Monthly Archives: August 2019

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BASKING IN CHRIST’S LOVE AND PRESENCE

The sun looked magnificent and glorious as I was driving alone and talking softly to the Lord. As I was approaching the top of a hill, I saw the most breathtaking view of the mountains in the distance. It was majestic.

I’ve always loved the mountains and enjoyed this route more times than I could count; however, this day was different than anytime before. The splendor in the sky and the beauty of the mountains surrounding me were mesmerizing. The awesome wonder of God’s creation captured every fiber of my being. Christ’s presence came to me so powerfully that it felt heavenly in an inexpressible way. As my worship music played in the background, the voice of the Lord whispered words to my heart.

My love for you is higher and wider and more magnificent than these beautiful mountains.

My heart melted in His presence. Heaven touched me and drew me close to the heart of God. I basked in His great love for the rest of my trip.

Christ’s presence is the greatest gift of life and nothing satisfies the soul like spending time with Him.

Some days, distractions can rob us of the quietness we need. It’s very easy to be in a big hurry and miss these spectacular God moments. We don’t have to be driving through gorgeous scenery to bask in God’s glory. We can commune with the maker of the heavens at any moment of the day.

The love of Christ beckons us to open our hearts to Him. Jesus is waiting for each one of us to stop what we’re doing and rest in His perfect love. Our relationship with our Savior is better than anything else in life. No amount of money or success could ever compare to what we have in Christ. He is everything.

In the busyness of life, remember to slow down. Be quiet. Bask in the most perfect love you’ll ever find and let Christ’s presence wash your burdens away.

Our Beloved Jesus,

Thank You for Your amazing love which surpasses our understanding. Let us be strengthened with power through Your Spirit and let Your glory permeate our lives every day. Let us be rooted and grounded in Your love. Help us to comprehend more of the depth of Your great love for us and let us rest in Your presence continually. We love You and pray in Your name, Christ. Amen.

“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3: 16-19

This devotion is a revised version of a previous “Live Abundantly Now” blog post.

THREE PRAYERS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

The new school year began for the students in my town today. Lifting up the students and teachers in prayer is the greatest gift we can give them as they are beginning classes.

My children are grown and live independently in their own places. However, my zeal for prayer continues to increase even as my children are adults now. In the life of a believer in Christ, there is nothing more important than prayer.

Undeniably, prayer has never been needed more for our world and our schools than now. Every school needs to be prayed for regularly, and I hope you will pray for the schools in your community. You may insert the names of the schools, students, and teachers in your area into the prayers and lift them up to the Lord.

Praying for protection is needed every single day. We cannot give up praying for the safety of the schools.

A Prayer for Protection

LORD,

Thank You for being our shield and protector from the evil one. I lift up (insert name of school) in our community and ask You to guard it from all evil. Surround the school with Your angels and place a spiritual wall of protection around it.

Give the leaders wisdom to know what needs to be done to make our schools safe and let no harm or danger near the school buildings. Empower the teachers to think wisely and help them to prevent dangerous situations. Protect the students in our communities and help each school’s faculty members know how to assure their safety. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11

Each student needs prayer as they face the challenges that can arise in their classroom environments. Prayer can change the trajectory of their school year.

A Prayer for Students

LORD,

Thank You for loving the children of the world and wanting them to be taken care of. I lift up (insert name of student) to You and ask for Your strength for him/her. I ask You to bless each boy and girl that is beginning school this week. Give them peace and confidence as they begin their classes. Give them wisdom and let them place their trust in You when challenges arise. Teach them how to be kind to each other and help them to treat others lovingly.

Fill the classrooms with Your peace and draw each student closer to Your heart. Keep the students in the shadow of Your wings always and let Your faithfulness be their shield. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. Psalm 91:4

Teaching school is one of the most important jobs in the world. Teachers need prayer to hold them up in the midst of the challenging situations.

A Prayer for Teachers

LORD,

Thank You for the men and women who are called to teach school. Help each one of them know how valued they are. Give (insert name of teacher) the wisdom and strength he/she needs. Give them a heart of compassion, patience, kindness, gentleness, and humility as they are teaching the precious students in their classrooms.

Help them encourage each student in their classes and let them make a positive impact in their lives every day. Help them impart blessings into the lives of many students in the days ahead. I pray in Christ’s name. Amen.

As those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.