Category Archives: Thoughts for the Day

Hold On

  By Rachel | June 11, 2013 - 2:20 pm | Prayers, Thoughts for the Day
Leave a comment

Hold on, Circle Girl

Does your grip get weak sometimes?

Life’s circumstances make my hands sweaty; anxiety and worry tease and taunt on the periphery of my mind.

Sometimes the fire just seems too hot.

And I find myself wanting to turn away from some truths that are hard to stare down.

My own selfishness.

And sometimes I just want some breathing room.

Because it is hard saying no sometimes, even when I know that obeying God is best.

Sometimes I choose the rocky road, the bloody feet…the pain.

And sometimes my sin feels heavy.

I avoid a quiet time, or just rush through it. 

I have other things to do that day.

Or I don’t take time to pray- I do a cursory one here or there- but my heart doesn’t feel…in it.

I am going through the motions, and know even as I do that I am behaving like the scribes and Pharisees.

Heart is what matters- our God wants our hearts.

His love is full of passion.

He desires to know us intimately and be intimately known.

The closer we come to Him, the more His light shines into the dark places of our heart- the secret sins- the rationalized and excused areas of disobedience.

And we must choose- to follow and obey- or turn away.

It is a daily, moment by moment journey.

There are still days when I fall into those sins- those habits that are hard to break- and I feel like such a hypocrite.

And sometimes it shocks me- the depth of my own sinfulness- even though I am really trying to abide…I see my own depravity and I don’t want anyone to see this…why do I think that if I distance myself from God perhaps he won’t see…?

That’s why I have not posted for so long- my heart has been heavy with my sins, the battles I am waging.

Sometimes I don’t know if I will ever win…and then I remember God’s Word- this life is not the end.

Suffering, pain, hardship- we will face.

But we never walk alone.

I want to keep trying, keep fighting- keep seeking God.

And on those mornings when I wake up and cringe at my bad choices, when I cry tears of regret- I will surrender once again.

I will admit my fault and gratefully receive the grace poured out upon me through Jesus Christ my Savior…and I will invite him in again.

Hold on to Jesus.

Hold on.

Yield.

Abide.

Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good (Romans 12:9 MSG).

O LORD, help me accept your discipline and never forget the overwhelming, self-sacrificial love that you pour out over me today and every day.  My sins don’t reach beyond the realm of what your love can touch.  You sweep away my offenses like a cloud- and you call to me- RETURN.  Return to me.  I will LORD, today, I want to renew my spirit, and renew my mind.  Though our relationship may ebb and flow- I choose to keep walking with you.  To read your precious Word and seek you.  Nothing in this world compares to you.  It would all be loss without you, Jesus.  You bring meaning, hope, and joy- you fill all the longings of my heart. Thank you- for all I can see and all I cannot see- for the ways you are working all things for good.  Glory to your precious name, Amen.

 

When I Am Weak…

  By Rachel | May 15, 2013 - 4:34 pm | Thoughts for the Day
Leave a comment

Untitled

When I am weak…you are strong.

As my self-sufficiency crumbles, I daily begin from a simple place in my mind and heart.

I don’t want to face this day without you, LORD.

In my heart, I am tender.

As I prayed with my husband last night, I was struck with the simplicity of our prayers.

Psalm 62:5-8 came to mind:

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us.

That’s what we were doing.  Pouring out our hearts, acknowledging our own inability to handle the difficulties and challenges of our life.

So simple, yet how often do we forget- when we think things are more manageable or we can handle it on our own- we fail to honor Him by simply stopping- praying- and reminding ourselves of His Sovereignty in all things.

When I opened up Jesus Calling, a devotional by Sarah Young, this morning- I was blessed and encouraged as God once again brought a verse to mind.

Repeated to me for the third time in two days- and in my heart I know he is gently saying to me, “Pay attention, my precious daughter- listen to my words:

2 Corinthians 12:9-  but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

My own weakness can serve to remind me of the all-surpassing power of our God.

To surrender, to yield to God- self must lose its sway.

So I am thankful to be here, feeling weak- unable to manage all the challenges that I daily face.  Driven to my knees as I see clearly my own inability to successfully navigate these struggles alone.

LORD, my God and King.  Sovereign ruler of all.  I am so thankful that you hold us in the palm of your hand.  That you have a plan and purpose that cannot be thwarted by human schemes.  You sent a Savior for us- you saved us in our sin, and reconciled us to yourself.  I can stand before you unashamed, through the blood of your precious Son, Jesus.  Even as I write these words, and hold them in my heart- I am astounded by the reality of what you have done.  Unworthiness and humility come over me- and a part of me wishes to flee from this reality- from feeling intimacy with your holiness.  For I know the evil in my own heart- how easily I succumb to sins, how clumsy I can sometimes be- living my life unaware of the precious gift of each moment.  Oh LORD, these days I find tremendous comfort in your grace- feeling it cover and wash over me.  Strengthen us as we seek you.  May your voice of conviction be sweet in my ear- and help me to obey you LORD and throw off the yoke of slavery to habitual sin.  Draw me nearer to you- always nearer to you.  All praise and glory to my Savior and God, Amen.

 

 

Eyes to See

  By Rachel | May 1, 2013 - 7:19 pm | Prayers, Thoughts for the Day
Leave a comment

Hummingbird

While saying goodbye to a friend, a hummingbird flew swiftly toward our feeder on the front porch.

It took only seconds for the tiny, graceful bird to swoop in, assess the situation, and rapidly depart- but I saw him and followed his flight away from us to a nearby tree.

My friend did not even notice him until I mentioned the hummingbird that had just come by.  Why?  My ears and eyes have been trained to look.  When I am outside or even pass by the window- I look to see if the hummingbird is feeding or simply perching on the hook that supports the feeder.

I have been trained to have eyes to see.

Just as my eyes have been trained to anticipate and look for the hummingbird, so our eyes must be trained to discern the work of God in our lives.

I wait in the morning in anticipation of the hummingbird’s arrival.  And when he flutters in and lands on the feeder, my heart is filled with joy and wonder that I get an opportunity to watch him.  I love noticing details about his outer appearance, but I also love to hear his wings hum and hear his sweet song.

Oh Lord, that I might anticipate you with such joy.  That my heart would be captivated by your song, and long to hear it again and again.

Oh Lord my God, help me be watchful for you- that I might be in tune with your will for my life.   May my ears listen to hear your voice, and my eyes look in anticipation of a glimpse of you. I don’t want to miss out on the blessings you have for me by choosing my own way.  Help me submit to your righteous, perfect will.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Matthew 13:14-16

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
15 For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.  (see also Isaiah 6:9-10)

16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.

 

 

Circling the Wagons

  By Rachel | April 21, 2013 - 11:19 pm | Thoughts for the Day
Leave a comment

Wagons West

As I have meditated on the life of Joseph, God has used his example to speak to me.

A slave and then falsely imprisoned… Joseph had more than enough reasons to be bitter and upset at God for the hand he had been dealt.

But rather than complain or become bitter, Joseph’s quiet and restful faith reveals a solid, trust-filled relationship with God.

As he trusted, God blessed him and kept him in steadfast love.

His time in prison drew my attention this week.

Genesis 40:1-8

Some time after this, the cupbearer of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord the king of Egypt. 2 Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he waited on them; and they continued for some time in custody. 5 One night they both dreamed—the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison—each his own dream, and each dream with its own meaning. 6 When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were troubled. 7 So he asked Pharaoh’s officers, who were with him in custody in his master’s house, “Why are your faces downcast today?” 8 They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.”

There are many points that could be drawn from this passage, but the one thought that spoke most poignantly to me was that Joseph didn’t circle his wagons.

He didn’t focus so much on himself and his own troubles that he was incapable of seeing the troubled looks on the faces of the prisoners he served.

Joseph was focused on being faithful to God wherever he was, even in prison.

It is so easy, in this season where our family is going through some tough times, to want to circle our wagons.  To focus all my energies on our family and to miss opportunities to minister to others because I am so consumed with my own families troubles.

To just say, Lord, I don’t have the energy to help anyone else.  I can barely keep up with all we are going through. I am stressed out and tired and I don’t want to write that card or go visit someone or volunteer to help with that event.

I would rather just stay home and hide or just be ministered to. 

It was so convicting talking with a friend this week.  Sometimes we can forget in the middle of our own crisis that just because things are rough for us, doesn’t mean that trouble has been suspended for all the other people in our lives.

A friend of mine just found out her Dad has cancer.

My heart broke for her.

And in that moment, God humbled me.  He spoke to me tenderly, as a father, but also with strong conviction to my spirit.

My ministry in his name is not suspended just because we have come upon trials and difficulties.  No matter what my family is going through, God calls me to serve and love others daily.

To look for opportunities to be salt and light.

And I have found that being in this place of difficulty has made me even more compassionate towards others who are suffering.  I find that my prayers and notes to them have an authenticity that was lacking before- because I truly resonate with the pain and strain of being in a place of uncertainty- our faith is being tested.

It changes our perspective on all the events of our life, making us more watchful and prayerful.

I admit it, when things are more “comfortable” and nothing too crazy is going on in our lives, I tend to not pray as often and can lose some of the passion behind my prayers.

This has been a humbling reminder of how desperately I need the LORD and how easy it is to find my security in all the wrong things.

God is our rock, he holds us steady through life.  Not money, or retirement, or a job, or our health, or our family.  Those things can be lost in an instant- here one day and gone the next.

But our God is eternal.

Forever and ever.  He is our fortress and refuge that cannot be shaken.

In times like these, when our faith is being tested- he also calls us to live in trust and joy as a testimony to the greatness of our God.

I want to be faithful to his call, to continue to minister where he has called me to and love others and come alongside them in their pain- even as I endure my own pain.

What has God called you to do today?

Who needs an encouraging word from you?

A note, a phone call, an e-mail, a text?

Even as we bless others- God blesses us.

There is joy in speaking light into the dark places in life.  Into the anguish of suffering and pain.  To testify to our unchanging God who never leaves us nor forsakes us.

Don’t circle your wagons.

Walk as children of the light.

Let your light shine.

Oh Lord, sometimes the circumstances of our life are overwhelming.  We can become paralyzed by the unknown future and our own fears and worries about what may be.  Help us to release all those fears and worries to you- freeing us to serve you today.  Open our eyes so that we can see those around us who need a word of encouragement or a hug.  We want to be a light in this present darkness- there is so much suffering and hurt all around us.  Help us to reach out, even as we experience our own pain and anguish, looking for those that you have called us to encourage.  As we remember your suffering for us, Jesus, may we feel your presence in the midst of our pain- and bring others to your throne for strength and healing as we pray and seek your face.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Still and Quiet Spirit

  By Rachel | April 16, 2013 - 11:23 am | Prayers, Thoughts for the Day
Leave a comment

Field of Poppies

I feel very still and quiet today.

No questions lurking- as they pop up in my mind- I push them away.

I don’t know the answer.  Where the path lies.  And I recognize the crossroads here.

Following the path of the past- fix it, manage it, quickly.  Don’t admit that you are not sure where the future lies.  Have a plan- sound like you are in control.

And I wish to forge a new path.

For firm roots to sink deeper into my Savior.

To wait in trust.

To hope in Him.

To push all worry aside and simply say, “I trust you, those who put their faith in you will not be ashamed. ”

This is a narrow road.

Where losing a job can be seen as a blessing.

Where an uncertain future does not incite fear but grasped as an opportunity to grow in faith.

To live a life with God’s mark all over it.

All glory is His alone.

And when our lives take unexpected turns- we don’t lament- but we say, “what’s God up to?”

For the one who loves me more than any other…is also one who I can completely trust my life.

Psalm 131 O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time on and forevermore.

Only in you LORD, only in you do we find quiet rest and peace. In solitude and silence we find strength as we listen to your still small voice. Thank you LORD for the mysterious ways you work- gently speaking to us, urging us deeper in our intimacy with you- yet without demanding or pushing- in your mercy you orchestrate events in our lives to draw us near- to give us opportunities to choose you. I see your mercy and faithfulness as a string woven through the fabric of my whole life, always present, even in seasons when I failed to see. And now, when fears and doubts sometimes overwhelm, and I am tempted to seek comfort in old habits- oh LORD, help me cling to you. I never regret running to my refuge, my strong tower, the Rock that is my Redeemer. Help us to trust you today with what our eyes cannot see. To remember that You are love- full, abundant, steadfast love. We can trust you. Take our burdens LORD, we lay them down. Through your precious son, Jesus, we pray, Amen.

Word of the Year- Yield

  By Rachel | April 10, 2013 - 11:27 am | Thoughts for the Day
Leave a comment

Vine tendrils at dusk

I know the year is already well under way, but I didn’t want to choose a word for this year until I was sure what God was telling me that word should be.

Yielding has been on my mind a lot.

I have been spending a significant amount of time in John 15, meditating on abiding in God and what that looks like.

John 15:1-11

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

Jesus is talking here.  Our Savior shares some rich truths about how we can dwell in relationship with God- just as He faithfully did during his time on earth.

Each verse is rich with truth and promises of how we can abide- what that looks like- we are mirroring the relationship that the Father and Son share.

Remaining in that relationship of rest that we hear about in Matthew 11:28-30 requires that we accept the yoke of Christ- that is obedience.  Letting go of my own self-will and submitting to God.

We abide in love; Jesus abides in us continually as we seek to submit and live in obedience.

The yoke that we carry becomes lighter- for we are abiding in the love of God and bearing fruit for him- and joy flows out of this union.

I have something taped to my computer screen- it says, “I am yielded to God. All my rights and expectations are His.”

I still feel like I am trying to figure out what that means, what that life looks like.  There is still so much selfishness and self-will, pride and worldliness.

The word Yield has several definitions:

  • To give over possession of, as in deference or defeat; surrender.
  • To give up one’s place, as to one that is superior.
  • To give in to what one can no longer oppose or resist.

I acknowledge that God is superior to me.  That the right relationship for me is indeed to be yielded to Him.

In His amazing, all-surpassing grace, he has given us the freedom to resist Him- but I have found that the more time I spend in His Word and in prayer, the weaker my resolve to resist becomes.  I find myself echoing David:

Ps. 119:81-  My soul languishes for your salvation; I hope in your Word.
Ps. 119:97- Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long.

Lord, my God, the vine.  Rich in mercy, full of love- as I listen to the birds sing outside and watch all that is green grow and bloom-  I am once again filled with wonder.  You created us- breathed life into us- we are the crown of your creation.  We are made in your image.  You sent your Son here, for us.  He bled and died, for us.  We have your Word, filled with wisdom and truth, to guide us.  Oh Lord, help us to take your yoke, to yield.  Show us what that means- as we seek you- expand our understanding.  Lighten our eyes, that we may more fully walk in your truth today.  Help us let go of those things that hinder us- those sins that trap us- and keep us distracted from fully serving you and fulfilling the unique purpose you have for our life.  May the fruit that we bear bring glory to your Name- to you alone.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

He Touched Me

  By Rachel | April 7, 2013 - 12:27 pm | Giving Thanks, Prayers, Thoughts for the Day
Leave a comment

IMG_3237

I open your Word, and you transform my reality.

The blurry comes into focus- your Truth touches me, and makes me whole.

I am satisfied as with a feast.

You know what I need, and generously pour words of comfort, discipline, and direction upon me.

I feel refreshed and revived.

Running Life's Waters Free

I rest.

And all the unanswered questions seem small in the light of your glory and grace.

You came to me during one of my lowest moments, when I was certain you had abandoned me- and left me in misery- and used all of the difficulties and hardships to refine me and give me a precious treasure in new depth of trust and faith in you.

This amazing and profound mystery- you touched me- you healed me and strengthened me-and made me whole.

I will never be the same.

Your Word speaks to me with power and authority- it shines light into my heart and brings peace.  It leads me in the path of life.

You live.

You walk with me and talk with me.

And I see now the greatest gift you give is simply- YOU.  Your presence.

Psalm 118:28-29

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

More precious than any prayer that you answer LORD, is the precious truth that you have given me yourself. Your abiding presence- Your love. May nothing in this world captivate me like you do. Help raise my eyes to look upon your face- to turn from the difficulties and struggles and simply gaze upon your truth. You are here- you are faithful- you are my rock and my deliverer. You hold my family in the palm of your hand. We are safe. I know I have the strength to face this unknown future when you are holding me- when you guide our steps and help us. Thank you for your promises- thank you for speaking peace to me when my heart is troubled. I am overwhelmed by your goodness and steadfast love to me. All praise and honor to our God and King forever, Amen.

When Spring Forth Glorious Blooms

  By Rachel | March 27, 2013 - 5:17 pm | Giving Thanks, Thoughts for the Day
Leave a comment

104 - Ready to pop

When spring forth glorious blooms
Upon the leafy canvas
The whole world stills and stares
Hushed awe in its blissful radiance

Pitcher Sage

There is something so poignant and precious about watching the daily progress of tender blooms emerging in spring.  Of seeing the tiny stalk which holds the flowers grow and unfurl- never rushing- it is a perfect dance of growing up and unfurling out to gently and perfectly release the bloom’s petals to the world.

I never tire of this-year after year.

But there is something special about the first time a flower blooms in my garden.  I take particular joy in watching its progress and rejoicing as it moves towards this glorious climax- what it has been made for- this is its glory.

Perhaps this is why John 15 appeals to me so deeply.

Seeing God as our gardener.

Tilling our soil- ridding us of weeds.

Fertilizing us with His Word.

Raining down his Living Water.

Pruning us into shape- taking out those weaker limbs to help us grow strong and true.

Patiently waiting through tough seasons-full of grace.   Not pulling us out by the roots- but gently and lovingly caring for us.

Our blooms are for his glory alone.

For the one who made us to bloom in our own special way- in His time.

And the source of our strength and our blooms is always the plant which we originated from.

He is our true vine.

The source of all true life and help and peace.

And only as we live in Him-abiding in our true nature- do we truly thrive.

Are the weeds choking you out?

Does it seem that they have grown up and are blocking the sun?

Has your life been pruned?

Do you feel weak, wounded, and sore?

Simply come.

Draw near to the vine- to our Gardener.

Let him tenderly care for you.

And wait in hope of the glorious blooms soon to come.

Agave flower detail

 

When Suffering Gets Personal

  By Rachel | March 24, 2013 - 7:09 pm | Thoughts for the Day
2 Comments

The Suffering Eye

It is so much easier to talk about suffering or trials “in theory.”

This week it got personal for us.

And all those Scripture passages that I have read before and secretly hoped to never have to experience…

And yet…I am finding myself surprised by joy.

Joy?

Yes, I said joy.

James 1:2-4  My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.

The joy is not the trial- but rather what I believe in faith will be the outcome.

We will grow in faith and trust.  God will draw us closer to him- refining us and perfecting us for his good purpose- for his glory.

And that is good.

That does not mean that the struggle has ended.  Every moment I find myself battling fears.  And the desire to try to claim some semblance of control over the situation.

I feel powerless.

Pruning is painful.

The future is uncertain- I don’t know what lies ahead.

God has reminded me- every day- the future is uncertain. And I have realized how much I find security in the job, the insurance, the source of income that’s consistent and seems dependable- more than I depend on my loving and faithful God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Job or no job…He hasn’t changed.

Oh God- may I grow in faith.  Give me eyes to see all the things that I depend on more than you.  Strip it all away till you are truly my highest hope, my only solid rock.

I wanted to share the verses that have bolstered me up during this time.  I pray that if you are presently walking through a trial- they will bless and encourage you too.

 Hebrews 12:1-3  Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

Eyes on Jesus.

J.I. Packer puts it this way- “perseverance requires…a sustained exertion of concentrated effort day in and day out- a single-minded, whole-hearted, self-denying, flat-out commitment to praising and pleasing the Father through the Son as long as life lasts.”

Quite an ambitious goal- only by His grace.

Hebrews 5:7  In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

It is ok to get emotional.  Pour out your heart to God- just as Jesus did.  (Ps. 62:5-8)

Hebrews 6:19  We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.

J.I. Packer talks about Jesus as our “living hope” (1 Peter 1:3) and in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Paul praises the church for “… your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This inspires me and reminds me that God is calling me to continue working today, as he called me to before my husband lost his job.  I am called to serve him and to trust him fully for whatever comes my way.

My hope has not changed.  My God has not changed.  His Sovereignty is just as present today as it was 5 days ago when I still believed my husband had a job and we had a steady income.

Romans 5:3-5   “…we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”

God will not disappoint us.  Those who trust in him will not be ashamed.

James 1:2-4    My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; 4 and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.

I have to end this post with James.  This was the passage God gave me 3 times before I found out my husband was going to lose his job.  He was preparing me and I believe also asking me to journey with him through this- to grow in faith- to abide.  To hold on tight and cling to him during this storm.  To trust him to steer our life and take us into uncharted waters.

And there lies the joy.

So, with weak knees and a humble heart I pray today- yes, Lord.  I will go with you.  Where you lead me, I will follow.

 

 

 

Prayer to Fight On

  By Rachel | March 12, 2013 - 5:49 pm | Thoughts for the Day
Leave a comment

Cadet Kelly

Lord, when I fall… yes, even now Lord I need your grace- for it is not IF but WHEN.  Daily I need you.  When I fall, my faithful Lord and Savior- transform my reaction.  Help me to seek you instead of berating myself.  I see underneath these negative thoughts in my head this expectation that I am going to get things right. And my desire to run- to turn away from you.  I don’t want you to see me like this…

Help me accept my mistakes, and let you love me in spite of them.  Remind me that your love isn’t based on my performance, and flows just as strong and sure in my most selfish and low moments. 

My view of you is still tainted by my humanity.  I give you limits where you have none.

Renew my mind.

Expand my understanding.

Lord, help me find peace in these moments that test me.  Give me strength to respond in a way that honors you.  Free me from my expectations- oh Lord, please show me how they are inhibiting my ability to walk in the freedom you long to give me.  Give me new eyes to see.  You give me hope.  Thank you God, for never leaving me- and continuing your work in me.  In Jesus Name I pray and praise, Amen.

dirca starting to bloom