Saturday, July 18, 2015

God, Please Lead and Guide Me



“Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.”
Psalm 31:3 (NIV)

               Just prior to this verse David has established that God is his rock and his fortress-a center of military strength (Psalm 31:2)

               In this verse, David begs God to go before him as he goes through life. The shepherd king realizes God is THE One that can do this.

               In our 21st Century world, people sense the need for guidance in order to get through certain issues that vex us. We who believe in Jesus Christ know He is the ONLY one who can lead us and allow us to rise above and conquer the difficult times and circumstances that come our way. (Romans 8:37)
               In all our planning, we should ask God to go before us and lead us through the times of hard work and the distasteful happenings that life subjects us to.
               When we pray sometimes we pray for God to go before, travel with, or, stand with a person we pray for.

Dear Father God:

          Thank you for Who You Are. Thank you for Your guidance and Your leading through the hard times of our lives. Forgive us when we choose to step out and do things our way. When realize we have done things that are not in Your plan for our lives, let us repent. In the Name of Jesus, I pray.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

God, a Refuge and Stronghold

A Sallman portrait of Christ.


“The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.” 
Psalm 9:9 (NIV)

               Several years ago, I went through a time of prolonged depression. At my husband’s suggestion, I took a 30-day personal leave from my job. While I wasn’t as knowledgeable about God’s Word, I did rely on Him to help me through.

               On the heels of that time, my husband had to be hospitalized due to something that could have been life-threatening. One year later, he had to be admitted for a lengthy stay. When he returned home, certain issues were touch and go. God and praying people helped me through some very tough times.

               During this time, I felt led to change churches. There I found Jesus real and learned He walked with me through the difficult times. My husband found the LORD just over a year later. We hold in high esteem those people we met and prayed with almost 30 years ago.


               Jesus is still with me, especially during the trying times of life. For that, I am thankful. A list of the events where Jesus guided me would prove exhaustive. Almost every day, He reminds me of His protective presence over me.

               While all these issues belong to my past, I am humbled that God was there for me and has allowed me to grow in Him and also use me to minister to others.

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...