Category Archives: Purpose

How We Pray

Recently I came across this prayer of David in 2 Samuel 7:

“18Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 19And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord God! 20 And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God! 21 Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. 22 Therefore you are great, O Lord God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears…25 And now, O Lord God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken. 26 And your name will be magnified forever, saying, ‘The Lord of hosts is God over Israel,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you. 27 For you, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ Therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. 28 And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. 29 Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.’”

2 Samuel 7:18-22,25-29

While reading I was struck by the beauty, honesty, and gratitude with which he spoke to God. And it got me thinking about how I pray, how we pray. How should we approach God when we come to Him? How do we talk with Him in prayer? After pondering these questions, I found seven ways we can approach God in prayer:

With Humility

(Verse 18) David comes before God acknowledging His greatness. Plain and simple: He is God and we are not. We can take some time to admire God, appreciating His power and glory, aware of the privilege of approaching His throne.

With Intimacy

(Verse 20) We come as known children of God. There is no part of us that is hidden from Him, no mystery in us He does not know. David also wrote in the Psalms:

“For you formed my inward parts;
   you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Psalm 139:13

With Sincerity

(Verse 21) No pretense. Pray with honesty and openness. David was frank with God, not hiding his thoughts. In another Psalm David writes:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
and by night, but I find no rest.”

Psalm 22:1-2

Pour your heart out. Let your needs be known. God can handle it.

With Praise

(Verse 22) He is a God worthy of our praises. We can thank Him for all He’s done and for His continuing faithfulness to us. We can praise Him simply for who He is – God.

With Expectation

(Verses 25,28-29) We can pray with the expectation that God will act on the revelation He has provided. He not only hears our prayers, He answers them. (Not always the way we want, but always for His purposes)

With Confidence

(Verse 27) We know He will receive us when we enter His Presence. By the blood of Jesus, we are worthy to have an audience with  the King of Kings.

With a Listening Spirit

The last point I want to emphasize is the importance of listening. Prayer is a conversation, not just one-way communication of our needs and praises to God. This prayer of David is in direct response to the prophet Nathan speaking the Word of God to David about the future of his family line, which eventually included the Savior of the world, Jesus (2 Samuel 7:1-17).

We have prophetic voices around us now in pastors, friends, and other Christian influencers. But we shouldn’t rely solely on the voices of others to provide communication from God. Since we are the dwelling place of the very Spirit of God we can receive direct revelation. We just need to be ready to hear and listening for His voice. It may come through circumstances, through the voice of the Spirit as we read Scripture, and by the prompting of our spirit as we make daily decisions.

Prayer is an essential component of our relationship with the Living God. It is an open invitation to approach the throne of God and receive inspiration to lead lives of purpose, courage, and Divine appointment.

Father God, we approach your throne cleansed of all iniquity by the blood and resurrection of your Son Jesus. We bow low, as children seeking instruction from our Father. You are worthy of all our praise. May our lives be a living testimony of your greatness and love. Spirit move within us, changing our hearts and preparing us for your unique purposes for us in this life. Grant us a quiet spirit, ready for revelation. And infuse us with courage to take our next step of faith. You are good. You are moving. And we long to be with You wherever you go. Amen.

Be the Light

One Sunday a while ago, someone from our church came up and talked about a vision they’d received and revealed it to the church body for the purpose of encouragement. After they spoke, I thought to myself, “I’ve never had a vision from God.” And I started to wonder why I hadn’t and I realized I’d never really thought about it or asked for it. So I prayed, “God, please give me a vision.” I didn’t expect a prompt response, but as I closed my eyes, praising Him with the next worship song, I received the vision I’d asked for:

There are people standing in a circle, holding hands in the middle of a meadow. They’re facing outward. In the center of the circle, there is light. Outside the circle, there is darkness. The people’s toes are the line between the light and the dark. When the people step forward, the light moves with them, growing with each small step.

I don’t know if their arms got longer or if more people joined the circle, but the people continued to hold hands as the circle expanded. I don’t know what it was – supernatural reach and/or supernatural expansion of the Kingdom. Either way is beautiful.

The meaning of the vision was immediately apparent to me and since it was my first vision ever, I sat down to record it before I forgot.

We are called to stand on the edge, stepping out in faith that God will be with us, carrying His light to the dark places.

Our enemy would like us to cower afraid, unsure if we should step forward for fear of the darkness and that God will not be with us. But God promises to light our steps (See: Why I Don’t Have a 5-year Plan), to be with us in the fight, with us in the struggle, and with us as we engage the pain and suffering of this present world (See: When You Feel Like You Can’t Fight).

We are not called to work toward the will of God alone, however. I think it’s important that the people were holding hands. They were standing together as children of God, walking together into the darkness.

I know several families who are choosing to battle darkness right now. Whether it’s mental illness, adoption, or caring for the the least of these, my friends are making a conscious decision to take ground for the Kingdom. I know this because they feel safe to be vulnerable with their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, reaching out to ask for covering in prayer, for assistance with day to day needs, and for encouragement for the steps ahead.

Don’t do battle alone.

Community doesn’t always fall into your lap. Sometimes you have to look for it, dig for it, maybe even fight for it. And when you find it, don’t let it go.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Hebrews 10:24-25

Jesus called us to be the light of the world:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

Grab hands with the believers around you. Step forward in faith with boldness. There is no need to fear because Jesus has already overcome.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33
  • Do you have a community of believers who can walk with you as you battle the darkness of this world? If not, how can you look for, dig up, and fight for community with other believers?
  • In what ways is God calling you to step forward in faith to expand His Kingdom?

Running on Empty

We recently returned from a trip to Florida with our family. I’d prepared last week’s post before we left but soon after we got back I felt the clock ticking for the next blog post to be written and edited, with graphics, and all of it just piled on along with the unpacking and laundry from the trip.

Unfortunately we hit quite a bit of wind and turbulence on our return flight. Our son had turned green and started sweating bullets about 30 minutes before we landed and I had to dig through the seat pocket to find that little bag they keep tucked away for emergencies of that nature. Thankfully it remained unused, but we had to carry it with us as we greeted the pilot and walked through the airport until he finally started to feel better.

But for me, as he was starting to feel better, I was feeling worse. I had the sensation that I was still on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin at Disney – tilting, spinning, lurching. So I spent the next 24 hours wondering why I didn’t clean our toilets more often and trying to sleep off the spinning.

Everything was fine…before we took off.

And time continued to move forward. Three more days to get it done I realized, still unpacking and throwing endless loads of laundry into the washer and dryer.

I sat down to write but there was nothing. I had nothing to say. No insights. No inspiration. Nothing. I thought maybe I’ll just skip this week. But I’d made a commitment to write so I tried desperately to find an idea.

Sunday arrived and I was just tired. Sunday mornings are usually my best time with God. I hear His Voice most often while getting ready on Sunday. But this Sunday, it was quiet. I mean not literally. Our kids were fighting and nothing seemed to be coming together while I got ready. No ideas, my mind a wasteland of creativity. I sang. I listened. But again, nothing

Then on Monday, I remembered something from the flight. When the flight attendants do their emergency procedures presentation – the one about the life vests and emergency exits – they went row to row talking about the oxygen masks. And when they came to a row with children, they stopped. The flight attendant looked at me and said, “Three masks will drop down. Put yours on first, then theirs, okay?” And she waited for a response. Because I can’t save my kids if I’m unconscious.

Likewise, I can’t pour out to others if I’m empty myself.

I needed to put on my oxygen mask. For me that means getting sleep, listening to worship music (See: 25 Songs That Speak to the Heart), enjoying a good book (currently: Walking on Water by: Madeleine L’Engle), reading some of my favorite Scriptures:

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

John 15:4

It also means engaging in church, hearing the Benediction:

“The Lord bless you
   and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
   and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
   and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26

It’s believing in the transformative nature of communion (See: Do This to Remember) and submitting to the laying on of hands and prayers for our family after the service.

Fill up.

Drink from the Living Water.

Breathe in the Holy Spirit.

Because you can’t pour out until you’re poured into.

When we’re empty, we have nothing to give.

Holy Spirit, come. Fill us with fresh water so we can pour out into others. Revive our souls. Strengthen our spirits. Fuel our hearts. Rekindle the fire that has been burning low.

Have you ever felt yourself running on empty? How do you refuel and recharge? What ways do you reconnect with God?

Restoring the Joy of Life

This time of year can be a difficult one for joy. Where we are, there is snow, snow, and more snow. It’s cold and blowing, cloudy all day, with layers of white on white. It can feel like our joy gets buried under there somewhere.

I knew it was bad when my husband stopped me to say, “It doesn’t seem like you have a lot of joy. I know you’re stressed, but where’s the joy?”

And I thought, “If I’m struggling to find the joy in this new season, there’s a good chance I’m not alone.”

I was shoveling our driveway the other day and Rend Collective’s “Joy of the Lord” came on (I like to listen to music while I shovel) and he references a verse from Nehemiah:

“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10b

It occurred to me that joy is what carries us through the hard times. (See also: When You Feel Like You Can’t Fight)

So how do we find it, that joy that defies our circumstances?

Our son is six and he was writing a list last Saturday morning when I came downstairs. I asked him what he was making a list about and he simply answered, “Joy.” I asked him if I could use his list in my post this week and he gladly consented. I think he might be onto something.

Our son's list of things that bring him joy. Pretty sweet.

Joy is greater than momentary happiness. It is a state of being, the state of our soul. It is not dependent on current circumstances but can draw from the past and hope for the future. Joy is a gift of the Spirit, growing in us as we encounter God. It springs from our security in our salvation and from knowing the Eternal Father.

Joy is tied to peace and strength, fueled by gratitude, and rooted in God. It’s a funny thing – both experienced actively and existing deep in our being. But when the troubles of the world, this life, and the storms surrounding us are all we can see, that joy that is at the center of us can seem fleeting and difficult to grasp.

So how can we get it back?

While researching verses on joy for this week, I stumbled on a passage from 1 Peter. It’s long, but it really spoke to me. I broke it down into pieces so we could experience it together, one bite at a time.

Joy and Hope

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

1 Peter 1:3-5

We can take joy in the hope of the resurrection and the inheritance we have in Christ. We have God, standing with us, guarding us in our faith until He returns to gather us to Himself.

Joy and Suffering

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 1:6-7

Though we all pass through various trials in this life, we can have joy when our faith grows in the midst of the hardship, knowing that one day He will return. And that the product of our testing is faith as pure as gold refined by fire.

Joy and Salvation

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

1 Peter 1:8-9

The love we have for our Savior Jesus Christ produces a joy that is beyond the understanding of the world. It is independent of circumstances, a product of love and gratefulness for salvation we did not earn. We have joy knowing we are free from the bondage of sin, that we have an eternal inheritance, and that our Redeemer is coming back to restore the world.

Reclaim Your Joy

The joy of the Lord truly is our strength, our hope, our peace.

It’s the little things in the middle of big circumstances.

There is joy in watching my daughter experience wind in her face for the first time.

Joy in the communion with Him in prayer, knowing I have the ear of the Almighty any time I speak His Name.

Joy looking at the pictures of my children, knowing that God was faithful granting the deepest desires of my heart.

When I hear His voice in Scripture, speaking through ancient words.

Witnessing my own testimony to His faithfulness in the stories in my journals.

Dancing around in the kitchen to our favorite worship songs, forgetting inhibitions and the weight of the world around us.

Joy is watching my 1-year-old nephew trying to take my son down; hanging on tight as my son pitches and rolls with the weight clinging to his leg.

It’s in the laughter sharing a meal with family and friends.

It’s giving hugs and back scratches to my elderly patients.

Joy is in reading poetry, listening to a symphony, and watching a ballet.

It’s climbing over a dune to see the expanse of Lake Michigan across the entire horizon.

It’s a good cup of coffee, a hot bath, a warm sweater on a windy day.

So take heart, Jesus has overcome the world (see John 16:33).

Dance around like no one is watching, because God is for us, not against us (see Romans 8:31).

Find the joy in all circumstances.

Jesus is coming. We are forgiven. Be fueled by joy.

What are the things in your life that bring you joy? What do you do and where do you look when you’re feeling low on joy?

Look for next week’s post: Songs That Speak to the Heart if you want some inspiration for that kitchen dancing I talked about.

If you are unable to find joy anywhere around you. If you feel surrounded by darkness and can’t find much reason for hope, I encourage you to seek professional help. We are meant to live in light not darkness and there is help and hope out there for you!

What Does a Transformed Life Look Like?

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

After writing the post about the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming our hearts, I was thinking, “Yes, but what does a transformed life actually look like? I wanted it to be defined. I wanted it to fit in a box, with neat little boundaries. I thought I’d be able to write a list, complete with check boxes; these are the qualities of a person with a new heart. But God reminded me He doesn’t color inside the lines and cannot be contained in a box. When I considered a transformed life, He revealed His infinite creativity and the countless ways He can work through a transformed heart

Living with a transformed heart means living

beyond ourselves, beyond our capabilities, beyond our reality.

Sometimes by choice and sometimes by circumstance.

It looks like surrender.

It looks like a soul available – searching for assignment. Whether in seasons of preparation, testing, suffering, rest.

It’s a heart that knows God is all around, in every situation. Finding God and His work in all places.

Open arms. Open hearts.

Willing to be changed. Willing to grow. Willing to move. Willing to sacrifice. Willing to stand.

A life rooted in a secure identity as a redeemed, chosen, loved child of God.

A person who knows God is real; God is love; God is present.

Though the circumstances here, now may not be good, they trust God is coming back to make it good and the bad now is nothing compared to the coming glory.

It’s someone who knows there’s more than this present reality; our present situation, the present difficulty.

It looks completely different than everyone else.

A heart always seeking the face and will of God.

A soul abiding.

A life of supernatural wonder. A life with a new heart sees miracles.

It’s also a life that sees as much brokenness and pain as miraculous intervention.

It’s a heart peaceful in the tension of good and evil, resting in the promise that Christ will return and restore creation to its original beauty.

It’s being present where God is present – among the poor, oppressed, and marginalized.

A transforming heart draws closer to God, even in pain, knowing that we were created in His image and through the blood of His Son, we are slowly molded into our true selves.

It is an awareness of the life of God’s Word and its ability to sink deep into our pores, changing us from the inside out.

It’s a picture you paint together.

A love story between the Creator and created.

A journey, a pursuit, an adventure. Up’s, downs, pauses, and sprints.

Trusting in times of darkness, tension, and the unknown.

Faithful regardless of circumstances and perception.

A belief that God is bigger than everything we can see,

Knows more than we can ever know.

Often it means trusting He knows the way when we feel lost.

Even in the dark, when we strain to see light on the horizon, when we cling to the words He spoke thousands of years ago. Even when it’s work to get out of bed.

Even then we trust.

God’s constant call is, “Trust me.” A transformed heart…does.

So we hope against hope, knowing the Kingdom of God is near, God is good, and He loves His children.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”


2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

God, I pray that you would strip me of all that hinders my relationship with you. Peel away the layers of sin, the habits of my past, and draw me closer. Transform me into the woman you created me to be. I trust you…now and always. Amen.

Why I Don’t Have a 5-Year Plan

I’m a classic Type-A control freak. I love lists. And checking things off lists. And making lists for tomorrow, and having a calendar, and planning, and routines, and…I think you get it. So I eat it up when bloggers and other influencers ask me to write my goals for the year…and even the next five years. It’s an extra step of planning my life that I enjoy. They all say to have a great year, a great life, we must plan, make goals, and take control of our future.

Because wouldn’t it be nice if life were predictable? Like, if an item were on my to-do list it was sure to get done? Okay, wouldn’t it be wonderful if I were in control…all the time?

Yeah, now I sound like a crazy person. But that’s what we try to do isn’t it? We try to stuff our future in a box that makes sense to us today. We try to leave as little room for variability as possible.

Why?

Because the unknown is scary. And we’ve been taught that not having a plan is irresponsible.

I’ve learned that God laughs at my plans. Not because He hates me, but because He loves me. You see, I have such narrow vision. I leave no room for miracles or for Grace. I see through my own eyes and my perception is limited. So my plans are limited.

God doesn’t have small plans for me, or for you.

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

John 10:10b

Not a predictable life. Not a boring life. Not a life up to you.

God exists outside of time and sees the whole picture, from creation to eternity. And He looks at each of us with eyes of love; a heart that desires the best for us.

I know He smiles when I try to make plans. Because my Father likes to surprise me. He likes to show me how big He is. And He wants me to trust He is faithful. All the time. In every circumstance.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Psalm 119:105

One step. That’s it. One step at a time. The Lord may give us a vision for our future but He rarely gives a timeline.

Do the work. Show up. Go after God. And trust He will get you where you’re going…in His time.

I’m so grateful God doesn’t always give us our own way. I wouldn’t trade anything for where I am today. Yes, it’s been hard. And a lot of work. Oh, and no, I’m not immune to disappointment when things don’t turn out the way I want them to. But I see God everywhere in my life.

And that, my friends, is worth more than anything. To be able to feel God’s Presence surrounding me, to hear Him in music, teachings, and the voices of friends. To witness His hands working in and through the people around me.

No, no 5-year plan I could ever write would compare to the way God writes the story. He is infinitely more creative and good than I could ever hope to be.

And He takes me with Him.

If I’ll just humble myself to trust Him, He’ll bring me along.

And that is all I could ever hope for.

The direction I thought my life was going is nothing compared to where I am now.

By holding on too tight, we risk squeezing the adventure out of life.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Proverbs 16:9

So instead of making goals about what I want to do, maybe I’ll try focusing on who God wants me to be.

Now when people ask, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

I can answer, “Wherever God takes me.”

Make plans. But leave room for God to work in marvelous, unforeseen ways this year.

God, grant us vision for who you want us to be. Give us patience to wait. And help us to trust that you are good. All the time. Amen.

When you look back at your goals and plans, do you see where God’s hand took you in a different direction in order to bring you closer to Him?

How do you see God working in your story right now?

P.S. Launching this blog was my goal for 2017