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Day 4: Jehovah Shalom (My Peace)

September 4, 2013 by pattiburris

Jehovah Shalom

Judges 6:22-24

22 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he exclaimed, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!”

23 But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.”

24 So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

When the Lord told Gideon that He was sending him to save Israel out of the hands of the Midianites, Gideon replied, “Pardon me, my lord, but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”

Not only did the Lord save Israel out of the hands of the Midianites, He did it with only 300 men! Gideon must have thought God was crazy when He told Gideon his army was to large. He must have felt that he was crazy when he faced the Midianite army with only 300 men, but he obeyed God and God gave him the victory.

Gideon faced an overwhelming battle, but he walked in the peace of the Lord, knowing that God was with him. Gideon could have run in fear. No one would have blamed him. Instead he chose to trust God to fight the battle with him. He knew God’s peace.

In my life as a single mom, there have been many times when I have struggled to feel the peace of God. I have dealt with overwhelming anger, fear, bitterness, and the list goes on. Peace alluded me, until I found my Jehovah Shalom, my God of peace. My life still gets crazy and sometimes I do still feel overwhelmed, but I know I have a God of peace who is willing to walk this out with me.

If you are feeling overwhelmed in this season of life, know that we have a God of peace willing to give us the gift of peace. All we have to do is ask!

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The peace of our Lord and Savior will guard our hearts and minds! If you are feeling overwhelmed today and think that peace is something that you will never attain, I encourage you to say this prayer:

Jehovah Shalom,

My God of peace! I am feeling so overwhelmed right now. I feel chaos and stress around every corner. I hunger for the peace that surpasses ALL understanding. I want that peace in my life that comes only from you. I know that it is a gift and I only need to ask and open myself up to receive. I am surrendering everything in my life that is overwhelming me and keeping me from feeling your peace. I am letting go of that control that my circumstances have on my life and I open my heart and my mind up to receive that peace that only comes from you. I accept the gift of peace and I trust you to walk this out with me. Thank you Father for the gift of peace!

Amen

If I can pray for you, or guide you along the path to peace, please contact me! I am here!

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Poverty: Part 2

August 28, 2013 by pattiburris

Going to church on a Sunday morning.

According to http://www.missionaloutreachnetwork.com/profiles/blogs/some-statistics-on-the-number

  • The most recent research studies by the Barna Group reveals that one out of every three adults (33 percent) is classified as unchurched–meaning they have not attended a religious service of any type during the past six months. When these statistics are projected across the aggregate adult population, the numbers are staggering. An estimated 73 million adults are presently unchurched. When teens and children are added, the total swells to roughly 100 million Americans.
  • Since 1991, the adult population in the United States has grown by 15 percent. During that same period the number of adults who do not attend church has nearly doubled, rising from 39 million to 75 million–a 92 percent increase.
  • In America, it takes the combined effort of eighty-five Christians working over an entire year to produce one convert.

There are approximately 312 million people in the United States today and there are roughly 100 million people who are unchurched. This is staggering! It is no wonder why the United States has become one of the largest mission fields in the world. It is also, no wonder why other countries are now sending missionaries HERE to spread the Gospel.

I find it sad that one of the leading countries in the world has fallen so far behind in carrying out the great commission. There are so many mission agencies and churches that focus on sending American missionaries to other countries to spread the Gospel, but we are overlooking those in our own backyards who desperately need and are seeking God.

So where did we go wrong?

I think we gradually got away from where God wanted us. We started looking at how to satisfy our flesh. We started building huge buildings to house our mega-churches. The buildings are beautiful, but is that for God, or for us? We started entertainment ministries, like zumba, martial arts, and in one church I know of, even a weekly showing of the series The Walking Dead. You name it, we now have a ministry for it. I’m not saying that’s a completely bad thing, but sometimes we get so focused on what’s going on inside the church that we forget about what’s going on OUTSIDE of the church. We have plenty of inside ministries, but what has happened to OUTREACH? We sit back and say, “we have plenty going on for people to get involved with, so it’s up to them to walk through the doors.”

I don’t know the exact statistics, but I would venture to say that there are thousands of people out there that do not walk into our churches because they have been hurt by the church in the past. I understand that, I’ve been there. It makes you a bit cautious. If we hide behind our church walls, then those on the outside will NEVER know what is going on on the inside. We need to step out and love those around us the way that Jesus loved. We need to reach OUT to those around us the way the disciples did. They went out and loved people to Jesus. We need to do the same. I don’t want to be just a christian, I want to be an example of Jesus. This should be what we all strive for in our daily lives! There are enough churches in America, that if each church focused on outreach in their own communities, those living in spiritual poverty would be saved. We would not need other countries sending missionaries here to do what God commands US to do.

I feel I need to clarify that reaching out does not mean just to the poor woman living down the street. There are many wealthy people who live in spiritual poverty. Just because they have money, does not mean they have God! Spiritual poverty does not discriminate. Remember Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10? He was a chief tax collector and was wealthy, but he lived in spiritual poverty, until he met Jesus. Zacchaeus turned his life around, gave half his possessions to the poor, and righted any wrongs that he had done. As a result, he and his household were saved. The big thing here is that Jesus went and stayed with him at his house. Jesus went out, loved on him and changed not only the life of Zacchaeus, but of his household too.

There are millions of unchurched people in America. If we, as the Church, made a commitment to reach OUT to those around us, living intentionally to reach those who are living in spiritual poverty, through love and the building of relationships, we CAN reach America for God! The United States CAN be built on a Godly foundation.

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Day 3: Jehovah Rapha (My Healer)

August 27, 2013 by pattiburris

8-Jehovah-Rapha

Exodus 15:26

He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

How reassuring to know that we have a God that heals us! In my life my Jehovah Rapha has healed me from fear, a failed marriage, and anger. Not that I don’t sometimes feel fear or anger, but they don’t control me like they once did.

God wanted the Israelites to be healed from the past and live in peace. He loved His chosen people and only wanted what was best for them. He feels the same about us today. Our heavenly Father loves us and wants to heal us. He wants us to live in peace. He wants to heal us, but we have to be willing to admit that we need to be healed. We have to stop living in denial and accept God’s love for us. We need to let go of the thing that keeps us from living our lives fully and open our hands to receive the love and healing that God is waiting to pour out. He will not force us to accept this gift. We have to be at the point where we are sick and tired of the way things are and we are ready to experience how things can be with God. It is up to you, my friend. If you are ready to accept this gift of healing, open your heart to healing with the following prayer:

I am opening my heart to you, Jehovah Rapha, for healing. I am opening my body to you for healing. I open my spirit and my mind to you for healing. I am struggling with_______________ and need healing, Lord. I know that your healing is a gift and I let go of my hold on this issue and open myself up to your love and healing. I thank you and I praise you for the healing that is already taking place. I give you ALL the glory!

Amen

God can heal EVERYTHING! Addictions, a broken marriage, a chronic illness, a mental illness, spiritual issues, etc. God can heal it! You are never alone in your struggles. Jehovah Rapha is ALWAYS with us! Contact me if I can pray for you. I am here for you, sister friend!

the new doves nest

I am dedicating this post to the courageous women of the Dove’s Nest Recovery Home in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Dove’s Nest is part of The Charlotte Rescue Mission. I  found out about this christian recovery home for women through the On-line Bible Study with Proverbs 31 Ministries. These women are remarkable in their strength and determination to change their lives. For more information on the Doves Nest or to make a donation go to http://www.charlotterescuemission.org. I have faith that Jehovah Rapha will heal these women.

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Poverty: Part 1

August 25, 2013 by pattiburris

According to: http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats

  • Almost half the world — over 3 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day.
  • At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day.
  • According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty. And they “die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.”
  • Some 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation.
  • 15 million children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS (similar to the total children population in Germany or United Kingdom)

These are staggering statistics! Why are we not doing more to end poverty? I know that the Bible said that we will always have the poor among us, but are we using that as a cop out, so we don’t have to do anything? Are we using that as an excuse to sit on our apathetic rear ends and ignore the poor around us?

I think we are. We are also great at placing blame on those living in poverty, “they are just lazy” “they don’t want help” “he/she is a druggie, why should we help?” I agree that there are those living in poverty because of their own poor decisions. I, also know that, many living in poverty are there because of governmental actions, downsizing, generational curses or natural disasters. There are many reasons why people live in poverty and guess what, it doesn’t matter!

Jesus never questioned why someone was poor. Of course, He already knew, but it didn’t matter. He loved people regardless of their situations. He ministered to people even when their circumstances were because of decisions they made. Jesus did not judge and we shouldn’t either.

In my own family, we have taken in transients who needed a place to crash for a few days. They were dirty, stinky, and their clothes were tattered, but we loved them for who they were on the inside and they were great guys. They were 3 of the most polite young men I have met. They did dishes without asking and had a great time just hanging out with a family. I would not recommend this without much prayer and good judgement, but you never know when you may be entertaining angels unaware (Hebrews 13:2).

Acts 4: 32-35

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Acts 2: 42-47

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

In today’s church, we tend to be of the belief that this way of living was only for the early church. That is so not true! Their example is how we should be living now! We should be taking care of our own families, neighbors, communities, as the Church and not depending on government agencies to do our work for us. When we depend on “someone else” we may be missing the opportunity to witness to someone who really needs Jesus in their lives. Maybe Jesus is all that it will take to take someone from poverty to prosperity. When we wait for “someone else” to care for the poor, we miss the opportunity to love as Jesus instructed us to love. We need to open our hearts and start living out our faith in the example of the early church.

The poor may always be around us, so make that decision today to love as Jesus loved, even though someone may not have had a bath in a week or a month. Take the time to love as Jesus loved and wash the feet of the poor, taking the time to build a relationship that may end up being a blessing to you instead.

Let’s BE the church. Let’s BE an example of Jesus to those around us. It doesn’t matter why the poor are poor. What matters is that they know Jesus. Are YOU being Jesus to the least of these around you?

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Wholly Committed

August 25, 2013 by pattiburris

radical obedience

I have found myself contemplating this week, what it means to be wholly committed to God. What would my life look like if I lived my life in radical obedience to God?

The one thing I came up with is that I don’t want to just BE a Christian, I want to BE a follower of Jesus Christ. I want to BE an example of Jesus in this world. But how?

Jesus knew his Father. He was intimate with God through the Word. I need to know the Word of God, so when I am dodging the fiery arrows of the enemy, I will be prepared. I need to know the Word, so when I have an opportunity to witness to someone, I can do so in confidence.

Jesus prayed. Jesus spent many hours in prayer and communication with his Father. I want my prayer life to be about open communication with God. Jesus listened, as much as he prayed. I want to listen to what my Father is telling me. I want to have an open heart, exposed to my heavenly Father.

Jesus obeyed. He never questioned what his Father told him to do. He obeyed even to death on the cross. I want to obey regardless of the consequences. I want to obey without fear, knowing that my God has my back. I want to be zealous for God, never questioning His will.

Jesus loved. Jesus loved everyone. He knew his mission was to the Jews, but that did not stop him from loving and ministering to the Samaritans, the adulteress, the woman with the issue of blood, the leper, etc. I want to love like that. I want to look at everyone around me with eyes of love and not judge because someone may have greasy hair or may smell. Love does not judge!

My Savior Jesus,

Give me a heart like yours. I open my heart to you. Come dwell within me to the point that those around me see more of you, than of me. Teach me to pray like you pray. Teach me the Word of the Father, so that it will be hidden in my heart. Teach me to obey without question. Teach me to love without judgement. My one desire is to be like you. I never want to be cut from the Vine. I am wholly committed to you, Jesus!

Amen

Being wholly committed means that when people see me they see Jesus. I fall flat on my face, at times. My one desire is to be Jesus to this broken world.

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Day 2: Jehovah Nissi (My Banner)

August 22, 2013 by pattiburris

11-Jehovah-Nissi

 

Exodus 17:15

Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner.

The Amalekites had come against the Israelites and had lifted up hands against the throne of the Lord (Exodus 17:16). As a result God came against them and Joshua wiped them out by the sword.

In my lifetime there have been times when the enemy, Satan, has come against me. He has used fear, low self-confidence, and lies to keep me from fulfilling God’s purpose for my life. Satan has used my past against me. I believed the lies. I believed that I was not good enough to be used by God.

Over the years, the Lord has healed my heart and I no longer believe the lies of the enemy. I believe the truth of God’s Word, that I am to walk in courage knowing that God is with me. I believed God’s Word that I am loved and cherished by my heavenly Father. As Jehovah Nissi, God has been my banner. He has been the won who fought for me and won my battles against the enemy. My Lord Jesus has been my victory and has given me victory.

God is our banner. He fights our battles for us, giving us the victory. What is your battle against today? Is it drugs, pornography, fear, low self-esteem, false sense of identity, abuse? Whatever it is God will fight this battle with you, giving you the victory. He only wants you to trust Him with it. He wants you to be willing to let go and place the battle into His more than capable hands. Saying the prayer below may be a place to start:

Jehovah Nissi,

I know in my heart that you are my banner, my victory and I give my battle with_______________ to you. I surrender it all to you and trust that you are fighting the battle for me, giving me the victory. I know that I cannot fight this battle alone. I need you to fight it for me. I thank you for giving me the victory!

Amen

Keep praying and keep lifting up the name of the Lord our banner, Jehovah Nissi. You never have to fight alone. Our Father never expected us to have to fight alone. He is here to fight with us. Give it to Him and He WILL give you the VICTORY!

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Day 1: Jehovah Jireh (My Provider)

August 11, 2013 by pattiburris

Jehovah Jireh

Genesis 22:13,14

Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by it’s horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

In chapter 22, God told Abraham to take his son Isaac and sacrifice him to the Lord. Abraham obeyed, and took his son to sacrifice him. Abraham had faith that God would not harm Isaac. God had told Abraham in Genesis 17:19 “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.” Abraham knew that God would not break His promise. God provided the ram to take Isaac’s place on the alter.

As a single mom, there have been many nights when I have laid awake and worried about finances. I worked part-time and lived paycheck to paycheck. Over the years, my faith in God has grown, as Jehovah Jireh (my Provider) has time and again provided for us. For many years, as the kids were growing up and out of clothes, every time I noticed that one of the kids was in need of clothes, someone would come with a big bag of clothes that fit that specific child. The giver never knew of the need, but God did. I came home from work one day to two big trash bags full of clothes for the girls, who were growing like weeds. I never found out who left them. We always had food. Even though vehicles broke down all the time, I always had transportation. I have been blessed with an ex-husband, who has helped out in many ways. I have always been grateful for a God who provides for His children.

Are you in need, my friend? Go to God and tell Him of that need. He already knows, He is just waiting for you to come to Him. Lay it at His feet and allow Him to provide. If it helps, say the following prayer:

Jehovah Jireh,

I know you are my provider. I come to you now and lay _______________ at your feet. I am surrendering this need to you, Lord and I, like Abraham, trust that you will provide at this time. I give thanks, knowing that you are already at work on my behalf. Thank you, Father.

Amen

If there is any way I can pray for you, contact me and let me share this burden. I want to remind you that our God is a God of love. He loves you and He will take care of you. Trust Him!

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A Soul Longing For More

August 8, 2013 by pattiburris

lord-i-hunger-and-thirst-for-more-of-you

This is week one of an Online Bible Study through Proverbs 31 Ministries, “What Happens When Women Say Yes To God.” The OBS is based on the book by Lysa TerKeurst. I have been challenged this week to reflect on how we have become “so familiar with God yet so unaware.”

In this day and age, with pastors, ministry leaders, missionaries, etc. needing a seminary education, this world has become full of people who know the Bible inside and out. Biblical knowledge does not mean we have that heart level, intimate relationship with God. Even atheists, Satan worshipers, and cult leaders know the Bible backwards and forwards. Head knowledge does not mean heart felt.

Each of us longs for that intimate relationship with God. We each long to reach that heart level, to be infused with the Holy Spirit. I made a commitment at the beginning of the year to live this year more intentionally for Jesus. I have longed to go deeper in this relationship and to truly know what abiding in the vine (John 15:4) means. I have felt God calling me into a full-time ministry to women and I determined that this would be the year that I step out of my comfort zone, intentionally giving each day to God. There are some basic steps that I take that have allowed me to take my relationship with my heavenly Father to a deeper level:

1. Dig into God’s Word: We need to know what God’s Word says. Remember that even those who oppose God know the Bible. That makes it even more important for us, as Christians, to know what God says. I do not claim to be a Biblical expert. I can not rattle off scripture at, the drop of a hat, to someone in need. Each month I pick a book of the Bible that I want to dig into. I read the book, research commentaries, on-line resources, record in my journal the verses that “speak” to me, and pray over each verse. I want to get everything out of my study that I can. I have tried the read through the Bible in a year programs. They have left me empty. I have felt that I don’t have the time to really get into the material the way that I want to. Of course, there are books (Psalms, Genesis, Isaiah) that will take more than one month to study. Give yourself as much time as you need. The goal is not to see who can win the “how many times I’ve read the Bible” race, the goal is to have an understanding of the Word, so that it impacts your everyday life.

2. Pray without ceasing: I know that there are those people who can spend hours at a time in prayer. I am not this person! Being a single mom of 5, a new grandma, having a semi full-time job, starting a ministry, and trying to get items checked off my daily to-do list does not leave me hours to sit in prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray continually. I apply this verse to my life by being in prayer as I go through my life, whether at work or running errands. I pray for those I come across that are impatient, seem upset, the moms who are shopping while trying to corral children. I pray if I come across an accident or pass an emergency vehicle going somewhere. I praise when God blesses my day in some way and I pray when I’m upset about something. I sometimes find myself so engrossed in my conversation with God that I have tuned out other things.  I spend a few minutes in the morning surrendering the day to God and a few minutes at night thanking God for the blessings of the day. I spend time praying over my kids and family. I pray when I am studying God’s Word. I, also listen to what He has to tell me. This isn’t a one sided conversation.

3. Gathering together: It is important to gather together with other Christians. Most of us get that through regular church attendance. With my work schedule I sometimes get to church every other week, but sometimes not even then. I have been blessed with a job in a local convent, so I am around Christian women on a regular basis. I have also decided that I will start attending a local Christian Women’s Club (StoneCroft Ministries) this month, so I can fellowship with other Christian women. I know that I have to be creative in finding ways to gather together with other believers.

4. Stepping out of my comfort zone: I know that God wants me to partner with Him in a ministry to women. I have let fear and lack of self-confidence keep me from walking this out. I started this blog as a first step. Starting this blog was easy though, because I have always loved to write! God has blessed my obedience. I have had my first article accepted for publication by an online christian magazine. YAY! I am not sure what my next steps are, but I am ready to say Yes! regardless of what God asks me to do.

5. Cultivate my heart: I am always aware of the condition of my heart. I am not perfect and many, many times God has to deal with the issues of my heart. I have to spend time weeding the garden of my heart. When God convicts me of something I have to immediately deal with that, so that weed does not take root and choke out the good seed of my heart.

Jesus is always on my heart and mind. I admit, there are times when others may not see Jesus in me, but He is there. We have to make the decision to live our lives more intentionally for God. We need to put God first in our lives. If you are having a difficult time finding time for Jesus, I am here to help. Contact me and together we can walk this out. You are in my heart, sister friend! I would love to hear from you!

 

 

 

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Day 7: My Reflections On Contentment

August 7, 2013 by pattiburris

lake

This has been a somewhat uncomfortable, but wonderful journey for me. Writing these posts on contentment has caused me to do some heart searching and see what needs cleaned up in my own life. I have enjoyed the writing process, as these posts have come together. I have been amazed to see God pull together a vague idea in my mind into this week of devotions that may really encourage someone. I am always blown away by what God can do. I have grown in my own walk with God through the writing and have found myself more content in my life now then when I began. There are still moments of discontentment, there always will be, but I have taken my own advice and I nip those feelings before they cause any damage. So, in my own journey to contentment, this is what I have learned:

1. I have learned to be content as a food service worker in a local convent. I know that God can not use me for something bigger when I have refused to be a vessel for Him right where I am. I have searched my heart and found that I really need to open my eyes to the ministry opportunities right here in Terre Haute, Indiana and the ministry opportunities right here in my own family. I need to quit trying to find a way out of the city that Steve Martin once called, “the armpit of America” and open my eyes to the beauty that this city and it’s people hold. It has not been an easy process, but I am on the right path.

2. I have learned to enjoy living simply with what I have. I have never been the person who needs the newest smart phone or the fanciest house, but I still find myself filled with envy when someone gets a new car or goes on a vacation that I wish I could go on. I do get bit by the envy bug and I have to take a moment to focus on God and count my blessings. I don’t have a perfect life, who does? but my life is pretty good. I am not rich, but we have what we need and all we really need is Jesus. Nothing else really matters.

3. I have learned not to worry about money so much. My life is all about money. Struggling to pay bills, fix cars, pay for what the kids need, etc. I have lived in poverty for 20 years now and I am okay with that, for the most part. I know what I value and I prioritize where my money goes. There are times though, when I cry out to God for more money to ease the struggle. I have learned to trust God to provide, always. God does provide. We have never gone without the things that we need. Times do get tough, but I know that my God will provide and that as long as I am in His will, He will always take care of us. This is such a reassurance to me. My ABBA Father has me in the palm of His hand and will never let me go.

4. I have learned that I do have a complaining spirit and I need to think before I speak. Since writing the post for day 4, I have become intentional in being aware of when a complaining or arguing attitude is coming on. I have had moments when I immediately tell myself to “nip it.” I also say a prayer asking for help in my weakness. I know that this is an ongoing heart issue that I need to stay vigilant about. Will there be times when I slip up? I’m sure there will be, but I know that I can seek my Father’s forgiveness, right any wrong I have caused with another person and move on.

5. I have learned to rejoice in every circumstance. Am I always joyful? No, but I am intentional about finding God’s blessings in every day life. I have a new perspective on life and I know that I can have a joy-filled heart, even when things are difficult. I know that I can be joyful simply because I know who my Savior is and that this too shall pass. We may struggle, but joy comes in the morning.

6. I have learned that God’s peace is a gift. All I have to do to receive that gift is let go of my worry, fear, complaining attitude and raise my hands Palms Up to receive the gift that God has waiting for me. Palms Up is how I want to live my life.

I pray that this 7 days of contentment has encouraged you. I am here to walk this journey to contentment with you. If you need prayer or some guidance, contact me via my contact page and we will take this journey together. Be blessed, my friend!

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Day 6: Palms Up

August 7, 2013 by pattiburris

praise God

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The goal of practicing contentment, the goal of rejoicing is to be given the gift of God’s peace. The peace of God is a gift. It is a gift that our loving Father wants to give us, but it is up to us to receive. I have started an Online Bible Study through Proverbs 31 Ministries. This study is based on the book, “When Women Say Yes To God” by Lysa TerKeurst. One of the tag lines for the study is Palms Up. Are we living our lives tightly holding on to what we have, or are we living our lives with our Palms Up, willing to give it ALL to God?

In order to receive the gift of peace, we have to be willing to let go:

1. We have to let go of our own agendas. You may dream of being a missionary in Africa, but that may not be where God wants you right now. Look around and see where you can serve in your own community. Let go of what you want and embrace what God wants for you.

2. We have to let go of our materialistic attitudes. Let go of everything you think you HAVE to have and embrace the fullness of God as He meets your needs on a daily basis.

3. Let go of the climb up the corporate ladder. If you are only working for material possessions or the greatest vacations, I encourage you to take a step back and really seek God’s will for your life. We ALL have a God given purpose on earth. Let go of living in the rat race and embrace the simple, but blessed life God has waiting for you.

I am ready to let go of greed, worry, fear, and anything else that keeps me from accepting the gift of peace. I am ready to live my life with Palms Up, embracing the peace and joy God has waiting for me. I invite you to join me, as I let go and live Palms Up.

Posted in Contentment: A 7 Day Devotional | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment »

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