Christian

Letting Go, Allowing God

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“Whoever trusts his own heart is a fool. Whoever walks in wisdom will survive.” Proverbs 28:26 (GW)

When I think of the cost God sacrificed for me, His Son beaten, scourged, and left hanging on a cross to die, why then is it so difficult for me to believe I am worthy to allow God to give me the endless supply of life? Any effort of mine to “hang on” to my problems, my doubts, or my fears paralyzes me to trust God.

My decision to let go of all the sin that keeps me from having the full life of God may cost me time, money, energy, reputation, talents, or resources, any or all is a heavy price tag but none greater than the cost paid by God. Once I have made the complete and effective decision about my sin, I let go and allow the life that was in Jesus become mine because of the Cross.

Praying the Scriptures:

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant (to me) to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in (my) inner being, so that Christ may dwell in (my heart) through faith – that (I) being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that (I) may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19 (GW)

Time is limited on earth. I am imperfect. But I must not allow the limited time and my own imperfection keep me from making the decision to move forward in faith to accomplish the will of God.

“(I) know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So (I) also must consider (myself) dead to sing and alive to God in Jesus Christ.” Romans 6:9-11(GW)

Prayer Journal Prompt:

“COME CLOSE TO GOD, AND HE WILL COME CLOSE TO YOU.” JAMES 4:8 (GW)

What am I hanging on to that paralyzes me to trust God?
How do I feel about God’s decision about sacrificing His Son, Jesus Christ?
Why does God think I am worthy of His Son?
What do I want to allow God to do with my life?
What does it mean, “Whoever walks in wisdom will survive?”

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Praying, day and night

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“When I heard this, I sat down and cried. I mourned for days. I continued to fast and pray to the God of heaven.” Nehemiah 1:4 (GW)

On the back page of my prayer journals, I list the names of those on whose behalf I pray. Many of these people are known to me and others are not, but need the ear of God. As prayers are answered, I refer back to my initial inscription of their name to record how God has answered prayers as a reminder that God does hear and answer prayers. He is always working on our behalf. His ways are beyond our understanding but always keeps His promises to love and show mercy on those who believe through the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ.

My Prayer:

In the anxious hours of our lives, day or night, I repeat the following prayer as translated into my own prayer from Nehemiah: 

“Lord God of heaven, great and awe-inspiring God, you faithfully keep your promises and show mercy to those who love you and obey your commandments. Open your eyes and pay close attention with your ears to what I, your servant, am praying. I am praying to you day and night about those who are close to my heart and yours. I confess the sins that we have all committed against you as well as I have committed. We have done you a great wrong. We have not obeyed the commandments, laws, or regulations that you gave to us to follow. Please remember what you told us through Your Word that if we return to you and obey your commandments and place our faith through Jesus Christ, we shall be saved. Lord, please pay close attention to my prayer and to the prayers of all your other servants who desire to worship You in the name of Jesus Christ. Show us Your mercy and compassion as You know the contents of our hearts and the needs of our minds, bodies, and spirits. I lift up this prayer in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.”

The Lord taught us to pray:

As expressed from Jesus Christ, The Sermon on the Mountain, Matthew 6:9-13 (GW). He taught us how to pray:

“Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name; they kingdom come; they will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day your daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil as thy is kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever. Amen”

Calming my spirit

Psalm 119 is the great psalm of God’s Word. God’s Word is our beloved guide to life. The Gospel radiates through this psalm describing God’s trustworthy promises which save His people and gives us eternal mercy. 

“Let your blessings reach me, O Lord. Save me as you promised.” Psalm 119:41 (GW)

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and light for may path.” Psalm 119:105 (GW)

“Give me a new life through your mercy so that I may obey the written instructions, which came from your mouth.” Psalm 119:88 (GW)

Prayer Journal Prompt:

“COME CLOSE TO GOD, AND HE WILL COME CLOSE TO YOU.” JAMES 4:8 (GW)

Write out a prayer to memorize when I am anxious or when I cannot sleep.

Where is my current path leading me? 

Do I accept God’s answer to my prayer? Why or why not?

Who do I pray for?

What does this phrase in the Lord’s prayer mean to me? “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

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