An Effective Life

"The index of your life's overall effectiveness will be the amount of praying you do for other people." ~Dr. Robert A. Cook

This quote caught my attention today, and gave me renewed resolve to be faithful in prayer not only for loved ones, but for the not-so-lovable. 

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And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray... [Luke 11:1]

God Will Make A Way

How exciting it is when God opens doors to "make a way, where there seems to be no way!"
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4DgESWtCus

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But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

[Matthew 19:26]

A Closed Heart

"The worst prison of all is the one inside of a closed heart."  This quote came from my kindergartener's phonics book! 

A prayer:  Lord, in areas where my heart is closed, I am unable to open it.  I don't want to open it.  It will have to be Your work in my heart.  I don't even have the desire to ask you to do this work, but I do give you permission.  Amen.

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I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people...
[Ephesians 1:18]

Sophia Sez....

Please accept my apologies. I cannot locate the list of things that Susie said!  Instead, it'll be the usual "Sophia Sez." 

Once we hit about 40, it's tempting to look back at crucial decisions we made that have shaped where we are today.  We think, "If I'd taken that path instead, I'd be in a better place today."  Maybe, maybe not.

Moving forward, in each decision, every day, we can seek God, saying, "Show me thy ways, O Lord.  Teach me thy paths Lead me forth in thy truth...  What man is he that feareth the Lord?  Him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose."  (Psalm 25: 4, 12)  

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O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. [Psalm 25:20]

Courage to Change

No problem lasts forever. No matter how permanently fixed in the center of our lives it may seem, whatever we experience in this ever-changing life is sure to pass. Even pain.

Difficult situations often bring out qualities in us that otherwise may not have risen to the surface., such as courage, faith, and our need for another. 

All of our experiences can help us to grow.  But we may need patience. Some wounds cannot be healed quickly. They must be given time. 

In the meantime, we can appreciate the new capabilities we are developing, such as the capacity to mourn and the willingness to accept. Let us share our losses and triumphs with each other, for that is how we gather courage.  (From: Courage to Change, Al-Anon - reading for March 17)

 
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Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. [Matthew 5:4]

Simon Sez

I have a friend who is still married today because of prayer, the support of friends, extensive counseling and sheer perseverence to do God's will.  She offers great advice for anyone working to stay married when the going gets rough.  If we follow her advice, then we should have the same great results as she. 

We'll call the series Simon   Susie Sez.  Here's the first instruction:

Susie sez:  Pray and ask God to show you His love for your spouse.  

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You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. [John 14:14]

Reach Towards God

She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." (Matthew 9:21)

And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  (Matthew 14:29)

Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.  (John 13:23)

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.  (Luke 10:39)

...the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the word of God.  (Luke 5:1)

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Come near to God and he will come near to you. [James 4:8]