Riisa Renee's Blog
December 9, 2011
S3 - Day 11 of 27
On the heels of my "YOP" moment, I embraced this day with confidence. Reassured that my prayers hadn't fallen on deaf ears, I was determined to walk in purpose - on purpose. Giving up short of my breakthrough will never be an option. So then of course everything was peachy and there wasn't a cloud in the sky? Uh - no.
While the circumstances themselves hadn't changed, my perspective once again had. In fact, I was bombarded with a barrage of minor annoyances, with a few whoppers sprinkled in for good measure as the hours ticked by in my preparation for my personal version of an encounter with the fiery furnace. But, much like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, I was certain that my God had gone before me and would orchestrate the circumstances for my good and His glory.
As I stepped into the racially and politically charged situation, topped off by media coverage of varying quality, I knew that I was exactly where I was supposed to be, that I had been prepared for this purpose and that I was not walking alone. Sure enough, as the day came to an end I could mark where everything that the enemy meant for my harm, God had turned it around and used it for my good and His glory.
Day 11 Thanksgiving: Haters
Yes. Haters. I learned long ago that not everyone will love you. I have also learned that at times there are valuable lessons to be learned from those who don't. Whether there is a morsel of truth from which I can grow, or the unintended promotion they give through constant conversation about me or my work, perhaps it's the motivating effect they have on my desire to be better and go harder...whatever the case. I am determined to appreciate them for the hidden value they bring to my life and use them as motivation to keep growing.
Day 11 Prayer: Hate
Lord, hate is such a powerful and dangerous emotion. There are many who struggle with this toxic emotion and feel powerless to stop the devastating effect it can have in their own lives and that of others. I pray today that where there is hate toward others, you would replace it with your love. Teach us how to forgive and help us to experience the tremendous power and benefit of love and forgiveness over misplaced hatred.
While the circumstances themselves hadn't changed, my perspective once again had. In fact, I was bombarded with a barrage of minor annoyances, with a few whoppers sprinkled in for good measure as the hours ticked by in my preparation for my personal version of an encounter with the fiery furnace. But, much like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, I was certain that my God had gone before me and would orchestrate the circumstances for my good and His glory.
As I stepped into the racially and politically charged situation, topped off by media coverage of varying quality, I knew that I was exactly where I was supposed to be, that I had been prepared for this purpose and that I was not walking alone. Sure enough, as the day came to an end I could mark where everything that the enemy meant for my harm, God had turned it around and used it for my good and His glory.
Day 11 Thanksgiving: Haters
Yes. Haters. I learned long ago that not everyone will love you. I have also learned that at times there are valuable lessons to be learned from those who don't. Whether there is a morsel of truth from which I can grow, or the unintended promotion they give through constant conversation about me or my work, perhaps it's the motivating effect they have on my desire to be better and go harder...whatever the case. I am determined to appreciate them for the hidden value they bring to my life and use them as motivation to keep growing.
Day 11 Prayer: Hate
Lord, hate is such a powerful and dangerous emotion. There are many who struggle with this toxic emotion and feel powerless to stop the devastating effect it can have in their own lives and that of others. I pray today that where there is hate toward others, you would replace it with your love. Teach us how to forgive and help us to experience the tremendous power and benefit of love and forgiveness over misplaced hatred.
December 8, 2011
S3 - Day 10 of 27
There have been very few moments in my life where I have felt completely spent - emotionally, physically, spiritually. Fewer still where I recall having even a fleeting moment of doubt that my efforts will ever be adequate - so why bother? Oddly, there was nothing drastic or particularly significant that prompted my momentary irrational exasperation. It manifested almost imperceptibly and without warning; the seed of doubt that beckons you to give up on the edge of your breakthrough.
In this moment I was starkly aware of every prayer that I had ever prayed and was yet waiting on an answer. I am reminded of a scene in Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who. The entire town stood yelling at the top of their lungs, "We are here! We are here! We are here!" Yet their desperate cries were imperceptible to the ones who held their life in the balance. They were at once cognizant of how insignificant they were in the context of the universe of which they were just a microscopic part.
As the situation turned dire, they discovered that their was one young town member who remained silent despite the town's desperate situation. He remained silent because he was not convinced that his small effort could in any way impact the their inevitable demise. At the story's climax the young boy finally relents and adds his simple "Yop!" to the collective din. This simple action turned out to be all that was needed to break through the invisible barrier that had been preventing the town's desperate cries from being heard. As a result the town and all of its inhabitants were saved.
Not unlike this childhood story, my breakthrough did not come until I was willing to YOP (Yell Out Praise). It literally welled up from somewhere deep inside me as imperceptibly and without warning as my sudden onset of doubt had been. The moment that I verbalized my praise with passion and purpose it was as if all of the prayers that I previously felt had been reaching the ceiling and no further were released to find audience with the One who holds my life in the balance. I may not have ended the day with a tangible result in hand - but I did end it with a renewed sense of passion, purpose and faith that completely overshadows the doubt and inadequacy with which I had battled for the better part of the day. I look forward to sharing my testimony as it unfolds...the best is yet to come!
Day 10 Thanksgiving: Religious Freedom
I am so grateful for unrestricted access to the Word of God and the privilege of walking out my faith openly. There are so many in this world who have to hide to share and express their faith. There are countless others for whom the Bible is contraband, owned and shared at great risk. I don't want to take my many privileges for granted and be lulled into the all too common complacency of treating the Word and my religious freedom with anything less than the utmost reverence and gratitude.
Day 10 Prayer: Those suffering religious persecution
Lord today I pray for those who are experiencing religious persecution. They love you with all of their hearts and crave your Word to the extent that they risk their lives for an opportunity to memorize whatever pages they can have even temporary access to. I pray that you would cover them with your hands of safety and protection. Give them the wisdom, grace and favor they need to influence change in their cities as they grow stronger in you.
In this moment I was starkly aware of every prayer that I had ever prayed and was yet waiting on an answer. I am reminded of a scene in Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who. The entire town stood yelling at the top of their lungs, "We are here! We are here! We are here!" Yet their desperate cries were imperceptible to the ones who held their life in the balance. They were at once cognizant of how insignificant they were in the context of the universe of which they were just a microscopic part.
As the situation turned dire, they discovered that their was one young town member who remained silent despite the town's desperate situation. He remained silent because he was not convinced that his small effort could in any way impact the their inevitable demise. At the story's climax the young boy finally relents and adds his simple "Yop!" to the collective din. This simple action turned out to be all that was needed to break through the invisible barrier that had been preventing the town's desperate cries from being heard. As a result the town and all of its inhabitants were saved.
Not unlike this childhood story, my breakthrough did not come until I was willing to YOP (Yell Out Praise). It literally welled up from somewhere deep inside me as imperceptibly and without warning as my sudden onset of doubt had been. The moment that I verbalized my praise with passion and purpose it was as if all of the prayers that I previously felt had been reaching the ceiling and no further were released to find audience with the One who holds my life in the balance. I may not have ended the day with a tangible result in hand - but I did end it with a renewed sense of passion, purpose and faith that completely overshadows the doubt and inadequacy with which I had battled for the better part of the day. I look forward to sharing my testimony as it unfolds...the best is yet to come!
Day 10 Thanksgiving: Religious Freedom
I am so grateful for unrestricted access to the Word of God and the privilege of walking out my faith openly. There are so many in this world who have to hide to share and express their faith. There are countless others for whom the Bible is contraband, owned and shared at great risk. I don't want to take my many privileges for granted and be lulled into the all too common complacency of treating the Word and my religious freedom with anything less than the utmost reverence and gratitude.
Day 10 Prayer: Those suffering religious persecution
Lord today I pray for those who are experiencing religious persecution. They love you with all of their hearts and crave your Word to the extent that they risk their lives for an opportunity to memorize whatever pages they can have even temporary access to. I pray that you would cover them with your hands of safety and protection. Give them the wisdom, grace and favor they need to influence change in their cities as they grow stronger in you.
December 6, 2011
S3 - Day 9 of 27
As I press deeper into S3, I find the physical sacrifice far less of a sacrifice - mostly. In my experience, the body is much more easily trained than the mind.. As I grapple with the mountain of decisions that a season of transition inevitably brings I have to constantly remind myself to replace worry with faith and complaints with praise.
While I find myself reasonably successful in this moment by moment pursuit, my prayer is that this discipline will be habit forming and life transforming. But for now, I focus only on this moment because in all honesty, that is often all I can handle.
Day 9 Thanksgiving: PurposeIt is a wonderful thing to know your life has purpose. Greater still to know WHAT your purpose is in life. And indescribable to have the privilege of walking IN that purpose ON purpose. I am truly blessed. Although I don't always know the "how" or the "when", it is comforting to know the "what" for "Who" to "whom" and "why". Rather than stressing over what is yet to be revealed, I will offer thanks for the privilege of walking out the purpose to which I am called.
Day 9 Prayer: Lord I pray for everyone who is seeking guidance today. They suspect that they are here for a reason but struggle to discover their God-given purpose. I pray that you would speak to these hearts and reveal to them the purpose for which they are created. Surround them with mentors and peers who will support and encourage with sound wisdom and continuous intercession.
While I find myself reasonably successful in this moment by moment pursuit, my prayer is that this discipline will be habit forming and life transforming. But for now, I focus only on this moment because in all honesty, that is often all I can handle.
Day 9 Thanksgiving: PurposeIt is a wonderful thing to know your life has purpose. Greater still to know WHAT your purpose is in life. And indescribable to have the privilege of walking IN that purpose ON purpose. I am truly blessed. Although I don't always know the "how" or the "when", it is comforting to know the "what" for "Who" to "whom" and "why". Rather than stressing over what is yet to be revealed, I will offer thanks for the privilege of walking out the purpose to which I am called.
Day 9 Prayer: Lord I pray for everyone who is seeking guidance today. They suspect that they are here for a reason but struggle to discover their God-given purpose. I pray that you would speak to these hearts and reveal to them the purpose for which they are created. Surround them with mentors and peers who will support and encourage with sound wisdom and continuous intercession.
S3 - Day 8 of 27
It is so beautiful to know that His mercies are new every morning. Despite my "mixed-bag" weekend, Day 8 greeted me with an overwhelming sense of both peace and purpose. As I spent quiet time, meditating on the goodness of my awesome Creator, I was moved in a way I haven't been in some time.
In these profound moments of quiet communion I was reminded of the depth of His Love for me by the incomprehensible exchange of my frail human efforts for His power, peace and purpose. On days like these, it is hard to consider consecration anything less than a privilege, much less a sacrifice.
Day 8 Thanksgiving: Moments of Solitude
There is a difference between being alone and being lonely. With the multiple roles wear, particularly that of parent, moments of solitary quiet reflection can be few and far between if I'm not diligent to guard them with my life. Fortunately, I learned a while back that indeed, they are my life. I am grateful for those meditative moments that bookend my day to refresh, restore and replenish my mind, body and spirit.
Day 8 Prayer: New Parents
Lord, the responsibilities of parenthood are such a monumental blessing and such a sobering reality. I pray that you would touch every person who is becoming a parent for the first time. Grant them the strength, courage and wisdom to raise their children under the umbrella of your love. Give them the measure of grace and patience they will need to fulfill the most significant call you have ever placed on the life of another - that of a parent.
In these profound moments of quiet communion I was reminded of the depth of His Love for me by the incomprehensible exchange of my frail human efforts for His power, peace and purpose. On days like these, it is hard to consider consecration anything less than a privilege, much less a sacrifice.
Day 8 Thanksgiving: Moments of Solitude
There is a difference between being alone and being lonely. With the multiple roles wear, particularly that of parent, moments of solitary quiet reflection can be few and far between if I'm not diligent to guard them with my life. Fortunately, I learned a while back that indeed, they are my life. I am grateful for those meditative moments that bookend my day to refresh, restore and replenish my mind, body and spirit.
Day 8 Prayer: New Parents
Lord, the responsibilities of parenthood are such a monumental blessing and such a sobering reality. I pray that you would touch every person who is becoming a parent for the first time. Grant them the strength, courage and wisdom to raise their children under the umbrella of your love. Give them the measure of grace and patience they will need to fulfill the most significant call you have ever placed on the life of another - that of a parent.
December 4, 2011
S3 - Day 6/7 of 27
It's the weekend!I fully anticipated the weekend being a more significant challenge, given the change in schedule and routine by which it is characterized. Here is where I would feel the most temptation in regards to "turning down my plate". Add to that two full days in a house full of children - and by "full" I mean my precious two and my teenage son's friend, whom I practically consider my own - and see if you don't have a few "what were they thinking?" *exasperated sigh* moments that you must turn into thanksgiving.
Let's just say there were moments of overwhelming success and moments of abysmal failure. What this weekend did confirm for me was how important it is for me to continuously bring my body "into subjection" as 1 Corinthians 9:27 admonishes us to do. I love how my daughter's Bible (the New International Reader's Version( translates this passage: "No, I train my body and bring it under control. Then after I have preached to others, I myself won't break the rules and fail to win the prize."
Take away: my focus was not on consecration - instead it was on every part of my life and the people in it. What you make a priority, you naturally tend to. So in spite of my success and failures this weekend, I continue to press; grateful for the lessons of which I have been reminded and above all the love of a merciful God.
Day 6/7 Thanksgiving: Grace and Mercy
I have at times needed to be reminded of the precious gifts of grace and mercy that God has extended to me, through which I have access to relationship with Him. I am eternally grateful for each time my loving Father has withheld the judgement I deserved and replaced them with His unfailing love and blessings that I could never earn.
Day 6/7 Prayer: Christians
Lord, I pray for your people all over the world. We are at all at different places in our walk with you. Some of us are enjoying a thriving relationship with you while others have a relationship that is in disrepair. No matter where we are on this journey, I pray that you would speak to our hearts and revive our spirits that we would have a renewed commitment to seeking your face, and serving this world. Fill us with your love, forgiveness and peace so that we can in turn share it with those around us. Help us to become more like you as we walk under the umbrella of your grace, mercy, forgiveness and love.
Let's just say there were moments of overwhelming success and moments of abysmal failure. What this weekend did confirm for me was how important it is for me to continuously bring my body "into subjection" as 1 Corinthians 9:27 admonishes us to do. I love how my daughter's Bible (the New International Reader's Version( translates this passage: "No, I train my body and bring it under control. Then after I have preached to others, I myself won't break the rules and fail to win the prize."
Take away: my focus was not on consecration - instead it was on every part of my life and the people in it. What you make a priority, you naturally tend to. So in spite of my success and failures this weekend, I continue to press; grateful for the lessons of which I have been reminded and above all the love of a merciful God.
Day 6/7 Thanksgiving: Grace and Mercy
I have at times needed to be reminded of the precious gifts of grace and mercy that God has extended to me, through which I have access to relationship with Him. I am eternally grateful for each time my loving Father has withheld the judgement I deserved and replaced them with His unfailing love and blessings that I could never earn.
Day 6/7 Prayer: Christians
Lord, I pray for your people all over the world. We are at all at different places in our walk with you. Some of us are enjoying a thriving relationship with you while others have a relationship that is in disrepair. No matter where we are on this journey, I pray that you would speak to our hearts and revive our spirits that we would have a renewed commitment to seeking your face, and serving this world. Fill us with your love, forgiveness and peace so that we can in turn share it with those around us. Help us to become more like you as we walk under the umbrella of your grace, mercy, forgiveness and love.
December 3, 2011
S3 - Day 5 of 27
Day 5 found me up at the crack of dawn to embark on a two-hour journey to a Divine appointment with Destiny. I spent the two hours in quiet reflection and intimate communication with my only passenger. I knew that what I was embarking upon had greater significance than what I could conceive with my human mind. Nevertheless, I was comforted by an overwhelming sense that He was preparing me for the Divine Destiny that He had so lovingly designed.
As I neared my destination, I received a phone call that informed me that the charged situation into which I was headed had been escalated. The stakes had been raised, and I was expected to come in to help diffuse the tension. All eyes on you. Again, God in His sovereignty had used means that I couldn't understand at the time to prepare me for just this moment. On this day, I not once gave a conscious thought to the absence of food, nor was thanksgiving and selflessness a discipline requiring thought and concerted effort. It's funny how consecration comes easily when you find yourself thrust into the place where preparation meets opportunity under the umbrella of favor: on the receiving end of an invitation to a Divine appointment with Destiny.
Day 5 Thanksgiving: Intimate Friendship
I am daily grateful for the gift of friendship, but it is not until I truly have to call upon it that I am made aware of the depth, breadth and sheer power of a special bond that I share with an intimate few. I am blessed to have loved ones with whom I can share my heart and who consistently and persistently intercede on my behalf on the deepest matters of my heart and most significant moments of my life. I am truly blessed beyond measure.
Day 5 Prayer: Individuals Overwhelmed by Loneliness
Lord I pray that you would bring comfort to the hearts of every individual who is experiencing unbearable loneliness. For every individual experiencing a profound sense of isolation and undesired solitude, I pray that you would surround them with the fullness of your presence and an abundance of your love. Take the sting away from the loneliness, restore those relationships that need to be restored, and create pathways for new relationships that will fulfill the need for healthy human connection. Help each of use to be more attuned to those around us and sensitive to their heart cry - particularly during the holiday season.
As I neared my destination, I received a phone call that informed me that the charged situation into which I was headed had been escalated. The stakes had been raised, and I was expected to come in to help diffuse the tension. All eyes on you. Again, God in His sovereignty had used means that I couldn't understand at the time to prepare me for just this moment. On this day, I not once gave a conscious thought to the absence of food, nor was thanksgiving and selflessness a discipline requiring thought and concerted effort. It's funny how consecration comes easily when you find yourself thrust into the place where preparation meets opportunity under the umbrella of favor: on the receiving end of an invitation to a Divine appointment with Destiny.
Day 5 Thanksgiving: Intimate Friendship
I am daily grateful for the gift of friendship, but it is not until I truly have to call upon it that I am made aware of the depth, breadth and sheer power of a special bond that I share with an intimate few. I am blessed to have loved ones with whom I can share my heart and who consistently and persistently intercede on my behalf on the deepest matters of my heart and most significant moments of my life. I am truly blessed beyond measure.
Day 5 Prayer: Individuals Overwhelmed by Loneliness
Lord I pray that you would bring comfort to the hearts of every individual who is experiencing unbearable loneliness. For every individual experiencing a profound sense of isolation and undesired solitude, I pray that you would surround them with the fullness of your presence and an abundance of your love. Take the sting away from the loneliness, restore those relationships that need to be restored, and create pathways for new relationships that will fulfill the need for healthy human connection. Help each of use to be more attuned to those around us and sensitive to their heart cry - particularly during the holiday season.
December 1, 2011
S3 - Day 4 of 27
Pregnant pause. I can't think of a more befitting description of what Day 4 has been for me. Suspended in that "no man's land" between broken and breakthrough. Appetite suspended, I watch with incomprehensible calm as events bigger than myself unfold in my life. I am excited, I am confident, I am ready.
Make no mistake, my confidence has precious little to do with my perception of myself, my experience or my abilities. I am well aware that what I have been thrust into preparation for is far bigger than myself, my experience or my abilities can even discern without the lens of history or eternity. So today, all I could really do was breathe deeply knowing that I while I may not know the future, I know the Author of time. And He not only knows me, but has beautiful plans for my life and has painstakingly prepared me for such a time as this. And that is why on Day 4 of 27 I pause and breathe deeply; knowing that in a matter of moments my preparation will come face to face with opportunity laced with Divine favor.
Day 4 Thanksgiving: Peace
It is so easy for me to be anxious, though the Bible specifically admonishes me to be anxious for nothing. So much so that when I find myself experiencing the "peace that surpasses understanding" I am thrown off guard and feel as though something is off balance. This overwhelming peace in the midst of drama is becoming more common to me and I am determined to embrace it and nurture it so that it becomes the rule rather than the exception in my life.
Day 4 Prayer: Racial/Ethnic Conflicts
Lord, it grieves my heart to see we human beings mistreat one another on the basis of some arbitrary characteristic or perceived difference. Within our country and across the world countless lives have been taken and generations destroyed as a result of fear, hatred and ignorance. There are gaping wounds in the very heart of our country that remain untended, impacting every facet of our culture as each subsequent generation is denied the opportunity to begin healing by our refusal to address the hurt. I pray today that you will raise up a generation with the will and grace to confront conflict and push through discomfort to a place where collective healing can begin. Forgive us for mistreating one another for differences we feign understand and convict us with the desire to love as you love.
Make no mistake, my confidence has precious little to do with my perception of myself, my experience or my abilities. I am well aware that what I have been thrust into preparation for is far bigger than myself, my experience or my abilities can even discern without the lens of history or eternity. So today, all I could really do was breathe deeply knowing that I while I may not know the future, I know the Author of time. And He not only knows me, but has beautiful plans for my life and has painstakingly prepared me for such a time as this. And that is why on Day 4 of 27 I pause and breathe deeply; knowing that in a matter of moments my preparation will come face to face with opportunity laced with Divine favor.
Day 4 Thanksgiving: Peace
It is so easy for me to be anxious, though the Bible specifically admonishes me to be anxious for nothing. So much so that when I find myself experiencing the "peace that surpasses understanding" I am thrown off guard and feel as though something is off balance. This overwhelming peace in the midst of drama is becoming more common to me and I am determined to embrace it and nurture it so that it becomes the rule rather than the exception in my life.
Day 4 Prayer: Racial/Ethnic Conflicts
Lord, it grieves my heart to see we human beings mistreat one another on the basis of some arbitrary characteristic or perceived difference. Within our country and across the world countless lives have been taken and generations destroyed as a result of fear, hatred and ignorance. There are gaping wounds in the very heart of our country that remain untended, impacting every facet of our culture as each subsequent generation is denied the opportunity to begin healing by our refusal to address the hurt. I pray today that you will raise up a generation with the will and grace to confront conflict and push through discomfort to a place where collective healing can begin. Forgive us for mistreating one another for differences we feign understand and convict us with the desire to love as you love.
November 30, 2011
S3 - Day 3 of 27
What a day this has been! Once again, I have to say that turning down my plate proved to be the easiest part of my day. I will also say that I am beyond grateful for the prior two days spent in consecration. What do I mean by consecration? Not merely fasting, but conscientious minimization of external distractions (for one: not a drop of t.v. - not even MNF ;), frequent prayer characterized by praise and thanksgiving and increased consumption of spiritually uplifting material. Little could I know, everything that I had been reading and listening to would further prepare me for the stream of unexpected information with which I would be bombarded on this, Day 3 of 27.
It started minutes after 6:00 this morning with the unexpected communication that a close relative had suffered a stroke and was laying in an ICU hundreds of miles away. As the day continued, I continued to receive a series of equally jarring communiques that had potential implications on my career, my finances and my children. Given my nature, my initial reaction may have admittedly been one of panic. Not today. As I put into practice the principles I have been learning and exercising the discipline of praise and thanksgiving, I am enveloped with an overwhelming peace. I found myself able to address each situation with a quiet confidence accompanied by a clarity that enabled me to understand, in part, either how each situation is a part of my greater purpose and/or how I had been lovingly prepared for this specific moment. I am growing...these tests are the backdrop of my testimony.
Day 3 Thanksgiving: HealthIt is so easy to take for granted until you are confronted with sickness of yourself or a loved one. I will not take for granted my health and that of my parents and children and I will offer passionate praise for the numerous times my loved ones have been healed and preserved from various sickness and chronic disease.
Day 3 Prayer: HealingLord, I believe in Divine healing. I myself have experienced the medically inexplicable and I have seen your hand work in the lives of many others. Today I ask that you would bless those who are ill and aren't quite sure whether they believe in Your power to heal. Reveal Yourself to them as a healer but more than that reveal to them Your tremendous love and concern for their life both now and for eternity.
It started minutes after 6:00 this morning with the unexpected communication that a close relative had suffered a stroke and was laying in an ICU hundreds of miles away. As the day continued, I continued to receive a series of equally jarring communiques that had potential implications on my career, my finances and my children. Given my nature, my initial reaction may have admittedly been one of panic. Not today. As I put into practice the principles I have been learning and exercising the discipline of praise and thanksgiving, I am enveloped with an overwhelming peace. I found myself able to address each situation with a quiet confidence accompanied by a clarity that enabled me to understand, in part, either how each situation is a part of my greater purpose and/or how I had been lovingly prepared for this specific moment. I am growing...these tests are the backdrop of my testimony.
Day 3 Thanksgiving: HealthIt is so easy to take for granted until you are confronted with sickness of yourself or a loved one. I will not take for granted my health and that of my parents and children and I will offer passionate praise for the numerous times my loved ones have been healed and preserved from various sickness and chronic disease.
Day 3 Prayer: HealingLord, I believe in Divine healing. I myself have experienced the medically inexplicable and I have seen your hand work in the lives of many others. Today I ask that you would bless those who are ill and aren't quite sure whether they believe in Your power to heal. Reveal Yourself to them as a healer but more than that reveal to them Your tremendous love and concern for their life both now and for eternity.
November 29, 2011
S3 - Day 2 of 27
While Day 1 got off to an exceptionally rocky start, it quickly turned around. I was able to readjust my attitude (those who know me well know that I'm cranky when I'm hungry) and show last night's leftover fried chicken who's boss. Just about the time my stomach started hitting my back, I caught my second wind and 6:00 pm came and went without me even noticing.
But that's the easy stuff. On a deeper level, I found myself increasingly full as the day went along as I forced down the bitter morsels of anxiety, frustration, and impatience that made their way to mouth and threatened to spill from my lips. With each negative regurgitation, I swallowed hard, breathed deeply and re-framed my thought into a praise - not a self-centered petition - a praise. Transforming "how is it that more than a month has passed since you received your check and I'm still waiting on my reimbursement from the same claim? Let me try and hold your funds by a day and see how quickly you'd be breathing down my throat." to "Lord, please expedite this matter and move on the hearts of all involved parties to release my funds to me with a sense of urgency." is one thing. But my goal is to go a step further.
So I awaken on Day 2 with a renewed sense of excitement and an uplifted spirit - funny how a day full of praise will do that for you. The most beautiful benefit: my household reflects my attitude. How do I know: a second grader and a twelfth grader up at 6:30 a.m. for family devotions before starting the day - fully engaged and without one complaint or exasperated sigh - is all the proof I need :)
Day 2 Thanksgiving: God's Sovereignty (my step further from Day 1)In His sovereignty, God allows various inconveniences in our lives to get our attention, to help us learn a lesson, or to encourage us to be more grateful. I am thankful because all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose. God takes note of even the most minute details of our lives because His love for us is so great that He is moved with compassion with the matters that concern us.
Day 2 Prayer: Families Struggling in this Economy (and further still)Today, I lift in prayer everyone who has been deeply impacted by the economy. I pray for your hand of provision and divine favor on those who are on the verge of losing their homes, vehicles, businesses. I pray for those who are unable to provide for their families and are uncertain of where their next meal is coming from. I pray that you would move on the hearts of those more fortunate around them, fill them with compassion and inspire them to be a blessing to their neighbors in need. I pray that you would reveal yourself to them as Jehovah Jireh and meet their need for their good and your Glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
...until tomorrow...
But that's the easy stuff. On a deeper level, I found myself increasingly full as the day went along as I forced down the bitter morsels of anxiety, frustration, and impatience that made their way to mouth and threatened to spill from my lips. With each negative regurgitation, I swallowed hard, breathed deeply and re-framed my thought into a praise - not a self-centered petition - a praise. Transforming "how is it that more than a month has passed since you received your check and I'm still waiting on my reimbursement from the same claim? Let me try and hold your funds by a day and see how quickly you'd be breathing down my throat." to "Lord, please expedite this matter and move on the hearts of all involved parties to release my funds to me with a sense of urgency." is one thing. But my goal is to go a step further.
So I awaken on Day 2 with a renewed sense of excitement and an uplifted spirit - funny how a day full of praise will do that for you. The most beautiful benefit: my household reflects my attitude. How do I know: a second grader and a twelfth grader up at 6:30 a.m. for family devotions before starting the day - fully engaged and without one complaint or exasperated sigh - is all the proof I need :)
Day 2 Thanksgiving: God's Sovereignty (my step further from Day 1)In His sovereignty, God allows various inconveniences in our lives to get our attention, to help us learn a lesson, or to encourage us to be more grateful. I am thankful because all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose. God takes note of even the most minute details of our lives because His love for us is so great that He is moved with compassion with the matters that concern us.
Day 2 Prayer: Families Struggling in this Economy (and further still)Today, I lift in prayer everyone who has been deeply impacted by the economy. I pray for your hand of provision and divine favor on those who are on the verge of losing their homes, vehicles, businesses. I pray for those who are unable to provide for their families and are uncertain of where their next meal is coming from. I pray that you would move on the hearts of those more fortunate around them, fill them with compassion and inspire them to be a blessing to their neighbors in need. I pray that you would reveal yourself to them as Jehovah Jireh and meet their need for their good and your Glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
...until tomorrow...
November 28, 2011
S3 - Day: 1of 27
My sister called me recently to invite me to participate in her church's annual Sacred Season of Success (S3). Me being a person of faith, a completely trusting fan of my sister...and ardent pursuer of success - this seems like a "must-do" without even hearing further details. Of course I'm on board! Now...errr, please tell me what I've just signed up for.
Here's the abridged version:
27 days of prayer and fasting6:00 am - 6:00 pmMonday - Saturdaybeginning the Monday after Thanksgiving until Christmas EveNO sweets for the duration of the 27 daysNO carbonated beverages for the duration of the 27 daysAs I embark on S3 2011, I have decided that I will do 2 things throughout these 27 days; 1) refrain from praying for myself, intentionally devoting time to as many others as far outside of my immediate circle as I can 2) be aggressively thankful for things that I normally take for granted and/or complain about, conscientiously speaking words of love, hope and encouragement where I would normally complain
Now as much as I love food, and as bountiful as all manner of tempting treats are during this season - I somehow suspect that my exercise in selflessness and gratitude will require more willpower than refraining from food and sweets. I'll keep you posted on how that goes. But for now, here is my gripe turned thanks...and to think this is only day 1!
Day1 Thanksgiving: Teenage SonMy son, who is on the cusp of manhood, mere months away from HS graduation has always been and will continue to be one of my greatest sources of motivation and joy. I will make a more concerted effort to focus on the many things that he is doing well/right rather than becoming mired in frustration/annoyance for the areas in which he is still growing. Light bulb - he is STILL GROWING...aren't we all?
Day 1 Prayer: Teenage Boys with Absent/Un-Engaged FathersToday I pray for every young man who is struggling to find his way absent the example and guidance of a strong father-figure in his life. I pray that God would cover them with His grace, mercy, and protection; grant them wisdom beyond their years to learn from the mistakes they have made and to avoid the ones that loom ahead; and allow them to grow into responsible, successful men that can be positive role models in the lives of the young men who will follow.
...until tomorrow...
Here's the abridged version:
27 days of prayer and fasting6:00 am - 6:00 pmMonday - Saturdaybeginning the Monday after Thanksgiving until Christmas EveNO sweets for the duration of the 27 daysNO carbonated beverages for the duration of the 27 daysAs I embark on S3 2011, I have decided that I will do 2 things throughout these 27 days; 1) refrain from praying for myself, intentionally devoting time to as many others as far outside of my immediate circle as I can 2) be aggressively thankful for things that I normally take for granted and/or complain about, conscientiously speaking words of love, hope and encouragement where I would normally complain
Now as much as I love food, and as bountiful as all manner of tempting treats are during this season - I somehow suspect that my exercise in selflessness and gratitude will require more willpower than refraining from food and sweets. I'll keep you posted on how that goes. But for now, here is my gripe turned thanks...and to think this is only day 1!
Day1 Thanksgiving: Teenage SonMy son, who is on the cusp of manhood, mere months away from HS graduation has always been and will continue to be one of my greatest sources of motivation and joy. I will make a more concerted effort to focus on the many things that he is doing well/right rather than becoming mired in frustration/annoyance for the areas in which he is still growing. Light bulb - he is STILL GROWING...aren't we all?
Day 1 Prayer: Teenage Boys with Absent/Un-Engaged FathersToday I pray for every young man who is struggling to find his way absent the example and guidance of a strong father-figure in his life. I pray that God would cover them with His grace, mercy, and protection; grant them wisdom beyond their years to learn from the mistakes they have made and to avoid the ones that loom ahead; and allow them to grow into responsible, successful men that can be positive role models in the lives of the young men who will follow.
...until tomorrow...
