Six Words to Live By

Do you live in the land of 'if only'? Do you dream of a better life... if only? If only the scale tipped in my favor, if only my bank account bulged, if only love loomed on the horizon, if only popularity described my social life.... you get the idea. You may find yourself in this spot, dreaming of the day when life is perfect.

Often when calling up the phrase, "One day at a time," I find myself trapped in an earthly struggle. I recognize things don't change overnight, but if I tackle them knowing each day I work on my problems, I am one day closer to solving them.

Habits aren't changed because I want them changed. New habits aren't adopted by embracing them in the moment. But they are begun that day and will continue to improve, change, or disappear, over time, if I stay focused. One-day-at-a-time is an effective way to adopt new habits and exchange bad ones for good ones.

The truth is, power exists in the if only. These words can propel us to give a new idea a try. Dreaming of our wished-for state might prompt us to take the next right step in a new direction.

Years ago, my heart burned to read the Bible, to dig into God's Word and make sense of what I read, but this huge undertaking challenged this novice who never read God's Word before. Then I stumbled upon 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. These short and simple verses started me on the path to my love of Scripture, and my daily desire to read and journal what God is teaching me.

Now, when my weaknesses surface and I am at a loss for how to change them, I recall these 6 words: Rejoice Always, Pray Continually, Give Thanks. And one day at a time, I am made new.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Believe in Prayer -Just Do It

The High Priest Who Cried Out in Pain

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. (Hebrews 4:14-16 MSG)

Don't you love reading this version of the Hebrews text? We are given permission to seek God's Son for help. We are encouraged to take advantage of the fact that Jesus has God's ear. We are assured that Jesus understands what we might be going through because He has been through very tough times as well.

The Message version helps me to understand I can approach Jesus for whatever I need, I can call out to Him and He will hear me and respond. He is ready and willing to give me the desires of my heart. Sound corny? Think this is not likely?

Talking to God or His Son, is the practice of praying. Conversing with Jesus

throughout the day, is one way to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We get to know someone by talking to them. We build relationships when we share with one another. Praying accomplishes this.

What has been your experience with asking Jesus for help? Do you ask often? Do you pray with great expectation? I am learning to pray, believing it has already happened.  What do you think of that?  Want to give it a try? 

Won't you share a prayer story, tell what your journey has been like?

Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Pray Continually - 2 Timothy 1:1-7

As I was writing in my journal this day, I was listing those I am praying for and acknowledged the list was getting longer each day.  The prayers ranged from health issues, to financials concerns, to petitions that some lost friends and relatives find Jesus.  There are varying degrees of urgency to these requests, but I ended my list with "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  I noted in the margin, "How does one  do that?"

The text today speaks of Paul praying continually for Timothy.  Again I ask, "How?"

"I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers." (2 Timothy 1:3)
Now, granted, Paul has lots of time as once again he is in prison, but Paul has been praying for Timothy since they first met.  So what does praying continually look like?  For me, I am sure I fall short of Paul's practice, but I have faith that once I give my requests to God He has them covered.  Therefore, if I live my day and my life in close contact with God, connecting with Him all day on every issue before me, I consider this praying continually.

Paul's love for Timothy and the faith he has that Timothy will carry on the convicted man's work of spreading the Gospel, give Paul strength and reason to pray continually for their ministry of love.

Read the 2 Timothy 1:1-7 text here