Ask

John 16:24 - Until now, you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (NIV)

John 16:24 - From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I'll do it. That's how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I'll do it. (The Message)

James 5:15-16 - And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. if he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (NIV)

I heard or read somewhere, that prayer unlocks faith. It's the action that demonstrates our reliance on Him. I am a firm believer of this concept.

The word that resonates in my mind this morning, is the word "ask." The Lord blesses our dependence upon Him, not self-reliance. I am right where He wants me to be - totally reliant upon Him (and the prayers of others on my behalf when I won't have the words or won't have the strength).

Jesus made it clear to His disciples that they should pray to God to meet their needs. In James 5:16 God makes a promise He intends to keep. When we pray earnestly, fervently and often, great things WILL happen. We need courage to ask. We need determination to keep asking.

So Lord, I am going to ask. I know you're listening. You promise when I ask for your help you will not withhold it. I know from experience that to be true of you. I know when I ask you answer - in your your own way, your own time, but you do answer. I also know that you want me to be persistent in asking, so you may hear from me even more than usual.

Lord some of my specific requests right now are for a faithful group of people with "mustard seed size faith" who will pray with me and for me. I know there will be days ahead when I won't have the strength nor the words to pray but I trust that you will prompt people to pray for me. Open their ears to hear those subtle promptings and give them the courage and determination to act on that.

Lord, you know we are still waiting for the MRI test to be done so that they can check lymph nodes for cancer. Lord I pray that the cancer has not gotten in the lymph nodes and spread to other parts of my body. But Lord, if it has, I pray it will be detected early so that it can be caught and treated readily. Give the doctors and medical staff who are reading the MRI keen eyes to detect any other cancer that may be present. I want it completely removed from my body.

Lord, I have another request. It may seen petty and vain to you but I know you're listening and you care about even the smallest things. I pray that my hair will not fall out from chemotherapy. I know that may seem like a silly request. I think about Erin as teenager who may be extremely embarrassed by a bald mother. Again, if you want to humble me that way, I will accept it. There are some good wigs out there these days - that's the least of my "worries" now. It has crossed my mind - so I am going to ask.

I read a quote this week from D.L. Moody that said, "Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant asking. But, the way to trouble God is not to come at all."

So Lord, I will come and I will ask.

Hebrews 4:16 - Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Strength & Peace from my Lord Jesus

Psalm 29:11 says: The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.

That is exactly what the Lord gave me yesterday as Rob & I received the news that I have breast cancer. He is pouring out His grace in abundance for me to have strength and peace at this time. There is no other way to explain it. I know there are many people praying on my behalf. I am so grateful for the numerous friends and family who have already expressed their love, support and encouragement. Oh to be SO blessed. Thank you Lord for pouring out your grace in abundance.

Any ounce of strength and peace I have today or in the coming days,weeks, months are only from Jesus, not of myself. I want that to be made VERY clear. I do not want any "credit" for it. It's not of me. I am weak, broken & fragile many days. Walking around a bit numb and dazed the past few days. I'm dependent upon Christ to carry me through moment by moment. It's really not that different from any other day - it's just that the road ahead is steeper than usual.

Yes, I know the road will be very steep. Much steeper from what I'm use to, but I am not looking too far a head, trying my best to stay in the present. One day at a time. That's enough.

I will walk in confidence of Christ's authority in my life, clasping His strong, mighty hand firmly, while clinging to the promise from Romans 8:28 that "In all things God works for good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose."

Praying God's Word to Overcome Fear

The Lord is my light and salvation whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life -
whom shall I be afraid? - Psalm 27:1

God is our refuge and strength
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear,
though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. - Psalm 46:1-2

When I am afraid I will trust in you.
In God whose word I praise,
in God I trust, I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me? - Psalm 56:3-4

For you did not receive a spirit
that makes you a slave again to fear,
but you received the spirit of sonship.
And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." - Romans 8:15

I sought the Lord,
and he answered me,
he delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

For I am the Lord, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you,
"Do not fear, I will help you." - Isaiah 41:13-14

But now, this is what the Lord says -
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Isreal:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name;
you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Isreal, your Savior... - Isaiah 43:1-3

"...Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you."
So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?" - Hebrews 13:5-6

He who fears the Lord
has a secure fortress,
and his children it will be a refuge. - Proverbs 14:26

Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts:
"Your God will come,
He will come with vengence
with divine retribution,
He will come to save you." - Isaiah 35:3-4

Since the children have flesh and blood,
he too shared in their humanity
so that by his death he might destroy him
who holds the power of death - that is, the devil
and FREE those who all their lives were held to slavery
by their fear of death. - Hebrews 2:14-15

In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray all this for myself, my entire family and friends who are combatting fear(s) of various sorts. He is for us - so who can be against us?

starting a blog

I have set a blog up at www.inallthings.net. I hope to use as a way to encourage others.