Book Review: Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere

This book offered a compelling word picture of women in these last days and how we need to work together and rise up in our strength, like lionesses. I had never thought about this, but Lisa relates how lionesses act together in the wild, how they "greet and groom" one another, and also how they interact with the lion of the tribe. I think sometimes we forget as women how much we need each other, and we don't utilize our strength, power, and authority as the bride of Christ. Having been to Africa, I have seen the lionesses basking in the sun, sleeping in the middle of the road, oblivious to any dangers, content with who they are and their role on this earth. How much more should we as Christian women be content and comfortable with our role as the bride of Christ waiting for her bridegroom--the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. This book inspired me to do further study on this delightful idea of finding my inner lioness. I would recommend it to college age women.

Prayer for Graduates

Dear Lord,

Many students are getting ready to graduate this month. I pray for a time of celebration by families and friends to commemorate this joyous occasion. I also pray that you would give each student wisdom as they enter the next chapter of their lives, whether that be entering the workforce, getting additional education, etc. Direct their steps, and let them commit their hearts to you. Give them listening ears to hear your will. Let your word be a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their paths. Fill them with confidence and boldness as they go out into the world to do your will. Let their minds not only be filled with knowledge, but also with wisdom that only comes from you.

In Jesus' name,
Amen

Purity

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
Psalm 119:9, NLT

Dear Lord,

I pray for purity among the young people who are faced with so many distractions, and temptations that accost them on every side--via the media, technology, internet, society, peers, etc. I pray that they would read your word and hide it in their hearts. I pray that you would bring your Word to remembrance in those moments when it's most needed. Let your Word be a strong shield for them. In Jesus' name.

Amen

The U in JesUs

From an email posting:

The U in JesUs

Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son…

And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.

You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His Upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."

So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?

It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.

Will YOU pass it on?


When Jesus died on the cross he was thinking of you!

Prayer for International Students

Dear Lord,

I pray that you would watch over all international students who are studying abroad. Help them acclimate to a new environment--a new language, new culture, new food. Surround them with new friends and expose them to diverse cultures. Keep them safe while they travel and give them wisdom as they live in a new environment.

Hebrews 11:9a
By faith he (Abraham) made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country.

Acquiring knowledge

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. Prov 18:15

Prov 10:14 Wise men store up knowledge.

Lord, I pray today for students who are gathering up knowledge as they go to classes and study. I pray that they will store up and remember what they are learning so that when they go out in the world, they will be able to apply that which they have learned. I pray not only for knowledge, but also for wisdom--that is how to rightly apply the knowledge to real-life situations. I pray that you would prepare their hearts and their minds for the futures that you have planned for them.

Amen

Peace in the midst of the storm

I pray that you would speak peace into student's lives today, Peace, be still to the winds and the waves that are tossing them to and fro. Let students rest confidently in the assurance that you know the plans you have for them, plans to give them a future and a hope, and that you will never leave them nor forsake them. Let the lies of the enemy be silenced and your truth be the sail that leads them through difficult stormy seas. I pray that your truth would set them free from anxiety, worry, and stress. I pray that they would trust You as the navigator of their lives and that you will get them safely to the shore. Let them trust wholly and completely in you, your Word and your Spirit to lead and guide them in the decisions that they need to make. Open the doors before them that you want them to walk through, and give them confidence to make the right decisions in everything they do.

In Jesus Name, Amen