You know what an arrow prayer is, right? It's a quick prayer that you shoot up as it comes to mind, wherever you are, whatever you're doing. Well, apparently David used them, too, and I came across this one the other day in the One Year Bible:
"Please, God, rescue me! Come quickly, LORD, and help me." Psalm 70:1 (NLT)
Now that's something I can memorize with no trouble - 10 words! I bet you can, too. And there's no end to the situations in which this prayer might be appropriate. I can think of all kinds of circumstances from which I may need or want to be rescued. What about you?
The Life Application Bible sums it up nicely - it lists the theme of Psalm 70 to be "An urgent prayer for help. It can be your prayer when you're short on time and long on need." Amen!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Power of Positive Thinking
Turns out positive thinking isn't just Freudian theory or new-age psycho-babble. Almost 2000 years ago Paul was telling the church at Philippi to think positively. The gist of his letter is finding joy through humility, obedience and perseverance in seeking and following Christ, and he begins his wrap-up with the following words:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8 NIV
A couple weeks ago I was at Books-A-Million and all of a sudden the book "From Anger to Intimacy: How Forgiveness Can Transform Your Marriage" by Gary Smalley (the love languages guy) and Ted Cunningham caught my attention. Thinking this was God's way of presenting me with a Lenten discipline, I promptly bought it and thought I'd give it a read. Chapter 4 tells us how to take responsibility for our emotions, and in the section directed to those of us who tend to replay our anger (thank heavens they didn't include a picture of me on this page!), the authors quote Paul's advice above and say this:
Let's take this a step further. Last week in Women's Bible Study we focused on worshipping God by learning and praising the various names by which he is known (Healer, Provider, Redeemer, Shepherd, etc.). And isn't God the epitome of truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, loveliness, admirability, excellence and praiseworthiness? It's proven that if we turn our focus to God we naturally turn it away from ourselves, and our thoughts are transformed. So while I'm memorizing eight things to think about, in essence I need only remember one: God.
Stop stewing, start renewing!
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8 NIV
A couple weeks ago I was at Books-A-Million and all of a sudden the book "From Anger to Intimacy: How Forgiveness Can Transform Your Marriage" by Gary Smalley (the love languages guy) and Ted Cunningham caught my attention. Thinking this was God's way of presenting me with a Lenten discipline, I promptly bought it and thought I'd give it a read. Chapter 4 tells us how to take responsibility for our emotions, and in the section directed to those of us who tend to replay our anger (thank heavens they didn't include a picture of me on this page!), the authors quote Paul's advice above and say this:
"...what you rehearse or replay in your mind will eventually seep into your heart as a belief. If you constantly tell yourself that you didn't handle things well, you failed or you're worthless, you will begin to believe it. And if you repeatedly tell yourself that someone else failed or is worthless, you will begin to believe it, which makes forgiveness and reconciliation all the more difficult.
You may be like me and have a tendency to replay conversations years after the fact. What is the one thing you and I can do about that? Hit the Stop button. Stop rewinding. Choose to no longer go back and make up details or events that never happened or were never intended.
Instead of replaying what went wrong or what is wrong in your life, begin following the advice of Paul. Refocus your thinking on the good things."
Let's take this a step further. Last week in Women's Bible Study we focused on worshipping God by learning and praising the various names by which he is known (Healer, Provider, Redeemer, Shepherd, etc.). And isn't God the epitome of truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, loveliness, admirability, excellence and praiseworthiness? It's proven that if we turn our focus to God we naturally turn it away from ourselves, and our thoughts are transformed. So while I'm memorizing eight things to think about, in essence I need only remember one: God.
Stop stewing, start renewing!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Praying for Unity
"Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.'" Matthew 12:25 (NIV)
Now, I bet you think I'm talking about the church, right? Not this time. This verse was presented to me in black and white just the other day by Stormie Omartian in Chapter One of "The Power of a Praying Wife." (Actually, the version I have is a triple whammy - it's a 3-in-1 collection of "Praying Wife," Praying Parent," and "Praying Woman." I happened upon it at Books-a-Million the other day - which brings me to another aside: BAM's Christian book section is absolutely impressive - 2 entire aisles of everything from Bibles to fiction - check it out!)
Anyway, Stormie calls prayer "The Ultimate Love Language" and explains how it brings unity to a marriage even if you're not praying together. On page 30 the author writes:
Marriage is a ministry which illustrates the relationship of Christ and the church. Ultimately I want mine to be an example that falls in the "do" column, not the "don't" column. By God's grace and for His glory my household will indeed stand, not divided against itself, but unified in Christ.
Now, I bet you think I'm talking about the church, right? Not this time. This verse was presented to me in black and white just the other day by Stormie Omartian in Chapter One of "The Power of a Praying Wife." (Actually, the version I have is a triple whammy - it's a 3-in-1 collection of "Praying Wife," Praying Parent," and "Praying Woman." I happened upon it at Books-a-Million the other day - which brings me to another aside: BAM's Christian book section is absolutely impressive - 2 entire aisles of everything from Bibles to fiction - check it out!)
Anyway, Stormie calls prayer "The Ultimate Love Language" and explains how it brings unity to a marriage even if you're not praying together. On page 30 the author writes:
The point in all this is that as husband and wife we don't want to be taking separate roads. We want to be on the same path together. We want to be deeply compatible, lifelong companions, and have the love that lasts a lifetime. Prayer, as the ultimate love language, can make that happen.Well I don't know about you, but I want all that, and if prayer can make it happen then I'm in! Committing Jesus' words above to memory this month will provide me a constant reminder to pray for my marriage, to see my husband through God's eyes, and to understand that I'm the one that needs to be transformed.
Marriage is a ministry which illustrates the relationship of Christ and the church. Ultimately I want mine to be an example that falls in the "do" column, not the "don't" column. By God's grace and for His glory my household will indeed stand, not divided against itself, but unified in Christ.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Gossip the Gospel
I can't believe that I have memorized and daily recite 3 scriptures that I didn't know 45 days ago! I hope you're right there with me. This is proving to be a powerful and faith-building discipline for me. Here's the verse I'm committing to next:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen.
-Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
May God grant me the grace not only to speak these words but to live them.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen.
-Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
May God grant me the grace not only to speak these words but to live them.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Listening for God; Listening to God
Dear Friends,
I realize this post is a few days late, and most of you know why I haven't had much time to linger in front of my computer lately. But I've been rehearsing my first two memory verses (Psalm 19:14, Proverbs 3:5&6), and both have proved valuable time and again since I committed to them. There is no doubt in my mind that God specifically gave me those passages to memorize as a means of equipping me.
Though I've fallen behind in my housekeeping, bookkeeping, laundry, food shopping, Bible study homework - the list goes on and on - one discipline I am keeping up to date is my daily reading in the One Year Bible. I missed a few days this past week, but then doubled up for a few and am now back on track. And wouldn't you know it, a verse in today's Old Testament reading practically leapt off the page at me. It's almost as if God had me delay this post until I found this verse:
"Don't be afraid," Moses said, "for God has come in this way to show you his awesome power. From now on, let your fear of him keep you from sinning!" Exodus 20:20 (NLT)
Now, if you are doing the scripture memorization challenge with me, please remember you may (or perhaps should) come up with a verse that is meaningful to you. But feel free to use this one if you wish. Either way, don't forget to post a comment so I know you're still with me. I've already got mine written in my little spiral book. Beth Moore suggests concentrating on the new one this week, and then reviewing and reciting all three next week.
Wishing you God's peace and joy,
Eleanor
I realize this post is a few days late, and most of you know why I haven't had much time to linger in front of my computer lately. But I've been rehearsing my first two memory verses (Psalm 19:14, Proverbs 3:5&6), and both have proved valuable time and again since I committed to them. There is no doubt in my mind that God specifically gave me those passages to memorize as a means of equipping me.
Though I've fallen behind in my housekeeping, bookkeeping, laundry, food shopping, Bible study homework - the list goes on and on - one discipline I am keeping up to date is my daily reading in the One Year Bible. I missed a few days this past week, but then doubled up for a few and am now back on track. And wouldn't you know it, a verse in today's Old Testament reading practically leapt off the page at me. It's almost as if God had me delay this post until I found this verse:
"Don't be afraid," Moses said, "for God has come in this way to show you his awesome power. From now on, let your fear of him keep you from sinning!" Exodus 20:20 (NLT)
Now, if you are doing the scripture memorization challenge with me, please remember you may (or perhaps should) come up with a verse that is meaningful to you. But feel free to use this one if you wish. Either way, don't forget to post a comment so I know you're still with me. I've already got mine written in my little spiral book. Beth Moore suggests concentrating on the new one this week, and then reviewing and reciting all three next week.
Wishing you God's peace and joy,
Eleanor
Friday, January 16, 2009
Seeds for Your Heart: "Where two or three are gathered..."
Well, so far it's only two of us sharing scriptures, but that's okay. And if anyone else is led to commit to some low-key but valuable scripture memory, please join us. We're just getting started.
Here's my 2nd verse for January:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
I have written this verse in my little flip book of index cards along with Psalm 19:14 from last time (which I have now memorized after reflecting on it for two weeks plus!) as well as some others that I jot down as I come across them - not necessarily to memorize but to have close at hand when the need arises. Beth Moore posted a great little video tutorial to help us meditate upon and memorize scripture - take a 15-minute break and check out the January 8 posting: www.livingproofministries.blogspot.com.
To record your own verse and share it with me and other ThySpace readers (about 20 subscribed), simply comment on this posting. Don't forget to include your name, book, chapter and verse, and the Bible translation (NIV, NLT, KJV, etc.). Delia, please go ahead and post your first verse, too, even though we're running a little behind :-). You never know who needs to see it!
Blessings to you as God waters these seeds in our hearts - even in the wintertime!
Eleanor
Here's my 2nd verse for January:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
I have written this verse in my little flip book of index cards along with Psalm 19:14 from last time (which I have now memorized after reflecting on it for two weeks plus!) as well as some others that I jot down as I come across them - not necessarily to memorize but to have close at hand when the need arises. Beth Moore posted a great little video tutorial to help us meditate upon and memorize scripture - take a 15-minute break and check out the January 8 posting: www.livingproofministries.blogspot.com.
To record your own verse and share it with me and other ThySpace readers (about 20 subscribed), simply comment on this posting. Don't forget to include your name, book, chapter and verse, and the Bible translation (NIV, NLT, KJV, etc.). Delia, please go ahead and post your first verse, too, even though we're running a little behind :-). You never know who needs to see it!
Blessings to you as God waters these seeds in our hearts - even in the wintertime!
Eleanor
Friday, January 2, 2009
Here's a New Year's Resolution we can all benefit from - and maybe even keep!
Happy New Year to All!
I just happened to check in with Beth Moore's LPM blog the other day (which I hadn't done in months), and that very same day (12/27) she had posted a challenge to her readers to embark on a 12-month discipline of memorizing scripture. I immediately decided to do it, recognizing not only the value of internalizing scripture, but also the simplicity and "doability" of Beth's goal and framework. Check out her 12/27 and 1/1 postings to see all the details.
In a nutshell, every month on the 1st and the 15th, each participant chooses a passage she'd like to memorize (or at least meditate on), and enters it as a comment on the blog. Beth doesn't tell us what to memorize, although we can use hers or anyone else's if we want to. The only problem is, about 2400 women signed up to do this with Beth Moore! So, while I'm sure that Beth's posts will be encouraging throughout the year, any feeling of accountability on my part kind of gets lost in anonymity.
That's why I thought we could do the same thing through this blog on a more personal level. There's absolutely no obligation to participate, and no condemnation if you don't see it through for whatever reason. But just think - a year from now we could all have the benefit of having committed to memory 24 passages of scripture, and along the way reap the harvest as God cultivates the Word he plants in our hearts. We just need to choose our seeds!
I do plan to let Beth Moore know that I've taken her idea and blatantly copied it on my own blog. Somehow I think she will not be offended, but rather thrilled that the Word of God is spreading in such a manner.
So who's with me? Even if nobody is, I've just boosted my accountability tremendously merely by sharing this with you! Here's how it will work: Each month on the 1st and the 15th I will be sure to post the verse I have chosen for myself. You can either choose your own or use mine, but either way, please let us know your passage by posting a comment with your name, verse(s) and translation (i.e. NIV, NLT, KJV, etc.) Feel free to share the reason you've chosen a particular verse, but this is not required. Beth Moore suggests we each use spiral-bound index cards to record our verses - this makes them portable and readily available. Again, refer to her 12/27 post.
Since it's already the 2nd of January, consider this kick-off and the first official "Seeds for Your Heart 2009" posting. Here goes -
Eleanor
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
I have heard this verse quoted almost exclusively as a pre-sermon prayer by preachers, but a Bible study I'm doing made me realize the plea can (should?) be much more personal and informal. All my words, not just prepared talks, should be God-pleasing - in fact, it's the unplanned words that usually aren't! And we learned in "Conversation Peace" a few years ago that if we want our words to be God-pleasing, our thoughts and hearts need to be God-pleasing. I now find myself reciting this verse numerous times a day - I'll have no problem memorizing it over the next two weeks!
I pray you'll join me in this oh-so-important discipline, and I look forward to encouraging each other throughout the year, while we see our lives transformed by His Word.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Eleanor
I just happened to check in with Beth Moore's LPM blog the other day (which I hadn't done in months), and that very same day (12/27) she had posted a challenge to her readers to embark on a 12-month discipline of memorizing scripture. I immediately decided to do it, recognizing not only the value of internalizing scripture, but also the simplicity and "doability" of Beth's goal and framework. Check out her 12/27 and 1/1 postings to see all the details.
In a nutshell, every month on the 1st and the 15th, each participant chooses a passage she'd like to memorize (or at least meditate on), and enters it as a comment on the blog. Beth doesn't tell us what to memorize, although we can use hers or anyone else's if we want to. The only problem is, about 2400 women signed up to do this with Beth Moore! So, while I'm sure that Beth's posts will be encouraging throughout the year, any feeling of accountability on my part kind of gets lost in anonymity.
That's why I thought we could do the same thing through this blog on a more personal level. There's absolutely no obligation to participate, and no condemnation if you don't see it through for whatever reason. But just think - a year from now we could all have the benefit of having committed to memory 24 passages of scripture, and along the way reap the harvest as God cultivates the Word he plants in our hearts. We just need to choose our seeds!
I do plan to let Beth Moore know that I've taken her idea and blatantly copied it on my own blog. Somehow I think she will not be offended, but rather thrilled that the Word of God is spreading in such a manner.
So who's with me? Even if nobody is, I've just boosted my accountability tremendously merely by sharing this with you! Here's how it will work: Each month on the 1st and the 15th I will be sure to post the verse I have chosen for myself. You can either choose your own or use mine, but either way, please let us know your passage by posting a comment with your name, verse(s) and translation (i.e. NIV, NLT, KJV, etc.) Feel free to share the reason you've chosen a particular verse, but this is not required. Beth Moore suggests we each use spiral-bound index cards to record our verses - this makes them portable and readily available. Again, refer to her 12/27 post.
Since it's already the 2nd of January, consider this kick-off and the first official "Seeds for Your Heart 2009" posting. Here goes -
Eleanor
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
I have heard this verse quoted almost exclusively as a pre-sermon prayer by preachers, but a Bible study I'm doing made me realize the plea can (should?) be much more personal and informal. All my words, not just prepared talks, should be God-pleasing - in fact, it's the unplanned words that usually aren't! And we learned in "Conversation Peace" a few years ago that if we want our words to be God-pleasing, our thoughts and hearts need to be God-pleasing. I now find myself reciting this verse numerous times a day - I'll have no problem memorizing it over the next two weeks!
I pray you'll join me in this oh-so-important discipline, and I look forward to encouraging each other throughout the year, while we see our lives transformed by His Word.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Eleanor
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