One of the most important things that a believer can do is pray for others. 1 Samuel 12:23 says, "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you." We are not only expected to pray for others, but it is sinful not to!
Just in the past year, I have made the connection between God's Word and prayer. We all know that reading the Bible is important. We all know that praying is important. I cannot believe I am just learning the power of praying God's Word! I'm sure that I have been taught to do that sometime before, but I must have not been paying attention. I am just learning to use His Word in prayer and already I can see the power in doing so.
I came across a passage I had marked to pray for others today and I felt very led to share it. This is a passage for those who need wisdom, enlightenment, and revelation. It could be prayed for someone who is lost, or away from God because of sin, or even yourself when you need extra strength. This is how I pray these verses:
(Ephesians 1:16-19) Lord, I will not stop giving thanks for ___________. Help me to remember __________ in my prayers always. I am asking that You, God of our Lord Jesus Christ, glorious Father, may give ______________ the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that ____________ may know you better. I pray also that the eyes of ______________'s heart may be enlightened in order that he/she may know the hope to which you have called him/her, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and Your incomparably great power for us who believe. (Ephesians 5:8-10) ___________ is in darkness now, but I pray that he/she would be light in You, Lord, live as a child of light and find out what pleases, You, Lord. I pray that ____________ would have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. (v. 14-16) It is said: Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Let _______________ live not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Help ________________ not to be foolish but understand what Your will is, dear Lord. IN Jesus's name I pray, Amen.
I am hoping to keep this prayer close and remember to pray it for someone every day. There are so many living in darkness. I know He is more than able to bring them all into the light. I cannot wait to see what the Lord is going to do!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The Birds
I went for a walk this morning for the first time in a couple weeks. It was so beautiful outside! Extremely cold, but very beautiful. The sun was shining. The birds were all around, singing their little songs and pecking around. I
love to watch birds. To me they are a beautiful reminder of our Creator. They come in all shapes, colors, and have different purposes. I look at them and cannot imagine that they were not created by an awesome intelligent being. They were created by my God.
I began to wonder, as I often do, how people can see all the magnificent things of creation and not believe in God. He is so evident to me. Not only in creation, but in my life. The way things always work out for me. Maybe not in the way I had hoped but in the way that is best for me.
I worry a lot about people who don't believe in God. Not only for the consequences that they personally will face, but what about the consequences of those they influence. If I am wrong, and there is nothing after death, what have I lost? I have led a decent life. I've tried my best to be kind to others and help others when I can. Nothing much lost.
However, if they are wrong, they will lose everything.
This thought always leads me to another thought. The value of an unborn life. One of the great debates of our time. There is no way we can know for sure if that tiny life has a soul. Many Christians turn to Jeremiah 1:5 for insight into this: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you". So, what if we are wrong? We did not take any innocent lives. But what if those who fight for abortion are wrong and the words of Jeremiah 1:5 are true for all human life?...
I think there are areas in all of our lives that we need to stop and think, "What if I'm wrong?" Sometimes we let our emotions or our culture influence the way we think. If you are a believer, there is only one place to turn for answers. Study the Word and pray for insight.
Our country is becoming a scarier and scarier place to stand up for Biblical beliefs. We will only be able to do it if we are constantly in the Word. It is not easy to stay in the Word, I know too well. I am the worst. But if we want to be convinced that God is real, and have unwavering faith, we must depend on God's Word! I have learned this truth first hand!
I also want to share with you another truth that the birds always remind me of. In Matthew 6:25-27 Jesus says, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Thank you, Lord for always providing for me. Whether my need is food, clothes, or just peace of mind, You have always been faithful to provide! Thank you for the tiny little things in every day life that are reminders of Your love for us! Help us to be strong and unwavering and fully confident in You! I love You! In Jesus's name I pray, Amen.
love to watch birds. To me they are a beautiful reminder of our Creator. They come in all shapes, colors, and have different purposes. I look at them and cannot imagine that they were not created by an awesome intelligent being. They were created by my God.
I began to wonder, as I often do, how people can see all the magnificent things of creation and not believe in God. He is so evident to me. Not only in creation, but in my life. The way things always work out for me. Maybe not in the way I had hoped but in the way that is best for me.
I worry a lot about people who don't believe in God. Not only for the consequences that they personally will face, but what about the consequences of those they influence. If I am wrong, and there is nothing after death, what have I lost? I have led a decent life. I've tried my best to be kind to others and help others when I can. Nothing much lost.
However, if they are wrong, they will lose everything.
This thought always leads me to another thought. The value of an unborn life. One of the great debates of our time. There is no way we can know for sure if that tiny life has a soul. Many Christians turn to Jeremiah 1:5 for insight into this: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you". So, what if we are wrong? We did not take any innocent lives. But what if those who fight for abortion are wrong and the words of Jeremiah 1:5 are true for all human life?...
I think there are areas in all of our lives that we need to stop and think, "What if I'm wrong?" Sometimes we let our emotions or our culture influence the way we think. If you are a believer, there is only one place to turn for answers. Study the Word and pray for insight.
Our country is becoming a scarier and scarier place to stand up for Biblical beliefs. We will only be able to do it if we are constantly in the Word. It is not easy to stay in the Word, I know too well. I am the worst. But if we want to be convinced that God is real, and have unwavering faith, we must depend on God's Word! I have learned this truth first hand!
I also want to share with you another truth that the birds always remind me of. In Matthew 6:25-27 Jesus says, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Thank you, Lord for always providing for me. Whether my need is food, clothes, or just peace of mind, You have always been faithful to provide! Thank you for the tiny little things in every day life that are reminders of Your love for us! Help us to be strong and unwavering and fully confident in You! I love You! In Jesus's name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Law Breakers
My mind is stuck right now. I have tried every way to get it unstuck, but it will not unstick. I prayed about it. I tried reading my Bible but, it's still stuck.
I told God that I did not really want to get into this today, but I think He has another plan....
It's just a pet peeve of mine. When people bring up Old Testament law as a way to mock Christianity or try to dispute certain beliefs of Christianity. I used to be very confused about all of the old laws too, so I prayed for guidance. One thing God revealed to me is that I am a Gentile and those laws were written for the Old Testament Jews. They don't pertain to me.
That is not to say that the entire Old Testament is irrelevant. There is much more to God's Word in the Old Testament than just the Jewish law. There are some sins addressed in the Old Testament that are simply part of God's moral standards. These sins are still addressed in the New Testament. If you are unsure, educated yourself. Seriously study your Bible. Pray for answers. You will find them!
Thirdly, in Matthew 5:17, Jesus says that He came to fulfill the law. Jesus came in place of the law. Hebrews is a book to read for info on this. It gave me a great peace and understanding of the entire matter!
Last of all, Titus 3:9 says, "Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless." I agree! This is the exact verse I tried to use to get out of writing this blog. I don't want to quarrel or cause controversy. God showed me that stating the truth was not quarreling. It is simply stating the truth!
Now, the Truth can cause controversy with those that don't believe in it, but it is probably also useless to argue with those people. Read your Bible, pray for them, and love them anyway! :)
I told God that I did not really want to get into this today, but I think He has another plan....
It's just a pet peeve of mine. When people bring up Old Testament law as a way to mock Christianity or try to dispute certain beliefs of Christianity. I used to be very confused about all of the old laws too, so I prayed for guidance. One thing God revealed to me is that I am a Gentile and those laws were written for the Old Testament Jews. They don't pertain to me.
That is not to say that the entire Old Testament is irrelevant. There is much more to God's Word in the Old Testament than just the Jewish law. There are some sins addressed in the Old Testament that are simply part of God's moral standards. These sins are still addressed in the New Testament. If you are unsure, educated yourself. Seriously study your Bible. Pray for answers. You will find them!
Thirdly, in Matthew 5:17, Jesus says that He came to fulfill the law. Jesus came in place of the law. Hebrews is a book to read for info on this. It gave me a great peace and understanding of the entire matter!
Last of all, Titus 3:9 says, "Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless." I agree! This is the exact verse I tried to use to get out of writing this blog. I don't want to quarrel or cause controversy. God showed me that stating the truth was not quarreling. It is simply stating the truth!
Now, the Truth can cause controversy with those that don't believe in it, but it is probably also useless to argue with those people. Read your Bible, pray for them, and love them anyway! :)
Thursday, January 17, 2013
A Child
I started this blog last year as kind of a New Year's resolution. A resolution to grow more in faith, and wisdom, and obedience. Well.... like most New Year's resolutions, the blog kind of waned towards the end of the year. The busy-ness of life caught up with me. I do have to say that last year was probably my best year ever though. God truly increased my faith. I gained a bit of wisdom. Unfortunately, I was not always obedient. Too busy = missed time in the Word, which = missed Words from my precious Father. However, it is a new year! And with Christ, every day is a new opportunity to better. His grace is never-ending! Not that I want to mess up, but when I do, He forgives and opens me back with arms wide-open.
Fortunately for me (and my little blog), my Bible study classes are back in full-swing this week! Guess what the general theme has been? Jesus. :) How no matter what we "DO", He is really the only thing that matters! How do we feel about Him? How is our relationship with Him? Are we in a position that He can speak to us?
I'm sad to say that I have not been in that position much lately, but thankfully, He has not given up on me.
Last night, my dear Bible study leader told us that when God does something good, we should tell others. And so came the inspiration for my first post of 2013.....
I had this pain all day in my lower back. It would come and go. Very reminiscent of kidney stone pain I had when I was pregnant with Mason. Kidney stones... when my husband is headed to West Virginia? The heater went out in the house today? Not to mention, the 3 little boys that depend on me for pretty much everything.. and my little buddy, Hunter who keeps me company while the others are at school... Ain't nobody got time for that!
About 12:00, I decided to drink as much water as humanly possible. About 3:00, I decided to take some Ibuprofen and go into denial. The heater repairmen came around 4:00 and by the time they left, I was pain-free and once again had a functioning central heating-unit! God took care of my needs, as always!
The greatest blessing of the day came later, though. My sweet Mason came to me and said, "Mama, I prayed for you. I prayed, 'God, please take it away!" How precious! How awesome that I was able to tell him that God answered his prayer. His mama did not hurt anymore!
That was the other part of my lesson last night. In Matthew 18, Jesus talks about how children will be the greatest in Heaven. Not only for their innocence, but for their faith. They are so trusting. So dependent. That is what our Father desires of us. He wants us to trust Him, completely. He wants us to be completely dependent upon Him, so that when troubles come, we don't have to be afraid. We know that He has us in His hand and nobody can take that away.
I believe that is the best thing that happened in 2012. He increased my faith tremendously. Even though I lagged in my faithfulness at the end of the year, He did not. He continued to increase my faith. He remained faithful to me. He gave me a child-like faith towards Him. He said it is so, so it must be! I don't doubt His faithfulness towards me for one minute. He has proven Himself time and again.
So, I have decided that my resolution for 2013 is to share how He proves Himself. No matter how small or how corny. He has been so good to me. I cannot deny it! By the world's standards, I'm pretty much a nobody. But to my Savior, I know am so much more. He gave His life for me. For all of us! He truly is good!
Happy 2013 folks!
Fortunately for me (and my little blog), my Bible study classes are back in full-swing this week! Guess what the general theme has been? Jesus. :) How no matter what we "DO", He is really the only thing that matters! How do we feel about Him? How is our relationship with Him? Are we in a position that He can speak to us?
I'm sad to say that I have not been in that position much lately, but thankfully, He has not given up on me.
Last night, my dear Bible study leader told us that when God does something good, we should tell others. And so came the inspiration for my first post of 2013.....
I had this pain all day in my lower back. It would come and go. Very reminiscent of kidney stone pain I had when I was pregnant with Mason. Kidney stones... when my husband is headed to West Virginia? The heater went out in the house today? Not to mention, the 3 little boys that depend on me for pretty much everything.. and my little buddy, Hunter who keeps me company while the others are at school... Ain't nobody got time for that!
About 12:00, I decided to drink as much water as humanly possible. About 3:00, I decided to take some Ibuprofen and go into denial. The heater repairmen came around 4:00 and by the time they left, I was pain-free and once again had a functioning central heating-unit! God took care of my needs, as always!
The greatest blessing of the day came later, though. My sweet Mason came to me and said, "Mama, I prayed for you. I prayed, 'God, please take it away!" How precious! How awesome that I was able to tell him that God answered his prayer. His mama did not hurt anymore!
That was the other part of my lesson last night. In Matthew 18, Jesus talks about how children will be the greatest in Heaven. Not only for their innocence, but for their faith. They are so trusting. So dependent. That is what our Father desires of us. He wants us to trust Him, completely. He wants us to be completely dependent upon Him, so that when troubles come, we don't have to be afraid. We know that He has us in His hand and nobody can take that away.
I believe that is the best thing that happened in 2012. He increased my faith tremendously. Even though I lagged in my faithfulness at the end of the year, He did not. He continued to increase my faith. He remained faithful to me. He gave me a child-like faith towards Him. He said it is so, so it must be! I don't doubt His faithfulness towards me for one minute. He has proven Himself time and again.
So, I have decided that my resolution for 2013 is to share how He proves Himself. No matter how small or how corny. He has been so good to me. I cannot deny it! By the world's standards, I'm pretty much a nobody. But to my Savior, I know am so much more. He gave His life for me. For all of us! He truly is good!
Happy 2013 folks!
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