On Our Hearts: Rejection

This week our prayers are going to focus on the lies that we are deceived into believing about ourselves. The devil's persistence in trying to break us down may be strong but it is no match for God's absolute truth. This week we're going to expose just some of the devil's lies that cloud our thinking and interfere with us having a triumphant life in Christ.



We've all been there. Call it denied, overlooked, or ignored - it's still rejection and it still hurts. No one wants to feel unwanted or worthless. And it is especially painful when someone you love rejects you. It is in our nature to want to be accepted and valued. And yet how do we deal with the daily rejections? And let's face it, rejection happens to each of us daily. Our co-workers, our children, our friends, and even our own spouse will reject us at times. Jesus understands how you're feeling when others dismiss you, He felt it too.

Heavenly Father,

We are so thankful that you understand just exactly how we are feeling. Like us, you felt rejected, forsaken, and discarded by people. We've been told we're unqualified, unworthy and unlovable. But your word tells us that we belong to you, Lord. And You have not made us inferior. You have given us Your Holy Spirit and You have equipped us to overcome tribulation. You never overlook us, You never forsake us, and You never reject us. Thank you Father, for we are perfect in Your eyes. We have no need to look for acceptance here on this earth when we have Your unfailing love and devotion. Holy Spirit prepare us for the disappointments that we will encounter and strengthen us when we feel defeated. Remain in us to stand strong and to not let the devil steal our faith. Let us courageously stand up when we are told we are unlovable, and shout - Jesus loves me! When we are told we are disqualified, may we proclaim - I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God! And when we are told we are unwanted, may we declare - My Father accepts me just as I am!

Amen


"Everything and everyone that the Father has given me will come to me, and I won't turn any of them away." John 6:37


"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10

On Our Hearts: Missed Blessings

How many times have we found ourselves wishing and hoping for something to happen? Have you ever caught yourself saying, I wish this was better, I wish I didn't have to do such and such? What about taking it to the Lord? How many blessings were missed just simply because we didn't let the Lord take control? For all those times that we were grumbling what if we had fallen on our knees instead of finding the first person we come to and complaining to them? The Lord wants to bless us. He LIVES to bless us if we would only let Him. Like the woman at the well just going about her daily life she was not expecting to be blessed but one semi-honest conversation with Jesus and suddenly her life changes. She didn't have to do anything extraordinary, she just talked to Him - even though in those days she knew a Jew wouldn't dare speak to a Samaritan. She didn't speak in tongues, she didn't have a prayer closet or a special CD of praise music, she talked to Him while she was getting water from a well. I can't count the number of times I'm at the sink rinsing out sippy cups or scrubbing a pan. Jesus is in the kitchen too, you know. Talking to Him should be as natural as picking up the phone and calling our best friend.


Lord, we ask that You forgive us for all the blessings we missed. For all the times you wanted to show us just how much You really love us. Lead us in a way that requires us to lean on You. May we feel your presence when we're looking for guidance. May we find you wherever we are - in the car, at the store, in a meeting, or at the little league game. Give us the desire to come to You first - not our friends, our co-workers, or those unhealthy vices. Lord You are the only one who can direct our path, You are the only one who supplies all of our needs, and You are the only one who can show us perfect love. May we never again miss an opportunity for a blessing because of our own selfishness.

Amen

"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." Mark 11:24

"The woman said, 'I know that Messiah' is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.' Then Jesus declared, 'I who speak to you am he.'" John 4:25,26

On Our Hearts: Patience

Heavenly Father,

There are so many things that we have prayed for and yet we still wait for Your answer. We are at the mercy of Your perfect timing - unfortunately we are not so good at waiting. We continually seek immediate and self-gratifying answers though You have told us to wait and be patient. We can't see the big picture that You have so carefully painted for us. We're too eager to skip past all the "little" things and just get to the end result.

Lord, we know deep down that You have an awesome plan for our lives. We know that as our Father You know what is best for us. We also know that no amount of manipulating or plotting will get us the result You desire for us. We ask that You give us the patience to wait. Give us a joyful spirit in faith that You will answer our prayers, that You will give us what we seek. God, You are our Provider, Deliverer, and Companion we put our hope in You.

Amen

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

"If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you." John 15:7