QUICKEN ME, LORD!

 

elcome back to my blog, dear friends. It has been another couple of years since I've posted. In one sense, it feels likes a blink of an eye. In another, it feels like it's been eons. Again, so much has happened -  and so much is still happening, and yet things are standing still. Let me explain...

To catch you all up quickly....if that is possible...my mother passed away one year ago on June 24, 2023. She suffered so much at the end of her life, so it was truly merciful for the the Lord to take her, even though my life was torn to pieces and the loss I have felt ever since then has been immense. She was and always will be my best friend on this earth. 

Since then, my life has been in what I would call a stronghold of waiting and trying to move ahead all at the same time. I have felt like a box that has been in a vice, wanting to be set free. I can see the possibilities of where things could and should be going, but can not reach them, no matter how much I try to move ahead. Painful trials come and go, but I continue to be in this stronghold, something most days feel insufferable, while on others are tolerable. I did not pick a new word/verse for 2024, but if I had, I think it would have been

 QUICKEN

What does quicken mean in the Bible?

The word quicken is used in the King James Version of the Bible, and it means “revive or make alive.” If something is living, it is “quick”; to “quicken” something is to bring it to life or restore it to a former flourishing condition. The phrase the quick and the dead contrasts the word dead with the word quick—they are antonyms.

I pray every day for the Lord to "quicken" me....to restore to me the flourishing condition I had once felt and been in. I'm not sure why the Lord has chosen not to let this happen or if I am still needing to learn how to "wait on Him" to renew me. I only know that He has not done so yet.

“Often, we endure trials seeking God’s deliverance from them. Suffering is painful for us to endure or to see those we love endure. While our instinct is to flee trials, remember that even in the midst of suffering, God’s will is being done.”  Paul Chappell

♱♱♱

A few verses that also come to mind, as I've continued to seek what the Lord is trying to teach me during this time of endurance and suffering...

2 Timothy 2:12

"If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us."

2 Timothy 4:18

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen."

Revelation 14:12

"Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus."

Revelation 2:10

"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."

Revelation 3:10

“Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.”

Revelation 3:11

“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”

My prayer: “Dear Lord, I come to you in humility, acknowledging my spiritual dryness and lack of vitality. I ask that you would quicken me, revive my spirit, and restore my soul. Guide me and show me what I need to do in every decision here on earth. Give me strength when it is time to move ahead, but heavenly patience and peace, when I need to wait for the next step in my life.

Psalm 6:2 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.

In all things, may Your will be done. In Jesus' great and holy name, amen.

SOURCES:

https://sermons.faithlife.com/sermons/294821-the-quickening-of-the-spirit

https://www.wordsoflife.co.uk/bible-studies/study-7-the-quickening-power-of-the-word/

https://www.gotquestions.org/quicken-in-the-Bible.html

2023: New Year. New WORDS, New Theme

 Hello all! Is it really 2023??? 

Well, COVID is at least unofficially over!! Praise God!! The past 2 years seemed to creep by, with the world fully engaged in the pandemic. My mom has continued to go downhill mentally and physically, but she is still with us. Over the past few years there have been some physical and emotional illnesses that continue to plague family members. There have been joyous occasions...like the birth of our great grandson! We have done some traveling, but not as much as I would have liked.

But, probably the most difficult part of that time for me has been, even after things started to open back up, that I was still doing a lot of things the same, day in and day out. Still visiting mom on a regular basis, making sure her health needs were met (still always a work in progress, as staff shortages continue in the nursing homes). Also, trying to know how to address some of the health issues at home. Praying continuously for healing over those who are suffering! But not seeing much change. Waiting patiently for years, but also trying endlessly to make the changes that are needed, when possible!(Which seemed rare to me) Many days, I have felt at the end of my rope, exhausted, and ready to give up! Of course, I am still here, so I always have found even the smallest bit of strength(only through the Lord!) to keep going.

With all that being said, I want to have a more positive outlook in 2023! So, I have once again been motivated to have a word to get me going....actually, I have prayed and felt that there are 3 words that have come to mind. 

CHANGE

                         MOVE 

                                                  MIRACLE

                                                                                                  

With my chosen words of the year I also seek God for a verse to go along with it. 

With them all pulled together, I feel like God is saying, He is going to do something great in my life the coming year. Isaiah 43:19 really seemed the most appropriate!

 "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

This year, I also have found a quote that really hit home for me...

As we continue into the year, I will be posting different ways that I feel God wants me to use these words, verse, and quote. I will be sharing some goals and hopes for the year. I also will look for ways that God provides and opens the doors to allow for change, moves, and miracles in my life.

Stay tuned for those posts....I promise I will be working harder at posting more often!!!! 

Blessings to you all in 2023!!!

Eleven Words, One Theme: Change in 2018

https://wordart.com/

Happy 2018!!

I have been contemplating a word for the new year ahead. But, as in the past, it seems like there have been several different words that have gotten my attention. After breaking my list of words down to 8, I constructed a "word cloud" above. Though there are several words, one word is central to me...

CHANGE

Change is inevitable in life. More importantly, I see change being a bigger part of my life this year, more than ever. 

Throughout the year, I will be posting about each of these words and what they mean to me, especially as I consider how God is using them to mold me.

To go along with each word, I am sharing a Bible verse, as well.

• Change/Prepare - "This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace." Colossians 1:6

   “Prepare God’s arrival! Make the road smooth and straight! Every ditch will be filled in, Every bump smoothed out, The detours straightened out, All the ruts paved over. Everyone will be there to see The parade of God’s salvation.” Luke 3:1-6

• Healthy - "Jesus heard about it and spoke up, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out.” Luke 5:31-32

• Brave - "Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord." Psalm 27:14 

• Exhale - The Lord God created the heavens and stretched them out. He shaped the earth and all that comes from it. He gave life to the people who are on it and breath to those who walk on it. Isaiah 42:5

• Freedom - "If you have a chance at freedom, go ahead and take it. I’m simply trying to point out that under your new Master you’re going to experience a marvelous freedom you would never have dreamed of." 1 Corinthians 7:21

• Turning - "I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back." Philippians 3:12-14

• Passage - "What I’m interested in seeing you do is: to break the chains of injustice, sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, God will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’ Isaiah 58:6-9

• Freefall - "God frees prisoners— he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen." Psalm 146:9

   "Because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. Psalm 91:10-13

   If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, “I’m slipping, I’m falling,” your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up." Psalm 94:17-19

• Trust  - "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture."  Psalm 37:3 

• Leap - “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets." Luke 6:23 

• Travel - "From now on every road you travel Will take you to God. Follow the Covenant signs; Read the charted directions." Psalm 25:10

"Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don’t for a minute lose sight of them. They’ll keep your soul alive and well, they’ll keep you fit and attractive. You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip. You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, Because God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound." Proverbs 3:21-26

"Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God." 1 Peter 1:18

 My Bible Verse Prayer for 2018:

God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me— my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm your promises to me— promises made to all who fear you. Hurry with your answer, God! I’m nearly at the end of my rope. Don’t turn away; don’t ignore me! That would be certain death. If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I’ll go to sleep each night trusting in you. Point out the road I must travel; I’m all ears, all eyes before you. Save me from my enemies, God— you’re my only hope! Teach me how to live to please you, because you’re my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland. 

                               Amen 

 Psalm 119:33-40, Psalm 143:7-10, 

I'm  very excited to see how God will be preparing my heart, as He guides me through the changes ahead of me.

What word (or words) are you choosing for 2018?

   

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