A Morning Briefing of a totally different sort. This is an invitation to go to the beach or a meadow, to a hillside or backyard chair or just someplace that is off your beaten path~print this out and take it with you. I cordially invite you to a time of solitude... ~a time of serenity One of the greatest attacks of the enemy is to make you busy, to make you hurried, to make you noisy, to make you distracted, to fill the people of God and the Church of God with so much noise and activity that there is no room for prayer. There is no room for being alone with God. There is no room for silence. There is no room for meditation. Paul Washer Turns out, "In quietness and trust is your strength."Isaiah 30.15, NASB Make an appointment with God and in your solitude, reconnect with him. ~a time of scripture meditation Ask God to open your heart and mind as you read and contemplate these two verses from the word: "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8.28 For some, those are familiar words, but read them again, and think about "all things" that make up who you are-things that bring you joy, trials you have endured, loving people and relationships you have in your life, present challenges, gifts and talents you possess. Joseph said this to his brothers, [remember Joseph, whose jealous brothers sold him into slavery? Years later after God elevated him to power in Egypt, the brothers came for food, not knowing it was their brother Joseph, (as they assumed he was dead), who now held their fate in his hands (Genesis 42-50) . . . this same Joseph showed them mercy.
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Joseph to his brothers How have you seen God use "all things" - especially the really difficult things in your life for good?There are people who have no doubt hurt you - some of whom do not care, others who may not even know they have hurt you, situations that have set you back... In every circumstance, when there comes a "but God," redemption and hope are alive. ~a time of prayer How about praying according to the following framework? The widespread Mercy** Express thanks to God. "I thank Thee, God, for _____" "I thank Thee for _____" Continue thanking God for the many things for which you are grateful. Intercession- Love sees faces, not a mass. Bear on your heart the burden of those for whom you pray. Pray for those who need God to act in their lives. Petition-We should not fear to lift our earthly needs before eternal eyes for we are held in Eternal Love. Ask God for his favor in your life. Psalm 90.17. Ask God for wisdom. James 1.5 Wisdom includes guidance and direction, knowledge and understanding, discretion and prudence. Adoration- Because God is so good, offer him praise for his goodness. And then, prayer ends "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen" Amen: so let it be. ~ a time of listening If possible, take a prayer walk. Listen, look for God. Perhaps he will reveal something of himself or something about yourself. Ask God to show you "all things" that he has or is working together for good in your life. And then, if you have "things" for God to repair or redeem in your life ... or if you have "things" you drag along behind you that you need to let God take for you ... Find a rock, and as a gesture of letting God take your "all things," get out in the open and throw that rock as far as you are able. Amen. Spending a set apart time with God is so good, Christine |