Keep Praying

Genesis 25:21 says Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord answered him and Rebekah his wife conceived.

Isaac saw a need and took it to God in prayer.  God heard.  God answered Isaac's prayer, and something happened.  God is good and I am sure there was much rejoicing in Isaac's camp when Rebekah discovered she was pregnant.

There is an interesting detail about this prayer and answer.  Rebekah was barren so Isaac prayed. Isaac knew that God had promised many descendants.  He trusted that God would provide children.  So he prayed.

And he prayed for twenty years.  Twenty years with no children passed before the birth of Esau and Jacob.  Can you imagine the heartbreak as each year went by?

It can be difficult to keep praying when it seems like God is not listening.  Sometimes it can seem like God is saying No when actually He is saying Wait - Have Faith - Trust Me - Keep Praying - I'm Listening.

Blessed

Built a fire tonight.  I love doing that.  A crackling wood fire on a cold night it just nice.

And I am always impressed that I can make fire!  It makes me feel like a strong, capable woman.  Arrrgh!  Look what I can do!  Fire!

Watching a fire slowly burn down in also reminds me of the simple blessings God gives.  The ones we overlook.  I have a roof over my head, shelter on a cold night, a well-constructed fireplace, a stack of wood to burn, and matches.

I have food in the fridge, a dog to warn me of possible intruders in the driveway, and a warm cat in my lap.  I have internet access, books to read, and friends who have covered my family with prayer this week. 

I have a God who loves me, a Savior who died for me, and a Bible to read.  I am blessed.  I am grateful.  It is well with my soul.

Gifted for Leadership: Women and Competition

If you are a woman, what type of fruit are you growing in your relationships with other Christian women?

Gifted for Leadership: Women and Competition

Personal Psalm

Lord, I lived a life of my own choices.

Selfish, and self-centered, I built a wall around myself
So I could be alone.
Alone with my shame,
Alone with my guilt,
Alone with the consequences of my sins,
Alone and isolated within darkness.

Lord, I lived a life that knew no peace, no joy, no hope.
I dwelt in a prison of my own making
And could find no way out.

God, I don’t have the words to fully express
My gratitude for what you have done.
You held the key that set me free.
My sins have been forgiven
Shame and guilt have faded away

I’ve been given a second chance at life
And an awesome gift of peace and comfort.
My heart is filled with joy
I’ve been healed, and I no longer am alone.

Lord, I now live a life that is led by you.
A God-centered life
Filled with light and hope.
A life lived within your embrace.

My refuge, my guide.
My shelter, my hope.
My Father, Redeemer
I give you my life, my faith, and my trust.

Sunday Notes - Generosity 02/24/13

Sermon by Chip Henderson.  Notes by me.  (Short notes too because I didn't have my notebook, so I wrote them on the little handout thing.)

Main text was 2 Corinthian 9: 6-15.  Third week of celebrating Outlive with a focus on Give.

Give!  Be Generous!  Five reasons why we should be generous people.

1.  Giving taps into the law of the harvest.  Whoever plants much will harvest much.  We will reap what we sow.

2.  God loves a cheerful giver.  Motivation is important.  We are to give with love, joy, and gladness.

3.  God opens up heaven when you give.  God blesses those who give.  This often gets misinterpreted.  It is important to remember that most of God's blessings are non-monetary.  God blessed us with joy, peace, character, and other external spiritual gifts.  By giving we are laying up treasure in heaven.  (And that is where it really counts!)

4.  Giving helps other people.  By giving we meet their needs.  Our giving can be an answer to their prayers.

5.  Giving is our thanks to God.  God has given us an indescribable gift in His Son.  We say thanks by giving to others.

So...Go - Grow - Give!!

A Prayer

Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.
Give me the faith to remember you hold all things, even on the darkest days.
Give me courage to make the hard decisions when they need to be made.
Give me a heart of mercy so hard decisions are made with love.
Fill me with peace, shielding my mind from doubts, knowing that with you the future is secure.
Lord, You are my rock, my refuge, and my shelter in the storm.
Amen

Post-It

Posted on my desk - a reminder that I'm still very much a work in progress.