Good Morning, Happy Wednesday! Today is a Poem Day! August 24, 2022
We walk into eternity each day, with clocks and feet that measure out our way.
As time surrounds our path that leads us home, we yearn to glimpse our Lord upon His throne.
He knows just when our time on earth is o’er and when our need for clocks is nevermore.
I wrote this because I realized that the Lord knows exactly what time all the events in our life will happen. We can tell time here on earth in the present but only God knows our future and that is comforting! He knows exactly what time He will call us home and exactly how much time we have left, even though there is no need for clocks in heaven:)
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 NIV
This may sound like a strange title, but I could think of no better way to describe how to pray from the soul. Last Monday, we searched our souls by applying God’s Word to them. After searching, we may have found some things we need to pray about, so today, let’s learn how to Pray the Soul.
First things first, we ALL need to pray, in good times bad times or somewhere in-between. Communication with God is our lifeline. We will become spiritually dead without it. That sounds dire, huh? It really is vital that we talk to God from our souls. Here are some ways to do that, so we can grow spiritually and do God’s will as we were meant to do. Grab your journal or just consider these…
1.Prepare the practice of prayer. With your own situation in mind, list some ways you can make it easy and convenient to pray. For example, I leave my Bible, journal, pen and a couple devotionals out each night. I leave a sticky note pad out for things the Lord brings to mind while I read His Word. What things can YOU do?
2. Prepare your soul. This is what we did last week, searched our souls. This prepares us to be able to receive whatever He wants to tell us. He always speaks, if we are quiet and obedient to listen and expect His voice. Open your soul to His inspection and let Him in. What do you want to thank Him for? What situation do you have that requires His authority and divine help?
3. Practice prayer every chance you get. Practice while you are driving, (but don’t close your eyes,) Practice while you are housecleaning, cooking, doing laundry, remember your BEST FRIEND is right there with you! Pray out loud and talk to Him from your soul, with your soul, because of your soul. Go deep, go real, go home to Him. How will you get more practice praying? What quiet time will you set aside for just Jesus? What times will you pray while you are doing your day? (His day)
These are just some ideas the Lord has laid on my heart. I hope they encourage you to pray more and deeper and with expectancy, reverence and thankfulness. I was at a point, a couple of years ago, where I wanted to get really real about prayer. I was tired of saying the same words every time. So, I started searching my soul…
I knew that the Lord was putting more effort in than I was. That inspired this soul searching and prayer emphasis that I have been meaning to write about. Anyhow, the enemy fought me on it, but I fought back and will keep fighting back. Remember…
We only need to pray on days that we are imperfect.
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for showing me how special my time with You can be. Help me to resist the enemy’s lies that ” it takes too much time” or that “skipping one day won’t matter.” Please accept my imperfect prayer life and use it to guide me as You know I need. I will talk to You later, probably all day while I do this day you gave me. Thank you for being an obedient servant and showing me how to be one. I love You. Amen
Just an idea that was/is a game-changer for me…It is helpful to write out your prayers. For me, it is easier to let go on paper and let my thoughts spill out in ink. It’s also helpful to go back and read the prayers and see how God carried me through and helped me learn! The writer in me loves new journals, but it’s mostly because I love writing about God more than anything:)
I love you all with the love of the Lord. Have a great and prayer-full day!
Happy Friday! Here is today’s devotion, a video and prayer. May you be encouraged and filled with His love. May we always long for the Lord. August 19, 2022
Robin Mark sings a song based on this verse. Sing along and feel your soul’s desire for the only One who can feed it, make it strong, forgive it. God’s plan is awesome, isn’t it?
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1-2
Have a great day, glorifying Him in every little way you can!
Good Morning! Happy Wednesday! Here is a poem for today! August 17, 2022
How many oceans would I need to cross, to equal the breadth of God’s care for the lost?
How many skylines would I need to span, to equal the length of God’s mercy for man?
How many valleys need I travel down, to equal the depth of God’s grace that abounds?
How many mountains would I need to climb, to equal the height of God’s love so divine?
God’s Word tells us this. His love has no end. It’s way beyond knowledge on which we depend.
So we can’t measure, nor easily grasp, the great things of God, like His love unsurpassed.
That’s a great treasure for you and for me, that love beyond measure, He doles out for free!
We cannot easily grasp the measure of God’s love because His love is endless. And that is a treasure of endless measure! There’s no other treasure like His love! Ephesians 3
With love from the Father to you, have a wonderful day in the Lord,
Happy Monday! Here’s today’s devotion, with an invitation to apply some scriptures to your own soul. I will do the same:) Wonder what we’ll discover? August 15, 2022
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28
Before you read… As the Lord guides, we will, on some days, explore the Word, journal-style, with self-reflective questions about what your life experience has been and how YOU personally relate Bible verses to your life. I think it will be a season of growth for us!
Last Monday we talked about satan and how he wants to destroy us. It’s not enough to KNOW there is a danger. We have to try to prevent it and know what to do if we encounter it again, just like any emergency. Our souls are at stake!
Considering that, let’s fight back by making ourselves aware of how he tries to do that. Let’s shine God’s light in our souls. Grab your journal, if you want, and consider these verses and questions:
1.This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16
1.Think of something you would not normally do, like tell a lie or gossip or judge for example. Have you, at some point in your life, done it anyway, rationalized it with the enemy’s help? (I have!) What would be the ‘good way‘ to walk through that scenario if it came up again?
2. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
2. In what areas of your life, do you have the most temptation, where the enemy may use the ‘forces of darkness?’ List some vulnerabilities you have that he may linger near. What will you tell him next time he hits you in your weak spot? Look up a verse about God being our rock, defender and guide that you can lean on.
3.See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:24
3.In your own words, why do you think soul-searching, finding “offenses” in your soul, is necessary? What could you hope to gain from knowing what’s hidden in your soul? Why do you think the Psalmist, David, asks the Lord to find the offenses? Are there things in our soul that we cannot find without His help?
Today’s questions may seem simple, but they are important! When we know our enemy’s character and we know our weak areas, then we can be better prepared for the temptation to sin. God is faithful to help us when we study His Word.
We will be doing more journaling with Jesus soon! (This is a great excuse to go buy a pretty journal! )
With love from the Father, may you have a blessed day!
Dear Jesus,
Please bless the effort we make, to search our souls. Please light up anything we cannot see, find what should not be there and cleanse us from it. You are so faithful and loving and we love You so. May You be glorified in all we do today. Amen
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Good morning all! This song reminds me of the One sees the shadows in our soul but lived to die for us. Jesus is our ‘Living Hope!’ Have a blessed day!!
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5: 8-9
Good morning, friends! I have missed writing, but it has been a busy season of life. Two daughters married since last April and a grandbaby is on the way, our first. My Dad has been staying with me for awhile too, which is another blessing! With all of these blessings, it is too easy for me to dwell on the busy-ness and move my alone time with Jesus lower on my priorities.
Yet, that time is needed more than ever, when I am busy, when WE are busy. Why? Because we may start to feel self-sufficient, which is NOT what the Lord intended. We are NOT enough, God is. We were not made to NOT need Him. He is our Father:)
We were also NOT made to listen to the enemy. He pats us on the back, figuratively, and tells us we can do things on our own, that we have made it where we are, on our own. Not true. Not a surprise really, that he tells us that, because the enemy thinks every day is “Opposite Day.” He tells us the opposite of what is true!
When we are busy, He lies! (He lies non-stop!) He attacks our thoughts, devotions, family time…anything that will take us a step from Jesus, and another step and another step. He tells us we can skip devotions just one day…or ten. We can make our prayers short, so we can get to our to-do list done first. We are allowed to skip reading the Bible, since we have been a Christian for so long and know the Bible well. Lies, lies, lies.
The enemy is in opposition to not just God, but US! Whatever He tells you is a well-crafted lie to draw us away from God. It may not appear to be a huge lie, but the little ones are often the most dangerous; because they are subtle and we kind of go along with them. Maybe we should pray about this:
Dear Jesus:
There are times I listen to the enemy’s lies. Would you please help me to recognize when I am being lied to? The enemy may use my busy-ness to let my relationship with You slide a bit. I may resent someone that hurt me and feel justified, because the enemy says so. I have been known to be a little jealous of others’ accomplishments, because the enemy told me I could never accomplish anything like that. Will You please nudge me when I get off track? Draw me back to where I was meant to be, leaning on You. Thank You for being my rock that never moves. All that I am and all that I accomplish is YOURS to decide and YOURS to guide and YOURS to get glory for. I love you! Amen
I hope you have a good week. I will pray for us, that we recognize the enemy’s words and schemes and are able to fight them with the Word of God.
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3 NIV
Hi there! This note is just to let you know that Glory in the Morning will be resuming on Monday, August 8, two days from now. I took a sabbatical of sorts to pray and seek God about whether to continue devotions or focus on another method to get His name and greatness out there.
I feel led to continue devotions, but also to be an encourager in new ways, that I will tell you about soon! I hope you will follow along as we glorify God by studying the Word, loving each other and praying about everything.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, thEach of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.1 Peter 4:10-11ey should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.1 Peter 4:10-11
Driving home from my daughter’s wedding yesterday, my husband and I marveled at all the beautiful moments that had taken place during the beautiful, weekend. God overwhelmingly was present. On account of Him, the day went spiritually wonderful, smoothly and sweetly. Though so very grateful, I was determined not to cry my happy tears too much, so I could focus on Kellie and serve her best on her wedding day.
Just before Kellie was to be married, the bridesmaids and I gathered to pray. With her bridesmaids’ heads bowed and their hands on her, a calm came over me like never before. My heart was so full of joy and thankfulness for these special friends and the man she was to marry, that I had no room for tears. I poured out my thankfulness to Him. I was literally like, “Wow, God, look what you did for my Kellie! You knew all along we would be here today doing this! Thank you!”
After the prayer, one or two bridesmaids/precious friends commented that they were impressed by how calm I was, that I held it all together. (We all know how hyper emotional I can be when it comes to my girls, so I was just as shocked at my calm.) It was not to my credit at all. The Lord was evident all day.
I may be known for being calm in certain situations, but I would hope that others really know me for having to totally depend on God. It is Him that accomplishes anything I appear to do! I hope also, that others know that it is ONLY because Jesus answers prayers for peace that I was not a basket case on Saturday….at least until the actual ceremony… then I lost it! God’s so good to join Kellie to such a new loving family and husband.
I realized, during the wedding, how our Lord and King had served us all, in a way. We prayed for good weather, no problems and no stress for Kellie. We prayed for His hand on the whole day, so we would feel Him there in full force. He owes us nothing at all! Yet, He answered all of our prayers. He is amazing, isn’t He? (Even when He doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want.)
Jesus was known for service too! He was known, is known, for His pure love and obedience to His Father. As Jesus leaned into His Father’s will, He served Him. Thinking of Jesus as a servant sort of shakes up my idea of Him. But He was a servant to His Father in that He obeyed Him with all that He had. He wanted to please God more than He wanted to escape the trial. He wanted to save us more than He wanted to save Himself. He wanted to endure torture more than He wanted for us to endure punishment for our sins. He put God first as we are meant to do.
Wow! All day Saturday I kept thinking, “What am I known for?” and “Have I been a good servant today?” “Is my life about serving and loving Jesus more than myself?” That is a high calling to which I have never been able to accomplish fully, but as I stressed over this a bit, I felt the Lord say to me…”It is the desire to be a grateful servant that pleases me.”
We may be known to others by our gifts and personalities, but above all that, it is what we servant-like give to the Lord and others that sticks in people’s minds. One last thing, and I am sorry this is long, but when we desire to be a servant, God always sends an opportunity and the ability to do that work for Him. So, I leave you with these thoughts…
You are special. You were made for God’s purpose. You are unique in your personality and makeup. God intended for you to be just that way, because He has a plan that only you can accomplish with Him. He gives us grace when we mess up and strengthens us so we can do His will. Being a servant to others is always in His plan. Not only does it help someone, it shows our allegiance to God and shines HIS glory. Just think….someone can come to know the Lord because you are known for knowing Him! That’s pretty cool! You know the saying… “It’s who you know!”
Again, sorry so long with this devo. God just filled my heart with so much joy and wonder this weekend. He showed me that a wedding is more than a pretty event. It is an opportunity to serve. Any event is an opportunity to serve others! I hope you have a great week and God blesses you with new wonders and blessings, as He loves to do. With all praise to Him,
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NKJV
Grace is like an eraser, I think, in that it can make mistakes disappear. That random analogy popped in my head as I was trying to decide whether to give grace to someone. I’m embarrassed to admit that!
I mean …Who am I to even contemplate withholding grace, or forgiveness? Didn’t the Lord forgive me and doesn’t He still? (Yes!) Does He ever say, “No, I won’t forgive you. I am not feeling gracious today?”(No!)
It is not always easy to forgive, but it’s what God wants, simply put. God gives opportunities for us to practice our grace-giving skills on others. I have seen that lately!
The next time someone makes a mistake that affects or hurts you, remember…Jesus’ love covered our sins. Now, it’s our turn to love others, give them another chance. Although they may not ask for forgiveness, let’s give it anyway!
Loving that person is a testimony to our grace-full God! Grace’s eraser makes us not focus on the number of mistakes, but the amount we can love, with the Lord’s help.
We need to remember that our mission on earth is to love and serve God first and others second. It’s not about how WE are treated but how WE TREAT others. We can make a plan to love as He does, fully and freely.
Jesus was treated WAY worse than all of us, yet it did not stop Him from forgiving those who hurt Him. He was fully God but also fully human, so He felt pain as we do, meaning He understands what we are feeling. Forgiveness may seem impossible, but nothing is impossible with God! 🙂
My loving Lord…Thank you for your abundant grace that that forgives me. Please help me to apply that to others generously and freely, as a testimony to how grateful I am to you. You saved me when I didn’t deserve it. Help me to remember the world doesn’t revolve around ME, but YOU. I love you so much! Amen
Have a grace-filled day! With love from the Father to you,
We walk into eternity each day,
How many oceans would I need to cross,
gloryinthemorning.com 