I was in an auto accident about a month ago.  It has been a month of multiple doctor’s appointments and therapy.  Today I was really discouraged as the pain in my hip and right leg has been constant and was really nagging me.  As I thought about my discouragement over the fact that the healing was taking longer than I wanted and I was not enjoying the discomfort, I realized that my discouragement was fear in disguise.  God addressed the fear and discouragement that the Israelites faced on many occasions.  2Chronicles 20:17 “You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem, Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.”  (NIV)  The Israelites were going out to meet an overwhelming foe and God told King Jehoshaphat to be firm and not to be discouraged.  Being discouraged is easy- doubt creeps in, overwhelming situations, long recovery, and pain rise up to meet me each day.  God wants me to be invincible and to face the difficult situation with Him by my side.

I forgot that today as I was existing in pain.  I needed to reel myself in and reexamine my problems and see them thought God’s eyes.  “Nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:27.  My pain is fleeting so I need to give the recovery – timing and process- to the Lord.  He know what is best and how much time I really need.  Allowing discouragement to take over is giving Satan the victory in this problem.

Prayer:  Lord, give me strength for each day, no worries for tomorrow and realization that You care for me.  1Peter 5:7.  Help me to place my trust and confidence in you alone.  Bind Satan and ban discouragement from my thoughts. Amen.

May you have a blessed day free from discouragement.

Linda

(This passage is addressed more fully on Day 25 of Fearless Living.)

With all of the blog entries that I have done recently on prayer, I was working on my new book the other day and came to this promise in  1John 5:13-15.  I wanted to share it, not so much as a preview of my new work, but as a continuation of thought about prayer.  You can never plumb the depths of God’s word and new thoughts and insights jump out at me as I study.  It is always and adventure.  I do hope this entry is helpful to you in your prayer life and I would love to hear back from you.  I am excited about this new work but it is far from finished.  Working on it keeps me growing and meditating on God’s word- always a good thing.

Blessings,

Linda

 

Jesus, Our Confidence

1John 5: 13-15

            I (John) write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.  And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. (ESV)

Promise:  God promises that faith in Jesus gives me eternal life and that anything I ask, according to His will, He will grant me.

When you pray do you give God a wants or needs list?  This verse reminds us that God has a perfect plan, and that we need to seek to align ourselves with His plan.  True alignment with God’s will produces results in the form of answered prayer.  Jesus was our example as he prayed in Matthew 6:9-10 “Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ And again at Gethsemane in Matthew 26:39 “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’” (ESV) As hard as it may seem, to produce results for God we must seek His will not our own.  Then he promises great results that will be the very best for us.

Lessons and Truths:

1. Belief in Jesus gives eternal life.
2. God is accessible.
3. God has a plan for my life.
4. God is sovereign and all things are in his power.
5. God wants me to align myself with His perfect will.

Prayer:   Lord, I confess that I am willful and want my own way.  I desire things done to please me and not You.  Give me a clean heart that will seek Your will and direction in my life.  Help me to be humble and desirous of being in Your will and trusting You to work out Your will in my life.  Grant me wisdom in prayer to seek Your way and that I may adopt an attitude of thankfulness for all You have done for me though Jesus.  Amen.

What is my response to God’s promise?

What do I need to pray for God’s will, not mine, in my life right now? _____________________

 

How am I trusting in God’s sovereign will?___________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Promise Confirmation:   John 3:16, John 4:13-14, Matthew 7:7, 1John 2:15-17

(Promise Confirmation is where I have found related promises to the one in 1John 5:13-15.  They are not exact matches but show that God’s word is consistent and the theme of the promise is found elsewhere  in the Bible.  The promise is not isolated and can be found contextually elsewhere.)

Wow! It sure seems like a long week, but I have been thinking and praying about writing this post for several days.  I have been discussing the 4 positions of prayer: face-down, kneeling, sitting and finally standing. I have two examples to share from the Bible about prayers being offered while standing. 1Kings 8:22-23  describes King Solomon as he prayed before the newly built temple in Jerusalem. “Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart,”.   Jesus also spoke about praying while standing up in Mark 11:24-25 “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.  And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (ESV)

When I started blogging about prayer, I stated that most of the time I prayed while being seated as I like to keep a prayer journal.  Over the course of the last few weeks, I have been trying out praying in different positions.  When I first started standing to pray, it felt awkward, but as I have persisted it has become more natural.  What I did was to incorporate standing with walking and use my morning walk time as prayer time.  At first I was horribly distracted and had a hard time focusing my thoughts.  But as I have continued, it has become easier and I don’t seem to lose my place or thoughts as often.  It also lends itself to more of a conversational style of praying, and I seem to be able to express my feelings and concerns to God in a more in-depth way. 

What ever way we pray- the important thing is to PRAY.  I still like to keep a prayer journal so I do that every few days, but it is freeing to not be locked into just one way or place to pray!  I pray that you will feel more open to changing up your prayer life and making it a time of active interaction with the Lord God Almighty.  Our instructions in 1Thessalonians 5:16-18  are “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Where we pray is up to us- but we are to pray! 

Blessings as you present your thanks and petitions to God,

Linda

What does the 4th of July mean to you? Is it hotdogs, hamburgers, watermelon, corn on the cob and fireworks? It is all that and much more! I have fond memories of fireworks on the 4th with my family growing up and then later with my own kids. One of my favorite memories is of a 4th spent in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There was a huge parade with local bands, clowns, floats, popcorn and plenty of fireworks after dark. Another year we were in Bay City, Michigan where they had a gigantic fireworks program that lasted at least 45 minutes!! But, the most memorable 4th was one I spent with my kids on Maui, Hawaii. We had to wait a long time for our dinner reservations and thought we’d miss the fireworks. Little did we know that the display that evening was right off the harbor adjacent to our table in the restaurant. It was spectacular. I am smiling as I write just thinking about these fun times.
But the 4th is about a lot more than fun! Men and women gave their lives for our freedom. The founding fathers were wise and turned to God for guidance as they drafted our Constitution. They knew that a nation based on faith in God and his protection is the strongest you can have. What happened to those ideals? Why have we allowed ourselves to wander so far from His foundation? I would say that the drifting is caused by people turning away from His truth and ideals. As people seek their own gain and put on hold or ignore their own spiritual growth- the person and then the nation drifts away from God.  John 8:31-32 says, “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'” and 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” If you seek true freedom this 4th, look to Jesus. As he frees us from the power of sin, we are able to live for Him and can boldly effect our nation.

Happy 4th May you find true freedom in Christ.

Linda

As I have been blogging about different positions of prayer, I have found it increasingly difficult to find time to pray. Satan does not like us dialoguing about prayer or praying as he knows that from prayer we receive direct power for living and the peace of God. Paul tells us in Ephesians about the armor God has for us. He lists the armor elements-helmet of salvation, belt of truth, shield of faith, breast plate of righteousness and ready feet. (Ephesians 6:10-18)  He also lists 2 items that we have for our defense- the word of God, which is sharper than any two edged sword, and prayer.   Paul also  gives us insight into the power and effectiveness of prayer in Phillipians 4:6-7  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.” (NIV)   So I should not be surpsrised by difficulties encountered in keeping a committed time of prayer.  By praying  I am being active and using the powerful weapon God gave me to fight against Satan’s influence in my life.  I am also leaving the battle with God and taking away peace and a firm guard for my heart and mind.  Good news indeed for our stress filled lives!

The next position of prayer that I want to talk about  is sitting.  You do not find many references to prayer in the Bible when the  person is seated.  The Last Supper scene is described in Luke 22.   In verse 14 says Jesus and his disciples were reclined at the table.  Later in verse 17, “After taking the cup, he gave thanks” and in verse 19, “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it.”   I was reflecting on this and thought that in our daily lives we have many more activities that we do sitting besides eating.  Many people sit doing their jobs, working on their computers at home, studying God’s word while seated at a desk or on a couch, watching TV, reading and driving their cars.  We have good lighting so we can read and work inside many hours of the day or night.    So how are you using your seat time?   Do you pray at mealtime?  Do you pray when you are at your computer or at your desk at work?  How about when you are driving in the car?  Prayer is available to us wherever we are and in 1Thessalonians 5:17 we are told to “pray continually”. 

How will you use your seat time today?

Blessings,
Linda

I had the privilege to attend a Living Proof Live conference in early June featuring Beth Moore. She focused on teaching the elements needed to A-D-V-A-N-C-E the gospel of Christ.  One of the key elements is to hone our offensive weapon of prayer.  She challenged us to shake up our prayer life so that we are fervent, committed, energized and passionate in our conversations with the LORD.  I have been pondering the positions of prayer that she outlined- face down, kneeling, sitting and standing.  Mostly I sit as I pray and write in my prayer journal.  I realized how much I needed this refocusing in my own life to energize my times with the Lord.  I’m going to write about these positions one at a time and hopefully, my discussion and questions will help you to rethink your own prayer life.

Going face down in prayer is not something I do.  I have to ask myself why not?  In scripture, those confronted with serious problems or with God’s presence fell face down before the Lord.  Moses in Numbers 16:4 fell face down when confronted with Korah’s sin, Joshua 7:6 says Joshua went face down when confronted with Achan’s sin, Ezekiel 1:28 tells when Ezekiel saw God’s radiance he fell face down.  In the New Testament the leper came to Jesus and fell face down seeking Jesus’ healing in Luke 5:12 and in Matthew 17:6 Peter, James and John fell face down upon hearing the voice of God speaking to them on the Mt of Transfiguration.  Do I feel my problems are not serious enough to warrant going face down before the Lord.  Being face down is a position of abject submission and helplessness in front of Almighty God.  Isn’t that where I need to be to seek His solution to my problems and ask for His mercy?    Scripture does not describe Hezekiah as being face down when he presented his letter from Sennechrib to God pleading for his mercy and deliverance in 2Kings 18, but I envision Hezekiah as being face down, spread out in utter submission to God.  He laid his case before God seeking his solution to an impossible situation.  Hezekiah trusted God for the outcome and received a miraculous deliverance.

What impossible situations are you facing right now?  Do you feel that something-a relationship, a job, a situation, a conflict is beyond help?  These are the situations where God longs to help us.  Consider going face down in prayer and laying the problem before God and asking for his mercy.   Then get up and trust God with the problem knowing that God has already taken care of it!  Remember 2Samuel 22:31  “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless.  He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”  Also Jeremiah 29:11 “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.”

Blessings as you seek his face- face down in abject submission.

Linda

OK- so here is my adversity for this week.  I was rear ended on my way to work on Friday.  My car may be totaled, I have been in a lot of discomfort do to whip lash, unexpected expenses to cover and missed hours at work.  I could let those things consume me with worry about what might be the outcome, how long the situation will persist, how much it will cost- will I be able to afford it…..

When things happen in your life do you want to blame others or God for this happening to you?  I know that God is sovereign and nothing that happens to me happens by accident.(2Chronicles 20:6 and John 10:29)  God is good and wants only good things for me. (Psalm 25:8 and Psalm34:8)      So how do I resolve this seeming conflict of God’s goodness and bad things happening?   James 1:2-4  says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work, so that you many be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.”  (NIV)  God’s word tells me to take things in stride and be confident that God can and will use this adversity to grow my character helping me to learn how to stand firm and be persevering. Satan wants me fearful and worrying.  Those are his tools to undermine my faith and trust in God.

I don’t know if I’m at the place yet in my walk with God that I really rejoice when adversity comes, but I am beginning to recognize those times and see that God is greater than anything I am facing and that I can trust Him.  Here are a few verses that help to turn my perspective to Him when adversity comes:  2Corinthians 12:9-10   But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, ” I am content with weaknesses, insult, hardship, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.      Philippians 4:19  “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  and Lamentations 3:21-23  “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (ESV)   These verses assure me of God’s sovereignty and care.  I can rest in Him knowing that He will provide, be merciful each day and will not give me something that His grace will not be enough to cover.  Those are assurances that allow me to get up each morning, persevere and claim victory in Him in spite of the adversities I may face that day.

I pray that these words of encouragement will help you the next time – probably today! that you face adversity.  Turn to Him and let him see you through it. God is the master of turning lemons into lemonade for each of us.

Have a Blessed day.

Linda

For this holiday- Memorial Day- the greeting, “Happy Memorial Day” just does not express the appropriate sentiment.  Memorial Day is a day to remember the sacrifice of soldiers who have died in war.  It began after the Civil war and was originally called ‘Decoration Day’.  It was later extended to honor all fallen soldiers in any war.  Jesus told us in John 15:13  “Greater love has no one than his, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Anyone who joins the military knows they might be called to go to war and fight.  Believing in life, freedom and independent pursuit of happiness that is declared in our Constitution’s Bill of Rights  gives motivation and heart to their call to defend our nation.  It is an honorable calling that is worthy of our acknowledgement and remembrance.  Proverbs 10:7a  “The memory of the righteous will be a blessing.”    Who will you remember today that has answered the call and given their life for their friends?  You and I are those friends and it is our obligation to their sacrifice that we remember them.  Scripture teaches that remembering will be a blessing.

Will you attend a parade, a breakfast, have a time of prayer, watch a war movie?   Any of these things can be a cause to remember those that have fallen and give thanks for their sacrifice for you and for me.  Have a blessed Memorial Day!  I think that would be the proper greeting and I send it to you!

Linda

Prayer:  Thank you Lord, for those brave men and women who have given their all- their lives- so that I can enjoy the freedoms our country provides.  Help me to be honoring to their memory and sacrifices knowing they laid their lives down for me, someone they did not even know.  Give me an attitude of thankfulness for those Veteran’s that are still living and help me to honor them.  Lord, give our leaders wisdom and a sense of unity in working to preserve that for  which so many have died.  Amen.

What is age?  As I get older I ponder about whether I am getting better with age like good wine or if I’m moving towards  getting crotchy and narrow-minded. Yesterday I had a wonderful lunch with 2 octogenarians.  They were delightful- so full of life and quick to relate stories from the past as well as what is current today.  As our lunch progressed, we talked of things of the LORD.  Both ladies have walked with the LORD for many years and speak from experience about God’s faithfulness.  They are both students of the Word and enjoy studying, discussing  and applying God’s word to their lives.  I was reminded of these verses as we talked.     Job 12:12 “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”    Psalm 111:10         ” The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” and  Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (NIV)

Just getting older does not make us wise.  Scripture tell us that understanding, insight and knowledge comes from God.  The knowledge of God comes from following his precepts- those things he has laid out for us in his word.  Studying God’s word allows us to grow and develop through our entire life.  It allows us to develop knowledge and understanding that only He can give.  That is what made these two ladies so alive and vibrant.  They were still seekers and are not content to “rest” in their age.  They want to know God more fully with each day.  One of these ladies was in a study group with me this year and she was always consistent to memorize the scripture verses.  I was convicted over this as I have used the excuse that ‘the older I get the harder it is to memorize scripture’.  Well, she made me see that it is not age that is keeping me from memorizing it is laziness.

What about you?  Are you ‘resting’ in your age-whatever it is?  Are you seeking to know God more fully with each passing day?  Are you seeking to apply His word to your life and hide his words in your heart?  Are you using excuses like- I can’t do that anymore? or I don’t have time?  Where is God wanting to stretch you and help you to grow?  You are never to old to learn- it is a lifelong proposition. While we still draw breath we need to be open to learning.   It will keep us young at heart, vibrant and hopeful in the LORD just like my octogenarian friends.

Blessings,
Linda