Thank You, Lord, for reminding us that we serve a Living God.

When life’s circumstances challenge us, we can trust You to work all things out for the good of those who love You.

We can do nothing apart from You, our risen King.

When discouragement and doubt threaten to paralyze us, Your strength and Your truth empower us to persevere in bold faith.

We praise You, Jesus, our risen King.

When we forget Your love is complete, Your grace is sufficient, and Your Spirit dwells within us, You clear our vision and fill us with peace and courage.

We worship You alone, our risen King.

Thank You for reminding us You sympathize with our weaknesses. You shower us with mercy to help us in our time of need. Nothing in all creation is hidden from Your sight.

You hear our voices, O LORD. We lay our requests before You and wait in expectation. You are not slow in keeping Your promises.

We lie down and sleep; we wake again, because You, O LORD, sustain us.

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:2, NIV)

We love You, Jesus, our mighty and risen King!

Hallelujah!

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Which verse in the Bible reminds you of the constant love and presence of our risen King in your daily life?

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Previously Published on Inspire Christian Writers as a Prayer Post for April 8, 2012

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As the sun warmed her fur, she began to close her eyes.

While snoozing on a staircase didn’t seem like a good idea to me, I wasn’t worried about my precious pooch. I just kept staring at the rainbow resting on her forehead.

It was like a kiss from God.

You’re covered by My promises, no matter how precarious your current position may be.

This was a message I desperately needed to hear.

Right smack in the ninth month of my husband’s unemployment, the enemy seemed determined to tempt me into despair.

Although we have no income, we praise God that our savings lasted us a full eight months. But, with rent due on April 1st, and with no idea how we were going to pay our bills, I started to feel the pinch of discouragement.

Immediately, the Lord sent his angels to minister to us.

They arrived at intervals to replenish our hopes and our bank account.

And last week, Alan received his first interview. He’s in the fourth stage of the interview process. If all goes well, he will start work on April 1st! Hallelujah!

As I scratched Jazzy behind the ear, I thanked God for reminding me that we can trust Him as we teeter on the edge of uncertainty.

The prophet Isaiah proclaims:

“But now, this is what the LORD says−he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” (Isaiah 43:1-3a, NIV, emphasis mine)

As I watched my pooch resting peacefully on the narrow step, a rainbow caressing her forehead, I realized the powerful truth behind these verses.

Not if, but when, we’re afflicted, we can stand in courage because of Who God is and because He’s always with us.

We may not know where our manna is coming from tomorrow, but we trust God will provide. We’ve got rainbows splashing across our staircase to prove that His promises still stand firm!

Hallelujah!

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So, we say in confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6, NIV)

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“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:4, NIV

Thank You, Lord, for inspiring our dreams and igniting our passion to honor You with every word we write.

Help us delight in Your goodness, rejoicing as we acknowledge Your sovereignty.

Help us delight in Your faithfulness, praising You for revealing Your love to us in times of tears and times of laughter.

Help us delight in Who You are, and what You’ve done for us, as we place every moment of our lives on the altar as an offering of our devotion.

Help us follow in courage as we worship in joy that does not depend on our circumstances.

Help us cling to You alone, knowing You will bring to fruition the beautiful plan You’ve written for our lives.

May knowing You intimately be the ultimate desire of our hearts, Abba.

Align our desires with Yours, Lord.

Please, do what You will, loving Shepherd.

And help us trust You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

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Portions of this prayer were previously published on the Inspire Christian Writer’s blog  on April 1, 2012

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The Refill Station is in dire need of donations so Padan students will be ready for the upcoming STAR testing and for the remainder of the year!

They also need copy paper and ink, which is used daily.

Consumable school supplies are no longer stacked on their shelves.

But, you can help make a difference!

Please prayerfully consider donating to The Refill Station, an outreach ministry program sponsored by First Baptist Church in Vacaville, CA.

This ministry is designed to encourage the students and staff at Padan Elementary School by providing consumable school supplies, including individually wrapped healthy snacks, year-round.

Who can donate to The Refill Station?

1. Individuals

2. Families

3. Businesses

4. Small Groups / Bible Study Groups

5. Ministry Teams (i.e. Seniors, Young Adults, Youth Groups, Food Ministries, etc.)

How can you get your donations to us?

1. We collect donations in front of First Baptist Church in Vacaville, CA every first Sunday, after the 8am service and before and after the 9:30am and 11am services. (Please see address below.)

2. You can mail or drop off donations for The Refill Station (supplies & monetary donations, including cash) during regular office hours at:

First Baptist Church

1127 Davis Street

Vacaville, CA 95687

3. We also accept mailed donations (Supplies and Checks/Money Orders Payable to First Baptist Church / memo: THE REFILL STATION; no cash please) directly to:

Alan & Xochi Dixon

ATTN: The Refill Station

P. O. Box 1168

Suisun City, CA 94585

When is our first donation drop off?

During the week of March 25, 2013.

Every student and every staff member needs to know we care.

Every person makes a difference and every little bit helps!

Thank you for praying for this ministry and for the students and staff at Padan Elementary School!

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8, NIV)

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Thank You for welcoming us into Your presence, Lord.

You are transcendent and immanent. You are our faithful Shepherd and our Wise Counselor.

You call us to serve You and equip us for the work You have planned for us. Please give us discerning and obedient hearts as we seek Your will for us.

Identify anything we are placing above You in our lives and purge us of impure motives. Fill us with courage to follow You, even when the path looks impossible or doesn’t make sense.

Help us not to limit You by setting expectations or measuring our success by worldly standards.

No matter what we are facing or how we are feeling, empower us with Your truth.

Let Your mercy flow like a gushing river, through the moments that feel shadowed by our circumstances and the moments showered in Your Light.

Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10, NIV)

Yes, Lord, it is You we are committed to serve with every breath we take and every word we write.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

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Previously Published on Inspire Christian Writers Website on March 25, 2012

Photo by Lauren Pfahlert

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I wanted the book because I needed it. But my husband, who has been unemployed since June 2012, reminded me of our budget. We had agreed on a one book limit and had already purchased the 2013 Writer’s Market Guide. Bummer!

I couldn’t really complain, though. After all, we had received full scholarships to attend the conference. I was thankful God provided and was reminded that we had no idea how we were going to pay our rent in March.

Over the last eight months, we prayed for peace. God gave it to us in abundance. We prayed God would provide a job for Alan. The crickets kept singing as my husband received one ‘no’ after another.

But, we keep right on believing that our Heavenly Father is in control. We’re praying He will continue to open and close doors as He sees fit.

Even though we have faith, our flesh struggles. “We’re trusting You in the job search, Lord, but we could use a miracle to help us pay the rent that’s due in a couple of days.”

On Monday we reviewed our options. Could we borrow against our retirement? That would mean in April we’d have a brand new bill to pay back, praying Alan would have a job by then.

“If only the insurance company would send back the $1,500.00 they owe us!”

Yes. If only.

On January 1st, COBRA took out $1,700.00 from our bank account even though we had cancelled our account. My husband called weekly to find out why our refund had not come in the mail. Every week he was given the run around.

But on Monday, the woman on the phone promised she would get us the check, possibly overnighted. We’d heard that before, so we asked God to help us not to give in to worry and doubt.

He knows our needs. He’s in control. And He’s always right on time! “Lord, help me to believe these words that are coming out of my mouth!”

At 9:30am on Tuesday, our doorbell rang. As soon as my husband walked upstairs, check in hand, we thanked God for His perfect timing. Although we don’t know how we’ll be able to cover our other bills, our rent will be paid on time! Hallelujah!

Scripture says: “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9, NIV)

The Apostle Peter is talking about salvation in this passage. He’s reminding his listeners that God understands us and is patient with us. He’s affirming God’s mercy and love, reminding them that the Lord doesn’t want anyone to perish. God’s gift of salvation is offered to everyone who will believe in and love Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Peter was declaring the Day of the Lord, asserting that God will return according to His perfect timing. And he’s telling us to be ready, to be on our guard, living in righteousness and growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 318, NIV).

But this verse also reminds me that if God, the Maker of the Universe, is patient with us, how can I be impatient with Him?

I believe the Lord hears our prayers and cares about the details of our lives. He is good, faithful, and always working for the good of all who love Him.

God is always right on time, even when His watch isn’t synchronized with mine!

Hallelujah!

When we’re waiting on God to answer a prayer, we can be sure that He will show up in the nick of time!

I’ll be buying Karen O’Connor’s book with a Kindle Fire gift certificate I received last Christmas. I’m ready to be inspired and encouraged as I wait expectantly for God to move in our situation.

How about you? What verses help strengthen your resolve when you’re waiting on God to answer a prayer or entrusting Him with your longsuffering?

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“And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothed the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!” (Matthew 6:27-30, NASB )

Thank You, Lord, for blessing us with the power of the Holy Spirit Who opens our eyes with understanding and strengthens our resolve with the peace of knowing You’re in control.

Help us to remember You, our Provider, know and care about our deepest needs.

Align our will and our heart’s desires with Yours.

Keep our eyes steadfast on You.

Empty us of self so that we can experience the peace of trusting Your plan, Your provision, and Your timing.

Pluck worry from our minds and hearts so that we can serve You through writing, pursuing You above any form of publication.

Help us not to concern ourselves with the possibilities of rejections or acceptances, as we work toward excellence of craft and write for Your glory in obedience and faith.

May our main goals be to please You, to serve Your people, and to honor You through the ministry of love You’ve placed in our hearts.

In Jesus name, amen

What verse or verses does the Lord use to help you place your worries in the palm of His loving hand?

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On Monday, I unwrapped this amazing cup and encouragement devotional. The handwritten card melted my heart as I read the words: “Trust Him with all your needs.” Hallelujah! I needed that word to start my week off.

Tuesday, I was overjoyed when I opened this precious pink, porcelain shoe! The notepad says: “Walk in the footsteps of faith! (Romans 4:12)”

Yes, Lord! Yes, You know exactly what I am needing to hear during this time of affliction and transition in our family.

I could hardly wait until Wednesday morning to open the next gift. In fact, late Tuesday night I actually pulled Wednesday’s present out of the box twice, asking God if it would be bad if I didn’t wait until the morning to open the tiny wrapped square. With a smile, I placed the wrapped package back in the Joy Box and decided it would be more fun if I stuck to the rules of the game.

I’m so glad I waited!

On Wednesday, I opened the card and read: “With God, everything is possible (Matthew 19:26)” Inside the card, someone had written the following: “Praying God will grant you the gift of provision, reminding you His love and care are never far away.”

With my husband laid off in June 2012 and still searching for a job, this gentle reminder overwhelmed me with peace.

Then, I unwrapped this simple frame with Jeremiah 29:11 inscribed on the front. “For I know the plans I have for you . . .”

In big bold letters across the top of the frame is the word, JOURNEY. And that is exactly what I am trying to embrace, the journey. The journey of longsuffering, perseverance, and victory. The journey of love, healing, and courageous faith.

This Joy Box was sent to me by an anonymous lover of God. Every gift has been a reminder of the Lord’s constant care and amazing love for me.

If there is someone you know who needs a little encouragement, I pray you will consider using this FREE service provided by The Joy Box Ministry.

I am itching to see what message of hope tomorrow’s gift will tuck into my heart.

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I had an “in-your-face” moment with God, as I was driving my son to school.

With the back of a semi trailer “in-my-face,” I couldn’t count how many more carloads were keeping me from my turn at the stop sign. I couldn’t tap my thigh, counting how many seconds it took for each driver to make the left turn that would lead us straight to the school. All I could see, as the minutes inched by, was the back of the huge truck.

Then, I notice this small sign: “Caution: This vehicle makes wide right turns. Please give way.”

There it was. Clear as day. The image of what can happen when we keep God in the first-level-friend zone.

First-level friends are the ones we call when no one else is available. These friends are perfect when we need something, or when we want to vent. These are the friends we’re happy to chat with while we’re en route, but the minute we get to where we’re going, we can’t hang up fast enough.

We don’t invest time in our first-level friend relationships. We certainly wouldn’t commit to meeting them for coffee every day just so we could get to know them better.

No, first-level friends are the ones that might come to mind throughout the day, might bring a smile to our face, but they aren’t really on the top of our priority list.

We’ll gladly dump our problems on their lap, but we won’t waste time sitting still long enough to listen to what they have to say about our situation.

We might pretend we’re listening as we multi-task. We might even try to convince ourselves that it’s okay to keep them parked in the first-level friend zone.

After all, who has time to spend hours with them? True friends forgive us we neglect them, right?

The sign on the big rig trailer got me to thinking about the consequences of when we keep God in the first-level friend zone.

The Lord, in His sovereignty, makes wide right turns all the time. His way is always right. And He takes His sweet time turning safely and according to His mapped out plan.

So, when we’re too busy zipping through the day, too anxious to go our own way, we can miss His signals and end up causing our own collision.

God doesn’t ask us to fit into a mold that attempts to determine what quiet time with Him should look like. He does, however, invite us into intimate relationship. And if our relationship with Christ is truly important to us, it will be evident in our actions.

Intimacy is two-sided and requires sacrifice and commitment.

We don’t need to spend hours upon hours a day reading the Bible. But if we’re not even making time to consistently nurture our relationship with God through the study of His Word, then we’re only cheating ourselves.

I can only imagine how much it grieves God’s heart when we treat the Bible like a vending machine. We snack on what we’re in the mood for, instead of eating healthy, balanced meals of his truth daily.

When we keep God in the first-level friend zone, we might say we love him with our words, but our deeds demonstrate He’s not worth our time or effort.

First-level friends are fine when we’re in a pinch, but they aren’t the ones we want to live for, the ones we just can’t seem to spend enough time with, the ones that make us hang on their every word.

Are you treating God like a first-level friend?

If so, what will you do today, to bring Him out of the friend zone and place Him on the throne of your heart, where He belongs?

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Thank You, Lord, for nurturing us with Your truth, dwelling within us, and empowering us to enjoy a life of fruitfulness.

Cultivate grace and courage in our hearts.

Prune us with gentle hands so we will bloom, as we obey Your Word.

Help us praise You with reckless abandon, with every word we write.

Like a row of lush grapevines, intertwine our lives as we support, encourage, and offer accountability to one another in love and truth.

Saturate us with Your presence as we stand firm against the storms that come our way.

When we can’t see the fruit of our labor bursting forth, help us continue to plant and water the seeds faithfully, trusting You are working to grow from the root.

Give us peace and rest as we draw near to You.

While it can be tempting to focus on results and pursue publication more than we pursue You, please give us an eternal perspective and keep our hearts devoted to You above all else.

Help us write in obedience and faith, developing and using our gifts for Your purpose, not our own.

Strengthen our resolve, Abba. We want to be nestled in the center of Your will.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

How can serving in faithfulness grow our faith when the fruit of our labor seems scarce?

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Portions of this prayer were previously published on the Inspire Christian Writers Blog on March 18, 2012.

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Photo by X. E. Dixon

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