Author: restoreroflostvoices

Spring Beckons Humility

restoreroflostvoices

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1: 9 NASB

Spring summons us to work, rest, and play; but it also beckons humility. I’d searched for glimpses of green growth stretching forth from the mulch, but I’d missed them. I had to kneel. My grandsons joined me on the ground, and we marveled at the miniature daffodils that had burst through. Spring offers us an opportunity to bow, to dig in the dirt, weed, and plant— clear cluttered thoughts and re-frame false beliefs with Truth. We must be rid of false gods and idols.

Spring beckons us to bow, to confess and repent from sinful patterns of relating to God and others. Sin separates us from God and causes division amongst believers. However, confession and repentance restore our relationship with God and others. Repentance means to turn from our iniquity and return to God. We admit our wrongdoing and choose holiness; and He forgives. Besides, He heals what we bring into the light.

God also offers us a new way to relate to ourselves. When we perceive ourselves as beloved children of God, we’re equipped to choose life over self-injury, love and self-care over hate. Likewise, our negative self-talk is silenced. We learn to respect our hurt and limitations; and we cling to Truth. We accept compliments and praise, rather than flick them away like a pesky crumb.  And we take notice of others and offer the same.

Spring beckons Humility. Unity is possible. Deliverance and redemption. Freedom and peace. Believe! In repentance and rest we will be saved. Strength comes to the soul who trusts the Lord. He makes a way in the quiet; therefore, dig deep, confess sin and re-frame false beliefs. Recognize the lies and declare Truth:

Lie – I am unloved- Truth – I am loved! God is love. 1 John 4:8; Though the mountains be shaken and hills be removed, my unfailing love for you will not be shaken . . . Isaiah 54: 10
Lie– I’m alone- Truth– I have a Helper, Keeper, Protector who never tires/sleeps. Psalm 121
Lie-I’m invisible, ugly- Truth- I’m seen and known; fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139
Lie-I’m forgotten, abandoned- Truth– Never will I leave you or forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
Lie– I’m worthless, defenseless- Truth– A Mighty Warrior sings over me! Zephaniah 3:17
Lie– I’m ruined/marred- Truth– I’m chosen! A child of the King. Royalty. I Peter 2: 9

Lord, the enemy of our soul daily feeds us with lies.
May your Truth help us to stand unashamed.

In Him alone,

Lily Mae

For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah 30:15 NASB

Spring Summons Work, Rest, and Play

restoreroflostvoices

“Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you.”
Deuteronomy 5:12 NASB

Many have no problem seeing the dust and clutter that accumulated through winter’s bury under blankets . . . spring silently summons us to work. We pull on our gloves and clean walls, windows, curtains, and cupboards, and clear the yard’s debris. However, God also created time and place away from work so we could be refreshed. As a young mother, it was hard to let go of my “To-do List!” However, I am challenging you to work, rest, AND PLAY . . . to pull your mud boots on and search for some puddles to stomp in with your children and/or grandchildren!

The Sons of Israel forgot God’s faithfulness during their wilderness wanderings. They saw His miracles as He delivered them from bondage and led them by cloud during the day and fire by night. He fed them manna from heaven and water from a rock; yet, they craved the fish, melons, and cucumbers of Egypt. God gave the Ten Commandments as a secure foundation to conduct their lives. The first four applied to their relationship with Him; they were commanded not to serve other gods and idols, and warned not to take the Lord’s name in vain. They were also instructed to keep the Sabbath holy. The Ten commandments are relevant today.

 The Sabbath is set apart. It’s a gift of rest from God. Besides, rest is worship. It’s a break from work, an intermission and opportunity; and it was part of God’s plan from the start of creation. Rest revives us. Since God rested on the seventh day, let’s follow His example.

 In our home, singing is a way of life. It is part of our work, rest, and play . . . and trust me, no one can sing well. It’s why we choose to sing “Happy Birthday” loud and crazy, each with their own tune and beat! The grandchildren and I also sing prayers before meals and songs at nap time; and we sing silly to overcome fear and stress, and teach discipline and routines. Singing changes our hearts. Therefore, how much more will we be transformed when God sings over us?

A few summers ago, I jotted in my journal, “Lord, show me your humor.” I grew up in a household with little laughter; and so, few things struck me as funny. Later that morning, my daughter and I’d planned a trip to Shores Sisters, and we’d stopped at Song of Bread Bakery on the way. When she stepped out, she shrieked and pretended to step over a snake to scare her four-year-old son. She’s been known to prank her brothers in similar ways. We laughed, and I thought nothing of it . . . until we hit the cliffs near Wysox. The clouds that nearly touched the road added to our adventure. My grandson was awestruck. However, my daughter admitted that she didn’t like driving through the rocky crags. No sooner had I questioned her dislike, we broke through a cloud, and a monster vulture swept down and almost hit our windshield. It’s like he squawked “Boo!” Then he was gone. Shrieks of laughter erupted. God had pranked His children.

 Spring summons us to work, rest, and play. God says to come to Him as a child; they are curious and easily captivated, open, trusting, and playful. Our Mighty Warrior sings over us with love and reveals His wit. So, splash in puddles. Climb the apple trees. Skip rocks. Blow bubbles!

Be blessed,

Lily Mae

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3: 17 NASB

Compete With Horses

restoreroflostvoices

          “If you have run with footmen and they have tired you out, then how can you compete with horses? If you fall down in a land of peace, how will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? For even your brothers and the household of your father, even they have dealt treacherously with you, even they have cried aloud after you. Do not believe them, although they may say nice things to you.” Jeremiah 12: 5,6 NASB

 

Jeremiah had faced the hostile and perilous plots of his family members and close comrades. They roared against him, defiant and stubborn, and hoped to cut him off from the land of the living so that his name was forgotten. They planned to silence him by murder. He was like an innocent lamb led to slaughter. He was weary from holding in the weight of Jerusalem’s doom. Judgement was imminent. God’s people had ignored the plight of the poor, orphans, and widows. Furthermore, wicked prophets had offered false peace to Israel; her healing was superficial.

God had called Jeremiah before he was born to speak hard things; however, he was weary. There seemed to be no Balm in Gilead, no cure or safe refuge; and no trustworthy person. Jeremiah cried to the Lord in desperation; his tent was torn down and his flocks were scattered. The weeping prophet’s wound appeared incurable. (Jeremiah 10:19-21)

The Lord gently chastised Jeremiah by saying that if he ran with men, and they tired him out, how could he compete with horses? Horses anticipate the battle; their nostrils flare and snort, and they whinny with the wind. They kick their hooves into the dirt and dust, and take off unafraid. They own the rugged race. To run against mighty stallions, Jeremiah had to look straight ahead. He couldn’t compare himself to others in the race, nor listen to their voices.

If Jeremiah grew weak and stumbled with small hurdles, how would he endure when the battle raged? If he fell in the land of peace, what would happen when the river flooded?

Floods often leave behind a path of destruction. Volunteers must clear debris and waste; and drywall must be stripped to its framework to bleach and purify the studs. Light is also essential to dry out the homes, churches, and businesses. Otherwise, mold and mildew set in.

     Jeremiah had to tune out the cynics, focus, and get to work. God demanded holiness! 

The challenge continues today. Compete with horses. Set your gaze on Jesus. Don’t let doubt, distractions, or comparison thinking sideline your efforts. Don’t dread the dirt and ditches left behind by broken people. Learn to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. We lose ground when we compare ourselves to others. But Jesus’ example sets us free.

     Jesus is love. He is gracious and merciful and compassionate; and He is mighty to save!

Let the thunder of mighty hoofs spur you on. The race may be difficult; and things could get worse. But victory belongs to the Lord!

Ready. Set. Go!

Lily Mae 

     God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you who He is. 

Oswald Chambers.

     

 

 

 

 

Come as a Child

restoreroflostvoices

At the time Jesus answered and said, “I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes.” Matthew 11: 25 NASB

Our middle grandson was curled up in my lap to read The Donkey’s Day Out by Ann Pilling. A friendship was forged between Fred, an old, tired donkey, and Tarquin, a nervous, moody stallion. Fred missed his mother and cow friends who’d been taken away, and Tarquin longed for his mother who was killed in a horse-box crash. Tarquin wouldn’t compete in races unless Fred was watching nearby. The story progresses to when Fred is ridden in a Palm Sunday play, and he realizes it’s the most important story he’s ever heard. But I never made it to the end.

Midway through, my grandson turned to look me square in the eye and said, “Mima, I love you, and I don’t want you to die.” I swallowed the lump in my throat, his pain and mine, and reassured him that I was healthy; I didn’t think I’d be dying any time soon. I explained that one of my grandmothers had lived till she was a hundred. The question that followed had me laughing through my tears, “Mima, are you one hundred?”

To lighten the moment, I sounded indignant, “No, sweet child! Do I look it?” He then wanted to know how many years till I get to one hundred. I told him that I hope to dance at his wedding and rock his babies in my arms. And that is a long way off! 

Nevertheless, I took the opportunity to remind him that when we die, God promises that we will be reunited with our loved ones who’ve already passed away, his sister, other grandmother, and great grandfathers. God also says there will be no more tears in heaven. He didn’t miss a beat with his piercing gaze, “Mima, there will only be happy tears in heaven!” 

     Our Father, Lord of heaven and earth, reveals truth to children. 

In most of the cities where Jesus did miracles, He wasn’t accepted; His family rejected Him; and people refused to turn from their wicked ways. They saw the lame, blind, and sick healed. They witnessed the unclean outcast brought back to community. And a boy’s lunch fed a crowd. Yet, their hearts were hardened; the wise and intelligent missed what was offered. 

Fred, the donkey, had faithfully stood by his friend so he could compete in races and win. However, it was Fred who was chosen to carry a King; and my grandson who proclaimed hope.  Then again, I leaned in to love.

God remembers the lonely and left behind. 

There is rest for the weary and troubled, quiet and peace for the oppressed and tormented. Come to the Father; take His yoke and learn from Him. He is gentle and humble of heart; He is the answer to all our questions.   

It truly is simple.

Come as a child,

Lily Mae

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Matthew 11: 28: 30

     

 

 

 

 

Grace in the Wilderness

restoreroflostvoices

“The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness—Israel, when it went to find rest.” The Lord appeared to him from afar saying “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you with loving kindness. Again, I will build you and you will be rebuilt.” Jeremiah 31: 1-4 a NASB

My father’s birthday was this week. He passed away unexpectedly in 2019 and left a graveyard of dry bones for me to unearth. I still haven’t had the stomach nor the energy to ponder the pain of his demons that he disclosed right before his death. I can’t imagine how he carried them at all. I struggled to know how to honor his memory. He didn’t know how to love without conditions. He had little sense of humor and didn’t know how to play with his shy and angry ragamuffin. Furthermore, he was a harsh disciplinarian. 

I never felt good enough—not plain, modest, spiritual, smart, or happy enough . . . he held me at arm’s length to hug me. But now I understand!

And that is enough.

I have a heavenly Father who calls me beloved. He called me by name and created me with purpose. He is wild about me. He delights in me and sings over me with His song! (Zephaniah 3:17) He has healed me with His Word. (Psalm 107: 20) He leads me with ties of love. Gentleness. Forgiveness became possible. And so, I’m forgiven! He alone is rebuilding my ruins and restoring my waste places. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!

You see, if I were truthful, I’m my father’s daughter. He was a hard worker, meticulous to a T. He washed and shined his cars most Saturdays . . . even when he came to visit. I also cleaned house like clockwork and vacuumed as Ken packed the last suitcase when we left for vacation. Few things made me laugh! I’m reminded of a dialog with a co-worker that occurred decades ago . . . I fell into belly laughs, the kind that leave you weak, because we realized at the same time what the other was actually saying. She was asking me, “Do you eat brown eggs?” (She had some to share from her farmstead.) I replied, “We-eat-eggs.” To which she questioned with puzzlement, “Wheat eggs?” We went round and round. She repeating me, till I thought she was calling brown eggs, wheat eggs. Now, that was funny stuff. But it doesn’t happen often. Besides, it took me a long time to love without walls and fighting words and gritty-stubborn grins. But God!

‘For I will restore you to health; and I will heal you of your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘Because they have called you an outcast, saying: “It is Zion; no one cares for her.”’ Jeremiah 30: 17 NASB

The Lord sets the lonely in families. He has blessed me with children and grandchildren who have taught me to play and sing—to love wide and free, without conditions and restraint, like I have nothing to lose! And to sit and listen longer. Likewise, he’s blessed me with a partner who taught me to laugh at his silly antics and jokes—his mission is to make me laugh and see myself correctly. Christ’s view alone! 

So today, I’m snickering as I remember my dad hitting the softball and flying around to third base, with his “comb-over cap” letting loose like a victory flag . . . and his naked knees getting all dirtied-up as he slid into home base. I know you’re free now dad; and so am I!

Thank you for teaching me in your last years that Jesus loved women, the orphan, widow, and outcast . . . the stranger and the alien and that our voice matters. Thank you for instilling in me a love for the gospel and Christian ministry. 

Grace is found in the wilderness,

Lily Mae

Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them in My arms; But they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, and I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; and I bent down and fed them. Hosea 11; 3, 4 NASB

Integrity’s Attire

restoreroflostvoices

Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Thy face—even Jacob. Selah.  Psalm 24: 3-6 NASB

My grandson built a tent castle and handed me a queen’s hat and necklace. Then he donned his king’s cap and eagle wings. His baby brother didn’t want to miss out on the fun; and so, he grabbed his wool hat and a sea shell strand. We turned a basket upside down; and set our “table” with fine linens and fancy tea cups. I was about to have tea with two charming chaps. And proper manners and attire were required.

The earth belongs to the Lord. Who may climb the hill of the Lord and stand before Him? For the King of Glory is holy. He too requires proper attire; but it’s not based on outer appearances. He desires that we dress with integrity—our inner motives as clean as our hands and manners. We must rid ourselves of false gods and beliefs, lies and deception, and inane, worthless, idols.       

With proper posture, we come to the Lord as children, simply trusting in His goodness.

Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all. Luke 18:17 NASB

The procession begins with humility, confession and consecration; our hearts opened to the Lord. We consider what bars our praise—sin, fear, doubt, insecurity, people approval, addictions, complacency, and unforgiveness. We bow and give thanks; and sing our song. Even the gates and ancient doors joined in worship as they opened for the King. And He grants us new perspective. He alone has made us worthy. His shed blood paid our debt. Therefore, we seek the Lord’s face and come unified to worship. He is the Creator of the Universe, Mighty Warrior, King of Glory and Lord of Hosts.

And He desires intimacy with us.

Friends and family were gathered, Teddy bears, bunnies, ducks, Piglet, and Winnie the Pooh; and tea and cookies were served. Memories were made with the spills and crumbs. We’re a generation who seeks the Lord, children of a holy God; and He loves us. He is present in our tent making, tea pouring, singing, and play. And He blesses the weak, thirsty, and inexperienced.   

Lift up your heads, O gates! Lift up your heads, O ancient doors!

Lift up your heads, dear children!

Open your hearts that the King of Glory may come in!

Receive the gift.

Join the procession,

Lily Mae

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51: 10 NASB

What is the Matter?

restoreroflostvoices

God heard the lad crying; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him by the hand, for I will make a great nation of him.” Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water; and she went and filled the skin with water and gave the lad a drink. Genesis 21: 17- 19 NASB

The angel of God found Hagar in the wilderness, engaged her heart, and sent her home.

     However, tensions grew between Sarai and Hagar until Abraham sent Hagar and her son away with a measly sack of bread and water. She wandered in the desert till the lad cried, and she was weary, parched, and feared dying. A second time, the angel of the Lord called to her, “What is the matter with you, Hagar?”

     At this point, I may have been as speechless as David in Psalm 39 when he couldn’t say a word, good or bad. Surely, God saw Hagar’s pain and misery; and she’d obeyed His commands! Nevertheless, her circumstances hadn’t changed. It’s understandable if she had feelings of rejection, betrayal, fear, desperation, powerlessness, loneliness, and anger. It would be difficult to return to a mean and demanding employer, even more so, a husband who was old enough to be her father. Hagar had nothing left to sustain her or her child. She was desperate; but God heard the child’s cries and reassured her, “Do not fear . . . for I will make a great nation of Ishmael.”

     Then God opened Hagar’s eyes; there was a well nearby; and He’d never left her side!

     What if the King of the universe was to ask you, “What is the matter with you?” How would you respond? Pour out your heart to Him. It doesn’t have to sound sweet or agreeable or correct. He doesn’t want religious rhetoric and rehearsals, formal cushions, or pretty-painted pretense. Instead, He wants our raw, unfiltered emotions. Even though He is El-Roi, the God who sees all; He also wants to hear it all—from start to finish.

     God commanded Hagar to rise—to stand and lift up her child, take him by the hand, and lead. What duty, charge, relationship, ministry, or church effort is God calling you to take hold of? Stand in God’s confidence, unafraid and secure in His love, care, provision, and protection. Despair, weakness, and powerlessness make room for Him to work His will and way. He begins here. Like Hagar, He will grant us new strength, purpose, and perspective.

 Today, pour your heart out to the Lord. He is the God who sees and hears you.

Be blessed,

Lily Mae

God was with the lad, and he grew; and he lived in the wilderness and became an archer. Genesis 21:20 NASB

El Roi: God Sees

restoreroflostvoices

 I was mute and silent, I refrained even from good, and my sorrow grew worse.
And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You. Psalm 39: 2, 7 NASB

 

     David, a mighty warrior, laments his sin. He is a squatter before a holy God. His heart is heavy . . . feelings and thoughts blaze; he guards his tongue, even though he has no words, good or bad. Silence doesn’t ease his pain. His only hope is to pour out his sorrow to the one who grants breath. Therefore, David cries out, “Turn your gaze from me that I may smile again!”

     David wasn’t the first to struggle with despair, nor will he be the last! 

     The Lord took note of Sarai’s barrenness and recalled His promise to her; and she became pregnant at an age most woman rock to their past lullabies and put themselves to sleep. Still, God’s blessing wasn’t enough to quench Sarai’s jealousy, and she turned on her slave. Hagar fled her abusive mistress, but the angel of the Lord found her in the desert and commanded her to return and submit to her authority. The angel of the Lord blessed Hagar and promised to multiply her descendants through a son named Ishmael. 

     Ishmael means “God hears!” Hagar was reminded daily of Truth when she called her son by name. 

     A mighty, fallen warrior and a rejected slave lifted up their voices and wept; and God heard them.   

     The Psalms are full of examples of God responding to David’s cries for help and deliverance. In Psalm 3, when David cried out, God answered from His holy mountain, and David lay down unafraid and slept.

God addressed Hagar, “Where have you come from, and where are you going?” Tell me about it! Hagar called the Lord “El Roi,” for He is a strong God who sees all. However, God not only saw her troubles, He wanted her to pour out her heart and misery to Him. And God desires the same of us! 

     There are days and weeks and winters where grief smacks us voiceless and motionless, and we cannot see past the briars and branches to the well of refreshment that God provides. However, He is unafraid of our emotions, the fleeing, flailing, fisting and dead-weight of defeat. And He invites us to draw near to Him.

Whatever you face today, whether you’re the fallen fighter, weary parent, or oppressed worker, God sees. And He longs for you to speak with Him. Choose intimacy. Be blessed!

Trusting in Jesus,

Lily Mae       

So Sarai treated her harshly and she fled from her presence. Now the angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness . . . and He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from and where are you going?” And she said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.” Genesis 16: 6-8 NASB

 

 

 

 

Hallelujah!

restoreroflostvoices

 

 

Praise God, everybody! Applaud God, all people! His love has taken over our lives; God’s faithful ways are eternal. Hallelujah! Psalm 117 The Message

 

Tucked in the middle of the Bible, in the smallest of Psalms and chapters, is a simple message—
God’s loving-kindness prevails over us; His faithfulness has no end!

From the beginning of Genesis, we have reason to praise the Creator of the heavens and earth. Everything God made was pronounced good. He looked beyond Israel’s borders and delivered His people from oppression. He gifts redemptive Truth. Sin and death were conquered through Jesus’ shed blood. The curse of Genesis ends; and victory is had in the revelation of Jesus Christ and a new heaven and earth. One day we will drink from the River of Life, and there will be no more pain and sorrow. What God has promised, He will fulfill. 

We have reason to worship. We are seen, known, forgiven, and loved! 

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so is God’s great love for those who fear Him. He is good and faithful to all generations. (Psalm 103:1; Psalm 100: 5; Psalm 146:6)  

John MacArthur states, “Worship is honor and adoration directed to God.” It’s giving to God through our songs, praises, work, ministries, and gratitude. Worship is seen in how we relate to our friends, neighbors, coworkers, earthly families, and brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s also observed in how we handle tests and trials, losses and heartaches, failures and victories. We choose to worship despite our circumstances. 

Like an infected flesh wound, an emotional wound can’t be ignored, dismissed, or forgotten. When hurts remain, changed circumstances don’t ease our pain or redirect our focus. Instead, our pain often comes out sideways in the form of spewed words and/or harmful coping strategies. Our wound must be cleansed well; and lies re-framed with Truth; or else, we return to Egypt. 

God delivered Israel the long way, through the wilderness, so they wouldn’t return to Egypt. Likewise, our healing journey isn’t a destination, but a process; and it gives us reason to worship. We choose praise in the middle, before we see or understand what lies beyond the next bend. For worship is a way of life. 

The light of the Savior, His love and Truth, restores our souls. 

Who are we that God has brought us thus far?  

Shout a Hallelujah! Praise Yahweh. He is the breath of our very existence. Intimacy defines His divine nature.

Jesus, You alone are worthy. You heal our waste places. The voice of the bride, Your church, gives thanks for You are good! 

Singing Your praises,

Lily Mae

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Yet again there shall be heard in this place of which you say, “It is a waste” . . . the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who say, “Give thanks to the Lord of Hosts, for the Lord is good, for His loving-kindness is everlasting.” Jeremiah 33: 10, 11NASB   

 

Persist in Prayer

restoreroflostvoices

Persist in Prayer

     How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
Psalm 13: 1, 2 NASB

     David laments his circumstances and cries out to God. His enemy rejoices over him in victory. Where is God? Fear and despair cripple him until he recalls God’s loving kindness. David remembers his salvation and trusts in God’s deliverance; and so, he breaks out in song.

     When trials overcome us, it’s easy to focus on the problem and cycle with the debris and anticipated fallout. We often forget God’s promises. However, God is near; and He longs to help us. Like David, we must pray!

     Jesus teaches us how to pray in Luke 11. For starters, we are to pray in His powerful name. He encourages us to ask for our daily bread, our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. God created us with needs: love, intimacy, respect, rest, peace, physical well-being, acceptance, and security are just a few. He alone will meet our needs. 

     God also desires our humble confession and repentance from sin; and promises to forgive us; but we must forgive others as well. Then again, we are to pray that we not be led into temptation. Our sin originates in our thought life. We must stop the trash train before it leaves the station.  

     Jesus provides two parables about prayer in Luke 11, the Persistent Friend and Good Father. How long do we persist in prayer? We pray with urgency, like a famished beggar at nightfall. The friend finally opens the door and gives the caller what he wants, not because of their friendship, but because his friend is relentless.

     Finally, the Good Father challenges us to ask, seek, and knock, and the door will be opened. Children of God can expect and trust in the help of the Holy Spirit. He is our Helper. Counselor. Guide. With prayer, we invite Him into our lives—our loss, hurts, heartache, physical pain, work, ministry, and home. Any kingdom divided against itself will fall, and any home wrought with strife, anger and bitterness, will come to ruin. Therefore, we must ask for the Holy Spirit’s help.

     The Holy Spirit is a good gift from the Father!  

     David was weary and felt abandoned until He cried out for mercy and enlightenment. With fresh vision he remembered the Lord’s loving kindness and began to sing. Maybe you can relate; if so, persist in prayer. Tell the Lord what you need and pray in Jesus’ name. Welcome the Holy Spirit and sing praises to the Lord for His good gift.

Lord, we welcome your presence. We confess our doubt and tendency toward self-sufficiency. We wait on you and trust in your goodness until we see a breakthrough. In your precious, holy name, Jesus! Amen

Choosing to sing,

Lily Mae

     My adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. But I have trusted in Your loving kindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13: 4-6 NASB