He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Brokenhearted. I’ve watched my kind-hearted, preacher-husband respond to the brokenhearted as he has faithfully shepherded our flock here in Charlotte for over thirty years. I’m taking a pause in our Journey through James to share David’s response to yesterday’s senseless rampage in Newtown. Thought you might find it comforting. Continue reading
Written! Let’s take a minute to consider the written word. Think about how different your life would be if you could not read or write. And how would our beliefs even exist if no one had captured the Scriptures in written form? We complete our 21-Day Experiment in Prayer with a reading of John’s final chapter. I hope you’ve set aside some time on this Sabbath to reflect on what you’ve been reading. Have you noticed God’s presence in special ways? Are you seeing answers to prayers? Continue reading
Answers to our “big ask,” the prayer that weighs most heavily on our heart, can seem slow in coming. God’s ways are higher than my ways….and usually they are a whole lot messier! Let’s help each other stand strong during our times of waiting. A friend recently referred to me as a “prayer coach.” I hope I can “coach” you to follow hard after Christ, to read His Word daily, to persevere in prayer.
Here are some “training tips” as you work on your Chubby Book Method this week. And be sure to share your own tips in the comment section!
1. Training Tip: I keep my Chubby Book prayer list open beside me while I fold the laundry. I pray for each item on the list, pausing to reflect on the Scripture verse on the adjoining page. This practice has made a chore I used to loathe something I actually like, which is a miracle in itself! Click here to see my Chubby Book page. Continue reading
Do you have a problem with worry? Maybe you are exhausted from worrying about everything from your family to the economy to the condition of the world. Join me for a 40 Day Challenge starting Monday, June 18th, and let’s wage war on worry!
We’ll practice some of the training tips in my new book Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars: Learning to Hear the Voice of God. I will “coach” you through a series of steps that will help you grow closer to God through prayer, and in the process, kick worry to the curb.
There is no cost for this on-line study other than the purchase of a book. Simply sign up at the bottom of this page to follow my blog and you’ll receive regular updates and training tips to help you discover how to overcome worry through prayer.
I didn’t have to learn how to worry. It just came naturally as a by-product of an overactive imagination, a curious mind, and a relentless memory. Marriage and a family only brought more responsibility, and therefore more things to worry about. I agree with my friend who defines worry with the acronym: W.O.R.R.Y: Worry-Only-Robs-Rest-from-You. It’s true. Worry is exhausting.
I was inspired by Paul’s letter to some persecuted Christians. They were always in danger of getting killed, and therefore had lots to worry about. “Don’t worry about anything,” he encouraged them. “Instead, pray about everything.” I was struck by the word instead. Paul didn’t just stay stop worrying. He said, instead of worrying, pray. It seemed to me like he was saying to redirect the energy of worry into prayer. Maybe I could use all that furious energy of anxiety to work for me instead of against me!
I understood that concept. It sounded a little like a trick I had learned back in high school when I took karate in between my sports seasons. I was taught to use the enemy’s energy against him. A violent attack could be redirected to incapacitate my attacker. The Bible reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle. “Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.” Paul adds. “If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7 NLT).
Reminder: When you are tempted to worry this week, try redirecting all that energy into prayer!
