Authenticity is valuable. It can seem to be quite difficult to come across in the world. There are many fronts and guards, masks, and disguises placed before authenticity.
God is authentic. Jesus is real.
Jesus wasn't and isn't a pretender. His words were declarations sealed with truth. He always encourages us to be real and not to just "do," but to "become" and to "be." How?...
God doesn't give us a command like, "Love!" And not follow through with beautiful display. He paints the realest declaration of Love and encourages us to hop on board and follow in his ways. He always gives us the necessary abilities. We don't have to create the power within ourselves. We can ask and believe Him for intervening strength to be be at work inside us. It brings change.
1 John 4:
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
Jesus isn't just a words guy, is he? God didn't just say, "I love you...believe it!" He put his love on display.
He is the word ALIVE. He is active and powerful!
Am I living in truth? Am speaking words that are ALIVE? What do my words produce or kill off? How about my actions? Do my words and my actions match? And how about my intentions?...Wow...
Show me how to love like you do. Expose my intentions and let truth prevail and win in this life!!!
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. -Hebrews 4:12
G
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Friendship
Listen closely. Friendship is my gift to you. Hold it and nurture it. But let it go when it's time. I have something greater for you. Allow me to lead. Believe me.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. -Ephesians 1:17
Jesus, may I embrace your friendship. Holy Spirit, help me to tune in and back down in humility. May my defenses against you crumble. I need you.
That's all tonight. Quite tired, but sincere in this prayer. I want to get closer to Christ. I want to move deeper into freedom. I want to release all fear in Jesus name.
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
You've got all the power I need and I take hold of your strength! Strength to let go.. strength to move forward...strength to believe. Desperate for change.
I really need you.
Grace
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. -Ephesians 1:17
Jesus, may I embrace your friendship. Holy Spirit, help me to tune in and back down in humility. May my defenses against you crumble. I need you.
That's all tonight. Quite tired, but sincere in this prayer. I want to get closer to Christ. I want to move deeper into freedom. I want to release all fear in Jesus name.
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
You've got all the power I need and I take hold of your strength! Strength to let go.. strength to move forward...strength to believe. Desperate for change.
I really need you.
Grace
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Lift Me Up
Father,
Praise you!
You are worthy of honor and all of my attention.
You are stable and sturdy. You are reliable.
Open my eyes to that which is greater. I want to see! Lift me up with you so I can see what you see.
G
Praise you!
You are worthy of honor and all of my attention.
You are stable and sturdy. You are reliable.
You have given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand upholds me, and Your humility exalts me. -Psalm 18:35
Your willingness to help enables me to prevail.
I AM IN NEED OF YOU!!! ... It's a great need!!!
G
Refuge In You
Psalm 73 reminds me that you are the best for me. You are right for me. You are good for me. You are for me and I need you.
23Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength[b] of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
Help me to find my refuge in you!
Grace
23Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength[b] of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28 But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
Help me to find my refuge in you!
Grace
Friday, July 12, 2013
Are You Listening?
Am I? ... Am I listening? Am I asking for your voice and inquiring of your heart?... Because when I do- you always seem to open these eyes. You know just what I need to be shown in order to grow and progress closer to you. When I am closer to you, I am in love. And when I am living in love, I am living and giving light.
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Grow Me Up Like You Desire
At about the same time, the disciples came to Jesus asking, “Who gets the highest rank in God’s kingdom?”For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. -Matthew 18:1-5 MSG
Today I tapped into my inner child. :)
The child-like heart came to surface and, boy, was it refreshing!!
It's a natural part of my relationship with my heavenly Father, isn't it?
To become like a child is a desire he has for me, his daughter! Well what do ya know?! ;)
Today I saw that when I lay aside my [analytical adult-like, take matters and life and circumstances into my own hands and my own power, try to figure out what God is doing all the time-] attitude aside, I make room for trusting and obeying and playing and living and being. Taking off my "director hat" and just jumping into the scene is good for me...it's RIGHT. I don't belong trying to direct my own story. I belong following and chasing and listening to my author and allowing Him space to correct, change, and adjust me to his desires for my life. And ya know, I noticed- when I ease up a bit and let go of the reigns, I see this happening more so.
Today I went on a bike ride. I haven't done so in at least a decade. And wow... it brought me back.
Father, may I come to you like a child who doesn't try to parent herself but, instead, receives her Daddy's love and care.
Growing up not old,
Grace
Today I tapped into my inner child. :)
The child-like heart came to surface and, boy, was it refreshing!!
It's a natural part of my relationship with my heavenly Father, isn't it?
To become like a child is a desire he has for me, his daughter! Well what do ya know?! ;)
Today I saw that when I lay aside my [analytical adult-like, take matters and life and circumstances into my own hands and my own power, try to figure out what God is doing all the time-] attitude aside, I make room for trusting and obeying and playing and living and being. Taking off my "director hat" and just jumping into the scene is good for me...it's RIGHT. I don't belong trying to direct my own story. I belong following and chasing and listening to my author and allowing Him space to correct, change, and adjust me to his desires for my life. And ya know, I noticed- when I ease up a bit and let go of the reigns, I see this happening more so.
Today I went on a bike ride. I haven't done so in at least a decade. And wow... it brought me back.
Father, may I come to you like a child who doesn't try to parent herself but, instead, receives her Daddy's love and care.
Growing up not old,
Grace
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Reflections From Nehemiah 1
Keep in mind, O Lord, the order you gave your servant Moses, saying, If you do wrong I will send you wandering among the peoples: But if you come back to me and keep my orders and do them, even if those of you who have been forced out are living in the farthest parts of heaven, I will get them from there, and take them back to the place marked out by me for the resting-place of my name. -Nehemiah 1:8-9
Nehemiah knew what God had spoken and so came to Him with this knowledge and belief in place.
Knowing who your audience is- changes your approach.
We learn this in persuasive speech 101!
Don't we learn it as whiny begging children too? ;) ...How does Grandma respond vs. how does Mom and Dad best "bend?" Which tone should I take?
What about as a teacher? Don't you approach a kindergarten class differently than you'd approach freshmen in college? ...
Even a salesman takes different approaches at his job.
But all the same, knowing your audience is key!
So what about with GOD?
How do I pursuade GOD?
How do I change God's mind or get God's attention???
Toughy?
What if prayer has absolutely nothing to do with persuasion tactics on God but rather He has gone above and beyond to convince US that He is in our favor, he loves us to the ends and back, he has good gifts to bestow, he has everything we need, he just wants us to approach him with authenticity and humility!
If I came before God Almighty with understanding of WHO HE IS, my approach would become more authentic and my ego would fall into humble submission. Why? Because he is completely accepting of me. He is the God of forgiveness, second chances, thirds, and fourths! He loves well. He loves me best. He calls and invites me and then waits for me to come to Him. Any acts of convincing, on my part, is a sign that I don't fully understand his vastness of love. What God desires of me is a heart of surrender and submission to his love. And his love is everything I desire and need.
Nehemiah knew what God had spoken and so came to Him with this knowledge and belief in place.
Knowing who your audience is- changes your approach.
We learn this in persuasive speech 101!
Don't we learn it as whiny begging children too? ;) ...How does Grandma respond vs. how does Mom and Dad best "bend?" Which tone should I take?
What about as a teacher? Don't you approach a kindergarten class differently than you'd approach freshmen in college? ...
Even a salesman takes different approaches at his job.
But all the same, knowing your audience is key!
So what about with GOD?
How do I pursuade GOD?
How do I change God's mind or get God's attention???
Toughy?
What if prayer has absolutely nothing to do with persuasion tactics on God but rather He has gone above and beyond to convince US that He is in our favor, he loves us to the ends and back, he has good gifts to bestow, he has everything we need, he just wants us to approach him with authenticity and humility!
If I came before God Almighty with understanding of WHO HE IS, my approach would become more authentic and my ego would fall into humble submission. Why? Because he is completely accepting of me. He is the God of forgiveness, second chances, thirds, and fourths! He loves well. He loves me best. He calls and invites me and then waits for me to come to Him. Any acts of convincing, on my part, is a sign that I don't fully understand his vastness of love. What God desires of me is a heart of surrender and submission to his love. And his love is everything I desire and need.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Role Play...Action!
It is vital to know your role...
This past weekend, I played a game of "Celebrity Charades." It's fun! You should try it...
With a bowl full of folded pieces of paper with famous people's names on written on them, you pick one and describe to your teammates who the "celeb" is with as many words as you want. (No "rhymes with" or "sounds like..." of course ;)) In round two you can use only one word to describe! (More difficult.) And by the time round three rolls around you can use actions only to get your teammates guessing correctly. It's tough! I noticed that you've really gotta "know your role." If you don't know who the person on your piece of paper is, it feels almost impossible to help your teammates get on track. You start looking crazy...trust me. ;)
So this all comes to mind tonight because I am looking into "The Body of Christ." Isn't it important to know your role here too? Isn't it of value to the rest of your teammates, if you know your part?
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. -Ephesians 4:11-16
What if you don't know your "work" or your "role"? What if you're afraid of what it consists of? We must let go of fear and embrace our design. We must play our roles- for the sake of the body. For the cause of Christ.
Do my actions, words, thoughts and attitudes give life and bring forth truth and encouragement? In my daily walk, do I build up or tear down? Do I bring life to the table? Do I come with answers and ideas or complaints? Do I come ready and eager to work or do I come lazy and annoyed and passive? What is my approach with people- especially other people who are a part of the body of Christ? Am I inviting? Am I "in love?"
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -John 13:35
How's my joking? How's my reaction to course jokes? Where is my focus?
These questions are good. After Ephesians 4 comes Ephesians 5, go figure, which says in verse 1: "Be imitators of God!"
Ever spend so much time around someone you start acting like them? It's not like your faking it, they just rub off on you...there is an influence...they have an impact on you. God doesn't just sort of rub off on me, he changes me. He goes deep and fixes and re-arranges and heals and renews and there is a byproduct of light.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” -John 8:12
Something to think about today.
Grace Joy-
This past weekend, I played a game of "Celebrity Charades." It's fun! You should try it...
With a bowl full of folded pieces of paper with famous people's names on written on them, you pick one and describe to your teammates who the "celeb" is with as many words as you want. (No "rhymes with" or "sounds like..." of course ;)) In round two you can use only one word to describe! (More difficult.) And by the time round three rolls around you can use actions only to get your teammates guessing correctly. It's tough! I noticed that you've really gotta "know your role." If you don't know who the person on your piece of paper is, it feels almost impossible to help your teammates get on track. You start looking crazy...trust me. ;)
So this all comes to mind tonight because I am looking into "The Body of Christ." Isn't it important to know your role here too? Isn't it of value to the rest of your teammates, if you know your part?
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. -Ephesians 4:11-16
What if you don't know your "work" or your "role"? What if you're afraid of what it consists of? We must let go of fear and embrace our design. We must play our roles- for the sake of the body. For the cause of Christ.
Do my actions, words, thoughts and attitudes give life and bring forth truth and encouragement? In my daily walk, do I build up or tear down? Do I bring life to the table? Do I come with answers and ideas or complaints? Do I come ready and eager to work or do I come lazy and annoyed and passive? What is my approach with people- especially other people who are a part of the body of Christ? Am I inviting? Am I "in love?"
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -John 13:35
How's my joking? How's my reaction to course jokes? Where is my focus?
These questions are good. After Ephesians 4 comes Ephesians 5, go figure, which says in verse 1: "Be imitators of God!"
Ever spend so much time around someone you start acting like them? It's not like your faking it, they just rub off on you...there is an influence...they have an impact on you. God doesn't just sort of rub off on me, he changes me. He goes deep and fixes and re-arranges and heals and renews and there is a byproduct of light.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” -John 8:12
Something to think about today.
Grace Joy-
Monday, July 8, 2013
Get Glad
In 1 Thessalonians 5 we find:
"Rejoice always..."
or
"Be joyful always..."
This joy referenced is a gladness.
Lord, show me how to walk in gladness...
When I looked it up, the definition of glad that stuck out most to me was: appreciative.
So walking in appreciation...Hm...
In order to walk in appreciation, I must take a step back and allow the Holy Spirit to highlight truth in my circumstance. In my every circumstance. For where there is truth, there is light, and something is praiseworthy!
Thinking about it.
G
"Rejoice always..."
or
"Be joyful always..."
This joy referenced is a gladness.
Lord, show me how to walk in gladness...
When I looked it up, the definition of glad that stuck out most to me was: appreciative.
So walking in appreciation...Hm...
In order to walk in appreciation, I must take a step back and allow the Holy Spirit to highlight truth in my circumstance. In my every circumstance. For where there is truth, there is light, and something is praiseworthy!
Thinking about it.
G
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
All Things
Moving forward may mean letting go of all that has been known. Ever think of it? "NEW" is unknown. New is new! It's not what you've had before. It is new! It is not familiar...It is not completely understood yet. It's foreign. It's mystery may frighten you.
Does uncertainty make me close up? Yes, sometimes it does...
Today Jesus is helping me to better realize my needs, so I can present them before the Father.
Lord, I love that you are my haven. Help me to hide only in you. Help me to step out and up; to rise to the proper occasions you desire for me to come forth to. Help me to sit down when it's not my turn.
THANK YOU GOD!
Grace
Does uncertainty make me close up? Yes, sometimes it does...
Today Jesus is helping me to better realize my needs, so I can present them before the Father.
Lord, I love that you are my haven. Help me to hide only in you. Help me to step out and up; to rise to the proper occasions you desire for me to come forth to. Help me to sit down when it's not my turn.
THANK YOU GOD!
Grace
Friday, July 5, 2013
Don't Give Up
Today I am encouraged! Although it's normal to walk through difficult seasons in life, it doesn't make it easy. Life can be tough! Circumstances can make you feel hopeless. But we are not hopeless in Christ.
18 See, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, and on those who hope for His loving-kindness, 19 to save their soul from death, and to keep them alive when there is nothing to eat. 20 Our soul waits for the Lord. He is our help and our safe cover. 21 For our heart is full of joy in Him, because we trust in His holy name. 22 O Lord, let Your loving-kindness be upon us as we put our hope in You. -Psalm 33
I am encouraged to turn to God for the answer in the unknown. I am encouraged to worship him in the difficulty and thank him in the moment I yearn to speak complaint. I am urged to remember that He is my sure savior, comfort, and hiding place. He is a haven. He is on time. He is for me. He is GOD.
Lord Jesus, have your way! I turn to you....I want your will to be accomplished over all else.
I'm not giving up. I put my hope in you. I believe you have plans...
Help me turn to you each day! Help me to hope in you and not circumstances alone. You can do anything. You can change it all.
Thank you for reminding me this tonight. You are good. You are God.
18 See, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, and on those who hope for His loving-kindness, 19 to save their soul from death, and to keep them alive when there is nothing to eat. 20 Our soul waits for the Lord. He is our help and our safe cover. 21 For our heart is full of joy in Him, because we trust in His holy name. 22 O Lord, let Your loving-kindness be upon us as we put our hope in You. -Psalm 33
I am encouraged to turn to God for the answer in the unknown. I am encouraged to worship him in the difficulty and thank him in the moment I yearn to speak complaint. I am urged to remember that He is my sure savior, comfort, and hiding place. He is a haven. He is on time. He is for me. He is GOD.
Lord Jesus, have your way! I turn to you....I want your will to be accomplished over all else.
I'm not giving up. I put my hope in you. I believe you have plans...
Help me turn to you each day! Help me to hope in you and not circumstances alone. You can do anything. You can change it all.
Thank you for reminding me this tonight. You are good. You are God.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Remember the Promises
Remember! And speak my promises!!! Remember!!!
Grace, I have given and spoken words of truth that have yet to pass but keep believing.
Tonight is an instruction to BE REMINDED and BELIEVE AGAIN! For because you have yet to see these things come to pass, DOESN'T mean they are forgotten by God.
Remember His promise!
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness... -2 Peter 3:9
Grace, I have given and spoken words of truth that have yet to pass but keep believing.
Tonight is an instruction to BE REMINDED and BELIEVE AGAIN! For because you have yet to see these things come to pass, DOESN'T mean they are forgotten by God.
Remember His promise!
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness... -2 Peter 3:9
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
I'm Not Blogging Tonight
When I find myself looking for truth so I can blog about it, talk about it, look like I'm about it but not truly be about it. It's time to stop blogging, talking, and appearing to be, and get alone with Him, so I can become.
Signing out,
Grace
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Look How Far You've Come
Today I heard great wisdom... "Look how far you've come."
When's the last time I looked back and all around to see that where I am today is completely different than where I was 1 year ago...2 years ago...
Wow. It's amazing!
I'm working in you. When you walk with me, you change. Don't be afraid. Hasn't it always been for the better? ...Good change.
THANK YOU GOD!
When you follow me, you walk a strong journey. The stories are ones of victory and delight.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun. -Psalm 37:4-5
Thoughts for the evening,
Lord- grant me strength for you know what tomorrow holds!!
I love you,
Grace
When's the last time I looked back and all around to see that where I am today is completely different than where I was 1 year ago...2 years ago...
Wow. It's amazing!
I'm working in you. When you walk with me, you change. Don't be afraid. Hasn't it always been for the better? ...Good change.
THANK YOU GOD!
When you follow me, you walk a strong journey. The stories are ones of victory and delight.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun. -Psalm 37:4-5
Thoughts for the evening,
Lord- grant me strength for you know what tomorrow holds!!
I love you,
Grace
Monday, July 1, 2013
Attitude In Prayer
Today I heard something on attitude...
Attitude in prayer.
What is my attitude when I approach God?...When I hear from God?
Am I coming whiny and doubtful or faith-filled with anticipation?
Do I shut off when I hear something contrary to what I expected to "get out of" God?
Where did my expectations come from? Is their a selfish expectation... or selfless availability and readiness to serve?
What's my attitude in prayer?
I feel urgently and loudly reminded that we are instructed in the book of Philippians to come with THANKSGIVING! "Attitude of Gratitude," right?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. -Hebrews 4:15-16
Hebrews reminds me of who I am coming to... When I realize who God is, who I am approaching, my tone changes. Isn't that true all the time? When you speak with your mom it sounds different than when you speak with your professor or your neighbor or the grocery store clerk, right?
I hope to find my most intimate relationship being with God. I hope that our talks are most authentic. I mean even if I don't currently feel close to God, I can remember that nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. -Hebrews 4:13
God is aware of everything I am bringing to Him and all that I'm trying to hide... Might as well just come open, and with clear knowledge and belief, a faith, that says- Thank you for loving me in my mess. Thank you for loving me the same always. Thank you for your ability and strength available to me. I need help! I want YOUR help! I am tired and I need your strength.
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31
Tonight-this is my prayer. Thank you for listening and caring!
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. -1 Peter 5:7
Grace
Attitude in prayer.
What is my attitude when I approach God?...When I hear from God?
Am I coming whiny and doubtful or faith-filled with anticipation?
Do I shut off when I hear something contrary to what I expected to "get out of" God?
Where did my expectations come from? Is their a selfish expectation... or selfless availability and readiness to serve?
What's my attitude in prayer?
I feel urgently and loudly reminded that we are instructed in the book of Philippians to come with THANKSGIVING! "Attitude of Gratitude," right?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. -Hebrews 4:15-16
Hebrews reminds me of who I am coming to... When I realize who God is, who I am approaching, my tone changes. Isn't that true all the time? When you speak with your mom it sounds different than when you speak with your professor or your neighbor or the grocery store clerk, right?
I hope to find my most intimate relationship being with God. I hope that our talks are most authentic. I mean even if I don't currently feel close to God, I can remember that nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. -Hebrews 4:13
God is aware of everything I am bringing to Him and all that I'm trying to hide... Might as well just come open, and with clear knowledge and belief, a faith, that says- Thank you for loving me in my mess. Thank you for loving me the same always. Thank you for your ability and strength available to me. I need help! I want YOUR help! I am tired and I need your strength.
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31
Tonight-this is my prayer. Thank you for listening and caring!
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. -1 Peter 5:7
Grace
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