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Re: Daily Devotional by Tim Lucas - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:47:33 -0000

Aside from seeing the lives of my three children transformed, and other family members as well, I “LONG” to see God work in my workplace environment.
It’s not a bad job. There are probably worse places to be employed. And with the current economy it’s just a good thing to have a job. But it is not my dream job. SO it would go without saying there are moments that I really don’t like my job. There are moments of tears and even times when I’d like to bolt out the front door never to return. But without skill or an education I am kind of stuck. But maybe I’m stuck because God wants me to be stuck – there.
It may be for a season that I am to be God’s light in a place that otherwise would not have it. So I should remember that I wrestle not against flesh and blood. I should be careful not to become a stumbling block to those who have not yet come to Christ. I could be planting seeds that years from now will be watered and possibly grow / flourish into healthy relationships with our Lord. But it would be so much easier to endure if I could see some purpose, progress, and fruit even; of what I am struggling through.

Re: Daily Devotional by Greg Dumas - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:04:50 -0000

Like a hammer to a nail this devotional hits the point right square on its head. There is no point hiding from God, He already knows.
In my own spiritual walk, which has been up and down, I have always been very vocal to God about the momentary situation. In very good times I have always praised Him and in the less than good times I have cried, and yes even yelled at Him (I know – gasp!) But the way I looked at it was like David in the Bible. He always spoke his heart to God. There is no place I can possibly go that God does not see my heart. So I would tell Him so.
But with my being open towards God I have still been very private in public settings. I don’t share openly what is in my heart. For example, I know there have been times during worship that I have felt the spirit move and I should lift my hands more. But I don’t, I keep to myself. Thus I have been selfish, and I feel as this lesson was to point me to becoming less reserved with my praise or prayers to God.

Re: Daily Devotional by Kevin Gerald - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:34:37 -0000

Lord Jesus I am praying for my three children. They are truly the greatest treasure of my life. And yet they are the Father’s. So I release them back to You and ask for Blessings and Guidance according to Your Holy Will. Lord this will be so hard for me to take my hands off and give up the control. But I know that Your infinite Wisdom is far better than anything I can do on my own. Lord make me to be the Mom that each one needs. Lord may the words from my mouth be those that encourages, empowers and builds up. May my hands never stop serving and my arms be a safety net of love. Above all, Lord I pray for Salvation. May each one know you and continue to walk and grow in a relationship with You.
Lord Jesus, I am praying for direction. I find myself at a cross roads and don’t yet know what is the plan that You have for me. Lord speak to me, clearly, I want to be sure it is Your Devine Will. Close doors that I am not to explore and open wide where I am to go. Father God what I really need is a neon sign that says ‘this is the way walk ye in it.’ Take this frustration and anxiety that eats at me and fill me with peace and the knowledge of Jeremiah 29:11. Show me the path I will follow the plan, where you send I will go.
Father, how I long to be a light in this world. But I get so caught up in the frenzy of doing life that I fail to develop my relationship with You. So Lord, teach me to be quiet, still before You; to be more like Mary and less like Martha. Help me to just sit at Your feet, soaking in all Your goodness. Only then can I be filled with your peace and strength. Thank You Lord for your patience with me; I may be slow but I am catching on. I praise You - for You alone are Worthy of Praise! May You Bless the prayers of this servant’s heart and may You be Glorified in all things. Amen.

Re: One Prayer Tuesday Fasting Focus: Other Churches in Your City - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:28:13 -0000

Sitting here contemplating today’s fasting focus I first thought of another large church in the area. But then my thoughts turned toward the small church I attended years ago. Much of the pain and hurt flooded back as I recounted my final days there.
At one time my family and I were very invested in the ministries of that church. But unfortunately that came to a bitter end when my husband and I divorced. Without going into details it was a necessity of safety. Rumors circulated as to the cause and they weren’t pretty, nor were they true. I was attacked from every angle imaginable. These people only months before were my friends; how could they turn like that? I felt ostracized and isolated, even hated by those I trusted the most.
God designs us for relationships and intimacy; this is why we long for it. So we build friendships and relationships with our Christian brothers and sisters. We share our lives, thoughts and prayers. But in doing so we open ourselves up, become vulnerable. It’s just a really sad thing when these friendships open us up for attack. We should be protecting one another, bearing the burdens or at least lightening the load. I think this is why it’s so hard for many; they have been hurt by the very people that should have helped.
I agree with Wendy and Michael when they stated how long the hurt stays. It has been more than seven years for me and I also feel uncomfortable when I am in contact with those from the other congregation. But worse yet are the barriers that have been erected and affecting me now. I am extremely cautious about building new friendships; I don’t want to get hurt again. So today I will pray that God will help me to release that hurt and forgive. I also am praying that I can learn to be open again without fear.
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I ask that You bless (you know which) Church. I ask that You move in a mighty and powerful way, changing hearts and minds. Let them see Your gentle loving kindness and mercy. I pray that You will be able to use them to further Your Kingdom. Amen.

Re: Stories From Your Church This Weekend - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:50:55 -0000

Hi Sharon,
I wanted to say that if you are a single mom and taking time to bring your children to church (which is completely not in the statistical majority) you probably are already a "and then some" mom. I know how taxing being a single mom is; I am one too. My children are not so little anymore, nineteen, seventeen and thirteen. They were much younger, though, when we became "just us." Being a good parent is a challenge for a home with two parents, let alone being a single parent playing both roles of mom and dad. So when I read your concern about how you are doing, I just want to give you a high five – you are probably doing a great job! But I do know how easy it is to fall into the “rat race” running around routine. It’s all about survival sometimes. Before you know it your babies are grown and doing their own things. So if you are hearing from God to slow down, spend more time, do more; then by all means follow that conviction. Enjoy your ‘Blessings’ while you can!
I’ll be praying for you.
Laura

Re: How can we pray for you? - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:49:10 -0000

I am praying for a man that is affiliated with where I work. He is in his eighties and has served our country in the military. But even for his age he would never sit still, he was always out working. A couple of months ago he took a spill and injured his foot. He ended up in the VA Hospital due to complications, which now we understand is Cancer. He is one of the nicest people I know, and yet he professes not to believe in God. He is very disenchanted with the Church. It's so strange to see how giving and loving of a person that he is and know that he is not saved. So I am praying for his salvation! Please add him to your prayer list as well. His name is Joe.

Re: How can we pray for you? - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:14:07 -0000

I am praying for my oldest daughter. She grew up in the church and knows the way to God, through Jesus. But whether through rebellion or circumstance her life style is in direct compromise of the teachings of Jesus. As a mom, it’s so hard to watch a child make theses choices. I know the great potential and talent of which she has been gifted. I would love nothing better than to see her actively serving. I am holding on tight to Proverbs 6: 2 “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” If you would add her to your prayer list, I will greatly appreciate it.

Re: What Has Your Church Done in Your Life? - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:58:38 -0000

I have to admit the most amazing thing that my church has done for me, wasn’t really for me; although it has brought me much joy. I am sharing about the transformation I have witnessed in my son.
Like a typical adolescent my son was dark and moody and due to a series of set backs in life he was angry and withdrawn. Of course this sets the perfect stage for making friends with less than positive characters. But because of the diligent efforts of many men and women who serve in Switch my son has experienced a life change. Now this didn’t happen right away. In fact, he didn’t even want to go initially. I had to bribe him with Taco Bell. But it didn’t take long before he wanted to go. Of course he’ll still eat Taco Bell at any opportunity but it isn’t the determinant for attending Switch.
Through challenges at the game of “four square” from either peers or leaders, one on one conversation, the messages, the music and the weird tag game between my son and the Youth Pastor, his heart was won over. My son surrendered his life to Christ and then chose to be Baptized. But the change didn’t stop there. I have watched my son become conflicted by the choices that his old friends were making and how those choices weren’t congruent with his walk with God. It was a life lesson but now he has made new friends and bringing them to Switch, too.
I want to speak a word of thanks and yet encouragement. My son is one example of a life changed. I am ever so grateful for those who have cheerfully sacrificed their time and energy to serve a bunch of youth on a Wednesday night instead of being at home with their feet up relaxing… On behalf of my son, who hasn’t a positive male role model in the home with which to look to, I am especially grateful and thankful for the spiritually strong Christian men who have chosen to live as excellent examples of God’s service.

Re: One Prayer Tuesday Fasting Focus: Nations and World Leaders - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:12:53 -0000

As I contemplated on our fasting focus for today there is no doubt in my mind that we are drawing nearer to the end times. Just stop and reflect just how dark and wicked this world will be when the spirit of God is removed. It’ll be a pretty scary place. I know I don’t want to be left behind. But what about all the people who do not KNOW?
I was reminded of the parable told by Jesus in Matthew 25. This is the story of the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. Five had enough oil to light their lamps and five did not. Suddenly the announcement was made and the five went to find oil and when they returned it was too late. Jesus ends the story by saying “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”
I think that the oil in this parable is a symbol of preparedness. Are we truly prepared? Are we ready for such a moment in time, have we fulfilled His purpose and Great Commission? There are so many needing to hear, to know the love of Christ and the Salvation He offers. The harvest is ready! These are not just words but real people. God wants to save them; He desires that none would perish.
My prayer today is for the world leaders to heed the call of Christ and lead their country according to His will. I pray that doors will be opened so that countries previously closed to missions work will be ready to receive. I pray that hearts be softened and minds be opened to God’s truth. That we will be diligent in choosing leaders that have the same mind. And fervently praying for all those in a positon of power.

Re: One Prayer Tuesday Fasting Focus: Salvations - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:08:57 -0000

Hi Daniel,
I so understand how debilitating fear can be. My biggest is kind of a social anxiety. Once I get to know someone and feel a sense of safety I’m okay, but talking to someone new; scary. It’s a little easier posting here because there is a degree of anonymity. But to speak to people face to face, I almost need an oxygen mask or a friend “holding my hand.”
But the sad thing is these fears keep us from completely being used by God. So my prayer is for courage to face fear and strength to overcome, so we can serve Jesus with abandon.

Re: One Prayer Tuesday Fasting Focus: Salvations - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:34:26 -0000

Please pray for my daughters Rebekah and Hannah, both were raised in a Christian home. But have turned away from church and the fellowship of believers. I so desperately want to see them walk with and serve the Lord. I am hanging onto God’s word from Proverbs that if we ‘train up a child in the way he should go – when he is old he will not depart from it.’

I am praying for salvation for my mother, brother and sister.

I am also praying that I may be used of God in both my work place and my community.

Re: One Prayer Daily Devotional by Ed Young, Jr. - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:24:30 -0000

Running through my brain while power walking this evening was the question posed in today’s’ devotion. “How can I reach out to my brothers and sisters in Christ; becoming a catalyst for unity?” This was huge! See on one level I long to be able to reach out, and yet I am trapped by strong, thick walls built as protection from past hurts. But I thought about the pain that Jesus felt as He sweat drops of blood. Knowing that nothing I experience can compare, I decided it was worth the risk to step outside my comfort zone. I feel a sense of exhilarating reservation but participating in this post is an empowering step in the right direction. I pray that I can continue to step outside my comfort zone and be more open to building relationships with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Re: What Did God Do in Your Church this Weekend? - Blog - One Prayer

Laura - Wellington, Fl. — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 15:25:51 -0000

This is my first official “blog” ever. I was so blown away by this morning’s message that I ended up by watching again online when I got home from church.
Pastor Craig started the message with his prayer: Father in Heaven; make us One. I started thinking of what my one prayer would be. He spoke right to my heart when he shared how sinful he saw having an overly competitive heart. It was eye opening to see how the negative feelings among Christians are actually the work of our enemy, how we choose to fight over non-important stuff and the impact upon unbelievers.
But this competitiveness or division is so ingrained in our culture it’s hard to escape. From the time we are little to adulthood we are taught to be number one. Sometimes that takes a lot of hard work so you start to see others as the enemy. But maybe instead of seeing the things that separate us we should see the person God sees. We are the church and we exist for the purpose of bringing Jesus to people. This will obviously happen only when we see as He sees.
I was truly moved in the end where all that could be accomplished in Jesus’ name was shared; if we only stand united. I certainly want to put the “i” in the right place.