A couple of years ago, the Lord told me to start a prayer blog. I waited far longer than I should have, wanting to be certain that I was being led by God and not my own prideful ambition. I was concerned about readers misunderstanding my motives. After all, I am a disciple, but no biblical scholar. I don’t have any fancy theological credentials. I am just a woman who loves God and believes in the power of prayer because I’ve seen it work. Trusting that God knew my intentions to glorify Him and not myself, on January 1, 2017, I posted my very first prayer-related blog post.

I often joke about being a recovering control freak. I was concerned about the undefined nature of this blog. How often would I write? How long should the posts be? Would readers feel encouraged to pray? Would people relate to the various examples and analogies that I included in my post? The planning techniques that serve me so well professionally were useless for this spiritual assignment. The Lord wanted me to step out in faith and trust Him to address every need.

To my wondrous amazement, the Lord inspired me to publish a new post each week. I never planned the blog in advance. I operated in prayerful expectation each week that God would show me a new way to encourage others to pray. Without fail, each week, the Lord gave me a fresh perspective. My life experiences amplified my personal prayer life and provided practical examples of the importance of prayer.

As 2017 draws to a close, my soul looks back with gratitude and forward with hope. The Lord has been dealing with my heart this year. Where I used to be guarded, the Lord has softened my heart – making me more emotionally flexible and spiritually sensitive. I rely less on my intellect and more on the urging of God’s Holy Spirit. I realized that God was there and speaking all the time, I just needed to tune in to listen to His instructions. The tranquil inner voice that reassures me of God’s love confirmed that I am to continue this work in 2018. However, where I would previously try to distill and generalize my life lessons, the Lord has told me that the next dimension of this blog will be far more personal. Revelation 12:11 says “And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.” I won’t whine, but I won’t gloss over the ugly spots either.

In 2017, I experienced heartbreak, rejection, criticism, hardship, fear, sorrow, frustration, and crisis. John 16:33 says “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” I was never without hope because I never held on to any particular problem for long. I outsourced my worry, fear, regret, rejection, depression, guilt, despair, and “disses” – distress, disease, discomfort, and discord – to the Lord. He allowed me to hold fast to hope and to never doubt His love for me.  Jeremiah 31:3 says “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” This blog may assume a different tone in 2018, but the constant will be my declarations of God’s goodness and the importance of prayer.

Praying that in 2018 you will live Psalm 27:13 which says “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

Happy New Year! “However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him.” -1 Corinthians 2:9

If we aren’t careful, the holiday season turns into an energy-draining, logistical nightmare. Life goes from busy to frenetic as seasonal obligations overlap schedules that are already bursting at the seams. The pace can be exhausting as we try to cram family, work, social, community, and all manner of commitments into a compressed schedule. Under the guise of celebration, we can take on multiple forms of stress.

In those moments where we find ourselves overwhelmed, irritated, or fatigued, we should remember that we have the option to enter into the tranquil mindset of the Lord’s rest whenever we choose. While every source of stress won’t instantaneously disappear,  seeking God’s face allows us to recalibrate and view our life events with a fresh perspective. When what lies ahead seems daunting or discouraging, it is helpful to take a pause for the cause – just a moment to whisper a prayer regarding whatever concerns us. When we remind ourselves of who we are and the power that lies within us, we reinforce our belief that we never have to bear any burden alone. When taking a pause for the cause, it is helpful to:

1. Acknowledge the ways God actively works in your life – think about ways that you experience God. In which situations do you feel His presence the most? Do you know Him to be a healer, provider, protector, refuge, and creator? Whether it’s the seeing the beauty of a sunrise, hearing the laughter of children, the reassurance of holding a pay stub, the smell of a delicious meal, or simply a feeling of peace, declaring God’s various roles provides a level of reassurance. Reflecting on everyday miracles is a way to encourage yourself and attest to God’s goodness. Psalm 145:9 says “The LORD is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works.”
2. Declare that you belong to God – you are God’s creation. Being part of His family entitles you to a host of eternal benefits. Remind yourself that you are never alone and your heavenly father delights in you. God is always watching and waiting for an opportunity to be glorified through your life. He never wastes a crisis. Even when situations seem discouraging, difficult, or dire – reminding yourself that you are part of a divine order can bring a sense of peace, courage, and confidence as you seek His will for your life. Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
3. Admit that you need help – prayer unleashes God’s power, bringing it from the heavenly to the physical realm. Let the Lord know what burdens your heart and what distracts or discourages you. Ask God to help you heal from life’s hurts so that they do not fester and harden your heart. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
4. Give God room to work – it’s meaningless to acknowledge God, declare your identity, admit your need, then not allow God to move on your behalf. We often take our burdens to the Lord, then pick them up the moment our prayer ends. Releasing a burden is both a powerful and humbling exercise. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

In this joyous holiday season, continue to seek God and remind yourself to take a pause for the cause. Take a moment to breathe, relax, and meditate on The One who is as close as the breath you just took in. Psalm 46:10 says,“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

Each of us wants to live our best possible life. To that end, we struggle to balance our academic or career, family, community, and personal pursuits. What starts off sounding exciting and worthwhile can leave us feeling drained and depleted. Busy is the new fine – when asked how we’re doing, we often reply with some comment eluding to our busyness. The assumption is that a schedule packed with activities, obligations, and commitments somehow reflects a more fulfilling life. The truth is, in modern society, we are in dire need of more space and opportunity to be still, quiet, reflect, and recharge.

Busyness can be a tool of the enemy – feeling overwhelmed and burdened builds fatigue, resentment, and stress. Galatians 6:9 says “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”  Every good thing is not a God thing. Voltaire wrote that “the enemy of the best is the good.” We need to ask God for wisdom and discernment – to show us which commitments align with His will for our lives. Luke 10 tells the story of Martha and Mary. Jesus visited the home of these sisters and while Martha was busy with her hostess duties, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching. I believe we are guilty of this today – sometimes we are so busy fulfilling what we believe are essential activities that we completely miss precious opportunities to spend time with Jesus.

A lot of us resemble Martha – putting our personal agenda and action items ahead of quality time with God. The issue is that our time with God needs to be a priority and not an afterthought. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” The good news is that time with God can take a variety of forms. Any activity that permits us to focus on God can become an act of worship or opportunity for prayer. For example, gardening, cleaning, cooking, singing, working out, and driving are times that we can commune with God acknowledging who He is and inviting Him into any situation that concerns us. We can also revel in and express appreciation for the sensory experiences associated with that moment. Seeking God in that moment turns ordinary activities into extraordinary worship. Colossians 3:17 says “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

The Lord wants us to enjoy our lives by putting our faith in Him. He wants us to worship the Creator rather than the Creation. 1 Timothy 6:17 says “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” The Lord doesn’t want us distracted and stressed. He wants us to be liberated – in a place where we can focus on and delight in His goodness. The Lord is willing to take on every burden, hurt, or sorrow that we face. We need only to invite Him into the situation to receive the relief that we desire. Matthew 11:28 says “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

In this technological age, losing your signal translates to immediate disaster. A dropped signal may mean losing the connection during an important phone call. A wi-fi lapse can completely suspend your work efforts. Satellite TV viewers are frustrated when weather interferes with receiving a signal and ruins the video display.

Yet in our Christian walk, we seem rarely upset about a failure to maintain a clear signal with God. If our signal is weak, scrambled, faded, or otherwise compromised, we must acknowledge that:

1. the signal failure is on our part, not the Lord’s. If the signal has grown distant or faded, it is because of us, not the Lord’s.  James 4:8 says “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” 2 Peter 3:9 says “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2. the Lord knows exactly how we’re wired and sends the appropriate signal. The Lord created us. He knows us intimately and individually. Psalm 139:14 says “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Since He knows exactly how he created us and who He created us to be, He also knows exactly how to speak to us – how to send signals in ways that we understand. Psalm 18:6 says “In my distress, I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.”
3. we receive signals at different rates. We may enviously observe someone else’s enthusiastic Christian walk, wanting to be tuned to their same frequency. But their frequency isn’t designed for us. Jeremiah 29:11-12 says “For I know the plans that I  have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.“
4. the signal is intended to optimize, not break you – the receiving device. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says “There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.” Romans 8:28 says that “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

The good news is, even if your signal is inactive or weak – you are just a prayer away from activating or improving your signal. Ask God to make your connection strong and clear. Psalm 145:18 says “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

As in life, when traveling the skyways, we always hope for a smooth journey. We prepare as best we can, present our credentials, complete the security screening and board the aircraft. After receiving clearance from the tower, we take off and are glad to be on our way. But sometimes it seems that the moment we reach a comfortable cruising altitude, we run into turbulence – various forms of conflict or confusion that causes unsteady movement. Any number of life situations can take us by surprise and result in us experiencing unexpected rough air. When you find yourself thrown for a loop by life experiences, it may help to remind yourself that:

1. You are not alone – in the chaos that occurs with life’s turbulence, the enemy tries to isolate us. It is far more difficult to manage turbulent times in life without the wise counsel of godly friends who want to see you soar like an eagle. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” God can supply your every need – either by strengthening you to withstand the turbulent conditions or changing the air around your circumstances. Philippians 4:19 says “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
2. You have a built-in seat belt – when you are cooperative in wearing the necessary restraint, you can prevent many of the injuries that would otherwise accompany a turbulent situation. People feel lifted during turbulence when, in fact, the opposite is true. In turbulence, the plane drops. Wearing the seat belt keeps you from accidentally suffering a concussion. In life, when you use built-in restraint provided by God’s Holy Spirit, it protects you from further injury. Philippians 4:7 says “And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
3. Your oxygen is still flowing, even if the mask doesn’t inflate – although it may not always look or feel like it, God is constantly at work in our lives. Exodus 15:13 says “You will lead the people You have redeemed with Your faithful love; You will guide [them] to Your holy dwelling with Your strength.” We get nervous when we don’t see immediate evidence, but we need only trust that God is working things out for our good. Romans 8:28 says that “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Thanks be to God, no matter how much turbulence we experience in life, through Jesus Christ we can look forward to a smooth landing.

While traveling recently, I was amused by one photographer’s T-shirt which read: I can freeze time. What’s your superpower?

Wikipedia defines superpower as “a state with a dominant position, which is characterized by its extensive ability to exert influence or project power on a global scale.” Superpower assumes that we first have natural power. We may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but we can extend grace to someone who needs it. There are lots of ways that we can be physically helpful and emotionally brave in blessing others. Galatians 6:10 says “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” We may not have a cool outfit or all sorts of gadgets, but we carry the power to lend a hand, express concern, comfort those who are grieving, support people in crisis, donate to a worthy cause, make a meal for someone recovering from an injury or illness, be present with someone who is lonely, or encourage someone who feels discouraged.

None of the above acts reflect our natural inclination. We are born broken and self-centered. Psalm 51:5 says “Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. ” Yet, through the power of love, these generous acts are possible. The power of love comes from God. 1 John 4:8 says “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Yet beyond showing love and what we can do in the physical realm – there are superpowers. Ways that we can traverse time and space to battle evil, loss, and destruction – to affect positive change. It is the supernatural power of prayer. It is only through a relationship with Jesus Christ that our God-given superpowers are activated. Prayer is the conduit that can bring hope to the hopeless, faith to the fearful, healing to the sick, wisdom to the confused, confidence to the uncertain, salvation to the lost, deliverance to the imprisoned, provision to the needful, courage to the timid, and protection to the vulnerable. We can not only pray for people but we can pray for situations, organizations, and entities that burden our heart.  2 Corinthians 10:3-5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” The best part is, we are not operating in isolation, but we have the ultimate dynamic duo – The Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ – interceding for us. Romans 8:26-27 says “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” and Romans 8:33-34 says “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”

As they used to say in one popular superhero cartoon “By the power of our forces combined…” we do not have to fret or be anxious about anything. When some villainous situation bothers or worries us, we need only pray about it. Phillippians 4:6-8 reminds us that we are to “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, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

There are no limits or boundaries to the supernatural power of prayer because it is activated in the spiritual realm, then manifest in the physical realm. Ephesians 3:20-21 says “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” As we mature in our relationship with the Lord and move toward sanctification, we enjoy a lifestyle of living for the Lord rather than ourselves. We can trade-in our weary, bitter and brittle heart for a renewed, hopeful, and loving heart that only God can provide. Romans 12:2 says “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

This renewed heart and mind that allows us to step far beyond our natural comfort zone to exercise our superpowers to address needs in the world around us.

1 Peter 4:10-11 says “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Typically, inquiring about someone’s zodiac sign is an instant conversation starter. In the 70s, “What’s your sign, baby?” was a common pickup line. Astrology aside, we must realize that we are all messengers. Our worldview is evident in our words, actions, body language, and interactions. The question is, what are we saying? If you held up a sign that was your persistent message to the world, what would your sign say?

Some of us bear STOP signs because we are so deeply preoccupied with hurt, pain, shame, or regret that we’ve emotionally closed ourselves off. Others of us wear PROCEED WITH CAUTION signs because of friendships that only last as long as you’re in 100% agreement. Still, others are so fixated on money that our sign is the dollar symbol. There is a myriad of signs that people display daily for reasons that are completely legitimate to them, including UNAVAILABLE, OUT OF ORDER, BEWARE, and DEAD END.

Thanks be to God, when we YIELD and give our hearts to Him, He offers signs of:

WELCOME – “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:10-11

SAFETY ZONE – “Those who go to God Most High for safety will be protected by the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety and protection. You are my God and I trust you.” – Psalm 91:1-2

LODGING – “Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28

VICTORY – “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
– Romans 8:35-38

The Bible is full of declarations about God’s signs which are gifts that only He can provide. James 1:17 tells us that “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” God generously gives us those gifts, allowing us to extend love, grace, and mercy to all of the negative sign people, including ourselves. We are all UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Romans 3:10 reminds us “as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;“.  Yet, those positive signs transform us into Light-bearers bringing messages of joy, hope, peace, and love to those who feel weary, rejected, anxious, or defeated. If you feel that you’re carrying a negative sign, I encourage you to invite God to minister to you so that you can swap it out for a positive one. If you’re already carrying a positive one, I encourage you to praise God as you lift that sign high in your heart. Let it manifest in all that you do so that everyone you encounter will see The Maker of your sign.