At the core

 

John 3:16 NIV

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The core message and the reason why we live is because God gave His only Son so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish.  Rather they shall have eternal life.  God loved us and loves that much.  He did not spare His own Son for mere humans.  

I think sometimes we, or at least I, can get caught up in trying to do so much that I forget the foundation.  The foundation is Christ.  The foundation is His free gift to me.  Eternal life did not cost me anything, but Christ everything.  And He did it anyway.  Knowing that such grace was lavished on me spurs me to lavish grace on others.

To excuse and forgive that student who is having an attitude about having to take responsibility.  To forgive that driver who zips through the the lanes of the highway, possibly cutting you off. To make time for people when there are other things you want to do or need to be doing. Its pausing and being a servant knowing it will get done.

The message of the gospel impels you to have a heart of gratitude and posture of humility.  Its living life daily acknowledging the One is in control.  Trusting in Him and living for Him.  Its giving love back know we could never repay God for what He has done.  Its walking in freedom because Christ sacrifice has set you free.  Its breathing and having our being.  Its the pulse of the Christians heart.

Lord, I thank You for Your love.  You loved me enough to for me and this world. Let me not lose sight of that by focusing on things and task.  Let me focus on You and live my life with the core message at the forefront so it will guide my thoughts and actions.  Bless your people.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Prayer

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 KJV

Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Someone stated that 'prayer is the powerful connection between our needs and our God and He is always more than enough."  I am at teacher and I pray everyday and throughout the day.  I pray for strength and clarity of thought. I pray that students will learn and be obedient.  I pray for peace.  

I pray for my children, both adult and young adult.  I pray for my husband and I intercede on the behalf of others. I pray for traveling mercies. I pray for those on the highways and byways. I pray because I know God hears me,  He answers every call.  He is good like that.  He is gracious and loving and He meets every need and even some wants.

His word tells us to pray without ceasing.  Give it all to Him and  in everything give thanks. I thank God in advance for what He will do and for what He has already done.  Its having a heart posture of humility as we depend on God for everything and one of gratitude as we thank God for everything.

Prayer does not have to be fancy or hard.  It is just a conversation between You and the Lord. Its a rhythm of connection between You and the Father. Just call on Jesus. He will be there.

Lord, I thank You for prayer.  For a way to communicate and commune with You.  Let me pray without ceasing and always give You praise so that Your peace may be ushered in.  Bless your people. Bless those whose eyes have yet to be opened to You. May they find their way.  In Jesus name.  Amen 

A Time to Praise

 

Psalms 107:1 NIV

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Father, You are good a righteous.  You are merciful and kind.  You are good and your love is like no other.  When I am weak, It is You that makes me strong.  You go with me throughout my day.  You give me wisdom.  You tell me what battles to pick and You lead me on the right path.  It is You that directs my steps and orders my way.  I love You Lord and praise You for all that You are: Counselor, Prince of Peace, Savior, Lord of my life .I can't thank You enough for all that You have done.  Thank You sweet Jesus.  I

I thank You for Your love that covers me. That opens Your arms to me when I go astray.  Love that tells me that I am yours no matter what.  Thank You for a love that endures through all circumstances.  Thank You for dying on the cross for me and rising from the grave that I might have eternal life.  Thank You for the confidence that Your love brings.  Thank You for You.

There are times when You just need to praise the Lord for who He is.  So often, I can get caught up in the asking for God to be with me and do this and that for me that I don't make the time to simply praise Him for His marvelous works. We serve a good God and He deserve a heart posture of gratitude and praise from our lips.  God is a good God.  The only God and He deserves it all.

Thank You Lord for an opportunity to just say thank You.  Help me to pause and reflect on Your goodness and offer the praise that is due to You.  May your people praise You.  In Jesus name. Amen

Who do they see?

 

Acts 4:13 NIV

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus

They took note that these men had been with Jesus.  I love this and this scripture provoked me to ask myself would others know that I had been with Jesus? Does my life reflect time in His presence and in His Word? For the goal, at least my goal,  is that people see Jesus when they see me.  My life should be a reflection of Him and it should point others to Christ.

Do the words that I speak point to Jesus? Do the things I do and choose not to do reflect a life with Jesus? Am I loving and bold for Christ? Is Jesus pleased with me?

I think it begins with a posture of humility. Realizing that salvation is just the beginning and there is more to learn of His character and way.  Abiding in Him and Him in me because apart from Him I can do nothing.  I can bear no fruit unless I am abiding in Him (John 15:4-5).

Spending time in His Word and prayer.  Taking the time to not only talk to Jesus, but listen and obey.  Going to the quiet place where it’s just You and Him and sitting at His feet.  The joy alone that brings. Letting Him transform me into His image daily.  That’s how others will know.  

Father,  I want others to see You when they cross my path so hide me behind You.  May I spend time with You.  Not just being busy, but being still in your presence.  May others see You and want to know You for themselves.  May they take note.  Lord, I thank You for Your healing and the prayers of the saints.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Healing

 

Isaiah 53:5 NIV

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Today I don’t feel well.  Yet, I am pushing through and claiming healing in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I have a Savior who took my sins upon Him.  A Savior that suffered for me that I might be healed.  Healed physically and spiritually.  He is the gas in my tank. The reason why I can stand.  I faith in what my God can do.  

Father thank You for caring enough about me to die for me.  Thank You for eternal life.  Thank You for healing that only You can bring.  Thank You for healing my sin sick soul.  I love You Lord and pray for Your blessings on your people today.  Let me be of good countenance. In Jesus name.  Amen

Life lessons-ever present help

 

Psalms 46:1 NIV

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

My son sent me a message about the chandelier light over my kitchen table.  In the picture it shows how the wires are exposed and it is hanging.  I’m at work so thoughts of it dropping and crashing rush through my head.  I am concerned and little panicked, but the first thing I do is send the picture to my husband and even better my I send it to my Dad.  

My  Dad immediately responds and tells me that everything will be okay and he offers his help.  He tells me that there is no threat of the wires pulling loose.  Just talking to my Dad, hearing from calms me as he tells me he is on the way.  

My home “emergency “ got me thinking about my relationship with my Heavenly Father.  I can call on at anytime and He answers.  His Word and Spirit whisper words of reassurance.  He lets me know that everything will be alright.  He has me.  He is my refuge and ever present help. Just knowing I can call on Him ushers in peace.  

 

After I spoke to my earthly Dad I went into prayer to talk to my Father.  I asked for His help in the repair.  I asked Him for peace.  He granted both request.  As I my dad maneuvered the bolts and adjusted the wiring I thought about how God makes adjustments to me.  Getting my faith to be “just right”.  I am connected to Him and He won’t let me fall.

Father, thank You for the lessons in everyday life events.  Thank You for letting me see You at work in my life.  The enemy tries to steal, kill, and destroy but You don’t allow his weapons to prosper.  You bring abundant life.  You let nothing separate us from Your love. I tbtYou and praise your Holy name.  Let me always look to You.  Forgive for the times I try to do it myself.  In Jesus name. Amen

Dealing with disappointment

 

1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Have you ever faced disappointment? I have and they don’t feel good.  But God.  God steps in a fills the void of unmet expectations with His compassion and love.  He has a word for every situation and circumstance.  

Today I was disappointed.  I was so excited about an outcome that turned another way.  What would be my next step? Would I stay down a wallow and get tangled in anxiety or would I let His love speak to me? His word tells me to humble myself under God”a mighty hand that he may lift me up on due time.  The outcome I was seeking didn’t happen today, but it will in God’s timing.  So I will wait on the Lord and be of good courage and let Him strengthen my heart (Psalm 27:14).

I won’t worry and let anxiety grip me in fear.  Instead I will cast my cares upon Him for He cares for me(1 Peter 5:7).  I will trust God with my heart and the outcome and be of good cheer because He loves me.  It’s going to be okay because God’s got me. I know He has good plans for me. Plans to prosper me, to give me hope, and a future(Jeremiah 29:11).  My identity is not in my disappointment or outcome, but in Christ.

Father, sometimes things don’t turn out according to plan and I get disappointed.  When this happens remind me that Your plans are greater and will be accomplished.  Let Your unfailing love speak to me so that my countenance may be lifted and I can be strong of heart.  I love You Lord and I thank You for goodness and mercy.  In Jesus name.  Amen