"The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
To declare that the Lord is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."
Psalm 92:12-15
It is my prayer that I would be "fresh and flourishing", and continuing to "bear fruit in old age". As I draw closer to the time of "retirement" (no, nothing definite as of yet...still a dream for the future...but getting closer all the time)...I pray that God will continue to bless, guide and keep me focused on Him and His kingdom work. I fear that I fail the test too often...perhaps even tonight as I had to say no to someone who asked for my assistance...but it was due to circumstances beyond my control...and I was already in the middle of my own family concerns. I pray that God will provide exactly what this one needs. Lord, help me to stay sensitive to Your promptings...and to know exactly when to say "yes", and when to say "no".
Amen.
A wonderful prayer, Pam. It's easy to forget that God is also in the "no", if you know what I mean. Sometimes what He asks of us is that we DO say no. And knowing exactly when to say yes, and when to say know is surely His Holy-Spirit work in us, isn't it? Also His work to prayer for those for whom we cannot be His hands and feet. You're definitely sensitive to Him (and hopefully not feeling guilty). Love your heart, friend.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you for these words. After I deliberated over this whole post and prayer last evening, I thought, "no one is going to read this or comment..."...I just couldn't get "with it" in my own spirit, and yet, this is what God was prompting me to write and pray...So...there was something there after all! Thank you for that confirmation. (do YOU ever have these kinds of moments?)
DeleteA prayer we should all remember , staying in constant prayer and in God's word! It is also my desire to be sensitive to His prompting and be fruitful in "old age"! Thanks for posting this, a much needed reminder to .
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sylvia. I was surprised to find any comments today...I think I was just feeling kind of not so "fresh and flourishing" by the time I finished writing this last night. Sometimes the old devil whispers words of discouragement in our ears and we think why am I even trying?...But then God comes alongside and says..."Keep going...be faithful in prayer and sharing My Word...and you WILL be fruitful even in your old age!" Thank you, Sylvia, for your words of affirmation today. You are a blessing.
DeletePam: You have wonderful thoghts in your prayer. Carolyn is right; God sometimes says 'NO'; when He does, it's for our own good. I had to tell a young child "no" just last night. But I also told him I would pray for his group.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Cecilia...I think you all have zeroed in on my feelings quite well last night...You know, we always want to be ready and willing to serve and do His will...and it is sometimes hard for us to say "no", because we don't want to "appear" to be shirking our responsibilities...but I have to remind myself that "appearance" is not what matters...that is a pride thing. Obedience to God's Word and Holy Spirit prompting is what really matters...and sometimes "NO" is the correct response. Thank you for this confirmation. God has been speaking today through you and my other blogging friends. Blessings to you my friend.
DeleteHi Pam, I am just now getting around to my favorite blogs! Such a wonderful prayer and lovely pictures! I have been so very busy with my grandsons and my mom. We had a great time on on trip south and with our family at Disney. So glad summer is here!
ReplyDeleteTake care and hope to see you next time we go south!
Nancy
Thank you Nancy. I appreciate your "visit" here. Yes, someday we will meet in person, but I am truly glad that you had that special time with your family. That is the best time of all. Enjoy your summer up there. It is very HOT here now, so I am looking forward to fall already!
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