Category: Prayer

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Resting In The Shadow

There are so many places where peace is nothing shy of just plain pretty.  Oh the beauty of a peaceful commute home from work or the beauty of  a calm conversation with the phone company over a discrepancy in the bill.  How awesome to experience the peace in the playroom when 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 child with a friend plays without fighting.  Sometimes I just cry out for a Klondike Bar!  Oh boy, what I wouldn’t do sometimes for a peaceful moment.

But God has extended for me a place, a place to rest — find peace.  It’s a place not riddled with distractions, formal rules, assignments or expectations — it’s a place of freedom, communion, fellowship and well . . . rest.

David spoke of this place as he, too, wondered of the assurance of fellowship with his God.  And as he did he found peace in his fellowship.  It was a place of rest, embrace and joy.

I’m reminded of moments I’ve spent in the hammock, under the tall oak tree.  I reflect on the fellowship with my Savior on the boulder found  firmly in place at the edge of the creek.  As I seek shade on a hot day, may I rest in the comfort of my Lord.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  Psalm 91:1

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Mom Knows

The depth of a mother’s love is impossible to measure.  Filled with an oversized heart and a badger-like protection, moms can be the strength needed to get through a day.  Mom’s in prayer for their children carry the strength of a million men — it’s like having the keys to heaven itself.

I am so fortunate to have my mom share the air we all breathe each day.  Blessed by her prayer, her love and endless pursuit of my heart for God has transformed my awareness of God in the wilderness.

Thank you Lord Jesus for a mom who’s prayed endlessly for her children!

Mom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“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.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”    Jeremiah 29:11-13

 

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Calm, Chaos and Christ

In a conversation with one of my sons this past week it was brought to my attention how busy things have gotten for me.  He said it with the best of intentions, but it certainly made me think a bit.  In reflection, I could see his point.  Life was getting busy, bouncing from one fire to the next and with little time to rekindle.  My loaded days certainly looked different than a year ago, but at what expense?  Stressed by the daily entourage of deadlines, projects and well, worry and wonder, that “double-W” will get me every time.

And then I was reminded of a few men with which I could certainly relate.  The account of Jesus in the boat with His disciples on a stormy night brought instant peace.

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.  Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.  But Jesus was sleeping.  The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

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.

The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this?  Even the winds and the waves obey him!”   Matthew 8:23-27

Years ago I recall standing on a small bridge on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.  On this particular bridge one can look to the left and see the raging, deep blue almost black waters of the Atlantic Ocean and to the right you can see the calm turquoise blue green, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.  Below your feet, under the bridge the two met, yet kept their distance.

When I read this story of the disciples in the boat with Jesus, I’m reminded of the fierce waters of the Atlantic that day and I must admit if this sort of torment “came” upon my boat, it would invoke a slight bit of fear.  But without warning, chaos appears in our lives much like the waves of the sea and it is plenty enough to sweep us off our feet.

I’m further struck by the fact that the disciples cried out to Jesus because He was sleeping during the chaos.  How many times have I thought Jesus was sleeping in my own chaos?  Shaking my fist or expressing a sarcastic “Thanks!” seemed to be the most appropriate response.  But Jesus’ response to our chaos is most profound!

Jesus takes our chaos and through our trust in Him brings peace.  In the midst of life’s most chaotic moments when Jesus seems to be no where around and silent to the mighty waves He says, “You of little faith!”

May I continue to see the peace in the presence of Jesus, throughout my chaos whose presence alone demands the raging seas of life to become calm and clear.

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When God Appears

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified.  “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them; “Take courage!  It is I.  Don’t be afraid.”  “Lord, if it’s you,” Petter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  “Come,” he said.    Matthew 14:25-29

I’ve thought about this passage for quite some time.  I was enamored by the acts of Christ in separating himself from the distractions of life to find a quiet place to pray — and not just for a minute, but for hours!  Knowing Christ approached the throne for those He loved along with fellowship with His Father was for me a cause for pause.  But the next course of events were absolutely stunning.

From a distance, Christ’s vantage point, the boat and disciples could barely be seen.  Matthew tells us they were “already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves . . .”  Then, the impossible unfolded.

Knowing full well they were no longer near the shore, Christ appeared to the disciples.  As unexpected as this must have been, it was not unlike the Lord to teach through His actions and less so through His words.

When God appears in the midst of life events difficult to explain because it simply does not make sense, it is undoubtedly exactly when God finds a teachable heart.  I’ve often heard that if you can’t explain it, God’s in it!  This was so true of the moment Christ stood before them on the water in the middle of the lake.

It’s reassuring knowing God shows up to my events and teaches me simply by His presence of the Truth of His promises, the abundance of His love and the depth of His hope.

Thank you Lord Jesus for your willingness to seek the Father on my behalf and then pursue me, find me and call to me — right where I am.  Good, bad or indifferent, it doesn’t matter the circumstance, what you think of me never changes, your call to me never ceases, your love for me runs deeper than my mind can imagine.  I just cannot explain what it’s like when you appear!

For the grace of God ha appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the is present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.     Titus 2:11-14

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When God Prays

After he dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.  Later that night, he was there alone, . . .      Matthew 14:23

In the context of this event with Christ and his disciples, He sent them across the lake in their boat ahead of Him.  He then went to pray.

It’s easy to pray . . . right?  I can’t tell you the number of times prayer has felt more like trying to speak another language without knowing a single word in that dialect.  Not knowing what to say, how to say it, where to say it, when to say it.  Should I ask?  Should I tell?  Do I even need to speak?  He knows everything already so what’s the real point?

No, it’s not so easy to pray!  But when I hear someone else pray from their heart through the love of Christ, it’s like my spirit has been refreshed!  I shared this with my oldest son recently when we were talking about prayer.  I mentioned how much of a joy it is to hear him pray — to witness him approach the throne on our behalf as we all begin our day!

Prayer is a connection unmatched by any other relationship on earth!  It’s a fellowship that enriches the heart and infuses the spirit with a communion of God’s love that by nature is the epitome of faith and trust!  And when we pray, Christ prays!  When He hears the voice of His children praying, His Spirit too is filled with joy!

When Christ went onto the hillside, He did so to be alone . . . to think . . . to commune . . . to intercede!  And hours later He came to the lake.  Hours later?  Yes!  He spent hours interceding in conversation with His (our) heavenly Father, knowing the fullness of what was yet to come.

Lord Jesus, help my voice speak the words of my heart in fellowship with you often so you can intercede on my behalf to the Father!  I know BIG things happen when I’m in fellowship with you and I know BIG things take place in the Kingdom when you mention my name to the Father!  May I learn to be still, listen and pray!

Next Post:  When God Appear

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Beyond Comprehension


Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:8

Today is simple. Summed up in a simple, yet humbling and submissive prayer. I cannot take credit for originally authoring this prayer as it was written by Anabel Gillham. Her words, however, echo my sentiment and heart toward my Heavenly Father. I share them because maybe, just maybe, they will resonate with your own.

Dear Father,

You are aware of everything that is going on in my world at the present time . . . what has happened in the past . . . and what is to come in my future. That is beyond my comprehension. You know all of my needs before I even tell You about them. That, too, is beyond my comprehension. But I accept it as Truth. I know it. And in spite of that, knowing, I enumerate all of my needs to You time after time. Of course, the presupposition would be that I don’t believe You heard me and You’re doing nothing about these crises of mine. Well, that’s wrong. It’s for my own benefit that I present them to You over and over again. I guess I think this will communicate to You how important they are to me. (I am so limited in my understanding of You.) Thank You that You have heard me as I talked to You and that You have taken these petitions and You are working Your mighty plan in each of them. In Your timing I will see and understand. My wisdom is infinitesimally small. Your wisdom is infinite.I refuse to tell You WHAT to do . . . but please confirm to me that You are DOING.

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More Time, More At Ease

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. Acts 10:1-2

Admittedly, remembering to spend time with someone whom you never, or rarely, see is at best … difficult. There is an old saying that may be familiar that says, “Out of sight, out of mind.” The truth of this phrase works great when you’re trying to keep something from your children or working diligently on a diet. To introduce whatever that is, regularly brings it to mind – and then your mind latches onto it like a tractor beam and your thoughts revolve around it.

But this phrase carries with it a danger when it comes to spending time with my Lord. If I don’t look for Him, have faith in His presence, call on Him casually as well as during defined moments, then recognizing Him becomes far more difficult and I become less at ease with my time with Him. In this instance, out of sight and out of mind equates to Jesus my acquaintance instead of Jesus my Lord, my Friend, my Confidant.

Nothing spells love better than time. For Christ in me, His time is everlasting and abundant. His measure of love through time is endless. And the more I spend time with Him, the more at ease I become in my awareness of Him in my daily events. There have been some unusual places (or at least seem unusual to me) where spending time has fueled my fellowship with Him. Speaking with Him at the grocery store, sipping coffee at Starbucks, mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, learning at conferences, visiting with others, at the playground, fishing on the lake, wading at the beach. Precious moments where there are conversations – simple conversations.

Let’s here of some places in which you’ve had a conversation with your Lord Jesus because you’ve been at ease in His presence.

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Heart Check

Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

Yesterday I stepped out on a limb and started a new exercise program. If you know anything about me, you’ll know first hand this is not typically a part of my daily repertoire. However, despite it all I decided to take a stab at it.

Little did I know my heart would feel like a steal drum keeping up with the rhythm of the climatic stanzas of the 1812 Overture. Relentless! But while this is new and energetic, it proves well for the overall health of my entire being. It’s good for my heart!

But what happens when my spiritual heart begins to feel the effects of mistreatment? It, too, begins to effect my entire being – from spirit to earthly shell.

I’m sitting in Starbucks this morning and struggling with maintaining a single thought. You know those days when strangeness continues to walk into your world? I’m tempted in frustration for the baby crying in the corner, the guys sitting right over my shoulder who talk like they’re sitting across the room from each other. Oh, and lets not forget the man and his newspaper in the chair next to me whose phone won’t stop ringing as he refuses to answer. Makes for a moment to turn your heart – toward a critical spirit or toward the love of God – you know, it’s not really about me anyway.

Lord Jesus, for the moments when life looks strange, remind me of how normal you are. For the things that nag me, remind me of the abundant love you give. For the things that grieve me, with your mighty hand wipe my tears. For the things that I doubt because I don’t know, increase my faith. For the things that offend me, keep my heart from being critical. For when my heart gets stepped on by others, give me the comfort of your healing touch.

And my Lord says to me . . . . Guard your heart Mark! From it flows everything and if left unguarded will harden!

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He Never Taps Out

He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:3-4

Change is excruciatingly painful. It is extremely undesirable, yet somehow necessary. Life rarely, if never, flows down the same channel or at the same pace or taking a familiar shape. It is liquid and with it, seeks to demand conformity. What makes the difference with change is not its inevitability, but more so the strength and nature of ones response to such changes.

But what happens when change seems to completely sap one of every bit of energy and motivation, sending you spiraling through an ultimate need for renewed strength and fortitude? It can be immobilizing!

Precisely! This is a job for our Redeemer! The God of whom the Psalmist speaks who never sleeps nor slumbers. God never takes a break . . . He never taps out! (I found this to be a good place to take a deep breath . . . Inhale big . . . Exhale big — it helped me!)

God’s strength endures forever – a mighty and strong hand He extends to the weary! His truth never fails — He is the solid rock on which to stand forever – never shifting! Isaiah 40:8 says,
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. “

Thank you Lord Jesus, that when the tides of my life, the swift currents of my day change the shores with which I’ve become far too familiar that I can fix my eyes and my heart on your never changing Lighthouse!


But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. Psalm 59:16-17

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It Matters Because I Matter

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  I Peter 5:7

My understanding of God’s approachability directly correlates with the measure of my belief that my circumstances are both significant and weightless to Him.  When I am able to see God as caring for me despite my shortcomings, I am more likely to get on my knees in prayer.

This is the point in which I can fully experience the deepness of God’s care for me.   It’s this deep relationship with my Savior that even James speaks of in James 4:3 when he says, “When you ask you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.”  I don’t have because I do not ask.  I do not ask because I do not believe He cares to hear.  I do not believe He cares to hear because I feel my prayers are trivial.  And so, I do not ask.

It’s a dangerous cycle of thought that leads to self-destruction.  Beginning my prayers with phrases such as, “I know this is silly, but . . .” or “I don’t think you really want to hear this, but . . . ”  or “You already know this, but . . . ”  sets the stage for this line of reasoning.

But James is telling us to pour it on!  Empty our hearts of our unmet needs to the Father in raw honesty.  He is telling us of the approachability of our Father to those things that matter to me.  Big or small, those things that matter to me matter to Him, because He cares for ME — I matter to Him!

Lord Jesus, are you ready for this?  This opens the door to a flood.

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

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