Tag Archives: Prayer

The Fruit of the Spirit is: Peace

Posted on May 9, 2013 by | Leave a comment

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23

peace_fruitsOSP

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul. – Hymn Written by: Horatio Spadfford

Most of us can point to areas of our lives that cause stress, heartache, and unhappiness. And some of those things we can change; but honestly, many we can’t. Regardless of the situation, anyone can find serenity and calm in Jesus.

My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).

Our culture points us to material things, relationships, accomplishments to bring a sense of security. Too many times we expect marriage, sexual intimacy, physical attractiveness, prosperity, or a successful career to bring us peace. But none of these things can guarantee a sense of inner tranquility. Why? Because each one is subject to change and attempting to find peace through something that is always changing doesn’t end well for anyone. God doesn’t promise us a life that is trouble-free but if we have an intimate relationship with Jesus, we can have a quietness that gives us strength so we are not devastated by adversity and heartache.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

I am so thankful for this Scripture. It never fails to surpass all comprehension. It’s unchanging—it doesn’t come and go depending on my circumstances and I am so thankful for that.

Your circumstances might be out of control—or maybe you are simply a little disappointed with the way life has turned out for you so far. You might think that more money, a better job, or a certain relationship could make all the difference in how you feel. But I am convinced that even with all those things, there will still be a sense of restlessness. There is only one source of peace— the God who holds the universe together. You and I can focus on our circumstances and try to manipulate them for our own benefit or we can dwell on negative facts and make ourselves literally sick and ill with worry. That’s just going to leave us with unstable and shaky security. But when we choose to find our peace in the Lord, He will comfort us through our heartaches in life and give us confidence and unshakable security.

Now I’m not gonna pretend that I have it all together. I tend to try and seek peace the same way every else does. I expect to find security in jobs, relationships, wealth, material things, appearance, etc. Wealth disappears, jobs end, relationships fail, material things deteriorate and beauty is fleeting. Even good health is not a guarantee. So much of life is uncertain. But there is only one reliable source of supernatural peace. You and I can and will experience inner serenity that isn’t dependent on circumstances and the secret to this amazing tranquility is surrendering to Jesus. Peace with God is the fruit of oneness with Him. Surrender to Him and you can face every day with a powerful sense of indescribable peace.

Karina Lopez

→ Leave a comment

Posted in fruits of the spirit, OurSinglePurpose, Purpose

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Archive April: Praying For Your Future Husband

Posted on April 6, 2013 by | 1 Comment

praying2

Originally Posted on: April 16, 2012

Proverbs 31:12  states that a wife of noble character is to bring her husband “good not harm all the days of her life.” This verse does not only apply to women who have already met their spouses, but to single women as well. We should be living our life in a way that ultimately glorifies the Lord, and also in a way that would be faithful to a future husband. One way to live this out is by praying for your future husband even before you meet him.

Several years ago I was reminded of the power of prayer in this area after hearing a friend’s testimony.  She shared that one night she woke up at 3am and felt the Lord telling her to pray for her future husband. She spent the remainder of the night in prayer because she knew he was in trouble.  She continued to pray for him daily after that.  A year later, when she was getting to know the man who now is her husband, he told her that he was involved in a car accident that almost took his life.  As he told her the details of how it happened, it was exactly the date and time that the Lord woke her up to pray.  When I heard this story I was reminded that God values and honors our prayers for a husband even when we cannot see what He is doing.

Recently, I read a book  titled “Praying For Your Future Husband,” by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer.  In this, the authors share Biblical encouragement and wisdom on how to pray for your husband and prepare your heart for his.  It also gives ways to pray for your sisters in Christ. I would like to share some of these, and I encourage you to spend some time this week in prayer for your future husband as well as your fellow sisters as we are trying to be the women God has called us to be.

  • Pray for his Heart - Pray that your future husband will give his heart to Jesus Christ. Pray that he will trust the Lord each day to get him through whatever life may bring, and for his thoughts and actions to reflect the love of Christ.   Pray these things also for yourself and your friends.
  • Pray for Strength - Pray that your future husband will have inner-spiritual strength and that the Lord will give him strength to fight temptations and difficulties.  Pray that the Lord will mold him into the leader he needs to be. Also, pray the same things for yourself and your friends. Pray that God will give you strength in areas where you are weakest and allow His strength to make you strong.
  • Pray for Loyalty and Faithfulness - Pray that your future husband will be faithful to the Lord in every area of his life.  Pray also that he is loyal to the friendships that God has already given him, and pray that he is already faithful to you.  Pray these things for yourself and your friends.
  • Pray for Protection - Pray that your future husband will be protected from the evil one.  Pray that he puts on the armor of God each day and for the Lord to help him fight not only the outward sources that try to bring him down but also the sin nature inside.  Also, pray the same protection each day for yourself and your friends.
  •  Pray for Contentment - Pray that your future husband will be content, and have patience as he waits for God to lead him to you.  Pray that his heart will not be hardened during this time, but instead that he grow closer in his relationship with Christ. Pray that he spends his time focusing on serving Christ and others, and not dwelling on being single.  Pray that Christ alone will always be enough.  Pray for the same contentment for yourself and your friends.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Amelia McNeilly

→ 1 Comment

Posted in archive, Book Reviews

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Archive April!!

Posted on April 1, 2013 by | 1 Comment

Today we celebrate our One Year Anniversary here at OurSinglePurpose! God has blessed and exceeded our expectations way beyond we could ever imagine! Here are just a few testimonies of how we have seen God work over the past year:

I just wanted to let you know just how much “Our Single Purpose” blog has been such a tremendous blessing to me.  Although I am now 26 years old and at the prime age to be married, I have found comfort through single friends that are in the same boat as I am in but also through sisters in Christ that I do not know.  God is working in me especially in this season of singleness, and I have finally found contentment in Christ that I cannot describe.  I know that this blog has been a part of helping me find the contentment that Christ so desperately has been trying to offer me for years! Thank you to all the contributors for allowing the Lord to use you and sharing your hearts because you have encouraged me and so many other ladies that are in this season of life.

I thought that what you wrote on OurSinglePurpose was encouraging and reminded me of the place I was in for such a long time…! However, within the past few months, the Lord has really given me peace and a renewed spirit of joy for where He has me at this season in my life. I am so glad that He is sovereign and that I am not in control because I would definitely mess everything up! Praise the Lord for His comfort and peace that passes all understanding! Even for something as “trivial” as a past relationship.

I just wanted you to know that I do read the blog that you contribute to. I have really benefited from reading it. I have recently felt like I’ve turned a new leaf in my life, becoming more independent in the Lord and realizing that I don’t need a man to make my life complete. I am excited about what God is doing in my life and the change he is bringing to the person who I am. Thank you for addressing the need of many women these days; the need to know that life doesn’t start at the beginning of a relationship, rather at the beginning of the relationship we have with Christ.

I want to say a thank you to all of our contributors! I cannot tell you how amazing they are. They have had so much courage over the past year to be honest and transparent. Time and time again, they have written from their heart about their own personal walk with the Lord and singleness. God has blessed me tremendously with not only their encouragement through OSP, but their incredible friendship.

I want to especially take the time to thank you for being a part of this amazing ministry. We are in the process of praying and planning the future of OSP. Please say a special prayer for this blog and where the Lord is leading us. Ephesians 3:20-21 will be our focus prayer,

“Lord we know you are able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. We desire for You receive glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen”

archiveapril

During the month of Archive April we will celebrate by bringing back our favorite posts from the past year! We pray that you will be encouraged through these posts whether you are a new follower, or have been a follower from the very beginning. May God continue to bless you and your desire to glorify Him in your singleness!

Marlana Kaye

→ 1 Comment

Posted in archive, OurSinglePurpose, Purpose

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Encouragement Through Friendship

Posted on March 27, 2013 by | Leave a comment

friendship_

The other day in my weekly small group my friend Amy reminded all of us of the special blessing friendships are. As a single woman some of our daily prayers are probably for a “helpmate,” a “husband,” but sweet Amy said, “Look around, the Lord has provided me with amazing helpmates in each of you, my friends.” This was such a needed reminder in my life; although it doesn’t lessen my desire for a husband, goodness it helps to change my focus and to count my blessings. The Lord has truly blessed me with ah-mazing friends who have encouraged me throughout the valleys and the mountain tops. Afterall, that’s what friends are for…to mourn with us when we mourn, but to also rejoice with us when we rejoice (Romans 12:15). Looking back at the memorial stones in my life, I can clearly see how the Lord has provided for me in each and every season with just the right group of friends to encourage me. Here are some ways my friends have been an encouragement to me. My prayer is that I too will be an encouragement to the friends the Lord has so graciously placed in my life.

1. Listen- I know I can always turn to my friends when I just need someone to listen. James 1:19 reminds us that we need to be quick to listen and slow to speak. It is such an encouragment to me when my friends will take the time to sit back and listen to what’s going on in my life. They don’t interrupt me, they don’t offer their opinion (well not always!), and at times they don’t even pretend like they have a solution…instead they just listen (you know us women most times that’s all we need and we instantly feel better about a situation)!

2. Loyal-  Regardless of our age, distance, or even our season of life my friends have remained faithful (Ruth 1:16-17) . As I’ve gotten older, I realize that this type of loyalty and friendship takes discipline and time. Things are not like they were in college when you could walk down the dorm hallway and sit on your friend’s twin size bed and talk about the day’s events. Now there are jobs to consider, distance to overcome, and for some new commitments and responsibilities (i.e. husbands and children). However, this encourages me even more that even though times have changed my friends remain loyal and committed to continuing to do life together.

3. Present- The summer of 2006 was a tragic time for me.  May was when I lost my fiance to a heart condition. He was 26 I was 23. We had dated 2 years and been engaged 2 weeks. The loss was sudden, painful, and it was literally heart breaking.  This is when the Lord revealed to me how important friends are that will just visit like Job’s friends did. That take the time to call,  sit with, and to encourage simply by being there. Honestly, I look back at that time and realize that no one, not even myself, had any words that could answer all the questions going through my mind. They couldn’t say anything to take the pain away but what they could do they did. They sat, they listened, they called, they cried with me, they told me what was going on in their life, they sympathized, they sent cards, they brought me food, they supported me, and they loved me… in the valley. What an encouragement they were to me during a time of need!

4. Words- We all need to be lifted up and encouraged with words at times and what better words than the Words of God to speak truth and encouragement into our friends lives. The Bible is the living word of God and feeds us promises and gives us hope daily. I had a friend recently give me a card that contained scripture. That’s all. Just words ordained and spoken by our Savior…and honestly that’s ALL I needed to help lift my spirits, encourage my heart, and help me have hope! Using scripture through cards, emails, or in daily conversations is a great way to encourage our friends.

5. Pray-  James 5:16 encourages us to pray for one another.  Praying for our friends is a great way we can show them encouragment. When a friend asks me what she can specifically pray for me it encourages me to know that I have others fighting along side of me and making my request known to the Lord. With the enemy out to get us…we need all the warriors we can get!

6. Accountable- Proverbs 27:17 reminds us of the importance of accountability in our lives. I have chosen a couple of friends that hold me accountable. Being held accountable is not always an easy thing but in the long run I feel encouraged by those friends who have accepted this role in my life. They are encouraging me to live a holy life that represents Christ in both my words and my actions.

7.Serve- One of the best examples in the bible of a servant is Jesus Christ. Throughout scripture He is seen serving others (both his friends and his enemies). I have often been encouraged by my friends who have helped me move, helped paint, brought me food when I was sick, and helped clean up after an event took place at my house. Serving others is a great example of Christ, which is always encouraging to the soul.

These are just a few examples of how I have been encouraged over the years by the friends the Lord has graciously blessed me with. My prayer is that I will be a friend to others that show the love of Christ in both my words and my actions!

                                                                                                  Holli Howard

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Friendship

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Friend To The Suffering.

Posted on March 26, 2013 by | Leave a comment

A friend loves at all times. – Proverbs 17:17

A friend sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24

friendship_

Last year, I learned a lot about friendships. I have learned what makes a good friend and what makes a bad friend. Unfortunately, I have learned a lot of the latter by my own mistakes. I have also learned this from watching and observing acts of kindness from some of my amazing friends. One huge way I have learned about friendships this year is through walking with my momma through her battle with cancer.  I have witnessed amazing prayer warriors fight the fight right alongside us. One of my momma’s friends sent her a card every day for 3 months-It was unbelievable! But unfortunately, I have seen the other side of this too.

I know many friends mean well and want to help, but don’t know what to do or say when a friend is suffering. I have had so so so so many loving and well-meaning people tell me that they have meant to call or write or visit but they just don’t know what to say, or they just don’t want to inconvenience my momma at the wrong time. As much as I appreciate the thought and the desire to contact and encourage my momma, it really doesn’t mean much if they don’t ever actually do it. I have been frustrated with the thought that sometimes we as believers don’t really know how to be a good friend to someone who is suffering and going through a trial. So, I’ve decided to put together a list (in progress) to help me and you know how to be a better friend to someone who is suffering. Here are some things that I have learned through my own experience as well as watching my momma and her friends.

10 Ways To Be a Friend To Someone Who Is Suffering:

  1. Let your friend know you love them. This is so important. Yes you can do this in many ways by your actions, but words are important too. Call them, visit them, write them just to tell them you love them.
  2. Prayer. Prayer can mean more than anything else you can give someone. Pray for them daily, and let them know you are praying for them. Ask them for specific things you can be praying about.
  3. Cards. Cards mean the world to someone who is suffering. Opening up a sweet, Scripture-based, or funny card can brighten up anyone’s day, especially if you are in the midst of a trial.
  4. Do what you say you are going to do. Don’t say you are going to call soon or visit soon or write soon if you aren’t really going to do it. These are empty words and do not go very far with someone who is suffering. Realize this may get your friends hopes up. They will only wait around for this to happen only to be disappointed that you didn’t follow through with your good intentions.
  5. Help your friend be a good friend. Help your friend keep an active role in the friendship by asking advice, opinions, and questions. I know when someone asks my momma for prayer, she is overjoyed to have the opportunity to serve them through prayer.
  6. Be compassionate during the hard times. Support your friend’s feelings. Allow them to be negative, withdrawn or silent. Realize that they are in a hard place and show compassion.
  7. Don’t offer medical advice, unless you are qualified. If your friend is having health problems, they are relying on the doctor for their diagnosis and treatment, not you.
  8. Be flexible. Realize that your friend may not be able to plan or schedule a date a week in advance or even a day in advance because of the uncertainty of their life circumstances. Call at random times to see if they are able to just get out and go riding in the car, go grab a cold drink from Sonic, or even just watch a movie at the house.
  9. Help the caregiver. Care-giving can be exhausting and can be emotionally draining. Come over and clean, mow the lawn, or bring dinner. Do not just offer, because more than likely the caregiver will not accept–so just do it.
  10. Don’t ever assume that your friend will ask for help if they need it. Ask regularly about specific things that they may need help with. Many people say, “Call me if you need anything.” This is sweet but too generic and many times your friend will not take you up on that. Better questions to ask are, “Where can I drive you this week?”, or “When can I bring you dinner this week?”, or “I’m at the store, I’ve picked you up a couple of things, what else can I bring you?” Be specific in asking for their needs.

Of course there are many other things you can do to help your friend: listen, take them to a doctor’s appointment, bring them planted flowers, bring a meal, print off some jokes to cheer up their day, give them audiobooks to give them something to do, keep them updated on the news or church events (let them know when there is a wedding or baby shower), take your friend for a walk…the possibilities are endless!

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

 Marlana Branning

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Friendship, OurSinglePurpose, Purpose

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Decade Later

Posted on February 26, 2013 by | 1 Comment

teen_girl

It has been a decade since I was a teenager (whew that was weird for me to say) and I can say my teenage years were filled with many highs and many lows. Being a high school teacher and a youth volunteer at my church I am able to observe how teens interact with each other on a daily basis. I see how boys and girls interact with each other, I see how you treat others, how you treat and talk about your parents but mostly what I see is a NEED to feel loved and accepted. I see it in you just like I saw it in myself 10 years ago.

I wanted my peers to like me. I wanted my parents to be proud of me and trust me. I wanted to make good grades and excel in sports. I wanted the cute boy to notice me. I wanted to feel pretty. I wanted to look skinny. I wanted to have a date for prom and homecoming and maybe even a Friday night football game. I wanted to have friends. I wanted to get in to a good college so I could have a good job and makes lots of money (haha and now I teach). Just reading this list now stresses me out! Being a teenager I know is NOT easy. It wasn’t easy 10 years ago and it certainly is not easy today. Many times as teens and even some as adults we tend to “want” to do and “be” a lot of different things in order to feel loved and accepted by people in our lives…or possibly by someone who isn’t even in your life (a dad that left or a mom who is at home but works so much you don’t ever see her). This feeling of striving to feel love and acceptance is not of the Lord.

To all the teens (and even the adults) reading this today may I remind you of Who loves and accepts you unconditionally…Jesus Christ. It doesn’t matter if you make all A’s, it doesn’t matter if you aren’t a size two or if your last attempt at a sports victory ended in failure. Regardless of your Friday or Saturday night plans you are Loved and accepted by Jesus. Jesus will ALWAYS be for you; HE will NEVER leave nor forsake you. He loves you so much He came to this earth to die for your sins so you could spend eternity with Him in heaven. Here are some scriptures to remind you of how much you are loved and accepted by Jesus.

John 1:12 – I am God’s Child.
John 15:15- I am Christ’s Friend.
Romans 5:1- I have been justified.
1 Cor. 6:19-20- I am bought with a price; I belong to God.
Eph. 1:1- I am a saint.
Eph. 1:5- I have been adopted as God’s child.
Eph. 2:18 – I have access to God thru the Holy Spirit.
Col 1:14- I have been redeemed and forgiven.
Col. 2:10 – I am complete in Christ.

Take a moment to reflect on how you are living your life. Are you living your life based on who you are in Christ-loved and accepted? Do your actions, attitude and words reflect a daughter of the King? Or are you living your life striving, and doing, and wanting things that aren’t of the Lord in hopes to feel love and acceptance from others? If your life is a reflection of the latter, take heart! The Lord has come to set you free from that bondage. Ask Him—He will reveal Himself to you in a way that will cause you to feel the most satisfying and unconditional love and acceptance ever. Come just as you are and leave the rest up to Him! Take it from me—a decade later—HIS love and acceptance is the Only One that is able to withstand the test of time and eternity for that matter! He. Loves. You.

Holli Howard

→ 1 Comment

Posted in OurSinglePurpose, Purpose, Teen Girls

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Spiritual Disciplines: Journaling

Posted on January 28, 2013 by | 1 Comment

journalingSD

 To continue our spiritual disciplines series, I want to share about one of my favorites which is journaling.  Journaling is something that I have done for years and it is a constant reminder to me of God’s faithfulness. Even though journaling does require discipline and can sometimes feel tedious, it is well worth it. Donald Whitney states in his book “Spiritual disciplines for the Christian Life,” “More than any other discipline, journaling has a fascinating appeal with nearly all who hear about it. One reason is the way journaling blends biblical doctrine and daily living, like the confluence of two great rivers into one. Although the practice of journaling is not commanded in scripture, it is modeled there. And God has blessed the use of journals since Biblical times.” For me, journaling has been a central aspect of my growth in my relationship with the Lord and below are some different ways that I use journaling and I pray that you find them helpful.

Prayer:

One of the main ways I use journaling is for prayer. Writing out my prayers helps me stay focused during prayer time each day and ultimately helps me to grow closer in my relationship with Christ. Also, writing out my prayers helps me to distress and clear my head. It is so encouraging to read back over prayers I have written and be reminded of how God has answered them.

Documenting Major Events in my Life and Spiritual Journey:

I often journal about what God is teaching me spiritually in a current season, and what is currently happening in my life. I have boxes of journals from over the years and it is so encouraging when I go back and read through them to see how I have progressed spiritually and in life. It makes me thankful for what God has done in my life along the way, and for what He will continue to do.

Meditating on Scripture:

Another way I find journaling helpful is by writing out certain scripture passages that I am studying. This helps me focus on what the passage is really saying and also helps me memorize it. Some of my favorite passages to journal about are the Psalms.

In closing, for years I have journaled by writing out my thoughts but lately I have began journaling using my computer or ipad. I know for some this could add distractions but when I am spending time journaling I make sure all my alerts are turned off so I won’t be interrupted. This works really well for me especially when I am reading the Bible or a book on my ipad and I want to journal notes about what I am reading. Everyone has different ways they like to journal, but I encourage you to find what works for you and commit to some time each day journaling even if it is only for a few minutes and I pray that it brings you into a sweeter communion with the Lord.

                                                                                             Amelia McNeilly

→ 1 Comment

Posted in OurSinglePurpose, Purpose, Spiritual Disciplines

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Spiritual Disciplines: Silence and Solitude

Posted on January 23, 2013 by | 4 Comments

But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. (Psalm 131:2)

SD_silenceThings to do, bills to pay, work to be done, bathrooms to clean, meals to cook, dishes to wash, shows to watch, books to read, papers to write, places to be, friends to see…and on and on the cycle goes. Whether you’re single or not, life can get extremely busy and that hectic pace can leave you frazzled and full of anxiety. That’s why the Spiritual Disciplines of Silence and Solitude are so important. The act of coming away from everything to set yourself before God and quiet your heart can bring everything back into perspective and help you realign your priorities.

“The Discipline of silence is the voluntary and temporary abstention from speaking so that certain spiritual goals might be sought. Sometimes silence is observed in order to read, write, pray, and so on. Though there is no outward speaking, there are internal dialogues with self and with God. This can be called “outward silence.” Other times silence is maintained not only outwardly but also inwardly so that God’s voice might be heard more clearly

Solitude is the Spiritual Discipline of voluntarily and temporarily withdrawing to privacy for spiritual purposes. The period of solitude may last only a few minutes or for days. As with silence, solitude may be sought in order to participate without interruption in other Spiritual Disciplines, or just to be alone with God.” (Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, pg 182.)

When I was single (not too long ago…) I developed the habit of often spending an entire Saturday morning with my Bible, journal, commentaries, prayer cards, etc. It was a time when the Lord would show me where I had sin hidden in my heart or when I would unload my struggles and anxieties. I would often spend time just sitting there in silence, quieting my racing mind and setting the adoration of my heart on Christ. There were times of prayer for myself, intercession for those I love, journaling, singing, reading. It was beautiful. It was a time I counted on to tend to my soul and grow in Christlikeness. (Not that I neglected the Lord at other times during the week, but just that I didn’t have as long or as uninterrupted times. For instance, my morning devotions were good but I was often distracted by the things that needed to be done for the rest of the day or whether I was going to be late to work or how much time I had left or if I had food for lunch or whether I defrosted the chicken for dinner that night or…) My Saturday mornings, though, were undistracted—nowhere to go, nothing that couldn’t wait. They were a very blessed time that I looked forward to all week long. They became a very sacred time that only the most important things could interrupt.

In the month and a half I’ve been married…boy, have things changed. Finding time to be by myself has become a task in itself. My life does not belong just to me any longer. I have a husband to tend to. My agenda has been melded in with his so I can’t be selfish with my time or schedule (still learning this lesson…). I have responsibilities to be a blessing to my husband. It’s a new season of life. So I need to learn what the disciplines of silence and solitude look like for me now. I know my husband needs and wants this time with the Lord also, so it’s just another area that we’ll have to work out.

Silence and solitude don’t have to include extended times of camping out in the woods with no one around for miles (though that would work). It can be a few moments in the car to slow down and breathe, turn off the radio and redirect your thoughts to more eternal things, or maybe in the elevator while you wait for your floor, or while you’re waiting in the cashiers line. It doesn’t take long to seek Him. He’s always near to you. Or if you do have more time go for a long walk, or go away for a weekend to a secluded spot (but be safe!), or find a quiet spot to park your car and watch the sunset (again, please be wise and safe).

This is the time to build these disciplines (whether married or single). But for singles, I speak as one who’s gone before you, don’t wait. Do it now. You won’t regret the time that you spend seeking the Lord in undistracted solitude and silence. Still your heart and mind as often as you can and let the Lord mold you into the gentle and quiet spirit that he finds so precious (1 Pet. 3:4) “The time for silence and solitude will rarely be easy to chisel out of your schedule. The world, the flesh, and the Enemy of your soul will see to that. But if you discipline yourself to do it, your only regret will be that you didn’t start sooner.” (Whitney, p 199)

“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)

Carrie Kelly

→ 4 Comments

Posted in Purpose, Real Life, singleness, Spiritual Disciplines

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Spiritual Discipline-Fasting.

Posted on January 22, 2013 by | Leave a comment

SD_fastingDo you fast?  Does fasting scare you?

Fasting has scared me many times in the past. But I have learned that fasting isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. All throughout Scripture we see the examples of the people of God fasting:

- Moses fasted for intimate fellowship with God (Exodus 34:28)
- David fasted for his sick child (2 Samuel 12:16)
- Ezra called a fast for humility and to ask for God’s provisions (Ezra 8:21-23)
- Daniel fasted to discern God’s will and seek God’s counsel (Daniel 10:2-3)
- Jesus fasted before beginning his public ministry (Matthew 4:2)
- Church leaders in Antioch fasted for God’s divine help (Acts 13:3)
- Paul fasted as a servant of God for those he served (2 Corinthians 6:5)

What is fasting?

Whitney in his Christian Disciplines for the Christian Life defines it as, “A Christian’s voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes.” I like the way John Piper defines it in his sermon here. He calls fasting an intensification of prayer. My definition of fasting is this: taking time to go without, to depend on and seek the Lord.

Why we fast:

  • Seeking God’s Will. If you have a decision to make, or are in the midst of a trial, consider fasting. Spending quality, focused time with the Lord can only benefit you. You will be able to draw close to him, and He will draw near to you. (VERSE) Whitney states, ” Fasting does not ensure the certainty of receiving clear guidance from God. Rightly practiced, however, it does make us more receptive to the One who loves to guide us.”
  • Concerns/Intercession. Maybe you have a family member or friend who is not a believer, take it to the Lord. Maybe you are praying on behalf of a sick loved one, take it to the Lord. Whitney writes in his book, “There’s something about fasting that sharpens the edge of our intercessions and gives passion to our supplications. So it has frequently been used by the people of God when there is a special urgency about the concerns they lift before the Father.”
  • Perspective. When you need a fresh perspective and you may feel disconnected in your walk with God, fasting helps. Pastor JD Greer writes, “Fasting trains us to know we need God more than His gifts.” When we fast, we gain a new perspective on how much we need the Lord. When our perspective is in line with God, everything else falls into place.
  • Power. Fasting is powerful. Time and time again in evangelical history, we have seen the power of prayer. Revivals have broke out, all because God’s people got on their face before Him and fasted. Bill Bright said, “I believe the power of fasting as it relates to prayer is the spiritual atomic bomb that our Lord has given us to destroy the strongholds of evil and usher in a great revival and spiritual harvest around the world.”

How to fast:

  • Disconnect. When fasting, it is essential to disconnect from media, technology, and sometimes even people. It is not necessary for everyone to know you are fasting. (Matt 6:16) It is a time set aside for you and God.
  • Focus on Prayer. Spend you day with the Lord in constant communication. Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to “pray continuously…” or “pray without ceasing…”
  • Focus on God’s Word. While you are fasting, spend some quality time in God’s Word. Meditate on his Word. Maybe even plan a specific Bible passage or topic to study during your fast.
  • Be Creative. While fasting from food is very biblical and should be practiced as a spiritual discipline, we can also fast in other areas. What else could you give up that would require you to be more intentional focusing on the Lord? Example: fast from television for a week and the time you would normally watch your favorite shows, spend with the Lord.

Don’t be afraid or intimidated by fasting. I truly believe that if we as Christians truly understood the power of fasting, it would become a regular spiritual discipline in our lives.

“One of the ways the Holy Spirit prompts us to fast is through a need in our lives. If you need stronger prayer about a matter, that’s an invitation from the Lord to fast.If you need God’s guidance in an issue in your life, that’s an encouragement to fast. If you need deliverance or protection, that’s a time to fast. Will you do it?” –Whitney

Marlana Kaye

→ Leave a comment

Posted in OurSinglePurpose, Purpose, Spiritual Disciplines

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Just Married”…NOT.

Posted on January 13, 2013 by | 4 Comments

by Stacy Rist; Guest Writer 

There I am dressed in high fashion riding gear of a derby hat, crisp white shirt, butter yellow vest, floor length brown suede skirt and riding boots.  My companion, Jim, is dressed sharply in his top hat and black tuxedo-like suit with long coat tails.  I am taking a turn driving the horse and six seat carriage on the highway. I don’t even have my driver’s license yet, so I’m a bit nervous.  I am sure Pearl, the Belgium work horse, can sense it as I try to firmly hold the reins amid the honking, passing cars.  As they go by, we hear things like “Congratulations!” “Woo Hoo!” and “Way to go!” being proclaimed.  Puzzled, Jim and I look at each other.  Then we remember.  The “Just Married” sign is still hanging on the back. After a wide-eyed realization, we start to laugh at the absurdity the well-wishers are unaware of….the fact that I’m 15 years old and Jim’s considerably older than I, married, with three kids (whom I often babysit).  Today, I’m filling in for his wife on a chartered horse drawn carriage ride for a wedding.  We’d just finished driving the bride and groom to their wedding and reception. However, after waiting for two hours, the happy couple opted to stay at their reception longer and take a car home instead of the carriage.  So we were anxious to get on the road and head home. And we forgot all about the sign. 

Fast forward about six years. I am stressing over wedding plans and the strain is evident in my relationship. I pray for God to show me a sign IF I am NOT to marry him. He does. Disturbing things are brought to light about the ‘man of my dreams’. But everyone has flaws. It’s OK. I pray for another sign. And God delivers again, though not the answer I desire. I rationalize moving forward with all plans because we have been together over five years. He’s my high school, and beyond, sweetheart. I’ve planned my life out. We’re going to get married, I’ll get my teaching degree, we’ll have kids (specifically twins, preferably girls, names picked out), etc. I ignore the signs, but He adeptly works around my hesitation to obey. It’s the day of tuxedo and maid of honor dress fittings. I’m awaiting the call that my fiancé is on his way to pick me up. The call comes but it’s different. “We need to talk”, he says. In that moment I know. God has slammed on the brakes, since I didn’t. He has said NO! and wedding plans abruptly stop. Dreams are devastated. My heart is broken and my best friend is gone. Perhaps it would not have been so hard if I had just heeded the signs.

I take my broken heart, shattered dreams, and unraveled life plans to the One whom I know holds my future. That time was a harsh reminder that in fact it is Jesus, not I, who needs to ordain my “plans”.  God is a sign giver, a plan maker, and a promise keeper. His Word reflects a multitude of these aspects. How many times did Israel not heed the signs? They chose to wander in the wilderness rather than obey. How often have we done that as well? We choose ‘our way’ over His. And it sends us out into the wilderness, off His chosen path, into the briars and thorns of life that rip us up and turn us around, leaving us wounded and confused. Beloved, that is NOT God’s desire for His children. Jesus says in John 10:10 that He came so that we may have abundant life. If you have not yet chosen Christ, I pray you will. If you have strayed, you can return. Thankfully our God is a God of second, third, one hundred and more chances! We can never go from His reach (Psalm 139:7-8), however He will only come where invited (Rev. 3:20).

I am so humbled and grateful for the many ‘chances’ I have had over the 18+ years that I’ve been on this journey of singleness, navigating signs, and seeking His way versus mine.  I am not always successful in my obedience. Thankfully, His Word never stops showing me new signs.  We all see signs everyday but what
do we do with them?  What signs is He showing you today?  I encourage you to read, listen and obey those signs from God’s Word, that it may go well with you (Deut. 4:40), challenge you and grow you.  From Second Peter 3:18, I pray that you will “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both for now and forever. Amen.”

Stacy Rist

Stacy Rist

Stacy Rist is a born again believer seeking to serve and honor God every day.  She loves teaching about God and His Word! Discipling women to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ is one of her passions.  She has taught in various churches, states and countries.  She states, “I am truly blessed with many friendships and opportunities the Lord has given me to learn more and in turn, teach more, about Him.”

→ 4 Comments

Posted in Guest Post, Purpose, Real Life, singleness

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,