Renewing your relationship......

Have you ever walked so far off the path you were traveling on that you got yourself feeling lost, and closed in on all sides?

Everything was so overgrown, and thick you could barely find your way out?

The situation you'd gotten yourself in was a process that happened over time: complacency.

Gradually your prayer life ended.

You stopped reading your Bible.

Church attendance dropped off.

No more Bible studies.

You cut off your relationship with God.

Your life was falling apart.

You were overwhelmed by circumstances, and had no where, and no one to turn to.

You knew, in your heart, what to do....but were afraid....because you had walked away.

*If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

Sometimes it's a matter of pride. We must humble ourselves before the Lord, and proclaim our need for Him.

The knowledge that He is with us keeps us out of the pit of despair.

Confessing our need for God in our lives puts us back on the path that He has chosen for us.

Renewing your relationship with the Lord takes commitment, and time.....nonetheless is the path of Life!!

It is where you encounter God's luminous Presence---radiating Peace that transcends all understanding.

Wait quietly in His presence. Don't rush through prayer, and meditation time. Let His thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Hurrying keeps your heart earthbound. 

Ask the Holy Spirit to quiet your mind so you can hear Him speak within you.

Let the Creator of the Universe make His home in your heart.

*My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

*And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7.
Though the journey you are on seems to be one of faltering steps, and ongoing weaknesses.....those steps keep your dependence on God.  They are links to His Presence, and spiritual blessings.
In His Love.  Debbie  xo

Stay steadfast in prayer.

Have you ever felt you were at the mercy of circumstances that were beyond your control?

Do you find yourself clinging to loved ones, possessions, or even your reputation to no avail?

Where do you go in the midst of life's storms?

There is One that never leaves you, or forsakes you.

*Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

During times of stress, our prayers might not be as eloquent as we might think they should be....as long as we are in constant communication with God...that's what matters. Trusting Him in all of our circumstances, knowing He hears us, we will be able to stay steadfast and patient through the trials.
*Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12.
God doesn't always remove the problems we deal with living in a fallen world, but He will always be with us as we go through them.
Satan continually tempts and tests us to see if we will abandon our faith, and turn from God.
*Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12.
Debbie
xo

God's Timing......

This old computer has been down for six months.

We put our house on the market last June, and I honestly thought we would be living far away from this cottage we've been living in for the past 18 years.

I imagined us living downstate, close to my girls, retired, and living our lives different from what they are now.

I have been praying,  for a very long time,  for God to give me a purpose. I have felt depressed, and longing to get back to "My First Love-Jesus" for so long.....years.

Our friends, from back home, moved up here just this past Summer. They started attending the same church that we were attending. Sue had heard, through the church, that the newly opened drug rehabilitation mission needed Bible study teachers.

The mission is solely funded by the community, and volunteers.

I volunteered to teach. It turned out to be twice a week!!!

Also bringing in suppers, and cookies for night time snacks.

Going to the mission has become "church" for me.

The overseer is also the worship leader, along with his wife....both recovering addicts, and trained facilitators. 

When I am there, it feels like a group of disciples gathering together to worship, pray, and learn about Jesus.

The head facilitator is a pastor, and his wife....so rehabilitation is all Bible based.

The people that come in have been incarcerated, sometimes more than once.

I had been sad and depressed that our house wasn't selling, especially when ALL of the other homes in this sub-division sold over the Summer.

I had prayed for a purpose....

Then, God's plan was set in motion...His timing is always right!!!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philip. 4:6,7.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7.
God answers our prayers.....maybe we will move closer to my girls some day....but for now....I have a purpose. I have returned to my First Love.  
We are never to old to learn to place ourselves totally in God's Hands and allow Him to be the ruler of our life.
Debbie
xo