In The Serenity Prayercolumn each month we are studying this well-known prayer phrase by phrase and applying it to our life today. These posts will be published the first Friday of each month in 2019.
Life is short and it’s getting shorter by the day!
When we are young it seems like time goes by so slowly. Maybe it’s because we are anxiously waiting for important rites of passage: attending school, becoming a teenager, driving a car, graduation, college, etc.
Time seems to pick up speed.
As adults time is fleeting. Our days, weeks, months and years fly by at a speed that seems to match our age. When we’re 30 time flies by at 30 mph. And when we’re 60 life speeds up to a whopping 60 mph! The older we get, the faster time goes by.
Multi-Tasking steals our time.
I think we lose time because we’re multi-processing too much. Eating breakfast in the car on the way to work instead of simply enjoying the morning drive. Checking email messages on the SmartPhone while watching your children on the playground instead of playing with them. Listening to voicemail messages while taking a walk instead of listening to the birds singing, appreaciting the fresh air and sunshine.
Count your time.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. ~ Psalm 90:12
In the above Scripture Moses challenges us to rethink how we live our life. He wants us to make the most of our days since they’re so few. When we come to a full understanding that life is short we will be better stewards of our time. The more conscious we are of time will make us better at using the time we’ve been given for an eternal good.
In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus encourages us not to worry about life, clothes, food, or money. He takes it a step further and tells us not to worry even about tomorrow. He wants us to take each day as it comes trusting that God will be with us no matter what it may bring.
Deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. ~ Matthew 6:34
Enjoy this awesome new video! Josh Wilson’s song will help us live One Day At A Time and not borrow from tomorrow with worry and stress today.
With beautifully applicable stories and a fresh look at some familiar Scriptures, Pastor Joseph Prince challenges us to take a different walk through our daily life.
Rather than allowing the worry, stresses and challenges of life to choke the flow of God’s grace; we must relax and let go of situations that are ultimately out of our control and allow God’s amazing grace to flow as He intends it to to the needed areas of our life.
“God is always supplying by His grace. Our part is to let go and let His supply flow.” ~ Joseph Prince
Pastor Prince tells us, as long as we are worried and in strife, we preventing the flow of God’s grace to come where we need it the most. While we are so caught up in the worries and trying to solve issues, we are actually preventing God from doing the work we are asking for.
“If it’s a miracle you need, a miracle you will get— if you remain in peace.” ~ Joseph Prince
The teachings in LIVE THE LET-GO LIFE go against everything in our human nature. It takes committed determination to persevere to the peace that God wants us to have in our lives. We must labor to rest, to believe in the promise that Jesus made, that the peace He left us is ours. It’s up to us to accept it and keep accepting it each and every moment of every day.
I highly recommend LIVE THE LET-GO LIFE by Joseph Prince. If you struggle with stress, worry and anxiety, this is God’s answer for you today!
The third Friday of each month in 2019 we are studying my favorite life verses:2 Corinthians 4:15-18. This section of Scripture has proven a solid source of faith for me through many challenges over the last decade. As we work our way through this passage of verses you’ll see it build on the previous phrases all the way to the end.
All this is for your benefit so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Someone is always watching.
Depending on how we walk out the different seasons in our life will determine how others see God. If we’re always stressed out and worried, the people around us are not going to think too highly of the God that we worship.
Keep your head and heart high.
If we walk out a challenging time with our head held high, with a smile on our face and a good attitude in our heart, trusting that God is going to provide our needs as they come up, then those around us will believe that our faith is genuine and that God is real.
Share God’s Grace.
As we experience God’s grace and share this outpouring with others they will know that He is the only one who could have brought the breakthroughs about. Just as the portion of our verse for today says, we will see thanksgiving overflow to God’s glory.
Allow thanksgiving to overflow from your life!
When our lives declare the love that God has spoken over us God is lifted up. When God is getting glory for something in our life, no matter what brought it about, it’s all worthwhile! Live grateful, watch God be glorified and see others give thanks to God on your behalf.
On the second Friday of each month in 2019 we are studying one of the most memorized chapters in the Bible: PSALM 23. Join me as we bring fresh application of this beloved psalm to our lives.
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures…
Sometimes the pasture may seem greener on the other side of the fence. I think the other pasture is greener only because there’s more manure there. If you get my meaning. But seriously, just because other pastures appear to be better doesn’t mean they are.
Don’t believe everything you see.
Don’t compare your pasture to that of others. Stop and see the lush green pasture God has provided for you today. Your pasture may not be all you dream for, but I’m pretty sure this pasture is better than where you came from. I know mine certainly is!
Striving and stressing.
Are you striving to keep up with your friend, neighbor or co-worker? God wants us to rest in the green pasture He’s already provided for us. Yes, we can work to improve our pasture where needed. But to strive and run after things that are not in God’s plan for us today will wear us out. If we are experiencing frustration we’re working in our own power not God’s power.
Cultivate thankfulness.
We must find our way to gratefulness. If we can’t be thankful for what God has given us today, why would He want to give us more to complain about tomorrow? The enemy of our soul tries to keep us in a state of discontent. Our challenge is to push past the battle in our thoughts to find the joy in our hearts that God has given us. Then we will be able to rest in the green pastures God has given us today.
Contemplate God’s goodness that surrounds you right this minute as you listen to this classic Bluegrass Gospel song recorded by Ricky Skaggs.
In The Serenity Prayercolumn each month we are studying this well-known prayer phrase by phrase and applying it to our life today. These columns will be published the first Friday of each month in 2019.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
wisdom:knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgement as to action, discernment or insight; knowing what is right and doing it.
Feelings are our worst enemy.
When we come to the decision point described in The Serenity Prayer asking to know the difference between things we can change and the things we can’t change; often our emotions blur the process. Our feelings often keep us attached to people, things and behaviors long after we should’ve let them go.
Where can we get the wisdom that we need?
Scripture tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10) So if we start by having a holy reverence for God we’ve made a good first step. James tells us that if we need wisdom to ask for it. (James 1:5) It seems pretty basic and simple. Our biggest challenge is to put aside our pride and ask!
How do we know we have wisdom?
There are several characteristics of wisdom we can look for in our life.
…the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. ~ James 3:17
Let peace be the ruler of your heart.
When we’re at a decision crossroad, we can filter our process through the character qualities James teaches us. We can be gentle, showing no favoritism, yielding to others when necessary. Walking in mercy, compassion and sincerity we can prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us with the peace ruling our hearts.
When in doubt do without.
For many years this has been my life motto. When shopping for groceries, buying a car, or taking next steps with important decisions… I stop and check the peace in my gut. If I don’t have a peace I won’t go forward. If there is any doubt at all, I will wait. It’s better to wait than to rush and make what could be a costly mistake.
The Spirit of Wisdom.
As Christians we have within us the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit that created all things is available to guide and direct us in our daily lives as we follow the peace.
As you listen to this beautiful worship song, take a few moments and prayerfully meditate on God’s wisdom and grace that is available to you for the asking.
The third Friday of each month in 2019 we are studying my favorite life verses:2 Corinthians 4:15-18. This section of Scripture has proven a solid source of faith for me through many challenges over the last decade. As we work our way through this passage of verses you’ll see how it builds on the previous phrases all the way to the end.
All this is for your benefit so that the grace that is reaching more and more people…
It seams we’re hearing more about God’s grace than ever before. God’s grace certainly isn’t a new thing. For some reason we are more in tune with it or maybe we are more aware of it. Grace may appear simple but there are multiple layers to the concept of grace.
Grace defined.
Biblical grace is defined simply as the undeserved favor and blessings from God. It is a gift from God through Christ which gives us the power and ability to do what God wants us to do. Grace not only is a gift from God to us, it is working in and through us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
How grace reaches me.
For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it. ~ Ephesians 2:8-9 (GNT)
We have access to God’s grace simply through faith. God’s grace is freely given to us the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. But really it was the grace of God that even opened our heart to know and receive Christ to begin with. God’s love is full of grace. God’s grace is full of love.
How grace reaches others through me.
Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it. ~ Matthew 5:16 (VOICE)
My proper response to God’s amazing grace is a life well lived for Christ. And that is exactly how God’s grace reaches others through me. They will see how our attitudes have changed, we may have freedom from an addiction or recent healing in our relationships. We may be exhibiting a special gift: teaching, giving, leading, or encouraging those around us.
Whatever the case, we must remember in each and every season of our life we have a cloud of witnesses watching. Whether it’s our neighbors, family or co-workers… someone is always watching to see how we’re walking life out. I pray by the power of God’s grace I will leave His influence in my wake.
God, keep us near your grace-fountain and bless us! And when you look down on us, may your face beam with joy!
Send us out all over the world so that everyone everywhere will discover your ways and know who you are and see your power to save.~ Psalm 67:1-2 (TPT)
Contemplate how God’s amazing grace is reaching in and through your life as you listen to one of my new favorite songs by Elevation Worship.
On the second Friday of each month in 2019 we will be studying one of the most memorized chapters in the Bible: PSALM 23. Join me as we bring fresh application of this beloved psalm to our lives.
Breath Prayer Meditations
During seasons of struggle this verse becomes like a mantra for me. There are many days and nights that I keep this Scripture close to my heart and mind. At work I often have it posted on my computer monitor.
When retiring for the night it’s very comforting to meditate on. Reciting it quietly as a breath prayer calms my spirit and soul to help me fall asleep.
Worry is Unnecessary
As a sheep in The Flock it helps to remind myself that My Shepherd hasn’t forgotten me no matter how bleak things may seem. The Good Shepherd always takes care of His sheep. He makes sure all their basic needs are met. While we are desiring more that just basic needs, it’s important that we seek our Shepherd’s face for guidance and not only His hands for provision.
In this beautiful song Audrey Assad finds the perfect words to help us contemplate Psalm 23:1. Enjoy…
In The Serenity Prayercolumn each month we are studying this well-known prayer phrase by phrase and applying it to our life today. These columns will be published the first Friday of each month in 2019.
GOD grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can…
courage:strength in the face of pain or grief; the ability to do something that frightens; mental or moral strength to persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty; willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation.
Most of the changes we need to make are related to the personal challenges we face as individuals.
Some of my biggest challenges are low self-esteem, lack of self confidence and allowing myself to be easily discouraged.
There are many people in scripture that struggled with self-confidence, the most memorable is Moses.
At the burning bush when God commissioned Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt he protested saying, “Who am I to lead the people of Israel!” Although Moses was well educated and qualified to be a leader, he suffered with self-doubt.
Sometimes we won’t even try to change for fear of failure.
God isn’t expecting perfection. He knows what we are made of and only asks that we try with the abilities and resources available to us. As we do He will crown our efforts with success.
Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. ~ 1 Chronicles 28:20
Rather than striving to make changes in my own power I must remember that all my strength comes from the grace of Christ.
With Jesus’ help I will step out with courage. I will do everything possible, to live the life God has for me and be the person He wants me to be.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13
Watch this wonderful worship song from Bethel Music as you prayerfully contemplate the courage you need to make changes in your life.
In observance of my Benedictine Monastic practices, on the last Friday of each month in 2019 we are climbing Saint Benedict’s 12 Steps of Humility. With each step we come closer to our spiritual transformation and the perfect love of God.
The first Step of Humility: a monk keeps the fear of God always before their eyes. ~ The Rule of Benedict 7:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. ~ Proverbs 1:7
As we begin our journey we must humbly bow down and recognize the Presence of God in our lives and live from that awareness moment by moment.
Have an honoring, reverential fear of the Lord. To walk in humility we must live from a stance of reverential fear of God always. Not fear in the sense that we are afraid. But fear in the sense that we have a deep abiding respect for God’s authority in our life.
Keep self-worth in a proper perspective. By not putting ourselves down for our weaknesses or puffing ourselves up because of our strengths we can better see ourselves as God does. When we can have a balanced view of our flaws and gifts we come closer to the reality of who we are.
A foundational step for all the rest to come. Starting with a firm foundation of reverential fear of God will help the future step to be a little easier. As we recognize God’s Presence and give Him reign over our daily lives, we will find the freedom that comes from accepting our proper place in the universe.
God is always present in our lives. Whether we realize it or not, God is always present. He is present to our every thought and every action. It’s not hard to imagine God with us when we are being good. But to think of Him being present when we are doing something bad is uncomfortable.
Guard yourself at every hour. If we stay aware of God’s Presence moment by moment following the Holy Spirit’s lead we are promised to be blessed.
The third Friday of each month in 2019 we are studying my favorite life verses: 2 Corinthians 4:15-18. This section of Scripture has proven a solid resource of faith for me through many challenges over the last decade.
In the midst of struggles it’s hard to imagine how this could be for our benefit.
We may never know why some things happen. If God tried to explain why He’s allowing something to happen in our life our mind wouldn’t be able to grasp it.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. ~ Isaiah 55:9
God is a Mystery. It requires faith for us to follow God and trust His ways. That’s why we are called believers and not doubters. Believing means we believe!
It is the Lord who directs your life, for each step you take is ordained by God to bring you closer to your destiny. So much of your life, then, remains a mystery! ~ Proverbs 20:24 (The Passion Translation)
It’s not always about us. The struggles we are going through may not be only about us. God may be growing us through this trial so that we can comfort another person one day going through a similar situation.
What a wonderful God we have—he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (The Living Bible)
Endure hardships with a good attitude. God is more concerned with our character than our comfort. As we press through our struggles with a good attitude, doing everything as unto the Lord, we will grow stronger in Christian character and virtue. But most importantly God will be glorified as others around us see how we walk out life.
So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. ~ 2 Timothy 2:10 (New Living Translation)
As you listen to this beautiful song by Covenant Worship take a few minutes to contemplate your life situation. How can you be a vessel of God’s glory to others in the midst of your struggle?
