What's On My Heart
The Crown of Thorns Precedes the Crown of Glory
Hello Everyone,
I was reading Isaiah 52:14. The crown of thorns precedes the crown of glory and I got to thinking. We can’t have the next step in a closer relationship without going through a few trials and tribulations. For it is in those refining fires that we are tested and ‘enlightened” as to who we are and Whose we are. You see, in the fire there is light, understanding and comprehension. This is where we call on our God, who is the only one who is able to help us in our time of need. This is where you must have faith and believe that our God loves us and will protect us and save us in whatever situation that we are going through. Notice that I said in whatever situation. He doesn’t take us out of all of our present calamities, but is present with us in them. Just as He will take us through our difficulties. No one said it would be easy or quick, but we will walk out of those refining fires to a new level of maturity and an even closer relationship with our Savior and Redeemer.
Lay your burdens at the cross, at the feet of the only One who has the power to do anything about them. Always trust and believe that He loves you and has your best interests at heart.
Give Thanks in Advance
Give thanks in advance. That shows God that you have every confidence in Him that He has the power to do anything that you ask of Him. You put no restraints on God and His abilities. You can look forward with anticipation, to watching out for God’s everyday miracles.
Just as a child will ask a parent for what he perceives a “big thing”, knowing that as an adult, mommy or daddy can make that happen. So too, we should come to our Father in heaven with our requests. The BIG difference is that our heavenly Father can do ANYTHING…big or small. He isn’t limited by the flaws of human nature as we are.
So thank Him in advance for the things in your life that you want to come to pass. Remember though, it’s His timing and His will above our own. But don’t worry, as the ultimate parent, He always has your best interests at heart. Thanks Dad.
Love,
Your Girl ♥
Making Prayer Personal
Today, I’d like to talk to you about prayer. Prayer is, in its simplest form, conversation with God. A pull up a chair, kick off your shoes and let’s have an intimate chat. Notice I said intimate, because it’s personal. Prayer, in my opinion, should not be a rote memorization of what you learned as a kid. That’s fine for when you were a kid, but you’re a big girl/boy now! God’s desire is to always be close to you, but it’s a two way street. You have to do your part and seek to establish your end of the relationship with Him. How do we do that? Answer: Prayer, which is just talking to God about anything and everything. Believe me, He’s interested. He wants to know what you’re thinking; He’ll entertain your questions and concerns, and He delights in hearing the praise of His people. You should be doing the praise part constantly!
I like to think of the Lord taking me by the hand as I walk out the door in the morning, and going through the day with me, just like you and your best friend would spend the day together. We talk constantly and I try to always remember to compliment Him on the beauty of His creation. So, sit down and have a chat with Yeshua, go ahead…right now! When you’re waiting in line at the grocery store, stuck in traffic, out on a walk, or my favorite, in the garden, anytime is the perfect time to talk to God.
Here’s an example of how you can personalize your prayers. Try it, it’s fun. And the more you practice being intimate with God, the more you will see your relationship grow and blossom. You’ll find it as natural as picking up the phone. “ Hello, God?…It’s me!”
Margie’s “Our Father” Prayer
My Father, who art in heaven
(And on the earth and every other place in this universe)
Hallowed be Thy Name.
(Kept holy by me all the days of my life.)
Thy Kingdom come,
(Soon and forever,)
Thy Will be done,
(For only You know what is right and what is best,)
On earth as it is in heaven.
(As heaven is the model for everything good and perfect, so let it be fulfilled here on earth.)
Please give me this day, my daily bread.
(Thank You for supplying all of my needs, not wants, on a day by day basis.)
And forgive me my trespasses,
(Thank You for going to the cross on my behalf, and forgiving my sins…past, present and future,)
As I should forgive those who trespass against me.
(Thank You, my Father, for modeling how I should behave toward those who do me wrong.)
And lead me not into temptation,
(Holy Spirit, speak to me loud and clear when I entertain those thoughts and actions that I should steer clear of,)
But deliver me from evil.
(Keep my mind and heart fixed on You and keep my eyes focused on heaven.)
Amen!
(All praise, honor, and glory be to You and You alone, my Father. Amen!)
- Margie Merenda