Saturday, January 5, 2013

Prayer



6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.

Philippians 4:6-7
Easy-to-Read Version (ERV).



As I faced the New Year, I've always made some sort of resolution. This year somehow just felt different. This year, I only asked God for humilty. I know what humility is and I know why I need it. I guess I just wanted to be sure that everyone understood where my gifts came from- not me. I want to be humble so that God is the ONLY thing you see in me. I never want to take credit for anything, but own up to my mistakes. My mistakes are mine- my talents are Gods.

I had an awesome first week of the New Year. Two prayers regarding health issues with friends were answered. I know God is awesome, I know He loves them more than I do, but I felt SO privileged to pray for these two friends and witness His love in action. His provision brought tears to my eyes when I heard the news. I couldn't help but feel His love and warmth in my own life, and so grateful that He showed His love to them with these answered prayers.

When we face uncertainty in our lives, it's easy to worry when we should trust. It's easy to question when we doubt. It's easy to be depressed instead of uplifted. But the Bible says in Philippians 4:6 & 7 that we should not worry but trust. We should be thankful because He will give us peace and comfort. He will guard our hearts and feelings beyond our understanding. That is so awesome! I love that promise from Him, don't you?

We don't always get the answers we think we want when we pray, but if we allow His Will- His Guidance, His Peace to envelop us and protect our hearts and minds. If we lay our needs at His feet and let Him have his awesome divine intervention- He will do what's best for us. Because He loves us. Because He always has our best interest at heart. Have faith in Him, even when it isn't easy. Especially when it's hard. Praise Him in the storms and give Him complete control.- you'll never be disappointed. Trust Him!

Heavenly Father, how great and awesome is Your love for us! Thank You for hearing our prayers. Thank You for answered prayer, help us to understand and trust Your ways in everything we do. And we will give You all the glory! AMEN

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Welcome 2013!

Happy New Year! Psalm 89:16 The Message (MSG) 5-18 God! Let the cosmos praise your wonderful ways, the choir of holy angels sing anthems to your faithful ways! Search high and low, scan skies and land, you’ll find nothing and no one quite like God. The holy angels are in awe before him; he looms immense and august over everyone around him. God-of-the-Angel-Armies, who is like you, powerful and faithful from every angle? You put the arrogant ocean in its place and calm its waves when they turn unruly. You gave that old hag Egypt the back of your hand, you brushed off your enemies with a flick of your wrist. You own the cosmos—you made everything in it, everything from atom to archangel. You positioned the North and South Poles; the mountains Tabor and Hermon sing duets to you. With your well-muscled arm and your grip of steel— nobody trifles with you! The Right and Justice are the roots of your rule; Love and Truth are its fruits. Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us— you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King! AMEN! Julie