Greetings Friends!

A few months ago I heard the word awe briefly referenced in a sermon. By the time I left the church service, the Holy Spirit tattooed that word on my heart and mind in gigantic capital letters. AWE. I needed to find out more.

I commenced an investigation and am convinced awe is a bigger deal than we realize. I invite you to discover how awe impacts our relationship with God.

Let’s take a look at the definition.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary concisely defines awe as a response of wonder, reverence, or even dread. My definition of awe is slightly wordier. Awe is an impressionable moment attributed to God because of the undeniable display of His active presence.

When God’s magnificence, glory, and power grabs our soul’s attention it prompts the realization of God in it or God with us. Awe is a step beyond thankfulness. It’s a declaration, a confession. Biblical examples include David and Daniel. Here’s an excerpt from Daniel Chapter 9.

What a profound confession from Daniel’s heart. Having personally experienced God’s life-saving power when confined with lions, he had every reason for awe of God. His awe expresses reverence and a love for God.

Have you ever wondered what our awe means to God? What if He receives awe as a love offering from our heart?

Here is the first reason why being awestruck by God is a big deal.

Awe of God expresses our love for God.

Below is a quote by Brennan Manning, author of Ruthless Trust, and it says volumes about awe.  

Brennan is saying pay attention. Let yourself be amazed. Why? Awareness of the awesome nature of God invites an inpouring of strength, peace, security, and joy. Awe beckons Jesus.

Here’s an example from the Book of Acts.

Are you surprised prayer, the Word, and community cultivates awe? The closer you get to Jesus the more awestruck you become.

Here is the second reason why awe is important.

Awe significantly enhances your relationship with the Lord. 

To better explain, here's an example from my life. Twice, my heart has physically ached from being heart-broken. The first time it happened I didn’t think to ask Jesus for help. I went through it alone with misery. The second time I asked Him to join me.

Friends, oh, how He met me in it. I felt His strong presence though the grief threatened to overtake me. Overwhelmed by awe, I confessed it to Him.  I didn’t feel lost and desperate. Darkness didn’t enter my heart. Rather, a strength outside of my own lifted me, guided me. Over time, His peace sealed the broken places of my heart. Further, I continued to express my awe to God for being by my side all the way. My expression of awe intensified my relationship with Jesus. I am closer to Him.

Perhaps you, too, have been lifted by the Lord when otherwise you might have been buried by love and loss. 

We have many reasons to be awestruck by God.

A crucifixion

A resurrection promise fulfilled

Promised life with God in a way we’ve never known before

Getting to be in His presence and love

Whenever you utter the words, Jesus, you’re my Savior, heaven erupts at your declaration. Whether it’s the first time or the 1000^th, God embraces you with life-giving love and an unbreakable commitment, sealed with the Spirit in you. The day Jesus saved you was an awe-filled day!

May awe well up inside of us overflowing into a love offering because He loves us. In turn, He will fill you with his strength, joy, peace, and hope. He is our Lord and Savior.

Thanks for reading and your encouragement! God loves us, Terri

P.S.  Find more quotes, insights, and conversation at Hearts Encouraged Facebook Page.

References:

Merriam Webster Dictionary - https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/awe

Hello Everyone! 

What is it you need most in the midst of your busy, hectic day? Endurance? Perseverance? Courage? Could it be a power prayer?

Words have power. The Word of God is power. Praying God's Word helps you...

...love without boundaries.

...incapacitate the enemy.

...scatter fears.

...de-escalate anxiety.

...activate self-control.

...heal a wound.

...bolster hope.

...inspire.

...motivate.

...encourage.

In John 16:24, Jesus tells us to ask for what we need. There are no prerequisites. No request is too insignificant or unimportant. Tap into God's vast resources. You can bring your best to whatever you do by including Him in it.

I discovered the power of praying Scripture while reading Beth Moore’s book, Praying God’s Word. I began to use verses in my prayers giving my requests a meaningful focus.

I wrote the prayer called Free (above) using verses 1 John 3:19-20 and Romans 8:1. I speak this prayer when disappointment in my sinful nature turns into self-condemnation. Self-condemnation is a spiritual barrier. It prevents me from receiving God’s mercy and grace and it's an invitation for the enemy to aid my self-loathing.

Balance must be re-established.

My Free prayer rejects self-condemnation, proclaims my freedom, and reminds me God is for me. The power of this prayer is in its Truth. Self-condemnation is the equivalent of clasping shackles on my hands and feet. Sin, past or present, has no hold on me. My response to sin is simple: Pray God’s Word. It is my strength.

In the midst of busy, consider taking 20 to 30 seconds to include God. If it's a meeting, ask God for focus. If it's a project, ask God for inspiration and success. If it's a crucial conversation, ask God to direct your dialogue. Involve God in everything you do from the beginning to the end.

Loss. Change. Spiritual warfare. The unexpected can knock us down. God's Word re-positions us, firmly rooting us in His love, truth, and power. So much is asked of you in any given day. You face nothing alone. Make your need known to Jesus. He waits, ready to provide. 

I created several power-packed prayers comprised of paraphrased Bible verses. These are below. Praying God's Word, as Jesus did in the desert against Satan, releases power. I've attached a printable version of several prayers the size of a business card. Consider laminating and tucking one or more in your wallet or purse.  Download In the Middle of Busy Prayers Feb 2019 

I'm asking God to supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ (Ephesians 3:16). He is true life! My security, your security is found in Him! Find more prayers and inspiration at the Heartsencouraged Facebook Page @TerriHutchinsonAuthor.  Fondly, Terri