A storm is heading your way . . . ready?

Listen along here:  https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/28314674/a-storm-is-hea...

The storm is coming – it is right offshore.  How should you prepare?

Yesterday at the gym, I looked up at the television monitors above, as our North Carolina governor was speaking about getting ready for Hurricane Erin.  Now, where I live in the state, there is no real threat; it is not even raining right now, but it got me thinking.

If only we were as intentional in our personal lives, preparing for ‘the storm,’ as we are in making sure our homes will withstand hurricane winds, rising water levels, possible power outages.  Because the ‘storm’ in life is inevitable; it is not if, but when.  

How can we be ready for when the unexpected crashes into our lives? What can we do ahead of time?  Train.  We can train ourselves.

Two vital areas of personal training: Scripture meditation and prayer.  Which is more important I cannot say as the two go hand in hand. It is the truth in the Bible that informs us about all of life and how to have a relationship with Almighty God, including the invitation to bring all to him in prayer. And as we spend time communicating with him, he speaks, comforts, leads, corrects and strengthens us--he causes us to stand.

1.Read the Word; Know what God says about you . . .about life.   These are personalized as though God is speaking directly to you.         

->I created you in My image - Genesis 5.1

->I know every single detail about you because I planned all of them.  

Psalm 139.13-16: For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb . . .

My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret . . .

Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.

->Nothing can separate you from My love for you. Romans 8.38-39 

->If you sin, I will forgive you . . .1 John 1.9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

->Trust Me. If you do, I will show you the way you should go. 

Proverbs 3.5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

    and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

->I will give you the strength you need.

Isaiah 41.10: fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

->My Word will show you the way you should go. 

Psalm 119.105: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

2.Talk to your Father…pray.  Do it at the start of your day.  This is a simple way to organize your daily prayer time:

>Appreciate God in your own words: “God, thank you for being my Creator and Savior . . . “

>Confess:  “Forgive me of my sins”

>Ask:  Pray for others' needs, specifically

Pray for yourself; what do you need God to do for you?

>Give thanks:  “I thank you, God, for __________ , ___________, “

Optional:  you might give God some quiet in which to speak:

>Listening:   “Speak to me, Lord.  I'm listening . . .”

Perhaps you need direction in an area of your life, ask God for it.

Write down what you sense he is telling you:

->

->

This is how we prepare for a storm.  But it is also how we build a daily life with Christ. We intentionally train ourselves in the fundamental ways of God.  And we content ourselves with the fact that God knows exactly where each of us finds ourselves, what we are facing and what we need. He is not just our source of strength, but also our hope and peace and joy.

And then when the storm comes, as it surely will, we can still praise God!

Listen/watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fo0A7jpLsk&list=RDBiYxaUGAz7Y&a...

Now keep your umbrella handy!

Christine

PastorWoman.net