NEVER GIVE UP

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

I read her Facebook comment. She'd shared a book about abuse to help her relative. It hadn't opened up a dialogue like she'd wished. In fact, it seemed to have shut the door between them. Had it been worth it, she wondered.

You can't force people to be open.

You can't make someone change no matter how much you want them to. You can't make someone care, acknowledge the issue, or consider what matters to you.

Is it worth it? I think so.

A seed is sown. It grows. It flowers. It produces fruit. God brings the increase. Some things take much time. The other person may find it difficult to express his feelings. He may be worried, scared, or in denial.

Here is where grace comes in.

Extend grace with patience. You open the door. Give it time to settle in. Let God nurture it. Pray, pray, and pray with an open heart. Trust, trust, and trust some more. God's answers almost always play out over months and years, not days.

God makes a way.

Bless her for caring enough to engage in sensitive issues, for being brave. She is an example to us. We all have a voice at the table. We should be wise and loving as we use it. God helps us keep in balance. 

Trust in God's wisdom and grace, and His impeccable timing. We do our part; God does His part; we're in this together.

TGBTG*

Thoughts and Prayers Count (Part 1 of 2)

Thoughts and Prayers

“I’m praying for you,”  ‘thoughts and prayers,’ or ‘thinking of you,’ are statements that roll off the tip of the tongue, close out a Get Well card, and more often than not, end a Facebook or Twitter posting in response to the other person’s troubles or loss. ‘Thoughts and prayers’ speak to the need and says the message the writer wishes to convey to the friend or colleague going through a hard time. 

     But there is an outcry against this sort of thing. Some say it has little impact and falls short of caring, indicating it's trite and silly. But is it really? I beg to differ.

     When the person infers they’re praying, the other person receives it as ‘I’m standing with you in this, and I am backing you up in prayer.’

Yes, words like these bring comfort to the afflicted and light to the journey. People need each others’ comfort and encouragement. Dark days in the daily or on the horizon come to all people, spiritual or not. How others respond to the crisis, with love and prayers, makes a difference, and may determine whether the hurting person feels alone, or feels cared for by those who know their troubles.

I am more aware and self-conscious when I write the phrase ‘thoughts and prayers’ because of the criticism. Some see the sentiment as shallow, disingenuous, or as something that simply doesn’t work or move people to do the right thing. Is this criticism justified? Are ‘thoughts and prayers’ at fault? Does it not deliver the goods? Certainly, prayers should include right hearts and spiritual actions. The phrase is meant as an encouragement, a kind way to say, I’m hanging in there with you. 

For some, it’s not just a phrase, they do pray, and their prayers make a difference. How much difference, only God knows.

People reach out to each other in a way their community accepts and believes. In the Christian/religious community these kinds of phrases communicate the human element in combination with the God element. It invokes the Divine Presence to minister to the human area of need. “Thinking of you” is a secular form of addressing and acknowledging a loss or struggle. I think it brings comfort in its own way.

I mean it when I say, thoughts and prayers. How about you?

Unconventional Christianity -- Inspiration 30

Go For It!  

  You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual 

house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual 

sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:5

Our gifts and talents mixed with the Holy Spirit's promptings make for an interesting life. Sensitivity to the Spirit's quiet voice and active listening and then acting on the promptings means you're becoming real. The focus changes from self to others.
 
THE UNCONVENTIONAL CHRISTIAN doesn't do Christianity the traditional way. They walk the walk according to the Spirit's compelling. Once they realize it is God giving these thoughts to them, they begin to be responsive. The thought comes in. Immediately or as soon as possible they go into action, no matter what it is. Every day meets with surprises.

Go here, go there. *Talk to that man over there, he's having a hard time. *Remember the announcement in church? Send $60 to the Smith family. *You need to go visit your auntie in the hospital. Right now. Drop everything and go. *See that woman over there, help her with her groceries. *You know, Mike? Send him an encouragement card. He needs to know he's appreciated. *And Pastor So and So, he would sure be tickled to get a home-baked strawberry pie, especially because it means you care. *Fast for a week for greater sensitivity in your ministry. *Commit to volunteering at the soup kitchen every week. *See over there on the park bench, give that homeless person your lunch. He's not eaten today. *Smile at people--because you love me. *Sing because you are my light to others. *Love on everyone you meet, the cashier, people at work, the little ones, your difficult relative, boss, co-worker. *Take a meal to your new neighbors, welcome them. *Call your sister. Pray with her, she's going through a rough patch. *Invite the young mother you met at church to your house for coffee; she's struggling and frazzled. It would mean a lot to her. *Time to get involved with the city park cleanup. *Share Christ with your grandpa. He's ready to listen now. *You really should make that call. *Mop the floor, clean toilets, wash dishes for Me and with a cheerful attitude. *Give thanks for My provision. *You need to forgive her, it's robbing your joy. *Stop complaining, it's finding fault with what I have made. *Pray for one hour every day for the needs in your family, country, world. And so the unconventional Christian life goes.

Want to have an unconventional spiritual life? Start listening to the Holy Spirit and follow the prompts. You'll be blessed (and surprised).

Dearest Father in heaven, it is joy to serve You. You receive the glory in all. Praise You. May Your love flow freely in all we do. Amen

To God be the Glory

Be Not Afraid -- Inspiration 27

Fear will Overtake but for God

Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid

Matthew 14:27 KJV 

The disciples were scared. What was it? No, it couldn't be. Jesus was walking on the water! And then Peter tested it for himself. He stepped on the water.

WIND WAS BLOWING, the boat was rocking, and then they saw it. Something on the waves was moving towards them. Fear clutched their hearts. Was it a ghost walking on the water? The men were beside themselves with fear. Then the thing spoke to them. "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." It was the Lord. Peter in his excitement gets out of the boat and starts to walk on the water to Jesus. Then he sees the water and begins to sink. He panics. "Lord, save me!" Jesus rescues Peter. The other men are astonished. Although usually not so dramatic, there is much to be afraid about in everyday life. Like the disciples in Jesus day, we are not alone. Frightened by circumstances and scary situations, we have the Lord Jesus. We cry out, and He responds. Flat tire on the expressway, and we pray. Someone we don't know stops and helps us. "Thank you, Father." The Lord heard our plea and intervened. Internal or external, real or imagined, fear is a very real thing that can rob us of sleep, keep our stomach in turmoil, and cause panic attacks. Heightened nerves make life difficult. Fear alarms and defeats, and makes us feel sick. God is near. He is only a prayer away. Lean on His everlasting arms. Trust Him to get you through the difficulty. Seek out people who can help you. Pray, listen, and trust. Know you will get through this. You will. God is your shield and high tower.

Dear Father God, You calmed Your disciples with Your words. You saved Peter when he was sinking. You save us and give us strength to bear up. Our fears find their rest in You. Thank you for saving us. Amen

To God be the Glory

Mysterious Prayer -- Inspiration 13

Prayer is the Life-Blood

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

And he said unto them, When you pray, say, Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

Give us day by day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Luke 11:1-4  KJV 2000

PRAYER EXPRESSES the thoughts and intents of the heart to God. Prayers define themselves in many distinct ways from simple to complex, from rote, memorized text to pleas for redemptive pardon, to words of thanksgiving and praise. Some deep prayers are wordless from the severely wounded soul or from the effervescent joy-filled soul. Communing through prayer and meditation is another form where the individual encounters God in a manner awash with understanding centered in divine Presence. Genuine prayer said from the heart, mind, and soul is honest communication with God. Confession, praise, adoration, gratefulness, love, truthfulness, requests for guidance and help, which asks for God's intervention are petitions to the Source, God Almighty. Christians are called upon to pray. Jesus showed His followers how to pray. Present day followers are encouraged to follow His example.

Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of calling on Your holy name as we offer our petitions to You. You are a great God, worthy to be praised. And we thank You, worship You, and love You. Amen.

To God be the Glory

The Christ-Life Speaks Joy to the Soul

Freedom versus Bondage

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. --John 10:10 NIV

Christ-following is not rule-following. 

Christ is life; not a burden, not working harder, not being buried under a weight of guilt unable to meet all the requirements of "righteous" living. Bondage to an ideal is not the stuff of freedom in Christ, contrary to what many have been taught, and in some ways, as I was taught.

Joy is repressed when the Christ-life is reduced to a list-following duty. You see, Christ came to set us free. We can access that freedom by living in close relationship with Him. He is life. Real life is an over-flowing of Christ in us that is life-giving and real.

Liberating in essence, Christ-following is crying out to Him with your heart and soul, to know Him, to love Him, to being filled with Christ's life now bringing -- and His Life now being -- life in you. Christianity is about Christ, His hope, His love, and His life. Pure and simple, it is all about Christ.

Many Christians live in duty-bound bondage to the religious form that has little to do with the "life" of Christ in their daily living. Christ came to set the captive free. He is life eternal. Through Him we partake of Living Life. His Life brings life with its joy to the soul. We become fully alive in our spirit.

Belief is rooted in what you believe. If it is reduced to a list of rules, traditions, and religious practices, then it will fail to bring life to the soul. Instead, it will cause bondage to the practices. Opening your life to Christ and focusing on Him is what gives life to your inner being. This is freeing and breaks the bonds of do-good-ing religiosity. Trying to achieve holiness in our own strength is not possible though it may be well intentioned. Striving to be godly will fail. Its motivation is from the wrong source. Godliness originates from Christ, in us and transforming us.
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What goes on in the heart is where we must look to find our true spiritual state. As we are in our heart, so are we. Why we do what we do is important to know. A self-examination is in order. What does your heart love? Therein you will find your spiritual truth. Is it in Christ the Savior or is it in the practices and forms? I mean, really look for what is true in you. The wearing of "spiritual masks" is commonplace. They quite effectively hide the true truth about your spiritual condition. Seek God until He mirrors your soul's condition to you. Then you're ready to access freedom through Christ and in Christ.

Grace, joy, and peace come through Christ living in us. Embracing Christ, loving God, seeking spiritual truth through Father, Son, and Spirit -- through God's Word, and through a life enkindled in its reality through love in Christ, prayer and meditation -- is life-giving goodness. It is then you live spiritual life from a place of light and beauty rather than bondage and servitude.

It doesn't get any better than that.

Prayer in the Daily Occurrences of Life

We could pray 24/7.

Praying throughout the day is a beautiful thing. Suffering and struggle are everywhere. Hope and healing are also everywhere, but you must intentionally look for them in order to see their effects. Praying throughout every day becomes a lifestyle practice, an on-going conversation with our Heavenly Father. It is also a mind-set of doing good for others.

I pray as I drive, as I shop, as I sit in a coffee shop, as I view a natural wonder. As I see them, I pray for them. I pray for the homeless, for the elderly, for the children and their parents, for the disabled, for the person who looks sad, for the person in line at the clinic or pharmacy, for the friend or relative in need of a touch from God. Life is hard and everyone needs prayer. While in the hospital E-R, I pray for the newborns every time the music on the intercom announces a baby's arrival. I pray for their life and that they will someday know God and his love. Yes, it is a privilege to pray. Prayer is a blessing we give to the world.

Daily I visit an acute rehab facility where a family member is receiving assistance. Some residents have amputated limbs. Some suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Some have head traumas that limit their capbilities. Some are alert and some are not. There is a cheeriness in the place due to a friendly, caring staff. It's a different world, though. Some there get forgotten by the outside world.

An old friend of mine sings hymns with the residents on Sunday afternoons. It is a gift from his heart to theirs. When he asked me to pray in the middle of the service, it caught me off guard. I didn't know these people or their spiritual path. Yet God's grace was in that room with us. The peace of God enveloped me and them as I prayed and thanked God for being in the room with us. It was a beautiful moment. One of the residents who suffers with Alzheimer's was singing the words of a hymn. That surprised me. I had silently prayed for her the day before because she was confused and behaving erratically. I asked God to calm her and to reach her. It was amazing the difference in the moment.

We pray for those struggling in difficult marriages. We pray for those with anxiety and depression. We pray for those who need a relationship with Christ. We pray for the many needs, and we ask God to intervene. We pray prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of praise, and prayers that honor God and for his blessings to us. We meditate, contemplate, and speak words of gratefulness.

Prayer enriches our lives and the lives of others. What a joy it is to pray. Prayer changes things. Prayer changes us. We soften in the center of our being when we pray. Our attitude towards others also soften as we make prayer a light that glows in the daily. Prayer is God's work. He uses us. Our prayers effect eternity. That is praise-worthy.

Revitalize your day by speaking blessings as you encounter people, places and things. Stressed? Send a prayer up. God is awake. Happy? Give thanks to God. Sad? Know you are heard. Thankful? Send up a praise to God. Discouraged? He understands. Be blessed.

The need is great. God calls us to pray without ceasing

"Father God, I pray blessing on each person who reads this. May you surround them with your love and grace. Amen"