2011

God alone is our Deliverer

What I am learning from reading Running Scared by Edward T. Welch...

• "The lessons of yesterday, don't always carry over into today. Worries go right back to their worry, and God repeats his mighty acts. God alone is the Deliverer."
• "God is the one who tests and he will test you. Control freaks and worriers are being told that the challenges of life are ordained by the Father and King. " These tests will reveal our own hearts to us and point us back to God thus forming a more intimate relationship with Him.
• "The tests follow a particular pattern: God will give us what we need for today and today alone. Fears and worries live in the future, trying to assure a good outcome in a potentially hard situation. God gives on only what we need when we need it. He wants us to trust him in the future rather than our own self -protective plans."
• "Worry and fear are about danger, perceived needs, and being out of control." By adhering to a Sabbath rest, you acknowledge that God alone is in control. By resting, You are saying, I will practice trusting you for today as well as tomorrow.

Today I am thankful for...

• Another beautiful day.
• The Princess is feeling much better.
• The beautiful pink blooms on the peach trees.
• Spending time brushing My Little Ponies with the Princess last night.
• God is my Deliverer and Jesus is my Savior.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for today. Thank you for giving me some peace. I am so grateful that you are my Deliverer. Help me to find time to prepare for a Sabbath rest tomorrow. I love you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

God is Near

What I am learning from the book Running Scared by Edward T. Welch...

God does not listen to our prayers because of our worthiness or the quality of our prayers. He hears because He is the God Who Hears. It is better to not be consumed with how often or how long you pray, a better approach is to "know God as the One Who Hears and remember the many stories of how he listens". "Every instance of God hearing is followed by his mighty acts."

Today I am thankful for...

• Another beautiful day.
• My friend Shannon.

Dear heavenly Father, I love you. Help me to remember to take time out to pray and spend time just being quiet before you. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

Overcoming Fear

My journal to trusting God more in order to overcome anxiety and fear....

Lord teach me to number my days so that I may obtain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Dedicate this year to Communion with God by:

• Speaking truth aloud to myself, to God, as I work: You are here, close, and I love You, Lord. This work is my song of praise to You.
  
• Singing love songs after meals, as I put away the laundry: Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, naught be all else to me, save that thou art.
  
• Clinging to Him when the day and I unravel: Give me grace, Father. You are here and You’re my help. I need You!
  
• Pausing, intentionally and purposefully, to pray at set times throughout the day: O God of heaven and earth, I bow low… (From Ann @ http://www.aholyexperience.com/search/label/Communion)

I also need to learn to slow down and be Thankful. So today I am Thankful for:

• A beautiful day.
• The smell of the candle from our prayer spot. Reminding me that my prayers do go up to heaven before a holy and loving God.
• The Princess only has a fever and seems to feel relatively ok.
• For the Builders precious smile.
• My husband if faithful and loyal.
• My husband still has a job. Thank you Lord for providing!
• I have no pain today!

My prayer for today:

Father, please take away this anxiety. You tell us over and over again in Your Word "Do not be afraid". Help me to experience this! Help me to remember to commune with you today. Help me to remember to be Thankful for You say to "Give thanks in all things". Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.