January 2011 Archives
My 2011 Prayer
I hope your year’s getting off to a great start. Mine started well and then this week’s been full of tests. It should be encouraging since I know satan wouldn’t be fighting this hard if God weren’t about to do something great. It’s hard to stay focused on that fact, though, when going through it. I believe God’s calling me to grow this year and, honestly, I’m not passing every test at present. I do well if I look to Him but, if I portray a horizontal focus at any point, I quickly revert.
God, I long to be what You desire me to be. I want to be selfless, humble, and constantly considering others above myself. I’m not there yet but, with Your help, I know I can be a daughter that You can be proud of.
A New Week
Sunday is definitely my favorite day of the week. I would quickly get burnt out if I didn’t have a day to rest, read, worship, pray and just focus on Christ. God was so good to think of us when He set the example of taking a day to rest. The downside can be getting back into the daily grind Monday morning but the fact is that every day is a day to present our bodies a living sacrifice. The extra time spent with Him on Sunday should prepare us for the work He has for us to do during the week.
Let’s not dishonor Him by complaining about our work but let’s approach the week with thanksgiving. We are truly blessed that we have a work to do. God could bypass us and choose to use someone else but He called us, and He deserves the best we have to give. I’m committed to do just that. What about you?
A Soft Answer
If there’s one thing God is trying to teach me this year, it’s the value of the “soft answer” which turns away (and prevents) wrath. It’s not always easy. Sometimes my ideas can get ahead of God and I may want to strongly make my view known to someone who disagrees with me but I’m learning to look to God for peace and direction. Sometimes timing in when a word is said is key. When something’s on my mind, I’m often eager to get it off my chest but sometimes the conversation goes better if brought up at another time. Maybe the key is once again being led by the Spirit. It may seem like a small thing but I wonder if friction is ever necessary. A soft answer really does turn away wrath.
I pray God helps me conquer this this year. I love it when He takes the time to show me what He desires to teach me. He is so patient and I’m happiest when I surrender. Lord, help me do so consistently.
CD Review: Pray Out Loud (Mercy’s Harbor)
First of all, I have to say that I love the title of this recording. I don’t know the story behind Pray Out Loud since there’s not a song by that title on this recording but, to me, it gives a message before you play one song off the CD.
Mercy’s Harbor is a group based in Albertville, AL. The group consists of Donnie & Melody Marr and Brent Lee.
The CD begins with the uptempo song, “Sailing On Home,” followed by “Bottom of the Barrel.”
My favorite song on this project is their version of “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” They sing it very reverently which allows you to think about the message. I also like “They Can’t Start the Celebration,” a song the Whisnants made popular a while back. Their style actually reminds me a little of the Whisnants.
Other songs are: “This World is Not My Home,” “Look for Me,” “The Past is a Promise,” “I Got It All,” and “He Didn’t Leave Me.”
Rights vs. What’s Right
I sometimes wonder if anyone cares what’s right any more. The emphasis tends to be on what our rights are (as US citizens, relatives, etc.) that rarely do I hear people talk about what’s right. You’d think with the “What Would Jesus Do” fad a few years ago that it would have made an impact but, alas, it seems to have been just that: a fad.
You may have a “right” to be angry, a “right” to sue someone, a “right” to divorce your spouse because your “needs” aren’t being met, but do you ever ask yourself, “What is the right thing to do?” What would Jesus advise you to do in those situations? His Word is full of answers to those questions if we would study it. Jesus never talked about His rights as the Son of God. His focus was on obeying His Father, and that is really the only “right” His children have.
No wonder there’s so much anger and hatred in the world. Revenge is rampant in our society. Everyone’s self-focused, figuring if they don’t watch out for “number one,” no one else will, so they do whatever they have to do to get what they “have coming to them.” I wonder what would happen if more people would turn their cheek or if more people would give that “soft answer which turns away wrath.” I believe there would be a lot more peace in the world and definitely in the hearts of those who learn to walk as Jesus did, full of love for others and not worried about His “rights” because He knew who He was. He was the Son of the Most High God who promised Him a Home in Heaven for all eternity. That’s the only “right” I care about, and I don’t have to fight anyone for it. I’ll just stay close to my Father and He’ll gladly give it to me.
CD Review: He Lifted Me Out (Primitive Quartet)
In praying over what CD to review to start out the new year, I felt like the latest release from the Primitive Quartet would be the perfect choice. Those who know me know what a blessing this quartet has been to me personally as I’m constantly challenged by their love for the Lord and their love for others.
As I listen to this CD, I come away feeling gratitude to God for saving me and for blessing me like He has. I also pray that I can “be a help to both saint and sinner” as they sing in “That’s What I Want to Be.”
Jeff Tolbert reminds us that “The Half Has Never Been Told.” No matter what our view of Heaven, it will be greater than anything our mind can conceive.
Mike Riddle sings a song he wrote titled, “Thank You, Lord, the Sun Rose.” I love the line which says, “If there’s no tomorrow, Jesus conquered all my sorrow. I’ll be praising you through all eternity.”
Randy Fox leads their a capella rendition of “I Wonder What They’re Doing in Heaven.” Do you ever think about that? It’s easy to get wrapped up in our grief when a loved one goes Home ahead of us but I wonder what they’re doing there now.
My favorite song on this project is “There is a Record Book.” I come close to crying every time I hear it. Reagan Riddle does a great job communicating this song. “My name will not be lost, misplaced or overlooked for it’s kept safely in God’s Record Book.” If that doesn’t make you shout, I don’t know what will.
Other songs are “Jesus Came Searching,” “God’s First Christmas Tree,” “He Lifted Me Out,” “That Jesus Part of Me Shall Never Die” and “Members Only.”
Now I feel refreshed and ready to begin my year. 🙂 How about you?
Happy New Year 2011!
Another year has come and gone and I’m once again thanking God for His goodness. As with any year, there were joys and sorrows, laughter and tears but God has been faithful and I praise Him for that faithfulness.
As I reflect over the year, I see at least some of the times I failed. I didn’t always handle things well as I would complain to God about my “lot” in life. However, this year I truly want to grow closer to Him. In asking that, I realize I may be asking for ever-increasing trials but I know that if I truly draw near to Him, He will help me get through them and I will be better able to help others.
I don’t know what 2011 will bring but I know there will be a grace for whatever comes. As I look to God, I trust Him to guide me in the way I should go and I pray that He will give me His heart of mercy and compassion for others.
In closing, let me wish each of you a very blessed 2011. May this year bring you joy and laughter, health and happiness. And may God’s grace sustain you through each trial you encounter.
