What am I like?

😟😔😕

Same old same old.

What's she on about now you may well ask? Honestly I'm just sharing because I'm frustrated, disappointed and ashamed of myself.

Statement of fact: I do not prioritise prayer.

Crazy but it's true. Why? I don't really know.

'They' (that infamous, unidentifiable, opinionated bunch of all knowing people) say that 'if you want something enough then you'll do whatever it takes to get it / do it'. Maybe that's true and I just don't want to do it or see it as important enough. Or maybe I'm lazy and just 'wing it', using prayer as an on-the-go ad-hock communication portal to the divine.

Silly thing is that I know it's important, vital even. I also know it works and makes a vast difference to every aspect of life but primarily to the development of a personal understanding of who God is.

So yes it's all very well me praying in the middle of the night that God would somehow help me get comfy enough to sleep! I like conversation about every day real issues that present themselves ... we should be able to talk to God about these things and he does care. However for my prayer life to be limited most days, to this, is not adequate for spiritual growth or a genuine belief in the seriousness of what prayer is for and about.

So hey ho, I have no answers or magic solution but I know the struggle is real and my feeling of inadequate despondency in relation to my prayer life won't somehow make it all better tomorrow ... it's more of a need for daily check ins and accountability along with the belief that I have a powerful resource to hand which I would be most wise to utilise to it's fullest potential!

You know what's kind of worse? The fact that I rely on others to pray for me and I enormously value those prayers because I gain the benefit from them! How one dimensional and pretty self-indulgent. 

The reality is that I need to take this one step at a time, and maybe the initial baby step is to fiercely protect the first minute of my waking day (until it becomes my new normal) to acknowledge God's presence in simple worship of Him. He gave me life, designed me and loves me beyond measure ... why wouldn't I want to speak to Him and thank Him before the activities of the day begin?

I'll try.

Ingrid x

“Father thank you for being faithful when I’m so fickle”.

Peace, perspective and a prayer

Martha Washington once said “I’ve learned that the greater part of happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances”.

Now granted, our circumstances are often very likely to thwart bubbling happiness. A grief; a diagnosis; false accusation; injustice; heartache; conflict; war; debt … however it is our disposition when after the initial human response period has passed, which does in fact dictate our ongoing potential for happiness and peace. 

Each one of us would more than likely resort to some form of horror, shock or despair at unexpected and extremely challenging circumstances but it is the ability to then dig deep and tap into the bedrock of truth in our faith which gives that propulsion forward into growth, maturity, wisdom and acceptance. This can then lead to that peace we are told about in God’s word (so therefore it’s true) beyond human comprehension (Phil 4v7). Our dispositions change, becoming ones of light and happiness despite circumstances.

As Paul stated so simply to the Christian’s at Philippi … he was not at all worried about his circumstances but had learned within any given situation, to be content. There’s a inner peace needed when you’re content, truly content. It breeds a serenity and poise which elevates that person to a higher plane no matter how destitute their condition may seem to others looking on.

I’ve quoted before “Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties” (CS Lewis). I know having peace within doesn’t mean happiness without, but it does give a perspective from the divine. A knowledge of God’s working within will be noticeable externally and almost tangibly flow out to others … no doubt cascading an uplifting effect to any in its wake.

Let us prayerfully be those who despite the cares of this world, can trust that our God is big enough and cares enough to uphold us, give us peace and love through our circumstance so that others see that same love in our eyes for them and their own challenges. Let us be light, bright enough to dispel darkness.

Lord let me be your hands and feet

To show your love and mercy

Your wisdom and your tender heart

To everyone I meet.

Ingrid x

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Ok so following on from a previous post, I was thinking about the different pieces of armour whilst driving in the morning (berating myself for not thinking about dressing myself ‘properly’!). I went through the verse in my head and mulled over the various elements … this is my rather basic and unresearched analysis, in no particular order:

The Helmet of Salvation

This makes sense to me. At the point of accepting Christ as my Saviour, my mind and thinking should be governed and guarded by the helmet of my salvation … I should think in the new way, having been given new life, not as the old me. My mind should be transformed and cleansed as well as protected through this new birth and salvation … my mind has been redeemed.

The Shield of Faith

A shield would be held up against attack whether from arrows or sword. It was often impenetrable and would save a life … but it required active holding and being deliberately positioned correctly in order to be effective. If held to the side when an arrow was being shot at the front, the shield would be of no use. In similar vein our faith can be mightily effective if we hold it up against attack … actively, consciously and in the right direction. It is often our own failings and weakness that allow the penetration of an attack against us to succeed … we simply haven’t wielded the shield of faith adequately or accurately.

The Sword of the Spirit

In contrast to the shield of faith which is used to defend, a sword is used to attack with, although in the act of attacking with it, one would also be protecting oneself. So the sharpeners of the sword being the word of God is what we are to use going forward in battle. It ties in with that verse which says: “for the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirits of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4v12). To me, one of the best ways we can wield and utilise this asset in our armoury is to memorise plenty of verses including many of the promises given to us in God’s word.

Peaceful footwear

The passage tells us that our feet should be shod with the gospel of peace and that they are to be ready. We shouldn’t miss out on opportunities just because we haven’t got our shoes on! Wherever we go and therefore whoever we meet, we should be approaching and leading with the peaceful gospel … our arrival should exemplify the beyond understanding peace which we have secured through the redemptive gospel of Christ and his atoning death.

The Belt of Truth

I love this one. Truth should hold us together. It should embrace our very being, neatly securing our identity and purpose, reassuring us of our position in Christ and the power that brings. It is only when completely surrounded by truth that we are in a position to wear and wield all the other elements. But what is truth? I recall watching a video of many people on the streets of America being asked this question and so many struggling to give an answer at all. To me, ultimate, pure and simple truth is whatever God says and is. Only God can provide and share pure truth.

So that leaves me with the one element I had to stop myself on because I honestly didn’t really know what it meant without thinking more deeply …

The Breastplate of Righteousness

It’s easy to reel it off, but when I imagined putting it on, I wasn’t entirely sure what if would look like or relate to. I understand righteousness in some ways and I know that a breastplate was a protective piece of armour similar to what our police and soldiers would use these days in the form of bullet proof vests, essential to protect vital organs. In dictionary terms, righteousness means ‘the quality of being morally right or justifiable’, however before God we are not and never can be in and of ourselves, righteous … this is something that comes from God. In Romans ch 5 it talks about the gift of righteousness which is of course given through Jesus Christ. So this ‘right living’ before God can only be achieved through our faith in Christ and the growth of that through the study of his word and prayer … only in this way can we protect our innermost being and heart to withstand temptation and attack. We must surely work on properly crafting our personal breastplates, blended with the impenetrable ingredients of faith, the word of god and prayer … only then will we begin to live righteously and provide the appropriate layer of apparel to guard our hearts from harm.

To finish off Pray at ALL Times! That’s the final command as though when you’re fully clothed and kitted out for the days battle ahead, your constant necessity to progress forward is to pray … always.

Let’s get our battle clothes on folks … for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the power of this world, the spiritual forces of evil in this present darkness (Eph 6) … in the process of defending and attacking, we bring peace!

I found Chuck Swindoll’s paraphrasing of Proverbs 4v23 helpful, it reads like this: “More than all else to be closely watched and protected (like a city or a bank vault), protect your inner self—your mind, your emotions, your character, your discernment—like a sentry at the gate watches over a city from his watchtower, because this is the source of all the decisions, responses, and deeds that represent your life”.

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ A Prayer

Almighty God who hides great oak trees inside tiny acorns, we acknowledge our frailty and fallen humanity before you. Your majestic greatness seen in the diversity of creation and your tender compassion shown when silently writing in the dust of the earth, are staggering.

Help us when in times of adversity, to prioritise and maintain unity; to face storms without fear because we have firstly made sure you’re in the boat with us.

We pray that our desire to do right will always outweigh wanting to be liked. 

Help us never to settle for less than what you have planned for our lives, so that big dreams will achieve great victories. 

No matter what a day brings forth, let us be reminded that there is hope in the darkness, like there is light in a dawn. 

Enable our perspective on life to be framed by a knowledge of eternity so that our focus remains righteous and true.

May we know your steadfast love and power so that any fear we experience will be diminished by courage and resolute faith.

Empower us therefore, to daily fulfill our duty to uphold your truth and values, to beacon forth your light and love, to bring justice and compassion whilst retaining integrity and morality … and primarily, to bring glory to your holy name.

Amen.

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ Time, worries and reliance on God

I have found lately, that I am extremely guilty of continued fickleness in my relationship with and reliance on God. It’s really rather foolish.

For the first time, I have to allow the children to spend a whole week with their father, week on, week off, during the summer school holidays. It’s hard, really hard. Not only because I worry about them … are they getting enough sleep; are they safe and happy; what if they’re crying and want me … but because I miss them, so very much. 

You know that I’ve just moved house. There’s a lot to do and a lot to manage. It’s the holidays and as a consequence, I genuinely have to focus for a while to know what day it is. I forget things and mislay things; I worry about cost and safety; about winter coming and whether or not I’ll have heating installed before then … it goes on … about schooling and the issues around differences of opinion between the children’s father and myself; about play dates and sporting classes … then I forget to order food or go shopping and need to remember that someone is coming to quote for some fencing or continue work in the cellar!

All boring day to day stuff and of course it’s normal to feel a bit discombobulated at times … that’s ok and you’ll all relate to it in some way.

What’s strange though, is that in this flurry of adjusting to a ‘new normal’, I’m not relying on God’s help as much or staying awake long enough to pray properly. How silly! Why is it that when I need God’s stabilising help, guidance and peace the most, I neglect to tap into the very source that supplies it? It’s bonkers.

I need God in a very real and present way right now, but I haven’t really communicated this to him much. I know that amazingly, he still cares, loves and will strengthen me, but he wants to hear my concerns and take my burdens to replace them with his incredible, surpassing understanding, peace.

There’s so much to pray about … not only my own small life and all it entails, but others too. It’s a bit like that book title ‘too busy not to pray’ by Bill Hybels, and the well known poem ….

“I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day;

I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task.

‘Why doesn’t God help me?’ I wondered. He answered, ‘You didn’t ask,’

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;

I wondered why God didn’t show me. He said ‘But you didn’t seek.’

I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys to the lock. 

God gently and lovingly chided, ‘My child, you didn’t knock.’

I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day;

I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.”

(Author unknown)

I need to try harder and practice self discipline. 

“If you’re too busy to pray … you’re too busy” (Mother Teresa).

“We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many services but few conversations; much machinery but few results” (R A Torrey).

“To desire revival  … and at the same time to neglect (personal) prayer and devotion, is to wish one way and walk another” (A W Tozer).

Ingrid x

What a difference a day makes …

But I’m afraid the similarities to the song end there, because the difference isn’t you 😆! In fact I’m not sure at all what the difference is. I’m not spiritual enough to spout that the difference today is that I relied on God more or prayed more … life is tricky huh?

So I’m writing this at just gone 9pm on Saturday evening (24th July) and am in a vastly different state to last night. Honestly, it was rough. I can only put it down to too much on the mind and not enough rest and sleep (the two being different entities I think … for example if I am literally on my feet all day rather than sitting down at times, that constitutes very little rest!).

I’m very ashamed to tell you how mean I was in my lack of patience toward my children and I responded to their carryings on in entirely the wrong way … no positive parenting present that’s for sure. Of course they got to bed in the end and were absolutely fine, but I wasn’t. After getting them into bed, I curled up on my own and wept. The sort of crying that leaves you breathless and almost suffocated. The desire for some sort of physical pain to make sense and give a ‘proper’ reason for the internal anguish. It happens (thankfully not that often these days). 

I was sorry for my wrong handling of the evening and my own ugly character … oh the fickleness of the human heart … one minute trying to be more Christ like and learn more about God and the next?.. the polar opposite to anything resembling grace, mercy, long suffering and tenderness. It makes me bow my head in shame.

Move on 24 hours and the scene is a stark contrast. Calm, contentment, patience and kindness … a good story time, prayers and a song. I’ve done the necessary jobs and got organised for going away tomorrow for a couple of nights … the home is peaceful including my insides. Why? I really don’t know but I’m glad for today and this evening! I’m still very tired and hoping for a good night … my body aches from doing so much and I have some tough things to sort out which are really very important and tricky to deal with. 

What I do know and can share, is that both last night and tonight I talk with God … I tell him how I feel and what I’m struggling with … where I really need his help and ask if he can take the situation into his hands and sort it out. I confess my vulnerabilities and weaknesses … I apologise for my humanness and I pray for my children. He know and he cares. He can lift me up when I am weak and can give me strength to continue. Thinking about it as I type, it most likely is the fact that God has given me some peace about the tricky situation which has then in turn enabled me to be less stressed about it today. I suppose I did cast all my cares upon him last night when I was sobbing in agony … I shouldn’t be surprised that he has raised me up today to walk freely and with a lightness because he has lifted the burden of guilt, concern and exhaustion. 

I always love quoting this verse in my mind and speaking the truth of it to myself … I lift my eyes up to the hills, from whence cometh my help … my help comes from the Lord, the creator of heaven and earth (Psalm 121). Despite having to still respond and address the pressing issues of the tricky situation I have (it’s probably not profitable to go into detail), I do feel as though I can rise above it and trust God in the detail … he is above all and in all, so he has got this. He cares for me and he cares for my children, so he will endeavour to intervene for what is right, just and true. I can’t ask for more than that. He is ahead of me already, sorting out the detail. How wonderful!

Now to deal with the tricky message and then to bed 💤.

Ingrid x

The Better Part

I am primarily challenging myself here. You see, for the past few weeks I suppose, I have been ‘so busy’ with other things on my mind, that I have rushed and neglected my thought life with God .... my communion and contemplative time. I have noticed this when I’ve come to write a blog post and have nothing to give or share because my mind has been focused on other practical things. 

Since when did ‘so busy’ become a legitimate reason for neglecting what is most needed? It’s bonkers really. The very thing that would help with the busyness of life, the decisions which must be made and the strength needed to undertake what’s essential to get done each day, gets pushed to the back! Why would I or any of us do such a thing? I know the truth of it but I allow other things to wiggle their way in and crowd out the better part. I don’t deliberately do this or allow it, but it just happens and before long there’s spiritual malaise. 

Even with my children, when I pray with them at bed time, I rush it and keep it short. I ask them if they’d like to pray and share something they’re thankful for and even at ages 5 and 3, they often put me to shame and remind me of what’s important!

Discipline is needed ... daily. I honestly wish I could learn this lesson and then automatically exist in a state of closeness and communion with our Heavenly Father, but it requires daily renewal, cleansing, conversation and learning, just like it does (but rather less importantly) with any friend. It’s so relatable isn’t it ... we do it (or don’t) for our bodies with diet and exercise and we see the consequences either adversely or positively.

The very fact that I’m busy and have a lot to get done at the moment, with my mind and body being stretched in many directions, should unequivocally lead me to greater dependence on God and his word. Take for example, strength ... the strength needed to get through each day and just keep going ... what’s that well known verse? “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8v10). Really stop and think about that. If it’s true (which of course it is, because it’s in God’s word), then we need the Lord’s joy to keep our strength up. How do we get joy? Well I can tell you one thing, it isn’t from neglecting the Lord and his word!! It’s exactly the opposite of course. Joy comes from spending time, communion, deep seated trust and conversation ... from living, real evidence of his presence in your daily life and the ability to talk to him whenever and wherever needed. 

I think joy and light go together ... God’s word is a light unto our path (Psalm 119v105). So to immerse myself in his word will also help my daily life even if it feels ‘dark’ at times as opposed to light, his word and presence will illuminate my path ahead, the next step, and bring me joy despite circumstances.

Many of you will know I am a lone parent to 3 little ones and am currently moving house. Yes I may be busy, but being the only adult in the house should surely nudge me toward greater dependency and communion with my Lord, so that I am assured of right thinking, decisions, timing and activity.

This morning I was woken a bit earlier than I would have liked (!) and kept thinking about the fact that I wasn’t praying much at all ... so here I am with a cup of tea and writing away to you guys. 

I often feel sorry for Martha in Luke 10 ... she’s so busy doing legitimate, helpful things. She’s providing hospitality to the most important guest she would ever have ... I mean, can you imagine for example, the queen unexpectedly coming for tea (or whoever you may hold in highest esteem) ... every one of us would be busy first getting everything ready to meet their needs, and then we may wish to sit down and ask them questions and listen to their words of wisdom. What we are less likely to do, is to have them find us in whatever state we are, and to sit down next to them and just listen ... without having even cleaned the bathroom or prepared food and drink. Yet when it comes to our deepest needs on every level, the better part is to come as we are; listen; lean and learn. From that point, we are more fully able to engage in all the activities of the day with strength, joy and peace ... a knowledge that the God of the universe is in the detail and cares very much about that detail.

I will hopefully change my focus and choose that better part first and foremost every day from now on. When I stray and become neglectful, I pray it won’t be for long before I realise my weakness and foolishness in forging ahead in my own fallible, unreliable effort.

Ingrid x

A Prayer

Dear Lord

Please help me to become more like you. Please help me to have:

peace in my mind

love in my heart

compassion in my actions

wisdom in my decisions

hope in my demeanor

truth in my speech

courage when needed

calmness in my spirit

dignity in my behaviour

fortitude in my beliefs

security in my identity

goodness in my values

acceptance in my circumstances

contentment with my every day life

passion to share you with others

patience with my children

commitment to grow in my faith

serenity in my soul

self control when tempted

eyesight / vision which exemplifies mercy

grace when falsely accused

long suffering when tried and tested

availability for others 

deep seated joy always

Amen!

And a lovely hymn to listen to ... ‘There is a higher throne’ by Keith & Kristyn Getty:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zvDSG4s5FJw&feature=share

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ The Importance of being Earnest (Part 2)

So back to George Müller. If ever there was a person who displayed consistently, the act of being earnest in prayer, it could be George. I just want to share some of the little book I'm reading so you can see what he says for yourself. I find it inspiring and challenging but also uncomfortable ... partly because I know it would be healthy to adopt a lot of what he encourages, but I feel I couldn't do it ... or don't have the energy and faith to try it!

A lot of his book consists of dates and notes which say what the current need was and whether God had provided yet or not. George didn't advertise the need, in fact he refused to with his reason being that he wanted others to see that as a direct result of earnest prayer, God would provide for the need without anyone else knowing about it. 

On March 26th 1840 he writes: 

"On the 17th of this month I received the following letter from a brother who had been used by the Lord several times to supply our need. 

"I have received a little money. Do you have any present need for the institution under your care? I know you do not ask, except of Him whose work you are doing; but to answer when asked seems to be a right thing to do. I have reason for desiring to know the present state of your finances. If you do not need the money, other areas of the Lords's work or other people of the Lord many need help. Kindly inform me the amount you need at this present time." When this letter came, we were in need. Nevertheless, I answered it as follows:

"While I thank you for your love, and while I agree with you that there is a difference between asking for money and answering when asked, nevertheless, I do not feel at liberty to speak about the state of our funds. The primary object of this ministry is to lead those who are weak in faith to see that there is reality in dealing with God alone."

After I sent off the answer, I prayed, "Lord, You know that for Your sake I did not tell this brother about our need. Now, Lord, show afresh that there is reality in speaking to You only about our need. Speak to this brother, so that he may help us." 

Today, in answer to my request, this brother sent one hundred pounds. I now have enough money for establishing the infant school and for ordering more Bibles. Also, the orphans are again supplied for a week."

That's the way he was. Now, I know times are different but I also know that our God is the same! So for me it is a challenge around my view of God and how my direct interactions with Him could be so different to what they currently are. All of us still have needs, whether financial or otherwise ... God is still accessible and waiting to listen just as he was to George Müller. Wouldn't it be amazing to have similar experiences?

I just want to share another passage from the book with you regarding time alone with God. This is a right challenge for me! It makes me smile and at the same time shake my head.

September 9th 1839: "I returned to Bristol and to my old habit or rising early in the morning to commune with God ... I want to encourage all believers to get into the habit of rising early to meet with God. How much time should be allowed for rest? No rule of universal application can be given because all persons do not require the same amount of sleep ... Most doctors agree that healthy men do not require more than between six or seven hours of sleep, and females need no more than seven or eight hours ... Someone may ask, "But why should I rise early?" To remain too long in bed is a waste of time. Wasting time is unbecoming a saint who is bought by the precious blood of Jesus ... Just as too much food injures the body, the same is true regarding sleep ... Anyone who spends one, two, or three hours in prayer and meditation before breakfast will soon discover the beneficial effect early rising has on the outward and inward man. It may be said, "But how shall I set about rising early?" My advice is: Do not delay. Begin tomorrow. But do not depend on your own strength ... Trust in the Lord for help ... Rise at once when you are awake. Remain not a minute longer in bed or else you are likely to fall asleep again ... After a few days you will feel stronger and fresher than when you used to lie an hour or two longer than you needed. Always allow yourself the same hours for sleep. Make no change except on account of sickness."

There you go!!

Ok, so being a lone parent to 3 young children who quite often wake me in the night, this is not something I can even get my mind to manage contemplating! The principle however, is something I need to think about. I do think about God and I do pray during the day, but I don't have a specific quiet time where my true dependency on Him for my needs is earnestly shared. I'm more ad hock and can be earnest all of a sudden as the moment presents itself. But I do think that Mr Müller has many good points which would be worth adopting to my own unique circumstances, so that I, like he did, could experience a closer relationship with the God of all the universe who is waiting and willing to commune, provide and bless.

Like David in Psalm 63, I should pray "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you" and in Matthew 9 "therefore pray earnestly to the Lord". There are many mentions of the word 'earnest' or 'earnestly' in the Bible with plenty being in the NT within the church letters. We are encouraged to "love one another earnestly from a pure heart" (1 Peter 1v22) and to "pursue love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts" (1 Cor 14v1). Our Lord prayed earnestly when on the cross and we see other examples of earnest prayer such as when Peter was in prison ... "but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church" (Acts 12v5). In Acts 26v7 we read about earnest worship day and night.

Quite simply, I am urging myself to become more earnest in every aspect of my spiritual life ... this means becoming more sincere and with intense / zealous conviction ... resolute, with qualities of depth and firmness. It requires time and effort ... less of the 'I'm in a rush Lord so I'll be quickly earnest about this' ... I realise that isn't earnest, it's just being in a hurry or finding myself in a situation that demands a sudden prayer. To adopt state of heart and mind with all earnestness does in fact require that time alone with God, so that my faith inwardly and outwardly, whether in prayer, worship or action, demonstrates sincere conviction and outpours blessing to others.

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ The Importance of being Earnest (Part 1)

A great book!

Rather than have too long a blog, I've decided to write this in 2 parts (just because I'm quite likely to go on a bit as you know).

There are so many words starting with C which are great ... think about them:

Connection; Compassion; Courage; Care; Communication; Consideration; Collaboration; Comfort; Clarity; Certainty; Contentment .... complacency isn’t one of them!

I just have a deep seated feeling that I for one, and maybe most of us in our ‘comfortable’ western world, have become complacent in our faith, in sharing our God and His rescue plan which is the only answer to any search for significance, purpose and worth. I don’t fully live out my core values and hopes ... I settle for less than what I should, living in mediocrity ... that lukewarm state which in the book of Revelation is described in rather sickening terms, literally ... God spits out of His mouth the in between hot and cold ... the complacent, lukewarm, pitiable church at Laodicea whose works were neither one thing nor the other. 

Living in a rather apathetic society, we have very little to challenge us or force us to our knees on a daily basis. I am most definitely complacent in my prayer life and the crazy thing is, that I know I am limiting God’s power and blessing in my life because of it! So why on earth do I / we do this? Why would we choose to live in this way ... all settled and comfy but massive under achievers when it comes to being a part of God’s plan, His glory and our blessing?

Maybe that's exactly it ... it is comfy and easy. It enable us to pursue our dreams rather than God's. We can fit Him in to our lives rather than fully accept that He gave us our lives and as such, our very breath; how we live; what we own; our futures and achievements should all be His. He needs to be at the forefront and centre of everything. If we could just see God and His power in the everyday detail of our lives, our outlook and responses would vastly change. I don't mean in this instance seeing Him in the detail of our lives in relation to His working and answer to prayer for example, but a step back from that ... His very being and our faith in Him, to drive every aspect of our existence. 

There are challenges and persecutions even within the UK. I think that more are to come, but relatively speaking, we still have it easy. Our faith can be contained in an acceptable way, non offensive and all embracing ... we can be at risk of becoming so inclusive that anyone taking a real interest won't be able to tell us apart from anyone else who does good works in the community. What's the difference, why become a Christian, is it just another club? What do we stand for, what are our foundational truths, is the Bible really God's word and if so, do we truly believe and accept everything He says in it? Or are we scared that it may offend or lead to condemnation by certain groups? Watering down the truth so that no-one is offended flies in the face of any faith and is a compromise too far. How would that work in the justice system for example? We don’t deliberately try to offend, but we do adhere to God’s truth ... He is God and can defend Himself, we are just called to follow and obey.

Of course there is a way of sharing the truth we hold close to our hearts and believe in ... speaking the truth with love, that's always the key, don't separate the two. But going back to the title ... am I earnest about my faith? Complacent or Earnest? Am I earnest in prayer? What does it mean to be earnest? What would it look like to have a really earnest faith?

Think about our natural expectation of daily food. Do we even connect it to God? Is He anywhere in the chain of events that leads to our eating and feeling satisfied? We may say ‘grace’ and thank God for our food, but do we really believe He has provided it for us? If we did, then we could equally assume that He could not provide it ... but that thought seems ridiculous because we know we could just nip out to the shop or take away and buy a meal. 

I’ve been recently reading the auto-biography of George Müller (1805-1898). If you haven’t heard of him, then look him up. Despite his pretty shocking early life, he came to believe in the reality of the true and living God. He chose to live by faith to an extreme whereby when I read about it I am shocked, amused and baffled. I have at times thought it too extreme and almost nonsensical. The stark and raw reality of being in need and completely dependent on God through prayer to provide for that need, was something he committed to, along with his wife and fellow worker ... even for their breakfast. It is rather challenging!

This may sound dramatic and excessive by description, yet the more I think about it, the more I realise that it is a form of spiritual self-harm, not to pray. More than that, not just pray, but to pray in earnest. 

I’ll stop for now ... as I’ve said before, to me the key is perspective and our vision of who God is and where He is in relation to our everyday, moment to moment lives. If God underpins it and is the first layer / filter through which we think and feel, then our outlook, anxieties, desires and fears would dramatically change.

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ Water and Blood

I wanted to share just a few brief and very simple thoughts about these two elements, that in essence, secure our justification and sanctification.

In the Old Testament we see that prior to any approach for atonement, there were rather detailed and rigorous protocols to follow. First in the Tabernacle and then in the Temple ... there were laws and instructions to follow very precisely. Different offerings for different reasons; laws for burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, guilt offerings and so forth. The normal people were not allowed to enter into the holy place and only the high priest could enter the holiest of all, once a year. The people remained outside and gave their sacrifices so that the priests could represent them before the Lord.

There were two key places that always featured for the normal people ... the alter and laver (or basin). The alter was a place of sacrifice and the laver a place of cleansing (blood and water). To my simple mind, it speaks of requiring a substitute in the form of a sacrifice so that a normal sinful person could be brought before the Lord and accepted through the blood of that sacrifice (prescribed by God for that purpose), ... and then the necessary daily cleansing for constant renewal, refreshment and purification. A good reminder that each day every human throughout history has struggled with our inherent sinful nature and requires purifying constantly.

So in the New Testament, we come to the cross ... the ultimate expression of God's love and His desire to bring in a new and living way, open to all. We see in John (19v34) that when one of the soldiers at the cross pierced Jesus' side, blood and water came out. That wouldn't have happened to the two others crucified alongside Him. This is deliberate symbolism and speaks volumes to us about this new way God in His infinite mercy, was bringing in ... for you and me.

Once again, to my simple way of thinking, this blood and water coming out of Jesus tells me that He was the only one who could be sacrificed to atone for my sin and yours ... for everyone's, once and for all. The priests in the Old Testament had to sacrifice for themselves first, before they could represent the people, but Jesus did not need to do this ... He was the only one who could be the guarantor of a better covenant.

In Hebrews we read so much about all of this ... "he holds his priesthood permanently; because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them ... He has no need, like those high priests, to offers sacrifices daily ... since he did this once for all when he offered up himself ... made perfect forever" (7v23-28).

So, if we can see and accept that Jesus was indeed the only and perfect sacrifice and substitute for us, acceptable to a holy God, then we can be confident in this new and better way ... but can we directly approach God with confidence? Yes ...

The other really important event and symbol to me, is that when Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn completely in two but not as humans would do it, rending it from the bottom up; it tore on it's own from the top to the bottom ... God revealing that the barrier to Himself was no longer needed ... if we are in Christ, then we are invited to approach God, entering into the holiest of all, with a clear conscience, total confidence and full of faith, to be accepted before Him.  Isn't that truly amazing?

So what about the water? It's sort of obvious that the blood element was indeed the death of the perfect substitute, Jesus Christ, but the water element? ... Hebrews 9v14-15 says: "how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant". Then in ch 10v14-16: "he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us ... I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds". In Eph 5v26 it talks about Christ sanctifying and cleansing the Church with the washing of water by the word.

To me, the cleansing is an on-going practise which requires being immersed in the word, God's word, the Bible. The Holy Spirit aids with this work and can bring to mind verses to help us during our daily lives, but He can only do this if we have studied them first ... it is our responsibility to clean ourselves spiritually as we would physically. Our sanctification, being made holy before God, has been secured through Christ, but our part is to continue with daily cleansing so that our purpose of being set aside for God to use, can be fulfilled. He has done His part; we must choose to do ours ... if we don't, then we will become 'dirty' vessels, less able to be used by God for the special purpose He had designed for us.

"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor 7v1).

I'll just finish with the passage from Hebrews 10 because after all, words from the Bible are rather more effective and important than mine!

"Therefore, ... since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way that is opened for us through the curtain ... let us draw near with a true heart in full assurances of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean ... and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful" (v19-23).

Remember both blood and water, and enjoy being able to come with confidence into this new and living way, with thankful hearts for Jesus Christ who made it possible.

Ingrid x

The first bluebells of the season, my favorite time of the year. They predictably come up every year ... not tended, watered, fertilized, thinned out, protected or weeded by any human ... they simply lay all cosy and sleepy underneath the forest floor, until such a time as their creator made them to appear. At that appointed time, they force their way through the spring soil and emerge in brilliant beauty to provide a carpet such as no loom can ever make. Each plant has many flowers, little bells, so delicately bobbing in the breeze as though appreciating that this is their time to shine. 

So often we see them in a blur of deep violet blue as we drive by, or if we do have the privilege of walking to a bluebell wood, we will stand in awe at the striking beauty laid out at our feet. As a whole, it is breathtaking and yet each small plant has those little bell flowers bobbing their hello, without which, the whole would not be possible. Appreciate the detail and the small things, each one counts.

Just like the bluebells, we can often seem and feel very small in the sea of humanity. Yet God created the detail, the individual, the petal and He cares enormously about that detail. Each tiny part of every plant helps with the beauty and function of the whole. So take time to notice, to listen, to smell, to touch, to really see the detail before you that matters most, and to the those whom you love.

The bluebells remind me of God’s steadfast, predictable, remarkable, faithful love. It certainly doesn’t require anything of us, just like the bluebell woods, it is there despite who we are and will remain so. There is a difference however ... we can choose to destroy nature if it’s not protected from our pollution or continual need for more housing. I am grateful for conservation laws that do protect ancient woodlands. God’s  love needs no such input. Nothing can waver the steadfast nature of His love, it is an absolute certainty, one that we can rely on forever.

So the next time you see bluebells and maybe take a walk through their carpeted woodland, remember this: that “all the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness” (Psalm 25v10) ... that His “steadfast love extends to the heavens ... (His) faithfulness to the clouds” (Psalm 36v5) and that “those who devise good meet steadfast love and faithfulness” (Prov. 14v22).

It has been a dream of mine for many, many years, to own a little bluebell woodland. I think it would be my haven of rest, like a little portion of heaven on earth (I’m very much assuming they’ll be bluebells in heaven, or something even better!) So you may well see some more photos of bluebells on here until they bow over to return into hiding ... preparing for their next most excellent extravaganza. Thank you God for creating woodlands which host bluebells.

Ingrid x

Midweek Thought ~ Lethargy

It's always best to be honest. So here I am ... I was wondering what and how to write for this week because I've just been 'off'. I was going to try and follow up on some thoughts I'd had previously, and create a midweek post out of them but it would be have been contrived and forced, making me feel exhausted at the get go. So rather than do that, I'll just share how I'm feeling and meander my way through, nattering as I go.

I must say, that as I start this, I've put on an old playlist that I created for someone else years ago, and I already feel a little lighter and uplifted. I've just listened to these 2 songs ... take a listen yourself:

'Through the fire' by Randy Travis, and 'He'll Hold You' by Selah.

I don't know about you, but I have times when I can feel as though I'm under-performing and in a bit of a fog, for no apparent reason at all. I don't mean under-performing at something like work, but just at the normal daily activities ... it's as though I'm dragging my heels and wearily making myself think about preparing tea or folding the laundry. What's that about? It's more frustrating because I'm usually a busy bee, keeping order and engaging in creative ideas whilst multi-tasking around the house and corresponding with others. The only word for it is 'blah'.

Yes I'm tired and have an achey back / neck, but that's not unusual. It's the easter holidays so the term time routine isn't happening, but I don't mind that and I love having the children at home. I'm hoping to move house at some point in the not too distant future, so that's an extra thing on my mind, but it's a good thing. So what's the explanation for this malaise? The answer ... there may not be one. It feels like a dip and a drag ... I'm old enough and been around the block enough to know that it won't last, but even so, it's frustrating.

What's more, it affects my spiritual outlook and energy. My daily ramblings to God throughout the day have dried up somewhat and His word is a little harder to read and enjoy. Now that's wrong isn't it?

You know what ... I'm going to tell myself that it's ok. Sometimes we just get a little weary. If that translates into feeling a bit down and less energetic for a few days then so be it. It's a times like this that Jesus calls to say 'come aside and rest awhile' (Mark 6v31). Unfortunately for me, that's not always possible! But I can continue, albeit at an 'under parr' pace. Keep on keeping on!

Here's the good news ... God can handle it. He's there, the same, throughout whatever I'm feeling and struggling with. My part is to not let my 'feelings' dictate my outlook or responses. Despite maybe not feeling like doing it, I should praise God; should still read His word; should still sing; should still pray (even if I fall asleep in the middle of it); should still be wiling to help others. This is God's way and is a balm to the soul ... what often seems to be too hard, can end up being the solace and restorative solution needed. 

I like that verse in both Psalms and Hebrews which states if we love righteousness then God will anoint us with the oil of gladness. I tend to think that if we can follow righteousness even when we don't 'feel' like it or just don't really have the energy to, then God will draw alongside and provide that personal application of soothing, healing oil which will then in turn, bring back our joy ... we will be glad and vibrant once again. (Let's bring back the glad game ~ Pollyanna!)

David is such a great character in the Bible to read about if and when you're feeling a bit overwhelmed and under resourced ... lacking the energy required to fulfil maybe even the most basic of duties. Not just physically weary but spiritually too ... like you're stuck in the mire as he describes in Psalm 69 with the waters going to overflow you. He talks so often about his struggles with feeling alone; confronted by the enemy; his own failings and remorsefulness; wondering why ... yet he always comes back to the amazing, unfailing, steadfast and faithful love of God. What a reassurance! No matter how you or I feel, God's position, His love and faithfulness toward us will never change. So if I feel 'blah' today, God is still God ... His steadfast love and care for me is unaffected but is even more active in helping me feel the reassurance I need and the energy required to just continue ... to keep keeping on.

In Psalm 71 David asks his Lord to be a rock of refuge to which he may continually come ... he knows he'll need it more than once and he relies on that refuge being there for the many trying times ... so should we. He also says he will hope continually ... that's good advice for us too, let's never loose hope. "For you, O Lord, are my hope" (v5). If God is our hope then hope can never be lost, what a great promise to cling to.

So "you who seek God, let your hearts revive" (Psalm 69v32).

I have a feeling that tomorrow morning I could say with the Psalmist: "I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me" (Psalm 3v5). How much sleep in total is yet to be determined, but I know He will sustain me and I also know that I cannot allow my lethargy to sap my hope in God. I may feel 'blah' but He will help me to shine again and be filled with joy.

Let us rise above our circumstances and feelings, to honour God and speak forth the praises of His name. Truth must prevail over the voices of tired dullness. The truth is that this too will pass, and God is to be praised. He is over all and will extend His grace, hope and mercy to all who call on His name.

"Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God ... how precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings ... For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light" (Psalm 36).

God's steadfast love is unconditional, unshakable, unfathomable and unending. It protects, provides, is precious and gives peace. It is personal, yet available for all.

Even though I just feel a little bit foggy and off for no real reason, if you, like me, feel out of sorts someday, just remember to keep just doing the next right thing and keep praising God, praying to Him to sustain you, and you will prevail. The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit and if we look to Him our faces will be radiant (Psalm 34). How nice.

So as I go off to bed now, I will pray the prayer I often do and which I had on my wall when I was a lot younger: "I will both lie me down in peace, and sleep; for You, alone O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4v8).

Tomorrow is a new day without a moment of lethargy in it! I will delight in the Lord and rise to praise His name, I hope. I may also groan at being woken by my children well before I'm ready to be disturbed. What's key is to hold on to the one who's holding me no matter what ... the clouds will part and the sun will shine through. My productiveness will return and my vibrant spirit will reawaken with renewed vigour. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ... I have to tell myself these truths regularly because I'm pretty useless otherwise! Don't for one minute think I somehow feel a moment of faintheartedness and then speak truth to myself and I'm on a spiritual high of some sort ... it's a daily battle for sure, but to seek peace in the process; hope in the hurry; and faith in the frenzy; certainly helps me to take the next step.

Don’t give up hope ~ Third Day:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=lNplqaLXZGU&feature=share

Love to you all

Ingrid x

“God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can, and 

Wisdom to know the difference”.

(It’s so easy to read this and almost enjoy it, but when you’re in a circumstance or facing a challenge, the words are profoundly meaningful ... I need to truly pray this right now).

“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God ...that you may be able to stand firm ... stand therefore ... praying at all times” (Eph 6v10-18). The armour is listed and described in spiritual terms because we fight a spiritual battle. For me right now, I know that my shield of faith is held in place, by the prayers of others ... there is no greater protective shield than that. Thank you. 

A friend sent me this verse and I love it in the NLT version: “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” (Exodus 14v14). How great is that! xx

The Next Thing ...

It’s been a case of getting through Friday, then burying ‘Pebble’ on Saturday and now preparing for the next thing. If that sounds flippant and dismissive then I can assure you it’s not. It just happens that on Tuesday I have a court case. I have to focus on it and be as prepared as I can, so there’s really not much time for rest. Between the big ‘things’ and the 3 children, even though I would have loved a duvet day today, it’s a case of carrying on. As long as my aches and sore throat don’t come to anything, I’ll be fine. In fact no matter what, I should still trust God in each moment and for each outcome.

I find it so easy to get concerned about the ‘what if’s’, or after the event, the ‘if only’s’. I have a duty to do my bit, but beyond that, I know that I should be able to leave it with the Lord. So I’ve looked up some verses to help me and I’ve asked friends and family to pray for me, to pray for the judge and that the right ruling / outcome will be given (even if it’s not exactly what I have wanted or think is best). After that, I need peace ... peace to accept and move forward, knowing that God has been in the detail and knows exactly what He’s doing and allowing.

Remember this verse in Genesis 18 (v25)? “Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?” Isn't it great to rest in that fact ... He is the ultimate judge and will always rule with complete justice. I like this too, that "nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1v37) and "If God be for (me), who can be against (me)?" (Romans 8v31).

Of course it doesn't mean that because God is my God and I have prayed and can trust Him, that I won't be challenged, or that the ruling will be what I want ... it doesn't work like that. But I can trust Him with the outcome and that He will sustain me throughout the proceedings. He will also give me strength to continue and a peace to accept whatever the future holds, which may well baffle and go beyond any human comprehension ... but that's our God and His peace with hope is just what our souls need!

"I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalm 56v11) ... "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; He is my helper ... It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans" (Psalm 118v6-8). "So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Hebrews 13v6).

Isn't the Bible great?! God has already gone before me, He knows what lays ahead. The battle does indeed belong to Him and I'm ok with that ... in fact, I'm very thankful for it. One more verse which is so encouraging: "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think" (Eph 3v20) ... I think that often in our prayers and petitions we can be lacking in boldness because we may feel that we don't deserve what we're asking for, or concerned that it may not be what God's will is for us. We have a great big God who is our caring Father ... He knows our hearts and our motives; He knows what is best for us and He loves us so unconditionally that no matter what we pray for or how we pray, He will go before us and do what is both just and for our best. Now that's something I can happily rest in.

Please listen to this great song, the words of which have helped me and I will no doubt listen to it a lot over the next few days: ‘Battle Belongs’ ~ Phil Wickham

https://youtube.com/watch?v=johgSkNj3-A&feature=share

I'm going to type out the words to another song called 'The Promise' by The Martins because I think they're helpful and so reassuring:

"I never said that I would give you silver or gold,

or that you would never feel the fire or shiver in the cold,

But I did say you'd never walk through this world alone...

And I did say, don't make this world your home.

I didn't say that fear wouldn't find you in the night,

or that loneliness was something you'd never have to fight,

But I did say I'd be right there by your side,

And I did say, I'll always help you fight.

'Cause you know I made a promise that I intend to keep,

My grace will be sufficient in every time of need.

My love will be the anchor that you can hold onto,

This is the promise, this is the promise, I've made to you.

I never said that friends would never turn their backs on you,

or that the world around you wouldn't see you as a fool,

But I did say like me, you'll surely be despised,

And I did say, my ways confound the wise.

I didn't say you'd never taste the bitter kiss of death,

or have to walk through chilly Jordan to enter into rest,

But I did say I'd be waiting right on the other side,

And I did say, I'll dry every tear you cry.

'Cause you know I made a promise that I've prepared a place,

And some day sooner than you think, you'll see me face to face,

And you'll sing with the angels and a countless multitude,

This is the promise, this is the promise, I've made to you.

So just keep walkin', don't turn to the left or right,

And in the midst of darkness, let this be your light,

That hell can't separate us and you're gonna make it through,

This is the promise, this is the promise, I've made to you ... Oh, 

This is the promise, this is the promise, I've made to you".

(https://youtube.com/watch?v=qWwOaeS8dXs&feature=share)

Hoping you all have a good week ahead, with love

Ingrid x

“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46v10) .... it’s in the stillness, stillness of our hearts that we can know God and see His hand working out the detail of our lives, not necessarily for our gain, but definitely for our best and His glory, even though it sometimes doesn’t feel that way. Be still and trust. X

Midweek Thought ~ Prayer: A big subject ... little thoughts

I hadn’t planned on thinking about or talking about prayer but I keep getting this verse stuck in my head!

James 5v16 “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man / woman avails much” or “The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with” or “The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous believer can accomplish much (when put into action and made effective by God - it is dynamic and can have tremendous power)”.

What is prayer? My children hear me pray with them and my 5 yr old asks me to pray before I leave him for the night. It somehow reassures him and gives a peace before bedtime. I tell him he can pray too but he usually asks me to do it, sometimes saying that he doesn't know how to. So I tell him just to talk out his thoughts to God and God will hear him; I say God already knows his thoughts and his heart, but that being our heavenly father, He really likes to hear from us ... so we should talk to Him.

I appreciate that in different settings there may be a more formal presentation of prayer or a more specific agenda / purpose, but I would like to think that the heart of the person praying stays the same no matter the environment they find themselves in. At the end of the day, we are praying to God, not to an audience ... we may be leading an audience in prayer with us, and therefore we are considering them, but we are still praying to God.

So prayer is communication.

Isn't that how it started right at the beginning of time? God coming to the garden of Eden, walking and communing with Adam and Eve ... fellowship; relationship; individual attention and care, in harmony with the laws of nature and surrounded by perfect creation. God chose to do that.

So communicating with God isn't something which is forced on us or laborious, it is much rather, a natural and most pleasant way to spend time ... chatting with the creator of the universe who is waiting to hear from us! How stupendous is that?!

I understand and fully acknowledge that within the Bible there are many 'types' of prayer, including the Lords prayer. Often prayer can be focus driven for a specific reason, for example, a call to pray for our nation during a pandemic. We can have scheduled prayer meetings for those who are sick, a call for healing.  A thanksgiving service where our prayers are full of grateful expressions of heartfelt appreciation to God. Worship / adoration ... this is prayer in praise form, acknowledging the majesty and awesome presence of our God. Intersession ... beseeching God on behalf of someone else or a cause. Confession ... a prayer of contrition, owning up to sin and asking for God's mercy and forgiveness. Petition ... making specific requests of God, asking for something. 

There may be times when our prayers are very short and to the point. Think of Peter as he began to sink after he had walked on the water; he cried out "Lord save me" (Matt 14v30). How often have we expressed similar cries, I know I have. I may not be about to drown (although I can recall that happening once!) ... for me now it is more often "Lord give me patience" or "Lord give me strength to get through this evening without shouting"!; "Lord help me"; "Lord give me wisdom and peace"; "Lord help me be firm but fair, I need courage but compassion". There are lots of 'me' in those prayers and that's ok but it's somewhat imbalanced if they're the only prayers I'm taking the time to make. A relationship based on one side doing all the asking and taking isn't wholesome and won't develop into anything deeper than a shallow existence. On the flip side, I do often express gratitude in short bursts too ... car journeys are great for this and can be done with the kids too ... what can we see to thank God for? Trees, fields, the sky, the sun, the rain, animals, muddy puddles ... you name it!

At other times we may pray for longer, taking the time to think of all those we love, praying for them in detail; praying for our nation; our planet; those suffering; places of war; for refugees; for those in authority. We may thank God for peace in our land; for daily provision; for friends; for our homes and such like. We may even acknowledge God's greatness and share some wonder of His creation that we've enjoyed.

I do find though, that the one aspect to prayer which I fall short of so often, is really appreciating to whom I'm talking. It is amazing to me that God wants to hear from me, that He wants a relationship with me to the extent that I can approach Him as Father and chat away without Him getting cross at me or dismissing me. However, by somewhat limiting my prayer expertise to constant chatter, I diminish what I feel is an opportunity to truly learn and appreciate in a greater way, who God is ... His character; His desire to bless; His Sovereignty; His justice; His heart. After all, what better way to get to know someone, than to spend time with them, truly spend time with them ... both chatting but also just being. Being in someone else's presence will eventually lead to you knowing them intimately. We can't do this from a distance. So by inference, to get to know God, we need to spend time with Him. I need to do that a lot more.

I'm skimming over so much that has great depth to it, but I'm merely expressing thoughts as I skedaddle through to reach where I started, with the verse above.

More often than not, we pray with a hoped for outcome in mind. It may be that we pray for health, for protection on a journey, for a friend who is going in for surgery, for someone to come to faith ... there are so many things we pray for and would like to have the answer that we wish for. I am mindful though, that for us to reach this point of expectation ... to actually know that we have the power to effect an outcome; this power in prayer; we need to be fulfil and be certain things:

• righteous or right living
• have a true perspective of who God is
• fervent 
• persistant
• heartfelt

The result ... power! A dynamic and tremendous power to be reckoned with. A power which avails much. It makes me shake my head because I know so little of it and yet it is at my disposal. Look at the example given in the passage, referring back to Elijah who prayed that it wouldn't rain ... and it didn't! It's really quite funny and also truly amazing. He prayed that prayer for a reason (not just because he was fed up with the rain), and since it was in keeping with God's mind and character, Elijah got his answer. His motive was right, his request was suited to the situation and he believed in his God to answer it.

I find myself so half-hearted in prayer requests even if I do believe that what I'm asking for, is in keeping with what God has laid on my heart. My motive may be right and good; the cause may be true and necessary; I may really, really want it with the ultimate goal of bringing glory to God ... yet, I often lack the faith to believe that God will answer. I know He could and I know that nothing is impossible with God and yet I still fall short of grasping for myself this dynamic power ... laying myself down before God, fervently, persistently beseeching Him in a heartfelt way for something. It's so easy to give up and move on when a prayer isn't answered to our timescale, or the answer isn't what we may have wanted. Yet there are many examples in the Bible where individuals didn't give up but persisted in prayer and were not only heard but answered according to their petition. It's like striving for something; a race; a battle; a journey ... you don't get the prize; the outcome; the medal; the solution, at the first hurdle ... you keep going; you get back up; you re-focus; you bring in others to support you, but you persist. Only in rigorous endeavour and persistent commitment does your hope become reality. 

The end result is worth it. No matter what that 'end' or answer is, it will be worth it because it is of God and He, being God, is in the detail ... He cares and has the long term view, the bigger picture in mind, so will do what is best for you and your situation, of that you can be sure. Let us make our prayers something to be reckoned with so that the dynamic power of God in them produces wonderful results!

Don't give up in or on prayer. Check in on yourself, maybe re-assess and reflect, then keep going. Pete Greig (founder of 24-7 prayer international) simply said this about prayer "keep it simple, keep it real, keep it up". Remember too that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1John 4v4) ... we have an almighty and powerful God who is on our side and wants to bless, encourage and answer our prayers. Let us grow in our faith and desire to reflect His will in our prayers and therefore live out that power for His ultimate glory.

Here are two more quotes that I love in reference to prayer:

"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tyre?" (Corrie Ten Boom)

"In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart." (John Bunyan)

I sort of feel like I should end these rambling thoughts with a prayer. Rather than type anything out, I'll simply encourage you to listen to the words of this song which to me, are a lovely prayer.

Speak O Lord ~ Keith & Kristyn Getty

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qNCHZrwlo9c&feature=share

God bless

Ingrid x