Walled Cities

Whoever  has  no rule over his own spirit  Is like  a city broken down, without walls. - Proverbs 25:28


When the Israelites finally made it into the promised land the journey was over but the fight had just begun. They were faced with Jericho, a fortified walled city that would have been exceedingly difficult to defeat on their own; but with faith in God they were able shout down those walls and take the land. 


Over the many years that passed their faith in God diminished and was turned to other things and their own walls were destroyed by Babylon. But when the faithful turned their hearts toward God again He helped them rebuild their walls again through faith. The people had a home. 


God often allows the walls of our own creation to be broken so that we can be built into a new creation in Him. Sometimes we need this breaking down so that we can  rebuild with the brick and mortar of faith and love rather than hiding behind walls of pain, fear and confusion. When we ask for God's help to achieve our dreams, to reach our personal promised lands He helps us to break down the cold walls in our hearts so that in faith He can build us up to shine brightly as the light in this world. 


“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.- Matthew 5:14


God thank you for helping us to be fully rebuilt and reborn in you. We want to live in love instead of fear, joy instead of pain. We find our security and trust in You. Thank you for growing us closer to you so that we can be that city of lights set high on a hill; with walls of love for your creation, open to receive those who seek you and your healing touch. 


In Jesus' name. 


Amen

From The Mercy Seat

You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you. And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel. - Exodus 25:21-22


God,


From the very beginning you met us at the mercy seat. We thank you for your mercy. We know that your mercy is the fullness of your love and truth. Even when it feels like everything is going wrong or that we are living lives of punishment and pain we know that the mercy seat is the place where you meet us. You always have mercy on us and reach out to touch us with your loving hand.


Please help us to see the truth of our circumstances so that we understand why we are going through the various trials we experience day to day. Please help us to see the doors you are opening in our lives so that we can walk into the Promised Land of our purpose you have designed for us. Thank you for the lessons that you have and will continue to teach us along the journey there. We want to be good stewards of your blessing. 


In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Scary Prayers

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if  there is any  wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24


Prayers like this psalm have always scared me in the past. Why would I ask God to do that?! Isn't that just inviting trouble?


It is funny to me now that I felt that way; as if God doesn't already know everything already. Of course He does! Having a relationship with God means that we don't have to be afraid to be honest with Him. Being vulnerable to God opens us up to His healing and working in our lives. Let go of "control" and receive His blessings. 


Thank you God for encouraging us to be open to you. Thank you for your comforting correction. We can trust you to shine a light on our shortcomings so that we can see how much You love us and want to heal the brokenness of our lives.


In Jesus' name. Amen.