"I'm a mess. I'm nothing and have nothing: make something of me! You can do it; you've got what it takes God." Psalm 40:17 The Message
"I'm in deep trouble Lord! Rush to my aid, for only you can help and save me." Psalm 70:5 LB
"...He rescues me because He delights in me." Psalm 18:19
My job gives me a unique viewpoint on being human. As I listen attentively in my office, it is my privilege to realize that problems are normal, and that everyone - yes, everyone - has challenges to face and difficulties to overcome. The grass may look greener in someone else's yard, but when you get over the fence, you realize it's the same type of grass in a different location :)
So, life is messy! But it takes a a lot of honesty and some humility to admit that your life is messy. Most of us would prefer to pretend that all is well, and that our lives are just perfect. We know they're not deep down, but we put on our brave, put together mask and show that to the world. No wonder we think everyone has it all together but us...
God sees through our masks. He knows what lies underneath them. But even more wonderful is that He loves us despite the mess we are..."He rescues me because He delights in me." And to top that, He can fix up our messes and make them into something precious and beautiful. If only we will be honest with Him and ourselves, and humble ourselves to admit that our lives are a mess. No matter what the mess is, He can use it to draw us closer to Him, to change us for the better, and to create beauty out of nothing.
God has rescued me from so many messes. My heart is overflowing with thankfulness for a resurrected-from-the-dead marriage, healing from negative thinking, replacing busyness with fruitfulness, and so much more. But first I had to turn to God, and believe me, times were pretty desperate: as Rick Warren says, you'll never know that God is all you need until God is all you've got.
Amy Grant's Better Than A Hallelujah is the soundtrack in my mind...hope you enjoy it.
Lord Jesus, with a humble heart, I offer you my mess. It's not much to look at, but help me to understand that You delight in me just as I am. Help transform my mess into something beautiful that will bring You glory. Amen
More Healing Word of God: 1Peter 4:12
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
In the Tomb, New Life is About to Surprise You
"Then he took (Jesus' body) down, wrapped it in linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock..." Luke 23:53
"(The women) found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus." Luke 24:2-3
Easter is such a beautiful season. Signs of spring have sprung, the peepers and robins sing to us, and the sights of green grass and children playing delight us. Easter eggs remind us of the new life they contain if properly cared for...and Easter chocolate is yummy even if it doesn't have much significance!
Have you spent any time in the tomb lately? It is not just our Lord Jesus who is buried there. Most of us have spent time in the tomb...often longer than 3 days. A miserable marriage, an old bitterness, hurtful memories, anger that burns us up inside, the loss of a loved one we just can't seem to get through, an illness that plagues us....there are so mnay types of tombs in our lives. We can also be wrapped up in things preventing us from truly living "life to the fullest"...what are the burial linens you might be wrapped in? Negative old beliefs and attitudes? Spending time on things which are not truly your priorities or your passions? Or perhaps it is that gigantic stone holding you back: a concern that you don't have enough money or education to fulfill your heart's desire, a belief that you get what you deserve and so you don't deserve any better....
Remember during your time in the tomb, that Jesus is there with you. He is holding you and encouraging you, and he knows that this time in the tomb has a purpose...it may be to peel off layers of "burial cloths", it may be to prepare you for the glorious new life He has in mind, it may be to show you that He can roll away the stone and resurrect things that are seemingly dead. Ask Him to show you what there is to learn during your time in the tomb...and remember you are not alone. Just like the perennials I have planted in my garden, your life may seem "dead", all dried up and withered, but if you choose to trust and wait on Him, He can and will "resurrect" you from the tomb you are in. And what a glorious bloom you will be !
Lord Jesus, help me to learn from this time in the tomb. Help me to peel away the old thoughts, beliefs and attitudes that are holding me back from new life. Help me to feel your presence in this cold dark place, and to belief that there will soon be light. Help me to rely on You to roll away the stone from the tomb...for I can not do it alone. I trust and believe that you have a new life for me, and I pray that day will soon arrive. Thank you Jesus, for defeating all kinds of death, and bringing us with you as you rise to new life. Amen
More Healing Word of God: John 11:1-43 (Death & Resurrection of Lazarus); John 19 & 20
"(The women) found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus." Luke 24:2-3
Easter is such a beautiful season. Signs of spring have sprung, the peepers and robins sing to us, and the sights of green grass and children playing delight us. Easter eggs remind us of the new life they contain if properly cared for...and Easter chocolate is yummy even if it doesn't have much significance!
Have you spent any time in the tomb lately? It is not just our Lord Jesus who is buried there. Most of us have spent time in the tomb...often longer than 3 days. A miserable marriage, an old bitterness, hurtful memories, anger that burns us up inside, the loss of a loved one we just can't seem to get through, an illness that plagues us....there are so mnay types of tombs in our lives. We can also be wrapped up in things preventing us from truly living "life to the fullest"...what are the burial linens you might be wrapped in? Negative old beliefs and attitudes? Spending time on things which are not truly your priorities or your passions? Or perhaps it is that gigantic stone holding you back: a concern that you don't have enough money or education to fulfill your heart's desire, a belief that you get what you deserve and so you don't deserve any better....
Remember during your time in the tomb, that Jesus is there with you. He is holding you and encouraging you, and he knows that this time in the tomb has a purpose...it may be to peel off layers of "burial cloths", it may be to prepare you for the glorious new life He has in mind, it may be to show you that He can roll away the stone and resurrect things that are seemingly dead. Ask Him to show you what there is to learn during your time in the tomb...and remember you are not alone. Just like the perennials I have planted in my garden, your life may seem "dead", all dried up and withered, but if you choose to trust and wait on Him, He can and will "resurrect" you from the tomb you are in. And what a glorious bloom you will be !
Lord Jesus, help me to learn from this time in the tomb. Help me to peel away the old thoughts, beliefs and attitudes that are holding me back from new life. Help me to feel your presence in this cold dark place, and to belief that there will soon be light. Help me to rely on You to roll away the stone from the tomb...for I can not do it alone. I trust and believe that you have a new life for me, and I pray that day will soon arrive. Thank you Jesus, for defeating all kinds of death, and bringing us with you as you rise to new life. Amen
More Healing Word of God: John 11:1-43 (Death & Resurrection of Lazarus); John 19 & 20
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sky-Sized or Ant-Sized?
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV
"I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work. For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think." Isaiah 55:8-9 The Message
It is difficult to understand why God allows certain things to happen. Recently there was a death in my home community that shook people to the core. A caring family man with a sense of humor, and a kind streak a mile wide, died in an accident. Friends have been saying, "I'm so angry at God!"...and what can I possibly reply? I don't get it either. Along with the earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan, the devastation in Haiti, children dying of cancer, and so many other "unexplainables", it is these times when I struggle with what to say to say.
I do believe that God can and will use these events to produce goodness in our human lives (see Romans 8:28). And because he has given us free will, I know that our decisions are often not those He would have us make...therefore many of the "unexplainable" events are not of His own design. But how can I begin to understand why? Why do bad things happen to good people? There is no simple answer.
Today's verse gives us a hint of the answer though. God's thoughts are so much higher than ours, his ways are so far beyond what we do, that we can not understand. He has a "sky-sized view"...while our view is more like that of the ant crawling on the ground. What seems huge to us, is miniscule to Him. A rock in an ant's path seems insurmountable to the ant; yet the rock can be held in the palm of our hand.
We have to choose to believe God's promise, that He is holding us in the palm of His hand, when we are facing what may seem like insurmountable odds.
This verse also gives me comfort when it appears my prayers are not being answered. When a loved one continues to make bad choices, when I continue to struggle with one of life's challenges, maybe I am overlooking "God's view". Too often, I expect that my prayers will be answered in my own, limited human ways...when God has more creative, grand, and even surprising ways in mind.
Prayer: God, comfort all of those who struggle with unexplainable events that shake their faith. Help them to see Your presence in even the most difficult of experiences, and remind them that You are holding them in the palm of Your hand. Jesus, remind us that you have a "sky-sized view" of life here in earth, and that this is why we struggle to understand from our "ant's perspective". Help us to trust that You have our best interests at heart, and that You will bring good from all of our experiences. Let me be more aware of your creative and sometimes surprising, answers to my prayers. Amen
Life Steps: What could I do this week that would bring some good, out of a bad situation? In my journal, let me begin to write down my prayers, and when I look for His sometimes surprising answers, write those in my journal as well. On the days where I doubt Him, I can review my journal and remember all His answered prayers.
More Healing Words of God: Romans 8:28; Isaiah 49:16
"I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work. For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think." Isaiah 55:8-9 The Message
It is difficult to understand why God allows certain things to happen. Recently there was a death in my home community that shook people to the core. A caring family man with a sense of humor, and a kind streak a mile wide, died in an accident. Friends have been saying, "I'm so angry at God!"...and what can I possibly reply? I don't get it either. Along with the earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan, the devastation in Haiti, children dying of cancer, and so many other "unexplainables", it is these times when I struggle with what to say to say.
I do believe that God can and will use these events to produce goodness in our human lives (see Romans 8:28). And because he has given us free will, I know that our decisions are often not those He would have us make...therefore many of the "unexplainable" events are not of His own design. But how can I begin to understand why? Why do bad things happen to good people? There is no simple answer.
Today's verse gives us a hint of the answer though. God's thoughts are so much higher than ours, his ways are so far beyond what we do, that we can not understand. He has a "sky-sized view"...while our view is more like that of the ant crawling on the ground. What seems huge to us, is miniscule to Him. A rock in an ant's path seems insurmountable to the ant; yet the rock can be held in the palm of our hand.
We have to choose to believe God's promise, that He is holding us in the palm of His hand, when we are facing what may seem like insurmountable odds.
This verse also gives me comfort when it appears my prayers are not being answered. When a loved one continues to make bad choices, when I continue to struggle with one of life's challenges, maybe I am overlooking "God's view". Too often, I expect that my prayers will be answered in my own, limited human ways...when God has more creative, grand, and even surprising ways in mind.
Prayer: God, comfort all of those who struggle with unexplainable events that shake their faith. Help them to see Your presence in even the most difficult of experiences, and remind them that You are holding them in the palm of Your hand. Jesus, remind us that you have a "sky-sized view" of life here in earth, and that this is why we struggle to understand from our "ant's perspective". Help us to trust that You have our best interests at heart, and that You will bring good from all of our experiences. Let me be more aware of your creative and sometimes surprising, answers to my prayers. Amen
Life Steps: What could I do this week that would bring some good, out of a bad situation? In my journal, let me begin to write down my prayers, and when I look for His sometimes surprising answers, write those in my journal as well. On the days where I doubt Him, I can review my journal and remember all His answered prayers.
More Healing Words of God: Romans 8:28; Isaiah 49:16
Friday, April 15, 2011
Losing Your Self
"What good is it for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul?" Mark 8:36 NIV
"What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?" Mark 8:36 The Message
Do you ever feel like you spend much of your time chasing something you can never quite seem to reach? I do. Sometimes it's to get all my work done...sometimes it's to be a really good mother...other times it would be nice to have a great wardrobe like my co-worker, or to be as slim and physically fit as a friend of mine. Or consider the never ending money game...why is it that the more you make, the more seems to get spent?
I can put a lot of effort into getting "more" of whatever it is I want. Relationships, money, material things...but part of being human seems to be that no matter how much "more" I have, I will never be satisfied. I might be a little happier in the moment, but it won't be a lasting happiness. And the tricky part is, I often have to "sell my soul" to get those things I want. It may be working long hours, investing all my energy into work, or hiding who I really am in a relationship, in the hopes of making it work. Whatever I give away, it often has a hidden, but very high price.
The answer to having everything you want (really for most of us this is peace, joy and love) and not losing yourself in the process: a relationship with Jesus. There is a song that goes: lose youself in Me, and you will find yourself, lose yourself in Me, and you will find new life...
Jesus, help me to let go of my earthly wants and needs; I do not want to have to lose my soul to obtain them. Holy Spirit, help me to understand that I will find myself, and new life, in relationship with You. Amen.
Life Steps: What are you chasing that never seems to satisfy?
More Healing Words of God: 1John 2:15
"What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?" Mark 8:36 The Message
Do you ever feel like you spend much of your time chasing something you can never quite seem to reach? I do. Sometimes it's to get all my work done...sometimes it's to be a really good mother...other times it would be nice to have a great wardrobe like my co-worker, or to be as slim and physically fit as a friend of mine. Or consider the never ending money game...why is it that the more you make, the more seems to get spent?
I can put a lot of effort into getting "more" of whatever it is I want. Relationships, money, material things...but part of being human seems to be that no matter how much "more" I have, I will never be satisfied. I might be a little happier in the moment, but it won't be a lasting happiness. And the tricky part is, I often have to "sell my soul" to get those things I want. It may be working long hours, investing all my energy into work, or hiding who I really am in a relationship, in the hopes of making it work. Whatever I give away, it often has a hidden, but very high price.
The answer to having everything you want (really for most of us this is peace, joy and love) and not losing yourself in the process: a relationship with Jesus. There is a song that goes: lose youself in Me, and you will find yourself, lose yourself in Me, and you will find new life...
Jesus, help me to let go of my earthly wants and needs; I do not want to have to lose my soul to obtain them. Holy Spirit, help me to understand that I will find myself, and new life, in relationship with You. Amen.
Life Steps: What are you chasing that never seems to satisfy?
More Healing Words of God: 1John 2:15
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
We Need Each Other
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another..." Hebrews 10:25 NIV
"Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do, but spurring each other on..."
Hebrews 10:25 The Message
Life goes so much more smoothly with the oil of friendship. Without it, life can be a squeaky wheel hitting all the ruts...
There is a way of thinking that says, "I can do it myself. I don't need anyone else. They won't do it right anyway. Friendship takes too much time and effort. I can't trust anyone but myself". I used to think that way. Hurt a few times, fiercely independent, maybe with a little too much personal pride...it was easier to rely on no one but myself. Anyway, I was too busy to make time for telephone chats, spontaneous visits, planned social events....I was a working mom after all (at least, that was my excuse!)
That way of thinking has an impact. When tough times hit, there is no one to support you. When you hit a roadblock, there is no one to encourage you. When fun or exciting or joyous things happen, there is no one to share in it with you. And you miss out on the pleasures of providing those wonderful gifts for others, too.
Sometimes, it does take a little inventiveness and creativity to meet up, encourage one another and help each other. Yesterday, I wanted to run with a friend who had no sitter and her husband was away. We were both working all day, and only had about an hour in which it might be even possible. So instead of admitting defeat, I looked for a way to accomplish it...my husband agreed to watch the kids (the kids were thrilled with a playdate!), I prepared supper that morning so we could arrive and run back out the door, and presto, I helped, encouraged and had a wonderful time running with my friend. I felt good about it all....instead of feeling rushed and frustrated and lonely, as I might have felt. And the smile on my friend's face was worth the effort!
Jesus, help me to look for new friendships, and to treasure my old friendships. Help me to invest some time and energy into my friends, knowing that we will encourage, love, support and help each other through the journey of life. Change my old way of thinking into a new understanding that you call us to live in relationship with each other. Send your Spirit so that I will not be afraid to take a step in this direction. Amen
Life Step: Be creative, and find a new way of being encouraging, helpful, supportive or loving, to an old friend this week. Look for an opportunity that God may be giving you to make a new friend.
More of His Healing Word: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; John 15:15b
"Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do, but spurring each other on..."
Hebrews 10:25 The Message
Life goes so much more smoothly with the oil of friendship. Without it, life can be a squeaky wheel hitting all the ruts...
There is a way of thinking that says, "I can do it myself. I don't need anyone else. They won't do it right anyway. Friendship takes too much time and effort. I can't trust anyone but myself". I used to think that way. Hurt a few times, fiercely independent, maybe with a little too much personal pride...it was easier to rely on no one but myself. Anyway, I was too busy to make time for telephone chats, spontaneous visits, planned social events....I was a working mom after all (at least, that was my excuse!)
That way of thinking has an impact. When tough times hit, there is no one to support you. When you hit a roadblock, there is no one to encourage you. When fun or exciting or joyous things happen, there is no one to share in it with you. And you miss out on the pleasures of providing those wonderful gifts for others, too.
Sometimes, it does take a little inventiveness and creativity to meet up, encourage one another and help each other. Yesterday, I wanted to run with a friend who had no sitter and her husband was away. We were both working all day, and only had about an hour in which it might be even possible. So instead of admitting defeat, I looked for a way to accomplish it...my husband agreed to watch the kids (the kids were thrilled with a playdate!), I prepared supper that morning so we could arrive and run back out the door, and presto, I helped, encouraged and had a wonderful time running with my friend. I felt good about it all....instead of feeling rushed and frustrated and lonely, as I might have felt. And the smile on my friend's face was worth the effort!
Jesus, help me to look for new friendships, and to treasure my old friendships. Help me to invest some time and energy into my friends, knowing that we will encourage, love, support and help each other through the journey of life. Change my old way of thinking into a new understanding that you call us to live in relationship with each other. Send your Spirit so that I will not be afraid to take a step in this direction. Amen
Life Step: Be creative, and find a new way of being encouraging, helpful, supportive or loving, to an old friend this week. Look for an opportunity that God may be giving you to make a new friend.
More of His Healing Word: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; John 15:15b
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Letting Go of the Guilt Magnet
"Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and
did not cover up my iniquity.
I said,"I will confess my transgressions to the Lord."
And you forgave the guilt of my sin." Psalm 32:5 NIV
"Then I let it all out;
I said,"I'll make a clean breast of
all my failures to God."
Suddenly, the pressure was gone -
my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared." Psalm 32:5 The Message
Recently my daughter made her First Reconciliation...in my day it was called First Confession. She has been learning about it all year and still it was a difficult concept to grasp. It's no wonder, I guess, for us grown ups can't seem to get it either. Like her, I have often struggled with the concept of sin, and needing forgiveness. I remember in my early twenties saying to a priest, "I really have nothing to confess. I've done nothing wrong." He must have left shaking his head, not brave enough to challenge me lovingly as Jesus did with the rich man in Mark Chapter 10. Yes, maybe I did "keep the commandments", but there were surely many areas for improvement.
Things started to change for me when I was taught that the meaning of the word "sin", was really "missing the mark". It was easier for me to see how often and in so many little ways, I missed the mark. I let myself get caught up in negative thinking and feelings. I failed to be thankful for the blessings in my life. I didn't put God first in my life. (The list goes on and on but it's between me and God!)I began to regularly "let it all out": to name my past mistakes, and present failures to God. At times in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, at times in private prayer. The forgiveness I received was like a pressure that was suddenly gone, a burden no longer playing on my mind.
I also noticed that guilt is like a magnet. If we have unconfessed sin in our lives, no matter what it is, it seems to attract more guilt. That magnetic force often makes us feel guilty for things we are not responsible for, for others' actions and choices, or for things we have no control over. The result is that we are carrying around loads of guilt - ours and others - and it is impossible to live a joyful life. Once I begin to admit to God when I missed the mark, I could also let go of the guilt that didn't even belong to me in the first place.
A final thought - in my marriage I discovered there are 3 words more powerful even than "I love you". They are "I forgive you". I pray that you will discover the transforming power of forgiveness, in your own relationship with God, and in your relationships with others.
Jesus, you call us to live out a life like yours - a high standard that we can't achieve without Your transforming love, power and forgiveness. Send your Spirit to gently point out when we miss the mark, and teach us to be more like You. Help us to seek forgiveness from You, so that we might be free to live in joy and peace. Help us to let go of the guilt which does not belong to us. Thank you for dissolving our guilt, and making our sin disappear, through your ultimate sacrifice. Amen.
Life Step: Ask the Holy Spirit to gently show you an area of your life where you are "missing the mark." Let it all out before God and ask His forgiveness.
More of His Healing Word: Psalm 103:12; Mark 10:17-22
did not cover up my iniquity.
I said,"I will confess my transgressions to the Lord."
And you forgave the guilt of my sin." Psalm 32:5 NIV
"Then I let it all out;
I said,"I'll make a clean breast of
all my failures to God."
Suddenly, the pressure was gone -
my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared." Psalm 32:5 The Message
Recently my daughter made her First Reconciliation...in my day it was called First Confession. She has been learning about it all year and still it was a difficult concept to grasp. It's no wonder, I guess, for us grown ups can't seem to get it either. Like her, I have often struggled with the concept of sin, and needing forgiveness. I remember in my early twenties saying to a priest, "I really have nothing to confess. I've done nothing wrong." He must have left shaking his head, not brave enough to challenge me lovingly as Jesus did with the rich man in Mark Chapter 10. Yes, maybe I did "keep the commandments", but there were surely many areas for improvement.
Things started to change for me when I was taught that the meaning of the word "sin", was really "missing the mark". It was easier for me to see how often and in so many little ways, I missed the mark. I let myself get caught up in negative thinking and feelings. I failed to be thankful for the blessings in my life. I didn't put God first in my life. (The list goes on and on but it's between me and God!)I began to regularly "let it all out": to name my past mistakes, and present failures to God. At times in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, at times in private prayer. The forgiveness I received was like a pressure that was suddenly gone, a burden no longer playing on my mind.
I also noticed that guilt is like a magnet. If we have unconfessed sin in our lives, no matter what it is, it seems to attract more guilt. That magnetic force often makes us feel guilty for things we are not responsible for, for others' actions and choices, or for things we have no control over. The result is that we are carrying around loads of guilt - ours and others - and it is impossible to live a joyful life. Once I begin to admit to God when I missed the mark, I could also let go of the guilt that didn't even belong to me in the first place.
A final thought - in my marriage I discovered there are 3 words more powerful even than "I love you". They are "I forgive you". I pray that you will discover the transforming power of forgiveness, in your own relationship with God, and in your relationships with others.
Jesus, you call us to live out a life like yours - a high standard that we can't achieve without Your transforming love, power and forgiveness. Send your Spirit to gently point out when we miss the mark, and teach us to be more like You. Help us to seek forgiveness from You, so that we might be free to live in joy and peace. Help us to let go of the guilt which does not belong to us. Thank you for dissolving our guilt, and making our sin disappear, through your ultimate sacrifice. Amen.
Life Step: Ask the Holy Spirit to gently show you an area of your life where you are "missing the mark." Let it all out before God and ask His forgiveness.
More of His Healing Word: Psalm 103:12; Mark 10:17-22
Monday, April 4, 2011
Running with the Word
"...Run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1
"For the Word of God is alive and active..." Hebrews 4:12
Have you ever prayed, all the while thinking, "this won't happen" or "I have no intention of doing anything about this"? I must admit I have (probably more often that I care to think about). One of the recent prayers I prayed was about improving my physical health, and becoming more physically active. One of those long un-crossed items on my To-Do list that I love to avoid. But New Year's came around, and I prayed that God would help me find a way to accomplish this goal. All the while not having any real intention of taking action on my own.
Funny how God works. He is listening apparently, and isn't concerned that I really didn't have a concrete plan to become more physically active. Later that month, He sent a LOT of snow, and must have planted a seed in my husband's heart too...he decided it was time to do more winter activities as a family, like skating, snowshoeing and sledding. And we did - every weekend. Apparently I just needed some encouragement and people to enjoy the activities with.
When the snow tapered off, I found myself at an impromptu meeting over tea, where I was told I would start learning to run and training for a 5K race in June. Running has always totally intimidated me and I never in my wildest nightmares thought I would run. I just don't have a runner's body I have always said! Guess what: 2 friends, a training schedule and some research later, I am running. (Well, truthfully at this point it's more of the gentlest jog you've ever seen!) And the decision to run was confirmed in many ways: with the Scripture passage "Run with perseverance the race marked out for us" from Hebrews 12:1, haphazardly picking up a novel with the main character being a runner, and my (gasp!) actually taking a little bit of pleasure in running. (Only when the north wind is at my back!)
The Word of God IS active and alive. When we pray (even if we don't truly mean our prayers!) God is listening, and He will communicate with us if we pay attention.
Jesus, I give thanks that You are listening to my confused and weak prayers, and that You are answering them as we speak. Help me to look for Your guidance in Your Word; help me to pay attention to the other ways You may be speaking to me. Help me to keep running like the wind, both on the road and also in the race of life that you have set before me. Keep me persevering until I reach my final goal, Heaven. Amen
Life Steps: In your journal, keep a list of prayer requests, and prayer answers. When you read God's Word, look for a few words or a sentence that really jump out at you, and think about how God may be speaking to you through His Word.
"For the Word of God is alive and active..." Hebrews 4:12
Have you ever prayed, all the while thinking, "this won't happen" or "I have no intention of doing anything about this"? I must admit I have (probably more often that I care to think about). One of the recent prayers I prayed was about improving my physical health, and becoming more physically active. One of those long un-crossed items on my To-Do list that I love to avoid. But New Year's came around, and I prayed that God would help me find a way to accomplish this goal. All the while not having any real intention of taking action on my own.
Funny how God works. He is listening apparently, and isn't concerned that I really didn't have a concrete plan to become more physically active. Later that month, He sent a LOT of snow, and must have planted a seed in my husband's heart too...he decided it was time to do more winter activities as a family, like skating, snowshoeing and sledding. And we did - every weekend. Apparently I just needed some encouragement and people to enjoy the activities with.
When the snow tapered off, I found myself at an impromptu meeting over tea, where I was told I would start learning to run and training for a 5K race in June. Running has always totally intimidated me and I never in my wildest nightmares thought I would run. I just don't have a runner's body I have always said! Guess what: 2 friends, a training schedule and some research later, I am running. (Well, truthfully at this point it's more of the gentlest jog you've ever seen!) And the decision to run was confirmed in many ways: with the Scripture passage "Run with perseverance the race marked out for us" from Hebrews 12:1, haphazardly picking up a novel with the main character being a runner, and my (gasp!) actually taking a little bit of pleasure in running. (Only when the north wind is at my back!)
The Word of God IS active and alive. When we pray (even if we don't truly mean our prayers!) God is listening, and He will communicate with us if we pay attention.
Jesus, I give thanks that You are listening to my confused and weak prayers, and that You are answering them as we speak. Help me to look for Your guidance in Your Word; help me to pay attention to the other ways You may be speaking to me. Help me to keep running like the wind, both on the road and also in the race of life that you have set before me. Keep me persevering until I reach my final goal, Heaven. Amen
Life Steps: In your journal, keep a list of prayer requests, and prayer answers. When you read God's Word, look for a few words or a sentence that really jump out at you, and think about how God may be speaking to you through His Word.
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