Tag Archives: prayer

“Moore” Monday #6

THE GIANT STEP IN THE WALK OF FAITH IS

THE ONE WE TAKE WHEN WE DECIDE GOD NO

LONGER IS A PART OF OUR LIVES. 

HE IS OUR LIFE.

My Father, I acknowledge that you are the Lord Almighty.  You are the first and You are the last, and apart from You there is no other God.  Make me witness to the fact that there is no other Rock but You.  Enable me to say with full assurance, “I know not one”(Isa. 44:6,8).

You are my Lord, my Holy One, my Creator, my King.  You are the One who made a way through the sea, a path through mighty waters (Isa. 43:15-16).

You are the Lord my God.  I desire to love You, listen to Your voice, and hold fast to You, for You, Lord, are my life (Deut. 30:20).

This has been another reading from Beth Moore, Praying God’s Word Day by Day. 

Christmas Eve

The following is a communion meditation written by my dad, for the Christmas Eve service at his church tonight.  I got the chance to read it on Saturday and it gave me goosebumps.  I just had to share it. 

THE SCENE IS A SPARSE HILL IN ANCIENT JUDEA, NOT FAR FORM JERUSALEM.  NEARBY IS A CAVE.  JESUS WEARS ONE MEAGER GARMENT.  MARY IS WATCHING, WONDERING WHAT IT ALL MEANS.  A MAN IS STANDING BESIDE HER, NOT THE FATHER OF JESUS, BUT THE ONE WHO WILL CARE FOR HER.  BENEATH JESUS ARE BEAMS OF ROUGH WOOD.  ABOVE, THE HEAVENS SPARKLE WITH SUPERNATURAL SPLENDOR.  IN THE CITY SITS HEROD PONDERING JESUS DEATH.  JEWISH LEADERS DISCUSS HIS COMING.  NEARBY ARE OUTCASTS, GIVING THEIR OWN CRUDE TESTIMONY.  SOON RICH MEN ARRIVE WITH GIFTS JUST AS SUITED FOR A BURIAL AS A BIRTH.  ARE WE REMEMBERING A BIRTH OR A DEATH?  A MANGER OR A CROSS.  THE HILL COULD BE A SHEEP STUDDED HILL NEAR BETHLEHEM, OR IT COULD BE THE HILL CALLED GOLGATHA.  THE CAVE COULD BE A STABLE CRUDELY CUT INTO ONE OF BETHLEHEMS HILLS, OR IT COULD BE A BURIAL VAULT RECENTLY CARVED IN A NEARBY CEMETARY.  THE MEAGER GARMENT COULD BE SWADDLING CLOTHES OR A BLOODY, RAGGED LOINCLOTH.  IT IS JESUS OF COURSE, BUT IS HE A NEWBORN BABY OR A DYING MAN?  IT IS MARY, BUT IS SHE SITTING AT A CRADLE COMFORTING HER BABY OR CROUCHING, CRYING, HERSELF IN NEED OF COMFORT?  IS THE MAN JOSEPH THE CARPENTER, OR JOHN, WHO WILL MAKE HER A HOME?  ARE THE ROUGH WOODEN BEAMS BENEATH JESUS A MANGER OR A CROSS?  ARE THEY SEEING THE HEAVENS SPARKLE, OR AN ECLIPSED SUN AND A BLOOD RED MOON?  THE HEROD COULD BE THE GREAT WHO TRIED TO KILL THE BABY, OR HIS SON WHO IN A SENSE SUCCEEDED.  THE OUTCASTS COULD BE SHEPHERDS, KNEELING AT THE MANGER, OR THIEVES HANGING ON EITHER SIDE OF JESUS.  THE RICH MEN COULD BE MAGI WHO OFFER EXPENSIVE GIFTS, OR NICODEMUS AND JOSEPH WHO OFFER ONLY AN EMPTY TOMB.  IT’S AS THOUGH THERE WAS A MIRROR IN THE MANGER, A BIRTH REFLECTING A DEATH.  WE COME TONIGHT TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOUR, WE COME TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF JESUS, BUT WE COME TO THIS TIME OF COMMUNION TO REMEMBER THE SACRIFICE THAT HE MADE WHEN HE WENT TO THE CROSS AND WILLINGLY GAVE HIS LIFE, THAT YOU AND I, AND ALL MANKIND COULD BE FORGIVEN AND HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN WITH JESUS WHO WAS BORN TO DIE FOR OUR SINS. 

“Moore” Monday #4

THE LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT REIGNETH.  HE IS GOD, AND THERE IS NO OTHER. 

WHEN HE STANDS TO HIS FEET, HIS ENEMIES ARE SCATTERED.

 

Lord Jesus, You have revealed to us that one day, You whose name is the Word of God will be dressed in a robe dipped in blood.  The armies of heaven will follow you, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 

Out of Your mouth will come a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.  You will rule them with an iron scepter.  You will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.  On Your robe and on Your thigh You have this name written:  King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19:13-16). 
Yes, You are coming soon!  Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus!  Untin then, Your grace is with Your people (Rev. 22:20-21). 

This is another installment in my Beth Moore journey..Praying God’s Word Every Day.  Yes, He is coming.  Are you ready?  Do you think we are living in the end times?  Is there something more we have left to do?  I think we are living in the end times, and our job, our goal, is to win people over for Jesus Christ.  Lord, I just pray that You would give me the words to speak, and the wisdom and understanding that only You can provide.  Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I can move souls to reach out to you.  Amen

“Moore” Monday #3

Yes, I know it’s Thursday.  Apparently time has passed me by this week, so I’m playing catch up.  Bear with me.  I’ll explain later, but want to get this done first. 

THE PEACE OF GOD SHOULD NOT BE AN INFREQUENT

SURPRISE BUT THE ONGOING RULE OF OUR LIVES.

Father, since I have been justified through faith, I have peace with You through my Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1). 

How I praise You, my God, that in Christ and through faith in Him I may approach You with freedom and confidence!  (Eph. 3:12).  Help me to understand that the amount of faith I possess will greatly affect the freedom and confidence with which I approach You.

Father, You have written Your Word to those of us who believe in the name of the Son of God so that I may know I have eternal

 life (1 John 5:13).

Help me to know and stop doubting. 

That is from Beth Moores Praying God’s Word Day by Day.

 

I was dreaming?

I saw my hand and a rope.  I was trying to hold onto the rope, but my hand was at the end.  I could see the rope separating and starting to fray.  I was slipping, and the rope was giving away.  Then another hand envelops mine.  A worn and calloused hand.  A tanned and tattered hand.  A nail scarred hand.  It came from nowhere and covered my hand with a mighty strength, so powerful I could feel it.  Feel the flesh on mine.  And I knew it was going to be OK.  When I can no longer hold on, He, Jesus, is here to help me.  He will carry the load, and let me hang freely while He nourishes my soul with His peace and love.  He will carry me until I regain the strength to hold on and fight for myself again.  Because He loves me so much.  Thank You Lord, for answering my prayers.  Thank You for showing me this, and sending me this security.  I will follow You.  I will praise You in the storm, because You are worth it.  Thank You for grabbing my hand, and teaching me. 

Gotta Pray

Dear Heavenly Father,

 You know what I am struggling with right now.  It feels so overwhelming and incomprehensible to me, but I know You have a plan.  Your plan will work out for me, and I just need to follow it.  Help me to seek you, and be ever present for Brian.  I pray that he will hear Your call for him, and open his heart.  Thank you for your blessings and forgiveness.  Thank you for your Word. 
In Jesus Name,

Amen

“Moore” Monday #2

SELF-MADE FORTRESSES NOT ONLY KEEP LOVE FROM GOING OUT, THEY KEEP LOVE FROM COMING IN. 

 WE RISK BECOMING CAPTIVES THERE.

Faithful, loving Lord, according to Your Word, two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!  (Eccles. 4:9-10, 12)  Help me to form healthy relationships and find support in those who encourage me to get back on my feet and walk with You when I fall.  Between You, me when I’m willing, and a good friend to hold me accountable, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. 
You warn us, “He who separates himself seeks his own desire; He quarrels against all sound wisdom” (Prov. 18:1, NASB).  Help me to be very careful not to isolate myself. 

Another daily devotion from Beth Moore’s Praying God’s Word Day by Day.  I can relate to this one in particular because I have someone who tends to shut me out.  I am an emotional person, so I take this personally, when sometimes it isn’t.  That tends to make me shut that person out as well, just so my feelings don’t get hurt.  I then become captive  and isolated, thus separating myself from God and others around me. 

“Moore” Monday

I believe Beth Moore can teach a lot about prayer.  I’ve read her “Power of a Praying Wife, Mom, and Woman” books, and adapted some of the prayers into my everyday prayer life. So sorry, that would be Stormie O’Martian!  The stress of Thanksgiving has me confused still!  If you haven’t read any of Stormie’s books, I highly recommend them to anyone.  Now, back to Beth Moore, whom I have read a few books, and done some of her bible studies, including Believing God.  Please visit her website at Living Proof to see what she has to offer.  I  have 2 devotionals from her.  Praying God’s Word Day by Day, A year of Devotional Prayer, is so powerful, and speaks to me so often in times of need.  No matter what day it is, the daily devo is awesome.  I know that I’ve shared some in the past, and I have another one today. 

NONE OF US CONSISTENTLY GLORIFY GOD IN EVERYTHING WE SAY AND DO,

 BUT WE CAN STILL EXPERIENCE GENUINE LIBERATION IN CHRIST

You, the Lord my God, are my sun and shield;  You, Lord, bestow favor and honor; no good thing do You withhold from those whose walk is blameless (Ps. 84:11).

Lord, I can’t claim a blameless walk, but I ask You to please empower me to walk with You faithfully and to never cease pursuing it.  Help me, Lord, to hold unswervingly to the hope I profess, for You who promised are faithful (Heb. 10:23).

If I do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if I spend myself in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then light will rise in the darkness, and my night will become like noonday (Isa. 58:9-10).

That just put me in my place.  Empower me Lord, to do Your will, and profess Your name.  To stand by You, as You faithfully stand for all of us.  May my words honor and edify You, may my actions bring You glory.  Thank You Lord, that You faithfully love me and guide me, even when I fall short.  Thank You, for the gift of Your Son, and the salvation He brought.  Thank You for your grace, that I can be saved by faith through Your grace.  Thank You for carrying me when I succumb to the pressures, doubts and fears.  I have been blessed! 

Black Friday

We awoke, we froze, we ran, we watched them hand out the last right in front of our eyes, we were sad, we moved on, found some small things, drove somewhere else, stood in line for an hour and 40 minutes, (this time in the warmth of a store,) and we concquered!  I’ve been toast the rest of the day!  That pretty much sums it up….

This is one of the craziest things I have ever started, but I continue to do it.  Early in the week, I was excited, and looking forward to shopping.  Last night, after cooking all day, it was not top on my list.  I was looking at the ads and making my plan around 1 am.  Luckily, I had only one big ticket item for all 3 kids, and two stores had them on sale that were close in proximity to each other.  One opened at 6, the other at 7.  I thought it would work.  I believed.  And it did! 

I shared this honored tradition this year with my daughter.  Her first time to do Black Friday, I woke her up at 4:30 am.  She popped right up!  Why won’t she do that for school when she gets 2 more hours of sleep?!  Anyway, we stood in line outside of Target for 1 hour and 12 minutes.  Did I say that it was 28 degrees?  Yeah, a bit cold.  Actually, I swear my feet were frostbitten, because they hurt so badly.  When they finally opened the door and we had to run, I wasn’t sure I could.  But Brooke drug me!  She was great!  The fave part of that store is the warm Venti Chai Latte from Starbucks.  Yes, Venti.  It was so good!  We only made it to 3 stores, but it was very productive.  I want to say kudos to my friend Tiffany, because she was the ultimate power shopper.  She was out yesterday morning, and today as well.  Go Tiff! 

We came home and I took a nap.  Then Brian and Zach left for the woods again, and I had a funny thought.  I always make fun of them for getting up at 5 am to go and sit out in the woods…………..but I got up at 4 am to stand in line outside of Target to get a bargain………when they go, they wear wool socks, thermal underwear, and insulated clothing and coveralls…………I had jeans, T shirt, tennis shoes, and a coat………mental note to self-Don’t make fun of them again! 

Plans for tomorrow- My mom and dad are going to Red Lobster to celebrate their wedding anniversary.  They asked us to come, but I’m so tired, and have some dishes to finish up, and Brooke is really wanting to get the Christmas stuff our.  I don’t know yet what we’ll do, because I want to see them.  I guess tomorrow is today now, so I should sum it up.  I had fun with my baby girl today, and she is growing up so quickly.  She amazes me!  It’s something we don’t get to share a lot because she’s so busy with dance.  I’m trying so much to instill a strong faith in my children, and pray they seek the Lord with all their might.  They are all such a blessing to me, and I feel the weight to teach them these things.  It seems that Thanksgiving and Christmas are difficult times for my husband, and I just pray fervently that his heart will be open to receiving Christ.  That we can share the power of the Holy Spirit in our family, and praise God for everything.  Blessings to you all!

Inspiration

I just wanted to share a quick devotion from Beth Moore’s Praying God’s Word Day by Day.  This one is from last week, on the 14th of November. 

BELIEVE EVEN WHEN YOU DO NOT FEEL.  KNOW EVEN WHEN YOU DO NOT SEE. 

HE GAVE THE LIFE OF HIS SON TO DEMONSTRATE HIS LOVE.

BELIEVE!

Lord God, Your Word says that You love the just and will not forsake Your faithful ones.  They will be protected forever (Psalm 37:28). My justification is found in Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:30).  He is faithful even when I am not (2 Tim 2:13).  Thank you, Father, that I can be absolutely sure You will never leave me or forsake me, because I am in Jesus (Heb. 13:5).  O God, how I THANK YOU that a lack of faith will never nullify Your faithfulness (Rom. 3:3).  You will remain faithful, for You cannot disown Yourself (2Tim 2:13).  Lord, help me to know that I belong to the truth, and set my heart at rest in Your presence (1 John 3:19). 

He is faithful, I am free and my heart is at rest, because of Him!  Thank You Lord!