Category: PrayerPoints

Falling from Grace

Have you ever had a snapshot from your past ~ an uncharacteristic lapse of judgement ~ become public and abruptly change your life course?

Has a private sin or simple mistake become public in a painful way for you and those you love?

As we live life in this world we experience some very wonderful and some very difficult situations. Some questions will not have satisfying answers this side of Heaven.

If your life hasn’t had these challenges, maybe you know someone who has. Please consider if God is calling you to extend tangible expressions of His grace to this person (and/or their family) during this time. Here are some practical suggestions:

Pray

~ Pray for this person during your prayer time.

~ Send them a note letting them know you are committed to praying for them (and then do it).

~ Send them a copy of a prayer to God you have written on their behalf.

Provide

~ a meal.

~ a listening ear.

~ a safe place to vent.

Remember

~ God can transform very difficult situations. Sometimes it takes years for this to occur but God is capable and willing. Standing alongside someone in their deepest need — even if no words are exchanged — is a very powerful way to show God’s love and grace. If you are aware of a situation, pray and seek God’s direction on your course of action. Do not feel you need to pass judgement. The natural and logical consequences of these situations typically are very difficult and very present. I suspect the greater need is to know that there is God’s forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation even as consequences remain in place.

There have been a numerous times I have “fallen from grace” in this life. I have had my share of regrets, hurt, anger, and confusion but it has been through these times that God worked to grow His grace in and through me.  I am so thankful for God’s grace. Withholding it from others is not an option.

Wounded people…

“Wounded people wound people.”

Ever notice when people are in pain they lash out at others? They may not even recognize or admit they are in pain but you can see it in how they poke, pester, and provoke others. If someone in your life likes to inflict wounds on others, start by praying for them. If you have been poking at people please consider why that is and get to the root. Pray. Find a trusted friend. Work at not wounding others when you are in pain. There are other ways to work it out!

Hungarian Bibles for Children in Hungary

Are you interested in helping some Children’s Bibles in the Hungarian language get to children in Hungary?

Let me tell you how this started.

I am in contact with a publisher in Hungary who publishes Christian books in Hungarian – I am most interested in his Bibles — he has a Children’s version as well as an easier-to-read version for adults.

I am also in contact with Patricia who lives in Hungary and works with orphans. She is originally from California but has lived in Hungary the last 20+ year ministering to these orphans. She isn’t even Hungarian but speaks fluently — and she married a Hungarian national. They have a huge heart for missions. They live on a very modest budget and have officially adopted one child but unofficially love on many, many kids. They are also building a home for unwed mothers near Eger.

I asked Patricia if she could use some Children’s Bibles and her answer was yes ~ 50!

50? Gulp!

It would be wonderful to hand the publisher the money for the 50 Bibles when we visit Hungary in May. The publisher is willing to get the books to Patricia. We will buy as many as we can.

Here are some ways you can help:
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* Please pray for this opportunity.</strong> We are excited to partner with the publisher, the missionary family, and our customers who have a heart for this type of ministry. Thank you for praying!

<strong>* Consider making a purchase from Magyar Marketing between now and May 7th.</strong> 10% of all retail sales will go towards purchasing these Bibles.

<strong>* Consider a contribution of your own to this project.</strong> Any $ amount will help. While we are not a tax deductible organization so you won’t get a tax credit, this is a great opportunity to share God’s love with these children. All $$ donated will go to the purchase of the books and the exchange penalty at the bank (unfortunately unavoidable).
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May I say I am so thankful we have come this far in being able to share the Gospel with Hungary? I remember my mom sewing money into the coats of priests who were going to visit their family in Hungary and Transylvania so love offerings could get to those churches.

If you would like to make an additional contribution please email me at liz(at)magyarmarketing.com

May God bless your day!

Liz and family

PrayerPoint ~ Consignments ~ April 10

Have you noticed Consignment Stores are popping up everywhere?

There have always been thrift stores, yard sales, estate sales, auctions, and garage sales. But there just seems to be a lot of new consignment stores lately.

I have two rules about those kinds of places:

  • never buy underwear
  • never buy toothbrushes
Call me uptight, but that is how it is.

It is fun to peruse these sale spots. I always love a good deal. But someone, somewhere, paid full price for that item. And now they are letting it go–for next to nothing. Sometimes it is literally sitting out on the curb with “Free” posted next to it. There are many reasons why that could be but it got me thinking….

I have made some big ticket mistakes in my life and I am willing to share what I have learned for FREE, or nearly free! Maybe it is human nature, but it seems some people just have to pay for a few mistakes for them to be valuable lessons learned. I would rather pick up the first-hand wisdom at the second-hand store, if you know what I mean; at least I can gain the wisdom at less than half the price!

What about you? Do you have some expensive lessons you have learned that you can share with others at a reduced price?  Maybe it has to do with that first credit card? Maybe it has to do with trusting someone too soon? Maybe it involved not trusting God’s Word and His boundaries only to experience some significant emotional pain?

My prayer is that as you travel through His healing and forgiveness you are able to discern which lessons to share and when. Not every lesson learned is necessarily meant to be shared.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17 NIV

PrayerPoint ~ God’s Classroom ~ April 7

Have you ever felt unnecessarily squeezed into a painful circumstance only to realize later that God used that time to deepen and shape your character in profound ways?

A friend recently reminded me about a very difficult time in her life she looks back on and knows she was in God’s Classroom. Sure, there were things she needed to work on–she won’t deny that. But she found herself in the midst of a Frank Peretti type novel in the small town God placed her in. Significant spiritual warfare. Generational ugliness. Betrayed families. And yet, some of the most depth to relationships she has ever felt occurred there. It seemed that the whole community was undergoing significant shifts regarding what was True and Right and Godly. It’s amazing how God can teach His Truths to all but the lessons are so individualized, while being inexplicably connected to one another.

Ever been a pupil in God’s Classroom? Sometimes it is just a word or verse that seems to be popping up everywhere. Sometimes it happens as a consequence when your incredible selfishness and arrogance makes a grand debut into the lives of others. Other times, through no fault of yours, you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time and in the middle of a spiritual mess.

Step back and take a look at who is ‘in class’ with you. Sometimes you have already learned what they are learning now. Maybe they have walked a path you will soon be walking. There is no coincidence that the people around you are in your life. Some you need to learn from. Others you need to model to.

What is God teaching you today?

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

Learning to Listen,

Liz

PrayerPoint ~ Vulnerabilities ~ April 6

Do you have an Achilles’ Heel? (Side note: I broke down and used Wikipedia for this definition because it was as accurate as I knew it to be.)

“An Achilles’ heel is a deadly weakness in spite of overall strength, that can actually or potentially lead to downfall. While the mythological origin refers to a physical vulnerability, metaphorical references to other attributes or qualities that can lead to downfall are common.”

I have been thinking about times when I have been down a sinful path. Was I being rebellious? Was I scoffing in God’s face? Or was I hurting and going to the wrong place for comfort and restoration? Sometimes being vulnerable leads to rebellion. Being rebellious opens one up to being vulnerable. They are very closely related though not the same.

Do you find yourself in circumstances that trigger an ungodly reaction from you? Have you noticed vulnerable people in your life?

  • The single mom who is exhausted and starts dating a guy who isn’t healthy for her–
  • A fatherless daughter who dresses immodestly and throws herself into the arms of older, dangerous men–
  • A stressed out teen who tries to escape the ugliness of this world through drugs and alcohol?
Do others come to mind for you? Do you cross your own mind?

Those people who come to mind as being vulnerable–Ask God to hedge them in and protect them. Intercede for them. Connect with them if that is possible. Think of the times in your life when you were vulnerable and thank God for His love and provision–it was there, even if you didn’t see it or take advantage of it. If you are feeling vulnerable, ask God to protect your heart and stop your feet from going where you should not go or doing what you should not do. Pray that God will grant you a willing heart to do His will. Is there someone who can be your accountability partner? Step out and ask for assistance.

Even if you traveled a difficult path, He can use that experience of yours to minister to others. Maybe God would like you to offer assistance to someone struggling in an area of sin you can relate to.

Check out Proverbs 4.

PrayerPoint ~ Traveling ~ April 5

With this being Spring Break for many schools around the country as well as Easter Weekend, it would be great for us to remember those we know and love who may be traveling. I have been taking my ability to travel for granted–between the $$ it costs as well as the risks of driving sleepy or weather concerns or vehicle concerns, well, I just think I don’t take under consideration all that typically goes well when we venture out on the road.

And if you know of people “traveling” through difficult times, be sure to pray for them. Maybe there are tangible ways you can refresh them on their journey. Some of us have more difficult journeys than others but we can all offer refreshment and God’s love.

Lord, may Your hand be on those who are traveling in the upcoming weeks. Protect, guide, and provide for them. May their journey be refreshing–wherever they are headed! In Jesus’ Name!

Blessings to you as you journey through this life!

Liz

PrayerPoint ~ Money ~ April 4

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:9-11 NIV

Ugh–money. It can be such a blessing and yet such a burden. Think about it. We spend a crazy amount of time with money as our focus or goal:

  • spending
  • losing
  • seeking
  • saving
  • budgeting
  • sharing
  • investing
  • earning
  • grieving
As you consider the role money plays in your life it is hard not to love (or hate) it. Anything that takes so much energy can easily become a god.  During this economy, sometimes just the task of securing the most basic amount of money is an incredible chore. It can be so disheartening!
Pray, pray, pray for those who are unemployed and underemployed. Pray for those who are in the midst of losing their homes. Pray for those who are trying to feed their family or deal with crazy medical bills. You surely know a few families who would appreciate you lifting them up in prayer.
And as you pray, ask God to help you protect yourself from falling into the “money trap”. As you delve into His Word, He will be faithful to transform your heart and mind in the area of money!

PrayerPoint ~ Excellent or Praiseworthy ~ April 3

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

God’s breath and creative work is evident and excellent–even if you just consider nature! The intricacies, the incredible detail, the range of color, the sizes and shapes and all of the inter-dependent relationships. I am just talking about people. Now think about things on the land and now consider things in the ocean. And what about things in the Heavens? Talk about a license for creativity. God is simply amazing.

 The heavens declare the glory of God;  the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,  their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4 NIV

Creation–though it has been tainted by sin, there are still glimpses of breath-taking beauty that reflect His excellent and praiseworthy work.

Seek the excellent. Ponder the praiseworthy. Let’s not get ensnared in the sin that so easily entangles us. It starts with God’s gift of faith–tucked away in our  heart, soul, and mind and plays out in the way we allow Him to live through our lives.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

Thanking Him for the Cross!

Liz