Inspired by...: prayer

Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Psa 1:1-6 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; (2) but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. (3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (4) The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. (5) Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; (6) for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

***

The prayer ended, "Give me stability and contentment regardless of the circumstances. How I need that! Amen," and I realized the author was exactly right. To be content is a wondrous blessing and an admirable prayer.

But it is not enough. Not for these days. We must be and must pray for, stability.

The stability of mind that comes only from meditating on His word.

I'm reminded of this passage in James, "A man like that should not think he will receive anything from the Lord. He is always in two minds and unstable in all he does."

A man like that. A man like what? Answer: A man who doubts God.

Jas 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, Who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

Not someone who doubts that God exists, necessarily, but one who doubts what God has said.

Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?"

From the beginning, the evil one has set about to twist the Truth in our minds so that we question God's goodness and His love for us.

Jas 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. (14) But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. (15) Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death.

I've been reading C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia and there are people in this age, in every age, who, like Digory's Uncle Andrew in The Magician's Nephew, believe that the rules don't apply to them. They either ignore Truth or deny that it exists.

Uncle Andrew had made a promise to his late aunt. A promise that he did not keep. He had convinced himself that he was a "great thinker." Someone with "hidden knowledge" to whom "common rules" (like keeping promises) did not apply.

Uncle Andrew's broken promise brought a great evil into a brand new, innocent world: Narnia.

But all was not lost because Aslan, Narnia's creator, knew about the great evil and already had a plan of protection and redemption. (Another story for another time)

There is, however, one more promise in this story that I want to share with you. Aslan sends Digory to a garden high in the mountains to a tree bearing silver apples. Digory promises Aslan he will bring him back an apple from this tree.

All is well. Digory has the apple in his pocket and is about to return when - evil makes her appearance.

"Do you not see, Fool, that one bite of that apple would heal her? You have it in your pocket. We are here by ourselves and the Lion is far away."

Do you see how the evil one speaks directly to Digory's greatest desire? His mother was dying. His greatest desire was to heal her. Our greatest desires are not necessarily and not always bad in and of themselves.

But Digory had made a promise. He remembers the tears in the lion's eyes when they spoke about his mother. And as hard as it is for the little boy, he takes the apple back to Aslan.

With it, Aslan grows a great tree that protects all of Narian. Then, he allows Digory to pluck an apple from that tree to take back to his world and heal his mother.

Aslan grants Digory's greatest desire in the right way, at the right time. All is well.

Digory didn't know much about Aslan. Not nearly as much as we think we know about God. But he remembered Aslan's tears and he remembered enough of what his mother had taught him that the witch's words rang false and hollow.

What about us? Can we recognize the false and hollow words of the enemy when he speaks? We will if we know the Truth. [click to tweet]

And this, I hope, circles us back to the beginning.

Stability of mind and deed, the ability to be content in all circumstances. Knowing what to ask for when we pray. Waiting for God to act. All these things are realized only when we know the Word of God for ourselves. When we meditate on it day and night. When we seek God in relationship, not simply as a religion or a set of rules.

It's a tall order, friends. A life-long commitment. An eternal reward.

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
#TellHisStory, Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus, Salt & Light

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Inspired by . . . always rejoicing

There is a reason that Christ is described as a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. And it doesn't just have to do with the affliction He experienced here on earth. As John 2:25 tells us, "He Himself knew what was in a man."

In this age of instant images, we have all come to know, and are constantly reminded of, the depravity of humanity.

I daresay if we do not feel great sorrow over the state of our world something is amiss in our soul. [click to tweet]

It's not just what we see happening out there, it's what we are all experiencing to one degree or another in our own lives. The breakdown of relationships, increased anger and division (both in and outside of the church), even our physical bodies are breaking down as cancer and chronic illness increase. The effects of sin and decay have simmered just below the surface for thousands of years. Lately, things seem to be reaching a boiling point.

While this gives us cause for sorrow and prayer, it does not give us cause for alarm, fear or bitterness.

Nor should we mope about in an Eyore-like state.

Our Lord trusted no one, and never placed His faith in people, yet He was never suspicious or bitter. ~Oswald Chambers

In chapter six of second Corinthians Paul gives a Christian manifesto of sorts. Paradoxes abound! After all, the message of the cross is foolishness.

But it's not only unbelievers who struggle with Paul's words.

"in our sorrows, we have always cause for joy;"

How do we keep from despair, yet at the same time keep our hearts open to the sorrow we must feel if compassion and love are to rule our minds and actions? [click to tweet]

Remember the Source of your joy.

If you are looking to the things of this world to satisfy and bring you joy, you will be disappointed.

If our trust is placed in human beings, we will end up despairing of everyone. ~Oswald Chambers

True joy comes from the Holy Spirit. Our strength comes from the joy of the Lord.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom 14:17)

And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Neh 8:10)

There is only one Being who can completely satisfy to the absolute depth of the hurting human heart, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. ~Oswald Chambers

Tapping into that joy even when we are at our most sorrowful is not as difficult as you may think.

Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Eph 5:18-20)

Obeying this scripture may need to begin as a discipline. You may have to force yourself to be grateful and give thanks in all things. But it will not always be so. God will bless your obedience and change your heart.

The God of your salvation will fill your heart with joy. Being identified with Christ will always mean sorrow this side of heaven. But just as we are together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection. (Rom 6:5)

And that, dear ones, is cause for great joy!

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Inspired by . . . perseverance in prayer

I haven't written much about my #oneword365 this year.

This year has been more about perseverance than prayer.

Yet, even as I write that I realize that I've been able to persevere because of the prayer habits I've been seeking to develop in my life.

Prayer is a struggle for many Christians because in our humanness we complicate the simple. [click to tweet]

I don't believe there is a right or wrong way to pray.

We are individuals. It only makes sense that how we relate and communicate with our heavenly Father will be a little different for each of us. Certainly, there are ways to pray that will be common for all of us. But our intimate communication with Him will be unique to our lifestyle, our personality, and our faith.

There are literally thousands of books out there on how and what to pray. Read them. Many are excellent. Just remember to glean what works for you and leave the rest. Your best source is always the Bible. I recommend the Psalms. They will never stop teaching and inspiring you.

My prayer life is a far cry from what I hope it will be one day. I'm not a Daniel pray-er. I don't fall on my face for large blocks of time confessing my sin and the sin of my nation. Frankly, I'm not sure I'm ready for the response that kind of prayer might bring.

But I am learning to pray more consistently and more often. Bringing an awareness of God into more moments of my life. To learn to pray without ceasing.

They may be short, prayers of praise, gratitude, repentance, supplication, or intercession but they are becoming more constant. They produce an increased awareness, a deeper faith, and trust of knowing He is always there. In turn, this awareness has given me the perseverance I've needed during the last several months.

If you're struggling with prayer I urge you to keep it simple. Simply talk to Him.

Certainly, we should come to Him with a humble and repentant heart. But even when we can't, what He wants the very most is for us to seek Him. Like any good Father, He will step in and do the rest.

Blessings,

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Inspired by . . . a new wreath

While much of the population was hunting for Easter eggs and posing for pictures in their pretty spring dresses and Easter bonnets we were . . . ah, painting our front door?

Yes, just hours before our guests were to arrive my Dreamer and I were in our best-worst clothes painting the front door of the cottage.

We'd known for awhile that the front door needed a new coat so why the last minute rush to reshade the portal?

I had made a new spring wreath.

The blemishes had been easy to ignore until we hung the new wreath in place. The beautiful new wreath didn't cover up the ugliness - it just enhanced it!

I may be stretching the analogy a bit here but I think our Christian walk can sometimes look like my ugly door covered with a pretty new wreath.

We slap a few good deeds over our sin and hope that it makes a difference. While it may help us to feel better for a time, scripture is very clear that we are not saved by works.

yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. (Gal 2:16)

Legalistic responses and halfhearted obedience are like putting new wine in old wineskins or trying to cover an ugly door with a pretty wreath. If you are a believer who has died with Christ then you are also raised with Christ.

We can't expect to succeed in putting off our worldly desires if we don't replace them with virtues that suit God's chosen and beloved people.

As Jerry Bridges says, "It is not enough to pray that God will enable us to deal with a volatile temper; we must also ask Him to help us put on compassion and kindness."

Just as our door needed a new coat of paint to match the pretty new wreath, we must put on, "compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience," (Col 3:12) if we want to be like Christ in His character.

If you're thinking, "Easier said than done." That's true. But don't forget it's not by our power that we will succeed, it's by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Php 1:6)

Even so, we have a part to play.

First, make a commitment (and tell someone about your particular struggle or commitment if you need accountability). Secondly, like we talked about last week, be aware of the motives behind your actions, and finally, most importantly, as Bridges suggests in the quote above, PRAY!

Above all, even as we work to clothe ourselves with the virtues of Christ, may we remember that it is His blood and His blood alone that covers and cleanses us from sin.

Blessings,

Monday, March 20, 2017

Inspired by . . . do the next thing

Sometimes I get stuck.

Overwhelmed by all there is to do or all I want to do, I end up doing nothing.

Sometimes nothing can be good. Like when it amounts to rest, stillness before the Lord. But sometimes doing nothing amounts to unproductive [mindless] activity. This is not good.

I hate days when I can't focus and go from one mindless activity to the other. You, too?

The balance between rest/stillness and mindless activity can be challenging. Especially when physical circumstances force you to slow down.

Every day, hundreds of times a day, we all make the choice to do the next thing. The motivation behind our choice is what makes it mindful or mindless.

Often we're simply responding to basic needs. Our bodies need to be fed and cared for. Financial obligations met. Houses cleaned. Yet even within these tasks, there are choices.

I know how easy it is to fall prey to allowing Life to dictate my choices. Getting into reaction mode, rather than being pro-active. Because it's easier when Life is coming at you full force. But easier is often not better.

So how do we keep our motivation pure and make the right choices when we do the next thing?

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isa 26:3)

The simple answer, which isn't simple at all, is to keep God at the forefront of all we do. I'm learning that this is more about establishing a habitual discipline than it is about taking chunks of time out of the day. We don't have to stop and go into our prayer closet for 30 minutes every time we need to make a decision. Certainly, there are major decisions that require significant prayer. But when we are conscious to involve God in our everyday routine, simply pausing to acknowledge that we need Him throughout the day, we will find ourselves breathing prayers for guidance naturally. [click to tweet]

He has given us the Holy Spirit to direct and guide us. So, why do we mostly ignore this precious gift!? Imagine running on the power of the Holy Spirit throughout the day rather than your own? I expect that sounds good to a few weary souls out there. I know it sounds good to me!

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (Joh 14:26)

These breath-prayers have been a challenge and a focus for me this year. As with any spiritual discipline, they take time and I'm nowhere close to having this all figured out. But every time I remember to seek Him and acknowledge my need for His presence during the day I am blessed and my choices and actions honor Him.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Rom 8:26)

How about you? Are you mindful of God during the day? Do you acknowledge your need for Him in the daily minutia of Life?

Blessings,

Monday, January 30, 2017

Inspired by . . . January: a look back

Then came old January, wrapped well

In many weeds to keep the cold away

Yet, did he quake and quiver like to quell

And blewe his nayles to warm them if he may;

For they were numbed with holding all the day,

An hatchet keene, with which he felled the wood

And from the trees did lop the needlesse spary.

Fuerie Queen & Spenser

(As recorded by Edith Holden in The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady)

* * *

This year, I'm continuing my month-end practice of looking back at the previous month in pictures - often with a few words mixed in.

January itself is a month when we tend to look back at the year before and plan for the year ahead. I did some of that here.

January is, for me, a rather bleak month. And you can hear a yearning for spring in most of my posts this month.

Even most of the photos seem to lack their usual color.

January was a bit different for me this year in that I didn't feel the normal let down after the Christmas holiday. The wonder hasn't faded. I think the reason for that is, in part, because I haven't stopped seeking Him. His birth has given way to the manifestation of His presence and I'm intentionally seeking Him daily. [click to tweet]

One of the ways I seek Him is through prayer. Far from being an easy discipline, I know I'm not alone in my struggles to learn how to "pray without ceasing."

One of the tools I'm using is Timothy Keller's book on Prayer. In just the introduction he tells us,

"We must know the awe of praising His glory, the intimacy of finding His grace, and the struggle of asking His help, all of which can lead us to know the spiritual reality of His presence."

To which my soul responds, "Yes, exactly!"

He then goes on to help us in Understanding Prayer and Doing Prayer. I'm only on chapter four and already I feel like his words have had an impact on my prayer life.

Our words matter. Both the words we offer to God and the words we speak to each other. I've been struck anew this month by just how much words impact our lives. Carefully choosing the sources of the words we listen to and the frequency with which we tune into those sources doesn't mean ignoring the world around us. However, our first and last source for Truth should always be God's word. [click to tweet]

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rom 12:2)

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Life thru the Lens

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Inspired by . . . 2016: a year in review

I waited until we were well into Autumn before finally opening the pages of Christie Purifoy's gem, Roots & Sky. Partly because her story begins with Autumn and partly because I sensed her words would speak deeply to me and I needed to be ready for them.

I'm reading slowly. Savoring. Meditating on the truths and emotions evoked by her words. Taking what fits and leaving the rest. I just closed the book on December. All of January, Spring and Summer lie waiting quietly between the pages.

As I look back over 2016, Christie's words from the fourth chapter keep coming back to me:

"We live so much of our lives with our hands tied behind our backs."

"Some days we have more freedom than others, but we are always, to some degree, hemmed in by weakness, by need, by lack, or by loss."

These words define much of my past year. It's true, the struggle Christie talks about has always been there - will always be there this side of heaven. Yet, I seem to be feeling the weight of it more acutely these days.

You may remember that last December I shared that I felt as if 2015 was more of an ending and that 2016 was the start of something new. Indeed, there have been many changes and new experiences this year. Some more difficult to embrace than others.

These images, my year in review, tell only part of the story.

The top image, the view from my Dad's final resting place, holds a bittersweet memory. Yet, our month-long trip to bring him home includes some of our happiest memories from the past year. It was a welcome respite after eight long months of enduring tests and finally receiving a challenging medical diagnosis. Not all new experiences are welcome.

Another new experience in 2016 was giving up our cottage to live in temporary quarters while we build a new home. A mixed blessing.

I faced 2016 like a person might face the waves coming into shore. As I stood still, they hit me one by one. The roar of their coming will forever echo in my memory.

Looking back, I feel like I could have done better. So in 2017 I want to do more than just stand against the waves.

I want to embrace them.

I want to know more days of freedom than of weakness.

More days of freedom than of need.

More days of freedom than of lack.

More days of freedom than of loss.

"If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (Joh 8:31-32)

Abiding in Him is the key to freedom. It is the key to embracing the waves of this life.

I've thrown a lot of potential words out there: stand, embrace, freedom, abide

The bottom line to being able to do all these things is spending time with Him. Real time. There is no short cut, no gadget, no app to make it time with God easier or faster.

Just do it.

My one word for 2017.

Wishing you all
JOY in 2017
Happy New Year!

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Inspired by . . . {un} answered prayer

The snow-on-the-mountain bobbed in the late summer breeze, beckoning me to come over and savor their glory.

Looking down, I was surprised to see that they were growing out of the dry, cracked earth. Large 2-inch fissures wound their way beneath the sparse grasses. The side yard lay in stark contrast to the lush St Augustine grass adorning the front yard. Grass we had faithfully watered through the last two months of drought.

Blessed and prospering. Scorned and dying.

My friend's son was recently in ICU for eighteen days. When he first went into the hospital she asked for prayer.

We prayed.

God answered.

He's not out of the woods yet, but yesterday they moved him out of ICU. Prayers for healing, strength, patience, comfort and a myriad of other things for him and my friend - answered. PTL!

But we all know that God does not always answer our prayers the way we would wish. Sometimes He says, not yet. Sometimes just plain, no. And sometimes, like Jonah, God asks us to do things we simply do not want to do. To go places and into situations, we don't want to face.

These answers and challenges can test our faith and our trust in God.

It's important to remember that, as Believers, our transformation is not yet complete.

When we receive Christ as our Savior we are immediately justified. And, too, we have a change of identity. We are now in Christ Jesus. But the process of sanctification has only just begun. And it is a life-long process. Every trial and experience that comes into our life are used by God to shape us into His image.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2Co 5:17)

When I'm tempted to feel cynical, hurt or self-pity over my unanswered prayer, I remember another prayer that wasn't answered and fall to my knees in humility and praise.

And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done." (Luk 22:41-42)

Who am I to say how my situation should end? It may be happening to me, but what if it's not really about me at all? Only God knows the truth of all things. He promises our good. Do we believe Him?

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Php 1:6)

I've learned to pray as Jesus did; stating my need and requesting that His will be done. But it's not enough to say the words. My heart needs to be in line with my spoken request.

Honestly, I'm not always ready to accept His will. So what do I do then? I keep praying, asking Him to change my heart until I am.

Remember, He is in the process of transforming us. Day by day, He making us more like His Son.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2Co 3:18)

When we pray, asking for His will, the Holy Spirit works within us to bring our desires in line with the will of God.

We've had a week of much-needed rain. The snow-on-the-mountain is bowing low, heavy with thanks. The fissures are gone, reduced to mere squiggle lines running along the ground.

Rain.

Prayers answered for some, prayers denied for others.

A constant example of God's sovereign will.

How have you witnessed God's sovereignty
in your prayer life?

Blessings,

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Inspired by . . . January: a look back

I'm a couple of days late with my January post. I enJOYed participating in Mona's 'a month in photos' link up so much last year, I knew I wanted to continue. But with the new year upon us, I also knew I wanted my month in review posts to be a little different.

Mona's fabulous new {free} template took care of my new look. Thank you, Mona! And Karrilee's enthusiasm over Emily P. Freeman's link up convinced me to include her 'what I learned' format into my monthly reminiscence.

So here's a {new} look back at what I learned in January!

Christmas doesn't have to be celebrated on Dec. 25th: Our family got together on Jan, 2nd this year. It was a time of sweet fellowship and laughter.

Pain affects every aspect of your life: Between my sciatic {or sacroiliitis, whichever it is}, my tooth pain, and my allergies last month I feel like January was completely wasted. I know for many of you, this is a constant struggle.

Prayer matters: Not only does God hear and act on our prayers, but knowing someone is praying for you has a positive, calming affect. Thank you for responding to me with love and prayer when I share in this space.

It's important to never stop learning: I'm so thankful for friends like Kim Klassen, and others, who offer online classes on a variety of subjects. Many of these lovely ladies {and gentlemen} offer both free and fee-based classes. Kim's Leap Into Lightroom class has been transformational to my workflow!

There is no where we can go that God has not already stood: I know this, but God impressed this truth upon me once again, in a profound way, last month.

When you look back at January,

what do you see?

***

And now, let's embrace

February, and all it has to teach us.

Blessings,

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Inspired by . . . Listening

Late last year my sweet friend, Donna Hopkins, introduced me to Jeanne Oliver and her creative network. Specifically, Donna was inviting me to join Jeanne's free online course: Listening / Finding the Quiet which was to begin in January.

If you've been around here any length of time, you know that quiet is my chocolate.

Of course, I signed up.

I'm woefully behind, but that's okay. I'm watching the videos at my own pace; tucking away the words that resonate and discarding those that don't.

Today I wanted to share with you some of my take-a-ways from the first few videos. I'm doing this for a couple of reasons;

First, writing out my notes further cements them in my mind and on my heart. If writing is the painting of the voice {a quote I recently posted on FB} then this is when God speaks to me more deeply, with His voice.

Secondly, it is my prayer that those things that speak to my heart, will speak to yours as well.

And so we begin . . . .

Jeanne, herself, begins the series with a personal video about praying big, and the big faith that results. Because of a particular situation happening in my life right now, I could relate to a lot of what Jeanne shared.

This is about listening. About finding quiet in the midst of doing life. We don't always have the luxury of stepping away to a quiet place to listen for God's voice. When He calls us to step out of the boat - things can get loud! The waves are crashing and the thunder is rolling. But if we keep our eyes on Jesus and take His hand, by consistent prayer and the reading of His word, we can hear His instruction and move forward.

Sometimes, as we're navigating the waters, God will close a door. Sometimes, it's a door we were certain God wanted us to walk through. We were wrong. God has something better. One of the best take-a-ways from Jeanne's video was that when these disappointments happen we need to go back to the point where we know we heard God clearly. Begin again from there. Keep a list of what we know to be true. About ourselves, the situation, and God. When the waters get murky, focus on those truths, until the way is clear again.

Good stuff, right? It's so easy to get discouraged and start to sink, like Peter did when he took his eyes off Jesus. That's the key, my friend. It's all about Jesus.

Well, I really only ended up sharing from Jeanne's video, but I hope these thoughts have inspired you.

What are some truths you cling to when the enemy shoots his fiery darts dipped in poisonous lies? Have you ever prayed for something that was in no way achievable without the Lord's intervention? What happened?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Still Saturday

Welcome

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Monday, March 20, 2017

Monday, January 30, 2017

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Saturday, January 16, 2016