Imperfections

Jeremiah 25:7 “But you did not listen to me,” declares the LORD, “and you have aroused my anger with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves.” Lord, how you love us! Though we are imperfect, you searched us out and called us to be yours. You sent your son to forgive us and the Holy Spirit to sanctify us, growing us toward your likeness. You are patient with the process, planting desire in our hearts to reflect your face in our lives. To each you have given a purpose, one which compliments the community of the body of Christ. We lose our step, you redirect us. We fall, you catch us. Jeremiah tells us of your wrath toward those who turned away from you, yet you offer us forgiveness if we repent and follow you, wrapped in the gift of your son. You have protected us from evil, you have sheltered us from storms, and you offer hope in apparent tragedy. Lord, I praise you and thank you for the power in calling on your Name. We are humbled before you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Thankfulness

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Lord, it is important during this catastrophic time to continue to look to you. As our hearts and hands go out to the people in Japan, we must guard our souls against carrying the burden. You are here for that, and I praise and thank you! Lord, you are bigger even than this looming crisis. As my heart aches for the thousands affected, and for the one, I praise you for simple things here. I thank you for fresh water, for callas that reach up to you with their blooms, for sunshine, and for comfort. You know your purposes, and your will is somehow in this. I trust you. "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Everlasting Light

Isaiah 60:19 "The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." Lord, I need your light. It is always there for me, but I let circumstances bog me down, I can't see it! Lord, I pray the Hoy Spirit will take over! I give my circumstances to you...but the tension in my body creeps back, overwhelming me! Where, then, is my trust in you, I have to ask? Your power can accomplish all that needs to be done, and can make way for calm. Wash over me, oh Lord, with your peace! Be my light. Calm my nerves. Right my path. I pray in Jesus' precious name.

Love

John 3:16 "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." This is the BEST gift! Lord, your love is unfathomable. Your love is sacrifical, and your love is deep. Valentine's Day is a fun day to honor those we love, whether a friend, a family member, or a love! But I pray we remember the true love of Christ, and that you first loved us. Any love we have for one another or for you, God, is purely bccause of your grace. It is wonderful to feel loved by others. But, is is amazing to feel loved by you and to receive your gift of eternal life! Others may come and may go, Lord, but you never change. I praise you for the knowledge that I am yours. Thank you, Father!

Fire

Words from Isaiah 43 "I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.....do not be afraid, for I am with you." Lord, your Word clarifies and comforts, and how I praise you for your promises! I am yours! Thank you, God, that you speak to us through scripture. Lord, today these verses just jumped out at me! I have been praying for so many friends who are walking through "fires" right now. Prayers are poured out, but answers are long in coming. It is so difficult to see them there. But, ah! You did not promise to keep fires away from us! You promised that we will not burn and that you are with us. You keep your eye on us. I can affirm that as I pray, and I am calmed. You will manage it. You will answer. We are to wait upon you. How precious is your presence, Lord. Help us to seek it. Put a thirst for your Word in our hears, and beckon us to come sit down with you. These things I pray, in your Son's precious name.

God Speaks

"The Word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him." God spoke to me today. In my calling out to Him, He answered...at the gym!!....interrupting me as I was listening to a book on my iPod. I had left for the gym singing, "strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord." And I had been asking Him about this "gift of giving" He planted in me. It swells up in me like tidal waves, and for so many years I had aging parents, elderly friends, young needy children to let it out. I had the freedom of time to spill it out. Now that gift is often trapped in there, ready to crash in the wrong places or at the wrong time, and my days filled with demands of a different sort. I cried out to Him. He answered. His omni presence filled me, and time stood still. "Come to me." "Rest in me." "Rely on me." Tears flow with His godness and grace. My little awkward self...He will use me. I am here, and I wait expectantly for Him to direct the next Tsunami.

Your Word

Lord, how I love your Word and the wonder of your ways. "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3 is such a great reminder to keep our minds on you. I love the visual image of a painting, with the figures in the foreground appearing large, while the figures in the background appear small and farther away. So it is with our minds during each day, amidst each problem or joy. What we focus on seems to be large, and in the foreground. While those things we are not focusing on, seem distant and small. Lord, help me to keep you in the foreground of my mind! If you are near and you are large to me, everything else fades to the distance. Draw me to your Word, and give me a thirst for prayer and quiet in your presence. Then my mind with be steadfast, and I will trust in you. I will call to you and you will hear me! Lord, thank you for your ways, and for calling me into relationship with you. Use me to glorify you, precious Lord.