Christian Reflection and Prayer

"If I had not confessed the sin in my
heart, my Lord would not have listened.
But God did listen! He paid attention
to my prayer."
Psalm 66:18-19 NLT

Reflection:

For us to attempt to approach
God without first addressing the
ways in which we have knowingly
offended and wronged him is an
exercise in futility. Sin is the
"elephant in the room" that must
be acknowledged and dealt with.
Once we do that, we again enjoy
sweet fellowship with God. Clean
and forgiven, we can be sure he
hears our pleas for help.

Prayer:

Lord, you do not listen to my
prayers when I have unconfessed
sin in my life. By your Spirit give
me the humility I need to take a
hard look at my soul. Show me,
God, any wrong attitudes and
actions that I need to acknowledge.
I want to be right with you. I want to
be close to you. Thank you for pledging
to hear those who humble themselves
and acknowledge their sin. May my sins,
which block me from you when I don't
confess them, become a bridge to you
as I admit them, forsake them, and
experience your forgiveness.

from the Praying God's Promises in
Tough Times by Len Wood (Tyndale) pp 8-9"

"I will bless the Lord who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the Lord is always with me,
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside
me."    Psalm 16:7-8 NLT

The steps of the godly are directed by
the Lord. He delights in every detail of
their lives. Though they stumble, they
will not fall, for the Lord holds them by
the hand.  Psalm 37:23-24

Giving thanks that God is near

"Sometimes we try to "ride out the storms" i
n our lives — doing this the best we can.
We think, If I can just hang on and be
strong, I can get through this. David knew
he couldn't make it on his own. In the past,
he had found help in the Lord God. And in
this prayer, David again sought the Lord's
protection: "Keep me safe, O God, for I have
come to you for refuge" (v. 1). He rejoiced
in the guidance and assistance the Lord had
given him. Though his enemies were trying to
shake and topple him, David stood firm because
God was "right beside" him.

In prayer today, acknowledge that God is right
beside you — upholding and guiding you.
Thank him that he helps you and does not
leave you to struggle on your own.

A prayer for today…

Dear Lord, I will not be shaken, for you are
right beside me…

from The One Year® Book of Bible Prayers edited by Bruce Barton(Tyndale)

(THANKS JAN)

This should probably be taped
to your bathroom mirror
where one could read it every day.
You may not realize it,
but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world
that you would die for.

2.. At least 15 people in this world
love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you
is because they want to
be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,
even if they don't
like you.

5. Every night,
SOMEONE thinks about you
before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever,
something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world
has turned its back on you
take another look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received..
Forget about the rude remarks.