Living a Life on Loan is a book about grace. It ask who we really are? Are we defined by our failures and successes? Do you see life a limited due to circumstances or do you see you life as part of something BIG? This book is about living how God designed us, being practical in that, and impacting others to live their life accordingly. Its biggest message is living life to the fullest. NO one knows the day or the hour that God will call them home. No one knows how much time they have left to fulfill the great commission that God gave us. Know one knows if tomorrow is going to be here to present God to your unbelieving child. Don't wait until tomorrow what you can do today. Yours is a life on loan.
"As followers of Christ, we each have the ability to make the invisible God visible by our words and our actions." Eric Swanson
I like that quote.
Sometimes it is tough to remember that the most effective message isn't the one that we heard on Sunday in a building with a large group of other believers... the most effective message is one that is lived day in and day out. Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you guide me today in living out this message. I pray for the Holy Spirit be with me, and for me to have the ability to discern what is effective and what is not. I thank you for this life, for all you have given me so freely. Let your example shine through me today and touch someones life...
Showing posts with label prayer journal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer journal. Show all posts
Monday, January 12, 2009
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Pray Continually with your Attitude
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New International Version)
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus
If we followed this verse and carried Christ with us everywhere we went, keeping him in our thoughts with every passing moment. If he were all we wanted and all we desired. If everything else that happened in our life was just a distraction, keeping us from what we really wanted...
Then, we have an idea of what Paul is talking about.
We cannot pray every second of every day any more than we could have been with that person every moment. But it is possible to love Jesus Christ so much that we carry Him with us wherever we go. In this context, Paul is not talking about prayer as an action; He is talking about it as an attitude. It is an attitude that places Jesus above everything else in our life. Even as we work, spend time with friends or relax at home, He is ever present with us.
Our love for Jesus may start small but will grow into a wild fire if we fan the flames. For that to happen, we need to nurture our relationship by remembering Him in everything we do. We need to let Jesus occupy our heart and mind every moment we are awake. If we adopt this unceasing attitude of prayerfulness which Paul describes, our love for Christ and the joy we gain will eclipse anything we have ever known before.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus
If we followed this verse and carried Christ with us everywhere we went, keeping him in our thoughts with every passing moment. If he were all we wanted and all we desired. If everything else that happened in our life was just a distraction, keeping us from what we really wanted...
Then, we have an idea of what Paul is talking about.
We cannot pray every second of every day any more than we could have been with that person every moment. But it is possible to love Jesus Christ so much that we carry Him with us wherever we go. In this context, Paul is not talking about prayer as an action; He is talking about it as an attitude. It is an attitude that places Jesus above everything else in our life. Even as we work, spend time with friends or relax at home, He is ever present with us.
Our love for Jesus may start small but will grow into a wild fire if we fan the flames. For that to happen, we need to nurture our relationship by remembering Him in everything we do. We need to let Jesus occupy our heart and mind every moment we are awake. If we adopt this unceasing attitude of prayerfulness which Paul describes, our love for Christ and the joy we gain will eclipse anything we have ever known before.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Prayer pattern of Paul for the Corinthians
A.C.T.S. A=Adoration, C=Confession, T=Thanksgiving, S=Supplication
In addition to the above listed basics...
1. Ask for understanding of what God wants you to do.
2. Ask for spiritual wisdom.
3. To be honoring and pleasing to God.
4. To produce every kind of good fruit.
5. To learn to know God better and better.
6. To be strengthened with God's glorious power.
7. To have great endurance and patience.
8. To be filled with joy.
9. To give thanks always!
I do not know where I obtained this list.... I just found it jotted in my notebook. I do know however, if you begin incorporating all of this in with your daily prayers....things are going to start happening in your life!
In addition to the above listed basics...
1. Ask for understanding of what God wants you to do.
2. Ask for spiritual wisdom.
3. To be honoring and pleasing to God.
4. To produce every kind of good fruit.
5. To learn to know God better and better.
6. To be strengthened with God's glorious power.
7. To have great endurance and patience.
8. To be filled with joy.
9. To give thanks always!
I do not know where I obtained this list.... I just found it jotted in my notebook. I do know however, if you begin incorporating all of this in with your daily prayers....things are going to start happening in your life!
Friday, October 03, 2008
Today's Prayer
After writing in this last night.. I found true contentment in this prayer I came across today;
Father, Thank you again today for the truth of your word. Lord, I've learned by expericence that hearing your word is not enough. I know I need to act on your word. It's doing what it says that brings results! Lord, don't let me decieve myself today into thinking that I am changed because of what I have read. Let me be changed because of what I do in response to what I have read. Let my home, my place of work and my life this week be filled with contentment.
Lord, I do have enough--- I have you. I have your promises. I have your faithfulness. I have your strength and wisdom to pursue change in the hurtful areas of my life. I know I can trust you with my burdens. Forgive me for thinking that my happiness is in anything external. Help me to embrace the truth that, godliness with contentment is great gain. All that I pray, I pray in the name of Jesus, who is my ulitmate example of true contentment. Amen (by James MacDonald)
Father, Thank you again today for the truth of your word. Lord, I've learned by expericence that hearing your word is not enough. I know I need to act on your word. It's doing what it says that brings results! Lord, don't let me decieve myself today into thinking that I am changed because of what I have read. Let me be changed because of what I do in response to what I have read. Let my home, my place of work and my life this week be filled with contentment.
Lord, I do have enough--- I have you. I have your promises. I have your faithfulness. I have your strength and wisdom to pursue change in the hurtful areas of my life. I know I can trust you with my burdens. Forgive me for thinking that my happiness is in anything external. Help me to embrace the truth that, godliness with contentment is great gain. All that I pray, I pray in the name of Jesus, who is my ulitmate example of true contentment. Amen (by James MacDonald)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Prayer
Samuel Chadwick on Prayer
Here is a great quote on prayer that was sent to me
"The one concern of the devil is to keep saints from prayer. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." Samuel Chadwick
Here is a great quote on prayer that was sent to me
"The one concern of the devil is to keep saints from prayer. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." Samuel Chadwick
Thursday, May 01, 2008
my purpose????
It has been almost two years ago now that I embarked upon this journey of figuring out "what my purpose is". I had heard a lot about it...but never bothered to venture out and figure it out for myself. I was brand new to having a relationship with God. Though I had been a "Christian" for twenty something years.... I had never given it all over and truly invited Jesus into my heart. I was just going through the motions before~~ It had been suggested to me to start a prayer journal to help me visualize what God's purpose was for me, and for me to thus...discover my life purpose. I plan to post those beginning conversations here as I get this blog up and running.
I never really attended church a a child. I knew and believed there was a heaven, a mighty God...but as far as His love for me... a personal relationship with Christ, the sacrifice made..... I had no clue.
Thankfully, God does not care about what has happened in my past, or my lack of knowledge to His word. He has pursued me, for me....and that was His only motive. He has been following me around all my life... just waiting for me to grab ahold! Many obstacles have been in my way, most self imposed. I think the biggest obstacle though, for me was just surrendering. Right where I was in my life, with all my bad habits ~ It took me a long time to realize that I could never be what I was designed to be by trying to do it all on my own. Having taken God on as my partner...my lifeline, it is all falling into place. It is so much easier too. Instead of allowing the obstacles to put up roadblocks that stop me, I am able to climb over the obstacles, and reach the other side.
I never really attended church a a child. I knew and believed there was a heaven, a mighty God...but as far as His love for me... a personal relationship with Christ, the sacrifice made..... I had no clue.
Thankfully, God does not care about what has happened in my past, or my lack of knowledge to His word. He has pursued me, for me....and that was His only motive. He has been following me around all my life... just waiting for me to grab ahold! Many obstacles have been in my way, most self imposed. I think the biggest obstacle though, for me was just surrendering. Right where I was in my life, with all my bad habits ~ It took me a long time to realize that I could never be what I was designed to be by trying to do it all on my own. Having taken God on as my partner...my lifeline, it is all falling into place. It is so much easier too. Instead of allowing the obstacles to put up roadblocks that stop me, I am able to climb over the obstacles, and reach the other side.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Listening..trying to listen
I am feeling weird today, and I am not sure why. I have been trying to search myself and figure out what is going on. I am not sure, but I think perhaps that God is trying to show me something or tell me something.
I have been at a fast pace this week. I have had the week off from the hospital, but have worked harder than I would have there. I feel consumed to get things in order. I have gotten up at my normal time each day and have done my best to accomplish as much as possible with what time I have available. Each day though, I have been sick~ nauseated...weak, just not myself.
I have no idea what is going on, but I sense that God is trying to speak to me...yet I am so consumed with what is in front of me, I can't hear him. I took a long hot bath a little while ago. I turned the jets on, let the water roar, and closed my eyes. I tried to only focus on what He may be telling me.
This is what I got; s l o w down. breathe. figure out your focus. what are you doing right now that is truly important. how can you help others to hear, when you are not taking the time yourself. you want me to fill you with my power and yet you are doing nothing with it. if you don't know what i am telling you and showing you, how can you tell others. take the time to spend with me. let's re-establish our own relationship, then focus on the others. don't become so engrossed with religion that you lose sight of what is important..what is true. don't forget your first love.
These are the verses that are ringing in my mind, I am certain God is speaking to me through this.
Revelation 2:2-13 2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
8"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.
12"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
I have been at a fast pace this week. I have had the week off from the hospital, but have worked harder than I would have there. I feel consumed to get things in order. I have gotten up at my normal time each day and have done my best to accomplish as much as possible with what time I have available. Each day though, I have been sick~ nauseated...weak, just not myself.
I have no idea what is going on, but I sense that God is trying to speak to me...yet I am so consumed with what is in front of me, I can't hear him. I took a long hot bath a little while ago. I turned the jets on, let the water roar, and closed my eyes. I tried to only focus on what He may be telling me.
This is what I got; s l o w down. breathe. figure out your focus. what are you doing right now that is truly important. how can you help others to hear, when you are not taking the time yourself. you want me to fill you with my power and yet you are doing nothing with it. if you don't know what i am telling you and showing you, how can you tell others. take the time to spend with me. let's re-establish our own relationship, then focus on the others. don't become so engrossed with religion that you lose sight of what is important..what is true. don't forget your first love.
These are the verses that are ringing in my mind, I am certain God is speaking to me through this.
Revelation 2:2-13 2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
8"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.
12"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
I Know the Plans I Have for You
I was thumbing through my prayer journal, and decided to go back and look at this time last year....see what was in my mind, what I was praying about, and what all God had taken care of~
I sort of had to laugh at one entry.
If you have been reading this blog....you'll know my struggle my patience. Well, on December 5, 2006 there is a reference in my journal, that says, " Please give me the patience I need to have..it is probably the one thing I am worst at-- having patience! I always want it done snap-snap. I have improved in some areas, but in others I have far to go." Yeah, that was a year ago. So, I don't know why, but it made me laugh. It also made me feel bad that in a years time I am still working on the same thing. Then, as I sit here and write, I am thinking...man, had I just gotten the patience a year ago I wouldn't be needing it now.
I think that thought in itself shows my struggle.
I also know that God is certainly hearing me and still working on me in this area~ as I continue to need patience in many situations that arise. I have been told that God will continue to give you certain things in your life until you learn how to handle them correctly.
Last night I decided to make a cherry cheesecake. I was trying to figure out a way to set it in the freezer so it would chill faster. As Iwas doing this, Greg walked into the kitchen. I saw the look on his face, so I explained to him that I didn't want to have to wait so long for it to be ready to eat. He just smiled at me and in a goofy voice said, "patience, hurry up.. I have got to have it now!" Then he looked at me like, so, how is that working out for you? We both cracked up.
I guess that it really all goes back to being disorganized. See, had I been organized in the first place... I would have planned making the cheesecake, and would have timed it much better. but instead at 8:00 pm last night, I decided I would make it. so of course.. I HAD to put it in the freezer so I could still eat it and get to bed at a decent hour.
Anyway, it has been fun going back through my prayer journal. Many prayers have been answered, and some I did not even realize. That is one of the things I love about keep a journal. It is awesome to be able to go back and see all the places God has been working in my life and others. It is easier sometimes to look back and see the plans God had. When you are in the midst of things going on, it can be hard to see that God is right there wanting the best for you. He is working things out as He has planned in a way that will prosper you.
Our "homework" from our Bible study this week to read 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 a hope and a future.
I don't think God is talking about financial prospering here, He is talking about peace and security in Him. Life everlasting. I cannot encourage you enough to begin a prayer journal and enable yourself to see where God has prospered you and planned for you in the past year. You'll be amazed.
I sort of had to laugh at one entry.
If you have been reading this blog....you'll know my struggle my patience. Well, on December 5, 2006 there is a reference in my journal, that says, " Please give me the patience I need to have..it is probably the one thing I am worst at-- having patience! I always want it done snap-snap. I have improved in some areas, but in others I have far to go." Yeah, that was a year ago. So, I don't know why, but it made me laugh. It also made me feel bad that in a years time I am still working on the same thing. Then, as I sit here and write, I am thinking...man, had I just gotten the patience a year ago I wouldn't be needing it now.
I think that thought in itself shows my struggle.
I also know that God is certainly hearing me and still working on me in this area~ as I continue to need patience in many situations that arise. I have been told that God will continue to give you certain things in your life until you learn how to handle them correctly.
Last night I decided to make a cherry cheesecake. I was trying to figure out a way to set it in the freezer so it would chill faster. As Iwas doing this, Greg walked into the kitchen. I saw the look on his face, so I explained to him that I didn't want to have to wait so long for it to be ready to eat. He just smiled at me and in a goofy voice said, "patience, hurry up.. I have got to have it now!" Then he looked at me like, so, how is that working out for you? We both cracked up.
I guess that it really all goes back to being disorganized. See, had I been organized in the first place... I would have planned making the cheesecake, and would have timed it much better. but instead at 8:00 pm last night, I decided I would make it. so of course.. I HAD to put it in the freezer so I could still eat it and get to bed at a decent hour.
Anyway, it has been fun going back through my prayer journal. Many prayers have been answered, and some I did not even realize. That is one of the things I love about keep a journal. It is awesome to be able to go back and see all the places God has been working in my life and others. It is easier sometimes to look back and see the plans God had. When you are in the midst of things going on, it can be hard to see that God is right there wanting the best for you. He is working things out as He has planned in a way that will prosper you.
Our "homework" from our Bible study this week to read 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 a hope and a future.
I don't think God is talking about financial prospering here, He is talking about peace and security in Him. Life everlasting. I cannot encourage you enough to begin a prayer journal and enable yourself to see where God has prospered you and planned for you in the past year. You'll be amazed.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Psalm 139: 23-24
"Search me, O God, know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me- and lead me in the life everlasting."
Today I pray for discernment and sensitivity to areas that hinder my walk with Christ. Guide me in lying my burdens and anything else holding me back ~~ at your feet, and then leaving them there... Giving you control Lord. Thank you for allowing me that gift. Lead me to others that share the same beliefs I do so that I may be strengthened....and strengthen my witness to those who do not. My desire is to please you and honor you. I pray for the ability to understand your word fully, be enlightened by it, and let my life reflect it. Convict me of any area in my life that needs adjustment. I want to be a blessing.
The song in my head today...Lord I lift your name on high-- Lord I love to sing your praises-- I'm so glad your in my life-- I'm so glad you came to save us-- You came from heaven to earth to show the way, from the cross to grave-- my debt to pay! From the grave to the sky, Lord I lift your name on high!
I love music and I love books, I would say they are two of my most favorite activities. God did not grace me with a voice that everyone loves to hear, but thankfully, he graced me with a voice that He loves to hear!
Today I pray for discernment and sensitivity to areas that hinder my walk with Christ. Guide me in lying my burdens and anything else holding me back ~~ at your feet, and then leaving them there... Giving you control Lord. Thank you for allowing me that gift. Lead me to others that share the same beliefs I do so that I may be strengthened....and strengthen my witness to those who do not. My desire is to please you and honor you. I pray for the ability to understand your word fully, be enlightened by it, and let my life reflect it. Convict me of any area in my life that needs adjustment. I want to be a blessing.
The song in my head today...Lord I lift your name on high-- Lord I love to sing your praises-- I'm so glad your in my life-- I'm so glad you came to save us-- You came from heaven to earth to show the way, from the cross to grave-- my debt to pay! From the grave to the sky, Lord I lift your name on high!
I love music and I love books, I would say they are two of my most favorite activities. God did not grace me with a voice that everyone loves to hear, but thankfully, he graced me with a voice that He loves to hear!
Monday, November 05, 2007
Everything
" Let everything that...everything that...everything that has breath ...PRAISE the Lord!
Help me to remember to rely upon your power. I pray that you pour your Spirit into me and help me to be who you desire. By Him, give me power and strength to overcome. I want to give you everything. I want your love to flow out of me with true sincerity and authenticity. I want to make you smile. Use me as your tool to achieve what needs done. I want to become more like you, I want to love others as you do and turn my cheek when people aren't nice. Nudge me the direction you want my path to go and pull me back when I begin to waver.
Mark 12:30 says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (great memory verse!) God wants all of us... our whole being. Our thoughts, our hurts, our love, our praise.... everything.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Lord of my Life?
Today I listened to a sermon from my nephew's church; http://www.bccag.org/ It talked about what and who is Lord of your life? Are you claiming that the Lord is Lord of your life, but your actions showing something else?
I think that many things are being made the "lord" over my life, but not at all what should be. I want to think that the Lord is Lord over my life and in my life, but in listening to this...I realize many other things are really being made my lord. I am taking more time for these things, fitting these things in, worshiping these things~~ and yet I claim there is one Lord over my life. How can this be? What about the words I say, the thoughts I think.... Not that all my thoughts and all my time have to be only about the Lord, but where are my priorities? What is first?
I think that many things are being made the "lord" over my life, but not at all what should be. I want to think that the Lord is Lord over my life and in my life, but in listening to this...I realize many other things are really being made my lord. I am taking more time for these things, fitting these things in, worshiping these things~~ and yet I claim there is one Lord over my life. How can this be? What about the words I say, the thoughts I think.... Not that all my thoughts and all my time have to be only about the Lord, but where are my priorities? What is first?
Friday, October 26, 2007
prayer journaling
Beginning my own prayer journal has made a huge impact on my life. I am able to converse with God in such a more meaningful way. It has made me look at things differently. It has revealed a God to me that desires me and has become personal to me. I have such peace in my life.... things get crazy, don't get me wrong. I lose my temper, I get frustrated, I say things I regret, I mistreat others, I choose some other things to do instead of what I should be doing.... The thing is, the difference is~ I have peace in my soul.
I don't write every prayer in my journal, but I do journal a prayer daily. This keeps the lines open....keeps me consistent. Sometimes I get lost when praying silently. I begin just fine, then the next thing I know I was praying for Lonnie over in Kentucky and then I began thinking about the last time I went to Kentucky~ which then may make me thing of numerous other things, like how I should have had my hair colored last week..... Next thing I know my mindset is anywhere but where it should be. I realize it, and I am like "oh...I am so sorry God, yeah.... back to the conversation..." And it happens all over again. I pretty much have to pray out loud, keep it real short if silent, or write it down! My prayer journal also enables me to go back and see my growth as well as answered prayers, that I didn't even realize have been answered. Those little things you pray about and then forget. One time I prayed and prayed to get along with a certain person. Months and months had went by and I was just going on with my life. I came across an old prayer journal and thumbing through it found these prayers I had written to get along with this person. I was flipped out and just had to sit there and smile.... this person had since become a great friend of mine!
I don't write every prayer in my journal, but I do journal a prayer daily. This keeps the lines open....keeps me consistent. Sometimes I get lost when praying silently. I begin just fine, then the next thing I know I was praying for Lonnie over in Kentucky and then I began thinking about the last time I went to Kentucky~ which then may make me thing of numerous other things, like how I should have had my hair colored last week..... Next thing I know my mindset is anywhere but where it should be. I realize it, and I am like "oh...I am so sorry God, yeah.... back to the conversation..." And it happens all over again. I pretty much have to pray out loud, keep it real short if silent, or write it down! My prayer journal also enables me to go back and see my growth as well as answered prayers, that I didn't even realize have been answered. Those little things you pray about and then forget. One time I prayed and prayed to get along with a certain person. Months and months had went by and I was just going on with my life. I came across an old prayer journal and thumbing through it found these prayers I had written to get along with this person. I was flipped out and just had to sit there and smile.... this person had since become a great friend of mine!
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