It's not about you...

I am fighting discouragement today. 

But I know God is with me.  He is here.  He will grant me strength.  I need to focus on Him.  Not frustrations.  Or circumstances.  Not past hurts I can't seem to completely let go of. Just him.

A friend just posted this on FB:

The Lord is my strength and my song;
    he has given me victory.
Psalm 118:14 NLT

His encouragement is everywhere if we are looking for it.  That you Father that you are my victory.

A book was brought to mind this week. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.  Years ago we did it has a Sunday School class.  It starts out with the thought- "It's not about you." That's what I keep hearing in my head today. Its about so much more.  And most important about God.  What can I do for him today.  All the other stuff I just need to "Let it go..."

Worship Wednesday

Sometime in the past year I discovered SheReadTruth.com. I am so glad I did.  I have immensely enjoyed the studies I have participated in.  My favorite so far has been the one on Titus, I wrote a little bit about what I learned in that one HERE.  I am really excited about the Advent one coming up.

This week they are doing a short series on Hymns.  I LOVE hymns.  There is just something about them. Yesterday's was this one...



The corresponding devotional on #shereadstruth spoke to my heart.  Talking about how our worth comes from Him.  That we need to be sure our hearts our in tune with His will.

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 niv

I am praying for you today...

Sitting here in the quiet morning. I refuse to be sad things are different. Instead I lift you each in prayer. Thankful we are still joined, sisters in Christ no matter where the road. The circumstances take us.

Lately I have been reading and studying a lot with the girls over at #SheReadsTruth. I am excited about the plans they have lined up for the rest if the year. Especially the Advent one {O Come Let Us Adore Him}... For this one I am even considering purchasing the study pack-- though you can participate for free just by following on their website.

Today's devo was a benediction, the conclusion of the study on 1 & 2 Peter. A reminder to strive to always grow, be immersed in him. To let Him lift our anxieties and burdens.

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:17-18 NIV

 

Where have your devos taken you lately???  What is God speaking to your heart?

Won't you join me in the upcoming Advent study...

Desperate

Today I miss our little group something fierce. I miss the fellowship, sharing what we've learned. Sharing how God has spoken to us through the week. Lifting each other in prayer.

This week I have been using The Runner's Devotional...the lesson has been on choosing the right gear.  How important it is to put on the armor of God each day.

Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength. Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil’s strategies. 

(Ephesians 6:10, 11 GW)

 I am praying for you today. I miss you.  What have you been studying this week? How has God been speaking to you?

B-L-E-S-S: A guide to praying for yourself or others
BODY – Lord, thank you for my health. Please strengthen me physically today. Ease the tension in my shoulders and head. Give me wisdom to take care of myself wisely. Help me to be disciplined in what I eat and give me determination to exercise today. Protect me as I go about my day. Thank you that You are a shield around me. I need Your help today especially with __________________.
LABOR – Father God, I give You all my efforts today. You know where I work hard and You know where I slack off and procrastinate. Help me focus today. Help my mind to retain what I study. Bless my efforts today. Help me to prioritize the important things in my life. Multiply my efforts and may my accomplishments be fruitful. Thank you that my weak points are the very entry point for Your strength. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me today to _____________________.
EMOTIONS – Lord, You alone know how I can so easily be dragged by my emotions instead of being led by Your Spirit. Today I bring to You the areas within my heart that feel unstable and shaky. Thank you that You are my Rock today. You give me a firm place to stand. Give me self-confidence that is rooted in You. Help me to feel encased in Your peace today and to trust You completely with __________________.
SOCIAL – Father God, bless my friendships and lead me into purposeful friendships with others who seek You. Give me strength to distance myself from social situations that could draw my heart away from You. Fill my lonely places with the assurance of Your presence. Be with the woman You have chosen for me and bless and protect her today. Help her with whatever she is facing and draw her close to You. Bring me a friend to encourage and one who will encourage me. Today I pray a blessing on ________________.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH – Lord, help me to trust You and to depend on You. It’s so easy to try to lean on my own understanding. Help me to sense Your presence with me today. Give me a strong desire to read Your Word. Help me to understand what You are saying to me. Show me what needs to be cleansed in my heart and life today. I ask Your forgiveness for ____________________. Give me a deep desire to draw near to You and to make time to quiet myself so I can hear You speak.
{from: PowertoChange.com}

Worship Wednesday

Week 2

Here is week two's verse. For more information look here

Another advent study option I have been doing and enjoying is the Good Morning Girls Advent Study. :)

a heart like Mary's

• Greet~ Thank you Father for Christmas.  For your Word.  That it is alive and still speaks to us today. 
  
• Read~
   “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” 
  Then the angel left her.
  Luke 1:38
• Observe~
  
  • Mary was willing to do whatever it was God asked
  • Those simple words changed her life drastically and forever
• Write~
  What an amazing step of faith this was for Mary.  I can not even imagine how greatly this changed her life.  I am sure she had her own hope and dreams.  She was about to be married.  But she choose to leave her path and walk the unknown road God had for her.
  
  I hope my heart is as open and willing as Mary's.  That I will be willing to follow His leading no matter where His road takes me.