As I have been blogging about different positions of prayer, I have found it increasingly difficult to find time to pray. Satan does not like us dialoguing about prayer or praying as he knows that from prayer we receive direct power for living and the peace of God. Paul tells us in Ephesians about the armor God has for us. He lists the armor elements-helmet of salvation, belt of truth, shield of faith, breast plate of righteousness and ready feet. (Ephesians 6:10-18) He also lists 2 items that we have for our defense- the word of God, which is sharper than any two edged sword, and prayer. Paul also gives us insight into the power and effectiveness of prayer in Phillipians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV) So I should not be surpsrised by difficulties encountered in keeping a committed time of prayer. By praying I am being active and using the powerful weapon God gave me to fight against Satan's influence in my life. I am also leaving the battle with God and taking away peace and a firm guard for my heart and mind. Good news indeed for our stress filled lives!
The next position of prayer that I want to talk about is sitting. You do not find many references to prayer in the Bible when the person is seated. The Last Supper scene is described in Luke 22. In verse 14 says Jesus and his disciples were reclined at the table. Later in verse 17, "After taking the cup, he gave thanks" and in verse 19, "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it." I was reflecting on this and thought that in our daily lives we have many more activities that we do sitting besides eating. Many people sit doing their jobs, working on their computers at home, studying God's word while seated at a desk or on a couch, watching TV, reading and driving their cars. We have good lighting so we can read and work inside many hours of the day or night. So how are you using your seat time? Do you pray at mealtime? Do you pray when you are at your computer or at your desk at work? How about when you are driving in the car? Prayer is available to us wherever we are and in 1Thessalonians 5:17 we are told to "pray continually".
How will you use your seat time today?
Blessings,
Linda
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Knee time- a position of humility
Knowing that I was going to be writing about other prayer positions- kneeling, sitting and standing, I have been struggling myself to try new ways to energize my prayer time. I can’t say I’ve been 100% effective but at least I am trying! Since I write in a prayer journal, I thought I needed to be sitting but I discovered that I could write while kneeling. It helps me focus more on the petitions, but I don’t want it to become rote so I try to vary things from day to day. I even went on a prayer walk but found that hard to concentrate on what I was doing- more about that later.
Kneeling is found many times in both the Old and New Testaments. Daniel 6:10 “Now when Daniel learned that a the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Kneeling was also Jesus’ choice in Luke 22:40-41 “On reaching the place, he said to them. “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayer.” We also see New Testament Christians praying with the Apostles in Acts 21:4-5 “Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.” Kneeling is a position that you can do on your own or as a group.
Why kneel? In all these cases, it would seem the person or group needed to really focus on communicating with Almighty God. Kneeling has always been a position that shows humility towards God and dependence upon God. What situations drive you to your knees? Do you use the excuse- I can’t because it hurts my knees, it hurts my back or is that just a cover for your willfulness and lack of humility? I find praying on my knees difficult and painful. If I lean on a chair to take the pressure off my back it is doable. So then it becomes a matter of willfulness and lack of humility. I am going to make a concerted effort to spend more time on my knees and allow myself to seek God’s presence from a position that causes me some discomfort. How about you? Will you try going to your knees?
Let me know how God blesses your time on your knees.
Linda
Kneeling is found many times in both the Old and New Testaments. Daniel 6:10 “Now when Daniel learned that a the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Kneeling was also Jesus’ choice in Luke 22:40-41 “On reaching the place, he said to them. “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayer.” We also see New Testament Christians praying with the Apostles in Acts 21:4-5 “Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.” Kneeling is a position that you can do on your own or as a group.
Why kneel? In all these cases, it would seem the person or group needed to really focus on communicating with Almighty God. Kneeling has always been a position that shows humility towards God and dependence upon God. What situations drive you to your knees? Do you use the excuse- I can’t because it hurts my knees, it hurts my back or is that just a cover for your willfulness and lack of humility? I find praying on my knees difficult and painful. If I lean on a chair to take the pressure off my back it is doable. So then it becomes a matter of willfulness and lack of humility. I am going to make a concerted effort to spend more time on my knees and allow myself to seek God’s presence from a position that causes me some discomfort. How about you? Will you try going to your knees?
Let me know how God blesses your time on your knees.
Linda
Monday, June 2, 2014
How do you handle adversity?
OK- so here is my adversity for this week. I was rear ended on my way to work on Friday. My car may be totaled, I have been in a lot of discomfort do to whip lash, unexpected expenses to cover and missed hours at work. I could let those things consume me with worry about what might be the outcome, how long the situation will persist, how much it will cost- will I be able to afford it.....
When things happen in your life do you want to blame others or God for this happening to you? I know that God is sovereign and nothing that happens to me happens by accident.(2Chronicles 20:6 and John 10:29) God is good and wants only good things for me. (Psalm 25:8 and Psalm34:8) So how do I resolve this seeming conflict of God's goodness and bad things happening? James 1:2-4 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work, so that you many be mature and complete, not lacking in anything." (NIV) God's word tells me to take things in stride and be confident that God can and will use this adversity to grow my character helping me to learn how to stand firm and be persevering. Satan wants me fearful and worrying. Those are his tools to undermine my faith and trust in God.
I don't know if I'm at the place yet in my walk with God that I really rejoice when adversity comes, but I am beginning to recognize those times and see that God is greater than anything I am facing and that I can trust Him. Here are a few verses that help to turn my perspective to Him when adversity comes: 2Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, " I am content with weaknesses, insult, hardship, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." and Lamentations 3:21-23 "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (ESV) These verses assure me of God's sovereignty and care. I can rest in Him knowing that He will provide, be merciful each day and will not give me something that His grace will not be enough to cover. Those are assurances that allow me to get up each morning, persevere and claim victory in Him in spite of the adversities I may face that day.
I pray that these words of encouragement will help you the next time - probably today! that you face adversity. Turn to Him and let him see you through it. God is the master of turning lemons into lemonade for each of us.
Have a Blessed day.
Linda
When things happen in your life do you want to blame others or God for this happening to you? I know that God is sovereign and nothing that happens to me happens by accident.(2Chronicles 20:6 and John 10:29) God is good and wants only good things for me. (Psalm 25:8 and Psalm34:8) So how do I resolve this seeming conflict of God's goodness and bad things happening? James 1:2-4 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work, so that you many be mature and complete, not lacking in anything." (NIV) God's word tells me to take things in stride and be confident that God can and will use this adversity to grow my character helping me to learn how to stand firm and be persevering. Satan wants me fearful and worrying. Those are his tools to undermine my faith and trust in God.
I don't know if I'm at the place yet in my walk with God that I really rejoice when adversity comes, but I am beginning to recognize those times and see that God is greater than anything I am facing and that I can trust Him. Here are a few verses that help to turn my perspective to Him when adversity comes: 2Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, " I am content with weaknesses, insult, hardship, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." and Lamentations 3:21-23 "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (ESV) These verses assure me of God's sovereignty and care. I can rest in Him knowing that He will provide, be merciful each day and will not give me something that His grace will not be enough to cover. Those are assurances that allow me to get up each morning, persevere and claim victory in Him in spite of the adversities I may face that day.
I pray that these words of encouragement will help you the next time - probably today! that you face adversity. Turn to Him and let him see you through it. God is the master of turning lemons into lemonade for each of us.
Have a Blessed day.
Linda
Monday, May 26, 2014
A Day to Remember
For this holiday- Memorial Day- the greeting, "Happy Memorial Day" just does not express the appropriate sentiment. Memorial Day is a day to remember the sacrifice of soldiers who have died in war. It began after the Civil war and was originally called 'Decoration Day'. It was later extended to honor all fallen soldiers in any war. Jesus told us in John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than his, that he lay down his life for his friends." Anyone who joins the military knows they might be called to go to war and fight. Believing in life, freedom and independent pursuit of happiness that is declared in our Constitution's Bill of Rights gives motivation and heart to their call to defend our nation. It is an honorable calling that is worthy of our acknowledgement and remembrance. Proverbs 10:7a "The memory of the righteous will be a blessing." Who will you remember today that has answered the call and given their life for their friends? You and I are those friends and it is our obligation to their sacrifice that we remember them. Scripture teaches that remembering will be a blessing.
Will you attend a parade, a breakfast, have a time of prayer, watch a war movie? Any of these things can be a cause to remember those that have fallen and give thanks for their sacrifice for you and for me. Have a blessed Memorial Day! I think that would be the proper greeting and I send it to you!
Linda
Prayer: Thank you Lord, for those brave men and women who have given their all- their lives- so that I can enjoy the freedoms our country provides. Help me to be honoring to their memory and sacrifices knowing they laid their lives down for me, someone they did not even know. Give me an attitude of thankfulness for those Veteran's that are still living and help me to honor them. Lord, give our leaders wisdom and a sense of unity in working to preserve that for which so many have died. Amen.
Will you attend a parade, a breakfast, have a time of prayer, watch a war movie? Any of these things can be a cause to remember those that have fallen and give thanks for their sacrifice for you and for me. Have a blessed Memorial Day! I think that would be the proper greeting and I send it to you!
Linda
Prayer: Thank you Lord, for those brave men and women who have given their all- their lives- so that I can enjoy the freedoms our country provides. Help me to be honoring to their memory and sacrifices knowing they laid their lives down for me, someone they did not even know. Give me an attitude of thankfulness for those Veteran's that are still living and help me to honor them. Lord, give our leaders wisdom and a sense of unity in working to preserve that for which so many have died. Amen.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Gracefilled Aging
What is age? As I get older I ponder about whether I am getting better with age like good wine or if I’m moving towards getting crotchy and narrow-minded. Yesterday I had a wonderful lunch with 2 octogenarians. They were delightful- so full of life and quick to relate stories from the past as well as what is current today. As our lunch progressed, we talked of things of the LORD. Both ladies have walked with the LORD for many years and speak from experience about God’s faithfulness. They are both students of the Word and enjoy studying, discussing and applying God’s word to their lives. I was reminded of these verses as we talked. Job 12:12 “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” Psalm 111:10 ” The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” and Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (NIV)
Just getting older does not make us wise. Scripture tell us that understanding, insight and knowledge comes from God. The knowledge of God comes from following his precepts- those things he has laid out for us in his word. Studying God’s word allows us to grow and develop through our entire life. It allows us to develop knowledge and understanding that only He can give. That is what made these two ladies so alive and vibrant. They were still seekers and are not content to “rest” in their age. They want to know God more fully with each day. One of these ladies was in a study group with me this year and she was always consistent to memorize the scripture verses. I was convicted over this as I have used the excuse that ‘the older I get the harder it is to memorize scripture’. Well, she made me see that it is not age that is keeping me from memorizing it is laziness.
What about you? Are you ‘resting’ in your age-whatever it is? Are you seeking to know God more fully with each passing day? Are you seeking to apply His word to your life and hide his words in your heart? Are you using excuses like- I can’t do that anymore? or I don’t have time? Where is God wanting to stretch you and help you to grow? You are never to old to learn- it is a lifelong proposition. While we still draw breath we need to be open to learning. It will keep us young at heart, vibrant and hopeful in the LORD just like my octogenarian friends.
Blessings,
Linda
Just getting older does not make us wise. Scripture tell us that understanding, insight and knowledge comes from God. The knowledge of God comes from following his precepts- those things he has laid out for us in his word. Studying God’s word allows us to grow and develop through our entire life. It allows us to develop knowledge and understanding that only He can give. That is what made these two ladies so alive and vibrant. They were still seekers and are not content to “rest” in their age. They want to know God more fully with each day. One of these ladies was in a study group with me this year and she was always consistent to memorize the scripture verses. I was convicted over this as I have used the excuse that ‘the older I get the harder it is to memorize scripture’. Well, she made me see that it is not age that is keeping me from memorizing it is laziness.
What about you? Are you ‘resting’ in your age-whatever it is? Are you seeking to know God more fully with each passing day? Are you seeking to apply His word to your life and hide his words in your heart? Are you using excuses like- I can’t do that anymore? or I don’t have time? Where is God wanting to stretch you and help you to grow? You are never to old to learn- it is a lifelong proposition. While we still draw breath we need to be open to learning. It will keep us young at heart, vibrant and hopeful in the LORD just like my octogenarian friends.
Blessings,
Linda
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Tips on 'de-stressing' your life!!
How is your busy life going? Does it cause you to stress over things? I have discovered that stress is rooted in fear as I am not trusting God to accomplish what needs to be done. There are times when my life seems to be all about activity, doing accomplishing things and then times of rest and relaxation. I find the times of activity bring me the greatest stress, and I often feel overwhelmed by everything I am facing or need to accomplish. On those days that I know will be very taxing, I pray for God to multiply my time and energy. Another way to say this is Time Management for both activities and energy. God has always been faithful to do this for me. At the end of the day I look back and can praise Him for all that He has done through me that day.
How can I live fearlessly and know that God will faithfully energize me and multiply my time? What assurances do I have from God’s word? Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (NIV) The first step in being assured is to ask God. Lay out your day before Him and ask for strength, guidance, energy, multiplied time, good decisions in using the time give, etc. Once you have laid the problems at Jesus feet, you need to believe He will answer you. James 1:6 a “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt,” and 1John 5:14 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (NIV) God is good and wants me to accomplish things for Him. When I ask for strength, guidance, energy and time management, those are things He will freely give me so that I can do His work. The key to this is to remember to pray and give it to God. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I pray these are words of encouragement to you and will help you ‘de-stress’ your life this week.
Blessings,
Linda
How can I live fearlessly and know that God will faithfully energize me and multiply my time? What assurances do I have from God’s word? Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (NIV) The first step in being assured is to ask God. Lay out your day before Him and ask for strength, guidance, energy, multiplied time, good decisions in using the time give, etc. Once you have laid the problems at Jesus feet, you need to believe He will answer you. James 1:6 a “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt,” and 1John 5:14 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (NIV) God is good and wants me to accomplish things for Him. When I ask for strength, guidance, energy and time management, those are things He will freely give me so that I can do His work. The key to this is to remember to pray and give it to God. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I pray these are words of encouragement to you and will help you ‘de-stress’ your life this week.
Blessings,
Linda
Sunday, May 4, 2014
God is Greater
Yesterday was my first official book signing event. God so graciously brought another author at the same time. He was a young man with a powerful story about God's transforming power in his life. Both of us had time to talk with people about God's might and power and what he has done and is doing in our lives. I had some deep theological conversations about fear and how God's word changes lives. What about you? When was the last time you had a serious conversation- not argument- about God, who He is, what He is doing in your life or why you believe He is who He says He is?
In our society we are taught to believe that when you are with others- you don't talk religion or politics, right? However, my discussions were soul searching, exhilarating and thought provoking yesterday. I should be ready to talk about the Lord and what He has done for me at anytime. This is not always easy and Satan wants us to be afraid, intimidated, embarrassed, doubting or tongue tied by our thoughts and worries. John reminds us in 1John 4:4 " You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."(NIV) When we step out- or in this case- speak out, we are living by faith and not fear! Jesus wants us to be bold for His sake and not be ashamed to proclaim Him to the world. Paul so aptly put it in Romans 1:16-17 " For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile (me). For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" (NIV)
I want to live by faith and not be captive to my fears. I am learning that this is a day by day walk with the Lord towards fearlessly living in Him!
Blessings,
Linda
The young man I met, Eli Contreras, tells his story in his book And then I Heard His Voice. A short article by Allen Payton was recently published in the Antioch Herald . You can also see him on You Tube under "Saving Eli". It is a powerful interview done by the 700 Club.
In our society we are taught to believe that when you are with others- you don't talk religion or politics, right? However, my discussions were soul searching, exhilarating and thought provoking yesterday. I should be ready to talk about the Lord and what He has done for me at anytime. This is not always easy and Satan wants us to be afraid, intimidated, embarrassed, doubting or tongue tied by our thoughts and worries. John reminds us in 1John 4:4 " You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."(NIV) When we step out- or in this case- speak out, we are living by faith and not fear! Jesus wants us to be bold for His sake and not be ashamed to proclaim Him to the world. Paul so aptly put it in Romans 1:16-17 " For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile (me). For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" (NIV)
I want to live by faith and not be captive to my fears. I am learning that this is a day by day walk with the Lord towards fearlessly living in Him!
Blessings,
Linda
The young man I met, Eli Contreras, tells his story in his book And then I Heard His Voice. A short article by Allen Payton was recently published in the Antioch Herald . You can also see him on You Tube under "Saving Eli". It is a powerful interview done by the 700 Club.
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