Scripture Prayer
when I just can't find the words to fully express my feelings, I can turn to God's Holy Scripture and pray His promises.

http://youtu.be/vJdWdZv-uRA- Everlasting God - Chris Tomlin


1 Samuel 30:1-6 ESV
Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way. And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. David’s two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

David faced many battles in his lifetime.  When he was a shepherd, he faced a lion and bear, and then Goliath.
As God's anointed one, he was chased by a deranged King Saul who wanted to kill him. He mourned the illness of his infant son which later resulted in the death of this baby.  He went into hiding when his own son, Absalom sought to remove David as king.  David was definitely acquainted with grief, struggling and suffering. 

The passage above from 1 Samuel tells us of a time when he and his men return for battle only to find their town burned to the ground and all their wives and children taken.  I can't imagine the fear and anguish David must have felt.  He was so busy protecting others that his very own family was kidnapped and their home destroyed.  As if that weren't enough, his own men were furious with David for allowing their families to be taken. His men threatened to stone him to death.

What did David do?  He strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

How did David do that?  How did he strengthen himself in the LORD?
I found my answers in the Psalms.  David wrote about his struggles.  He also shared how he turned to God to help him face every foe. 

David placed his trust in God to help him -

Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?  ...

Psalm 56:9-11
You have kept count of my tossings;

put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your book?
Then my enemies will turn back
in the day when I call.
This I know, that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise,
in the LORD, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

David praised God in the midst of the battle. He trusted God's strength - not his own.

Psalm 59:16-17
But I will sing of your strength;

I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.
For you have been to me a fortress
and a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,
for you, O God, are my fortress,
the God who shows me steadfast love.


When David felt alone, he sought comfort from the LORD.  He praised God and meditated.
Read Psalm 63 and see how David seeks, praises and mediates on thoughts of his LORD.

Psalm 63:1-8
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.


So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.


Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.


My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

When I am discouraged or feeling afraid and alone, I can do what David.  I can strengthen myself in the LORD.  I may not be able to put my thoughts in beautiful words like David, but I can use David's psalms of praise and adoration as my own prayer and praise.  Praying the Scriptures is a beautiful way to find strength and encouragement in the LORD.  What better way to pray according to God's will than to pray His very Words to Him?

The Bible is full of God's promises to provide, protect, strengthen, guide, give wisdom and understanding... When I'm struggling with a burden that seems just too heavy to bear, it's not always easy to find the right words to pray.  When that happens, I turn the God's promises and I pray the Scriptures.  I know my prayer will be pleasing because I'm using God's very Word.  I'm acknowledging that I believe His inspired Scripture to be true and trustworthy.

If you're having one of the days when the words just don't come, find those promises that you need to hear in the Holy Scripture and claim those promises as your own.  God loves you and has promised to give you His best.  You can trust Him completely - even when you can't see the answers.  That's what FAITH is all about.  Believing when you can't see.

http://youtu.be/K7FQfSmtu-w - Revelation Song - Phillips Craig and Dean


I've taken excerpts from "Today's Quiet Walk" from Walk Thru the Bible.  It's a Scripture prayer based on Psalm 63, Psalm 51 and 1 Peter 5. 


Prayer:
Holy Father, because Your loving kindness is better than life,
my lips shall praise You.
Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name. . . .
When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me (Psalm 63:3-4, 6-8).


Lord, I confess the sins I have in my life.
You know those things I've brought before You.
You know those secret sins in my mind that
no one else can see. Please forgive me of those,
and also those sins that I do unaware.

You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
The sacrifice You want from me is a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart-
This, O God, You will not despise (Psalm 51:16-17).


Father, please give me a greater commitment to Christ, a greater love for Your people. Help me to hear Your voice and to be able to quickly discern the lies of the enemy.
Holy Spirit, please take control, guiding me in all that's good and perfect so that my life will be a pleasing and acceptable sacrifice to You.


May You, the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
after we have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle us.


To You be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

(based on 1 Peter 5:10-11).

Face Down

Have you ever been face down on the ground before God?

In her bible study of the Psalms, Beth Moore says if
our goal is to press to a higher place with God, there are few things that will enhance our progress more  than bowing low so God can lift us up. 

Humility should be the natural response for anyone who truly comprehends the awesomeness of God.

http://youtu.be/s-i1v_h6hVA - Fall Face Down - Matt Redman 
Try this for one week.  Each morning when you first get out of bed, fall to your knees with your face to the floor, and in your own words, praise the One who makes every moment possible. Did you just get out of a  nice warm, comfortable bed?  Thank God!  Do you have job this morning?  Thank God!  Do you have food for breakfast?  Are your children healthy?  Are you a child of God?  Thank Him!  

Think about the rain and how all of creation responds to it. Plants and trees turn deeper greener and their leaves perk up with each refreshing drink.  The birds take baths in the puddles.  Can't you almost hear all of Nature saying "thank You"!   God provides for nature and He provides for you and me. 

Our God is an awesome God.  For me, it's sometimes hard to find the words to express my sense of awe in His Presence.  As you think on His Majesty and Power, remember that He chose you out of all His amazing creation to be His dearly loved child.   If words of praise and adoration don't come easy, read a psalm of praise that speaks to your heart.  As you thank God for all He has done and will do in your life, give Him this day.  Give Him full access to every thought, word and action - at home, at work, at play and at church.  When you let Him take control, everything will go better.  Everything will work together so that He can use you, His child, to accomplish His purpose on earth.  Can you trust the Creator of the Universe who loves you more than anyone on earth will ever love you?  Can you trust Him to give you His best?  Can you let go of the burdens and give God control?  He won't let you down.  We serve a Faithful God - He is worthy of all our praise.

As you go throughout this day, sing praises to God.  Do you have a song that says exactly how you feel about God?  Sing that song throughout the day.  Sing from your heart as you think about the words.  You're singing for God and He loves to hear you sing praises to Him.    Think about how much you love hearing your child sing a song for you.  Well, your Father loves to hear His child sing, too.  Sing, sing, sing!

Holy God, my heart rejoices in Your presence this day! To Your ears, Lord, I pray that my singing will be a joyful noise. Your grace is amazing. You are my all in all, I worship and adore You. Lean down Your ear to me as I sing about Your love, for how great Thou art, Lord, How great thou art! My heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will praise You.

Psalm 28:6-7 NIV
Praise be to the LORD, for He has heard my cry for mercy.  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.
This day, my thoughts are on praising God, worshiping our Creator, bowing before Him, face to the ground, emptying myself of all pride, all thoughts of this world and simply lifting my praise to Him for He is so worthy.

I hope you can listen to the songs of praise and worship I've included in this devotional. If not, I pray that you will make time for worship today -  with "face to the ground" adoration before  our Holy God.

http://youtu.be/kkdniYsUrM8 - All of Creation - Mercy Me


PRAYER

Thank You Father, for sending Your Son to earth! God became man, humbling Himself to become fully human, so that He could know our struggles and pain. Thank You for such a compassionate High Priest who comes before Your Throne of Grace, on our behalf, defending us, claiming us as His own, bought and paid for with His very blood. He is our Mediator, our Advocate, our Redeemer, our One true Friend, Our Savior and Our God. In this time with You, may my every thought be of gratitude and worship to You, Oh Lord. I'm sorry for all those times I get distracted and fail to honor You in worship. It's all about You. Please forgive me and help me focus on You now and throughout the day. You alone are worthy of all my praise.

http://youtu.be/T8PNk9V5EHY - Just to Be With You - Paul Baloche

http://youtu.be/Yez8mNzQW08 - A Greater Song - Matt Redman

Psalm 19
For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.

2 Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.


3 They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.


4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.


5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.


6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.


7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.


9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.


10 They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.


11 They are a warning to your servant,
great reward for those who obey them.


12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.


13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.

14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

No matter what you're going through, there's a reason to sing and praise God.  This ain't all there is!

 http://youtu.be/V_5_ySiobdI -There's a reason - Mercy Me

What is your cardboard testimony?  How has Christ changed you?

My cardboard testimony -
          Am I truly changed?

http://youtu.be/WEDjs2Tg4RY - The Change - Mercy Me

When we become true Christ followers, our lives can't help but change.  Our desire and our focus will be to live a life that honors our Savior.  That usually will mean sacrificing - giving up some of the things we do that are not God-honoring.  It will mean focusing on the needs of others more than on our own needs.  We will put others before ourselves.  If we are caught up in some sinful lifestyle, we will want to change so that we can be a better witness for Christ.  Sometimes the change we need to make might require great sacrifice - emotionally or financially. 

Remember Zacchaeus?  When Zacchaeus decided to become a Christ follower, he made some big changes.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector which wasn't an honorable job!  Taxes did have to be collected, but Zacchaeus and many other tax collects (Matthew) learned to earn lots of extra income by collecting more taxes than were due.  Tax collectors were despised for their underhanded, greedy tactics.  Basically, they were extortionists who used their position of power to illegally pad their own pockets.  Tax Collectors were usually wealthy because they stole lots of money for those who couldn't fight back. 

Jesus was traveling through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem.  He knew what was coming.  He would be arrested, flogged almost to the point of death, and then would die an excruciating death on the cross.  Even though He had explained time after time that His Kingdom was not an earthly kingdom, He realized that His followers were fully expecting Him to reign on earth.  He wanted His followers to know that hard times were coming for Him, but also for them.  The true disciples would suffer persecution and suffering, too.  But no matter how much they suffered, no matter how much they sacrificed, life with Him in Eternity would far outweigh the suffering. 

On his way to Jerusalem, He touched lives along the way.  The news of His arrival in Jericho reached a man named Zacchaeus.

Luke 19:1-11
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town.  There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich.  He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd.  So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.



 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”


Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.  But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”


Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Jesus changed Zacchaeus!  This man who had everything materialistically, was willing to make huge sacrifices.  He committed to giving back four times what he had stolen by cheating people on their taxes.  He committed to giving half of all he owned to the poor.  Zacchaeus was changed!

I love the last verse:  "Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham.  Jesus wasn't saying that Zacchaeus was saved because he was a descendant of Abraham - a Jew by birth.  Jesus proclaimed that Zacchaeus was a true son of Abraham because of his faith.  Zacchaeus showed his great faith through a life that was changed.  Zacchaeus was not just a "fan" of Jesus.  He had become a follower, one who was willing to change his lifestyle, even though it meant financial sacrifice.  The blessing of knowing Jesus was far greater to Zacchaeus than any amount of money.

John 14:15-26
15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.



18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" 23 Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.


25 "These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 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.

I'm afraid we sometimes fail to recognize the importance of obedience to God.  We love Grace.  We sing about how amazing God's Grace is, and rightfully so.  His Grace is truly amazing.  If our living a perfect, sinless life was the only way to heaven, we'd all be in trouble.  We can't do this life on our own.  We fall down and God lifts us up.  Then we fall down again, and He's right there reaching out to us in love.  I know that His Grace covers believers completely.  The question is "Am I a true believer or am I just a fan?"   A true believer who has come to know the LORD will be changed.  A true believer falls in love with His Savior and wants to obey His teachings because of the great sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf.  Although we can never repay Him, we are called to be living sacrifices fully acceptable to Him.  That requires a changed life. As a true believer, a follower of Christ, our desire should be to walk with Him in obedience. Not out of fear, but out of commitment and love for what He's done for us.  If we love Him, John inspired words say we will obey Him.  That means no longer being conformed to this world, but by being transformed by the renewal of our minds.

Romans 12:1-2 
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 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.

Look at the end of verse 2: "that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  How are we to know what changes we need to make?  By reading God's Word and by allowing the Holy Spirit to remind us of God's truths. Re-read John 14:26 above.  The Holy Spirit will teach us and bring to remembrance the things we've learned from God's Word.  But first, we have to read it.

I remember the story of the woman caught in adultery.  What was Jesus' response to this sinful woman?

John 8:3-11
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?" This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." 

Go and sin no more!  This woman was living a sinful life. She was caught in the very act of adultery.  But meeting Jesus face to face, experiencing His great mercy, couldn't help but change her way of living.  She wouldn't be perfect, but her heart would forever belong to Jesus.  Her response to His love and forgiveness?  She would go and sin no more.  She would be obedient out of love and respect and gratitude towards her Lord.

What are some things that have changed since I've become a follower of Christ?

I'm reading a book - not a fan by Kyle Idleman.  Mr. Idleman asks the question, "Are you a fan or a follower?"  Obviously, Jesus has lots of fans.  You know those people who praise Him in one breath and then turn around and use His holy Name to curse someone or something in the next breath.  Fans are people who like to "talk about Jesus" but are not willing to make the sacrifices Jesus asks His followers to make.  A fan doesn't let his relationship with Jesus affect his every day life.  In fact, a fan will usually adjust his beliefs so that he can go right ahead and live exactly the same way he's always lived.  A fan will convince himself that Jesus is so merciful and forgiving, it doesn't matter how he lives - just as long as he "loves" Jesus.

A follower is different.  He makes adjustments so that his life will reflect the Light of Jesus.  That takes sacrifice and commitment to helping others.  Like Zacchaeus, a true follower will stop sinning and follow Jesus.

A follower will walk out of a movie when the content is disrespectful to his Lord.

A follower will help the less fortunate in any way he can, even if it means inconveniencing himself.  A follower would miss the Sunday football game if someone needed immediate help.

A follower changes his language.  There some words he simply will not say anymore.  He definitely will not use the Lord's Name in vain.  What does this mean?  It means he doesn't use the Name of Jesus or God as an exclamatory remark - UNLESS he is really calling on God for help or giving Him praise.  The Name of Jesus is spoken with respect and love, not carelessly uttered.

A follower puts Jesus first and others second. His own wants and needs become secondary to those two priorities.  A fan tends to be more self-centered, self- absorbed.

We're all on a journey.  Some are a little further down the road than others.  Some stumble and make bad choices less often than others.  But some of us can't seem to stay off the floor.  We mess up every day.  But our hearts long to walk with Jesus and to honor Him. We fail repeatedly, but like David, we keep humbly looking to God to purify our hearts and draw us near to Himself. Today our walk is better than it was last year.  Next year, we'll be a little further down the road.  It's a process.  Sometimes it's babysteps, but we continue down the road with our eyes on Jesus.  As followers of Christ, we are being changed daily, however small those changes may seem.  We are being changed into His image.  The more we allow His Spirit to work in our hearts and lives, the more changes we'll see.
What changes do I need to make in my life?  What have I allowed to continue in my life that doesn't honor my precious Savior?  I definitely need to make some changes.  I dont' want to be just a fan.  I want to be a follower of Christ.  I want to be someone whom God can use to influence others for Christ.

Lord God, thank You for Your amazing grace.  Without it we'd all be lost.  But in Your infinite goodness and love, You made a way for sinful man to be reconciled to You - through Your precious Son, Jesus the Christ. 
I owe Him everything, but all I have to bring to Him is the way I live my life.  Such a small sacrifice to pay for all Jesus has done and continues to do for me.

I don't want to be just a "fan", who merely goes through the motions of being a "Christian", managing to say the right words at the right time, but unwilling to do the right thing when it's something I don't want to do.  I want to be a true follower of Christ, one who is willing to make changes in my life so that I conform to His teachings.  Help me be obedient even when it's hard, even when it means sacrificing things I love or enjoy.  Nothing is more important to me that honoring Jesus with my life.  Father, I want to live in such a way that others see Jesus living in me.  I want to love like You love; I want to see what You see and do what You have for me to do.  I want to make a difference in this world for the Kingdom.  Forgive me for taking my eyes off You so many times.  Renew my spirit and create in me a pure heart - a follower's heart. Be glorified in my life, God.  This life is for Your glory, not mine.  In the Name of Savior, Jesus the Christ, I ask these things. Amen.

http://youtu.be/UFrdJ2V3r7Y - Thank You, Lord - Ray Boltz



You have the Armor of God but better still, You have God going before You!

 Be Strong and Courageous!This is my command—be strong and courageous!
Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

I don't know what Your Enemy is, but I can promise you this.  God is bigger and stronger and He will not leave you to face your Enemy alone.  The battle has already been won.

Holy Father, I thank You that You have already defeated the enemy. I submit to You this day and resist the onslaught of the enemy upon my life, knowing that he will flee from me when I do. Lord Jesus, help me to recognize those seemingly innocent compromises I


am tempted to make for what they are - the beginning of a spiral downward into darkness and away from You. You alone are my strength and my God. My allegiance is with You, my Redeemer. Lord, keep my eyes focused on You and all You have for me.


This day is for You, for Your glory. I worship You in the midst of everything I face, knowing that in Your presence there is safety and peace.


In the precious Name of Jesus, my Savior and my God. Amen.

http://youtu.be/9m96MtNlMz8 - Stay Strong - Newsboy

Joshua 1:9 ESV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."


lyrics

You're in the moment now
A bitter root
A wandering eye and then
The ties that bind start wearing thin, thin

You're in the moment now
When all you've been blessed with
Is not enough
Here's where the ground gets loose
Here's where the devils call your bluff

Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
You've gotta stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way

We've seen the tragic flaws
The tortured souls
The saints with feet of clay
Here's where sin becomes cliché'

We've come through wilderness and watched
The cloud by day
The burning sky into dawn
Have you forgotten who you are?
Did you forget whose trip you're on?

Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
We've gotta stay strong
You and I run
or the prize that lies ahead

We've come too far to lose our way, our way
Get up, there's further to go
Get up, there's more to be done
Get up, this witness is sure
Get up, this race can be won
This race can be won

We've gotta stay strong
Our Father's dawn will light our day, our day
Come on and stay strong
His grip is sure
And His patience still endures
There'll be no letting go today, no way

Come on, and stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way.

James 4:7-8a ESVSubmit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Proverbs 4:12 ESV
When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.

1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.


Stay Strong!  You're not in this battle alone.  He has gone before you and He comes after you preparing the way and protecting you.  You and God will always be the winner.  No power is mightier than His power.
No love is stronger than His love.

Psalm 18:32
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."



Stay Strong!

http://youtu.be/b61wsBdqrKM - You Never Let GO - Matt Redman

Might not be what I'd choose

http://youtu.be/e8HgAVenbUU - Bring the Rain - Mercy Me

This morning as I sat down to prepare my morning devotional, I took just a moment to read a daily devotional I receive from Encouragement for Today - Proverbs 31 Ministries.  Something about the devotionals from this site always seem to hit home for me.  Last couple of weeks I've been "learning" a new job as parttime bookkeeper for the Trinity Valley Will Graham Celebration - part of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.  The learning curve is stressing me out!  For the last 20 years I've been in the mortgage industry and I know exactly what I'm doing when I'm working with mortgage loans.  I hate not being comfortable with what I'm doing.  But I'm getting there.  Hopefully, I want make any horrible mistakes that cause other people more work.  I'm praying alot.  = )

As I read Lysa TerKeurst's morning blog, I felt her pain.  Looking back over the years I can say for the most part, that God has used the "worst things" in my life to help me grow and become a better human being.  Just like now with my new job, I hate the learning curve period.  I wished I could just know what I'm supposed to do and do it with excellence!  But I also realize that I tend to remember the lessons I learn during the tough times - they make a definite impression on my heart and mind.  So, I'll keep plugging away and one day, I'll look back and say "that wasn't the worst thing at all".

I'm sharing Lysa's blog here today because she said it much better than I can. The surprises in life, the bumps in the road - those things never catch God off guard.  He can take our worst days and use them for good.  Joseph said it best when he spoke to his brothers who had sold him into slavery when he was just a young man.  This young man had been treated horribly by his own older brothers. They sold him, and told his father that he was dead.  That started a long difficult journey for Joseph.  He served in Potiphar's house only to be accused on trying to rape Potiphar's wife; then he was thrown in to jail - unjustly, where he sat for 3 years.  But God was working through the whole mess, developing in Joseph the character and qualities he would need to be second in command over all Egypt at just the right time.  God used Joseph to save not only his family - the Israelites, but all of Egypt.  God took something really bad and used it for good.

God does that for me, too.  Sometimes I forget how long Joseph endured the struggles and challenges before he was made 2nd in command.  I forget how God uses difficult times to mold us into someone He can use for His purpose - His perfect plan.  I need to learn how to wait and to trust.  God is control and He has a plan for me, for good and not evil; a plan to give me a hope and a future.  I can trust Him completely.

Genesis 50:20  GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Even though you planned evil against me, God planned good to come out of it. This was to keep many people alive, as he is doing now.

http://youtu.be/Xe4SckesWLE - this is the stuff - Francesca Battistelli

 Here's Lysa's blog.  I hope it makes you smile and gives you encouragement.  It did that for me.

The Best Worst Thing
Lysa TerKeurst

“He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.” Matthew 8:26 (NIV)

I failed at being a wedding planner.

No one wants a planner who gets so undone by the neurotic mother of the bride that she throws up in the parking lot right beside the guest sidewalk.

Really, nothing says, “welcome to my wedding” quite like that.

I failed at being a kitchen gadget saleswoman.

No one wants to see the tip of a thumb sliced off into the veggie pizza at the exact moment I was promising how safe this gadget is.

Awesome.

I failed at being a cafeteria lady at a private school.

My assistant decided her arms were so dry she needed to coat herself with our spray butter. When we took the trash out later that day, we both got attacked by bees and forgot about the pizza in the oven.

Kids don’t take kindly to burnt pizza.

I failed at being a receptionist.

It’s never a good idea to just succumb to those sleepy afternoon feelings and lay your head down on the desk.

Bosses don’t like workers who snore. Even if they are pregnant.

Yes, I failed at a lot during those years where I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. At the time each of these things felt like the worst that could have happened. Now, I think they were the best worst things.

Had these things been successful, I would have never discovered the joy of being in the ministry I’m in now.

I see this same theme woven throughout many stories in the Bible.

In Matthew 8:23-24 we find Jesus getting into a boat with His disciples. “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.” Worst thing.

But in verse 26 Jesus got up and rebuked the winds and waves and things turned completely calm. The disciples were amazed. Best worst thing.

In Acts 5:12 we find the apostles being arrested and thrown in jail. Worst thing.

But in Acts 5:13 we find an angel of the Lord opening the doors of the jail and bringing them out. Later we find them with so much confidence they boldly proclaim, “We must obey God rather than men!” (v. 29) Best worst thing.

I don’t understand why we have to go through cruddy stuff. And I certainly know there are many worse things to go through than what I’ve mentioned here.

We live in a broken world full of broken people. But isn’t it comforting to know God isn’t ever broken? He isn’t ever caught off guard, taken by surprise, or shocked by what happens next.

He can take our worst and add His best. We just have to make the choice to stay with Him and keep following Him through it all.

Dear Lord, I know You are capable of taking my worst and turning it into Your best. Show me this truth anew today. Refresh my spirit. I want to follow You through it all. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

If you enjoy Lysa’s devotions, be sure to sign up for more daily inspiration she sends out from her blog by clicking here. It’s free and great for passing along to friends.

Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year. Click here to see her schedule. She would be honored to meet you!

Come see the downloadable Freebies on Lysa’s website! Encouraging articles for lots of situations to print and share with a friend! www.LysaTerKeurst.com

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can’t compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us!

Application Steps:

We live in a broken world full of broken people. But isn’t it comforting to know God isn’t ever broken? Ponder the promises He has made in the Bible and how He has been faithful to you.

Reflections:

He can take our worst and add His best. We just have to make the choice to stay with Him and keep following Him through it all.

Power Verses:

Psalm 37:23, “If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm.” (NIV)


Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (NIV)

© 2011 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

http://youtu.be/gArr7gyiMBY - When I'm On My Knees - Jaci Valasquez


Prayer doesn't change everything.
 But God does changes everything when we pray.

I can't think of any one thing that has done more for my relationship with Christ than prayer.

A few years ago Larry, Tyler and I began meeting with a small group of prayer warriors before worship time each Sunday. It was a small group - maybe 10-15 people. We didn't really know anyone in the group when we first started attending, other than by name. But it didn't take long before I felt closer to each of them than I would have every imagined.

There's something very "magical" about praying with others. Each Sunday morning as we met to pray, I saw the love and concern that each member of our prayer group had for every prayer request. There was a connection that ran deep in that room of believers - a spiritual connection with one another and also with our Father. There's no doubt in my mind that the LORD God was in that room each week as we prayed. He was revered and praised and honored. Every single one of us knew that He was in control of every circumstance, every struggle, and every illness that we were lifting up to Him. Our prayers were as much an acknowledgement of His power and wisdom as they were prayers for intercession.

When we were in that room, I remember how close I felt to my fellow prayer warriors and how close I felt to God. As we prayed for others, my heart was so full of love and compassion. You simply can't NOT feel love when you're surrounded with such a spirit of devotion to the Father, such complete reverence and awe. We began each prayer with praise and as we went around the room, each person taking a moment to lift up the Name of God, I was reminded of the awesomeness of our glorious LORD. The feelings of adoration for the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit were contagious and always gave me such peace. There's something about remembering the awesome power and wisdom and love of God that just calms my spirit and helps me feel safe in His protective arms.

We prayed for healing, of course. That always seems to be our human prayer, as if we need to tell God how to do the right thing. It's really kind of funny when I think about it. As if I'm going to tell God the best way to resolve my friend's medical condition, right? It's crazy! God loves my friend so much more than I can imagine, and HE wants good things, no, He wants the best things for my friend, so I certainly don't have to explain the preferred option to God! And it's not like I have to "remind" him of a friend's surgery, as if He might get too busy and forget! I don't think so. God doesn't forget his children. And HE is never too busy for even the smallest, most seemingly insignificant request or need. My prayer doesn't necessarily change the out come of a circumstance. It changes me and how I feel about circumstance. Giving my burdens and concerns to God reminds me that I'm never alone and that no matter what happens, He is with me.

When I put my complete trust in God - the GOD who loved me so much that HE sent His only Son to take my punishment - I know I can trust that He has my very best interest at heart. When I pray, I am acknowledging my need for Him to be in control. I'm admitting that I am helpless and cannot do anything through my own strength or power. I'm confessing that His Wisdom is so far greater than my wisdom, and that I want His will - not mine, because He has already considered the consequences of every possible answer. My wisdom sees the present, and I want healing for my friend right now. But God sees how circumstances affect others and He carefully weighs life and death matters with great love and compassion - taking everything into consideration before He allows an illness to continue, or before He restores health. Everything He does comes from His amazing love for us.

I'm not generally a big Jim Carey fan, but I watched a movie of his, "Bruce Almighty" and actually, it was pretty insightful in places. Mr. Carey's character, Bruce, is complaining about God not answering his prayers the way he would like. He imagines that if he were God, he would answer every one's prayers with a big "yes!" Well, Bruce suddenly becomes God. He has all the power to do anything he wants to do. At first it's great fun, but then all the prayer requests starting coming in. It's a bit overwhelming but he just starts saying "yes" to every one's prayer! He thinks he's doing great; after all, everyone is getting exactly what they ask for. One problem: Bruce doesn't consider how answering "yes" to one person may be counterproductive to others connected to that situation.

It becomes very real to him when he gets for several different people - all of whom want to win the lottery! Bruce answers "yes" to every one of them! The jackpot was some huge sum of money but when the winners step up to claim their winnings, each one only receives a very small amount, like $1.98 each! They were all angry and disappointed. They all got what they asked for - they won the lottery - but what they asked for was not the best answer for everyone connected to the situation.

It really was a silly movie, but it made a very good point. God weighs every situation in ways we'll never comprehend. He doesn't play with our emotions and allow bad things to continue just because He can. He's never to busy nor is HE more concerned about weightier issues than my empty checkbook! He is all powerful, all knowing, and present everywhere at every moment, He has NO limitations. So when He doesn't give us the answer we want, there is a very good reason. We may never know what that reason is, but we can trust Him.

God has a purpose for our lives, a purpose with eternal consequences. My preferred answer to illness and struggles is always "God, please fix it now! Make it be better now!" But He looks at every situation with His all knowing wisdom. I see things from an earthly perspective. He weighs every circumstance and determines which solution gives the best outcome for Eternity, not just for my short time on earth.

Our struggles and suffering may seem too hard to bear at times, but God has promised that we can do all things through Christ who will give us His strength.

Philippians 4:13
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. He has promised that we will never be tempted above our ability to resist, because He will provide a way of escape.


1 Corinthians 10:13b 
And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. HE will provide everything we need.

2 Peter 1:3 
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.

1 Timothy 6:17 
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

The problem is we see suffering as something we need to avoid. God sometimes see suffering as a way to draw us closer to Him, to help us become more dependent on Him. Sometimes, He uses suffering to show others our faith and His faithfulness. When we see others facing unimaginable difficulties with strength and hope, our faith can grow stronger. And we when we pray, God supernaturally increases our love and compassion for those for whom we pray.

Our prayer group at Dallas Christian prayed for a young man named Keith Beasley for almost two years. He and his wife, Judy, were anxiously looking forward to the birth of their first child who was due June 2009. But in April of 2009, Keith flew to Houston from his home in San Diego to attend his future brother-in-law's bachelor party. After a night of celebrating with the guys, Keith left the party early, went to the parking garage to get his car so he could go back to the hotel. Evidently Keith didn't feel he should get behind the wheel of a car at that moment, so he decided to sit for a minute and let his head clear, maybe wake up a bit before driving. He sat down on the outside wall of the parking garage and leaned against the column. We know that because security cameras showed him sitting there for almost 2 hours before the nightmare began. Without warning, Keith lost his balance and fell off the wall - he fell 9 stories down. He survived - which was a miracle in its self, but he never really woke up completely. His wife Judy immediately flew to Texas and began the most agonizing two years of her life.

This was not what they had planned. They had a charmed life. They were a beautiful couple so in love - so full of life and joy. One moment everything was great and the next moment their whole world was changed forever. I followed Judy Beasley's caring bridge journal entries those long months when she so faithfully attended to her husband. She had their baby boy but Keith wasn't in the delivery room with her. Keith didn't get to hold him. Judy didn't get to share the joy of this precious baby boy's birth with her husband. Keith was still comatose. Months went by - touch and go at times - but Judy was a rock. She stayed by Keith's side, trusting in God to get her through it.

One day she posted, that she was feeling particularly vulnerable and discouraged, when a well meaning man posted a comment to Keith's guest book. He said that he just wanted Judy to know that as difficult as it was for her and Keith, something good had happened because of their struggles. He said he knew a man who had decided to follow Christ because of Keith's story and her faithfulness. The words were meant for encouragement, but instead, Judy's first reaction was

"So that's why Keith had to suffer this fall? So that ONE person could come to know Jesus? Really. God? Keith's life had to be destroyed so one person could be saved? Was that worth all Keith's suffering, all he has lost?"

She was so angry at first, but then she stopped and thought about it. "Yes, Lord, if one person came to know Jesus because of this accident, it is worth it. One soul saved for Eternity is worth it." That's incredible faith.

Judy Beasley touched so many people with her strength - no, not her strength, but the strength that Jesus provided. She knew that she couldn't have possibly handled those many months of pain and heartbreak without Jesus holding her every step of the way. Keith eventually passed away. It was, of course, God's perfect timing. Those of you who followed Keith and Judy's journey with me know exactly what I mean. GOD showed Himself powerfully to Judy, so many times during those months. He never left her side. She always felt His presence. And she testified to His faithfulness.

All those months, we were praying for healing. We were praying that Keith would wake up and be fully restored. We begged and pleaded! We fasted! But God had a better plan. I'm sure Judy still wonders "why", but even though she doesn't understand why this happened, she still trusts that God's ways are so much higher than ours, and His love is so much deeper; Judy knows she can put her hope in Him without question.
Because of Judy's journey of faith, I, too, know I can put my hope in God.  I've seen Him work.

Our prayers may not change the outcome of every circumstance. But prayer can always change how we look at those circumstances. Even Jesus prayed more than once that "the cup of suffering might be taken from Him.

Mark 14:36 - Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Talk about not being fair - there was no greater “injustice” than the persecution and death of Jesus, but what God accomplished through the suffering of His precious Son, the salvation of those who would accept Him as Savior, that purpose far outweighed the suffering that Jesus endured for us. Jesus trusted His Father completely, even it if meant He would have to suffer that horrible death on the cross. He knew it was for a greater purpose, a purpose filled with such love, we'll never fully understand.

James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Prayer is how we talk to our Father. God told Isaiah in Isaiah 1:18 - Come now, and let us reason together”. Just like we parents want our children to talk to us, to share what's troubling them, our heavenly Father wants us to bring our burdens and hurts and pains to Him.

Philippians 4:6-7 
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When we pray for others, God creates an amazing bond of love and concern.  I'm sure that anyone who followed Judy's journey grew to love Judy and Keith and their sweet son. We truly cared for them, even though most of us never met either of them face to face. We're all part of God's family, and when Judy hurt, we all hurt with her. We offered encouragement, and she provided inspiration and hope. Through her testimony, our faith grew stronger.

Prayer was the instrument that God used to work all those things together.

Galatians 6:2
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. The law of Christ is to love one another as ourselves.

When we come along side someone bent low underneath their load of cares, we come to love them.
When I pray for someone, God puts them on my heart - just like he put Judy and Keith on my heart, and I begin to love that person. I truly care about them and want to help them in whatever way I can. Prayer creates a connection of love and compassion which is exactly what God wants us to have towards others.

God doesn't always answer my prayer with a "yes" and that's okay. Because when He tells me "no" or "wait", I know it's because He has something better planned. There's purpose in the suffering He allows and I will trust Him to accomplish that purpose. His perspective is our Eternal future, and more than anything, I want Eternity with Him for me and for all the people for whom I pray.

Holy Father, You are so gracious and merciful. Your wisdom is so far above my earthly understanding; I know I can trust You with every care and concern. Thank You, Lord, for always listening to my prayers. Thank You for always answering, even when I don't understand the answer. Thank You for the peace You provide when I trust You with my worries and concerns. LORD God, I trust Your amazing love for Your children, and as much as I want healing for my friends and families who are dealing with illness, disease, financial struggles, relationship issues, the most important concern is for their spiritual welfare, healing and growth. Father, Your Will, not mine, because what You have for each of us is so much better than anything I can ask or imagine.


I lift up to You every prayer need and every person for whom I pray, knowing You will give them Your best answer. I can't ask for anything better than that. I pray all these things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

http://youtu.be/UpCZlkIlb4U - There will be a day - Jeremy Camp

I just want to be where You are...


http://youtu.be/psEGRkf3Nww - I just want to be where You are - Don Moen

I do just want to be with Jesus, walking daily in His Presence. I want to experience His closeness. I don't want to worship Him from a distance. I want to be so aware of His presence that I am in constant communion with Him.  Every thought I have, every word I speak, every thing I do - everything weighed and measured beforehand in the knowledge that He is right next to me giving me the strength and wisdom to do what honors Him. 

Psalm 84:10 NLT
A single day in your courts
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.


I can't imagine how wonderful it would be to have that closeness every second of the day.  I know it's mine for the taking.  The Holy Spirit is living in me - I'm never far away from God.  But because I fail to remember and to acknowledge His Presence, I don't get to enjoy that constant communion with my LORD.  It's my failing - not HIS.  HE is here with me always.

http://youtu.be/98nG3xH02wo - I know You're there - Casting Crowns

I'm not alone. NEVER EVER ALONE!  God is with me everywhere I go.  All I have to do is call on Him and listen for His voice.  He is my safe place, my strong tower. 

Proverbs 18:10 ESV
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

John 16
"I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.



12"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

16 "A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me." 17So some of his disciples said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me'; and, 'because I am going to the Father'?" 18So they were saying, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We do not know what he is talking about." 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me'? 20Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

25"I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father."


29His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God." 31Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 32Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

The apostles walked with Jesus.  They lived daily in His Presence.  They faced all kinds of struggles and sufferings but Jesus was with them.  His Presence gave them strength and courage to keep going no matter what they faced.  But then Jesus told them He was going to leave and go back to His Father.  I can't imagine how afraid they must have been at the thought of facing all their challenges without Him by their side.  But Jesus made a promise.  He would not leave them alone. 

John 14:12-20
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it."


Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.


"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

When Jesus ascended to Heaven, He was able to send His Spirit to the disciples.  His Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the living God, would make His home in each believer.  Even though we don't have a physical Jesus walking by our side, we do have His Spirit living in us every single moment of every single day.  That is powerful and comforting. 

There were twelve apostles.  What happened when they were spread out around the country?  Jesus couldn't not be with each apostle every second of the day because He had a human body.  But once He went back to His Father and then sent His Spirit, He can now be with each of us every day - all day long.  He never leaves us nor forsakes us.  The Holy Spirit is the very Spirit of God and lives in each of us!  HE is with us always, even unto the end of the world!

Matthew 28:16-20
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."


The first paragraph of this prayer is from Beth Moore's Stepping Up bible study.  Beth says she gets on the floor, face to the ground and prays like this.  You'll never feel closer to God than when you are face to the ground, humbled in His mighty Presence.

Lord, I thank You again this morning that You are still God upon the throne of all creation.  You are holy.  Mighty beyond comprehension.  So worthy of my praise and the outpouring of my life's energies.  Today I gladly give myself to You.  I am convinced that You are always with me and for me. Obedience to You will always mean Your very best for me.  I'm so grateful that I can come boldly and without shame before Your throne because I pray all these things in Jesus' name. 

Father God, thank You for not leaving us as orphans when Jesus came back home to You.  Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to live in Your children.  Thank You for never leaving nor forsaking us.  Father help me to realize Your Presence this day.  I want to walk with You, unafraid, not anxious for anything, as I trust in You.  Spirit of God living in me, please take control of my thoughts, my words and my actions.  Prompt me to do what's right and to flee from what's wrong.  Show me the right path and thank You for not giving up on me, no matter how often I fall.  I love You God!  I want my life to bring You glory.  Your Will be done, what ever that takes, Lord, I'm Yours. 

http://youtu.be/HGCHecATSGs - The Arms that hold the Universe - Fee
I know it seems
Like this could be
The darkest day you've known
But believe you me
The God of strength
Will never let you go
He will overcome, I know

And the arms that hold the universe
Are holding you tonight
You can rest inside
It's gonna be alright
And the voice that calmed the raging sea
Is calling you His child
So be still and know He's in control
He will never let you go

Through many dangers, toils and snares
You have already come
His grace has brought you safe this far
(And) His grace will lead you home

Revelation 3:20 ESV

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.