Only he can turn what you think is a burden into a blessing

God can do everything, that’s true, but if nothing had happened in our lives, we might get the idea that we didn’t need him . . . He lets life happen, and sometimes what we think is a burden is really a blessing.

 ~~Lori Copeland

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

We don’t plan for trouble. It comes on its own, out of nowhere. A company downsizes and renders us jobless. An accident limits our activities. Grief or sorrow overwhelms us.

So often our first response to trouble is to ask, “Why, God?” We explain to God all the reasons why this specific trouble isn’t fair. We want God to make life easier. But if life were easy, perfect, with no problems, we would not be driven to our knees, bring to him our dilemmas that only he can solve. He says, “My child, I am with you, aware of your trouble. I care about you. This trouble may have seemed to come from nowhere, but I’ve got it all under control.”

Never forget how much you need him. Only he can turn what you think is a burden into a blessing.

Prayer for Meditation

Dear God, I know this trouble does not surprise you. I need your help today.

Scripture for Meditation

Let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, For God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:22-23

Music for Meditation

Yesterday  

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You've been invited . . .

The name of Jesus wasn’t just some way to sign off on my prayer, a spiritual “Over and out.” The name of Jesus was the authority I had stamped on my life, enabling me to com boldly to God.

 ~~Neta Jackson

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.  We often end our prayers this way, sliding across the closing words. But what do those words mean? It’s not a spiritual “over and out,” as Neta Jackson explains. The name of Jesus—and only the name of Jesus—allowed us access to God in the first place. That Jesus gives us the authority of his name when we come to the Father in prayer is a privilege we must not pass over lightly. We are saying, in effect, “God, your Son Jesus introduced me to you, and he told me I could talk to you at any time and even call you my Father. I have his authority.”

With that authority stamped on your life, you can come boldly into God’s presence. Jesus said so; he made the introduction.

Come on in. Talk to God. Jesus’ name makes it okay.  

Prayer for Meditation

I come to you in Jesus’ name, knowing I’ve been invited. Thank you, Jesus.

Scripture for Meditation

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16

Music for Meditation

This is My Desire 

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For what do you hunger? What do you need to fill and fulfill you?

When we view God as just a course of information . . . we forget that God’s words are not merely words, but life to be ingested.

 ~~Margaret Feinberg

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

For what do you hunger? What do you need to fill and fulfill you? Maybe you’re not sure what’s causing those pangs of emptiness and, therefore, nothing satisfies.

Consider your approach to God’s Word. Are you reading because it’s on your to-do list? Do you want to learn more about God? Are you seeking his will? If spending time in the Word leaves you feeling empty, perhaps it’s time to put aside merely reading for head knowledge in exchange for fully engaging your heart.

To ingest the Word means to consume it and to let it fill the void, empty places. Read God’s Word not just for information but as life-giving words that sustain you and become a part of you. Crave his every word, ingest it, be satisfied by it, and let it nourish your soul and your life.

Prayer for Meditation

Put a craving in me, Lord, that is only satisfied by ingesting your Word.

Scripture for Meditation John 6:26-35

Jesus replied, “The truth is, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you saw the miraculous sign. But you shouldn’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that I, the Son of Man, can give you. For God the Father has sent me for that very purpose.”

They replied, “What does God want us to do?”

Jesus told them, “This is what God wants you to do: Believe in the one he has sent.”

They replied, “You must show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What will you do for us? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! As the Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

Jesus said, “I assure you, Moses didn’t give them bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day of our lives.”

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again. Those who believe in me will never thirst.”

Music for Meditation

Waiting Here for You  

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He will give us the strength to do what we cannot do on our own

Love God and He will enable you to love others even when they disappoint you.

~~Francine Rivers

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

We’ve all been let down by someone. Whether a date stood us up or a friend betrayed our confidence, it hurt. The disappointment we endure can run the gamut from a minor inconvenience to a life-altering event.

But we have to keep one thing in mind—people are human. We are all imperfect and capable of letting someone down, be it our family, our friends, or even God. Thankfully, because God is perfect, he can enable us to love others and forgive them when they disappoint us. How can he do such a thing? Because he loves and forgives us, no matter how many times we let him down.

God’s love and forgiveness are a brilliant reminder of how we can love others, even when they disappoint us.

He is our example. He will give us the strength to do what we cannot do on our own.

Prayer for Meditation

Lord, teach me to love people as you have loved me, even when I disappoint you.

Scripture for Meditation

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

Music for Meditation

Into My Heart/Fairest Lord Jesus 

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In this world we have trouble. That's just the way it is.

For this little pain that we suffer here, we shall have a high endless knowing in God . . . and the harder our pains have been with him in his cross, the more shall our worship be with him in his kingdom.

~~Julian of Norwich

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

This is hard teaching. Pain, suffering, hardship . . . that’s not what we signed up for. We responded to the message of peace that surpasses all understanding, of grace greater than we could ever imagine, of an unfailing love. No one said anything about pain.

But what, really, did we expect? That becoming believers would make our bills go away, our relationship suddenly perfect, and accidents no longer happen? In this world we have trouble. That’s just the way it is. We would encounter some difficulties with or without Christ. The difference is, the more we respond in faith and act with integrity when we suffer, the more Christ is honored.

Facing pain is never easy. Is it worth it? Be assured of the answer. The answer is yes! Not maybe, not kind of, not probably, but absolutely, undeniably yes!

His kingdom is coming, and it will be perfect.

Prayer for Meditation

Lord, help me to say, “Yes! For your glory.” It’s worth the cost.

Scripture for Meditation

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Music for Meditation

You Never Let Go 

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Help me step out of my comfortable routine into blessings unseen

Letting go of our grip on predictable results and trust God with our heart offering is one of the most challenging choices we make.

~~Carol Kent

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

Our days can become routine if we let them. The alarm clock squawks loudly, we make coffee, get dressed, and go through the motions . . . again and again. Maybe it’s boring but at least it’s safe. We like the predictability of our mundane days.

But God just might have something better. What if we let go of our grip, set aside our desire for control over every portion of our lives, and let God take the wheel? Can we trust him with our heart offering—that which is nearest and dearest? Are we willing to open ourselves up to God’s unexpected blessings?

By stepping out of our worn path and trying something new, we risk stumbling and falling flat. But as we ask the Lord where he’d have us go—stretching out an open hand to let him lead us into new territory—we will find his surprises.

It’s a challenging choice. Can you trust God that much? Will you?

Prayer for Meditation

Help me step out of my comfortable routine into blessings unseen.

Scripture for Meditation

From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Psalm 61:2-3

Music for Meditation

I Need Thee Every Hour

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God has a job for you to do that no one else can do

God has designed a life plan for each one of us. It was custom fitted to our talents and personality, and it usually involves a step of faith. But that step, the first one, is always up to us.

~~Martha Bolton

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

God has a job for you to do that no one else can do.  No one else is so perfectly suited by way of talents, personality, background, or life experiences. You are unique, created by God for a purpose. As you walk with him through life, he will show you exactly what he created you to do.

But that first step? That step of faith that tries something you’ve never tried before, that takes you out of your comfort zone, that asks something beyond what you think you can do—that step is all up to you.

Will you take that first step? Like a toddler who gingerly lets go of the edge of the couch, settles shaky legs, and then ventures out across the room one wobbly step at a time, so you need to let go and take the first step into God’s plan.

It’s up to you.

Prayer for Meditation

One step at a time, Lord. Guide me one step at a time.  

Scripture for Meditation

I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. Jeremiah 10:23

Music for Meditation

Surrender 

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You lavish it on those who come to You for protection, blessing them before the watching world

It takes faith to come to God simply to be with Him. It proves, first of all, that we believe He exists. And that He is our greatest gift.

~~Florence Nightingale

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

Sometimes we get to the end of a long day and flop exhausted into the nearest chair, only to find ourselves asking, “What did I really accomplish today?” Maybe our accomplishments were many, but we found no joy in them. Or perhaps of all the tasks we did, nothing seemed very valuable or worthwhile in the grand scheme of things.

Stormie Omartian suggests an action that will put every other thing we do into its proper perspective: Come to God simply to be with him.

In the fast pace of today’s world with its focus on achievement and financial success, we may lose sight of our greatest treasure—our relationship with our loving God. The best way to grow more deeply in love with him is to carve our time every day to be with him.

Simply bask in his goodness. He is your greatest gift.

Prayer for Meditation

It’s amazing—you want to spend time with me so there I am to worship you.

Scripture for Meditation

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. Psalm 31:19

Music for Meditation

All I Need 

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When my heart is breaking, I never leave Your hands . . .

God lays down certain physical laws. Yet we seem to be continually expecting that He will work a miracle—i.e. break His own laws expressly to relieve us of responsibility.

~~Florence Nightingale

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

You sit bedside with an ailing friend. You hug a neighbor receiving tragic news. You agonize over a child living with sin’s consequences. They don’t deserve this, you think Why can’t God relieve the torturous pain? As Florence Nightingale reminds us, God lays down certain physical laws. In some cases, he will break through with a miracle. At other times, he does not. Our desire to see a miracle must not be in order to relieve us of responsibility.

What is that responsibility? Perhaps it is to pray fervently. Perhaps it is to maintain an unwavering faith that witnesses to others. Perhaps it is to seek God’s approval as reward enough. Nobody knows the bigger picture or the thoughts of God. Whatever he chooses to do, he needs you, for you are his hands and feet in the world.

Your touch, your words, your prayers bring him into your hutting world.

Prayer for Meditation

Take my words, my hands, my feet into your world today, Lord.

Scripture for Meditation

Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well” –but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. James 2:15-17

Music for Meditation

 Your Hands

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Morning by morning new mercies I see

I was able to look at my weaknesses calmly, honestly and with hope because I knew I was standing in the presence of a Father who loved me. Looking at him made it easier to look at me. ~~Ann Spangler

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

We’ve all had a bad hair day. No matter what we do, we just can’t get the hair to lay right, curl right, act right. We’ve all had our “bad hair days” spiritually as well. We look in the mirror and see only weaknesses and failures glaring back at us. It’s hard enough to go out in public on a bad hair day—but when we think that even our weaknesses are exposed, hopelessness begins to set in.

Ann Spangler suggests that we stop staring at our flaws and instead look calmly, honestly, and with hope. God made us in his image. He is good and gracious, humble and holy, loving and loyal, forgiving and faithful.

Looking at him will make it easier to look at yourself. When you’re standing in the presence of the Father who loves you, you see the beauty he sees—the beauty you are.

Prayer for Meditation

Gracious Father, thank you for seeing me as beautiful,

Scripture for Meditation

For your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. Psalm 45:11

Music for Meditation

Great is Thy Faithfulness

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I will walk by faith even when I can't see

It is a great truth, wonderful as it is undeniable, that all our happiness—temporal, spiritual and eternal—consists in one thing; namely, in resigning ourselves to God, and in leaving ourselves with Him.

~~Madam Guyon

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

An infant has no choice in the matter of surrender. The loving parent lifts the child and carries her, providing what’s best. We, too, should submit—to the Father’s outstretched arms—but we can choose.

How foolish to resist his care, to insist on living apart from him. With a love deep beyond our imagining, God wants only the best for his children. Thus, giving ourselves to him brings true happiness. Choosing an alternate way would be foolish indeed. But often our will and actions move that direction, seeking what we feel we deserve, what makes us feel good. “Resigning” ourselves to him means admitting that he sees the bigger picture and can be trusted.

Your heavenly Father loves you totally and completely, and wants to give you deep, abiding joy that is full and overflowing and lasting. Let him enfold you and carry you in his loving arms.

Prayer for Meditation

I give myself to you today, Father. I rest in you.  

Scripture for Meditation

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

Music for Meditation

Walk by Faith 

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God, help me to give up my resentment and bitterness. I want to be free

I knew that I had a choice, I could give in to my resentment  . . .

or I could choose to believe what God’s Word says to be true

whether I felt it was or not.

~~Gracia Burnham

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

When Gracia Burnham penned these words, she didn’t mean them lightly. She had been held captive in a jungle by terrorists for over a year—on the brink of starvation, without modern conveniences, stripped of all freedom and privacy. She recognized that she was held doubly captive—physically and emotionally—If she allowed herself to become angry and to resent her captors. She chose to trust God, knowing that even this horrible circumstance was in his good and perfect plan for her life. She chose to let God work in her rather than putting up walls of bitterness.

What is it, beloved, that is causing you hurt, bitterness, resentment? You have a choice. You can give in to those feelings or, like Gracia, you can choose to believe that what God’s Word says is true, whether it feels like it or not.

One choice leads to captivity, the other to freedom.

Prayer for Meditation

God, help me to give up my resentment and bitterness. I want to be free.  

Scripture for Meditation

Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to this world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. John 17:13-17

Music for Meditation

Through it all

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Don’t be afraid to pray—God isn’t expecting fancy words or high theology

How great is the good which God works in a soul when He gives it a disposition to pray in earnest.

~~Teresa of Avila

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

Prayer is a magnificent gift. Prayer allows you, a mere human being, direct access to your heavenly Father.

Prayer before meals is nice, but think of how little time it takes to do that: fifteen seconds times three meals per day. If our prayer life consists of praying only before meals, then we are spending less than one minute per day engaged in one of the most precious blessings of the Christian life!

Don’t be afraid to pray—God isn’t expecting fancy words or high theology. He is expecting to hear your praises, concerns, and requests. Talk to him like you would a dear friend. The more time you spend in earnest prayer, the more time you will want to spend each and every day.

You’ll find that your time with God in earnest prayer is the greatest gift you have ever received. And the good he works in your soul will change your life.

Prayer for Meditation

Thank you for this precious gift of being able to pray to you.

Scripture for Meditation

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2

Music for Meditation

Knees to Earth 

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God may be more interested in changing our perspective than our circumstances.

Prayer might not change things, but it will change my perspective of things. Prayer might not change the past, but inevitably, it changes my present.

~~Margaret Feinberg

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

In Scripture, prayers are likened to incense. Every time we petition the Lord, our requests curl upward as a pleasing aroma to him. We can imagine him inhaling our sweet gratitude, our humble confessions, and our desperate pleas. He lovingly savors and considers what we—his special children—are concerned about.

God’s responses, however, are so far beyond our understanding that they may not make sense. We may even misinterpret that our prayers are unanswered. His yes might mean, “Yes, but . . .” His no might mean, “Not quite yet, my child.” Our prayers are heard, but God may be more interested in changing our perspective than our circumstances.

The fragrant offering of your prayers opens your tender heart for change, in God’s way, in his time. The past cannot be changed. The present? Well, God can do anything when we are open to his answers to our prayers.

Prayer for Meditation

Lord, I lift up my prayers to you. Let me see with your eyes.

Scripture for Meditation

Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. Revelations 8:3-4

Music for Meditation

You are my Hiding Place 

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