Prayer for today... and EVERY day

Psalm 119:4-8

⁴ You have charged us
    to keep your commandments carefully.
⁵ Oh, that my actions would consistently
    reflect your decrees!
⁶ Then I will not be ashamed
    when I compare my life with your commands.
⁷ As I learn your righteous regulations,
    I will thank you by living as I should!
⁸ I will obey your decrees.
    Please don’t give up on me!

Psa. 50:15

Funny how God delivers sometimes... :)

Cautious in Prayer

“Be careful what you pray for.” 

I don’t quite remember who the first person was that ever said that to me but man, did they know what they were talking about! Even though that’s true, I couldn't help but wonder, “why should I be afraid to tell God what He already knows is my desire?” If I’m “praying the wrong thing” doesn't God love me enough to protect me from myself?

Hmm… makes perfect sense right? God loves you and I so much so that He would NOT allow you to pray yourself into a mess that He leaves you in. Two things happen when you pray, either God answers, or He doesn't.

Disclaimer: His timing may vary results (lol)!

And when He doesn't answer YOUR prayer, His alternative is much better. TRUST ME… HIM actually. So, if He answers and your prayer got you in a bind, He’ll bring you out. And if He answers and you feel like you bit off more than you can chew, He’ll equip you! Acknowledge the anxiety and hand it over to Him. He’s just waiting for you to ask.

 And if He doesn't answer your prayer, lift your hands and say thank you for the better-blessing that’s coming. It’s that simple! It’s easier said than done but not impossible. Start trying…

Power of Prayer

Yet another nug'... God is so awesome for the words He gives others to share with me! 

"Every breakthrough has a Genesis and a revelation... There is a first breakthrough and a second breakthrough. 'The moment you began praying, a command was given.' See Daniel 9:23 NLT. The answer is given long before it is revealed. Do you realize that the victory has already been won? We're still waiting for it's future revelation, but the victory had already been won by means of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "It is finished." This isn't just when God made good on GRACE; it is when God made good on EVERY PROMISE. Every single one is yes in Christ. Past tense. Present tense. Future tense. The full revelation won't happen till his return, but the victory has already been won, once and for all, for all time." ~Mark Batterson

Wonder Working Power

God has blessed me greatly with powerful spiritual mentors who send me encouraging texts and messages that I just can't keep to myself...

"God's Spirit, was given to you in His entirety at the moment of your salvation. Not some of the Holy Spirit, not the preliminary taste in anticipation of getting more of the Holy Spirit. ~Priscilla Shirer

2 Peter 1:3 "His divine power has granted to us EVERYTHING pertaining to life and godliness."

Start moving like you have all His Spirit, all His power, all His wisdom, all His counsel, all His encouragement, available to you ALL THE TIME. Walk in your God given authority like the beautiful Queen or King you are!

Spiritual Nugget - Purpose

"For individual professed Christians, if we fail the purpose for which God created us, then we had better never have been born.

          How utterly and unspeakably tragic to be forever a broken vase. How utterly tragic that God should make me to be a vase in which He would place the flowers of paradise, the Lily of the Valley and the Rose of Sharon, and out from that simple earthly vessel there would go forth a fragrance that would fill the universe of God. Then I allow that vase to be shattered on the floor, and it cannot be used for the purpose God had intended.

          How utterly tragic to be a stringless harp and to have all the shape, outline and form of a Christian but have no strings that the Holy Ghost could play over.

          How utterly terrible to be a barren fig tree, with nothing but leaves and no fruit!"

The Purpose of Man: Designed to Worship by A. W. Tozer.

How do we overcome??

"...by the blood of the Lamb and the word of [our] testimony." Rev. 12:11.

I've known that verse for a while but still for a long time I was a firm believer of "your future has no room for your past." 

All that's changed. Pretty recently I may add. It finally clicked! I can't just talk the talk, I have to walk it too. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying go back to the old you! Nah-uh! But don't shy away from remembering and thinking on, and rejoicing in where God has brought you from and where He is taking you to!!

Shame, guilt and condemnation were my everyday companions when I though about my past. Yet I was in denial of the positive influence it had on my life as a believer. "Oh Lord, I haven't REAAAALLLYYY had an opportunity to share my testimony with people."

Lies and propaganda!!! Bottom line: I was too scared and too ashamed to open my mouth and share the good news of Christ's redemption power. But recently, on my mission trip to Uganda, I was able to voice, for the first time a lot of the ghosts I had silenced from my past. And the 10+ women who were there did nothing but listen intently and encourage me.

"...where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" 2 Cor. 3:17

Oh, I tasted a slice of that freedom, baby! And it was good. How dare I remain silent for so long??? But Thank God for His grace and mercy... and PATIENCE!

Moving forward, I pray that I continue to "taste and see that the Lord is [indeed] good (Psa. 34:8)." and to desire to use my story for the betterment of others, rather than be silent at their soul's expense. I pray the same for you too.