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My heart continues to break over the tragic loss of life caused by the flooding in TX. Every thought I have is turned to prayer for the parents who are grieving their little girls.
Words cannot fully express the pain of losing a child, no matter the age. I've had a taste of this kind of heartache when I briefly held my grandson who was born without a heartbeat at 36 weeks. I will always miss him.
My prayer is that the truth in this "song of lament" will be of some comfort to anyone who is struggling with the real, raw, and immense emotions that accompany grief.
Right now, I am thinking of the parents of the little girls from Camp Mystic in Texas.
Hear the Lord whisper, "I'm holding you both."
I'm Holding You Both
O my
O, my God
O, my God, no!
A heart of sorrow, tears of pain-
This, my God, is more than a sting.
Where's the victory?
Where's the hope?
I'm holding onto life,
I'm holding onto life,
I'm holding onto Life,
I'm holding onto Christ...
He gently whispers, "I'm holding you both."
A heart of sadness, tears remain,
An earthly loss for a heavenly gain??
And this is the story that You wrote?!
I'm holding onto life,
I'm holding onto life,
I'm holding onto Life,
I'm holding onto Christ...
He sweetly whispers, "I'm holding you both."
A heart of aching, tears make stains,
Tears of anguish well up again-
I'm trusting, trusting - but help me cope!
I'm holding onto life,
I'm holding onto life,
I'm holding onto Life,
I'm holding onto Christ...
He softly whispers, "I'm holding you both."
A heart of longing, tears untamed,
Release, hold on, release again-
God, assure me she's dancing to the song you wrote:
"I'm holding onto Life,
I'm holding onto Life,
I'm holding onto Life,
I'm holding onto Christ!"
As you sing to me, "I'm holding you both."
O my
O, my God
O my God, help me say... "Yes."
Wednesday
Picture: Sheep (going astray, scattered)
Scripture: Isaiah 53:6; Psalm 119:176; Matthew 26:31; Ezekiel 34:11-16; Matthew 18:10-13
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Close your eyes and envision a sheep wandering off far away from the flock only to get caught on a dangerous sloping hillside. Now see the Shepherd’s relentless pursuit in both finding and rescuing this lost sheep. So often, we get ourselves into our self-created messes, but thankfully our Savior comes to the rescue when we cry out with a repentant heart.
In what way have you felt your Shepherd come to you rescue you from a precarious situation?
After your rescue by your Good Shepherd, what was your reaction?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Friday
Picture: House (living with lights on!)
Scripture: Psalm 36:8-9; Psalm 40:8-10; Matthew 5:14-16; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Envision a house on a hilltop at night with all the lights on and many people visiting inside. Much like this picture, our faith in God is not only a strong refuge for us, but it is also a place for others to draw near so they can experience the light and love of Christ in the things we say and do.
What are reasons that might keep you from shining your light for Him (ex. busyness, fear, discomfort…)?
Who are some people in your daily life in which you want to shine your light for the Lord? Name them and write practical ways in which you can do so.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Wednesday
Picture: House (cornerstone to completion)
Scripture: Isaiah 28:16; Isaiah 54:11-14; 1 Corinthians 3:11-16; 1 Peter 2:4-5
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Synonyms for the word “cornerstone” are: centerpiece, mainspring, core, heart. Cornerstone is the main stone that holds the two joining walls of the house together. From this secure place the house is built, brick by brick. Likewise, our spiritual cornerstone is Christ, in which all things stem from Him as we build our lives.
What are practical ways in which you can keep Jesus as the centerpiece of your daily life?
What are some hallmark “bricks” that have been laid in your life, recently or in the past, in
relation to decisions made based on God’s word?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Monday
Picture: Body (the Head/the mind)
Scripture: Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:16-18; Colossians 2:8-10; Romans 12:1-2;
1 Corinthians 2:16
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Today’s focus is both on the Head and the mind. First think about the knowledge and power of a any king or president over his country and people. He is the head of state, but it is the people’s choice to follow his rule or to rebel. Likewise, Christ has sovereign control over each of His children individually and also His church collectively; however He gives each on of us a free will to make decision to obey or disobey His love-based rulership. Jesus, the Head and the perfect Ruler implores us to transform our minds to think like Him, and as a result, behave like Him.
When you make decisions, both small and big, do you take it to the Lord your Ruler in prayer? Explain a time in which you did or did not take this route.
Does God’s word dictate the things you say and do? Give an example in which a particular Bible verse (or biblically-based thought) came to mind and you choose to obey/disobey.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Thursday
Picture: Sheep (assembled in a flock)
Scripture: Micah 2:12; Luke 12:32; Psalm 100:1-3; Acts 2:1
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about a protective shepherd gathering his whole flock together. He counts each one, but also enjoys the whole. Likewise, our Shepherd loves each one of us individually, but He also loves to see His cherished people as a collective group. He is faithful in all His ways and His pasture is good.
Are you a part of a ministry or church in which you are being lead in His truth? How does this group of believers encourage you?
Is there someone who you could prayerfully consider inviting to join in with this current body of believers? Write their name here, and at God’s prompting, follow through with the invitation.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Friday
Picture: Sheep (following the Shepherd)
Scripture: Psalm 78:52-54; John 10:1-18; 1 Peter 2:25
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
In your mind’s eye, see and hear a shepherd calling out to his sheep, and the sheep immediately responding to it. See the sheep willingly follow their protector and provider. What an example to us from these trusting sheep! May we take this picture to heart when thinking of our Good Shepherd, who lovingly gave His life for each one of His children.
How well do you know the voice of your Shepherd? Explain.
Do you consider the choice path of your Good Shepherd to be trustworthy? Keep in mind His sacrificial love. Explain.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Dear Lord,
Help us to believe that if we choose "left" but we're supposed to go "right," you will tenderly turn us around. When we are seeking your word and desire your will, you are trustworthy to lead us in the way we should go. Thank you for your guiding hand. In Jesus' Name, Amen.