I think that in a nutshell, Rev 3:17 is an exchange of religion for relationship. The closer we draw to Christ, the more we experience trials, testing, and suffering. All who live godly will suffer persecution. Jesus said that if we are to reign with Him, we will also suffer with Him (key phrase, "with Him"). He will never leave us or forsake us.
So the life of relationship with Christ is one of denying the flesh, denying self, so that Christ may be seen in us.
The prayers I have found myself praying is to be more like Him... insomuch that I want my life to honor Him, and be profitable for the kingdom of God.
Help me love like You do, Lord! Anoint my eyes to see what You want me to see, my ears to hear what You speak, my mouth to speak what You give me to speak.
And as the song, based on Psalm 51...
Create in me a clean heart, O God ...especially when I feel I've missed the mark.
Lord, glorify Yourself in me!
Sometimes, I feel so broken, all I can do is weep ...and boy, that seems to be the case a lot of the time. I want to pass these tests in a way that honors You, Lord.
Help me to do Your will in this place where I am right now! Lord, this is hard, and I need Your strength. I don't understand why Your answers aren't what I hoped or what I thought they would be... but I trust Your heart for me, and for my loved ones. YOU are GOOD! And I know Your will is far better than my wishes. Lord, forgive me where I failed the tests or stumbled a bit in the trials.
Thank You for the gift of my son ... that You saved him, and grew him into a young man of faith and sacrificial love ....and then You took him Home. I miss Him more than words can express ...please heal my broken heart. Please heal my husband's broken heart...and our other children. Let this trial accomplish in us what You mean it to.
Thank You for what You have done and what You are doing in the lives of my loved ones. Keep my children and grandchildren close to Your heart. Lord, that we may only see You and nothing else ...a single eye.
Lord, I don't want to leave this world without showing them Your love ...let me take others with me who You can enjoy, and they can enjoy You for eternity! Lord....see those ones who have hated me? Please turn their lives right side up, and turn them around ...bring them and their entire households to the foot of the cross!
Help me to love and not hate in return. Oh Lord, I need You!!! You are my righteousness ...You are my shelter in the storm ...You are my life ...my peace, my strength. In You, Lord, I live and move and have my being! Everything I have need of is found in You.❤
This ended up being a time to reflect and pray. This isn't complete...I'll need to come back to this again.
So the life of relationship with Christ is one of denying the flesh, denying self, so that Christ may be seen in us.
The prayers I have found myself praying is to be more like Him... insomuch that I want my life to honor Him, and be profitable for the kingdom of God.
Help me love like You do, Lord! Anoint my eyes to see what You want me to see, my ears to hear what You speak, my mouth to speak what You give me to speak.
And as the song, based on Psalm 51...
Create in me a clean heart, O God ...especially when I feel I've missed the mark.
Lord, glorify Yourself in me!
Sometimes, I feel so broken, all I can do is weep ...and boy, that seems to be the case a lot of the time. I want to pass these tests in a way that honors You, Lord.
Help me to do Your will in this place where I am right now! Lord, this is hard, and I need Your strength. I don't understand why Your answers aren't what I hoped or what I thought they would be... but I trust Your heart for me, and for my loved ones. YOU are GOOD! And I know Your will is far better than my wishes. Lord, forgive me where I failed the tests or stumbled a bit in the trials.
Thank You for the gift of my son ... that You saved him, and grew him into a young man of faith and sacrificial love ....and then You took him Home. I miss Him more than words can express ...please heal my broken heart. Please heal my husband's broken heart...and our other children. Let this trial accomplish in us what You mean it to.
Thank You for what You have done and what You are doing in the lives of my loved ones. Keep my children and grandchildren close to Your heart. Lord, that we may only see You and nothing else ...a single eye.
Lord, I don't want to leave this world without showing them Your love ...let me take others with me who You can enjoy, and they can enjoy You for eternity! Lord....see those ones who have hated me? Please turn their lives right side up, and turn them around ...bring them and their entire households to the foot of the cross!
Help me to love and not hate in return. Oh Lord, I need You!!! You are my righteousness ...You are my shelter in the storm ...You are my life ...my peace, my strength. In You, Lord, I live and move and have my being! Everything I have need of is found in You.❤
This ended up being a time to reflect and pray. This isn't complete...I'll need to come back to this again.
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