Consolidated Thoughts

This is a consolidation of various thoughts and occurrences the past week.....

I don't know if this is an expected result of focusing on prayer this year, but, in the last month or so, I've actually enjoyed having some regular "conversations" with God.   No formal prayers nor any particular positions (e.g. bowed head, knees bent, etc); but, just sitting on the sofa or at the table talking to God as if He is in the room with me.  And listening to His "answers" based on what I know of Him from Scripture.

Also, from the example of Nehemiah's prayers, I can see how it is okay to offer imprecatory prayers (which has helped me over the past couple of months).  I also see how he prays specifically.  When the enemies wanted to weaken their hands (figurative language for discourage them), he prayed directly for strength (to be encouraged).

Over the weekend, I have also finally gotten to the point where I could actually "rejoice" in my trials (as encouraged in James 1, 1 Peter 1, and Romans 5).   In prayer, I was able to truly give it all to God and to trust Him to do justly and rightly; even, if I may never know the final outcome or full picture.  My trials have actually enabled me to have a closer relationship with the LORD.   And, in the sermon on Sunday, I was reminded that we are not alone as we go through trials, and that ultimately God often has a bigger plan that we may not see within our immediate circumstances.

During worship in Sunday, the pastor reminded us that we are praising God along with all of Creation.   It brings to mind the passages of the heavens declaring the glory of God or even the rocks crying out in praise.

In applying the lesson from my small group study, I was able to practice PATIENCE with my critics in class.   But, I was also reminded that we need to be able to let the Word change our lives, otherwise, if it only increases head knowledge, it is not the most effective way to study His Word.

And as my friend shared with me about the areas God is opening up to her, to be able to use her past experience; it is neat to see how she is experiencing the opportunities to serve God seeing that it is something God has prepared her to do.