entertains gossip more than she should. You see, the one thing I have prayed about with this woman is the fact that she continues to deny her own sin. She can immediately see the sins of others yet fails to admit her own sin. She often brushes off her sin as an accident or an indiscretion, which a quick "my bad" can fix.
If you haven't already guessed this woman is actually me. Yes, I, like you, am a sinner. It is just as easy for me to overlook my own sins as I sit back and judge the sins of others. Romans 3:23 reminds us that we ALL have sinned. Everyone of us has sin in our lives. We ALL fall short of the glory of God. Yet there is Hope!
If you stop at verse 23, you would assume that the verse would go on to say the following -- "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and now there will be hell to pay!" Yet, verse 24 offers hope not damnation. We are "justified freely by his grace!" Praise the Lord!
As you spend time with Lord, don't just stop at praying for the other sinners in your lives. Pray for the sinner in your own life!
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
We Bow Down
"I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame." Psalm 138:2
If you have turned on your TV or opened a news website in the past week, chances are you have been bombarded with feelings of pity, unimaginable sorrow, and even downright anger over many recent news stories. From gunshots to disappearances to murders, our world is full of sin and sinners. We often question how someone could hurt another or how one person could torment another without remorse. Our hearts ache for the sorrows of others as they live with the pain of losing a loved one or having a loved one hurt by acts of violence. It is completely normal for us, as humans, to be upset or to feel the pain of others in those situations. Our hearts ache along with our neighbors for the wrongs of this world.
God knew that the world would one day be filled with darkness, and He proclaimed that His vengeance would come down upon those who turn their backs upon the Lord and take up with Satan. One day each one of us will have to answer for the sins we have committed, whether it was the lie you told your parents or the torment of a classmate or the gossip about a neighbor. To the Father, these are all the same as the people who commit murder! God the Father hurts when we sin. Yet He promised that one day, the darkness of this world would bow down to Him upon His return.
Until that time, I can only cling to the worlds of Psalm 138:2 because even in these dark days, God is always faithful. He is always just. He loves us with an unfailing love. I pray that each one of us will turn to him and praise Him, bowing down to His holy temple, and thanking Him for saving us so that one day we can live in Glory with Him!
Dear Lord, we may not understand the sins of this world. We look around us and see unjust acts and unpunished people yet we stand firm in the knowledge that you will return. In the meantime, Lord, I pray that you hear our praise and thanksgiving for your unfailing love, your vast forgiveness, and your open arms. Amen!
If you have turned on your TV or opened a news website in the past week, chances are you have been bombarded with feelings of pity, unimaginable sorrow, and even downright anger over many recent news stories. From gunshots to disappearances to murders, our world is full of sin and sinners. We often question how someone could hurt another or how one person could torment another without remorse. Our hearts ache for the sorrows of others as they live with the pain of losing a loved one or having a loved one hurt by acts of violence. It is completely normal for us, as humans, to be upset or to feel the pain of others in those situations. Our hearts ache along with our neighbors for the wrongs of this world.
God knew that the world would one day be filled with darkness, and He proclaimed that His vengeance would come down upon those who turn their backs upon the Lord and take up with Satan. One day each one of us will have to answer for the sins we have committed, whether it was the lie you told your parents or the torment of a classmate or the gossip about a neighbor. To the Father, these are all the same as the people who commit murder! God the Father hurts when we sin. Yet He promised that one day, the darkness of this world would bow down to Him upon His return.
Until that time, I can only cling to the worlds of Psalm 138:2 because even in these dark days, God is always faithful. He is always just. He loves us with an unfailing love. I pray that each one of us will turn to him and praise Him, bowing down to His holy temple, and thanking Him for saving us so that one day we can live in Glory with Him!
Dear Lord, we may not understand the sins of this world. We look around us and see unjust acts and unpunished people yet we stand firm in the knowledge that you will return. In the meantime, Lord, I pray that you hear our praise and thanksgiving for your unfailing love, your vast forgiveness, and your open arms. Amen!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
When Life Gets You Down
"I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help comes from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
Sally reported to work one day only to be given a pink slip after 10 years of faithful service to the company. Johnny received some devastating news about his health after having what he thought was the flu. Debbie received the news that her parents would need around the clock help, and she would have to think about placing them in a nursing home. Mark's girlfriend thought she was pregnant, and now both of them were scared to death. Patrick felt the Lord calling him into service yet he was discouraged by the many obstacles over the past year to seem to divert him from what God wanted him to do.
Do any of these scenarios make you think of your own crossroads? Or maybe one of these people is you now. The words in Psalms 121:1-2 give me great hope in the times of life that seem to drag me down. God never promised that life would be easy or that the choices in life would be easy. Yet He did promise that He would be with you always!
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We have a great promise from the Lord that if we place our faith and trust in Him, then we will find the promise of 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 to be true in our lives. The devil, himself, seeks to drag us down and make us believe that God has abandoned us in our time of need, yet we know this to be untrue. God not only is with us always but he understands our hurts. He seeks to comfort us in our time of need if we only seek Him.
When the things in your life seem to be overwhelming, where will you turn first? Where will you find peace and comfort? Cling to the words of Psalm 121:1-2 and believe that God will see you through!
Sally reported to work one day only to be given a pink slip after 10 years of faithful service to the company. Johnny received some devastating news about his health after having what he thought was the flu. Debbie received the news that her parents would need around the clock help, and she would have to think about placing them in a nursing home. Mark's girlfriend thought she was pregnant, and now both of them were scared to death. Patrick felt the Lord calling him into service yet he was discouraged by the many obstacles over the past year to seem to divert him from what God wanted him to do.
Do any of these scenarios make you think of your own crossroads? Or maybe one of these people is you now. The words in Psalms 121:1-2 give me great hope in the times of life that seem to drag me down. God never promised that life would be easy or that the choices in life would be easy. Yet He did promise that He would be with you always!
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We have a great promise from the Lord that if we place our faith and trust in Him, then we will find the promise of 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 to be true in our lives. The devil, himself, seeks to drag us down and make us believe that God has abandoned us in our time of need, yet we know this to be untrue. God not only is with us always but he understands our hurts. He seeks to comfort us in our time of need if we only seek Him.
When the things in your life seem to be overwhelming, where will you turn first? Where will you find peace and comfort? Cling to the words of Psalm 121:1-2 and believe that God will see you through!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Being Patient
"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
I cannot tell you how many times I have prayed to the Lord about a certain person or situation and had to wait for an answer. I would like to tell you that I waited patiently each time; however, I know I did not. I believe that many of you have felt the same way. God does not always answer our prayers right away, and many times we are found waiting. If we are not strong in our faith or lack the patience God requires, we begin to doubt that God is listening to our prayers or doesn't even care. This is so far from the truth. God hears each and every prayer. Not only does He hear our prayers but He listens. He listens with an open heart. He may not answer our prayers right away nor may He answer our prayers the way we want Him too; however, this does not mean that He does not care or does not listen.
I am so thankful for this verse in 2 Peter. The Lord is not slow but instead He is patient with us! Thank You Lord! Many times I have a problem with patience and being patient with the Lord. Yet the Lord is patient with us! He is patient when we go against His promises. He is patient when we try to run from Him. He is patient when we seek our own ways instead of His. He is a patient, loving God. Thank Him today for His patience with you!
I cannot tell you how many times I have prayed to the Lord about a certain person or situation and had to wait for an answer. I would like to tell you that I waited patiently each time; however, I know I did not. I believe that many of you have felt the same way. God does not always answer our prayers right away, and many times we are found waiting. If we are not strong in our faith or lack the patience God requires, we begin to doubt that God is listening to our prayers or doesn't even care. This is so far from the truth. God hears each and every prayer. Not only does He hear our prayers but He listens. He listens with an open heart. He may not answer our prayers right away nor may He answer our prayers the way we want Him too; however, this does not mean that He does not care or does not listen.
I am so thankful for this verse in 2 Peter. The Lord is not slow but instead He is patient with us! Thank You Lord! Many times I have a problem with patience and being patient with the Lord. Yet the Lord is patient with us! He is patient when we go against His promises. He is patient when we try to run from Him. He is patient when we seek our own ways instead of His. He is a patient, loving God. Thank Him today for His patience with you!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Being A Vessel
"He [Moses] regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who was invisible." Hebrews 26-27
If you think back to Moses' journey in Exodus, you will remember that Moses was raised by Pharoah's daughter. Years later as he was traveling, he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. Take a few minutes to read the account in Exodus 2: 11-12. Moses, attempting to rescue one of his own, killed the Egyptian and buried him. Moses fled Egypt and Pharoah's wrath. Years later as God called on Moses to save his people, Moses felt unworthy. He had sinned against God. He had committed murder. How could God not only forgive him but call upon him to do God's work?
When God called me to lead a women's ministry at a previous church, I will be honest in saying I was excited but very hesitant. I felt no only unworthy but unequipped. I prayed many times asking if God really wanted me to do this. How could I lead a group of women and be a leader, when my past was full of bad choices? After much prayer, God gave me peace and began to fill my heart with confidence. Over the course of a year, He began to show me how I could be used as a vessel to do His work, just as He had called upon Moses. So even when you doubt yourself, never let your past keep you from serving God in the future!
Have you ever prayed for God to send "someone else" to be a vessel for His work? Have you prayed for a friend who may be lost asking for God to send someone to lead him/her to the Lord? Maybe the Lord is actually wanting to send YOU! You may not feel equipped or worthy, but God will fill you with all that you need if you only put your faith in Him! Remember God did not call us to sit in a pew. God calls each of us to be used in His service to spread the Good News. Are you allowing God to use you? Are you a Vessel for the Lord to use?
Lord, thank you for reminding us that you can use even the broken or damaged vessels to fulfill your purpose. I pray that I will always be a willing vessel for you. Thank you for your forgiveness and your love! Amen
If you think back to Moses' journey in Exodus, you will remember that Moses was raised by Pharoah's daughter. Years later as he was traveling, he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. Take a few minutes to read the account in Exodus 2: 11-12. Moses, attempting to rescue one of his own, killed the Egyptian and buried him. Moses fled Egypt and Pharoah's wrath. Years later as God called on Moses to save his people, Moses felt unworthy. He had sinned against God. He had committed murder. How could God not only forgive him but call upon him to do God's work?
When God called me to lead a women's ministry at a previous church, I will be honest in saying I was excited but very hesitant. I felt no only unworthy but unequipped. I prayed many times asking if God really wanted me to do this. How could I lead a group of women and be a leader, when my past was full of bad choices? After much prayer, God gave me peace and began to fill my heart with confidence. Over the course of a year, He began to show me how I could be used as a vessel to do His work, just as He had called upon Moses. So even when you doubt yourself, never let your past keep you from serving God in the future!
Have you ever prayed for God to send "someone else" to be a vessel for His work? Have you prayed for a friend who may be lost asking for God to send someone to lead him/her to the Lord? Maybe the Lord is actually wanting to send YOU! You may not feel equipped or worthy, but God will fill you with all that you need if you only put your faith in Him! Remember God did not call us to sit in a pew. God calls each of us to be used in His service to spread the Good News. Are you allowing God to use you? Are you a Vessel for the Lord to use?
Lord, thank you for reminding us that you can use even the broken or damaged vessels to fulfill your purpose. I pray that I will always be a willing vessel for you. Thank you for your forgiveness and your love! Amen
Monday, June 20, 2011
Confession is Good for the Soul
"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16
Once there was a little girl who quizzed her father saying, "Daddy, when you were a little boy, did you ever do something to hurt someone's feelings?" Daddy looked at her, "Yes, baby, I did." The little girl stopped and thought and then said, "But Daddy, did you have to say you were sorry?" Daddy shakes his head and his daughter continues, "I told my friend I was sorry for hurting her feelings today, and guess what! My heart felt better!"
Each one of us have committed sin, whether intentionally or not. Many times our sins affect other people and consequences may soon follow. As Christians, God commands us to confess our sins to others for two reasons. First, confession allows others to see God's grace through our lives. Second, we are healed from the weight and shame of our sins. To any non-Christian, confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness reveals a heart changed by a merciful God. Only the grace of God allows you as a Christian to be able to confess your sins and be cleansed. This cleansing takes away any shame and hurt in your own heart from your sin. So, in effect, your heart will feel better too!
Take a moment to think of the people you have wronged. Think of the people that you need to confess your sins to and ask forgiveness from. Pray for God to grant you courage to seek out these people and confess your sins so that your own heart may be healed!
Once there was a little girl who quizzed her father saying, "Daddy, when you were a little boy, did you ever do something to hurt someone's feelings?" Daddy looked at her, "Yes, baby, I did." The little girl stopped and thought and then said, "But Daddy, did you have to say you were sorry?" Daddy shakes his head and his daughter continues, "I told my friend I was sorry for hurting her feelings today, and guess what! My heart felt better!"
Each one of us have committed sin, whether intentionally or not. Many times our sins affect other people and consequences may soon follow. As Christians, God commands us to confess our sins to others for two reasons. First, confession allows others to see God's grace through our lives. Second, we are healed from the weight and shame of our sins. To any non-Christian, confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness reveals a heart changed by a merciful God. Only the grace of God allows you as a Christian to be able to confess your sins and be cleansed. This cleansing takes away any shame and hurt in your own heart from your sin. So, in effect, your heart will feel better too!
Take a moment to think of the people you have wronged. Think of the people that you need to confess your sins to and ask forgiveness from. Pray for God to grant you courage to seek out these people and confess your sins so that your own heart may be healed!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
The Comforter
"You are my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me." Jeremiah 8:18
Today my heart is heavy. My friends, Rob and Kelly McCormick, held onto their little boy for the last time watching as he took his last breath here on earth. My heart is broken for their pain and sorrow yet I cling to God's promises that He will be my Comforter in times of sorrow!
I believe that God understands sorrow quite well. I believe that God felt sorrow as Christ was crucified on the cross. It is because He felt the pain and sorrow of death that He can be the God of all Comforts that we need here on earth.
I admire Kelly and her strength these past few months as she cared for Peyton, and even in the past couple of days as she prepared to say goodbye. Since we met earlier this year, Kelly has stood on the promise that God has a plan for Peyton's life. When she found out she was pregnant in the midst of Peyton's battle, she still was determined to cling to the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 each day. As I watched Kelly each day, my faith began to grow stronger. As I heard the news of Peyton's passing yesterday, I could hear Kelly reciting the words of Jeremiah 29:11 in my mind.
So today, please remember this family and pray for them in the days and weeks ahead. May you find comfort and strength in the Lord in your own lives! I pray that Peyton's story stays with you forever!
Today my heart is heavy. My friends, Rob and Kelly McCormick, held onto their little boy for the last time watching as he took his last breath here on earth. My heart is broken for their pain and sorrow yet I cling to God's promises that He will be my Comforter in times of sorrow!
I believe that God understands sorrow quite well. I believe that God felt sorrow as Christ was crucified on the cross. It is because He felt the pain and sorrow of death that He can be the God of all Comforts that we need here on earth.
I admire Kelly and her strength these past few months as she cared for Peyton, and even in the past couple of days as she prepared to say goodbye. Since we met earlier this year, Kelly has stood on the promise that God has a plan for Peyton's life. When she found out she was pregnant in the midst of Peyton's battle, she still was determined to cling to the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 each day. As I watched Kelly each day, my faith began to grow stronger. As I heard the news of Peyton's passing yesterday, I could hear Kelly reciting the words of Jeremiah 29:11 in my mind.
So today, please remember this family and pray for them in the days and weeks ahead. May you find comfort and strength in the Lord in your own lives! I pray that Peyton's story stays with you forever!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Please Pray!
I ask that you take today to pray for a little boy named Peyton and his parents. Peyton has struggled with a form of brain cancer for several months and his journey here on earth is nearing an end. Please pray for comfort and peace for Peyton and his family. Please check out his story at www.caringbridge.org/visit/peytonmccormick and if led, leave a comment of prayer for them.
Lord, thank you for your daily provision. Thank you for always holding our hands and comforting our hearts in even our darkest hours. I pray for little Peyton and his family in his final days/hours. May Peyton be at peace and not be afraid. May he find your open arms comforting and may he pass on to you at your appointed time. Please be with his parents and family as they prepare to say goodbye here on earth. Thank you for the promise that one day we will be reunited in heaven if we only believe!
Amen
Lord, thank you for your daily provision. Thank you for always holding our hands and comforting our hearts in even our darkest hours. I pray for little Peyton and his family in his final days/hours. May Peyton be at peace and not be afraid. May he find your open arms comforting and may he pass on to you at your appointed time. Please be with his parents and family as they prepare to say goodbye here on earth. Thank you for the promise that one day we will be reunited in heaven if we only believe!
Amen
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Have You Given HIM Joy?
"Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence." Psalm 21:6
I came across this verse and I had to stop and dwell on it a few minutes. I thought back on my busy life the last couple of weeks -- the end of school, our mini vacation, and even Alex's birthday party just to name a few. Did I stop amongst the business of my life to even make time for the Lord? Did I make the Lord "glad with the joy of [my] presence?"
I truly believe that this day in time is on of the busiest for families. From work and school to ball games or dance lessons, our families are running from one place to another each and every day it seems. The joke is that summer is supposed to be a time of relaxation and rest; however, many of us are still on the roads, still busy with the activities of life. I know in my own life that I struggle with time management. I struggle with making time for the priorities in my life. Sadly, as I get busy during the day my time spent with God usually can shift to the back burner quickly. If you are like me, I usually put my own priorities behind everyone else's needs. So Mama takes care of everyone else before herself. This is one example of when Satan can come and start chipping away at your day or your time so that you start to neglect the things of God. One day turns into two. One week turns into two weeks and so on.
I think about Psalm 21:6 and I break it into two parts. First, have I granted God "unending blessings" today? Have I blessed Him or even praised Him for His provisions? I cannot help but stop and begin to think about my blessings today and start thanking the Lord for his blessings. I hope that I have been a blessing to Him today!
Then I ponder the latter part of the verse more. "....made him glad with the joy of your presence." Dictionary.com says the definition of Joy is "the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation." Wow! When you put it that way, I am suddenly unsure if I could ever bring great delight or happiness to the Lord. Am I living my life in a way that brings Him Joy?
What about you? Have you given Him joy lately? Has your life brought him the emotion of great delight lately? Has the Lord found pleasure in your presence? If not, I pray that you make it right with the Lord today!
I came across this verse and I had to stop and dwell on it a few minutes. I thought back on my busy life the last couple of weeks -- the end of school, our mini vacation, and even Alex's birthday party just to name a few. Did I stop amongst the business of my life to even make time for the Lord? Did I make the Lord "glad with the joy of [my] presence?"
I truly believe that this day in time is on of the busiest for families. From work and school to ball games or dance lessons, our families are running from one place to another each and every day it seems. The joke is that summer is supposed to be a time of relaxation and rest; however, many of us are still on the roads, still busy with the activities of life. I know in my own life that I struggle with time management. I struggle with making time for the priorities in my life. Sadly, as I get busy during the day my time spent with God usually can shift to the back burner quickly. If you are like me, I usually put my own priorities behind everyone else's needs. So Mama takes care of everyone else before herself. This is one example of when Satan can come and start chipping away at your day or your time so that you start to neglect the things of God. One day turns into two. One week turns into two weeks and so on.
I think about Psalm 21:6 and I break it into two parts. First, have I granted God "unending blessings" today? Have I blessed Him or even praised Him for His provisions? I cannot help but stop and begin to think about my blessings today and start thanking the Lord for his blessings. I hope that I have been a blessing to Him today!
Then I ponder the latter part of the verse more. "....made him glad with the joy of your presence." Dictionary.com says the definition of Joy is "the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation." Wow! When you put it that way, I am suddenly unsure if I could ever bring great delight or happiness to the Lord. Am I living my life in a way that brings Him Joy?
What about you? Have you given Him joy lately? Has your life brought him the emotion of great delight lately? Has the Lord found pleasure in your presence? If not, I pray that you make it right with the Lord today!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
I Will Give You Rest
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11: 27-29
You may have noticed my absence the last few days, and yes, I was one of the thousands who found a chair, some sand, and a good book. And the rest was history! My family set off for a great weekend in St Augustine, Florida, where we spent the majority of our time at the pool. I hope that you and your family celebrated the weekend together as well!
My husband, who usually can't stop thinking about work, thanked me for planning this weekend vacation. He said his mind needed to rest from all the stresses at work for just a little while. This reminded me of Matthew 11:27-29 and the promises of God to give us rest.
Exodus 33: 14 says, "....My presence will go with you, and I (God) will give you rest." I believe that even God knew the value of rest. Even He rested on the 7th day! Rest can be valuable for your body as well as your mind. Your body, while built to last for many years, still needs rest. Each night our bodies desire that much needed break whether a quick rest on the couch or even a good night's sleep in the bed! Our minds also desire rest. So many thoughts, worries, plans, and more race through our minds everyday. So much gets crammed in at such speed that many times we struggle to remember it all! If you are like me, I have many post-it notes and 2 calendars to help me remember it all. Plus I have my husband who also tries to help me remember!
I hope that this summer you will take time to not only spend time with your family, but also to rest. Find time to rest in whatever way works for you! Lay on the couch with a good book or spend time in the tub with relaxing music while the door is locked for some much needed rest!
You may have noticed my absence the last few days, and yes, I was one of the thousands who found a chair, some sand, and a good book. And the rest was history! My family set off for a great weekend in St Augustine, Florida, where we spent the majority of our time at the pool. I hope that you and your family celebrated the weekend together as well!
My husband, who usually can't stop thinking about work, thanked me for planning this weekend vacation. He said his mind needed to rest from all the stresses at work for just a little while. This reminded me of Matthew 11:27-29 and the promises of God to give us rest.
Exodus 33: 14 says, "....My presence will go with you, and I (God) will give you rest." I believe that even God knew the value of rest. Even He rested on the 7th day! Rest can be valuable for your body as well as your mind. Your body, while built to last for many years, still needs rest. Each night our bodies desire that much needed break whether a quick rest on the couch or even a good night's sleep in the bed! Our minds also desire rest. So many thoughts, worries, plans, and more race through our minds everyday. So much gets crammed in at such speed that many times we struggle to remember it all! If you are like me, I have many post-it notes and 2 calendars to help me remember it all. Plus I have my husband who also tries to help me remember!
I hope that this summer you will take time to not only spend time with your family, but also to rest. Find time to rest in whatever way works for you! Lay on the couch with a good book or spend time in the tub with relaxing music while the door is locked for some much needed rest!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The God of all Comforts
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:1-3
If anyone has ever had to mourn the loss of a loved one, then you hopefully find great comfort from the words of Isaiah. I have been blessed by God to have only experienced 3 people very dear to me to depart this earth in my lifetime -- my great-grandmother "Big Granny," my Grandpa, and my Papa. In almost 35 years, I have been truly blessed to have had so many loved ones still a part of my life -- and now a part of my daughter's life. The picture above was taken when Alex was a baby (around 6 months old), and I am so very thankful for it!
My Papa died this past February, and his death has been a blow to our family. He was the hardest working man that I know. He had a heart for others and tried to use what God had blessed him with to reach out to help others who were in dire straights. There are days that I think of him and just smile. I remember the love and laughter he brought to our lives. Then there are other days that I sit and cry because I miss him so much!
I found this verse again this morning after remembering it from the Esther study by Beth Moore. I find so much comfort in knowing that the Lord will bind up the brokenhearted, that He will comfort all who mourn. I believe that God understands our heartache and completely understands our grief. Yet He also wants us to know that He is the God of all comforts and will provide those who grieve the "oil of joy instead of mourning." While your heartache may be very real, it doesn't have to consume you. It does not have to make you a prisoner of your grief. God will release you from darkness and place on you a "garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
Have you recently lost a loved one and need encouragement? Have you been made a prisoner by grief? Look to the Lord, the God of all Comforts, to restore your life -- not to forget but to forever remember with praise in your heart.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:1-3
My Papa died this past February, and his death has been a blow to our family. He was the hardest working man that I know. He had a heart for others and tried to use what God had blessed him with to reach out to help others who were in dire straights. There are days that I think of him and just smile. I remember the love and laughter he brought to our lives. Then there are other days that I sit and cry because I miss him so much!
I found this verse again this morning after remembering it from the Esther study by Beth Moore. I find so much comfort in knowing that the Lord will bind up the brokenhearted, that He will comfort all who mourn. I believe that God understands our heartache and completely understands our grief. Yet He also wants us to know that He is the God of all comforts and will provide those who grieve the "oil of joy instead of mourning." While your heartache may be very real, it doesn't have to consume you. It does not have to make you a prisoner of your grief. God will release you from darkness and place on you a "garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
Have you recently lost a loved one and need encouragement? Have you been made a prisoner by grief? Look to the Lord, the God of all Comforts, to restore your life -- not to forget but to forever remember with praise in your heart.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Looking Back and Saying Thanks
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6
As my daughter's year in Kindergarten comes to an end, I can't help but look back at how far she has come. Our family moved to a new city last June. My daughter was very hesitant, to say the least, to start school with a room full of children she had never met. We had prayed since our move that God would give us peace and encouragement along the way as our journey was filled with anxiousness. Upon meeting Alex's teacher that first day, I knew our prayers had been answered.
I look back now as the year comes to a close and I can't help but be thankful and praise God for his provision. I know without a doubt that God led us in this journey. I can only hope that we have given Him the praises He deserves along the way.
Along this year long journey, I hope that my family has been an example of "endurance and encouragement" and that God received all the glory along the way. I am so proud to say that while the journey has not been easy (and it's not over), God has provided beyond our expectations. Praise God whom all blessings flow!
As my daughter's year in Kindergarten comes to an end, I can't help but look back at how far she has come. Our family moved to a new city last June. My daughter was very hesitant, to say the least, to start school with a room full of children she had never met. We had prayed since our move that God would give us peace and encouragement along the way as our journey was filled with anxiousness. Upon meeting Alex's teacher that first day, I knew our prayers had been answered.
I look back now as the year comes to a close and I can't help but be thankful and praise God for his provision. I know without a doubt that God led us in this journey. I can only hope that we have given Him the praises He deserves along the way.
Along this year long journey, I hope that my family has been an example of "endurance and encouragement" and that God received all the glory along the way. I am so proud to say that while the journey has not been easy (and it's not over), God has provided beyond our expectations. Praise God whom all blessings flow!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Cry Out to the Lord
"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." Psalm 55:17
I look around me day to day and see people hurting or lives in devastation. I have friends whose marriages are in turmoil, whose hearts are broken, and whose children are suffering. I have been diligently praying for a friend and her family who has a child with a brain tumor. He is one of the sweetest little boys with a love of all things Buzz Lightyear and Lightning McQueen (Disney movies)! As I have gotten to know this family, I have been struck by my friend's complete trust in the Lord even in these dark days for her son. I have been in awe of her as she struggles day to day with exhaustion and yet manages to have the joy and peace knowing that God will give her what she needs to get through each day. It has become apparent that this sweet child's life here on earth will be short-lived yet his impact will be felt for years. He has already taught me so much, and I am so thankful that God allowed me to share a glimpse into this family's life.
I have often said that I will never understand how people without God are able to stand in the darkest of valleys. I am so thankful that the Lord, the God of all comforts, gives us Psalm 55:17 to remind us that he will hear my voice when I cry out to Him. In the darkest of days, my Lord will still be there and will hear my prayers and my cry to Him.
Think about the valley that you may be in right now. Have you prayed and cried out to the Lord? Are you afraid He won't hear you? Read aloud Psalm 55:17 and allow God to comfort you and bring you out of the valley.
I look around me day to day and see people hurting or lives in devastation. I have friends whose marriages are in turmoil, whose hearts are broken, and whose children are suffering. I have been diligently praying for a friend and her family who has a child with a brain tumor. He is one of the sweetest little boys with a love of all things Buzz Lightyear and Lightning McQueen (Disney movies)! As I have gotten to know this family, I have been struck by my friend's complete trust in the Lord even in these dark days for her son. I have been in awe of her as she struggles day to day with exhaustion and yet manages to have the joy and peace knowing that God will give her what she needs to get through each day. It has become apparent that this sweet child's life here on earth will be short-lived yet his impact will be felt for years. He has already taught me so much, and I am so thankful that God allowed me to share a glimpse into this family's life.
I have often said that I will never understand how people without God are able to stand in the darkest of valleys. I am so thankful that the Lord, the God of all comforts, gives us Psalm 55:17 to remind us that he will hear my voice when I cry out to Him. In the darkest of days, my Lord will still be there and will hear my prayers and my cry to Him.
Think about the valley that you may be in right now. Have you prayed and cried out to the Lord? Are you afraid He won't hear you? Read aloud Psalm 55:17 and allow God to comfort you and bring you out of the valley.
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