1 Peter 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.

Good morning, Jesus. Would you like to join me for coffee?

So much goodness in today’s reading. As I begin 2022 with my one little word RESTORE, I am reminded of how I do not need fixing. That I am enough because God says so.

2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Last year’s word was grace. God is clearly speaking to me. Maybe I am not broken. Maybe I haven’t really lost anything. What I really need to do is put God first.

Sheila Walsh wrote, “I lived a good part of my life adding Jesus as a hashtag. I didn’t mean to. I didn’t know I was doing it, but I was. Whether I was dealing with loss, or depression, or financial or relational struggles, I did my best to fix things. I tried to do better, and then asked Jesus to help me. It was as if prayer was an add-on and Christ was only involved once I’d given it my best shot.”

#Jesus

That’s what I have been doing. #Jesus.
I want Jesus to be with me all day, every day. I want to invite Him there, and feel His presence. I know He is there. I would not have survived 2021 if He wasn’t. But I have been numb. Not really feeling much of anything. I want to be restored.

Psalm 51: 10-13 Create in me a clean heart, o God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous spirit. Then I will lead transgressors your way and sinners shall be converted to You.

So what will I do now?

1. I will invite Jesus to be with me throughout the day. Jesus, will you please join me for coffee? What do you say, Jesus. You ready to go to the office? So, Jesus, chicken or fish for dinner? These may not be long prayers, but invitations to be with me from the beginning, not just a hashtag.
   
2. I will continue with this blog. I had started it in 2020 when my word was story and had not planned to continue. But today in 1 Peter:5 and in Psalm:51, it seems as though Jesus wants me to share what He tells me. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Perhaps the Lord will use my feelings, thoughts, and experiences to help others and to lead them to His glory.
   

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for this coffee time together. I feel you and I hear you. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for reminding me that I am enough because your grace is sufficient. Thank you for being my strength. Forgive me for so often putting you as an after thought. How blessed I am that you offer such love and grace. Lord, if it is your will and desire that I make my thoughts, feelings, and experiences public, then use me. Guide me and give me the words. I would love to leave this world one day knowing I brought people to you. I can’t think of any greater accomplishment. I love you and praise you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Now, how about we make breakfast. Would you like to join me for bacon and eggs?