Livin’ on a Prayer August 17, 2008

That was the theme of today’s service.  Josh and the band did a great job setting the scene with this Bon Jovi classic.  Byron’s message was awesome…or should I say “totally rad”?!  Here are some things that he said that really made me re-evaluate my prayer life:

• What if prayer became more about building a relationship than getting an answer?
• TRUST…even when God says, “wait” or “no”.  He really does have my best interest in mind.
• Is my relationship with God more important than any other relationship that I have here on earth?  Is that evident by the amount of time I spend in communication with Him?
• Prayer should be about an eternal purpose, not a temporary answer.
• My attitude towards prayer should be, “How can I fall more in love with God?”

And probably the most meaningful part of the service to me was at the end.  Several of us stood around the movie theater to pray with those who wanted to pray with someone.  While the band played and sang the song “Healer”, I was reminded of the truth of the words…

I believe You’re my Healer

I believe You are all I need

I believe You’re my portion

I believe You’re more than enough for me

Jesus You’re all I need

Nothing is impossible for You…

As I looked around the room and saw the crowd of people praying, lifting up their requests to God, I was reminded of my relationship with God.  What an AWESOME privilege we have as Christ followers to be in constant communication with our Creator.  I thought about how often I take that for granted.  As I begin a new week, I will be reminded of God’s deep, abiding love for me and do my part to fall more in love with Him.

I’m in Love… July 27, 2008

Yes, I’m in love with my husband.  Yes, I’m in love with my kids.  But that’s not who I’m talking about today.

JUDE:

20-21But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

Every once in a while I need to be reminded of God’s love for me and how I express my love to Him.   Too often I get caught up in the busyness of life.  I focus so much on the circumstances around me that I lose sight of the One who created me. 

Last week I had one of “those” weeks.  I was impatient with my kids, short with my husband,  we had LOTS of car trouble (story for another day).  I got so caught up in feeling sorry for myself that I BARELY made time for God.  I noticed.  I’m sure those around me noticed.  (Please forgive me, babe!)

This morning as we sang,

I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus.

I was reminded of God’s love for me.  But more than that I was reminded of my expression (or lack thereof) of worship to my Creator.

I’m sorry, Lord for the thing I’ve made it…

Worship was not meant to be just something I set aside one hour of the week on Sunday mornings.  Forgive me, Lord for turning it into that. 

I was encouraged this morning to focus this week on God’s love for me, to show that love to others, and  remember to DAILY worship the One who is the creator of love.

Rainy Day Song July 16, 2008

The rain reminds me of this song I’ve been listening to…

It’s falling from the clouds

A strange and lovely sound

I hear it in the thunder and the rain.

It’s ringing in the skies

Like cannons in the night

The music of the universe plays

We’re singing

You are holy

Great and mighty

The moon and the stars

Declare who you are

I’m so unworthy

But still you love me

Forever my heart

Will sing of how great You are.

I love the chorus of this song.  Check out the entire song…