What a beautiful story...and I know it works. One thing I would add to Marti's thoughts about praying with her husband is that we,(my husband and I) always start our morning with our Bible and devotional reading together...this is with our morning coffee (his) and tea (mine). Starting the day with God's Word, prayer and sharing of thoughts and ideas is such a wonderful way to start the day, no matter what else is going on. Ending the day with prayer and "I love you" makes whatever happened during the day not as significant as the fact that we are together, We three are one...God, husband, and me. What could be better than that?
It is interesting that God led me to this today, as just last night when I was falling asleep, I was snuggled up against my husband's shoulder (armpit...doesn't sound as romantic, but technically that's where I was) and I had such an overwhelming sense of peace, calm, and comfort. I thought to myself, this is what it will be like to rest in the arms of Jesus someday, perfectly at peace, assured of His Divine love, forgiveness and blessing...safe in the arms of Jesus. But then, I had to stop and realize, "hey, I'm already there!" Safe in the arms of Christ, perfectly at peace, assured of His Divine love, forgiven and blessed! I don't have to wait for eternity to experience God's love and grace and peace...it happens right here and now...when I allow myself the privilege of believing and accepting that forgiveness and peace. It is a free gift, mine for the taking, anytime, anywhere, no matter what.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
I love what Paul wrote further in this letter to the church at Ephesus:
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man (woman), that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height, to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19Oh sisters and brothers...it is my prayer today that you may also know this peace that comes from knowing Christ...that you may also experience the width, length, depth and height...and to know the love of Christ which passes ALL knowledge...and that YOU may be filled with all the fullness of God. Amen.
Could there be any better way to start your day?
Pam, when I was working in Florida and Ann was still in Georgia, we started every morning with a prayer and discussion of family and events of the day. It was truly the way to start the day! Now, when I pray, I ask Jesus to pass along my love to Ann... since she is there with Him. Thank you for your blog... I am praying for your family too.
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I feel certain that she gets your message of love...and I'll even bet that she is sending her love back to you in many ways that you may not even realize...May God continue to minister to you and through you as you are a blessing to others around you and here! Thanks for writing. And thank you for your prayers.
ReplyDeletePam, you were so kind to link to my blog and add your own wise comments. I continue in prayer for you and your family. Thanks again!
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