Saturday, July 31, 2010

Being in Constant Prayer...

July 31, 2010


1 Thessalonians 1:1-2

V 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers…

As I’ve read many times in all of Paul’s letters, he mentions how he is constantly praying for each church and the people there, and all their specific needs and problems. I was imagining this morning what his prayer time must be like. I sometimes have a hard time with prayer; personally, I’d much rather just dive into God’s word, but truthfully; only with prayer can you feel the deep impact of God’s word. Since I am someone, who sometimes struggles with keeping my prater life up and going, I’m in awe at someone like Paul. Paul didn’t have such modern connivances as a laptop to keep up with things or hey, even a prayer journal like mine would not have been readily available to him. I can only assume that the love he felt for each person, each church, and each city was so deep it made a lasting impression on him and his prayer life. Paul shows us we don’t need anything to be close to God, to pray to him; well, nothing but a willing heart that is.

My Journey...A New Begining

On January 27, 2009 I made a decision that changed my life. This decision wasn't salvation, that one happened years ago, but this one was no less impactful on my life. My idea was to change my personal quiet times; I had discovered that this time I spent with God had become rote, only something I did because I had to. My intention was to radically change my personal devotions to God. I wanted to know "Him" more and have "His" imprint on my daily life. And...WoW...did it ever.

I always thought that only "special" people get to really know God. I never really pictured myself as someone who could "know" him. This is of course contrary to scripture. He tells us through His word that if you seek Him you will find Him..."And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you , O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. (Psalms 9:10) I discovered day by day as I met with my God that I could know him.

The funny, maybe not funny, but certainly ironic thing, is that lately my personal life has gone through changes. Some of those changes have been down, some of them have been up, and some of them have been surprising.  However, in the midst of that, I have grown so much closer to God. I know Him much deeper that ever before. Much deeper than I thought possible for myself. He has changed me. I think that's it's impossible to meet with God and not be changed. He changes us.

So, way back in 2009, I set out on a journey. I have been on that journey with some very special people. People who have allowed me to crowd their "in boxes" with my daily ramblings, and more importantly gave me some personal accountability. I was just fine with the status quo, and never thought to change...until. I got a call from my sweet, sweet husband, who I'm madly in love with, Terry. He calls me and sort of out of the blue says to me..."I was reading your My Journey today and thought of something...you should do a blog that's just about your devotions." I must admit I was flattered, I mean this guy who I love, would think that my ramblings would be blog worthy...and I was also intrigued. So, I decided to go for it. This is my first official post...and a new Journey begins.....