Frustration vs. grace...

My prayer:

Forgive me for my rotten attitude today God. I let frustration get the better of me and it was not fun for any of us. I will try to do better tomorrow. Thank you for always giving me a second chance, even when it is my fortieth second chance.

What God Said Tonight:

Did you know that I am very familiar with frustration. There is nothing more frustrating than knowing that the choices my children make will bring them pain and not being able to to talk them out of it. There is great frustration when I save an entire race of people and instead of being grateful, they turn to other gods the second they have a chance. Frustration is waiting for someone who never shows up. 

But I am also familiar with grace. Grace forgives. Grace loves. Grace makes sure that the other person has their needs met first. 

I love you now and always. Your frustration did not take you from me it brought you to me. I love you. 

God is light...

My prayer:

I have a lot of little thoughts flitting through my head tonight but nothing really worth talking about. Can I listen instead? Can I hang out with you?

What God Said Tonight:

I am light. I shine on things, situations, people and the truth can be seen. I am light that chases away darkness. I am light that wipes away the dirt of life. I bring hope into darkness and joy into sadness. 

I am the God of restoration and redemption. See me as I truly am and the world will make sense, maybe for the first time. 

Don't look to the left or the right. Don't listen to the false prophets when they tell you, 'God is over here or over there.' I am right here  in you and I will teach you of me. 

God's love...

My prayer:

What a great day God. Thank you for the cool new thing you brought to me today. Thank you for the reminder and expression of your love. I can't wait for everyone to see The Shack movie! That was the best representation of you and your love in a movie that I have ever seen. Thank you!

What God Said Tonight:

I will use the tools of this world to get my message out but they are no substitute for your heart, your love, reflecting me to those around you . Your reflection of my love has more power than a million movie releases. 

I am a God of a personal touch. You are my hands and feet. Make sure you are touching those around you with my love. Their lives depend on it. 

A good day...

My prayer:

I am exhausted after a pretty wonderful day filled with friends and perspective but I want to hear your voice before I drop off to sleep. What is on your mind?

What God Said Tonight:

You found a place of love, kindness and generosity today and you stayed in it for most of the day. That is a good day. You found a way to give and receive comfort and love. That is a good day. You saw the opportunities in the day and took them and that was a good day. 

Now, my sweet daughter, rest and have a good night knowing my love rests in you. Well done.

Kindness and goodness...

My prayer:

I am searching out, and thankfully finding, kindness. 

This world has gotten so violent (words, weapons, natural disasters, terrorism). From the smallest unkindness to the greatest tragedy, it rages. And still, when I look, really look, I find great acts of kindness. A kind word, a senseless generosity, a small act of putting others before oneself, these things all exist. These things give me respite from the world.

God, I pray that I can be someone's spot of kindness each day.

What God Said Tonight:

I am a seed planted within each of you. I am in your core. With me in you, goodness must come out of you. 

Fertile ground...

My prayer:

Finding a place of joy no matter the circumstances around me, that is a true and profound blessing God. Thank you for showing me joy in the midst of the storm today. Living life with you, there are always little jewels of joy in the most unexpected places.

What God Said Tonight:

I have found fertile and lush ground to sow my Word into. It is ground that is already producing. My Word will take root in this ground and grow in a way that has not been seen before. 

The ground has proven itself. My Word has proven itself. Together they will be amazing.

No shame...

My prayer:

Praying for peace. Praying for favor. Praying for healing. Praying for us all.

What God Said Tonight:

You come to me, bowed down, covered in your spotted cloak. You approach me with fear and reverence. That would have been necessary before I brought you my son. That approach was needed before you were redeemed. 

Now, in your redeemed and restored state, you can approach me with confidence. You can approach me with your head held high, uncovered and whole. You can approach me as a beloved child or a much loved spouse. 

You can approach me, anytime and anywhere. I am always ready for you. I am always eager to see you. My love for you has overwhelmed everything else. 

I loved you to much to see you covered in shame. Do not put on that cloak of shame again. You do not need it. It is no longer yours. 

I love you.