My Place of Grace

Where does my confidence come from? A question I've been confronted with time and time again. Life situations keep pointing me to it. I am a Christian and I know that my strength, who I am, is supposed to be rooted in Christ. But is it really? If I am honest with myself, the answer is...I want it to be, I want to believe beyond any shadow of a doubt, that I am strong and secure in Him, a jewel in His crown, the apple of His eye. But in my humanness, there is always that seed of doubt, that gnawing feeling that I don't measure up, I'm a miserable failure over my life.... and actually without Jesus that is true. I am a terrible captain over my own ship. This is something I constantly struggle with. How do I let go of my expectations? How do I rest totally in the arms of the One who created me? The One who is in control? How do I reach that level of trust and contentment? I am on a mission, seeking after God's peace. This is what I want. I want to live out of this picture...

In quietness and rest, you hear my still small voice. I speak in gentle whispers Attentiveness is your choice. Attune your focus on Me in the chaos of the day. Come to me with your burdens, I'll chase your stress away. My yoke fits you perfectly, making your work light. Learn the way I do things, As you labor by My side. It is in trusting Me, that your path will remain straight. Obey my word as you walk the road On your way to heavens gate. I go before you and behind you, I am on either side; I make the darkness shine as day, When in Me you abide. I hold all things together with My strong and mighty hands. Shielding you from danger. Helping you to stand. Amidst the raging storms of life, I am the gentle breeze, That blows across the choppy waves, And calms the threatening seas. Peace is what I offer, when you choose to live for Me. Contentment in the craziness Of life's complexities. So sit with me and listen as I whisper to your heart Healing words of restoration That I am eag...

You ask things of me every day As you kneel before my feet to pray Answers come and answers go Sometimes noticed, sometimes no. I listen faithfully to each request Figuring carefully how to answer best. Taking into consideration Your hearts desire and consolation. How will my answers affect your life? Will it grow your faith, or cause you strife? My answers aren't always what you expect But they're always for your benefit. I bend down low to hear your cries Your needs and wants and questions why? I know your voice, it's precious to me Now listen for mine and you will see Entrusting your heart into my care Will bring a peace beyond compare With anything that can be measured More valuable than the greatest treasure. It's my delight to answer prayer Be still and know that I am there. Live your life like you believe It's in your faith that you'll receive. The blessings that I have in store As you seek me even more. Love God

Ever feel like your always struggling to stay atop the mountain high? Or treading water in a stormy sea that threatens to drown the harder you try? Do you fight to keep your chin up, as worries fill your head? Relying on your own strength to chase away the dread? Is your energy depleted from your crazy hectic pace? Has your constant busyness drained the smile from your face? Does it seem that all the world has taken aim on you? And every way you turn there is a wall you crash into? "Well, I have a little secret. You're right where you ought to be. I, your God, knows what's best for you, and that's learning to rely on Me. So when you find that life is weighing heavy on your mind. I want you to switch channels, I will help you to unwind. Sit in My holy recliner, lean back on Me and relax. Trust Me to be in control, and I'll pick up the slack. You no longer have to struggle, I will bring you rest As you follow in My footsteps, knowing I, your God, knows best."

I've heard in prayers, asking for God's presence to fill this place. I've heard, "Lord give us your presence", or just a simple "God be with us". I got to thinking about these requests in the light of Psalm 139. I have come to the conclusion that God has been, and is always, with us everywhere, all the time. He doesn't go away and come back at our request. He is ever- present. We are the ones who wander off. We stray to places of worry, busyness, stress, careers, recreation, children, dysfunction, depression etc... that we miss the point. We cry out for God's presence but really we should be asking God to help us put aside all those things that hinder us from resting in His presence. He has known us since before we were even born, He formed us with His special touch. He set a plan for our lives before we took our first breath. He thinks about us all the time. He is there and will never leave. What do we have to fear? Why do we allow worry? Let...

Jesus, you are my rock, the foundation on which I am built. Unmovable, unshakable, steady, secure. Helping me to endure. Jesus, you are my fortress which around me stands. Strong, sturdy, impenetrable, reinforced. Shielding me from evils course. Jesus, you are my defender, who fights for me. Unwavering, protecting, confident, sure. My fearless warrior through the war. Jesus, you are my comfort, who eases my hurt. Encouraging, loving, soothing, healing. Gently held in you're hand, concealing. Jesus, you are my joy, who makes my heart sing. Blessing, revealing, surprising, giving. My whole reason for living! Jesus, you are my strength, which never fails. Faithful, trusting, patient, true. In you there is nothing I can't do. Jesus, you are my peace in the midst of life's storms. Encompassing, calming, trustworthy, present. On my voyage through the unpleasant. Jesus, you are my redeemer over sin and death. Victorious, persevering, uncrushable, triumphant! Overthrowing the impos...

With the Christmas season upon us, it is so tempting to be caught up in all the hustle and bustle of gift buying, decorating and baking that we risk missing out on the most valuable gift...Jesus. He came humbly as a baby, innocent, helpless and totally dependent on his earthly parents for everything. He was poor and born into chaotic circumstances much like many in the world today. He left His Father in heaven to become our salvation from sin. He came to seek and save the lost. to rescue the oppressed, serve the poor and restore light to the dark places in this world. He didn't remain a baby. He grew and set himself to action and He calls each one of us to do the same. Who of us doesn't want to see our world in a state of peace rather than chaos and suffering being the norm? We can do it with the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus commissioned us. I came across this video that I hope will touch your heart this Christmas season and beyond. I pray for your heart to be spurred on to a...