Inhale to Exhale Part 1
Okay, this will be covered over two days. Lots to take in...
A message popped up on Instagram and the man posed the question, "Which is more important...Bible Study or prayer?" His answer was that we must inhale Bible Study to be able to exhale prayer.
Some people pray and pray, exhaling, but never take in the other part of breathing...inhaling...by breathing God's Word into our lives.
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7
We are certain God will hear our prayers when we ask for what pleases him. 1 John 5:14
Romans 8:28 says, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
The only way we are going to know "what pleases God" and "what is God's purpose," is to know who God is and what he promises us.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. — Colossians 4:2
I've found the most powerful prayers to exhale are the ones filled with scripture that align with God's plans for us in his Word, thus the need to inhale.
Part of our Thanksgiving weekend festivities will be to have round table discussions, which includes reading scripture with our children and grands. Knowing God's Word, so we can pray God's Word is one life strategy I want to pass along to my family. I'll probably put each verse below in a pocket of my pocket apron with a sweet treat for the grands to pull out.
These scriptures will be read and used as talking points. We can look back and see what was going on for these scriptures to be recorded in the Bible, then look at where that has held true, been applicable, in our own life time.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Later the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision, “Abram, don't be afraid! I will protect you and reward you greatly.” Genesis 15:1
The eternal God is our hiding place; he carries us in his arms. When God tells you to destroy your enemies, he will make them run. Deuteronomy 33:27 (Moses speaking to the tribes of Israel.)
The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. — Isaiah 58:11
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
You are kind, Lord, so good and merciful. You protect ordinary people, and when I was helpless, you saved me. Psalm 116:5-6
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3
Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Clean up your lives, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you people who can't make up your mind. James 4:8
Don't fall in love with money. Be satisfied with what you have. The Lord has promised that he will not leave us or desert us. Hebrews 13:5
Remember
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18
Part two tomorrow.
"God Really Loves Us" - Crowder and Dante Bowe
