This is my Old Testament style prayer inspired by the Israelites in Nehemiah 9 and the instruction in Deuteronomy 8:10-18, so that I don't become proud and forget.
You saw her suffering and delivered her from the environment of pain.
You provided a job and caused the way to moving to a new city to be open.
You went before her, paving the way and found her a place to live.
You enabled her to succeed in her job.
You multiplied her reward and increased the respect of her peers.
You saw her loneliness and brought her to a people of great friendship.
You doubled her expectations when her job security was threatened.
You provided a new home before she became homeless.
You heard her cry and had mercy.
You opened the eyes of her heart to see the wonders of your love.
You answered her prayers and promised that the good work begun in her would be completed.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Loving God
I know there is a big gap between now and the last post, missing pieces, but I was saved tonight and I had to write. Actually I was saved before tonight, probably more times than I could ever realize. God rescued me before I even knew I needed saving. I only just got the picture.
I wasn't praying or reading my Bible when it happened, I wasn't analyzing or searching for the meaning of life, but it suddenly hit me--the hardest, darkest, most terrible time of my life was God rescuing me from something far worse and putting into motion the steps that would lead me to Him. I was overwhelmed with the mercy of God.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:1
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Verse after verse flooded my mind and for the first time it was real to me. He cares for me personally, for my situations and my future. All my life I've known God loves us so much that he made the ultimate sacrifice, but I never reciprocated. No joy, no thankfulness, no worship; the cross seemed far removed. Thanks be to God for his faithfulness, for bringing me to Richmond, to Movement and to the people who shared God's love and prayed for this day. My cup is overflowing.
I wasn't praying or reading my Bible when it happened, I wasn't analyzing or searching for the meaning of life, but it suddenly hit me--the hardest, darkest, most terrible time of my life was God rescuing me from something far worse and putting into motion the steps that would lead me to Him. I was overwhelmed with the mercy of God.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:1
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Verse after verse flooded my mind and for the first time it was real to me. He cares for me personally, for my situations and my future. All my life I've known God loves us so much that he made the ultimate sacrifice, but I never reciprocated. No joy, no thankfulness, no worship; the cross seemed far removed. Thanks be to God for his faithfulness, for bringing me to Richmond, to Movement and to the people who shared God's love and prayed for this day. My cup is overflowing.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Chasing
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22
So now comes this idea of pursuing godliness. Not just turning away from sin, but striving towards the good with the support of others. For righteousness and faith I've started trying to read the Bible everyday and pray. At first I didn't have anything to pray about, but my list grows exponentially! Pursuing love and peace seems more vague...inner peace? world peace? loving people? loving God? For now I'm letting God teach me what love is, and I can definitely see it within the church at Movement.
So now comes this idea of pursuing godliness. Not just turning away from sin, but striving towards the good with the support of others. For righteousness and faith I've started trying to read the Bible everyday and pray. At first I didn't have anything to pray about, but my list grows exponentially! Pursuing love and peace seems more vague...inner peace? world peace? loving people? loving God? For now I'm letting God teach me what love is, and I can definitely see it within the church at Movement.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Choosing to Follow
It's a beautiful thing when you can see God directing your path, and you choose to follow...not just once, but step by step. So often I let laziness rule my life and I miss opportunities.
Since moving to Virginia I had been searching for a church, but over a month passed and I still hadn't found "the one." Laziness and dejection began to creep in. Staying in bed all day on Sunday was a tempting idea. Then I made the choice to return to the last church I visited and give them another chance. They had a guest pastor that morning and I felt like his sermon was speaking directly to me. I learned that his church was near my house and they held their services on Sunday evenings.
I'll visit his church next Sunday, I thought, adding it to the list of potentials. But why wait, lazy girl? I chose to visit that same day. That night the assistant pastor taught and I felt, once again, as if his sermon had been prepared just for me. I instantly felt as if I had found my home. I was invited to a mid-week Bible study. I quickly compiled a list of excuses not to attend...it's too soon for something like that, too many strangers, I'll be tired after work, my TV show is on...but two days later I chose to attend.
I think it comes down to the choices we make. The problem is that we can't always see the outcome, we have to step out in faith, one choice at a time. For me, I now have a group of believers to support and hold me accountable as I begin my walk.
Since moving to Virginia I had been searching for a church, but over a month passed and I still hadn't found "the one." Laziness and dejection began to creep in. Staying in bed all day on Sunday was a tempting idea. Then I made the choice to return to the last church I visited and give them another chance. They had a guest pastor that morning and I felt like his sermon was speaking directly to me. I learned that his church was near my house and they held their services on Sunday evenings.
I'll visit his church next Sunday, I thought, adding it to the list of potentials. But why wait, lazy girl? I chose to visit that same day. That night the assistant pastor taught and I felt, once again, as if his sermon had been prepared just for me. I instantly felt as if I had found my home. I was invited to a mid-week Bible study. I quickly compiled a list of excuses not to attend...it's too soon for something like that, too many strangers, I'll be tired after work, my TV show is on...but two days later I chose to attend.
I think it comes down to the choices we make. The problem is that we can't always see the outcome, we have to step out in faith, one choice at a time. For me, I now have a group of believers to support and hold me accountable as I begin my walk.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Life is Short
It all started when I heard the mother of a friend had passed away. It was a childhood friend I hadn't spoken to in many years, but the news struck me hard. Life is short. Too short not to spend it with the ones you love, too short to waste in petty matters, too short not to fulfill your purpose.
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