Ephesians 3:20-21 - Plunder

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

I've had an epiphany, and aha moment. God has been bringing me to this point for several months and the last few days have made it clear. I tried to share this with a ladies class last night and I think I realized that aha moments may be difficult to translate to others who have not been walking your journey, but here it goes. The process of seeking healing may even be more important than actually receiving healing. We all have one or many strongholds, right now my stronghold of focus is food issues. My sisters and I have been reading the book Breaking Free by Beth Moore. At the end of the book she states that our motivation may have been to find deliverance, but hopefully we will find more of the deliverer. She also talks about the idea of plunder and that when the Israelites left the slavery of Egypt, the Egyptians gave the gold. God gives us more than what we've asked for. In fact, God can even give us plunder if he does not give us healing right away or ever. Perseverance in study and prayer gives us a closer connection and relationship with God. Dealing with our stronghold will help us to have mercy on others who are dealing with their stronghold. And if we do receive healing, that's just the icing on the cake and gives more plunder because now we have an amazing story of healing to share with others.

Lord, thank you for plunder. Thank you for the things you do that go above and beyond what we ask for. Please help us to persevere in our struggle against our stronghold. Amen.

Psalm 40:5 - Praise

Many, Lord my God,
     are the wonders you have done,
     the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
     were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
     they would be too many to declare.

When I pray, I begin my prayers with praise. Sometimes I struggle with what to say, I seem to repeat the same phrases of praise over and over. This verse says there are too many wonderful deeds done by God to declare, so there is unlimited praise material here! When I am not sure what to say next when praising God in my prayers, I will begin to list his deeds and the wonders he has done.

Lord, thank you for all the wonders you have done. Please help us keep our prayers fresh and meaningful, Amen.

Exodus 35:5a - A reminder about giving

From what you have, take an offering for the Lord.

Throughout God's relationship with man, he has always asked that they give to him. The Israelites had been given many things by the Egyptians when they left Egypt, so they had something to give. God ask us to give a portion of what we have, which has ultimately come from him.

Lord, thank you for your good gifts and for the opportunity to give back to you. Please help us to give from what we have. Amen.

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