Merry Christmas, dear friends! God is with us! May hope, peace, joy and love be yours today and forever more!
Grace and Peace,
Laura
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
Christmas Presence
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Our hearts are tender at Christmas-time. Some are grieving, some are overwhelmed with joy and many are a mixture of both. In reflecting on life and considering the lives of those I love, comes the reminder that we are broken, that we suffer, that we struggle and that we need someone with us.
Emmanuel - God with us. There is such great comfort that comes with presence and this is the beauty of Christmas. We are not alone, have never been alone nor will we ever be alone.
Emmanuel - the great beauty of Christmas that only grows deeper and richer within us as we sit and consider the great God of the universe coming to us, to be with us.
Will you sit with him today?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Our hearts are tender at Christmas-time. Some are grieving, some are overwhelmed with joy and many are a mixture of both. In reflecting on life and considering the lives of those I love, comes the reminder that we are broken, that we suffer, that we struggle and that we need someone with us.
Emmanuel - God with us. There is such great comfort that comes with presence and this is the beauty of Christmas. We are not alone, have never been alone nor will we ever be alone.
Emmanuel - the great beauty of Christmas that only grows deeper and richer within us as we sit and consider the great God of the universe coming to us, to be with us.
Will you sit with him today?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Our Longing Hearts
**Please take one minute to sit, breathe deeply and seek quiet.**
“Come Thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free. From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the Earth Thou art. Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.” – Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Jesus is the joy of every longing heart. Our hearts long for freedom - freedom from fear, from sin, from struggling and from striving. Our hearts need rest and they find their rest in freedom that comes from Jesus. Whether we know it or not we all long for freedom and for those of us who know Jesus, he is our joy. Our longing hearts find their rest in Jesus. This leads us to gratefulness and praise.
There is always another place we can find rest. There will always be opportunity for us to be released from fear and sin and find rest.
May we continually find our rest and freedom in Jesus and may we experience the joy that it is to know him.
There is always another place we can find rest. There will always be opportunity for us to be released from fear and sin and find rest.
May we continually find our rest and freedom in Jesus and may we experience the joy that it is to know him.
**Please take as much time as is possible to sit and reflect.**
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Vision Changes Everything
**Please take one minute to sit, breathe deeply and seek quiet.**
This is what joy does – it sees farther. Joy sees what is to come.
Can you imagine having a vision of great joy? Whatever that vision is, we often do not know what sacrifices it will take. We have the example of Jesus, the One who is to come who continued to see the vision that was greater than the sacrifice. He saw the vision of joy of reconciled relationship with man, and the amazing aftereffects of that (they are infinite!). Joy sees beyond our present circumstances. Joy has vision and it sees farther.
**Please take as much time as is possible to sit and reflect.**
“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2b
Vision changes everything. Vision makes you do things you never thought you could. Having a picture of what is to come changes how you live presently. The author of Hebrews says that Jesus endured the cross and scorned its shame because of the joy set before him. Jesus had a vision and this vision helped him to see farther. For Jesus, this joy was reconciled relationship with us, with mankind. The joy that was worth the cross was us.This is what joy does – it sees farther. Joy sees what is to come.
Can you imagine having a vision of great joy? Whatever that vision is, we often do not know what sacrifices it will take. We have the example of Jesus, the One who is to come who continued to see the vision that was greater than the sacrifice. He saw the vision of joy of reconciled relationship with man, and the amazing aftereffects of that (they are infinite!). Joy sees beyond our present circumstances. Joy has vision and it sees farther.
**Please take as much time as is possible to sit and reflect.**
Monday, December 16, 2013
The Oxymoron of Joy
**Please take one minute to sit, breathe deeply and seek quiet.**
Sometimes life seems anything but joyful. It is difficult to find joy in the midst of loss, pain and anxiety. It is difficult to find joy in the midst of hardship and heartache because these things in and of themselves do not contain joy. They contain confusion, chaos and suffering. Joy is very difficult to find because it is not there. But Jesus is. Jesus is with us in the confusion, the chaos, the suffering.
Joy may be difficult to find but Jesus is there. Jesus is our joy and he is with us. He is with us in the suffering, in the loss, in the “I can’t breathe because this is so painful” moments. There can be joy because we have Jesus. He is the only reason that there can be joy in the midst of evil, pain and suffering.
We live life as an oxymoron of joy and pain, Jesus and suffering. He lived life as an oxymoron and we rest in the tension because we know the joy that is relationship with Jesus.
**Please take as much time as is possible to sit and reflect.**
Sometimes life seems anything but joyful. It is difficult to find joy in the midst of loss, pain and anxiety. It is difficult to find joy in the midst of hardship and heartache because these things in and of themselves do not contain joy. They contain confusion, chaos and suffering. Joy is very difficult to find because it is not there. But Jesus is. Jesus is with us in the confusion, the chaos, the suffering.
Joy may be difficult to find but Jesus is there. Jesus is our joy and he is with us. He is with us in the suffering, in the loss, in the “I can’t breathe because this is so painful” moments. There can be joy because we have Jesus. He is the only reason that there can be joy in the midst of evil, pain and suffering.
We live life as an oxymoron of joy and pain, Jesus and suffering. He lived life as an oxymoron and we rest in the tension because we know the joy that is relationship with Jesus.
**Please take as much time as is possible to sit and reflect.**
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Depth of Peace
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading..**
Peace runs deep. It is overwhelmingly loving, caring, all-consuming. True peace touches us in places we never thought it could or thought we ever needed.
Peace is that which does not make sense, that cannot be conjured or created. Peace is truly supernatural because it rises above and beyond all circumstances. Peace is a matter of the heart and it is a gift offered to us through Jesus.
This gift, this great peace, let it overwhelm you today.
**Sit quietly again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Peace runs deep. It is overwhelmingly loving, caring, all-consuming. True peace touches us in places we never thought it could or thought we ever needed.
Peace is that which does not make sense, that cannot be conjured or created. Peace is truly supernatural because it rises above and beyond all circumstances. Peace is a matter of the heart and it is a gift offered to us through Jesus.
This gift, this great peace, let it overwhelm you today.
**Sit quietly again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Peace and Presence
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Peace comes with presence. It comes when you sit with the creator of the universe, when you share all that is on your heart, mind and soul. Peace comes with being in the presence of Jesus.
Amidst all our questions, anxieties, hopes and dreams, Jesus calls us to be with him. He calls us to share those with him ... all of them.
Peace comes with presence. It comes when you sit with the creator of the universe, when you share all that is on your heart, mind and soul. Peace comes with being in the presence of Jesus.
Amidst all our questions, anxieties, hopes and dreams, Jesus calls us to be with him. He calls us to share those with him ... all of them.
He does not fear what we have to say nor does he shame us for being honest. Rather we draw nearer still to him as we share, as we sit, as we receive from him. His peace comes through love, through silence, even through conviction and discipline.
Will you spend time in his presence today?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Will you spend time in his presence today?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Monday, December 9, 2013
Come and Rest
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Jesus calls us to call and rest. In this discipline to stop and rest we find peace. As we cease from activity, productivity and constant body, mind and heart movement, peace comes in and we rest even deeply.
Will you stop for a bit today? Will you rest and receive peace?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Jesus calls us to call and rest. In this discipline to stop and rest we find peace. As we cease from activity, productivity and constant body, mind and heart movement, peace comes in and we rest even deeply.
Will you stop for a bit today? Will you rest and receive peace?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Hoping with Others
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
“Hope is a strong and confident trust,
given by the Holy Spirit and nurtured in life experience, that God, who has
promised good to us and all creation, makes good on his promises through Jesus’
coming and coming again.” - Leighton Ford
We need God to give us hope. We need others to hold onto hope for us. To hope is not a solo effort, we need others and others need us.
Often we cannot hope for ourselves. We see no way out and cannot see much light in the darkness. We are barely holding on by a thread and so a friend offers their hand, they offer to hold onto the light, the hope that they can see brightly.
When we cannot see others can see that God will make good on his promises. No one can know when he will but we live with the vision that he will ultimately when he comes again.
Are you struggling to hold onto hope? Who can hold onto hope for you?
Or maybe someone around you needs you to hold onto hope for them. Hold on for them.
Often we cannot hope for ourselves. We see no way out and cannot see much light in the darkness. We are barely holding on by a thread and so a friend offers their hand, they offer to hold onto the light, the hope that they can see brightly.
When we cannot see others can see that God will make good on his promises. No one can know when he will but we live with the vision that he will ultimately when he comes again.
Are you struggling to hold onto hope? Who can hold onto hope for you?
Or maybe someone around you needs you to hold onto hope for them. Hold on for them.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Monday, December 2, 2013
We Hope ...
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
We begin the Advent season with Hope. We hope because we need it. We hope because sometimes that is all we can do. We can hope because our hope is based on a person, on Jesus, the one who's coming we prepare for.
Even as our hope is based on the love, life, death and resurrection of Christ we still sometimes struggle.
Hope often wanes when we worry, when we look towards the future and see no way out, as we experience pain and loss. Hope wanes as we see and suffer injustices. Hope struggles as it seems there is more evil than good in the world.
Hope requires waiting, it requires trust and it demands blindness. Hoping is not easy ... yet it is true.
It is true because it is found in a person, it is found in Christ whose coming we celebrate and whose second coming provides us a vision of re-creation, all things made new, our hope being fulfilled.
So I invite you to Hope. Hope in the one that can fulfill all our hopes and leads us to live lives of hope.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
We begin the Advent season with Hope. We hope because we need it. We hope because sometimes that is all we can do. We can hope because our hope is based on a person, on Jesus, the one who's coming we prepare for.
Even as our hope is based on the love, life, death and resurrection of Christ we still sometimes struggle.
Hope often wanes when we worry, when we look towards the future and see no way out, as we experience pain and loss. Hope wanes as we see and suffer injustices. Hope struggles as it seems there is more evil than good in the world.
Hope requires waiting, it requires trust and it demands blindness. Hoping is not easy ... yet it is true.
It is true because it is found in a person, it is found in Christ whose coming we celebrate and whose second coming provides us a vision of re-creation, all things made new, our hope being fulfilled.
So I invite you to Hope. Hope in the one that can fulfill all our hopes and leads us to live lives of hope.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Losing Graciously
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Losing, it is a reality in life. We will not win everything we pursue and learning to lose graciously is so valuable. It is not only learning to be a gracious loser for the sake of others and good sportsmanship but also to be gracious towards yourself.
I often beat myself up deeply for losing. I could have done better, I wish I had different gifts, I want what I lost. I show unsportsmanlike conduct towards myself. I wouldn't treat others the way I just treated myself.
How about you? What happens when you lose? How do you treat yourself? Do you offer yourself grace, recognize ways you can learn and grow? Do you meet with Jesus if their was any sin in you and allow Jesus to meet you and restore you?
How can you lose more graciously ... towards yourself?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Losing, it is a reality in life. We will not win everything we pursue and learning to lose graciously is so valuable. It is not only learning to be a gracious loser for the sake of others and good sportsmanship but also to be gracious towards yourself.
I often beat myself up deeply for losing. I could have done better, I wish I had different gifts, I want what I lost. I show unsportsmanlike conduct towards myself. I wouldn't treat others the way I just treated myself.
How about you? What happens when you lose? How do you treat yourself? Do you offer yourself grace, recognize ways you can learn and grow? Do you meet with Jesus if their was any sin in you and allow Jesus to meet you and restore you?
How can you lose more graciously ... towards yourself?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
It's been quiet ...
It's been quiet here at Two Minutes for Mommy. Trust me, I have been taking many minutes with God as I started a part time job in August and still have my full time mommy and family load. I love all that I get to do and yet there hasn't seemed enough for me to also give to Two Minutes for Mommy.
I would love your prayers as I discern next steps for the blog. Thanks for your patience and kindness! Hope you are having your two minutes (and then some!).
Much love,
Laura
I would love your prayers as I discern next steps for the blog. Thanks for your patience and kindness! Hope you are having your two minutes (and then some!).
Much love,
Laura
Friday, October 11, 2013
When Healing Hurts
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Sometimes healing doesn't feel like healing. Sometimes it feels like things are getting worse.
Sometimes God needs to go deeper and when He does it hurts.
Sometimes He needs to make adjustments, set things straight and re-align. That is painful.
Sometimes he makes us wait. There seems to be no progress in the waiting yet it is all part of healing.
Is He healing something in you today that doesn't feel or look like healing? How can you trust His great love and sovereignty as He heals?
**Continue to sit in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Sometimes healing doesn't feel like healing. Sometimes it feels like things are getting worse.
Sometimes God needs to go deeper and when He does it hurts.
Sometimes He needs to make adjustments, set things straight and re-align. That is painful.
Sometimes he makes us wait. There seems to be no progress in the waiting yet it is all part of healing.
Is He healing something in you today that doesn't feel or look like healing? How can you trust His great love and sovereignty as He heals?
**Continue to sit in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Thursday, October 10, 2013
The Rules Do Apply
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
As I watch people gain greater power and position I watch as they believe the rules do not apply to them. They begin to take advantage of their position, they treat others one way and will not be held to the same level of accountability they are asking of others.
For some reason I often function as if the rules do not apply to me. I especially take advantage of my position of "Mom".
Then my kids call me out. It is not pretty, it is humbling and it is needed.
Will I continue to hear it? Will my heart be soft to hearing their correction and exhortation? I hope so because the rules do apply.
**Sit quietly again for as long as is available to you.**
As I watch people gain greater power and position I watch as they believe the rules do not apply to them. They begin to take advantage of their position, they treat others one way and will not be held to the same level of accountability they are asking of others.
For some reason I often function as if the rules do not apply to me. I especially take advantage of my position of "Mom".
Then my kids call me out. It is not pretty, it is humbling and it is needed.
Will I continue to hear it? Will my heart be soft to hearing their correction and exhortation? I hope so because the rules do apply.
**Sit quietly again for as long as is available to you.**
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Overflow
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for as long as is available to you.**
A prayer for us today:
"May our service to God come out of an overflow of his love and grace towards me."
Take time to sit in God's love and grace today.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
A prayer for us today:
"May our service to God come out of an overflow of his love and grace towards me."
Take time to sit in God's love and grace today.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Annie
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Today is my little sister's birthday. She brings a sweetness to life and a reminder for the need of tenderness, compassion, patience and love. She brings the challenge of slowing down and thinking more of others than of myself.
She also brings the challenges of sisterhood - stubbornness, each of us wanting to get our own way and me thinking she is far more spoiled than I am. I think this is just normal older sister/young sister stuff. :)
It is difficult being around her sometimes because I am reminded of what I am not. I cannot put on a mask, I sin greatly and my actions do not match my words. She reminds me there is a lot of work that God has yet to do it me and sometimes I do not like to face that fact. I am far from perfect and I like thinking I am perfect.
She challenges me to live like I say everyone else should. She challenges me to take my words to my hands and actually LIVE IT. She does all this without words. She does it all through being herself.
She lives her life well, beautifully and also imperfectly and I am amazed at how God uses imperfection to move us towards Jesus, who is perfect.
Today I am grateful for Annie, and I celebrate her life.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is possible.**
Today is my little sister's birthday. She brings a sweetness to life and a reminder for the need of tenderness, compassion, patience and love. She brings the challenge of slowing down and thinking more of others than of myself.
She also brings the challenges of sisterhood - stubbornness, each of us wanting to get our own way and me thinking she is far more spoiled than I am. I think this is just normal older sister/young sister stuff. :)
It is difficult being around her sometimes because I am reminded of what I am not. I cannot put on a mask, I sin greatly and my actions do not match my words. She reminds me there is a lot of work that God has yet to do it me and sometimes I do not like to face that fact. I am far from perfect and I like thinking I am perfect.
She challenges me to live like I say everyone else should. She challenges me to take my words to my hands and actually LIVE IT. She does all this without words. She does it all through being herself.
She lives her life well, beautifully and also imperfectly and I am amazed at how God uses imperfection to move us towards Jesus, who is perfect.
Today I am grateful for Annie, and I celebrate her life.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is possible.**
Monday, October 7, 2013
Your Bio
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
How will your bio read? What will it say about your life? What will it say about your identity, your character and your call(s)?
Maybe you feel like there is a lot of editing that needs to be done from previous chapters. Maybe you are excited, looking forward to the chapters ahead. Maybe you're nervous about the chapters ahead because they require you to trust the great Author more than ever.
God is the great Author of our stories and we get to participate in writing them as well. It is beautiful to watch the mystery of how this works.
If you feel like there is a lot of editing to do ... lean into grace, into forgiveness and receive healing. If you are anxious about the chapters to come ... release them to God, rest in His great love.
Wherever you are, enjoy the present chapter, actively contributing to your story and ultimately God's great story.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
How will your bio read? What will it say about your life? What will it say about your identity, your character and your call(s)?
Maybe you feel like there is a lot of editing that needs to be done from previous chapters. Maybe you are excited, looking forward to the chapters ahead. Maybe you're nervous about the chapters ahead because they require you to trust the great Author more than ever.
God is the great Author of our stories and we get to participate in writing them as well. It is beautiful to watch the mystery of how this works.
If you feel like there is a lot of editing to do ... lean into grace, into forgiveness and receive healing. If you are anxious about the chapters to come ... release them to God, rest in His great love.
Wherever you are, enjoy the present chapter, actively contributing to your story and ultimately God's great story.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Loving Well
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
I need help to love someone and especially to love them
well. Sometimes it is easy to love someone. You are compatible, speak the same
language, they are in your family, etc. sometimes it is not so easy to love
someone. You constantly clash, have differing values, they are in your family,
etc. Whether it comes easily or not, loving someone well we all need help with.
Sometimes in my attempt to love well I miss what is meaningful to the person. In my attempt to love well I do not take the time to consider how they receive it, I just give and assume they feel loved. Loving someone well requires research, it requires attentiveness and observation, it requires doing and it requires dependence on God. We need help to love someone well.
How will you seek to love someone well today?
Sometimes in my attempt to love well I miss what is meaningful to the person. In my attempt to love well I do not take the time to consider how they receive it, I just give and assume they feel loved. Loving someone well requires research, it requires attentiveness and observation, it requires doing and it requires dependence on God. We need help to love someone well.
How will you seek to love someone well today?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
The Heart Speaks
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Our heart speaks ... if only we would pay attention. Our heart communicates through high emotion, strong words and even in silence. Our heart speaks its depths and learning to pay attention to it takes time, discipline and a willingness to hear.
We can also learn to listen to the heart of others. Listen for what is the deeper issue going on, the deeper desire and the deeper struggle. The first step in this is listening for the heart of God.
Take time today to ask God what is His heart. Ask Him to show you through his word - the Bible. As you see God's heart, you will see yours and be able to see the heart of others.
The heart speaks. What is yours saying today?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Our heart speaks ... if only we would pay attention. Our heart communicates through high emotion, strong words and even in silence. Our heart speaks its depths and learning to pay attention to it takes time, discipline and a willingness to hear.
We can also learn to listen to the heart of others. Listen for what is the deeper issue going on, the deeper desire and the deeper struggle. The first step in this is listening for the heart of God.
Take time today to ask God what is His heart. Ask Him to show you through his word - the Bible. As you see God's heart, you will see yours and be able to see the heart of others.
The heart speaks. What is yours saying today?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Game Changers
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
"Because what if we believed instead, that those little people we are sacrificing for each day, that they are growing up to be game changers." A Mustard Seed Journey Blog
These words convicted me and resonated with me. So much of my energy is spent on prevention rather than creation. What is more of my energies were spent on creating rather than preventing, trusting rather than fearing?
What are the needed boundaries AND needed freedoms?
Prayer: God help us. Help us to discern needed boundaries and needed freedoms. May our energies be spent on creating, stemming out of faith rather than preventing, stemming out of fear. Amen.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
"Because what if we believed instead, that those little people we are sacrificing for each day, that they are growing up to be game changers." A Mustard Seed Journey Blog
These words convicted me and resonated with me. So much of my energy is spent on prevention rather than creation. What is more of my energies were spent on creating rather than preventing, trusting rather than fearing?
What are the needed boundaries AND needed freedoms?
Prayer: God help us. Help us to discern needed boundaries and needed freedoms. May our energies be spent on creating, stemming out of faith rather than preventing, stemming out of fear. Amen.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Friday, September 13, 2013
Enjoy Today!
Enjoy something today! Maybe it is a great piece of chocolate, a special coffee drink, time with a friend, creative time with a child, etc. Make the choice to enjoy the day and delight in God's goodness to you!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Delight
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Driving home from work a few days ago my son is singing/yelling a son to his favorite cartoon. He is going all out. His voice cracks, his voice doesn’t stay in the same key and his words do not reflect the real words of the song. He doesn’t care and he is having so much fun! And me … I am delighting in it.
Oh how I wish I had this confidence. The confidence that those around me would let me be me. The confidence that I will be accepted no matter what. We all long for acceptance and specifically for unconditional love.
I delighted in listening to my son and it was a picture for me of the delight God has in seeing and hearing me. He created me and delights when I am me. I don’t have to work for his delight, he created and delights in me.
May you sense God’s delight today!
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Driving home from work a few days ago my son is singing/yelling a son to his favorite cartoon. He is going all out. His voice cracks, his voice doesn’t stay in the same key and his words do not reflect the real words of the song. He doesn’t care and he is having so much fun! And me … I am delighting in it.
Oh how I wish I had this confidence. The confidence that those around me would let me be me. The confidence that I will be accepted no matter what. We all long for acceptance and specifically for unconditional love.
I delighted in listening to my son and it was a picture for me of the delight God has in seeing and hearing me. He created me and delights when I am me. I don’t have to work for his delight, he created and delights in me.
May you sense God’s delight today!
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Take Part
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
There are times when our hearts are heavy, burdened by sadness and a deep sense that things are not the way they are supposed to be. Our hearts are weighed down as the reality of sin, the reality of evil and the reality of pain fill the headlines. Even if these realities aren’t in the headlines we see them in our lives and in the lives of those we love.
A heavy heart is a sign to us that things are not as they should be. And as our hearts are heavy so is even greater the heart of God. So tell him about your sadness, vent your anger at injustice, ask him if there is anything you are called to fight for. And if you are, fight well. We get to take part in the good in the world.
So take part in the world. Take part because you follow a God who desires justice, peace and wholeness.
Take part because you love as God loves, in grace and truth.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
There are times when our hearts are heavy, burdened by sadness and a deep sense that things are not the way they are supposed to be. Our hearts are weighed down as the reality of sin, the reality of evil and the reality of pain fill the headlines. Even if these realities aren’t in the headlines we see them in our lives and in the lives of those we love.
A heavy heart is a sign to us that things are not as they should be. And as our hearts are heavy so is even greater the heart of God. So tell him about your sadness, vent your anger at injustice, ask him if there is anything you are called to fight for. And if you are, fight well. We get to take part in the good in the world.
So take part in the world. Take part because you follow a God who desires justice, peace and wholeness.
Take part because you love as God loves, in grace and truth.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Asking for Help
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
It is so hard to ask for help. We’ll exhaust ourselves before we ask another for help. We’ll awkwardly carry a heavy load, bend with a child in one arm to pick up a paper clip and many times overexert ourselves then grumble under our breaths that no one is helping. So, why can’t we just ask for help??
Asking for help means admitting that I cannot do it all on my own and that I might need others. Asking for help means I actually know what to ask for. So many times I am so overwhelmed and so accustomed to taking care of everything I don’t even know what help to ask for!
I believe asking for help takes humility, it takes knowing yourself and it takes being realistic about life.
How can you ask for help today?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
It is so hard to ask for help. We’ll exhaust ourselves before we ask another for help. We’ll awkwardly carry a heavy load, bend with a child in one arm to pick up a paper clip and many times overexert ourselves then grumble under our breaths that no one is helping. So, why can’t we just ask for help??
Asking for help means admitting that I cannot do it all on my own and that I might need others. Asking for help means I actually know what to ask for. So many times I am so overwhelmed and so accustomed to taking care of everything I don’t even know what help to ask for!
I believe asking for help takes humility, it takes knowing yourself and it takes being realistic about life.
How can you ask for help today?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Monday, September 9, 2013
Good Will Overcome
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Some days it is hard to believe that good will win, that good will overcome evil. So many days it seems like evil is taking over, that we should expect more evil than good and that goodness will not make it.
Some days our faith dwindles and we cannot see how good will come through, how God will come through. Some days we are grasping for any evidence of goodness and we hold on by a thread.
Today, may God give you the grace to hope and the faith to believe. May your hope increase and your faith grow even in the seeming absence of goodness.
Good will overcome.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Some days it is hard to believe that good will win, that good will overcome evil. So many days it seems like evil is taking over, that we should expect more evil than good and that goodness will not make it.
Some days our faith dwindles and we cannot see how good will come through, how God will come through. Some days we are grasping for any evidence of goodness and we hold on by a thread.
Today, may God give you the grace to hope and the faith to believe. May your hope increase and your faith grow even in the seeming absence of goodness.
Good will overcome.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Friday, September 6, 2013
Inner Life
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
As I read the story of Mary and the announcement of the virgin birth in Luke I am continually struck by Mary’s inner life. Repeatedly in the first chapters of Luke the gospel writer says that she treasured and pondered the words and works of God in her heart.
I want to be one who attends to God, hears Him and treasures what He says and ponders it. In order to be that a few things need to take place:
Slowing down
Quiet
Paying attention
Listening
Waiting
Trusting
How about you? Can you hear what God is saying?
If so, do you treasure his words or are they equal with all other voices?
Do you meditate on those treasured words and let them sink deep?
As I seek to, I invite you to as well.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
As I read the story of Mary and the announcement of the virgin birth in Luke I am continually struck by Mary’s inner life. Repeatedly in the first chapters of Luke the gospel writer says that she treasured and pondered the words and works of God in her heart.
I want to be one who attends to God, hears Him and treasures what He says and ponders it. In order to be that a few things need to take place:
Slowing down
Quiet
Paying attention
Listening
Waiting
Trusting
How about you? Can you hear what God is saying?
If so, do you treasure his words or are they equal with all other voices?
Do you meditate on those treasured words and let them sink deep?
As I seek to, I invite you to as well.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Thursday, September 5, 2013
A Rich Life
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
I have been graced with a rich life. These words struck me just a few mornings ago. As I was reflecting on various events of my life, these words rung true – I have been grace with a rich life.
Disclaimer: a rich life by no means is to be understood as an easy life. My life has not been easy. In fact, it may be through many of these difficulties that my life has become rich.
Have you been graced with a rich life? How has life been made fuller and deeper for you?
Will you thank God for what he has done in and through your life?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
I have been graced with a rich life. These words struck me just a few mornings ago. As I was reflecting on various events of my life, these words rung true – I have been grace with a rich life.
Disclaimer: a rich life by no means is to be understood as an easy life. My life has not been easy. In fact, it may be through many of these difficulties that my life has become rich.
Have you been graced with a rich life? How has life been made fuller and deeper for you?
Will you thank God for what he has done in and through your life?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Clean Community
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Community is messy. It's full of mistakes, hurts, forgiveness, reconciliation. Rich community includes ups/downs, rights/wrongs. It includes what it is to be human, and for Christians, humans trying to follow Christ.
Clean Community … what an oxymoron! I do not think such a thing exists!
I love community but hate the messiness of it. Stepping on toes, hurting someone, being hurt, misunderstandings, weariness, false expectations, disappointments, etc. So community is anything but clean and it is utterly messy.
In this beautiful mess is life, a rich life, a life lived with others and with God. There is opportunity for reconciliation and redemption. Community is not clean but often it is so worth it. In exchange for the messes we get meaning, depth and authentic relationships. In exchange for messes we receive grace and we offer grace.
May you embrace the messiness of community today.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Community is messy. It's full of mistakes, hurts, forgiveness, reconciliation. Rich community includes ups/downs, rights/wrongs. It includes what it is to be human, and for Christians, humans trying to follow Christ.
Clean Community … what an oxymoron! I do not think such a thing exists!
I love community but hate the messiness of it. Stepping on toes, hurting someone, being hurt, misunderstandings, weariness, false expectations, disappointments, etc. So community is anything but clean and it is utterly messy.
In this beautiful mess is life, a rich life, a life lived with others and with God. There is opportunity for reconciliation and redemption. Community is not clean but often it is so worth it. In exchange for the messes we get meaning, depth and authentic relationships. In exchange for messes we receive grace and we offer grace.
May you embrace the messiness of community today.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Looking Weak
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
I hate looking weak. I fight it because I am so competitive. I do not want to look weak. I do not want to be taken advantage of. I have a great aversion to looking weak yet God calls me to be vulnerable, therefore exposing my weakness.
So I spend a lot of effort to appear strong, competent and with it. A LOT of effort. Then God takes hold of me and calls me out. He calls me to put my heart on the line, to trust and to look weak. He calls me to be vulnerable and honest.
And here’s what happens … my vulnerability opens doors for others to be real, honest and vulnerable. It gives them permission to share their hearts, their struggles and frees others to be. We get to be human together.
How can your vulnerability be a gift to another? How will showing your weaknesses give permission to someone to be themselves?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
I hate looking weak. I fight it because I am so competitive. I do not want to look weak. I do not want to be taken advantage of. I have a great aversion to looking weak yet God calls me to be vulnerable, therefore exposing my weakness.
So I spend a lot of effort to appear strong, competent and with it. A LOT of effort. Then God takes hold of me and calls me out. He calls me to put my heart on the line, to trust and to look weak. He calls me to be vulnerable and honest.
And here’s what happens … my vulnerability opens doors for others to be real, honest and vulnerable. It gives them permission to share their hearts, their struggles and frees others to be. We get to be human together.
How can your vulnerability be a gift to another? How will showing your weaknesses give permission to someone to be themselves?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Monday, September 2, 2013
Words for the Weary
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
If you have been given the privilege of strength or the energy to walk with God today then lift up the weary. If you can hear God’s voice and see his hands at work, encourage those who cannot. For the sake of others, take to notice God and notice him on behalf of others. Listen for his voice in your life and theirs.
This listening doesn’t come as a way of manipulation, control or accomplishment of your plans. This listening doesn’t lead to offer an empty hope, but a hope that is realistic, realizes life is hard and that God is good. This listening comes in order that you might encourage, in the right moment and with the right amount. This listening turns into an uplifting word.
So many are weary, how can you listen to God and lift them up?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
If you have been given the privilege of strength or the energy to walk with God today then lift up the weary. If you can hear God’s voice and see his hands at work, encourage those who cannot. For the sake of others, take to notice God and notice him on behalf of others. Listen for his voice in your life and theirs.
This listening doesn’t come as a way of manipulation, control or accomplishment of your plans. This listening doesn’t lead to offer an empty hope, but a hope that is realistic, realizes life is hard and that God is good. This listening comes in order that you might encourage, in the right moment and with the right amount. This listening turns into an uplifting word.
So many are weary, how can you listen to God and lift them up?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Friday, August 30, 2013
For Those Waiting
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Many of us are in times of waiting. Waiting for the next job, waiting for a baby, waiting for a test result, waiting for a season of trials to be over, waiting for direction or an answer. Waiting times are full of unknowns and unrest. A prayer for those waiting:
While you wait, may God give you the grace to trust. In the midst of unknown may he overwhelm you with peace. When uncertainty seems to dominate may he give you joy in the present moments.
As you wait may Jesus be enough and may you settle and rest in him. Amen.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Many of us are in times of waiting. Waiting for the next job, waiting for a baby, waiting for a test result, waiting for a season of trials to be over, waiting for direction or an answer. Waiting times are full of unknowns and unrest. A prayer for those waiting:
While you wait, may God give you the grace to trust. In the midst of unknown may he overwhelm you with peace. When uncertainty seems to dominate may he give you joy in the present moments.
As you wait may Jesus be enough and may you settle and rest in him. Amen.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Just Be
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Sometimes you need to just be. No analyzing, no looking for opportunities for growth, no asking yourself how you could have done something better. Just be.
I am always looking for where I can improve, how I can grow, how I can learn and making the most of every opportunity. And sometimes I just need to be. Often God invites me to receive and to be. This is a sweet grace that God gives us.
Do you need this grace today? If so, will you just be?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Sometimes you need to just be. No analyzing, no looking for opportunities for growth, no asking yourself how you could have done something better. Just be.
I am always looking for where I can improve, how I can grow, how I can learn and making the most of every opportunity. And sometimes I just need to be. Often God invites me to receive and to be. This is a sweet grace that God gives us.
Do you need this grace today? If so, will you just be?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Sometimes There's Silence
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Sometimes God is silent. You pray, nothing. You read about him, nothing. You talk with others, you worship with others and you seek his voice and he is silent.
These times of silence can be so frustrating and even maddening. You want to hear God’s voice and he is quiet. You cannot remember his voice.
Maybe you are here. Maybe you are desperate to hear his voice and he is silent. This is so hard and I am sure that you miss hearing from him. I know I do.
Even though you cannot hear him today you will hear him again. Hold onto this truth and hang in there.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Sometimes God is silent. You pray, nothing. You read about him, nothing. You talk with others, you worship with others and you seek his voice and he is silent.
These times of silence can be so frustrating and even maddening. You want to hear God’s voice and he is quiet. You cannot remember his voice.
Maybe you are here. Maybe you are desperate to hear his voice and he is silent. This is so hard and I am sure that you miss hearing from him. I know I do.
Even though you cannot hear him today you will hear him again. Hold onto this truth and hang in there.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Friday, August 23, 2013
Reminders of Goodness
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
How do you remind yourself of the things God has done? How can these stories be passed down?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
“Let this be recorded
for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the
Lord: that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the Lord looked at
the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were
doomed to die, that they may declare in Zion the name of the Lord, and in
Jerusalem his praise, when peoples gather together and kingdoms, to worship the
Lord.” Psalm 103:18-22
I need reminders of God’s goodness. Just for my
lifetime I need reminders because there are so many stories in the word where
it seems like God isn’t doing anything. I need reminders in my life and the
future church needs these reminders as well. These reminders serve as opportunities
to praise God, opportunities to worship Him and recall His sovereignty and
goodness.How do you remind yourself of the things God has done? How can these stories be passed down?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Hidden Hurts
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Why our culture is one that runs to isolation when hurt, I don’t know. I know I run.
We are a culture that puts on a mask and pulls back, pretending we are okay when inside we are deeply wounded. My prayer is that we would become people that share our wounds, our hurts. That we would not be afraid to “go there” wherever “there” is. That we would not be afraid of our own tears, pains and fears and we would not be afraid of another’s.
May God help us to meet others in their hidden hurts. May the Spirit move us to see, hear and love those who hurt in silence and in shadows.
**Sit quietly again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Why our culture is one that runs to isolation when hurt, I don’t know. I know I run.
We are a culture that puts on a mask and pulls back, pretending we are okay when inside we are deeply wounded. My prayer is that we would become people that share our wounds, our hurts. That we would not be afraid to “go there” wherever “there” is. That we would not be afraid of our own tears, pains and fears and we would not be afraid of another’s.
May God help us to meet others in their hidden hurts. May the Spirit move us to see, hear and love those who hurt in silence and in shadows.
**Sit quietly again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Healing and Forgiveness
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
I never realized that feeling hurt would lead me to confession which would in turn lead me to receiving forgiveness from God.
A few months ago I saw someone I knew and instantly felt hurt. I did not know what because I could not think of exactly what he had done so I decided to talk to Jesus about it.
The following day while on a run, I talked to Jesus. In my prayer I asked God to help me figure out why I was hurting – had this person done something or was I playing a victim?
In prayer God revealed my heart – I was blaming this person for an expectation I had of God. I was using him as a scapegoat when in reality I was upset with God. I was upset with God because something didn’t go my way, and God did not do anything to help it go my way. It was all about me – my way!
This led to confession, which led to receiving God’s forgiveness, which led to healing. The hurt was no longer there towards this man or towards God.
Recently, this was part of a prayer of confession at my church. It connected the dots and maybe it will connect some dots for you and God will heal your pain as He forgives your sin.
“Hear the cries of our hearts, O God, and heal our pain as you forgive our sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
**Sit quietly again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
I never realized that feeling hurt would lead me to confession which would in turn lead me to receiving forgiveness from God.
A few months ago I saw someone I knew and instantly felt hurt. I did not know what because I could not think of exactly what he had done so I decided to talk to Jesus about it.
The following day while on a run, I talked to Jesus. In my prayer I asked God to help me figure out why I was hurting – had this person done something or was I playing a victim?
In prayer God revealed my heart – I was blaming this person for an expectation I had of God. I was using him as a scapegoat when in reality I was upset with God. I was upset with God because something didn’t go my way, and God did not do anything to help it go my way. It was all about me – my way!
This led to confession, which led to receiving God’s forgiveness, which led to healing. The hurt was no longer there towards this man or towards God.
Recently, this was part of a prayer of confession at my church. It connected the dots and maybe it will connect some dots for you and God will heal your pain as He forgives your sin.
“Hear the cries of our hearts, O God, and heal our pain as you forgive our sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
**Sit quietly again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Anxiety and Comfort
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19
This verse in the Bible stands out to me. It stood out to me on a day that I was not really anxious about much, at least on the surface. So, what struck me was the idea of God’s consolations, His comforts.
I am not always one to receive help easily, I tough it out, can do it myself. Yet, when I allow God to comfort me I find great rest and my soul is lifted.
How has God shown you His consolations? What happens when you receive them?
Tuck this verse away, it can serve as great reminder of God’s goodness and care for you on those anxious days and nights.
**Sit quietly again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19
This verse in the Bible stands out to me. It stood out to me on a day that I was not really anxious about much, at least on the surface. So, what struck me was the idea of God’s consolations, His comforts.
I am not always one to receive help easily, I tough it out, can do it myself. Yet, when I allow God to comfort me I find great rest and my soul is lifted.
How has God shown you His consolations? What happens when you receive them?
Tuck this verse away, it can serve as great reminder of God’s goodness and care for you on those anxious days and nights.
**Sit quietly again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Monday, August 19, 2013
Holding Back
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Are you afraid of God? Is there something that you are holding back?
Maybe there is an area of sadness, or maybe there is a sin you are not letting Him touch and heal. Sometimes we are afraid of God. We are afraid of being honest with Him. Sometimes the fear comes because we are not ready to be honest with ourselves.
Fearing Him this way we draw back. We draw back from relationship with Him. Fortunately He is consistently seeking us out. He wants relationship with us, He wants to heal us. He pursues relationship with us and invites us in.
If you are holding back, will you consider trusting God? Spend some time talking to God with the greatest honesty possible. He loves you.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Are you afraid of God? Is there something that you are holding back?
Maybe there is an area of sadness, or maybe there is a sin you are not letting Him touch and heal. Sometimes we are afraid of God. We are afraid of being honest with Him. Sometimes the fear comes because we are not ready to be honest with ourselves.
Fearing Him this way we draw back. We draw back from relationship with Him. Fortunately He is consistently seeking us out. He wants relationship with us, He wants to heal us. He pursues relationship with us and invites us in.
If you are holding back, will you consider trusting God? Spend some time talking to God with the greatest honesty possible. He loves you.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Friday, August 16, 2013
Using Beauty
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
We all have our standards of beauty. Whether we admit it or not we have our preferences of what is beautiful. We have different tastes, styles, etc. This is understandable.
As I consider what I perceive as beautiful I recognize that I value things of beauty that work, that function that give me something back that I deem valuable.
For some reason I equate beauty with function, with what it can offer me. I rate beauty according to my needs, my wants and my demands. An ornate plate has lost its beauty because it is broken and cannot be used as a plate. A painting has lost its beauty because of age, scratches and mistreatment. A person has lost his or her beauty because he or she cannot function at the pace and ability of the rest of most of humanity.
With this utilitarian concept of beauty I cannot see the value of a person. I miss how they are created in the image of God and reflect Him. I show favoritism and withhold love from others.
How does your perspective of beauty influence how you love others?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
We all have our standards of beauty. Whether we admit it or not we have our preferences of what is beautiful. We have different tastes, styles, etc. This is understandable.
As I consider what I perceive as beautiful I recognize that I value things of beauty that work, that function that give me something back that I deem valuable.
For some reason I equate beauty with function, with what it can offer me. I rate beauty according to my needs, my wants and my demands. An ornate plate has lost its beauty because it is broken and cannot be used as a plate. A painting has lost its beauty because of age, scratches and mistreatment. A person has lost his or her beauty because he or she cannot function at the pace and ability of the rest of most of humanity.
With this utilitarian concept of beauty I cannot see the value of a person. I miss how they are created in the image of God and reflect Him. I show favoritism and withhold love from others.
How does your perspective of beauty influence how you love others?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Present Grace
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
There is grace for the present. The moment you fail, the moment you behave unloving, the moment you forget about God. There is grace for the past, there is grace for the future and there is grace in the present.
When you are tempted to verbally, emotionally and mentally self-inflict, remember grace. God’s grace is with you now and always will be.
Receive His present grace.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
There is grace for the present. The moment you fail, the moment you behave unloving, the moment you forget about God. There is grace for the past, there is grace for the future and there is grace in the present.
When you are tempted to verbally, emotionally and mentally self-inflict, remember grace. God’s grace is with you now and always will be.
Receive His present grace.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
When God Seems Distant: A Prayer
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
So many times God feels far away, distant, like He does not see, hear or care.
A prayer for these times:
“God, we do not feel your nearness. We cannot see your hands at work. We wonder if you’ve taken a break or whether you care. We cannot feel your love and are overwhelmed by sadness. We cannot recognize the gifts you offer us and it seems as though you have forgotten.
In these times, help us believe. Help us believe your nearness even though we cannot feel or see you; we cannot touch or hear you. Help us to trust you are near. Help us to keep going.
When others sense you distant, may we help them to see your love, your hands and your feet working for their good. When others cannot see, help us to see for them and love them well just as you do. Thank you for your great love for us. Amen.”
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
So many times God feels far away, distant, like He does not see, hear or care.
A prayer for these times:
“God, we do not feel your nearness. We cannot see your hands at work. We wonder if you’ve taken a break or whether you care. We cannot feel your love and are overwhelmed by sadness. We cannot recognize the gifts you offer us and it seems as though you have forgotten.
In these times, help us believe. Help us believe your nearness even though we cannot feel or see you; we cannot touch or hear you. Help us to trust you are near. Help us to keep going.
When others sense you distant, may we help them to see your love, your hands and your feet working for their good. When others cannot see, help us to see for them and love them well just as you do. Thank you for your great love for us. Amen.”
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Interrupted Prayers
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
Often are prayers are interrupted. They are interrupted by another thought, they are interrupted by people, someone needing us and they are even interrupted by sleep (admit it, we’ve all fallen asleep praying!).
In these times it is tempting to abandon our prayers. It is tempting to chalk them up as wasted. It is tempting to beat ourselves up for having a bad though interrupt these holy prayers or for exhaustion to take over. Can we be more disciplined? Yes. Can we find better different ways of prayer? Yes.
No prayer is wasted and I encourage you to see interrupted prayers as opportunities.
As your prayers are interrupted, ask God for the conversation “to be continued”. Life has interruptions, some you can decrease and some you cannot. I encourage you to ask God to remind you of your previous prayers and return to the conversation. He is ready for prayer anytime and your prayers are not wasted.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Often are prayers are interrupted. They are interrupted by another thought, they are interrupted by people, someone needing us and they are even interrupted by sleep (admit it, we’ve all fallen asleep praying!).
In these times it is tempting to abandon our prayers. It is tempting to chalk them up as wasted. It is tempting to beat ourselves up for having a bad though interrupt these holy prayers or for exhaustion to take over. Can we be more disciplined? Yes. Can we find better different ways of prayer? Yes.
No prayer is wasted and I encourage you to see interrupted prayers as opportunities.
As your prayers are interrupted, ask God for the conversation “to be continued”. Life has interruptions, some you can decrease and some you cannot. I encourage you to ask God to remind you of your previous prayers and return to the conversation. He is ready for prayer anytime and your prayers are not wasted.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Monday, August 12, 2013
Sacred Moments
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
There is no measure to sacred moments. These are the moments that time stands still, that you are captured in awe. You can feel these moments deep within and you often do not want them to end. Yet … I find myself cutting them short. I cut short gazing at the mountains. I start to speak when it is too soon to say anything at all. I move when I need to be still.
We love sacred moments yet these moments are also overwhelming. They are overwhelmingly other and we do not know what to do with them.
I would encourage you to fight the temptation to end these moments until the time is right. You’ll know when. Sit in the loveliness, awkwardness and beauty of these sacred moments. They are a sweet gift from God.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
There is no measure to sacred moments. These are the moments that time stands still, that you are captured in awe. You can feel these moments deep within and you often do not want them to end. Yet … I find myself cutting them short. I cut short gazing at the mountains. I start to speak when it is too soon to say anything at all. I move when I need to be still.
We love sacred moments yet these moments are also overwhelming. They are overwhelmingly other and we do not know what to do with them.
I would encourage you to fight the temptation to end these moments until the time is right. You’ll know when. Sit in the loveliness, awkwardness and beauty of these sacred moments. They are a sweet gift from God.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Friday, August 9, 2013
When God Feels Far Away
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
There are times when we feel as if God is far away. We cannot sense Him anywhere, we do not see any good around us and wonder where He has gone.
I love time with people and being with people and when I feel like God is not near I struggle. I struggle to believe He is near, I struggle to believe He sees me and I struggle to trust in His love and goodness.
How about you? When you do not feel God is near, how do you respond? How do you continue to believe in His goodness and love for you when you cannot feel it?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
There are times when we feel as if God is far away. We cannot sense Him anywhere, we do not see any good around us and wonder where He has gone.
I love time with people and being with people and when I feel like God is not near I struggle. I struggle to believe He is near, I struggle to believe He sees me and I struggle to trust in His love and goodness.
How about you? When you do not feel God is near, how do you respond? How do you continue to believe in His goodness and love for you when you cannot feel it?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Your Song of Faithfulness
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
In the Bible, Mary, the mother of Jesus responds with a beautiful song of praise to God. (Luke 1:46-56) As I read her song, I am encouraged. Throughout she remembers God's faithfulness. Mary's song challenges me to consider my own song of praise to God. What stories of faithfulness would I include, what stories would you include?
Spend some time today in praying and asking God to remind you of stories of His faithfulness in your life, in the lives of others and throughout history. If you have time, take it one step further and write out your own "song". May it be a song you return to again and again as God calls you to step out in faith.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
In the Bible, Mary, the mother of Jesus responds with a beautiful song of praise to God. (Luke 1:46-56) As I read her song, I am encouraged. Throughout she remembers God's faithfulness. Mary's song challenges me to consider my own song of praise to God. What stories of faithfulness would I include, what stories would you include?
Spend some time today in praying and asking God to remind you of stories of His faithfulness in your life, in the lives of others and throughout history. If you have time, take it one step further and write out your own "song". May it be a song you return to again and again as God calls you to step out in faith.
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
A Prayer for Peace
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
If you are overwhelmed by conflict, turmoil and unknowns may this prayer encourage you today:
“God give us peace. In our hearts, our minds, our souls and bodies, give us peace. Some of us are dominated by conflict, by turmoil and by never-ending questions. Calm our hearts. Give our minds rest. Give our bodies and souls peace as we rest in your salvation. Lord, give us peace today - peace that can only come from you. May this peace spread to those around us as well. Amen.”
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
If you are overwhelmed by conflict, turmoil and unknowns may this prayer encourage you today:
“God give us peace. In our hearts, our minds, our souls and bodies, give us peace. Some of us are dominated by conflict, by turmoil and by never-ending questions. Calm our hearts. Give our minds rest. Give our bodies and souls peace as we rest in your salvation. Lord, give us peace today - peace that can only come from you. May this peace spread to those around us as well. Amen.”
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Monday, August 5, 2013
Lowered Expectations
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
In fear of being disappointed we lower our expectations of God. We pray yet do not trust. We ask yet do not expect anything in return. Yes, it is good to hold things loosely but that is different than lowering our expectations.
I tend to lower my expectations because I don't want to be disappointed. I do not hope in order that those hopes are not dashed. I expect little from God because I do not believe that how He will answer will be enough.
How about you? Do you approach God with lowered expectations or with great trust, believing He is good and able?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Share Your Stories
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for my soul.” Psalm 66:16
Many of us have stories of healing, redemption, transformation. We carry stories of God’s miraculous work in our lives. He has done great things for our souls and we hesitate to share the stories.
When you share the stories, you offer others a little bit of faith. So many are pummeled by doubt of Who God is and His power. As you tell others the stories of what God has done for your soul you remind them of Who God is and you offer courage.
Stories of transformation are contagious and offer courage. How will you encourage another today by telling them what God has done for you?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for my soul.” Psalm 66:16
Many of us have stories of healing, redemption, transformation. We carry stories of God’s miraculous work in our lives. He has done great things for our souls and we hesitate to share the stories.
When you share the stories, you offer others a little bit of faith. So many are pummeled by doubt of Who God is and His power. As you tell others the stories of what God has done for your soul you remind them of Who God is and you offer courage.
Stories of transformation are contagious and offer courage. How will you encourage another today by telling them what God has done for you?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Friday, August 2, 2013
God's Timing
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
God’s timing is perfect. It is not always known or understood, but it is perfect. Is there something you are waiting for? Something you are trusting God for? How is your wait going?
As you wait, will you trust God? Will you believe He is trustworthy and perfectly timely?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
God’s timing is perfect. It is not always known or understood, but it is perfect. Is there something you are waiting for? Something you are trusting God for? How is your wait going?
As you wait, will you trust God? Will you believe He is trustworthy and perfectly timely?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Return to Relationship
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
God continues to call me into deeper relationship. He calls me into deeper relationship with him and with others. He calls me into deeper relationship with those whom I have hurt and have hurt me.
After forgiveness and reconciliation sometimes (not always) God calls us back into relationship. He calls us back into relationship and is not satisfied with just reconciliation.
Our relationship with God was broken, He provided the forgiveness and forgiver and now we get to be back in relationship with him. God’s story is not just about reconciliation but it is also about relationship.
How will you enter into deeper relationship with God? Is God calling you to return to relationship with another?
(Note: returning to relationship sometimes is not possible and could be dangerous … use wisdom, discernment, prayer and godly counsel)
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
God continues to call me into deeper relationship. He calls me into deeper relationship with him and with others. He calls me into deeper relationship with those whom I have hurt and have hurt me.
After forgiveness and reconciliation sometimes (not always) God calls us back into relationship. He calls us back into relationship and is not satisfied with just reconciliation.
Our relationship with God was broken, He provided the forgiveness and forgiver and now we get to be back in relationship with him. God’s story is not just about reconciliation but it is also about relationship.
How will you enter into deeper relationship with God? Is God calling you to return to relationship with another?
(Note: returning to relationship sometimes is not possible and could be dangerous … use wisdom, discernment, prayer and godly counsel)
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Taking on Extra
**Sit quietly, eyes closed and in silence for one minute before reading.**
I often take on additional requirements. I take on things that God is not asking me to take on. I add an extra meeting here, a helpful hand there and especially expectations.
I find myself adding to God’s job description for my life. I add and therefore I burden. I burden myself and my addition also becomes a burden and hindrance to others.
How about you? What have you added to your life that God never asked you to take on?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
I often take on additional requirements. I take on things that God is not asking me to take on. I add an extra meeting here, a helpful hand there and especially expectations.
I find myself adding to God’s job description for my life. I add and therefore I burden. I burden myself and my addition also becomes a burden and hindrance to others.
How about you? What have you added to your life that God never asked you to take on?
**Sit again in silence for as long as is available to you.**
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