Scripture tells us in James 1 to expect trials, and we have all experienced them. Trials tend to drive us to our knees a little faster and more often, than when life is rosy. Not only do we seek God for comfort, wisdom and direction, but we often ask others to come alongside and pray with us.
In 1 Thessalonians 3:2-4, Paul indicates that he sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the faith of the people as they encounter inevitable trials. The last five verses of chapter three read as follows:
“For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” (1 Thess. 3:9-13, NASB; highlighted text added)
In this passage, Paul is expressing his deep desire to connect in person with the Thessalonians so that he can continue to encourage and strengthen them in their faith. I highlighted the phrases above because it occurred to me that these could also be specific ways in which we can strengthen our skills as prayer warriors. I know from experience how much I covet and appreciate the prayers of others when I am in the midst of a difficult trial.
How would it affect your outlook on trials if you knew others were praying for you in the following ways?
1. Their prayers were fervent and ongoing.
2. They prayed for the specifics of your trial.
3. They prayed for the strengthening of your faith through the trial.
4. They prayed that your love for others would be increased.
5. They prayed that you would be unblamable in holiness before God.
What an encouragement that would be!
Are you willing to get on your knees and be that kind of prayer warrior for others?
“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20, NASB)
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:16, NASB)
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
One Thousand Gifts
691. Her cavity-free dentist appointment
692. His safe return from Texas
693. How excited the kids were to see their first complete rainbow (normally, we only get to see one end or the other, but rarely the entire arch!)
694. The colorful produce at the supermarket
695. Two great parent-teacher conferences
696. Working together with my husband to get a shipment out
697. Surprise birthday cake
698. Finding my wedding ring
699. A successful first attempt at a floral arrangement
700. Having friends over for Thanksgiving
701. Leftovers
702. The whole family gathered around the piano in praise and worship
703. A break from our busy schedule
704. Finding the lost disc of pictures
705. A brass band in the courtyard on a cold winter night
Thursday, November 22, 2012
To Be Thankful
My husband recently returned from a two week concert tour to Texas. When he’s gone, I tend to run things “quick and easy” around the house, especially when it comes to cooking for myself and the kids. Last week, when my son asked what was for dinner and I told him, he said, “Okay, even though it isn’t my favorite meal.” He ate the food without complaint, and as I cleared the plates, he said, “Thanks, Mom.” I was so thankful for his mature response, and it got me thinking about some of the elements that are involved in being thankful.
To be thankful is to recognize our dependence upon the Lord, and our need for His provision. In Genesis 22, Abraham was asked to sacrifice his only son. As he walked toward Mt. Moriah, Isaac asked him where the lamb was for the burnt offering. Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” (Genesis 22:8, NASB) God provided His Son, the perfect Lamb, for our primary need of salvation. He also provides for our daily needs. Oh to have our walk with the Lord be like Abraham’s, marked with unwavering confidence in knowing that He will provide for our every need.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NASB)
To be thankful is to be obedient. God provided manna in the desert. I think back to when my kids were young, and they would look at their plate with a wrinkled nose and the classic “Ewwww” look on their face and say, “What is it?” I would tell them what it was, and that they needed to eat it because it was good for them. Sometimes we encounter things in life that we don’t recognize or that seem distasteful to us. We must cultivate a thankful heart, and receive what the Lord provides for us each day. God instructed the Israelites to gather only what was needed for that day, except when preparing for the Sabbath. If they tried to take too much (disobedience), it would rot. It is important to meet with, and receive from the Lord daily.
“In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end.” (Deuteronomy 8:16, NASB)
To be thankful is to be humble. In order to recognize our dependence upon the Lord and be obedient in our daily walk, we must have a spirit of humility.
“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6, NASB)
When we partake of what He provides with a thankful heart, we are strengthened and we grow in our faith and knowledge of Him.
“And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10, NASB)
So today, as the house begins to wake up and the bustle of preparing a meal and greeting guests begins, I am reflecting, with thanksgiving, not only on the Lord as my Savior, but as my Provider and Sustainer.
“The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to Thee, and Thou dost give them their food in due time. Thou dost open Thy hand, and dost satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:14-18, NASB)
To be thankful is to recognize our dependence upon the Lord, and our need for His provision. In Genesis 22, Abraham was asked to sacrifice his only son. As he walked toward Mt. Moriah, Isaac asked him where the lamb was for the burnt offering. Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” (Genesis 22:8, NASB) God provided His Son, the perfect Lamb, for our primary need of salvation. He also provides for our daily needs. Oh to have our walk with the Lord be like Abraham’s, marked with unwavering confidence in knowing that He will provide for our every need.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NASB)
To be thankful is to be obedient. God provided manna in the desert. I think back to when my kids were young, and they would look at their plate with a wrinkled nose and the classic “Ewwww” look on their face and say, “What is it?” I would tell them what it was, and that they needed to eat it because it was good for them. Sometimes we encounter things in life that we don’t recognize or that seem distasteful to us. We must cultivate a thankful heart, and receive what the Lord provides for us each day. God instructed the Israelites to gather only what was needed for that day, except when preparing for the Sabbath. If they tried to take too much (disobedience), it would rot. It is important to meet with, and receive from the Lord daily.
“In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end.” (Deuteronomy 8:16, NASB)
To be thankful is to be humble. In order to recognize our dependence upon the Lord and be obedient in our daily walk, we must have a spirit of humility.
“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6, NASB)
When we partake of what He provides with a thankful heart, we are strengthened and we grow in our faith and knowledge of Him.
“And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10, NASB)
So today, as the house begins to wake up and the bustle of preparing a meal and greeting guests begins, I am reflecting, with thanksgiving, not only on the Lord as my Savior, but as my Provider and Sustainer.
“The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to Thee, and Thou dost give them their food in due time. Thou dost open Thy hand, and dost satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:14-18, NASB)
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
One Thousand Gifts
676. When he switched to classical music in the car
677. Remembering that when my daughter was little, she used to refer to classical music as "the long music"
678. Completing a big project for my husband
679. That my son told me it wasn't his favorite dinner, but he ate it without complaint and said thank you
680. When friends offer to help
681. Chocolate truffles
682. How hard they studied for the big test
683. How well they did on the big test!
684. Buying a new book directly from the author
685. Relaxing on the couch with a cup of coffee
686. Pillow fights
687. Taking communion
688. A great conversation with my daughter
689. Yahtzee with friends
690. Constructive feedback
677. Remembering that when my daughter was little, she used to refer to classical music as "the long music"
678. Completing a big project for my husband
679. That my son told me it wasn't his favorite dinner, but he ate it without complaint and said thank you
680. When friends offer to help
681. Chocolate truffles
682. How hard they studied for the big test
683. How well they did on the big test!
684. Buying a new book directly from the author
685. Relaxing on the couch with a cup of coffee
686. Pillow fights
687. Taking communion
688. A great conversation with my daughter
689. Yahtzee with friends
690. Constructive feedback
Friday, November 16, 2012
Five Minute Friday: Stay
“Please sit down and eat!”
I probably say this to my daughter at least four or five times during a family meal. She has a large amount of energy and often has a hard time staying put long enough to eat a meal. Sometimes her excuses for leaving the table are good…she has to go to the bathroom, she takes the last napkin and needs to refill the napkin holder, or she wants another glass of milk. Sometimes the excuses are a bit on the flimsy side…she wants to see what the cat is doing, or she realizes that she has lost something and wants to go look for it. All of the ups and downs drive me crazy!
And then I realize that I’m just like her when I sit down to eat of my daily Bread. I cringe when I think of how often I sit down to spend time with the Lord, but my mind is all over the place. I fight thoughts of menu planning, schedule coordination, responding to the beep of the dryer, etc. The list of distractions is endless. The pace of life is crazy and hectic, and it is so easy for the insanity to creep into my quiet time with the Lord. Oh how I need to learn to...
Stay.
“The wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3, KJV)
I probably say this to my daughter at least four or five times during a family meal. She has a large amount of energy and often has a hard time staying put long enough to eat a meal. Sometimes her excuses for leaving the table are good…she has to go to the bathroom, she takes the last napkin and needs to refill the napkin holder, or she wants another glass of milk. Sometimes the excuses are a bit on the flimsy side…she wants to see what the cat is doing, or she realizes that she has lost something and wants to go look for it. All of the ups and downs drive me crazy!
And then I realize that I’m just like her when I sit down to eat of my daily Bread. I cringe when I think of how often I sit down to spend time with the Lord, but my mind is all over the place. I fight thoughts of menu planning, schedule coordination, responding to the beep of the dryer, etc. The list of distractions is endless. The pace of life is crazy and hectic, and it is so easy for the insanity to creep into my quiet time with the Lord. Oh how I need to learn to...
Stay.
“The wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3, KJV)
Monday, November 12, 2012
One Thousand Gifts
661. Meeting Danielle at Blessings For Mom
662. A quick trip to Chocolate World
663. Chocolate cupcakes with fluffy pink frosting
664. Leaving town before the hurricane hit
665. Arriving home to hugs and kisses
666. Fall-colored leaves reflected in the birdbath
667. The soft orange light of sunrise on autumn treetops
668. My patient and loving husband
669. That I can go to him for Godly counsel
670. Lawns carpeted with green-gold leaves
671. Staying home on a Friday night
672. Chips and queso
673. Getting the playroom cleaned out and organized
674. Glowing candles
675. My pastor and his wife
Friday, November 9, 2012
Five Minute Friday: Quiet
In July, 2006 I went on a missions trip with a team from my church to Lima, Peru.
I prepared financially.
I prepared my travel documents.
I prepared my heart for service.
What I wasn’t prepared for when I got there was the noise.
It was jarring and abrasive.
It. Was. Constant.
Horns blaring, brakes screeching, delivery trucks backing up, buses squealing…
Dogs barking on roof tops…
Eventually I got used to it and began to tune it out.
Shortly after I got home, my family went on a trip to Eastern Oregon. At one point, we stopped on the side of the road and I got out and snapped this picture.
As I stood there, taking in this amazing scene of blue sky and golden wheat fields, I suddenly realized how quiet it was. There wasn’t even a breeze that day. I couldn’t hear the wheat rustling, bees or grasshoppers buzzing…just silence.
And in that quiet moment, I thought of the following verse…
“Be still, and know that I [am] God.” (Psalm 46:10a, KJV)
Whether we find ourselves in the din of the city, or the quiet serenity of a wheat field, we need to remember to seek quiet time with the Lord. He will meet you where you are, and you will be blessed.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3:6, NASB)
I prepared financially.
I prepared my travel documents.
I prepared my heart for service.
What I wasn’t prepared for when I got there was the noise.
It was jarring and abrasive.
It. Was. Constant.
Horns blaring, brakes screeching, delivery trucks backing up, buses squealing…
Dogs barking on roof tops…
Eventually I got used to it and began to tune it out.
Shortly after I got home, my family went on a trip to Eastern Oregon. At one point, we stopped on the side of the road and I got out and snapped this picture.
As I stood there, taking in this amazing scene of blue sky and golden wheat fields, I suddenly realized how quiet it was. There wasn’t even a breeze that day. I couldn’t hear the wheat rustling, bees or grasshoppers buzzing…just silence.
And in that quiet moment, I thought of the following verse…
“Be still, and know that I [am] God.” (Psalm 46:10a, KJV)
Whether we find ourselves in the din of the city, or the quiet serenity of a wheat field, we need to remember to seek quiet time with the Lord. He will meet you where you are, and you will be blessed.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3:6, NASB)
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Towering Trials
It wasn’t.
At the beginning of the hike, I had energy and was enjoying the scenery. After about a quarter of a mile, the heat began to get to me. I was thankful for the water I had, and began to seek shady spots to rest in. I heartily welcomed the occasional cool breeze. As we moved around the tower, I took note of how the scenery changed as we viewed it from different angles. By the time I reached the halfway point, I was no longer enjoying myself. The experience had been reduced to trudging along the trail, placing one foot in front of the other. I began to realize that I did not have enough water and began to ration it to try and make it last. I ran out. By the time we completed the circuit, I was very dehydrated. My world was spinning and I was unable to walk a straight line. I had to walk along side my son with my hand on his shoulder to help steady myself.
As I reflect on that day, it occurs to me that I tend to have a similar experience when I encounter trials. I start out with energy, knowing that the Lord is with me. As the heat intensifies though, my spirits begin to flag. I trudge along, viewing the trial from every possible angle. I feel weak and miserable. While my Living Water can never run out and there is always an abundant supply available, I forget to drink. I feel spiritually parched and stagger out of the other end, disoriented and disheartened. I am thankful for those friends and family who come alongside, and support me in prayer.
Jesus is my strength and source of life. Not only does He lead me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake, but He also guides and sustains me through the valleys.
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1, NASB)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NASB)
Monday, November 5, 2012
One Thousand Gifts
646. That she was in the right place at the right time
647. Her tight hug...
648. ...and prayer over me
649. His safe return from Boston
650. His tight hug
651. Smooth passage through rush hour
652. That the words of a friend and sister in the Lord I haven't connected with in 20 years, were perfectly timed and truly blessed me
653. Ephesians 3:20
654. Her loving and expert care of my children for an afternoon
655. The sustaining strength of the Lord
656. The courage He gives to push through and press on
657. Realizing that His gifts are often more abundant and easier to recognize on the hard days
658. Reading an entire book on the flight across the country
659. That the hotel vending machine had Tylenol
660. Getting to know my friend Sharon at Hiking Toward Home
Friday, November 2, 2012
Five Minute Friday: Roots
Roots.
Growing, branching
Reaching for water
Planted in rich soil
Life.
When my children were born, I was still using film in my camera. Today’s prompt reminded me of a photo that I took when my son was about three or four. My Dad was helping him plant his first garden. In the photo, it shows my Dad’s hand holding several seeds, and my son’s little hand reaching to take a seed and plant it in the little hole that they had carved out in the soil. I love this photo because even though it is just a picture of two hands, it represents learning, generations, life…roots. I was blessed to be raised in a loving Christian home. My parents taught me about Jesus and I learned to love Him from a very young age. They lived their lives rooted in the Word, and taught me to do the same. I am now doing my best to pass that on to my children, and am thankful for those times when my parents coming alongside me and help plant the truth of Christ in the hearts of my children.
Those two hands represent the growing and branching of our family, as we journey together toward our eternal home. Together, we reach for the Living Water, and plant His Word in our hearts.
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” (Colossians 2:6-7, NASB)
Growing, branching
Reaching for water
Planted in rich soil
Life.
When my children were born, I was still using film in my camera. Today’s prompt reminded me of a photo that I took when my son was about three or four. My Dad was helping him plant his first garden. In the photo, it shows my Dad’s hand holding several seeds, and my son’s little hand reaching to take a seed and plant it in the little hole that they had carved out in the soil. I love this photo because even though it is just a picture of two hands, it represents learning, generations, life…roots. I was blessed to be raised in a loving Christian home. My parents taught me about Jesus and I learned to love Him from a very young age. They lived their lives rooted in the Word, and taught me to do the same. I am now doing my best to pass that on to my children, and am thankful for those times when my parents coming alongside me and help plant the truth of Christ in the hearts of my children.
Those two hands represent the growing and branching of our family, as we journey together toward our eternal home. Together, we reach for the Living Water, and plant His Word in our hearts.
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” (Colossians 2:6-7, NASB)
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