Can Do

Sometimes we feel so weak, tired, incompetent, unsure, limited...human. There are things we think of doing: big, incomprehensible, outlandish things, the kind of things we tell people we plan on doing and they double over in laughter. Something on the inside of us knows it's doable, but outside influences keep telling us that it's more than we can handle and that we can't make it happen. Well, the truth is, we can't. But God can. God can use us to do things that we never would have dared to dream of doing. Nothing is too hard for Him. So if we allow Him to work through us, then nothing will be too hard for us either. God is the master potter. Only he can clearly see the massive potential that hides in the shapeless lump of our lives. Time and again he skillfully works us into masterpieces, if we're pliable enough. So if you're seeing imminent miracles where others see a mess, you've likely tapped into our Father's vision. Let no person detour you. Pray about it. If God gives you the thumbs up, get it done. Prayer: Lord, help us to see beyond ourselves. Help us to understand that when you give us bigger than life assignments, completing them will meet someone elses need and will strengthen Your kingdom. Don't allow us to allow fear to stifle our productivity. We can do all things through you, God. You strengthen us.

Mind Your Amens

So be it. Let it be so. This is the meaning and intended purpose of the word amen. Today, though, it has mostly come to be understood as a signal indicating a prayer is closing. It has also become an automated response of affirmation that we'll throw in the atmosphere whether or not we really heard or really agree with what's been spoken. It's happened to me. A group prayer gets a little too lengthy and I fade out mentally for a while and miss a big chunk of what was said. I come to and wonder what was prayed as I simultaneously toss in my amen at the end not having a clue of what all I just confirmed before God that I wanted to be so. Or has a scenario like this happened at your church? The pastor may be informing the church of a recent tragedy and make a comment such as "People in the world are getting worse and worse by the day. Amen." And the church too says, "Amen." Unwittingly, the church and the pastor have just told God, "People in the world are getting

worse and worse by the day. Let it be so. So be it." God is very big on words. He let's us know that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). There are several scriptures that teach the critical importance of being careful with our words. This leads me to believe that a word that signifies to God that we want a thing to be established cannot be taken lightly. All this said to say...let's make an effort hereafter to not use the word amen so loosely. Let's thoughtfully consider what's being said before we tell God we want it to be established. Let's mind our amens. Prayer: Lord thank you for the gift of prayer. Help us to think carefully about every word we present to you so we don't unintentionally pray anything that goes against your will. Forgive us for any misuse of prayer and please divinely intervene and reorder anything we have brought disorder to through poor prayer. May our prayers be pleasing in your sight and may we mind our amens. (Selah) Amen.