Be Strong and Courageous...with prayers

By Mark Bacolod

​I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians).

Lately I am learning that things come in waves. That some days I'll get lots of sleep and still be irritable at work, and some days I'll stay up too late watching Netflix and a shift flies by with ease. I'm learning that nothing lasts forever: the headaches, the sunshine, the uncertainty, the peace. The restlessness of long days of unscheduled time, or the joy and expectation leading up to a trip. I'm learning that there is power & growth in being steadfast. In going to yoga or the park when I'm tired from opening, in getting something for lunch even though my jeans feel tight and my mind is full. I'm learning that on some days a 5 mile hike feels longer than a 12 mile, and that's ok- to celebrate the little victories and let them be enough. I'm learning that ice cream or a handful of flowers make most days better, and that there's nothing like a long drive through the country with the windows down and music up to make me feel at home.

Lately I am learning; I am learning lately.

We are not made for the mountain top experiences with God, or for the other beautiful attractions in life - those are simply intended to be moments of inspiration. Living boldly is To living unafraid. To knowing it's worth it to make our mark in the world, and even when we don't get it quite right, knowing there's always room to adjust and keep going. Every mark. Every experience. Every success. Every failure. It all makes us who we are. Cheers to the journey of life and cheers to the brave ones who move forward courageously.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come (Ephesians).

We are made for the valley and the things of life – that produce Christ Likeness
and that is where we prove our stamina and strength. For growth is in the stretch, and breakthrough often begins where the comfort zone ends.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

•Procuring Prayer Partners for my social enterprise: The 1C9 Leadership Foundation
•Procuring Missional Partners for ministry in Penn North
•Doing the Kingdom Work with Elev8 Baltimore through Will B. Better Bodies Fitness Center
•Stewardship – Faithfulness in the little things
like being a Market Place Ambassador in my full time, God given job, as an Assistant Property Manager at a property that serves 6 different Affordable Housing Program.

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