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Listen while you read: "I Am Not Skilled To Understand"1 (Lyrics) |
On a recent Sunday, I attended church for the first time in a month. I had been sick with high blood pressure and in the hospital. Now I am back to normal, just feeling very weak. But that Sunday was way beyond my control. Besides attending church, I also had a friend, here in the building where I live, ask me to have a prayer with her in the early afternoon before her family arrived to take her husband's ashes away to put in the ocean. Did I have the energy for all this so soon after regaining my health? I turned to the Lord for help.
Psalm 121:1-2 – I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (NIV)
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV 2011)
We may be asking where our help comes from when we are weak. Well, I found out that day. I was really tired when I returned home from church, and prayer with someone I hardly knew was going to be stressful and awkward, but I left it to God to carry me through the prayer gathering in the afternoon. His Spirit was certainly with me there. I could sense Him nearby and in me; I was at peace. I was not worried about anything, and the afternoon went well. It was greatly appreciated. Having a prayer with this new friend meant a great deal. Praying together, with arms circling each of us, was a lovely moment. I sensed the fruit of the Spirit in my life.
Galatians 5:22-23a – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (NIV)
When we live in the Spirit, there is love shared, joy together, peace in our hearts, patience with each other, kindness, goodness, and especially self-control in an awkward situation. Those are all available when we live in the Spirit of Jesus. Yes, that is how it feels to be alive in the Spirit. Wonderful! Living in the Spirit brings with it a huge sense of calm. God knows and sends His Spirit to comfort and sustain us. This is a wonderful experience when attending something for the first time, and sharing with strangers. Do you know what I am speaking about? Have you experienced being alive in the Spirit? It is the most wonderful, reassuring feeling one can have. All we need to do is invite Him in. Ah! the peace — such tremendous calm.
Prayer: Lord, please fill us with Your Spirit this day, giving us the assurance of Your loving presence. We are not alone in what we try to do; You are here. Thank You for Your blessings. Amen.
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Thanks for sharing Iris. God bless.
How true, Iris. Thanks for sharing this life giving message.
Isn’t our God so wise and so wonderful Iris? Lovely devotional. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the reminder that we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us. Blessings.
Dear Iris,
Thank you for your devotional today. God is good.
Dear Iris:
Thank you so much for sharing. I really needed that. God bless you and keep you strong and healthy.
I hope you are well on the road to full recovery now. I’m wondering about the time you spent in prayer with the person who asked for your help.
Dear Iris,
Thank you for doing such a good job teaching us. I really enjoy reading yours. Keep up the great work. And may God bless you and keep you well
Hello Iris,
Just read your devotion for to day. Thank you, its always good to read your writing.
We wish you all the best also with your health, it is a problem for all of us when we get older.
What a compliment to you, Iris, to be asked to pray with a family with whom you do not have a close connection. Obviously you live a life that the lady who asked you respects and admires, and it is also obvious that you live a life filled with the spirit.
(Texas)
Hello Iris, I always know when you are the writer of the devotional even before I see your name. I have appreciated every one you have contributed. Thank-you. I retired recently but continue to do some pastoral care. Sounds like you are still serving the Lord too, not that I expected anything different. May you continue to be blessed and at peace in God’s care and comfort.
Sorry to hear of your illness and glad you are feeling better.
Years ago I remember coming home one evening very tired and wanted to go straight to bed. Then the phone rang and a family was calling for help. Well, like you, I silently said a prayer as we quickly went to help. It is frightening enough for any of us but when your English is poor it is worse. Well we got through that evening and we often say oh we are so tired but we know if we are really needed the strength will be there. Thank God for that.
Prayers go with you.
Thank you Iris. Very encouraging.
Bless you.
Dear Iris;
Amen to your prayer. Thank you for your devotional.
Hello, Iris: Great to have you writing again. Sorry to hear about your blood pressure and I trust it’s generally under control. I’ve been on meds. for it for 40 years. You always have something ‘real’ to convey – worth hearing for sure.
Dear Iris,
Thank you for a very beautiful and inspiring devotional.
I pray for your continued best health.