Who Do You Need To Be Walking Alongside?

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Marie

Yesterday, I went to give my sweet friend a Sunday hug. I do it every Sunday morning we are both there. It was different this time! Her son had passed away and she needed me, more than I needed the assurance of her loving touch. She shared something I will never forget. During the final hours of her child’s life, she sat with him, alone. Certainly not willing to give back the gift she had been given 51 years before, but definitely willing to love and support him as she had done throughout the years of his life. She knew she did not want to be alone and she also knew she wasn’t because God, whom she had known and served all of her life, was with her. During the waiting hours, God sent another of her sons and his wife to walk alongside. God knew her need and provided exactly what He knew was necessary to give her the strength she needed for that moment in time and in the days ahead.

Don’t you love this about God? He knows every single thing we need and He provides it when we need it. David talks about this in the 23rd Psalm.

He gives us everything we need because all of it is His. More than He gives but He wants to give. He sees the need before we know there is one.

Oh yes, God will and does provide however, He wants us to be listening for His voice in ways we can walk alongside others. Sometimes, when I’m thinking of something else He puts a name in my mind. The first time I send up a prayer. If it happens again I give them a call or text and let them know I prayed and ask if they need anything. He gives many opportunities. We need only listen to His still, small (sometimes shouting) voice.

Abba, Father, how thankful I am that You are always walking alongside us. Help me to know when I need to be doing the same for one of my sisters or brothers. Open my heart and cause me to hear Your voice. Give me the strength and courage to follow through. Let Jesus be seen in me!

Pray & Listen

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Marie

For many years I have written my prayers. I have notebooks and journals filled with them. Why? My mind likes to wander and I lose my primary focus – God. So, I write to keep my thoughts centered on the One I am speaking to.

Several years ago my pastor’s wife and still dear friend (They have since moved on.) suggested I use the acronym A.C.T.S. Acclimation. Contrition. Thanks. Supplication. I still use it but have always sensed something was missing.

As I was reading the book for my next review (L.E.A.R.N. Evangelism Handbook by Dr. Marshall M. Windsor) I found the missing piece. I need to add LISTEN. (Of course, now I’ll have to change the letters of the acronym.) In all the years I’ve been talking with and listening for God’s voice I’ve never included a set aside time for listening in my prayers. Time in every prayer where I say, Holy Spirit speak into my heart. Don’t get me wrong, I do listen and expect answers, I just haven’t been specifically listening during prayer. So, When He speaks, and I know He will, I’ll intentionally listen, and write what He says in my prayer journal.

Will I act on His words? Will I share? In trusting Him and keeping the faith, I have learned if I don’t respond or follow through I lose the blessing He had planned for me. Things like:

His presence and protection – Matthew 18:20
That sense of accomplishment for a job well done – Philippians 2:13
His provision – Philippians 4:19
His grace and forgiveness – Ephesians 4:7

I did come up with a new acronym… G.R.O.W.L. Gratitude (Thanks). Requests. Offense (Forgiveness), Worship, Listen. The word kind of fits as our prayers go up with ‘utterings and groanings’ before the Lord that might sound like growls if we heard them.

Here’s the bottom line. No matter what or how just keep on praying.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Jehovah Jirah

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Marie

Of all God’s names and characteristics Jehovah Jirah speaks most loudly to me. There are actually several interlacing characteristics to this Hebrew term.

First, He is the One who sees. He sees every second of my life and knows what is needed. He puts everything in place so that my life will play out His purpose. Galations 4:4 gives us a great picture of what this means. It says, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman…” The fullness of time refers to the fact that everything was in place, everything had happened as it needed to, and God was providing what was needed. Is that awesome or what? Every single gift, event, circumstance, trial and more is planned out by My Provider so when it reaches me it is the ‘perfect gift’. (James 1:17)

Another layer of Jehovah Jirah is that He is showing us. He is revealing to us what He wants us to know as we seek His purpose for our lives. He supplies everything that that we need for every part of our lives. Paul tells us, “My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory…” (Philippians 4:19)

The third part of the Name is He is my provider. Even though it is often the first thought that is applied to the Hebrew word (Jehovah Jirah) the actual meaning goes far beyond material needs. As the Creator of ALL that is, was, and is to come, there is nothing that is not at His disposal for me (us). It is His to give whether it be physical or spiritual. And more than that He wants to!!!!

Worship Him in song! JEHOVAH JIRAH

Jehovah Jirah, my Provider, how can I say thanks for what You have provided and will continue to provide. Yet I must. It is incredible that my little speck of life is of such importance to You that You have orchestrated all that must happen to show Your Glory! Thank You for humbling me with Your greatness! Use my life, Lord! Make it so in Jesus Precious Name!