Posts

A prayer of belonging

Image
  Praying Psalm 73:21-15 -- Oh Lord, I realize that my heart is bitter. I am all torn up inside. I have been misguided and mislead in my thoughts and conclusions. Do I seem like a dumb animal to you? Regardless of my limitations , you still want me. I belong to you, and you hold my hand tightly in yours. Your words guide me, your touch comforts me. You guide me toward the glorious destiny of your design. If I listen, you show me who I am and what I can become in you. Who else cares so much about me? May I never forget that my words and actions are for you alone. And you alone are my judge and my Redeemer. I love you more than anyone or anything. In Jesus' name, Amen. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;      I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2  When you pass through the waters,      I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,      they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire,      you will not be burned;      the flames will not set you
Post a Comment
Read more

Pray and don't give up

Image
  In Luke 18:1-8 , Jesus tells the story of an unjust judge and a widow who wasn't getting justice from an enemy. She kept imploring the judge to help her until he finally relented. This story is not a parable in which God is like the judge. Rather, this story tells us how to pray--with faith and tenacity. It also gives a promise. If this judge, who was selfish, gave justice to an insignificant person because she begged for it, how much more willingly is God to answer our prayers because we ask him to help us? He's willing. He's just waiting for us to ask, believing that we will receive. Here's a prayer of tenacity: Lord God of heaven, who is my righteous Judge, Give me justice from those who oppose me and my service to you. Help me not be discouraged in doing good. Give me relief when I am overlooked and oppressed. Give me clarity of thought and vision. Encourage my faith so I do not view you with limitations. There is nothing you can't do! You are the God of
Post a Comment
Read more

Casting out demons and asking for more of the Holy Spirit

Image
  Lord God of heaven, You are above all things and more powerful than any spiritual enemy. You know I'm under a spiritual attack . It's been going on awhile, and it just keeps getting worse. But you've beaten the devil many times, so he's no big deal to you. You've even given me the Holy Spirit so I can beat him. In your power, I've done it before, but I'm having trouble today. I feel like giving up. Yet-- You touched me and called me "highly esteemed." You say I'm worthy of your death, worthy of everlasting life. Your angels labor to come to my aid. They fight against the demons assigned to hurt me. Because the devil knows the calling on my life, and he knows what happens when your children are fully surrendered to you. God, I fully surrender myself to you again today, every minute, every moment when I have another selfish thought or another vengeful emotion-- I again surrender . Sometimes, I do it grudgingly. Always in desperation. Always yo
Post a Comment
Read more

New day, new experience with God

Image
  Lord God, It's another glorious day   that could've slipped past me without me noticing or thanking you for it. Another sunrise I almost missed . But you whispered, "Come see me" as I lay in bed. So I came to the quiet place to meet you. Thank you. Then an hour flew by in worship and contemplation , just because I took the time to watch you paint a sunrise.  It peeked over the horizon and hung itself in the bright blue sky. I've taken off two days because I knew that my soul needed you more than I needed to get things done. It took me a whole day just to make peace with doing nothing but listen . Forgive me. I'm sorry I let myself get out of touch with you. How often I miss you because I'm too busy serving you! In a flurry to do good and make a difference, I limit you from making a difference in me because I'm not fully present with you. And no matter how many times I realize that I do this-- no matter how many times I ask forgiveness for not spendi
1 comment
Read more