Conversation with God

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." Psalm 55:17

Personal:

There are MANY reasons why we pray. Sometimes we are hurting, alone, or afraid. Sometimes we have needs and requests. Sometimes we need strength, encouragement, and comfort. We pray for others, we pray for family, we pray for the nation, we pray for the world, and we pray for missionaries. But today, I'm gonna talk to you about personal conversation prayer.

Personal: just God and me. 

Conversation: every moment, every day. 

Prayer: to God, my Saviour, my Lord, and my King.

Draw Nigh to God:

I love the fact that I have a God who wants to hear me. I love it that He is the GOD of the universe... and yet I come into His presence with anything and everything on my heart. I love that I can be open and honest. I can share my problems and struggles. I can praise Him for all He does for me. I can express my awe for all His creation! I can thank Him for my blessings and gifts that he DAILY gives me. I can tell him of my frustrations and anger. I know he hears me and listens to *EVERY* word. He cares about me and wants to hear from me. ALL day LONG.

You:

Is Jesus your best friend? Is He the one you cry out to? Is He the one you spend every moment talking to? Does He help you throughout your day as you go through your challenges, trials, and frustration? Do you depend on Him to meet all your needs?

Turn to Jesus first. Keep talking to Him. Share your heart with the Saviour who loves you unconditional! 

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7 KJV

3 Years of Bible Reading

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:16-17

3 YEARS:

I remember the first time I tried to read through my Bible (2007), I failed miserably. Again and again, I would try and fail... But I wouldn't give up! I resolved to keep trying until I completely read through my Bible in ONE YEAR! Now this year, I am finishing up my THIRD year of Bible reading! I am resolved to read it through every year til the rapture comes! I want to see how many years of Bible reading I can do. :D

MY OWN BIBLE:

My family came from the Soviet Communist time in Ukraine. My grandpa was in prison twice for being a Baptist pastor. My mom's family was persecuted for their faith for most of her childhood. They had only ONE Bible for the entire Church! They had very little Bible literature. Every few months, the KGB would come and try to take ALL the Bibles/Bible Literature that they owned. Knowing this and hearing all the stories, I am grateful, beyond grateful for my BIBLE! It's my own and I can read it anytime I want! :)

LEARNING/TRAINING:

Every time I read my Bible, I discover something new! It's like I am putting together this BIG puzzle and each one piece with its fine ornate details make the whole picture more stunning and beautiful. :) The Bible is beyond valuable to me. I am learning how to be a good wife and mother. I am learning about the science and history of our world. I am learning math and English. I am learning about good health and nutrition. I am learning how to pray, love, and care for others. The Bible not only shows us about our spiritual needs.... but also our physical, emotional, mental needs. It is my best source for wisdom, knowledge, strength, and encouragement!

YOU:

"Read your Bible,
Pray every day,
Pray every day,
Read your Bible,
Pray every day,
And you'll.... grow, grow, grow!!"

Monday

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." Ecc. 3:4 KJV

Unexpected:

Got my top two wisdom teeth pulled today. I thought it would only be only a consultation, guess not, but I was glad they pulled them out. They were really infected and even chipped. So I've been on medication today and trying to take it easy. This experience makes me miss normal food (ALOT) and have a better understand for those who can't eat them anymore! (I'm sorry!) 

** Be thankful for your teeth and the foods you can eat! **

Excited:

This also is our church's "Missions" week. We focus on/have special services to pray for and learn more about missionaries around the world but also how to be "missionaries" in our hometown. It's a great reminder about "labors, white fields, and the harvest"! (John 4:35) It will be a Busy, busy week!

** Tell someone about Jesus and what He did for you! **

Joy/Happiness:

Today is also my SECOND daughter's SECOND birthday! :D I love her compassionate heart and love for those around her. She is also my fun quirky child. My husband had the day-off (Praise God for His planning!) and was able to care for me and our girls. We went out as a family to a playplace with his mom, brother, and my parents! It reminded me how thankful I am for the blessing of having relatives that care for each other and enjoy hanging out together! :)

** Enjoy every minute of family time you have! **

Hurt

IMAGINE...

Surrounded by enemies on every side, you feel weak and alone. They are ready to hurt and destroy you! You are dressed in rags. You look filthy!

Now imagine...

A handsome mighty Prince comes riding in on his majestic steed with his sharpened sword. He rushes in and bravely defeats all your foes. He destroys them and is victorious! But more than that, he sweeps you off your feet and carries you off to his castle.

Taking your filthy clothes, he burns them and afterwards dresses you up as majestic royalty. The dress you have on is made with the finest most expensive threads. He places a gorgeous crown on your head and sparkling jewels on your neck and hands. You look STUNNING. You are so beautiful. People can't help but admire you and compliment you.

REAL LIFE...

Who are your enemies and foes? 
In the Past/present? 

Did they betray you? 
Did they take advantage of you? 
Did they hurt you?

Do you feel weak?
Do you feel ugly?
Do you feel alone?

The Bible says "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8) This may shock you... but men and women are humans and will err. We may mistreat each other. Men can't be the perfect "Prince Charming" and women can't be the "Perfect Princess" we desire to be... on our own.

Who will rescue you? This "imagine" story is true though. There is a Prince. He has destroyed our enemies. He gave His life for us. He treasures us and knows every detail about us. He loves us unconditionally. One day soon, he will take us to his kingdom and will give us crowns and new clothes. He is our Savior, Jesus Christ. (John 3:16, John 14:3)

THE TRUTH...

Does that mean that you can never trust another human being? No!

As the man follows Christ, he becomes someone that the wife can trust and depend on. As the wife (mother), follows Christ, she becomes his dependable helpmeet. 

As we draw closer to Christ, we are able to be better friends to those around us.

So whether you are single or married, remember, that Jesus Christ must be your main source of confidence!