This blog is designed to create community for believers and provide support for seekers. I encourage all readers to share their faith in an effort to lift and encourage one another.
.”My longings are best met when, in prayer, I simply let my heart beat in time with the Lord’s.”
-Joni Eareckson Tada.
Psalm 46:10a says, “Be still and know that I am God.” In the wisdom of the psalmist, we learn to quietly approach God, listen to him, and allow our heartbeats to beat in rhythm with the Almighty.
Father, thank you for those times of stillness when you bend down and touch my heart and draw me closer to you.
Yes, Lord! Teach us justice. Sometimes it seems it barely trickles, like a dried-up stream. Let us follow your commands and help justice flow freely in our land.
While Psalm 1 gives us a beautiful picture of one who follows the Lord and meditates on his word, Psalm 2 presents a stark contrast. In this Psalm we see the discontent and rebellion of those who refuse to serve the Lord. Our stubborn disobedience leads to our destruction. Instead of the tree flourishing by the waters, we see destruction.
Father God, squash any rebellious ways in me. Keep me reading and meditating on your word and on your glory. I long to serve you and take refuge in your grace.
Imagine that someone has given you a big box of chocolates! What is the first thing you do? Most would probably say Thank you, open the box, and graciously offer the first piece to the giver of this scrumptious gift. Would you begrudge giving that first piece of chocolate to the person who gave you the whole box? No, of course not, for the rest of the candy would be yours to enjoy—to eat, to save for another day, or to share with others.
I think this is the attitude God had in mind when he commanded us to tithe. He has created the world and all that is in it; everything is a gift from Him. He has given us a gigantic box of chocolates. He would be pleased if we would, with cheerful hearts, say Thank you, and offer Him the first piece.
Shouldn’t this also be the attitude we exhibit when we serve God and others? All our gifts are God given: intelligence, work, compassion. Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual box is filled with delicious chocolates. Let’s remember to graciously and humbly thank God for them and offer Him the first piece.
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” II Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Oh God, we thank you for giving us many good gifts. May we cheerfully offer a portion back to you.
Taking a few moments this morning to contemplate some of God’s miracles. From creating the land and the seas to Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection and on to the personal miracles in my life. It’s a good way to start the day.
Thank you, Lord, for all the miracles you have performed. Thank you for reminding me of your great power and your great love.
The bible tells us that God speaks in a still, small voice. But sometimes when I enter a still, small state, His voice shouts and thunders: How can my people be so blind? How can you be so deaf? Open your eyes! Open your ears! My glory is all around you and you ignore it.
Look! Behold my glory in the sky: The brightness of the sun, the vastness of the blue dome overhead. The moon and the host of stars glow at night; all these reveal my glory. Open your eyes to see Me. The majestic, snow-topped mountains and the heaving waters of the oceans, their waves crashing against the shore, are all shouting out my greatness. The brilliant bolt of lightning electrifies the night sky. How can you not see Me? Look in the eyes of an infant, in the caress of a loved one. Look at your own skin and hair. My glory is everywhere. See it and glorify my name.
Listen! You will hear my voice. Listen to the laughter of a child. Listen to the wind in the trees. Listen! Everywhere you hear testaments of my greatness: Hear the rumbling thunder in the midst of a storm. Hear the early morning songs of the birds and the rushing waters of a mountain stream.
Listen to music: the piano, guitar, violin, and saxophone all sing of my glory. Hear the voices of those who love you. Listen to your heartbeat. Hear your breathing. All these provide testimonies of my greatness. Open your ears; glorify my name.
O my people, how can you be so blind? O people, how can you be so deaf? Open your eyes; open your ears. My glory resides all around you! See it. Hear it. After you finally see it and hear it, do not be mute. Tell others how great I am. Open your mouth and glorify Me. Proclaim My majesty.
Father, forgive me. Forgive me for the countless times I fail to notice your glory all around me. Forgive me for not listening for your voice. Keep my eyes and ears open that I may behold your glory. Let my mouth open in praise of my almighty God.
Job 37:2-5 “Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice, to the rumbling that comes from his mouth. He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heavens and sends it to the ends of the earth. After that comes the sound of his roar; he thunders with his majestic voice. When his voice resounds, he holds nothing back. God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.”
“There are three of you. There is the person you think you are. There is the person others think you are. There is the person God knows you are and can be through Christ.”
~ Billy Graham
Lord Jesus, mold me into the woman you designed me to be.
Growing Our Faith Together 