Jesus' Advice on Prayer

There are those passages in Scripture that are widely known - in fact, some are so well known that even non-Christians can quote them without batting an eye. The Lord's Prayer is one of those passages. It's quoted in movies (think about every sports movie locker room scene before the big game), memorized by children, said in unison in churches...you get the point. Sometimes, I like to look at what is mentioned before and after these frequently quoted passages in Scripture because we tend to look over them. Yesterday's thought ended with Matthew 6:5-8, the verses leading up to the Lord's Prayer. Scroll down to yesterday's post and read that version first. Then, here is that same passage from a different translation...then we'll look at what the advice we can pull out from Jesus Himself.

"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need."

Prayer isn't about getting the spotlight. It's about intimate fellowship with God. Think about those late night conversations that you have with your best friend at a sleepover. Chances are, you wouldn't want those broadcast to the world. That is how you should view your prayer life. Prayer is a way to come before God - no hide and seek, no masks - just you as you are before your Savior. Look back to the version we read yesterday where it speaks of how the hypocrites who pray with the intention of attention "have their reward in full." This means their reward for being "prayer warriors" was given by man. What does it say about the man who prays in private? He gets his reward from God! Let's stop a minute to think about this. Would you rather have an ordinary person or a King show up with a present at your house? Umm...I'm gonna go with King on this one. Rewards of this world are meaningless - they break, they go out of style, whatever. God's rewards are eternal - they never end they continue to grow.

Don't pray on autopilot. Communicate the words of your heart to God. Sure the "God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food. Amen!" prayer is fine when you're three, but have you really moved past that? Do you find yourself saying the same things over and over to God? "I'm sorry for my sins." "Thank you for everything you've given me." "Be with me in all that I do today." "Help me on my test." "Make that really cute guy in Algebra talk to me again." Wow, that's deep. (Sorry, sarcasm is my spiritual gag gift.) So what can you say instead? Let's just take that whole sin apology and look at the difference that you can make. What about, "Father, I'm sorry that I gossiped today. Forgive me, and give me strength to ask for her forgiveness as well. Lord, I ask that you would not let me be tempted to gossip in the future. Keep me pure of mind, mouth, and heart." Is that a little more meaningful to God than, "I'm sorry for my sins." Be genuine, and don't short-change the One who gave up everything for You.

You can't fool Him - God knows your sins, needs, wants, hopes, fears, desires, etc. before you even tell Him. Other than because it's the right thing to do, what is the number one reason for being completely real before God? HE KNOWS ANYWAY! You can't keep secrets from God. He sees everything, knows everything, hears everything...it's pointless to try and act like you're something you're not. So don't put up a front. Don't act like everything is fine when it's not. Don't pretend like you haven't done anything wrong when you've sinned. Don't try to be tough when you need help. That's why He's there - He is the Ultimate Helper, Best Friend, Listener, King, and Daddy. Now that's a package deal.

Prayer Wimp vs. Prayer Warrior

I've never been one to be at a loss for words. All of those quotes like, "she can talk to a brick wall..and probably get it to talk back" have been said to me. I try to make friends wherever I go, whether that be the barista at Starbucks or the girl who rings up my bill at Target. For me, I think it's fun to talk to total and complete strangers.

That being said, would you find it funny that I used to have a problem communicating with God? I mean, here I am chatting it up with the guy who's making my X-tra Hot Grande Non-fat Sugar-Free Cinnamon Dulce Latte (which some might deem the ultimate "diva drink") and I don't know what to say to the One to knows me better and loves me more than anyone. You do the math - it doesn't make sense, no matter how you cut it.

But it's true! I mean, what can I say to Him that He doesn't already know? Isn't he too busy with things that really matter to spend time listening to me go on about my life? Is there a time that's more convenient for Him? Do I need to make an appointment? Does he understand little words, or do I have to use big ones? These were all things that were very confusing to me. I was undoubtably a prayer wimp - infact, I may have even been the best prayer wimp. (Not that it's anything to brag about, but when you're as ridiculously competitive as I am, if you're going to be bad at something, in some warped way, it's better to be worse than everyone else.)
But I'm NOT a wimp, so I refused to let my prayer life label me as one. So I began asking prayer warriors for their advice. Mostly, I got some kind of response that resembled, "I just pray." Okay, so that's like Mariah Carey saying, "I just sing." That doesn't help me any! So throughout my spiritual journey, I've realized a few differences between prayer wimps and prayer warriors. We're going to spend the next few days focusing on our conversations with God.

Prayer WIMPS are spontaneous with their prayers, while Prayer WARRIORS are intentional in their prayer life. Choose a specific place to pray away from distractions so you can concentrate. Text message alerts and TV shows will ruin your conversation before it even starts. I've also found it helpful to pray at the same time every day. Make it part of your regular routine so it will becomes habit. Write it into your schedule and then treat it just like you would schedule lunch with a friend.

Prayer WIMPS pray under their breath or in their minds, while Prayer WARRIORS pray out loud. I can do quick prayers throughout my day in silence, but for extended periods of time, it's an all-expense paid trip to dreamland. When we pray out loud, we have to form intelligent sentences, and we are able to concentrate more on what we're praying about.

Prayer WIMPS pray for whatever requests they can remember, while Prayer WARRIORS have a list of prayer concerns in front of them so they can address everything to our Daddy. I had two closets in my room growing up. Well, okay, so one was a closet and the other one was a storage space that my parents just didn't need to use, so I adopted it as a second closet. But instead of putting my things in there, I kept all of my Bibles, my devotional books, pens and paper, a Sharpie, and lots of pillows and blankets. This was the place I went to pray and study His Word, away from all of the distractions. Because this closet was "mine," I decided to keep track of all of my prayer requests by writing them on the wall. When God would answer the prayer, I would scribble a date next to the request with the Sharpie. It was amazing to be able to go in that closet and look to see how faithful God had been in answering my prayers! (Note, the answer was not always yes, but He always answered!) Find a way that works for you to journal your prayer life so you can remember God's faithfulness and remember the things that you need to bring before Him.

Prayer WIMPS make "I'm too busy" excuses for not spending time in prayer, while Prayer WARIIORS redeem time for praying out of unused corners of their schedule. Instead of picking up your cell phone or screaming about traffic when you drive, spend that time talking with the Lord. (Contrary to popular belief, your eyes DON'T have to be shut while praying.) I already told you that I combine my running time with my prayer - and some of my best times with the Lord have been when I was pounding the pavement. I Thessalonians 5:17 teaches us to "pray without ceasing."

Prayer WIMPS only bring forth their requests, while Prayer WARRIORS make time to praise Him. thank Him, and meditate on Scripture. Don't let your prayers be consumed with "Do this" and "Give me." Reflect on what God has revealed to you in Scripture, and thank Him for what He is doing in your life. Don't ever miss the chance to praise Him for who He is, what He has done, and what He will do. (We're going to check out the prayer that Jesus taught the disciples to pray in Matthew 6 in detail tomorrow, but you can go ahead and look on your own.)

Prayer WIMPS are petrified at the thought of letting someone else in on their conversations with God, while Prayer Warriors know the strength that can come from praying with someone else. Granted, there are some prayers that can only be between you and God, but there will also be times when praying with another believer can make a huge impact. Plus, if you commit to meet with someone else on a regular basis to prayer, the accountability can help build consistency in your own prayer life. In Matthew 18:20 , Jesus says, "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."

Prayer WIMPS pray for comfort, while Prayer WARRIORS pray for challenge. How many times have you heard the words, "God, be with me in all that I do today." It's habit, right? Well, it's time for a change. When was the last time you asked God to give you an opportunity to share the gospel or to take you out of your comfort zone? Paul wrote in Colossians 4:3, "meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains." He's already in jail for preaching, and He's asking for me! Wow. If that doesn't humble you...

Prayer WIMPS only pray for their friends, while Prayer WARRIORS also pray for their enemies. And no, this does not include the prayer that they will fall off the face of the Earth or that their dad will be transferred to work at his company site in Siberia. Luke 6:28 says, "Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

Prayer WIMPS simply ask for forgiveness for sin, while Prayer WARRIORS ask to be delivered from all evil and temptation. I remember a friend I had in middle school. She would always "accidentally" tell someone things that I told her in confidence...but every time, she was SO sorry! (Forgive my sarcasm.) I know the Bible teaches to forgive, so I did, but I learned my lesson! After a few slips of her tongue and her apologies afterward, I didn't tell her anything that I didn't want the whole school to know. Do you think it's the same way with the sin we seem to always fall into with God? Do you think he ever gets disappointed with our countless apologies and longs for us to do something to fix the problem? II Corinthians 13:7 teaches, "Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified."

Prayer WIMPS are vague in their prayers, while Prayer WARRIORS are specific. If you were God, how would you answer the prayer request, "Bless all of the missionaries." Don't generalize God. Realize that He is a BIG God and can accomplish any task. You're not going to be too specific for Him - he knows every person and every situation that you will pray for BETTER than you do!

So there are a few guidelines for you as I am struggling to become a prayer warrior myself. Tomorrow, we're going to look at this in more detail, but go ahead and ask God to reveal something to you through His teaching in this passage. Many of you probably memorized the Lord's prayer as a child, so while we will look at that, I want you to examine Jesus' instruction that precedes the Lord's prayer.

Matthew 6:5-8

"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."

The R.O.A.D. to God

When I first started having a quiet time, I wasn't sure exactly what I supposed to do. I mean, I knew it should involve me and God spending some time alone, probably reading something in the Bible, and praying. But what should I read in that big book?! And how much? Then, my youth pastor shared with us a R.O.A.D. map for our quiet time, and it radically changed my Christian walk. So I wanted to share it with YOU - here it goes!

Take 15-30 minutes of your time each day when you are most alert and awake. (I'll tell you how I do mine later.) Some people are the most awake in the morning, and others don't wake up until halfway through second period. :) But DO remember that the further along you get in your day, there's more danger of "getting too busy." Don't let anything get in the way and cheat you out of your time with God. Before you begin, ask God to clear your mind and reveal something to you as you read the Bible.

1. READ
Read through a book of the Bible. Pay attention to the details. When and where is this happening? Who is involved in the story? Who is talking? What is being said? What is the reaction of those involved? Why do you think this was written? To whom was it written?
2. OBSERVE
As you read, ask yourself, what do you think God is saying here? Does it match other areas of Scripture? What promises are here for me to know and understand? How do I see myself in this story? What character can I relate to? Write down any verses that come to mind and your thoughts.
3. ATTITUDE
Examine your own heart. What is God trying to say to me? Why did he bring this piece of scripture to me now? How am I impacted by the revelation expressed in this passage? Talk to the Lord about what you have read. Ask Him, what are You asking of me? How does my life need to change?
4. DIRECTION

Scripture is designed for transformation, not just information. Ask God to reveal to you how your life should be different now that you know this particular truth. Then, share what you have learned with a friend to encourage them and ask them to hold you accountable to what you have learned!

Now, notice that prayer was never a specific step within this. That's because you should pray throughout your quiet time! This is a CONVERSATION between you and God. When you've finished reading and journaling your thoughts, ask God for His power to act on His truth. Thank Him for all He has done in your life, and praise Him for who He is. Ask for His forgiveness where you need it. Talk to Him about your needs and concerns, as well as the problems you know others are facing. Pray for the friends you have who don't know Him as their Savior. Talk to Him like you would talk to your best friend or your dad - that's who He is!

Over the years, I've tried various ways of applying this - in the morning, at night, in the afternoon, whenever I felt like it...and I've learned the best way that works for me. Unless this is the first post that you've read of mine, you know that I'm a runner. You've probably also figured out that I don't exactly have a problem talking. My problem with prayer is that I tend to spend too much time talking and not near enough time listening. So one day, I decided that I would pray as I ran. After about four miles, I was pretty winded and couldn't talk anymore...so I stopped. But here's the amazing part - God started talking! When I actually gave Him a chance to speak, HE DID! So now, I get up every morning (I won't tell you how early - it's crazy. I beat the roosters!) and read a passage of Scripture. After I've made sure that I understand what I've read, I take off running. I pray about everything going on in my life and about what I read earlier that day. Then, I shut up about 4 miles in and let God talk to me for the rest of my run. When I get back from my jog with God, I journal about what God has revealed to me. There is a point that comes where I have to get in the shower and get ready for work/class, but I always carry a notebook with me so I can continue writing as God reveals things to me throughout the day.

All of this to say is find what works best for you! I doubt there are many theologians that would tell you that the only way to pray is with your tennis shoes on, but that is what works best for me! Find something that is uniquely you and God...and stick with it!

Psalm 25

1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2 in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.
4 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.
8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
13 He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.
18 Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.
19 See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles!

The Sword of the Spirit

Ephesians 6:17b - "...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."



Okay, so by this point, you may think that I'm completely crazy. I mean, belts - okay. Necklace? I'm with you. But for real, a SWORD? I mean, I've seen those in the war movies that [insert some male in your life's name here] makes me watch, and I'm not thinking that's going to fit in my capris. But this is talking about the Holy Spirit's sword - God's Word - The Bible. I started thinking about why they would refer to it as a sword and here's what God gave to me...

A sword is dangerous if you don't know how to use it properly. Stop for a minute and try to picture me with a sword. I would hurt myself with that thing WAY before I would be able to protect myself from someone attacking me! Why? Because I've never taken the time to learn how to use one. I don't even know the proper way to hold it, let alone swing (Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's not even the right word....but oh well!) it! So in order for me to be able to defend myself, I would have to spend time practicing every day. Go back to Pirates of the Carribean when Captain Jack Sparrow (the only man that I am completely fine with wearing eyeliner) and William Turner engage in their first sword fight. They have both been trained since they were children, and they practice every day! If you stop to think about it, you take time to do the things that are really important each day. What if one day you were just hanging out at your house with your parents and you didn't even acknowledge their presence? You would probably hurt their feelings. But how many days do we do that to God? We go about our daily routine and business, without even acknowleding the one who has given us everything. But the truth is, we need to be spending time in the Word daily so we can get to know Him. Remember how we talked about how God even knows how many hairs are on your head? Well, if He knows that much about you, don't you think you should try to get to know Him more? Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden Your Word in my heart, so I might not sin against You." Carry your sword, girls. Hide His Word in your heart that you will know how to use it when trouble comes - and not sin against your Daddy.

A sword is carried so you don't go into battle alone. Once you become God's child, he Holy Spirit comes by your side. And how about Jesus? Romans 8:34 tells us, "It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." Let's put that in words that we might better understand. When Jesus ascended into Heaven, He took a seat on the throne to the right of God. When you mess up, Jesus is right there to say, "Forgive her, Father. She's mine." When you ask God to do something, Jesus is whispering in God's ear, "Come on, Dad. Hook her up. She's mine. I died for her." When you obey, Jesus is right there being, tugging on God's royal robe, exclaming, "Check her out! Dad, did you see that? I'm so proud - SHE'S MINE!" With salvation, you get your own holy posse. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Don't be intimidated by anything. God is right there holding your hand, and He's not going anywhere.

A sword is your weapon for battle. The Word of God is the best weapon you could ever ask for. Why? Because He knows everything! And we don't. For example, I remember the first time I saw My Best Friend's Wedding. I just wanted to know who was going to get the guy in the end, Julia Roberts or Cameron Diaz. Unfortunately, I was in the movie theater, so I didn't have control over it - I just had to wait it out. (If I had been watching on DVD, I more than likely would have watched the last scene and THEN gone back to watch the movie.) I like to know how things end so I can know whether to expect a happy ending or a sad ending. I do the same thing when I read fiction books. Sometimes, I want to know what's going to happen SO BAD that I will skip to the last chapter so I can be assured that everything will turns out the way I want it to! We can do the same thing with the Bible. If you've read Revelation, you know the end of the story. Revelation 18:10 proclaims, "And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." We don't have to fight spiritual warfare FOR victory - He already won! We fight FROM Victory Himself! Revelation 5:13 speaks of Christ and says, "And every living thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under te earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."

So there you have it. Your outfit it complete. Copy and paste this next part into a blank document and hang this prayer on your closet door and pray it as you get dressed every morning...

Good morning, Daddy. Thank you for the rest You provided for me last night to prepare me for today. You are amazing, and I am so thankful that I get to spend everyday of my life with You. God, allow me to reveal Your truth today and to be a genuine follower of You in all that I do. Help me to be righteous in my actions. Give me peace and courage to share You with those that I come in contact with. Protect me from Satan, and do not let me act in a way that wouldn't please You. Help me to remember that I belong to you and that I am your princess. Help me to learn more about you, and walk with me today. Guide me and guard me. I love you. Amen.

The Virtues of Retail Therapy

Only a female could read the title and know that I am talking about shopping. Men just don't get it! So here's my attempt to help the men in our lives understand why it's IMPORTANT that we get to indulge in a little retail therapy. So the next time the man in your life gets frustrated when you need to go back to the mall, try one of these as WHY you shop. :)

1) "Shopping helps me work on my self-control." After all, shopping helps you learn to restrain yourself from buying things you cannot afford.

2) "Shopping teaches me patience." Make him come with you just once to see the lines at the dressing room and checkout counter on sale days.

3) "Shopping keeps me optimistic." The hope of finding ONE pair of jeans that fits just right after taking 25 pairs into the dressing room requires positive thinking.

4) "Shopping inspires my creativity." Rather than buying a store model's outfit from head to toe, there's nothing like the hunt in finding an outfit that includes a shirt from here, a skirt from there, shoes from across the street, a necklace that matched a dress you don't like anymore, etc., etc., etc.

5) "Shopping makes me appreciate you." After all, when he lets you go and have fun with the girls at the mall or just some alone time, it gives you time to miss him - and to give him an excuse to have boy's night for the next ballgame.

Feel free to comment and add your own lessons you've learned while shopping. :)

The Helmet of Salvation

"And take the helmet of salvation..." - Ephesians 6:17

There's just something about a hat. I'm not really sure exactly why, but it makes whatever you're doing feel more authentic. It's why I insisted on wearing a cowboy hat when I went to a Keith Urban concert. It's why I insisted on wearing my Cardinals cap when I toured Busch Stadium. No explanation for it - but this drawing to hats is undoubtedly there.

Today, I'm going to remind you of another hat that we all have. It's a pointed hat that looks like the one at the top...our princess crown to remind us of our precious King that we belong to - and the price He paid. Romans 6:23 reminds us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." We deserve to die for our sins, but salvation offers us Jesus' death as a gift from God and a payment for our sins so that we may live!

I guess by this point, you can probably guess that I competed in pageants. That's me on the right (with my hair 13 inches longer than it is now!) I competed in the Miss America system to help earn scholarship money for my college education. Like most activities, there were good and bad parts of it, but I learned so much during my time competing for Miss Tennessee, and I wouldn't change anything. More on that to come later...

One of the many lessons I learned was the power and influence that came with the crown. A room full of elementary school students who wouldn't listen to any adult for more than 5 seconds would begin hushing each other when I walked in the room...as long as I had the crown on. A state trooper who would normally give his mother a ticket would let me park in the fire lane...as long as I had the crown on. People didn't particularly care too much what Michelle thought, but people constantly asked "Miss Knoxville" (aka my title) her opinion. That crown represented more than winning a pageant...

I'll admit, being Miss Knoxville definitely had its perks. I met so many wonderful people, encountered amazing opportunities, and made life-changing memories. However, it was more than the waving and smiling that most people see - it was a responsibility. As Miss Knoxville, I dedicated hours to giving back to the community and investing in my chosen platform. It was ultimately a job without a paycheck. Our helmet of salvation is a crown of the same reminders - it's a privilege, but it's also a responsibility.

Salvation is a responsibility. We'll get the hard part out of the way. :) Galatians 6:3-5 says, "For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load." Bottom line - before you believe in Christ, what are you truly living for? To die. BUT with Him, you are living to spend eternal life with the God of creation. So this verse reminds us that without Him saving us, we are nothing. We are to live our lives on this earth for HIS purpose for our lives - without being overly impressed with ourselves or comparing ourselves to others. No one will be standing with you in the end at judgment - you and you alone are responsible for doing the work He has specifically created you to do.

Salvation is a privilege. When you accept God's free gift of salvation, you are adopted by the King of Kings! Do you realize what that means? You become His child - a princess in the most royal of courts! Romans 8:15 speaks of this truth: "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" (Abba is a Greek word for "Father" and is associated as a name one would use with affection. It has no direct translation in the English language, but translates closest as "Daddy.") When hard times come, we can crawl in our Daddy's lap and He will listen to us! That's just one of the privileges of being His child - His princess.

Later, in that same passage, Paul expands on the victory we experience in Christ. Check out Romans 8:31-39:

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Let me break that down even further into Cliff's Notes version.

If God's on your side, you can't lose. If He would send His only Son to die for you, do you think there's anything He wouldn't gladly and freely do for you? And seriously - with God on your side and Jesus to intercede for you, who is gonna mess with you? They best back up - because there is NOTHING that can separate you from God because of the grip Jesus has on you.

So congratulations! Your ensemble is ALMOST complete - just one more finishing touch on God's favorite outfit. The sword of the Spirit is next...

Top 10 Things Only Women Understand

Top 10 Things Only Women Understand

10. That it's possible to hurt your pet's feelings


9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors


8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds


7. Fat clothes


6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time


5. The difference between blue, teal, turqoise, navy, robin's egg blue, periwinkle, and baby blue


4. Cutting your hair to make it grow faster


3. Eyelash curlers (Seriously, pull one out around a guy, and watch the amazement.)


2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made



AND, the Number One thing only women understand:



1. OTHER WOMEN :)

There is one exception to this rule, and I think you know who I'm talking about. Just a reminder that the God of the universe is in control, cares about you, and knows everything. Before we go back into the closet, just spend some time thanking God for caring about every detail of your life - The Bible tells us He even knows how many hairs are on our head (with AND without the number that fell out when you washed it this morning!) 9 times out of 10, I'm guilty going to God just when I want something. Challenge yourself today to spend some time just thanking Him for who He is and all He does just for you!

Matthew 10:29-31

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."