Tag Archives: Prayer

Praise. Pray. Plan.

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When was the last time you slowed down to remember what you were doing last January?
Was it a good month?
Bad month?
What would you say defined it?
Did you learn anything?

Can you even remember?

Each new year I set aside time to PRAISE. PRAY. PLAN. The discipline of being quiet, distraction free. Remembering where the Lord took me. How he gave me grace. Brought people into my life. Challenged me. There is joy in remembering and it allows me to be thankful for the past.

Journaling

Psalm 145: 4-7

“One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your might acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.”

Not my works, acts, majesty, awesome deeds, greatness, abundant goodness, righteousness. The LORD’s. How quick I am to take the credit for my “wonderful last year.” I’m so easily a fame and glory thief.

Have you taken time to look at the evidence of grace in you life and where the credit belongs?

September Sunset on Lake Clark

1 Chronicles 28:9

“…know the God of your father and serve him with your whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches the hearts and understands every plan and thought.”

Gulp.                                       Read it again.                                                Let it sink in.

I love thinking about the future. I love acting on it. It thrills me.

But I’m not into new year’s resolutions. I’m into strategically looking at what I’ve learned in the last year (or five) and building on it…not redoing it. Setting goals for growth.

Goal Areas

  • Spiritual 
  • Relational
  • Financial
  • Physical
  • Career/Work
  • Learning/Education
  • Personal/Recreational
  1. What have I said YES to this year and what do I need to say NO to, so I have balance and boundaries with my life.
  2. What are my top time wasters?
  3. What are my top money wasters?
  4. How will I be disciplined to not allow that waste in my future year? Who can keep me accountable?

Do you ever feel like a human doer not a human being. Do, do, do, go, go, go rather than just resting and being. I encourage you to take some time to reflect and plan.

“…Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you.” 1 Chronicles 28:20

Be strong and courageous

Ask the Lord for direction, seek council, look at your motives, be wise about your plans…but sometimes you just need to step out and do it.

Big Prayers

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It started in the early 90’s.  The big prayers for a way to reach out to Native Alaskan youth in their “gap year.”  How do we reach the kids who are too old to go to Tanalian Bible Camp, but are not yet adults? How can we help make an impact with individuals that will ripple out across a village community?

I am here in rural Alaska because of these prayers.  Robert and Girla, the first two Tanalian Leadership Center (TLC) students are here because of these prayers.  Praise the Lord for those who prayed BIG and those who followed the Lord’s leading in helping make this dream become a reality.

TLC is in its fourth week and a change is all ready taking place in the students’ lives.  I’ve had the chance to be a part of the Bible classes a few days each week and it’s fun to see Robert and Girla learning.  Going through the Bible in a narrative form, they are connecting the dots with God’s promises, how we today struggle with the same sins and his redemptive plan for his people (us).  They know very little about the Bible, so each story holds new information of God’s redemptive plan.  They are learning new vocabulary such as holy, redemption, atonement…and many words, which are important to understanding the story.  I take for granted the Biblical knowledge and “Christian-ease” language I’ve grown up with and how important it is not to assume they know it.

Robert is about to complete a maqii (steam bath) this week.  He has taken great pride in learning carpentry and seeing the product unfold before him.  He’s eagerly waiting in the morning, tool belt on, ready to use his hands. I think he’s also excited to have a good steam in it when it’s done!  Robert has also expressed he’s learning a lot in the Bible class, and has done a great job with his weekly assignments.

Girla still has a goal of counseling at Tanalian Bible Camp this summer.  How amazing will it be to see her helping lead a group of other native girls, who are also hungry to learn about the Bible. She’s growing in confidence in Bible knowledge and asking lots of questions.  She is outside her comfort zone, being away from family, outside her village and being challenged in new ways.  Pray for her strength and homesickness.

It’s easy sometimes to get caught in the detail of every day life.  As I stop today and remember that God brought me to Alaska for His purposes, an answer to many people’s prayers, I ask that you would pray big for a change in the lives of Robert and Girla. And that God would continue to provide for me so I can dedicate myself full-time to the work at TBC and TLC.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last.  Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”  - John 15:16