In Sunshine or in Rain

" When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?" "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied."  2 Kings 2:9 " Elisha asked not for worldly honor, or for a high place among the great men of earth. That which he craved was a large measure of the Spirit that God had bestowed so freely upon the one about to be honored with translation." He knew that nothing but the Spirit which had rested upon Elijah could fit him to fill the place in Israel to which God had called him, and so he asked, "I pray thee, let a double portion of thy Spirit be upon me." Patriarchs and Prophets p. 226-227 This powerful verse and quote really hit home.  Elisha truly understood the solemn responsibility of the position he was to assume. He had worked with Elijah, and knew that only through the strength of the One who had sent him, could he take the role of God's faithful se...

Therefore I say to you, her sins, which  are  many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven,  the same  loves little.”  Luke 7:47 We all know the story of Mary Magdalene, but I wonder if we truly understand the depth of it. So often we focus on how Jesus took her out of the pit of sin and restored her. This is definitely an important aspect of the story, but it is not all. When I read this verse in Luke, I am overwhelmed by the realization that the story of Mary encompasses so much more than we often realize. The reason Mary loved so much was because she REALIZED how sinful she was and was  therefore able to fully appreciate the forgiveness Jesus offered her. The Pharisees, Simon and the disciples were no better than Mary, but they did not realize their need of Him the way she did. I think that we too, often don't realize just how unworthy and sinful we are, and that without the pardoning grace of Christ we would be wholly lost....

This afternoon my heart was very heavy. I have been thinking about a dear friend of mine who is struggling spiritually, and it breaks my heart to seem experiencing so much pain, and being enshrouded by a cloud of confusion and darkness. Oh that they may realize that Jesus is the only answer! The Christian walk may not always be easy, but it is a life that has a purpose, and it brings with it a joy so sweet and a peace so transcending. Thinking about this friends has made me search my heart as well. Am I truly interceding for this person as though their life depended on it? Do I give up on this person because I don't see a response, or do I pray just as fervently today as I did two years ago? Does my life testify that I walk with Jesus?  As already mentioned, my heart was very heavy. But God somehow always comes through, and gives me reminders that He cares. I was walking to class, when I saw a little sparrow, and I immediately thought about the passage in Matthew 10 ...

My most earnest prayer dear Lord, is that I am faithful to Your cause. Ever humbly serving You, yet never seeking man's applause. May I not be found unfaithful, may Your dear work I not thwart, But may I be found faithful, serving You with all my heart. In my own strength I am nothing, I need your power every day, To guide my weary footsteps along Your narrow way. Give me courage to prevail, give me strength to stand for You, and may You be glorified in all I say and do.  Teach me to be still in You Lord, help me trust even when I don't see exactly how You are leading, and what Your plan is for me. Once again I give You my heart, my life, and will is Thine. Take everything I have, Lord may it be no longer mine.

I surrender my life, my will, and my dreams, I give my heart to you. Help me a faithful servant ever to be, in all I say and do. In my own strength I am very weak, I am but a lump of clay. So mold me Lord is my humble plea, and use me for You today. I am willing to go wherever You lead. Give me the strength, courage, and grace To stand up for You wherever I am, and to trials boldly face. Break my heart for what breaks Yours Lord, May my life not be in vain. Use me to reach your hurting ones, and to comfort those in pain.

A new year has begun Lord, and I want this year to be the best one I have had yet. I am not asking for earthly wealth, and am not seeking ease, but Lord I pray that this year will be different. May this year be the year that I draw closer to You than I have ever before. May this be the year where I learn to trust You with every aspect of my life. May this year be the year where I reach more souls, and touch more lives.  Lord, I have learned from personal experience that I can do NOTHING in my own strength. All my righteousness is as filthy rags, but I also KNOW that YOU can and long to cover me with YOUR righteousness.  Lord, I know that Your ways are so much higher than my own, and it is my prayer that I may trust Your more this year than I have ever before. Lord, I pray that this year will be the year where my heart is truly broken for that which breaks Yours, and that my eyes may ever be open to see a world in need. May I not be afraid or ashamed to stand up for Y...