A Proverb A Day, Proverbs 2

The Benefits of Wisdom

2 My child,^[c] listen to what I say,
and treasure my commands.
² Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
³ Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
⁴ Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
⁵ Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
⁶ For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
⁷ He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
⁸ He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.

⁹ Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,
and you will find the right way to go.
¹⁰ For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.
¹¹ Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.

¹² Wisdom will save you from evil people,
from those whose words are twisted.
¹³ These men turn from the right way
to walk down dark paths.
¹⁴ They take pleasure in doing wrong,
and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
¹⁵ Their actions are crooked,
and their ways are wrong.

¹⁶ Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman,
from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
¹⁷ She has abandoned her husband
and ignores the covenant she made before God.
¹⁸ Entering her house leads to death;
it is the road to the grave.^[d]
19 The man who visits her is doomed.
He will never reach the paths of life.

²⁰ Follow the steps of good men instead,
and stay on the paths of the righteous.
²¹ For only the godly will live in the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it.
²² But the wicked will be removed from the land,
and the treacherous will be uprooted.

A Proverb A Day, Proverbs 1

The Purpose of Proverbs

(New Living Translation)

1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.

² Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
³ Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
⁴ These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.

⁵ Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
⁶ by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles.

⁷ Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

A Father’s Exhortation: Acquire Wisdom

⁸ My child,^[a] listen when your father corrects you.
Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
⁹ What you learn from them will crown you with grace
and be a chain of honor around your neck.

¹⁰ My child, if sinners entice you,
turn your back on them!
¹¹ They may say, “Come and join us.
Let’s hide and kill someone!
Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent!
¹² Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave^[b];
let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.
¹³ Think of the great things we’ll get!
We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take.
¹⁴ Come, throw in your lot with us;
we’ll all share the loot.”

¹⁵ My child, don’t go along with them!
Stay far away from their paths.
¹⁶ They rush to commit evil deeds.
They hurry to commit murder.
¹⁷ If a bird sees a trap being set,
it knows to stay away.
¹⁸ But these people set an ambush for themselves;
they are trying to get themselves killed.
¹⁹ Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money;
it robs them of life.

Wisdom Shouts in the Streets

²⁰ Wisdom shouts in the streets.
She cries out in the public square.
²¹ She calls to the crowds along the main street,
to those gathered in front of the city gate:
²² “How long, you simpletons,
will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
How long will you fools hate knowledge?
²³ Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you
and make you wise.

²⁴ “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come.
I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.
²⁵ You ignored my advice
and rejected the correction I offered.
²⁶ So I will laugh when you are in trouble!
I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—
²⁷ when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone,
and anguish and distress overwhelm you.

²⁸ “When they cry for help, I will not answer.
Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
²⁹ For they hated knowledge
and chose not to fear the Lord.
³⁰ They rejected my advice
and paid no attention when I corrected them.
³¹ Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,
choking on their own schemes.
³² For simpletons turn away from me—to death.
Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
³³ But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm.”

Matthew 6:30-33

 

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

MY OBSTETRICIAN IS Jehovah-Rapha!!!! HEALER....GOD! (and HE alone is MORE THAN ENOUGH.)

.by Stephanie Cawthron on Friday, January 21, 2011 at 5:33am.





Written by... ME. It has come to my attention that there are some "out there" who are concerned by my recent decision to have our baby in the comfort of our home... my hope is that the following "note" will help alleviate some of that concern, and increase the readers' faith not in our decision, but in God.



Thanks to those who... questioned.... I've been sitting on the fence for too long...













ONLY GOD CAN CREATE AND BRING LIFE INTO THIS WORLD, AND SUSTAIN IT!



No man can touch this... we are His children... I believe that only HE can breathe life into our lungs, and only HE can take it away... No amount of activity (or lack thereof) can change that...



Only God wrote our stories for life... from beginning, to end.







Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31





For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27



In me you live and move and have your being.Acts 17:28



For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28



I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5







I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12





You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16







1 Samuel 2:6



God brings death and God brings life, brings down to the grave and raises up. God brings poverty and God brings wealth; he lowers, he also lifts up. He puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, Restoring dignity and respect to their lives— a place in the sun! For the very structures of earth are God's; he has laid out his operations on a firm foundation. He protectively cares for his faithful friends, step by step, but leaves the wicked to stumble in the dark. No one makes it in this life by sheer muscle! God's enemies will be blasted out of the sky, crashed in a heap and burned. God will set things right all over the earth, he'll give strength to his king, he'll set his anointed on top of the world!







~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





THE GREAT PHYSICIAN is who I trust and have Faith in.... HE is the ONLY one that has never let me down.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



GOD AS HEALER:





God Is The Author And Source Of Life





The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.







I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10







Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father



of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17







God is the author and source of life, health, and all that is good.



We have an enemy that desires to destroy us, whom we are to resist



steadfast in the faith. (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8,9)







Exod 23:25-26



So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water.



And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. No one shall suffer miscarriage



or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.







Prov 4:20-22



My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.



Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of



your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.













GOD AS CREATOR:







MAN BECOMES A LIVING SOUL.









Genesis 2:7









God's last acts of Creation was that God formed man and woman. First God created man's body. Everything was in place but it was lifeless. Next God, started man's heart, and lungs to function and man came alive. God was the source of life, although the material man was made of was lifeless matter of the earth it only became a "living being" when God put life into it. God breathed in man's nostrils the breath of life. The word breath is used in various ways in Scripture, Generally it means "spirit" which this seems to be what is meant here. God gave man the "spirit of life."



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



If we put our faith in man, by being more trusting in DOCTORS or whoever MORE than we trust GOD, doesn't that undermine the very HEART OF GOD and the FAITH He wants His followers to have?



I believe that most people today believe that GOD will heal us only through the DOCTORS hands... and medicine.. But what I firmly believe, is that GOD CAN, AND WILL HEAL, in any way HE wants to... and I don't need to look elsewhere for His comfort, healing, or Life... He is the lifegiver... there's nothing we as humans can do to change that.







My faith has undergone ridiculous refining over the last 3 years... it has been insanely difficult for me. I've had tons of ups, and downs... even to the point where I have questioned...DEEPLY... the very existence of God in my life. I have questioned whether or not He even cares enough to be involved or to answer my prayers... But the fact of the matter is, that HE is ALWAYS there... whether I want Him to be, or not... and HE is ALWAYS in control... because He's made a point to make that FACT distinctly clear to me over, and over, and over again. The only way I can be happy, and truly fulfilled, is when I fully trust Him to be in control, and guide my life... every breath, every step, every decision... and the only way I can do that is to take my eyes and my faith away from HUMAN STRENGTH, of EVERY source (yes, doctors included), and focus solely on following Him and His voice that I have so clearly been able to hear...even when I deny it. It's a very hard thing, for me... to want to listen to Him and His leading in my life... terrifying most of the time actually. Because no matter what, I KNOW that whatever He asks of me, will NOT be easy... My experience is that when I obey Him, it ALWAYS causes friction somewhere in my life...with someone. I've listened to those "someones, " too often in my life... to the point of near suicide because I was so distraught by the reactions of others.







QUESTION ME... THAT'S THE WAY IT SHOULD BE... But don't question God, or His voice and calling in my life. I hear Him clearly. I trust Him fully. I want to obey Him BLINDLY.





ONLY HE knows me intimately... there are not many on this earth that can say that... I'm an open book... TRANSPARENT... but there are not many out there who have the time or interest to go there with me... therefore, HE alone is my best friend... He alone knows the innermost, delicate thoughts, worries, fears, hopes, and dreams. HE ALONE Cares completely. And He Alone, UNDERSTANDS ME.





~Stephanie Cawthron







.

Matthew 13:11-13 (The Message)

Matthew 13:11-13 (The Message)


11-15He replied, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn't been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That's why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they're blue in the face and not get it. I don't want Isaiah's forecast repeated all over again:



Your ears are open but you don't hear a thing.

Your eyes are awake but you don't see a thing.

The people are blockheads!

They stick their fingers in their ears

so they won't have to listen;

They screw their eyes shut

so they won't have to look,

so they won't have to deal with me face-to-face

and let me heal them.

OH! How Faithful our Lord is in times of despair!

I was sooo recently in this "black hole" of despair!!! I remember praying, begging God over and over to rescue me, as I knew I was not where he wanted me to be... He never left me, he was always right by my side! Faithful. In his perfect timing, He rescued me...AGAIN. He will not fail to rescue you too. Only ask, and do so with all your heart.... He will answer, because he loves you!
~Stephanie





Psalm 143 (The Message)




Psalm 143

A David Psalm

1-2 Listen to this prayer of mine, God; pay attention to what I'm asking.

Answer me—you're famous for your answers!

Do what's right for me.

But don't, please don't, haul me into court;

not a person alive would be acquitted there.

3-6 The enemy hunted me down;

he kicked me and stomped me within an inch of my life.

He put me in a black hole,

buried me like a corpse in that dungeon.

I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away,

my heart heavy, like lead.

I remembered the old days,

went over all you've done, pondered the ways you've worked,

Stretched out my hands to you,

as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.

7-10 Hurry with your answer, God!

I'm nearly at the end of my rope.

Don't turn away; don't ignore me!

That would be certain death.

If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice,

I'll go to sleep each night trusting in you.

Point out the road I must travel;

I'm all ears, all eyes before you.

Save me from my enemies, God—

you're my only hope!

Teach me how to live to please you,

because you're my God.

Lead me by your blessed Spirit

into cleared and level pastureland.

11-12 Keep up your reputation, God—give me life!

In your justice, get me out of this trouble!

In your great love, vanquish my enemies;

make a clean sweep of those who harass me.

And why? Because I'm your servant.

1 Corinthians 10 (The Message)

1 Corinthians 10 (The Message)


1 Corinthians 10

1-5Remember our history, friends, and be warned. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and taken miraculously through the Sea. They went through the waters, in a baptism like ours, as Moses led them from enslaving death to salvation life. They all ate and drank identical food and drink, meals provided daily by God. They drank from the Rock, God's fountain for them that stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ. But just experiencing God's wonder and grace didn't seem to mean much—most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert, and God was not pleased.

6-10The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did—"First the people partied, then they threw a dance." We must not be sexually promiscuous—they paid for that, remember, with 23,000 deaths in one day! We must never try to get Christ to serve us instead of us serving him; they tried it, and God launched an epidemic of poisonous snakes. We must be careful not to stir up discontent; discontent destroyed them.

11-12These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don't repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.

13No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

14So, my very dear friends, when you see people reducing God to something they can use or control, get out of their company as fast as you can.

15-18I assume I'm addressing believers now who are mature. Draw your own conclusions: When we drink the cup of blessing, aren't we taking into ourselves the blood, the very life, of Christ? And isn't it the same with the loaf of bread we break and eat? Don't we take into ourselves the body, the very life, of Christ? Because there is one loaf, our many-ness becomes one-ness—Christ doesn't become fragmented in us. Rather, we become unified in him. We don't reduce Christ to what we are; he raises us to what he is. That's basically what happened even in old Israel—those who ate the sacrifices offered on God's altar entered into God's action at the altar.

19-22Do you see the difference? Sacrifices offered to idols are offered to nothing, for what's the idol but a nothing? Or worse than nothing, a minus, a demon! I don't want you to become part of something that reduces you to less than yourself. And you can't have it both ways, banqueting with the Master one day and slumming with demons the next. Besides, the Master won't put up with it. He wants us—all or nothing. Do you think you can get off with anything less?

23-24Looking at it one way, you could say, "Anything goes. Because of God's immense generosity and grace, we don't have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster." But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well.

25-28With that as a base to work from, common sense can take you the rest of the way. Eat anything sold at the butcher shop, for instance; you don't have to run an "idolatry test" on every item. "The earth," after all, "is God's, and everything in it." That "everything" certainly includes the leg of lamb in the butcher shop. If a nonbeliever invites you to dinner and you feel like going, go ahead and enjoy yourself; eat everything placed before you. It would be both bad manners and bad spirituality to cross-examine your host on the ethical purity of each course as it is served. On the other hand, if he goes out of his way to tell you that this or that was sacrificed to god or goddess so-and-so, you should pass. Even though you may be indifferent as to where it came from, he isn't, and you don't want to send mixed messages to him about who you are worshiping.

29-30But, except for these special cases, I'm not going to walk around on eggshells worrying about what small-minded people might say; I'm going to stride free and easy, knowing what our large-minded Master has already said. If I eat what is served to me, grateful to God for what is on the table, how can I worry about what someone will say? I thanked God for it and he blessed it!

31-33So eat your meals heartily, not worrying about what others say about you—you're eating to God's glory, after all, not to please them. As a matter of fact, do everything that way, heartily and freely to God's glory. At the same time, don't be callous in your exercise of freedom, thoughtlessly stepping on the toes of those who aren't as free as you are. I try my best to be considerate of everyone's feelings in all these matters; I hope you will be, too.

Luke 10:18

Luke 10:18


Jesus said, "I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I've given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God's authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that's the agenda for rejoicing."

Matthew 11:28

Matthew 11:28


"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Isaiah 26:11

Isaiah 26:11


You hold your hand up high, God, but they don't see it. Open their eyes to what you do, to see your zealous love for your people. Shame them. Light a fire under them. Get the attention of these enemies of yours. God, order a peaceful and whole life for us because everything we've done, you've done for us. O God, our God, we've had other masters rule us, but you're the only Master we've ever known. The dead don't talk, ghosts don't walk, Because you've said, "Enough—that's all for you," and wiped them off the books. But the living you make larger than life. The more life you give, the more glory you display, and stretch the borders to accommodate more living!

Counting myself as blessed!!!! Cheerful, even in the midst of struggle!

Matthew 5:12-14 (The Message)




11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.



Salt and Light

13"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

14-16"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

i WILL NOT be moved!!!!!

( Before you start, please scroll to the bottom and pause current playlist! Sorry about the inconvenience! I'm trying to get this fixed :) Thanks! )
This is a great song! The lyrics are right on with where I'm at personally these days, and have been for quite sometime... I'm getting ready to let it all go....and I can't wait! I know God is leading me, and once again, I want to be ready to follow...


I want to know what God has in store.... Who wants to join me?


Natalie Grant - I Will Not Be Moved - Official Music Video




Natalie Grant - I Will Not Be Moved


I have been the wayward child
I have acted out
I have questioned Sovereignty
And had my share of doubt
And though sometimes my prayers feel like
...They're bouncing off the sky
The hand I hold won't let me go
And is the reason why...

[Chorus:]

I will stumble
I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes
I will face heartache
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
I will not be moved

Bitterness has plagued my heart
Many times before
My life has been like broken glass
And I have kept the score
Of all my shattered dreams and though it seemed
That I was far too gone
My brokenness helped me to see
It's grace I'm standing on

[Chorus]

And the chaos in my life
Has been a badge I've worn
Though I have been torn
I will not be moved

[Chorus]


 ‎1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (New Living Translation)

57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord,... for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Discipleship

The following is from descipleship.net:

This site is not about arguing theology; it is about pointing people toward being disciples of Jesus of Nazareth, who is King of kings and Lord of lords.




There is a radical difference between what Jesus says is required to be a disciple, and what institutional Christianity teaches about discipleship. I hope that you will stick with reading and studying Jesus' Words long enough to realize that you are called to be what Jesus defines as a disciple, rather than following the religious institutional model of being a churchian.



Jesus does not call us to do church things, He calls us to follow Him and do His works. He does not define one set of works for "clergy", and another set of works for the "laymen". He does not call us to forgiveness without repentance. Indeed, the first thing Jesus calls us to do is to turn from our independence and enculturation, and to turn to the culture and government of the Kingdom of God over every aspect of our lives. Failure to understand and accept this will lead us into deception and spiritual hardness of heart.



Jesus does not present us with a self-improvement program that affirms us in our trespasses and sins! Belief in Jesus either embraces the reality that He delivers us from the power and practice of sin, or else any "belief" in Him apart from this is a fairy tale.



Jesus calls us to personal accountability to Him, not accountability to human "middle managers" with religious titles and "authority". You, my friend, are called to walk personally with God, through Jesus Christ, and to obey Him in word, thought and deed, continuously. So, the objection will be that this is impossible for human beings to do. Exactly! However, it is NOT impossible for God to do in us, if we BELIEVE and walk humbly with Him.



Jesus calls us to self-denial. At the heart of self-denial and humility is the surrender of control over our lives. Jesus says that without denying our self, we cannot be His disciples. Do you believe this? If not, then what is your claim to being a follower of Jesus?



Jesus also says that we must lose everything if we are His disciple. At the minimum, the means that we recognize that we are to change our perspective from owners of our material possessions, to that of stewards of gifts God has entrusted to us. One thing this does is that we no longer defend ourselves against the loss of personal possessions. Jesus clearly addresses this issue when He says that if someone takes our coat, give him our shirt also. Only those who have "lost everything" can understand how this is possible.



Following Jesus is not culturally relevant, for everything that Jesus teaches us is different from what culture and society teaches us. Why? Because Jesus is calling us out of the kingdoms of this world and into the Kingdom of God.



Most Christians have been taught that the Kingdom of God is a future event and will be a geo-political kingdom ruling over the unregenerate, thus enforcing peace over the ungodly. Jesus does not teach this concept at all. He makes it clear that the Kingdom of God is here and that we are subject to it. As in His model prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask God to learn how to do God's will on earth as it is done in heaven. This is not a wish for the future. This is God's will for us here and now, in the presence of those who hate Him and His righteousness.



Cultural Christianity in the USA is wrapped up in feelings. Human feelings have become the standard of interpreting the will of God. Incredible. If feelings are reliable interpreters of reality, then why is their such an epidemic of usage of mood altering substances in the USA? Valium, alcohol, cocaine, and many other milder mood altering substances are used daily because people cannot deal with their feelings. Defining our relationship with God according to our feelings is blasphemy, my friends.



Most cultural Christians in the USA claim that they are "saved by grace" and forgiven, but they cannot be like Jesus. Why would anyone serve such an impotent god, who cannot change us from our sinful nature? Why? If this is all that God can do for us, then we may as well become a pagan or a buddhist or a crystal gazer! But, taking a portion of writings out of context does not make the portion true. And, we need to read all of what Paul wrote about being saved by grace, through faith, and accept the WHOLE of what even He wrote, and understanding that even Paul does not teach this impotent concept of salvation by grace.

Ephesians 2:8-10 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

Indeed, we cannot save ourself. However, God can, and does, through faith. But, God's plan for saving and redeeming us is not focused upon forgiveness. No. His plan is that we become His workmanship, which results in doing His works, which God prepared IN ADVANCE that we walk in His works!



Friend, if you are not walking in the works that God prepared for you, which line up with the teachings of Jesus Christ, then I hope you will seek Him and ask Him to begin His work in you. For, if you truly know Jesus and believe in Him, you will have a heart to be like Him, and to be different from the sinful person you have been.



Shall we continue to put Jesus to shame and live worldly, but just a bit "gooder", or will we repent and receive by faith His work in us and through us? I challenge you to abide in Jesus' Words alone for the next 60 days and see what He has prepared for you to do and be. Do you love Jesus enough to abide in His Words, found in the Gospels? Or are you so addicted to religion that you will continue to read everything else and affirm the things that religious people have taught you?



John 14:23,24 Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him. He who doesn't love me doesn't keep my words. The word which you hear isn't mine, but the Father's who sent me.



John 15:7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done to you.

You know THE TRUTH. His name is Jesus. You KNOW His love for you, and for your family. If you are going to fully learn to trust him, YOU have got to let go.....relax in his arms, and KNOW that He is going to carry you through this. Be greatful for the provisions you have been given...some have much, much less! You are mightily blessed...Open your eyes, and choose to see it...and choose to recieve it. Things may not be just as you think they should be. But, if you want God to lead your life, sometimes you have to follow and go places, or do things that you don't particularly want to....Let this time have a refining influence over you....Let God change you in this storm...don't simply ride it out....FIGHT. Fight to CHANGE, fight to become who God wants you to be. Hard times make for amazing growth...if you seek it, and if you let it. Choose to let God do what he wants to do in your life. In all things, look for Him, and what he wants you to learn. I don't believe God will ever waste a moment of you life....Each second is an opportunity to learn and grow. You are loved. And it's ok not to have everything figured out right now. Trust Him.

Sonshine from the Rain.

So greatful for friends who love Christ, and who love me enough, to come alongside me, and pray with me....helping me to refocus...GOD IS IN CONTROL. I'm not. and That's a GOOD thing! I choose...AGAIN...to forgive the man who spoke those words to me...and hurt me, deeply. I choose to pray for him...for the Lord to soften his heart...that God will bring this man a deep awareness of how his words and demeanor have the ability to affect others. I pray that God will continue to speak truth through me...and cushion me from any consequences of my obedience to Him...but that I will continue to learn, and grow, and love others, just as Christ loves me.

I stand on the promise, and in the power of Jesus Christ. I no longer have to be prey for satan to roam through my life! Thank you Lord, for placing yourself between me...my family...and the enemy! I AM NOT A VICTIM. I am an ambassador for YOU LORD! You are able...and I am willing....LORD...USE MY LIFE FOR YOUR GLORY!!! Every moment of every day. Thank you for quick reminders that put my eyes back on you when they roam!

Amen!

In all fairness....this was the letter I wrote that provoked the response I wrote about in prior blog...other than names which are indicated by ****, it is completely un-edited.

I have prayed and prayed, and edited and edited in regards to this letter, and still, I’m sure, it isn’t perfect. I ask you to bear with me, and please accept this with the heart and mind of one who desires, above all else, that God be glorified in everything I do and say.


In response, at last, to your previous comments to me...

I'm going to take that whole, making life interesting thing as a complement! Life is dull and drab to most people...they just float through, doing "fine" every time the question is posed...drives me quite batty to be honest with you. If we are living in love with THE Messiah, we really ought to be living in a way that is more than "fine." Paul challenges us to TAKE joy...and so I do. I believe God made me, and made me just this way (though I firmly know that I am a work in progress!!)...and that I thrill Him, and make Him laugh at least once every single day, and smile through much of the rest...and that is enough to allow me to be excited, and give me a feeling that I am free to be me, whatever that looks like, because it is Him who I want to please, and make happy. I understand that I cannot serve or please God and man. So I choose to please Him. It's much easier anyway. Trying to please people is exhausting...and I lived like that for a very long time. There are times I still fight that battle, especially with you, because I know you are the pastor, and what an undertaking that “position” must be.

I just want to let you know that the website wasn't "out there," only you, ******, and myself (and ***** because she's my editor.) know about it right now, and it is very much in its early stages, and very, very much a draft!!! I only published it briefly enough for the two of you to see it. Now that I know you have both seen it, it is unpublished, and unavailable to anyone but me. It is a long, long way from the vision I had for it that I felt was being created in my heart! I know I had mentioned the site to you a couple of times since last November. This was probably the fifth draft I'd created, and just began it a few weeks ago. A lot of the links I pulled from ******* site, the others are just some ideas and sites that I have enjoyed, and the tabs, such as the clubs etc. will be renamed at some point to go along with our needs. It will not be posted publicly or anything until whoever needs to has seen and approves etc. unless I change it altogether to just make it a site about "My Church," which so far I have not been led to do. I just know how long it takes me to do things the way I want them, and then to add an entire church committee and pastor will take forever more...not to mention what huge undertaking it is for me and the work of keeping it updated and making PEOPLE happy. But for now, I believe it is in God's hands, and when the time is right, the site will then be made public and advertised, whatever that looks like. The initial flyers that I sent ****** that had it on there were the wrong ones :) oops! I did however, ask for you and ****** to check it out, in the hopes that as you have already begun, help me to get an idea of what other ideas you each would like to see on the site, and also get a feel for the other steps that are involved in presenting it.

Anyway I no longer feel I am being led to continue working on that endeavor at this time, though I have been praying about it for almost a year, and will continue to do so. My fire for this has been spit on.

I am still learning how to get anything suggested/heard, or presented to actually be able to get anything done in any area around the church. That has been a constant struggle for me.

You also said, "Stephanie, I am the pastor and essentially that means that the buck stops here. Whether or not I had anything to do with it, people will come to me with their questions and complaints; or else i will be accused of something i had nothing to do with - that's just the way it works in most churches and certainly around here. That's one reason why I like to know what's going out in the name of the church to the church or the community or the world at large BEFORE it goes out. Another reason is that as Pastor, i have a biblical obligation before God for the scriptural/doctrinal integrity of the church. Please, I need you to respect that obligation as well as the position I'm put in when things are put out there in the church's name and I have no idea what it's about until I see it like everyone else. It's not so much a matter of trust as it is of procedure."....

How prideful and full of yourself can you be? “The buck stops here…?” Really? I was sure it was supposed to be about God…not you, that HE ALONE IS HEAD OF THE CHURCH. You are so worried about what the people will think! What a heavy burden to bear! One that is not yours to bear! That burden is for Christ! Not a mere man who has no power aside from that given to him by God alone. You are incapable of breathing without the presence of God! You cannot, should not, and are not called to carry an entire congregation alone.

1 Peter 5

To Elders and Young Men

1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

In the study, When God Speaks, I learned that "our job is not to do all the work, but to teach and equip the members so that together we will be able to carry out God's assignment for our church”.

I don’t know about others, but what I have experienced is this: when I have asked if I can help, I have been told no more times than not. I have asked if anything comes up to be asked or let know... doesn't happen very often. I believe the reason any church does not have active members is because when they try, they are pushed away by the very “leaders” that are supposed to disciple them…to teach them to WALK in their spiritual gifts…not tell them no! They are then discouraged, and fearful of trying again. So they give up, and instead of acting in the excitement of FAITH, they quit trying, because they are afraid of being rejected by God (or his people). It takes a person of great faith and tenacity to get past something like this!

So, with all that in mind, I prefer to follow God where I am led, in areas and projects and in speaking that which I feel led. Bottom line, in my mind, God is the ultimate head of the church. And if I am praying, reading God's words, and spending time in His presence...I will be acting humbly in what I believe to be in accordance with God's will in my life. I believe if that is truly the situation, and if you are doing the same, there should be no dissention between you and me, or me and God's church. When there are disagreements, I will be the first to check myself and see if I am wrong! I am far from perfect. But I do know that I am now very capable of hearing God speak into my life...and that I must obey Him.

I also believe that God has put me within your leadership for my personal and spiritual growth, as well as for your own. I have not been led there to regress, or suppress what He has taught me, or the excitement that I have in Him, or the venue in which I feel He used to get me where I am now. It is a very, very challenging process for me, as I am sure it is for you. Sometimes it seems like it would be easier to just give up, and quit, because believe me; I have experienced a large portion of discouragement! However, I know that is not what God wants me to do in my life.

Have you ever experienced speaking your joy and excitement to someone, and them just shutting down on you and going the opposite direction with the conversation? Or when following in obedience to Christ, they just told you, no, you can’t do that? This is something I experience frequently. Especially with you, one who I assumed would be the most excited with me of all, because of the relationship I presume you have with Christ. I won't even begin to guess what your relationship with our Father is like...won't even go there. But for now, I will continue to learn all I can through this experience with you.

There are many ways that God uses to fill me, and teach me and move me besides the very, very few hours I spend at ******* ******* ****** on Sunday. There is no way to know someone other than to spend time with them. Honestly, you and I have no idea about each other in many ways. That's ok. I know my God knows me, to the very core, and that is enough. I will always try to obey what I know Him to be saying to me, even if it is uncomfortable to you or others. Change…growth…is always uncomfortable. When I am wrong, I will learn and move on. Working together in our church, in our community, is what I want more than anything! But I have to tell you...It's not an easy task. First and foremost, the lines/rules/expectations you have are very unclear to me. I don't know how to do too many things without stepping on toes, or whatever...Take that last Sunday for example...yes, my feelings were hurt, and I really appreciate your sensitivity to that. We left because I needed time to think and pray before reacting. This letter is the product of the thought and prayer.

Here’s where I was coming from. I had spent a week working on promo for the Fresh Encounter. I had poured my heart and soul into the verses, and images, and fitting them together just so bathed in constant prayer and searching of what I felt God wanted me to do. It would have taken me 3 minutes to print out a copy of that simple flyer for your approval...3 seconds for you to read it...and it was so simple there really wasn't much to it. All I needed was a password that has been given to me a million times...oh for a better memory!

Instead….you told me no, and since I feel that God told me yes, and led me in my work, and that he put those items in my heart and mind for His church, I felt like you rejected Him as well.

Anyway...it just struck me as odd that you would need to approve a simple flyer, and not once, as far as I am aware, has my lesson or words I have been teaching kids ever once been questioned or reviewed, or had the need for your prior approval. It just threw me off; I wasn't expecting you to reject me. I am learning to think before reacting...That Sunday was crazy for me, for reasons I won't even go into, and so, instead of having an instant reaction, we left.

It's been very difficult for me to find my place in the church, @ *******. My comfort zone is not others' comfort zone, because my life, my experiences have been so different...my excitement, my faith, freaks people out...and that is a very lonely, strange place to find myself. I know that God understands me...but sometimes, it's nice to talk to a human who is excited too...I don't get that support or encouragement at *******.

That's why the Road has been monumental to me. God is there...and He is so very present in the people who help to facilitate. I would hope, if for no other reason than to humor me...that you would please check into it again. Pastors go for free, to all parts. The church that they invite those who attend part 2 to is The Harvest is in Allen...Steve Collins is the Senior Pastor there...they have seen testimony after testimony, including mine, from people who have gone through the Road, and heard first hand what God is doing. Many of their congregation has come directly from the Road. I'm sure they would also be able to give you information. I hope you have taken time to glance through some of the Road newsletters I have forwarded to you...there's a lot of growth going on right now...lots of prayer being lifted up over the changes that are being made, and a new ministry that is forming for Road graduates called The Journey Continues...it is discipleship training! I’m thrilled!

After I trained the first time...I came back...it was that Monday that VBS started. You said to me that you were satisfied right where you were spiritually. I am still struggling to see this from your point of view...and from Gods...I fail to see how anyone...especially a pastor, could ever be satisfied where they are spiritually. In my heart, I feel, and believe that God never ever wants us to be satisfied where we are in our spiritual life! I believe we should always strive to grow spiritually. I just keep telling myself, that's not what you meant...surely it isn't.

What I was trying to tell you that day, is more of what I mentioned previously about my study in When God Speaks. I learned that Jesus watched to see where His Father was working, and adjusted His life to become involved in that work. When Jesus saw a hardened sinner so anxious to see Him that he was willing to humiliate himself publicly and climb a tree, Jesus recognized the activity of God in Zaccheus' life. Jesus knew that He had to join His Father in what he was doing. (Luke 9:1-10) It also taught me that God's Spirit may give me a holy restlessness about a certain ministry that I cannot get out of my mind...In my case...The Road.

I am willing. I am so anxious for you to see what God is doing in me and the ministry of The Road Adventure, that I would climb a tree. I would publicly humiliate myself. I will continue living my changed life, in ways that are pleasing to God...and hopefully, through me, you will see Christ...that you will see that who I am now...the confidence in my Savior, my very personal, alive relationship with Him, came directly from having encountered God's presence and love and guidance on my Road Adventure.

Please, I beg of you, don't hinder or obstruct others from the emotional healing that is available at the Road... My ministry is there. My heart is there. And there, is within Christ. Christ is The Road...the road that led me to a closer relationship with My Heavenly Father. He led me to find peace within knowing that I am forgiven. He showed me who I am in Him. He showed me that it is okay to be myself, because I am who He created, and I am very good. I have never experienced, in my whole life, the love, and complete acceptance of God's people that I still experience to this day from a group of God's children.

So many people have current and past hurts and regrets, some of those hurts come from within The Church...and some can't get past all the junk enough to be able to see Christ for who He is...That's what the Road is about… un-obstructing the view. It's exactly what ******* **** teaches in counseling...different methods, but the concept is precise. It is all based on prayer. The entire building, in fact, is bathed in prayer! Literally, there are prayers and verses printed throughout the entire building behind the paint, beneath the carpet. There are Bibles between each of the walls...and it is prayer, and the leadership, and guidance of God's Holy Spirit that guides us in all that we do, each and every time we are there.

In the future, I would love the opportunity to "run things by you..." But, consider for me that there is a HUGE amount of fear and failure in that for me. As with The Road, and with me, you passed your judgment, (because of the words of one person, who by the way, does not define the entire organization or so many that are also involved)...and shut it down. Consequently, you shut me down too. In my opinion, you quenched (extinguished) the Holy Spirit within me. You tried to shut down my excitement for what I am seeing God do...you won't allow me to share my excitement with you, or others within the church thus, you have closed the door for others to be excited about what God is doing. I now feel shunned by some who you have shared your rejection with. ****** actually told me that some of the things I was doing are unbiblical. Yet, I am free to teach kids?

I feel like I can't do or say what God asked me to. I feel hurt. I feel angry. And I generally have a great distrust for the "inner circle" of any church, the pastor because of past situations, as well as current ones, and whoever surrounds him because never has a single deacon, or whoever else is behind you, has once come to me for my story. The Pastor is law. He is it. No need to question him, right? I’m sure you’ve never made a mistake.

My big deal is this. I know what I got...I want others to get it too. I know how I got it...and have never experienced anything like it...so I really know one venue that is as effective as it is...It's not about "The Road." IT IS ABOUT GOD. And the relationship I long to experience with others whom I love and care for...and in my capacity that God has given me, that is generally anyone I meet. But especially those who I really know on any level at all.

Like you said...your "endorsement" is necessary. Otherwise, I feel stuck and completely ineffective. I have God's approval, and hate feeling like I need yours to go on doing everything that God is calling me to do...but, it is what it is. I feel that you have hindered the ministry God has given me in my life by tainting me. The words you have shared with others, whatever you said, has diminished the work that God has done in me, and stopped completely the work he may have done in those who could have experienced His love through me. I feel very much like my reputation has been destroyed by you and the words you have spoken about something, and someone, me, you know very little about.

I simply ask this. Let Me Be and Do who and what God has called me to Be and Do. Even if it makes people….you… uncomfortable because the changes in one, forces changes in others. I believe that the changes God is producing in me are Godly. Good. And Much needed in the Christian community.





In Christ I Serve,

~Stephanie Cawthron

Please visit me @ HopefulHarvest.Info, the beginning of a Great Journey...at the baby steps of My Big Dream, Hopeful Harvest Ministries! Through this site, my hope is to speak the love, and truth of Christ to others in a way that is encouraging to their spiritual growth! It is my prayer that it's not my words that are placed here, but the words that God speaks through me instead.

Come; walk with me, as I embark on the journey of a lifetime! As I grow to know Christ Deeper and Deeper, and develop into the Daughter He is calling me to become...even through all I was in the past, which I will share with you as well! Because He has promised me, "Seek Me First, and My Righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you!"

The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them. Luke 19:10 NCV

God will do what it takes- whatever it takes- to bring His children home.

Sometimes "whatever it takes" is painful. Sometimes it is a burning truth inside that tells you this is not all there is! Do you know someone that is hurting today, maybe someone who does not know the way to eternal life? Is there a person in your circle of influence that could use an invitation to help them find the tools of forgiveness, healing from a painful past, confidence, purpose? Invite them to take a journey of self discovery and a journey that could change their life. Invite them to The Road Adventure.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10.

To Post, or Not To Post...I just want healing.

I’ve rolled the past year over and over and over in my head. Again and again, past hurts come into my heart and my mind…and though I feel they’ve been dealt with, it still hurts. It still brings up feelings of bitterness and resentment. Somehow, I have got to get past this. It is still eating at me, and my spiritual growth and leadership has suffered as a result. I’m not fully sure about how to do this…So in itself…this is my journey….my Mountain…and it is time that I finally cross the peak. I’m ready to be on that downward slope of healing.


Words Hurt….the following are excerpts of a letter I received in response to what I felt God was calling me to say and do.

“Stephanie, your letter does not show any indication of prayer. Your tone is vindictive, hateful…judgmental and condemning…angry, insulting, and hurtful… disrespectful…. you have no respect for or understanding of spiritual matters or a pastor’s position.

You are still a very young Christian with only a beginner’s understanding of Scripture, the church, and spiritual matters….simply put…you are not ready.

What you perceive to be prideful is merely the statement of the reality of church life and church members’ expectations.

Stephanie, your letter was not encouraging, nor is your attitude…instead of joy and encouragement; you more often bring grief and disappointment. The words and tone of your letter are disheartening.

You should take a good, hard look at yourself and ask whether or not you are as Christ-centered as you claim to be. The whole idea you present really sounds more me-centered than Christ-centered.

There are some things about you that have NOT changed… You talk about this wonderful experience and the new person you are in God, and while I know you are a work in progress – as we all are – there are some things that compromise your testimony…. The aforementioned issue with authority is one of those things, as is the sense of spiritual superiority you seem to have. Leaving things unfinished is another. Not showing up when you have a responsibility to which you have committed yourself is still another.

Another issue is a very sensitive one that I have hesitated to bring up before, although I have been asked to do it…this matter should have been dealt with long ago.

There is the feeling that you will not take this letter in the spirit in which it is intended, that you will hear criticism instead of correction, and that you will only become angrier when you read it. However I am praying and trusting that you will read it prayerfully, that you will consider your unscriptural ideas of authority and freedom which form the basis of much of your unhappiness with me, and that you will examine just exactly what kind of witness you are for Christ – and for the Road – instead of falsely accusing me of poisoning people against you. “

This is where I freeze. As many times as I have read these letters in whole, I have felt many things…and have actually grown some because of some of the things that were said…however, the original spirit in which my original letter was intended, was one of hope…of…what I believe in my heart of hearts to have been TRUTH. And despite what the very first comment suggests, it was the result of DEEP prayer and seeking of God’s own heart about the matters that were at hand.

Why do these words cut so deeply? I’ve considered that they may hurt so much because they might be true…. And in the past, I have found a lot of them to be very true…especially the comments about compromising my testimony…those things, were taken from my past. I do not believe that they reflect me currently…nor do I believe that they did at the time the words were spoken of me… now that I am writing, I can see that those things might have taken some time to prove myself about….and therefore, I think I can grow even more from that.

When I am around the man that wrote these things to me….I feel nothing positive. In fact, I revert back to my old responses of hurt, bitterness, resentment, and anger. And I do not know how to move forward…despite my knowing that the things that were said, for the most part, are, and were untrue.

I want to move forward. I do. I simply do not know how.

Hang Up Your Robe

Why You Should Hang Up Your Robe


4 Jun 2010 by Glynnis Whitwer

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me..." Acts 20:24 (NIV)



My first instinct was to leave the clean, folded clothes on top of the dresser. Granted, my arms were filled with freshly laundered items, so it would have been difficult to open the drawer while balancing the stack. I had an excuse for leaving them on top. Didn't I? Instead, I pushed past my instinct, took 30 more seconds, and placed the clothes neatly in the drawer.



This tendency not to complete a task happens with surprising regularity. I toss my bathrobe on the bed, drape jeans on the tub, and set the television remote on the nearest counter top. However, sometimes, when I'm a bit more self-aware, I take the few extra steps needed to actually finish the task.



Years ago, I realized my practice of stopping short of finishing what I started, led to a cluttered home and office. Back then, I had a multitude of unfinished tasks that I just lived with. It wasn't all simple things like putting away clothes, but included larger tasks like leaving a wall half painted.



Starting a project is fun, and usually involves a burst of energy. Then, that energy wanes as I approach the finish line. Instead of pushing to complete the task, assignment, or project with excellence, I lean towards settling for good enough. Unfortunately, when I settle for "good enough" consistently, I learn to live with mediocrity. And accepting mediocrity is far from where God wants me to be. You see, finishing what we start is more than a good organizational or home management skill. It's also a spiritual discipline.



As I identified the tendency to settle, I realized it affected me in a variety of ways throughout my life. In the past I accepted a distant relationship with God rather than one of intimacy. I've limited my understanding of Scripture to a surface level. My relationships with others have gone no deeper than, "Hi, how are you doing?" Instead of pushing to explore the fullness of what God offers in all areas, it is easier to stop short. Perhaps it's safer, simpler, and with less personal discomfort or inconvenience.



Interestingly, it's actually been somewhat simple to address this issue. I admit the tendency within myself to settle, and I get firm with myself about it. Now, when I would prefer to leave the dryer full of clothes, or emails half typed, I say to myself, "Finish what you start." I make a conscientious decision to finish the task at hand before I move on to something new. Obviously, there are some projects that require more effort, but this works on a lot of my issues.



I'm not sure of all the reasons for stopping short of finishing with excellence, but I do know the results. I end up with a bunch of unfulfilled commitments, open loops and shallow relationships. That's a far cry from the life Jesus came to bring, which is full and abundant. Not a partial life, but one lived with pushing to the limits and exploring the outer reaches.



Maybe that seems a deep principle to pull from putting clothes in a drawer or a dirty bowl in the dishwasher. However, the discipline of finishing well is one that is woven through my life ... or it's not.



So I guess I'll take the extra step and actually hang up my robe. It's one more stitch in this tapestry of finishing well that God is trying to create in my life.



Dear Lord, thank You for demonstrating finishing well through the life of Jesus I know Jesus could have stopped short of paying the price for my salvation. But He didn't. For that, I will be eternally grateful. Please help me push through mediocrity in my life and explore the fullness You long to bring.



In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Ambassadors....

I'm not sure there is greater joy to be had, than to SEE when God's children are OPENLY seeking His face, and HONESTLY trying to become more like Christ, as we are called to do! What joy it is to have the PRIVELEDGE to help others along the way....Christ calls us his AMBASSADORS....He has purposed each of us to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to HIM. We should honor HIM in all that we say, and do in our lives DAILY. We should ask ourselves, and God as we pray...AM I LIVING IN A WAY THAT PLEASES AND HONORS our Savior?

When Circumstances are Confusing


(Prayer by Stephanie Cawthron 6-17-09)
(Inspired and Ignited by God through When God Speaks, Day 3 Week 5)

Papa, Thank you for loving me always! Daddy, help me to see your perspective (In Spite of Mine!) Show me, Holy Spirit, through your Holy Scriptures to gain understanding of my situation. Teach me patience so that I am able to trust that you are at work, and that your timing is always perfect. Papa, show me how to adjust my life to you and what you are doing around me and in my circumstances. I want to allow you to work through me effectively and completely! Please forgive me of any sin in my life! I turn now, and repent so that I am able to follow you and your ways. Help me remember I don't always have to be doing something all the time. I want to be obedient to you always, so that through me, your purposes will be accomplished. When you speak, walk with me and hold my hand, or carry me even, as I obey you completely and do all you tell me to do!