prismaticbleed | youversion: february prayers (Reply)

daily Scripture prompt inspirations to be further edited and elaborated on, to speak from our own soul more fully.

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God, thank You for Your grace and the gift of salvation. It's only by Your grace of that salvation is even possible. But it is a firm foundation, immovable in Your constant love, and from that base we CAN build our life on You, in Christ.

You created us and you know both how and why we tick... every last one of us. You love us-- nousfoni and somafoni together-- and You know how all levels of life were designed to work best. After all, You are the Source and Designer of life, being, and existence! That"s why You give us guidelines, instructions, and even warnings— they are given to show us how to thrive.

Please teach us daily, in Scripture and prayer, what it means to be godly in every aspect of our life. Help us to say "yes" to the things that bring You joy, and "no" to the things that break Your Heart... the things that sent Christ to the Cross. Give us the Holy Spirit, that He may grant us the clear and committed discernment to know the difference, and act upon it righteously and wisely.

Lastly, reassure us that our salvation-- our very life in eternity-- is secured only in You, by You, because of Your endless Love which You reveal and give to us in Christ Jesus. Help us to fully realize that we cant do anything to "earn" that divine love. Then we can truly and joyfully accept Your invitation to live, to thrive, and to be a part of the greatest story on earth.

After all, we were made for it.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

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As a teenager, Jessica was anointed with creative genius and passion, destined to become a force of inspiration for generations. But instead of easily ascending the ranks in formal education with a glorious portfolio and innate skill, she spent years running from mental illness and traumatic psychosexual abuse (inescapable in her own head & body) which incessantly tried to kill her.

During this time, Jessica laments to God: she has honest conversations about her situation while holding onto the hope that God can—and will—restore her.

Jessica's laments allowed her to express her grief, cry out for justice, and remember God's faithfulness. Focusing on God's faithfulness reminded Jessica of God's character, and knowing God's character helped her hold onto hope.

That's why she could say, “But I will sing of Your strength! In the morning, I will sing of Your love! For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 59:16 NIV)

Talking honestly with God helped Jessica recognize that even though her current situation wasn’t good-- in fact it was traumatic-- God was still good, no matter what, and so God was still (and forever) worthy of being worshiped. Jessica doggedly believed that God was still in control of her life, despite all tragic appearances. She believed against all odds that she would one day see the fulfillment of God’s promises in her life.

And one day, God's promises did come to pass. It took years upon years of fervent desperate prayer & waiting, but God came through, as He always does and always will. Her prayers were answered, in ways she never could have imagined or expected, because God's fulfillment of her deepest needs and hopes was more perfect than even she could have asked for.

Even more amazingly, God didn’t even waste the years Jessica spent as a lost & sinful wreck-- as an addict, a victim, a scumbag even-- instead, He used those battles & terrors both to help Jessica become the leader and warrior her people needed. The setbacks Jessica endured as she struggled with vice & weakness actually strengthened her character and prepared her for her future purpose-- for holiness and virtue! Although her circumstances were frightening and painful, even hellish, God was faithful.

And God can—and will—be faithful with her life now, too.

Jessica, when you place your hope in Jesus, you will never grieve in vain because the God Who Is now is also the God Who will be forever. And He is constantly advocating and acting on your behalf. That's why, no matter what you face, you can hold onto this hope: Jesus can turn your setbacks and sorrows into setups for your good and His glory.

God can take your pain and use it for His purposes. He can make a way through your desert seasons. He is your source of strength and your refuge in times of trouble. Nothing is impossible for God.

So today, continue to draw closer to Him, and look for evidence of His faithfulness. As you intentionally pursue God, look for ways to worship Him in every circumstance.

Remember-- God is mighty and worthy of all your praise forever!

When you feel overwhelmed, God wants to support and soothe you. When you feel discouraged, God wants to encourage and uplift you. When you feel hopeless and alone, God surrounds and protect you with loving care. God is your constant Source of strength. Nothing is impossible for Him, and He is working for your highest good in every moment! Praise Him for His love-- His particular, personal, perfect love for YOU!