My Prayer today

In my bible study, it suggested praying the following verses for my children. I would also like to extend that prayer to my dear friends and also to all the muslims who are earnestly seeking God during this time of fasting and prayer.

(Eph. 3:14-19 NKJ) I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through His spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow in God's love and keep you strong. And may you understand as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fulness of life and power that comes from God."

(Eph 1:18,19) I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-His holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead...

Thank you God for the the hope and power that are found in you. We are not like those who have no hope because of You. Amen

The One who Gives Life

In our language study one of our new words is Masih. It means Messiah or the one who gives life. It is a nice reminder of how Jesus gives us life physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Dear God, Thank you for the life you give us through your Son Jesus. May we never take for granted this precious gift. Amen

Comfort Zone

Personally I like my comfort zone. Who doesn't? I would say that for most of this last month I have been out of my comfort zone. I don't know the language here. The bazaars are crowded and people don't really worry about your personal space. Crossing the street is even an adventure not to mention riding in a taxi with a kamikaze driver. There are moments I have found myself seeking the comfort of a familiar tv show watched on our computer or food that tastes like home. In my discomfort, I have started to think about God's view of my comfort. In my comfort, I often try to do things on my own strength. When I am concerned about my comfort, it can become all about me and less about Him. On the other hand when I am out of my comfort zone, I am reminded that life can't be done in my own strength. Being out of my comfort zone, I am in a place where God can work on my character and grow my faith. It is often when I am out of my comfort zone that God works in me and through me.

Even though I am out of my comfort zone alot, I am finding contentment in my circumstances. In fact, I enjoy the quiet in the house where we live. It is nice having less distractions. I am savoring all the family teamwork and time together. I love to learn so learning a new alphabet and vocabulary is a fun challenge even though the speaking part is still scary. After a month, the bazaars are less scary and crossing the street isn't quite so intimidating. I am finding more boldness in trying to speak the language to locals and am able to see the humor in being packed like sardines on a bus with other people.

As I finish this musing, two verses come to mind. Lamentations 3:23 " His mercies are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." Also Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Dear God, Thank you that you love me enough to get me out of my comfort zone and into your zone. May I be faithful to the path you have for me. May I be quick to learn the lessons you have for me and be a light to those I meet. In Jesus name, Amen

My Portion and My Cup

Where we live, everything seems a little bit harder. It is harder to communicate because we don't know the language yet. It is harder to find things that we use for cooking because we don't know where to look or they don't use that item here. It is harder to sleep sometimes because of the heat and new noises. We knew it would be harder but that doesn't make it any less hard. So today as I read in Psalms, I was reminded of God's goodness. Psalms 16:5 says " Lord, you have assigned my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure." God has me where I am. I am on assignment and He is with me. Life can be hard where ever I live or depending on my situation in life. God knows my needs and gives me the strength I need for each day if I will just ask.

Dear God, Thank you for the portion and cup that you have given me. You know what I can do and what I can't do and you fill in the gaps. Give me the strength to follow your straight path today. In Your blessed son's name, Amen