Philippians 4:12
"I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things am I instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."
Even in prison, in the worst of circumstances, Paul never gave up hope. He knew how to discipline himself, to be satisfied in all situations, and to go without certain pleasures. God never gives up on His children. The extent of guidance we receive from Him, however, depends on our willingness to trust Him. No matter how hard a trial may be, God is always willing to strengthen us in battle and to help us be content through them all. Though depression is considered a diagnosis, it is easy for Christians to fall into the trap of hopelessness and despair. When battles enter our lives, we must hold true to our faith and trust that God will enable us to win each one.
21.11.11
Depression
Nehemiah 8:10b
"...neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Although there are times in our lives when sorrow overcomes joy, we must take courage and look to God for strength. No matter how great our sorrow is, the LORD is capable of providing the comfort we so desperately need. There is no trial too great and no valley too deep for our God. AS Christians, we are not to have countenances of constant sorrow or despair. Those who know we are Christians scrutinize our actions and our expressions when events do not ocur the way we had planned. We are to be true testimonies to those who are not Christians. Though there are different levels of depression, and though depression is lableled as a medical disorder, God is more than willing to proivde the strength and the determination to overcome our despair. Though medicine may help our physical needs, God can meet both physical and spiritual; we have to be willing to allow God to work.
"...neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Although there are times in our lives when sorrow overcomes joy, we must take courage and look to God for strength. No matter how great our sorrow is, the LORD is capable of providing the comfort we so desperately need. There is no trial too great and no valley too deep for our God. AS Christians, we are not to have countenances of constant sorrow or despair. Those who know we are Christians scrutinize our actions and our expressions when events do not ocur the way we had planned. We are to be true testimonies to those who are not Christians. Though there are different levels of depression, and though depression is lableled as a medical disorder, God is more than willing to proivde the strength and the determination to overcome our despair. Though medicine may help our physical needs, God can meet both physical and spiritual; we have to be willing to allow God to work.
Depression
Psalm 16:11
"Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Who is able to find himself in the presence of the LORD? Usually, it is during our deepest points in life that we find ourselves closest to God. Why is that? Though it is a sin, we tend to look to God the most when we think we need Him more when in truth, we need Him just the same every second of every hour of every day. Joy can be found in the LORD always. We have to realize, though, that it is imperative we give God our time even when we have days that do not transpire the way we had hoped them to. For some people, depression is a constant struggle. No matter how depressed a person may be, there is no single family member, friend, or spouse that can provide the peace and joy that only God can supply. God will show His children the "path of life" and the pleasures that come only when we seek Him continually.
"Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Who is able to find himself in the presence of the LORD? Usually, it is during our deepest points in life that we find ourselves closest to God. Why is that? Though it is a sin, we tend to look to God the most when we think we need Him more when in truth, we need Him just the same every second of every hour of every day. Joy can be found in the LORD always. We have to realize, though, that it is imperative we give God our time even when we have days that do not transpire the way we had hoped them to. For some people, depression is a constant struggle. No matter how depressed a person may be, there is no single family member, friend, or spouse that can provide the peace and joy that only God can supply. God will show His children the "path of life" and the pleasures that come only when we seek Him continually.
Depression
John 16:24
"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."
Often, we Christians depend on our own strength to lead us through troubling times. If we exclude God from our needs, how can we expect Him to help us in times of distress? The LORD commands us to depend on Him completely. If we learn to depend on Him, we will not be so hasty to turn to other people as soon as the worst happens. The LORD should be the first that we turn to when we need encouragement or comfort. Though we cannot hear God's voice, we can certainly experience His leading and guidance. If we ask God for the power to overcome our anguish and believe that He will, we will receive His blessing and the joy that He promises to provide. Depression can be a struggle that will cause us to stumble spiritually and emotionally if we allow it to by not fully depending on God's strength and His supreme power.
"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."
Often, we Christians depend on our own strength to lead us through troubling times. If we exclude God from our needs, how can we expect Him to help us in times of distress? The LORD commands us to depend on Him completely. If we learn to depend on Him, we will not be so hasty to turn to other people as soon as the worst happens. The LORD should be the first that we turn to when we need encouragement or comfort. Though we cannot hear God's voice, we can certainly experience His leading and guidance. If we ask God for the power to overcome our anguish and believe that He will, we will receive His blessing and the joy that He promises to provide. Depression can be a struggle that will cause us to stumble spiritually and emotionally if we allow it to by not fully depending on God's strength and His supreme power.
Depression
John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
As Christians living in a sinful world, it is not extremely difficult to yield into temptations and sin. Sinning can even mean turning to family and friends for comfort first instead of seeking God's love. It is easy to turn to a family member when the day's events do not occur as we had hoped or when an unexpected tragedy overwhelms us and leads us to our breaking point. God never promised us a life free from tribulations. It is not a sin to be saddened during a tragedy or loss; however, it is a sin if we fail to look to God, our Heavenly Maker, for that peace that He humbly gives if we only ask. God does promise to never give us more than we can bear, and He does promise to give us the strength we need to overcome temptations and struggles. Life is full of disasters and unanticipated outcomes, but as believers, we are to hold fast our faith and trust God to calm the troubles of our hearts.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
As Christians living in a sinful world, it is not extremely difficult to yield into temptations and sin. Sinning can even mean turning to family and friends for comfort first instead of seeking God's love. It is easy to turn to a family member when the day's events do not occur as we had hoped or when an unexpected tragedy overwhelms us and leads us to our breaking point. God never promised us a life free from tribulations. It is not a sin to be saddened during a tragedy or loss; however, it is a sin if we fail to look to God, our Heavenly Maker, for that peace that He humbly gives if we only ask. God does promise to never give us more than we can bear, and He does promise to give us the strength we need to overcome temptations and struggles. Life is full of disasters and unanticipated outcomes, but as believers, we are to hold fast our faith and trust God to calm the troubles of our hearts.
19.11.11
Worry
Deuteronomy 31:8
"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."
Christians are constantly battling the temptation of worry. Though worrying is a sin, Christians tend to fall into the pit of agonizing concern whenever toubles enter their lives. What we often forget is the fact that Jesus has already been through those troubles and surpassed them all. The LORD has promised that He knows what lies before us and that He will always be with us as we travel the various roads in life. No matter what kind of struggle we find ourselves in, He will never leave us stranded to fight on our own. With His assuring promises, we have no need to worry about tomorrow or the weeks, months, or even years to come.
"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."
Christians are constantly battling the temptation of worry. Though worrying is a sin, Christians tend to fall into the pit of agonizing concern whenever toubles enter their lives. What we often forget is the fact that Jesus has already been through those troubles and surpassed them all. The LORD has promised that He knows what lies before us and that He will always be with us as we travel the various roads in life. No matter what kind of struggle we find ourselves in, He will never leave us stranded to fight on our own. With His assuring promises, we have no need to worry about tomorrow or the weeks, months, or even years to come.
Worry
Psalm 9:9-10
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."
As Christians, we are instructed to seek the LORD daily. When we give God our time, He is willing to give us His and help us in times of need. Whenever worry starts to settle into our lives, whether it is worry about meeting a certain deadline at work, about a family member's health, or about the next President of the United States, we must seek the refuge that the LORD consistently offers - His Word. When we are constantly seeking the LORD's guidance through His Word, we find it easier to trust Him in everything. We are promised that refuge of comfort and rest from all worries as long as we take the time to learn from our Omnipotent Creator.
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."
As Christians, we are instructed to seek the LORD daily. When we give God our time, He is willing to give us His and help us in times of need. Whenever worry starts to settle into our lives, whether it is worry about meeting a certain deadline at work, about a family member's health, or about the next President of the United States, we must seek the refuge that the LORD consistently offers - His Word. When we are constantly seeking the LORD's guidance through His Word, we find it easier to trust Him in everything. We are promised that refuge of comfort and rest from all worries as long as we take the time to learn from our Omnipotent Creator.
Worry
Psalm 37:3-5, 7a
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him."
Whenever we Christians begin to worry, it is a sign of possessing little faith in our LORD Jesus Christ. Trusting our LORD in everything should substitute our feelings of worry or concern. Abiding by God's Word assures us that God will meet all our needs. If we are to receive the calm still spirit that only our Savior can offer us, we must study His Word with a joyful attitude. Be willing to do that which the LORD commands, and He will rescue us from worry's grip. Entrusting every care unto the LORD testifes to our faith in Him and our willingness to wait for His blessings in His perfect time.
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him."
Whenever we Christians begin to worry, it is a sign of possessing little faith in our LORD Jesus Christ. Trusting our LORD in everything should substitute our feelings of worry or concern. Abiding by God's Word assures us that God will meet all our needs. If we are to receive the calm still spirit that only our Savior can offer us, we must study His Word with a joyful attitude. Be willing to do that which the LORD commands, and He will rescue us from worry's grip. Entrusting every care unto the LORD testifes to our faith in Him and our willingness to wait for His blessings in His perfect time.
Worry
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Though we Christians are to place our trust in the LORD, we tend to believe that we can do everything in our own power. Usually it is during those periods in our lives when we try to lean on our mortal strength when worry starts to fill our hearts. When we finally lean on God's strength to get us through every day, worry becomes a thing of the past, and turst in God fills the void of the present. Before making any decision, no matter how big or small, we are to acknowledge our Father and His will for our lives. Though God has given His children the power of chocie, as born-again believers, we are to consult our Heavenly King in everything. As long as we turst our LORD to direct our ways and cast out all worries, He is willing to help us in every need, whatever that need may be.
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Though we Christians are to place our trust in the LORD, we tend to believe that we can do everything in our own power. Usually it is during those periods in our lives when we try to lean on our mortal strength when worry starts to fill our hearts. When we finally lean on God's strength to get us through every day, worry becomes a thing of the past, and turst in God fills the void of the present. Before making any decision, no matter how big or small, we are to acknowledge our Father and His will for our lives. Though God has given His children the power of chocie, as born-again believers, we are to consult our Heavenly King in everything. As long as we turst our LORD to direct our ways and cast out all worries, He is willing to help us in every need, whatever that need may be.
Worry
Isaiah 43:1b-3a
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior."
"From the moment we accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we are redeemed through His blood. From that moment, we have no need to worry or fear over anything. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we become children of the King for all eternity. If we can trust God and His promise of an eternal kingdom, we can trust Him in our daily struggles. As we pass through the waters, as we face the loss of a close family member or friend, we need not worry about the future because God will be right there beside us. As we walk through fire, as we face brutality from others, we need not worry because God will still be there. Our Savior is there to engulf us with His love whenever we begin to worry.
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior."
"From the moment we accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we are redeemed through His blood. From that moment, we have no need to worry or fear over anything. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we become children of the King for all eternity. If we can trust God and His promise of an eternal kingdom, we can trust Him in our daily struggles. As we pass through the waters, as we face the loss of a close family member or friend, we need not worry about the future because God will be right there beside us. As we walk through fire, as we face brutality from others, we need not worry because God will still be there. Our Savior is there to engulf us with His love whenever we begin to worry.
Worry
Matthew 6:8b, 31-34
"...for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Though our Father already knows what our needs are before we even come to Him in prayer, this does not mean that we can exclude prayer from our lives. Part of our everyday walk with the LORD is communicating with Him our praises, as well as our worries and fears, as a testament to our faith that He will work everyhing together for good. Faith is having total confidence in God's provision, whether that provision concerns food, drink, clothing, academics, career choices, or other specific individual or family needs. When our focus is on our daily walk with the LORD and drawing closer to Him, He takes notice and provides the needed materials. When our focus is on the material instead of the LORD, we cannot expect our Father to provide all our needs. Putting our faith in God for handling all our troubles allows us to take one day at a time, not worrying how everything will work out in the end.
"...for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Though our Father already knows what our needs are before we even come to Him in prayer, this does not mean that we can exclude prayer from our lives. Part of our everyday walk with the LORD is communicating with Him our praises, as well as our worries and fears, as a testament to our faith that He will work everyhing together for good. Faith is having total confidence in God's provision, whether that provision concerns food, drink, clothing, academics, career choices, or other specific individual or family needs. When our focus is on our daily walk with the LORD and drawing closer to Him, He takes notice and provides the needed materials. When our focus is on the material instead of the LORD, we cannot expect our Father to provide all our needs. Putting our faith in God for handling all our troubles allows us to take one day at a time, not worrying how everything will work out in the end.
Worry
Philippians 4:6-7
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Being careful for nothing is interpreted as not worrying or being anxious about anything. There are many instances in life when worry exceeds hope or joy. Worrying is a natural response to events with possible life-altering results, such as a loved done who is about to undergo a serious surgery or even dropping your last child off to a distant college. When situations as these enter our lives, it is imperative that we make our requests known to God. By praying to our Father, we can have full assurance that He will listen to our concerns and provide the needed comfort. When we entrust all our anxieties and fears into God's hands, we are able to receive that peace that only He provides, a peace that we cannot even put into words or understand. As long as we keep our focus on the LORD, He will sustain us.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Being careful for nothing is interpreted as not worrying or being anxious about anything. There are many instances in life when worry exceeds hope or joy. Worrying is a natural response to events with possible life-altering results, such as a loved done who is about to undergo a serious surgery or even dropping your last child off to a distant college. When situations as these enter our lives, it is imperative that we make our requests known to God. By praying to our Father, we can have full assurance that He will listen to our concerns and provide the needed comfort. When we entrust all our anxieties and fears into God's hands, we are able to receive that peace that only He provides, a peace that we cannot even put into words or understand. As long as we keep our focus on the LORD, He will sustain us.
15.8.11
Prayer
In Genesis 35:1-15, Jacob decided to firmly follow God and praise Him for His sovereignty. Omartian asks the following question in the beginning of this study, "The Power of Praise": "How often do you take the time to remember what God has done for you and thank Him for it?" We shouldn't come to God just to ask something of Him. He is not a genie who grants wishes. We are not to come to Him only for help in less-than-fortunate circumstances. Sounds like a one-way love to me. Perhaps you are married. Imagine only ever asking your spouse for things but never expressing your thankfulness toward him or your love for him. Imagine if he was the only one to express his love for you. Would that be fair? Of course it wouldn't. Jacob loved God enough to rid his family of false gods and to take the time to build an altar solely for Him, to recognize His goodness though undeserved. How amazing is God's love! It is unconditional. That's certainly worth praising God for! He sacrificed His life for us so that we could be free, a choice not to be taken for granted. A love expressed through our Maker is a love no human being will ever understand. Remember, God deserves our praise!
8.8.11
Prayer
The whole reason I created this blog was to learn more about God and to allow Him to transform my life; the first, I blelieve most important, area in my life that desperately needs transformation is prayer. I do not come to God in prayer nearly as often as I should. Sometimes, when an unexpected and negative circumstance erupts, I immediately lean on my own understanding. I try to conquer the situation on my own. This is impossible! It's not until after everything has passed that I realize I didn't consult the LORD, never once asked for His help and guidance. This next study is titled "Struggling in Prayer", and the verses to read and consider are Genesis 32:1-32. In this passage, a "man" wrestles with Jacob. This encounter left Jacob's hip out of joint. The phrase "for I have seen God face to face" leads me to believe that the man who wrestled with Jacob was indeed the preincarnate Christ. Believing this, "God allowed Himself to be overcome" (Nelson King James Study Bible, p.68). Before this encounter, Jacob was afraid for his future and his family's. He was about to meet his brother Esau whose birthright he had stolen many years prior by deceiving his father. During the struggle, God asked Jacob what his name was, and Jacob told Him; this answer is what Omartian calls a confession because the name Jacob means "supplanter" or "usurper", to illegally seize or hold the power or rights of another. This confession led God to bless Jacob and offer him a new name, Israel, which means Prince of God. The limp that Jacob possessed after the encounter was a lifetime reminder of Jacob's struggle, a struggle that deepened his dependence on the one true God. Omartian says, "Don't be afraid to struggle in prayer, knowing that God will use any measures necessary in order to carry out His plans for your life. Like Jacob, hang on and don't give up until you get the blessing that will change you forever."
1.8.11
Prayer
Topic today is "[Calling] on the Name of the LORD". The verses to read are 17 through 25 of Genesis 26. Before this passage of Scripture, Isaac had lied to Abimelech, king of the Philistines. Isaac told the Philistines Rebekah was his sister because he feared her beauty would give the men reason to kill him. One day, however, Abimelech looked out a window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah. He knew then that Rebekah was his wife and made the following decree: "He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death" (Genesis 26:11). It was after this decree that Isaac prospered, so much so that the Philistines asked him to leave, so he did. In retaliation of such tremendous prosperity on Isaac's part, the Philistines filled the wells "which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father" (Genesis 26:16). After Isaac left, his servants digged in the valley of Gerar and found a well of running water; however, the herdmen of Gerar refused to give this well to Isaac and so claimed it as their own. Again, they digged another, and was denied that one as well. On his third try, however, he was able to claim a well; it was this well he named Rehoboth, which means spaciousness. After this successful attempt, Isaac traveled to Beersheba, where the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake." Stressed again through His Word, the LORD kept His promise to Abraham. Isaac then built an altar and "called upon the name of the LORD". Omartian emphasizes the meaning of calling upon the name of the LORD. When I read this phrase, I immediately think of prayer, but it's much more than that. It is recognizing God's goodness and His ability to perform far beyond that which we could ever imagine. Calling upon the name of the LORD is not just asking; it's trusting Him to do that which He desires for you. The LORD deserves praise. Omartain ends her study with these words: "Praise God every day for all the ways that He is sufficient for every need you have, and like Isaac, declare your faithfulness to Him by calling on His name in prayer."
31.7.11
Prayer
"A Prayer for Success" is Omartian's next focus in her devotional prayer study. The passage to reflect on is Genesis 24:1-27. Omartian emphasizes the selfless attitude of Abraham's servant, whom "was most likely Eliezer". I've read this passage of Scripture so many times; yet, each time I failed to see Eliezer's selflessness. Rather, I saw a person who tested God to receive something in return. Abraham requested Eliezer to complete the following task: "go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac." When Eliezer arrived in the city of Nahor, he prayed the LORD would give him success and "show kindness unto [his] master Abraham." This kindess would be shown by the answer to his prayer. The request? That the woman at the well who offerred water not only to Eliezer but to his camels as well would be the very woman God "appointed for [His] servant Isaac". Eliezer wasn't testing God. Yes, his prayer was certainly specific, but he had an important task to carry out. He wasn't thinking of himself; on the contrary, he was thinking of his master. Rebekah appeared before Eliezer finished his prayer. She was the one God appointed for Isaac. Receiving the answer to his prayer, Abraham's servant "bowed down his head, and worshiped the LORD." Eliezer gave credit where credit was due. His answer to prayer was a testament to God's faithfulness and divine intervention. How limited my thinking! Omartian has a special way of bringing to light little pieces of a story that mean so much; if taken out, the true message can be easily missed. I believe testing God comes from a selfish heart. Eliezer didn't test God because He wasn't focused on his wants; rather, he knew the significance of his responsibility and that it would be God alone Who would ultimately provide a clear path. Omartian ends this study with these words: "Like Eliezer, walk so close to God that you're able to put aside what you might want for yourself in order to succeed at what God wants for you."
29.7.11
Prayer
The passage to read and consider is Genesis 22:1-19. The topic of this bible study is "Making Sacrifices". Has God called you to make a sacrifice? Sometimes, as in this passage, God calls us to make sacrifices to test our faith. God kept His promise to Abraham. He gave him an heir, his son Isaac. Abraham knew sacrificing his son would also mean sacrificing his dream; however, Abraham prepared to do that which the LORD asked of him. How could Abraham possibly understand the LORD's reasoning in this sacrifice? I'm sure he didn't. Just one moment away from killing his only son, the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven. Abraham, after all, was not required to sacrifice his son. God's purpose was not to allow the murder of Isaac; rather, He was testing Abraham's faith. I believe Abraham passed the test! As Stormie Omartian relates this true story to the sacrifice of God's only Son, Jesus, I am astounded by such tremendous love! Isaac carrying the wood for the offering meant for him pictures Jesus carrying His cross to Golgotha. Abraham placing Isaac on the altar pictures God placing His Son on the cross. Abraham raising his knife to kill his son pictures God permitting Jesus to give His life a ransom to whoever chooses to believe. Reflecting on this study, I have to ask myself, "How much do [I] trust God - really?" Would I be willing to die for Him or allow a dream in my life perish? In Stormie Omartian's prayer, she confesses, "I don't want to cling to something You will not bless, or give up on something that is Your will for my life."
27.7.11
Prayer
The following passage of Scripture is reflected on in Omartian's next study, "When We Have to Wait": Genesis 15:1-6. In the first verse, the LORD comes to Abraham in a vision and tells him to "Fear not", that He is his "shield" and his "exceeding great reward". After reading this verse, my eyes were drawn to the two words "great reward". If the LORD is our great reward, what do we have to fear? Everything we do in this life is to be done for the LORD. If we live this way, what more could we possibly want? If we live in light of eternity, if we live to praise the LORD, if we live to give the LORD everything, if we live to be a sacrifice to the One who gave His life for us, what could we possibly be ungrateful for? There would be no void, no questions asked. If God is my great reward, there is nothing greater. To be a child of the King is the greatest opportunity of all. Nothing surpasses. Despite this, Abraham asked for an heir. Though Abraham was apprehensive (Abraham was already 75 years old when God promised him numerous descendents), God kept His promise. When Isaac was born, Abraham was 100 years old. This particular bible study truly hits home for me! Often, when I pray to God about a specific situation in my life, I pray without taking the time to wait for His response. What good was the prayer then? Prayer and waiting go hand in hand; they're not separate entities. A relationship will not last without communication; communication without patience is pointless. Perhaps today you are waiting for an answer from God. Disastrous circumstances come from taking matters into our own hands. Whatever you are waiting for, "release it into God's hands and let Him do it in His way and His time. His answer will be worth the wait."
26.7.11
Prayer
"The Power of God's Promise" is discussed on pages 11 and 12. The verses to read and consider are Genesis 9:8-17. Genesis 9:16 states, "And the [rain]bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth." In Noah's time, "the earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence" (Genesis 6:11). Noah, however, was a just and wholehearted man who walked with God. The LORD could have destroyed the world and every living creature; yet, He saved Noah and his family. The rainbow is a reminder of God's promise. He will never again send a world-wide flood. God keeps His promises! Our faith in the LORD strengthens when we place our trust in His promises and express that trust through our actions and words. On page 12, Stormie Omartian says the following: "By asserting our belief in His promises in prayer, we put ourselves in a position to see a lot more from God's perspective and a lot less from the enemy's."
Joel Engle: "Capture Me Again"...Beautiful Song!
Staring in silence I see the page,
But my heart is in another place.
The music plays, the voices sing.
Oh, but what does a song really mean?
It's so sad but so true,
It's just another moment missed with You.
Oh, capture me again,
Revive what seems so dim.
Restore first love's fire,
My heart's desire.
So inequipped, the words of a prayer,
But they dissolve into the thin air.
I see the pain within her eyes,
I give a smile as I quickly pass by.
It's so sad but so true,
It's just another moment missed with You.
Oh, capture me again,
Revive what seems so dim.
Restore first love's fire,
My heart's desire.
I see the beauty of Your goodness,
but I settle for something much less.
Your gentle whisper, Your presence so sweet.
Will I walk away or sit at Your feet?
Oh, Jesus please break through.
I don't want to miss this moment with You.
Oh, capture me again,
Revive what seems so dim.
Restore first love's fire,
My heart's desire.
Capture me again.
Capture me again.
But my heart is in another place.
The music plays, the voices sing.
Oh, but what does a song really mean?
It's so sad but so true,
It's just another moment missed with You.
Oh, capture me again,
Revive what seems so dim.
Restore first love's fire,
My heart's desire.
So inequipped, the words of a prayer,
But they dissolve into the thin air.
I see the pain within her eyes,
I give a smile as I quickly pass by.
It's so sad but so true,
It's just another moment missed with You.
Oh, capture me again,
Revive what seems so dim.
Restore first love's fire,
My heart's desire.
I see the beauty of Your goodness,
but I settle for something much less.
Your gentle whisper, Your presence so sweet.
Will I walk away or sit at Your feet?
Oh, Jesus please break through.
I don't want to miss this moment with You.
Oh, capture me again,
Revive what seems so dim.
Restore first love's fire,
My heart's desire.
Capture me again.
Capture me again.
25.7.11
Prayer
In Stormie Omartian's next study, "Powerful Listening", she makes this vital statement: "Prayer is more than talking to God." Prayer also involves us listening to God. Imagine talking to a friend, sharing things from your heart, asking for advice, direction but not waiting to hear what your friend has to say. One-way conversations are not substantial. They may help release frustration, guilt, shame, remorse; where is the peace in releasing these feelings? It's good to let go, but let go for good. Leave your burdens at the feet of Jesus, and listen to His direction. Future frustration, guilt, shame, and remorse may be avoided by actually taking the time to listen. We often try to take matters into our own hands without considering the consequences. We act on feeling and impulse. I've learned the hard way how doing so can hurt not only myself but others as well. Instead of taking the time to pray for direction and waiting to hear from God, I took control, not allowing myself to learn the uplifting power of patience.
22.7.11
Prayer
The verses emphasized in Stormie Omartian's next devotional Bible study, "A Walk in the Garden", are Genesis 3:8-9, which read "And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" Adam and Eve had the greatest opportunity given to them from the very beginning, walking with God. They were so close to their Creator that nothing could possibly break that communion, but wait, something did. It was one simple but drastic decision that forever altered the course of the Universe. Though there was no sin in the world in the beginning, God gave us from the start the power to make our own choices. That drastic choice carried out in the garden bore its weight of sin; however, God still yearned for Adam and Eve's presence. He still longed for the relationship they once shared. Though God was still willing to restore that fellowship, Adam and Eve hid in their shame. Wrong decisions made keep us from experiencing the true joy that comes from following the LORD; however, they should never keep us from the LORD. We are to learn from our mistakes and continually pray to Him so when He asks for our presence we may say, "Here I am LORD".
21.7.11
Prayer
I'm sure prayer is an area most people could improve in. It isn't a ritual, and it certainly isn't to be thought of as meaningless. There is something self-sacrificing about prayer. Coming to the throne of God is a privilege we often take for granted; yet, it is a privilege granted freely to be carried out unceasingly. On pages five and six of Stormie Omartian's book The Power of Prayer, she covers "God's Connection with Us". The verse emphasized is Genesis 2:7: "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." The Lord spoke, and so the universe was. We not only have the ability to breathe but to speak as well. What an honor it is to communicate with the God of the Universe, the Creator of everything! Our prayers will never be perfect because we are imperfect beings; however, our Father wants to hear us. Sometimes, we may not have the words to speak, but God knows what is in our hearts. Author Omartian suggests to start praying "Thank You" if words don't seem to come easily. Maybe it's been awhile since you've last prayed, or maybe you've never prayed a single prayer your whole life. Just start by saying, "Thank You".
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