Teach Me to Pray

Posted 6/18/2013 | By: Gayle Glenn

This has been my prayer all week. Father, teach me to pray. He is answering this prayer for me. I am learning that praying is simply crying out to God when I finally admit that I need help to do my life. It's admitting that I'm in over my head about lots of things: My marriage, my responsibilities, my kids' futures, my emotional well-being, my hopes for my life. Will I or my husband or kids end up with cancer? What if I can't find subs for my cycle classes when I leave for Australia? Help to get the six of us packed for a long trip. Last week the looming question was: what if Ike's MRI results show a tumor or a mass? (Praise the Lord he is fine!) I have no control over what will happen tomorrow. So, I have to admit to God that I can't do my life on my own. The only sane way to do my life is by prayer...to cry out to God for help and direction in everything. It makes sense to me now, those words that Jesus said about the yoke: Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

To Try to Add is to Take Away

Posted 6/11/2013 | By: Pastor Mark

I recently heard a pastor speak of this: to try to add is to take away. He gave an amazing illustration of a carpenter who made a piece of furniture for one of his friends. The friend came over to receive the gift, and when he saw it, he said, “Looks great, but I have something I can add to it." With a piece of sandpaper in his hand he was about to put it to the fine piece of furniture. The carpenter yelled out, “No, It’s finished!"

I am the Foremost of All

Posted 6/4/2013 | By: Rebecca Peel

Journal entry May 28, 2013

Lord, why is it so hard to love difficult people if your spirit is in me? I am failing to show the grace and mercy you show me each day, to those in my life who cause me pain, sadness and frustration. I see areas where I can and should show grace, yet at times, I don't do it. Please forgive me Father! When I don’t show grace, I am not believing the gospel, and I am ignoring your perfect and spotless gift of Jesus. When someone aggravates me or critiques me, I am quick to judge and slow to forgive. When someone seems incompetent, I am frustrated and condemning. When someone I love is hurt or wronged by another, I am vengeful and out for justice. Why? Is it my self-reliance? Yes. Is it my self-righteousness? Yes. Is it my arrogance and complete lack of compassion for others? Yes. It's my sin. It's my blindness to my need for forgiveness from you Lord. Please forgive me! Fill my heart with compassion, love and even joy for those who I see as difficult. Let me be reminded each day that I am a mess, as difficult and more in need of your mercy than anyone could ever need mine.