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"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 NIV

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Preapproved and Accepted

I keep receiving letters in the mail from financial institutions and other businesses that used to make me frustrated but now make me smile. The writing on the envelope usually says in big, bold letters, "You are Preapproved," or "Accepted, Regardless of Your History!"

While shredding the most recent note, something stirred inside me. I am preapproved; I am accepted, but not in the way they imply.


If Abraham, by what he did for God, got God to approve him, he could certainly have taken credit for it. But the story we’re given is a God-story, not an Abraham-story. What we read in Scripture is, “Abraham entered into what God was doing for him, and that was the turning point. He trusted God to set him right instead of trying to be right on his own." (Romans 4:2-3 MSG)

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7 NIV)

I do not have to worry about my past because I am accepted regardless of my history. I am preapproved for the glorious eternity that awaits me. All I have to do is believe in the one who spread his arms wide on a cross to ensure I would never be rejected.

Now, those are wonderful reminders to receive in the mail - often!

Lord, judging by the frequency I receive these letters, you must enjoy reminding me of these facts over and over again. Help me to live fully from the acceptance you give freely and to share that with others around me. Amen.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Purposeful Prayer for My Husband

I have been saying it for over a decade now: I need to pray more for my husband. Not that I don't pray for him, I just know I could be more purposeful about it. Who else has the opportunity to intercede for him on such a deep, personal level?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

God tells me not to be anxious, but to bring everything (and everyone) before him in prayer. So, I decided to make a visual reminder of what requests I want to pray circles around for my best friend. Since I have been making a few necklaces for myself lately, I chose to use beads. I picked out beads that stand for different areas of my husband's life (past, work, relationship with God, purity, our marriage, etc...), strung them together, and hung them next to my kitchen sink. This way, I am not only praying for him more, I am dreading doing the dishes less.


 ... pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. (James 5:16b AMP)

I am excited to see what God will do in his life over the next (well prayed over) decade.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me a best friend to walk hand in hand with through this life. Help me to circle his life and our family in prayer often, so that we may experience your tremendous power at work first hand. Amen.

 .

Monday, September 3, 2012

Show Me Your Glory

Standing on a bridge, overlooking a picturesque pond and fountain, my conversation with God went something like this:

Me: "I want to see your glory, but I'll settle for seeing that huge orange striped goldfish up close. Would you please make him swim this way so I can have a better look?"

God:

Me: "He's not moving. I know you can do anything. Is it too much to ask to make him move his tail just a little and turn toward me?"

God:

Me: "Okay, I get it. You are in control of all, but sometimes the answer is no. I don't have to always understand why."

God: "Remember the hummingbird you saw at the feeder earlier and how you marveled at the speed of it's wings? That was a gift to you, a sneak peak of my glory. Remember the rainbows of light your son noticed on the wall this morning? That was for you as well. Look all around and you will see me and my glory."

Before leaving, I glanced at the faint shape of the fish in the distance one last time, and thought about the glory that will be revealed to all someday. Some of it is still out of reach, but one day all will be seen clearly. Turning to go, I came face to face with a large praying mantis bug clinging to the wall beside me, and laughed out loud.

Me: "Thank you, Lord, for making me laugh. I will try to appreciate the gifts you give me in your perfect timing."

God: "I love you!"

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1 NIV)

...We look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. (Titus 2:13 NLT)

"Show Me Your Glory" by Jesus Culture