You got troubles? Rejoice!

Do you think the Lord meant it when He told us to rejoice in our sufferings?  Well, He took the trouble to tell us at least three times, through three different New Testament authors (Paul, James, & Peter), so He must have meant it!

"We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." - Romans 5:3-4

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." - James 1:2-4

"So be truly glad.  There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.  These trials will show that your faith is genuine.  It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - though your faith is far more precious than gold.  So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."  - 1 Peter 1:6-7

When you believe by faith that you have been saved by Christ's sacrifice on the cross, then you are no longer in a "hostile relationship" with God.  You are now at peace with God, in a relationship of love and acceptance - even to the point that He accepts you as His own son/daughter (Romans 8:16).

It's true that even though we have this loving, peaceful relationship with God now, we may still not always "feel" calm or tranquil in our daily lives.  This is because we are not at peace with this world, and we may still experience conflict from time to time.  However, even amidst this conflict, we can live with the peace of knowing that we are not in conflict with God, and that the trials we are currently facing are to strengthen us in endurance and character, and in the confident hope of our salvation.  This is the meaning of true peace and joy within, no matter what your "worldly circumstances."

So, look at your current troubles with that "eternal perspective," and rejoice in knowing that God is using them to strengthen you, and grow you even closer to Him and more like Christ, in whose sufferings we are sharing, knowing that Christ overcame them all, even death!  That same power of Christ that overcame death is the same power within you to overcome your daily troubles (1 John 5:4).  We may share in his sufferings now from time to time, but we give praise that one day we will share in His glory and honor!

TIDINGS OF COMFORT & JOY

This time of year is the most depressing of all for so many.  Yet, caught up in the hustle and bustle, so many of us forget to stop, pray for, care for, and reach out to those that may be hurting.

Some feel invisible during this season of parties, gifting, singing, and togetherness.  Whether by choice or by circumstance, some truly are alone...invisible.  No matter who you are, no matter how you are hurting, you need to know that GOD SEES YOU.  He knows you, and He is always with you.

Almighty God, the Creator of this universe, is reaching out to you....when you feel like you are alone, you are not.

When the enemy is leading you to believe that you are not worthy of a relationship with God, or with anyone else, do not be deceived!  God is pursuing YOU! 

No matter what you have done, no matter where you are in your life, know that your Creator loves you, and He desires a relationship with YOU.  "He knows when you've been sleeping...He knows when you're awake...He knows if you've been bad OR good"... and He loves you anyway!

You are not alone, and you are never "too far" from God.  And since He is already with you...all you have to do is reach out to Him.  His comfort is so close, and it is yours...just accept it.

I hope the prayer of the Psalmist, Psalm 139:1-18, will serve to bring comfort to someone who needs to hear this Word today.  And I hope it is a reminder to others of us to reach out to someone in need of comfort or fellowship during this season.  Let this be our prayer...

"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I'm far way.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.  You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me. 
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

I can never escape from your Spirit!  I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;  If I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night -
but even in the darkness I cannot hide from you. 
To you the night shines as bright as day.  Darkness and light are the same to you.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can't even count them;  they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Some gave all...what must I give?

Some thoughts to share on Memorial Day:

Today, many are celebrating the 'beginning of summer'.  For others, we are also in prayerful thanksgiving and remembrance of those who have sacrificed "ALL' for us, that we may continue to enjoy the freedom to celebrate our lives. 

Today, as I enjoy the privilege of sitting on the beach, in peace, enjoying the precious gift of loved ones around me, it's difficult to imagine the sacrifices being made by others, for others, all around this great world. 

There is guilt...guilt that I am "on vacation" on this of all days, while others are carrying the banner of freedom into deserts and jungles in faraway lands, understanding that today is not a "vacation day" for them, and in fact it could be the day they "give all" for the purpose of freedom, in which they believe so greatly. 

There is guilt that I am enjoying the spoils of freedom and luxury while men, women, and even children are living in foreign lands, not understanding the language or customs, knowing that they could be back "home", having hotdogs and hamburgers by the beach or lake or pool like the rest of us.  Yet, they choose to risk their lives to bring the Word of God to peoples yet unreached with the Good News.

I often wonder, what is expected of me?  What am I called to sacrifice...for loved ones, for others, for God?  Why haven't I been called to "give all"?  Yes, I've been called to "give some", at times, but in light of others, it truly seems a pittance.

Who knows?  Maybe one day I will be called to give "much more", maybe even "all".  I know I daily finding myself praying, asking the Lord to guide me, showing me how to "give more".  Yet, I confess, I don't often (ever????!) find myself praying, "Lord, show me how to give ALL!"  I do find myself thinking that "all" is something I'll be willing to give... one day...when I've done "everything else"....

Right now in a class I'm taking, we are studying the Christian martyrs.  Martyrdom is not something that God called or expected of all of the early Christians.  However, many believed it was the ultimate act of service, and therefore willingly gave all on behalf of the Christian faith so that others may believe and continue to practice their faith in freedom.  Some even 'volunteered' to be martyred, though many believed that this wasn't really the best way to answer God's call  - many who volunteered to die actually renounced God when push came to shove and the moment of death was upon them, and thus hindered the message of the Gospel.

If I am ever called to answer to the duty of sacrifice, I would hope that I would submit in faith and trust that it is the ultimate calling for "the greater good", as those heroes in our military and the Christian martyrs before us have done so gallantly.  This is something I have wondered since a very, very young age:  Would I be willing to die so that others might live?  I hope so!

However, today, on Memorial Day, as I reflect upon all of this, I am comforted greatly by the Scripture, from Psalms 51, in which David said to God:  "You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.  You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.  You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.  Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit..."

God doesn't call everyone of us to "give all", though most certainly some are called to this supreme sacrifice.  And to them, I am forever and truly humbled and grateful. 

But as for the rest of us, what He desires more than anything is a repentant heart.  Is that really too much to give, in light of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the martyrs before us?  Can we offer the Lord our heart, all of it, in the "right spirit"?

It's something to think about...and for which to pray:  "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

Blessings to you all, and my sincere, heartfelt gratitude to the men and women who "gave all", and to their families who have suffered great loss on our behalf as well.  Words are not enough...

A blessed Memorial Day to all,

Love,
Tron

PLAYGROUND RULES: Boundless or Boundaries?

So, blogging yesterday seems to have opened up the floodgates!

Driving down the road today, one or two of the bazillion fragmented thoughts flying through my brain took root and began forming into something I thought might actually be worth considering, so I thought I'd just start the brain drain here.  Why not?

This all started when the hubster called to let me know the "schedule" for the evening (we never have time to actually talk about things like this in the morning...morning conversations are for essential things like "because I SAID you HAVE to wear pants!" and "you just CAN'T have Dr. Pepper and chocolate for breakfast!" - and that's just the hubster and me, talking to each other!).  Anway, he asked me if I minded going solo with our youngest son tonight while he and the older one tended to their busy schedules.  So, I started trying to think of stuff to do with my youngest son, just the two of us. 

The first thing to pop in my head was to go to a playground somewhere.  He LOVES playgrounds!  Almost as much as he loves staying home and playing with his DSi or watching Ben10 DVDs (don't ask).

So, where to go?  My favorite is the "Blue Playground", which is located in our old neighborhood.  It's pretty.  It's safe.  We still know lots of the folks in that neighborhood.  It's appropriate for his age.  AND, most importantly, it is compact and has a BIG FENCE all the way around it, with a GATE to lock him in!  This means that I can take him in and just let him HAVE AT IT!  I can even take a seat on a bench and just watch, until I have to push him on the swing, or pick him up out of the mulch when he face plants.

                                               My oldest, on the "Blue Playground", age 2.

I love that fence and gate, and praise the person who had them put there.  It makes my playground experience so much nicer, and the young one loves the feeling of being able to run willy-nilly all over the place like a "big boy".

But then, that "other" playground popped into my head.  It's the "BIG Playground", the one at our local state park, and WOW!  Is it ever amazing!  Treehouses, slides, see-saws, & swings galore, and there's even a trail with little scenes from The Narnia Chronicles throughout!  If that playground had been there when I was a kid, I would have begged my parents to let me move in!

                                                My youngest at the "BIG Playground", age 4.

And something else special about this playground is that it's a "boundless playground".  It was designed to accommodate those with disabilities, and many wonderful folks went all out on the design and building of this beautiful addition to our community.  We love it, and are so grateful for it!

But, did I mention that, in creating such accessibility for everyone to this miraculous playground, a fence is nowhere to be found.  It is incredibly OPEN, and I mean OPEN...all the way around.

And, there are big woods close by.  And lots of cars and trucks driving through.  And a creek.  And strange people playing "frisbee golf" (whatever that is) in the lot next to it. 

                                            This is not a fence - it's a bridge, over the creek.

And, oh yeah, did I mention... THE LAKE!!!

Yes, there is a big ol' lake, just a few yard beyond this fabulous playground.   But, let's give thanks for the cars and trucks the kids would have to dodge first, before the lake would actually be a big threat to them.  Whew.

So, even though we love this playground, and the kids beg to go there often, it's not always my first choice.  First of all, I can't sit on my behind the entire time we're there.  In fact, I don't get to sit at all.  I have to follow little dude, and bigger dude, around constantly, and climb and run and jump and push and pull and see-saw and dig in the sand and have a second set of eyes out of the back of my head to make sure they are safe and sound the entire time we are there!  It's stressful!  I can't stand the thought of them getting lost or hurt, or even worse, there! 

You know, the kids aren't concerned about the sidewalk that could trip them up, the creek that probably has snakes, the woods that are big and dark, the strangers - not even gonna think about that one, or the lake - again, can't think about it,...they don't know about these things.  They can't see what is right outside the boundaries of their "boundless playground".  But I do see it, and I am concerned.  I want to prevent anything bad from happening to them.  I want them to enjoy this special place without having to worry about anything.

                                                   "BIG Playground" Treehouse...Cool!

And it seems that more accidents happen there - falling off equipment, skinned knees from falling on the sidewalks, other kids - bigger kids- pushing and knocking each other around to get to go "first", parents shouting with not-so-appropriate language, falling in the creek, even bee stings!

So, I have to make some major rules when we go to the "BIG Park":  Don't get out of my sight.  Don't talk to strangers.  Don't run.  Don't throw sand.  Don't eat sand.  Don't, don't, don't...

Yep, I'm saving the trip to "BIG Park" for a time when the hubster can accompany us and help out!  The "Blue Park" sounds just fine right now, thankyouverymuch.

So, in my brain, as all of these thoughts flew through within a span of about 3 seconds today, the thought caught root that all of this kind of relates to my own life...and how tempting it is to beg the Lord to let me live "without boundaries", to be able to run and jump and skip through my life with abandon, playing to my heart's content, doing those amazing things that bring me such happiness, flitting from swing to slide to see-saw...it's what I WANT!  I deserve that, right?  Boundless.  No boundaries.  Ah, freedom!  Right???

                                            Doe River Gorge - Me, flying free, on the "Sweet
                                            Chariot", swinging from the trees....(2011)

Or is it?  Is it really freedom? 

When I think about it, a life without boundaries is kind of, well, scary.  There are lots of "bad things" out there that can "get in" when there are no boundaries.  And, sometimes, well...I might step out away from the good things on my own, going just a little "too far"...into danger.

And sometimes, going too far, I find myself drowning...in the unknown...and it gets scarier, and deeper, the further I go.

I've always believed that two of the most precious gifts I can give my children are unconditional love and SECURITY.  If a child feels SECURE in the love and safety of their parents, they feel free to be themselves, and to take the risks necessary in life to grow and become the person they are supposed to be.

I once heard someone say that a child needs rules and boundaries in order to feel secure.  If a two year old believes that he/she is the one in control, and that there are no boundaries, no rules, then yes, of course, that child will "act out"...because he/she is SCARED!  I mean, think about it!  This child is thinking, "Wow, if I can control this big person, then WHO is going to protect ME here???!!!" 

That's a scary thought for a two year old!

If a child is insecure, scared, and/or feeling unloved, he/she will spend their lives trying to find that love and security.  And often, unfortunately, this leads to actions that are hazardous to themselves as they try to please others, and give in to societal pressures and expectations to prove that they are "worthy".  And, without rules, without boundaries, they run willy-nilly into trouble, and wind up getting hurt.  Really hurt.  Sometimes irreversably hurt.

I want my children to KNOW that they are loved, that they are worthy of love, unconditionally.

I was blessed, and am still blessed, to have experienced this type of love and security from my own parents.   Yes, there were those darn rules that my parents had.  I didn't always like them.  I rebelled from time to time.  BUT, they were for my own good, and they kept me from lots of harm, I know now.  And, I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that my parents loved me because they cared enough to do the tough thing, and "fence me in" sometimes - even when I was begging, and fighting them every step of the way, to run free.  But their rules kept me from so much harm that I surely would have brought upon myself, and in turn, allowed me to grow into the person I am today (tadaaa!), with only a few scars and bruises to show for it along the way.

It's the same way in my relationship with God.  He has rules, ya know.  I don't always like them.  Sometimes, I just want to run free!  I just want to chase my own desires!  Hey - I'm not hurting anybody else, right?  Personal freedom at all costs, right?  Let's run, let's go, get out of my way y'all!

Sometimes I fight Him!  Sometimes I beg him to let me go, or to just give me what I want.  I don't want his rules, his boundaries, his fences!

But sometimes, I don't see what I'm running into.  The sidewalk.  The creek.  The woods.  The strangers.  The lake.  The unknown....

Oh yeah, that's kind of scary.  I didn't see that coming.  I didn't see how the choice to spend my money that way could lead to problems, to great loss, great embarassment.  And, oh, wow...I didn't see how choosing that lifestyle could hurt the ones I really love.  And, um, oops...I didn't see that stranger there...yeah, that one - the one that looked so nice and promised me great things - before stealing my innocence...

It's funny, how I can't see what's ahead, what's "out there".  But the One looking out for me does.  He sees all, knows all.  Just like I can look out and see the dangers - the cars, the strangers, the lake - for my own children,  the Lord sees those dangers lying ahead for me, and wants to keep me from them. 

And yet, he wants me to have freedom, within His boundaries, to run and explore and play and enjoy all that He has provided for me.  So, I need to appreciate that, and enjoy the freedom He gives me, without the need to run "willy-nilly" straight into harm's way.

That is true freedom.  That is what we call "freedom in Christ"!   It is freedom that has boundaries that provide the love and security we need to really live and explore and become the ones that He has created us to be!

I love this freedom.  But I love it within some boundaries...and the boundaries I choose are the boundaries of God...His rules, His perfect law.  His boundaries are there for my "good", for my protection, so that I may enjoy the limitlessness of His love and blessings for me.  And, even more, His freedom allows me to freely love others, and offer myself to them in love and friendship and security, which comes from HIM. 

And that's what I call "freely living".

"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."  -Galatians 5:13

Love,
Tron :)

What The World Needs Now, Is....?

Yes, it's been a loooooong time since I last posted, I know.  Sorry!

It's not that I haven't had anything to say...it's the opposite.  My problem is that my thoughts are all over the place, and I keep thinking that this blog is the spot where I need to FOCUS on something spectacular and important that will draw the masses back here each and every day so that I can have a life like The Pioneer Woman.

And yet, it's been ages since I posted because I can't pull my act together!  Imagine that.  And every day I deal with the stress I put upon myself that "today is the day that I'm going to pull this blog thing together and make it happen", and then end up disappointing myself, once again, by the end of the day when I realize the blog hasn't written itself.

So, what's different about today, you ask?  Have I finally found the key?  The missing link?  The glue that pulls the corners of my crazy mind all together into one mass that has some semblance of a cohesive thought process?

No.  I haven't found that key, link, or glue.  What I found, though, was a spark...something sparked me, and it was enough to get me to the keyboard to share one thing with you that is so meaningful, so profound, so IMPORTANT, that it just could not be put off.

The spark...was an attack, on me, and on some others I love.  I'm not sure that the person even knows that he/she attacked me, or my loved ones, personally.  But this person did something harmful - something that he/she does not even realize the full effects of the harm done.  And, I am quite sure this person did this out of complete ignorance, not bothering to do the research that should have been done before diving into maliciously attacking others...others of whom he/she has NO understanding.

And, in so doing, this person afforded others NO GRACE.

GRACE is, according to one definition, the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful.

Imagine, is it so hard to hold your tongue long enough to take a moment, a mere moment, to consider the others whom your words may affect?

Take it a step further:  Imagine if, in that moment, you realize that your words could actually harm another, physically, emotionally, or in any way.  Is it so hard to hold back those words completely?

And now, let's take it one step even further:  Imagine that you actually put yourself in that person's shoes, and truly considered that their circumstances are beyond what your mind could even conceivably imagine.  Really, imagine that you, from your world, cannot even imagine the world that this person has been born into because your person hood, your backgrounds, your surroundings, your wounds, your scars, are so vastly different.  Would it be so hard to grant this person the favor of your pardon for their failings?  Or to even go that extra mile and extend them a reprieve, forgiveness, and even, dare I say it, understanding?  Here are a few other words used to define Grace that would fit in this instance:  goodwill, mercy, clemency, exemption, even indulgence.

Yes, what this world needs now is GRACE, sweet GRACE!  Is that too much to ask?  In a world in which we are so quick to become offended, so rushed to judgement, so eager to condemn and convict and lock up and throw away the key, GRACE may just be too much to ask of one another...it seems.

And yet, there is One who freely gave it, who sacrificed it all for our sake, though we have done and can do nothing to earn it.

Truly, we need DIVINE GRACE, which is truly something we humans do not deserve, and yet have been given freely.   And all we have to do is accept it.  Believe it.

And so, though this person has not afforded GRACE to me, or to my loved ones affected by this, I am going to grant them GRACE.  I am not going to respond to this person.  I am not even going to attempt to mount a defense.  Instead, I am going to pray for this person.  Love this person.  And, yes, even extend the hand of friendship to this person.  This person may never even realize what he/she has done, and honestly, it is my prayer that this person finds out the TRUE meaning of GRACE.

And please know, I am not deserving of ANY praise for this, for it is ONLY by the Power of the Holy Spirit's work in my life that I am able to do this.

I have experienced GRACE in my own life.  If ever one deserved to die for wronging another, I do, for I have sinned against the very one who died for me.  And yet, He gave me GRACE, yes, LOVE.  And I love, because He first loved me.  AMAZING GRACE!!!

Everybody Say Yeah Yeah Yeah Yes! To Va Va Va VBS!!!

Ever since I can remember, as a very little girl, Vacation Bible School (VBS) was always a major and memorable part of my summers.  Vague impressions....of marching into the cool sanctuary on a hot, summer day, singing "Onward Christian Soldiers", creating those valuable "works of art" out of the wonders of yarn and macaroni, memorizing Scripture verses, playing hot and sweaty games outside and coming in for cookies and Kool-Aid...drift in and out of my mind anytime "VBS" is ever mentioned. 

But, most of all, I remember the sweet ladies, and a few men, at my church who worked so hard every year to make our dreamy week of VBS adventure come true.  Miss Wanda, Miss Eula, Miss Shirley, my Momma, and more...they are forever etched into my mind and my heart.  The treasures they gave to us children in the church and our invited guests each of those years have remained with me throughout my entire life.

It has been an honor and privilege for me over the past few years to assist in some tiny way with VBS at our church now.  My part is always very small, and my sincere thankfulness goes to the ones who really do all of the hard work.  What they do is absolutely immense and immeasurable!  They put months and months of planning, designing, training, brainstorming, organizing, and prayer into this vital ministry of the Church, and they never get the gratitude they deserve - though I know that they don't do it at all for the praise of men!

Things have changed a lot since the 1970s, and VBS definitely looks a little different these days!  Lifeway and other organizations come out with slick new themes and materials that have it all down to a science!  They know how to get the attention of the children, not an easy accomplishment in these days of texting, Facebooking, instant messaging, handheld games, WiFi, and more.  Even the youngest of children, like my own 3 year old, are experts at Angry Bird on their parents' smart phones!   And one other big change, at least at our church, is the number of men who are involved in VBS!  From food service, to teaching, to safety and sound/video - they are there in huge numbers and really involved, and I KNOW that speaks volumes to our children!

Being really honest here, I will tell you that when I first experienced the huge production that VBS has become, I thought, "Wow!  This all seems so contrived and artificial!  And, isn't it just 'too much'?!!!  I mean, are we at VBS or is this "High School Musical"???"  However, after participating these past few years, I must admit, these organized programs really seem to "work".  By the end of the week, all of the kids (and the leaders!) are singing and dancing to the Word, and it has been written on our hearts, and is abiding in our thoughts!  If you can keep a secret, I'll tell you something.  Being quite honest - I LOVE IT!  I can't get those catchy tunes out of my head, and the meaning truly does sink in.  Shhhhh!  Don't you go tell my little secret to anyone!

Now, before you go thinking I'm all "saintly" like the good women (and a few men) who joyfully led VBS in my childhood days of yore, I must confess that every year I volunteer to help with VBS, not out of the goodness of my heart, but out of guilt that my kids are a participating and it is only right that I "do my part".  And it's TOUGH!  Whether you are helping with the refreshments, which have come a loooooooooooong way since cookies and Kool-Aid, leading crafts, or assisting with teaching Fifth Graders, it is WORK!  And sometimes the kids are hard to control, and loud, and you wonder if they are getting ANYTHING out of this.  Is it all a big waste of time, energy, and money?

But here's the thing that never fails to amaze me:  Somewhere, during the seemingly non-ending week, these kids start growing on you.  And you start becoming really impressed with how, contrary to what seems to be happening, they are really learning things.  They are memorizing Scripture.  They are repeating the Bible stories back to you, with understanding.  The songs and the motions have become more than cute little routines - they have meaning, and they have become Worship. 

And most of all, you have fallen in love with these young children...and they have become a treasured part of your heart...and the prayers you have been sending up to God for a "successful VBS" all the sudden become very personalized, with specific prayers, for specific children.

And on that last night, you find yourself laughing and loving them, and your poor heart is just overflowing with the hope that all of the seeds that have been sewn this week are taking root, deep root, into their sweet hearts.  And you pray that someday, these young ones, "In their righteousness, ...will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory." (Isaiah 61:3)!

And then...the next night, when it is all over, and your own children are hopping around your home singing their favorite Vacation Bible School songs, and you are sitting in your living room writing your blog and thinking of all these children, you might just find yourself crying, missing those crazy kids, and realizing that from this point on...these young ones have become a part of your heart, forever.

For me, VBS doesn't end after the ice cream sundaes on the last night.  Nope, for me, I realize that I have been changed, and I have been given a new challenge, a new ministry -to continue to lift these young ones up in prayer for the rest of their lives.  I pray the Lord will grant me the endurance and the will to remember to do just that.

Everybody say Yeah Yeah Yeah YES to Va Va Va VBS!!!      :)

 

 

Prayer: Tarrying at a Promise

"Tarry at a promise, and God will meet you there." - D.L. Moody.

Having so many friends and loved ones suffering with health issues and other problems right now, I've been feeling a little bit overwhelmed as my prayer list continues to grow daily. I pray for each one on that list, but I still feel helpless about their situations and I keep wondering, what can I do for them? Take a meal, visit, run errands, etc...? Yes, those are all nice things. But, my heart yearns to make a real difference in their situations.

But, I know that prayer IS the answer. And I do pray. In fact, when someone requests prayer, or when I feel led to pray for someone, I try not to hesitate, I try to pray for that person right away. How meaningless, and scary, even, is it to promise to pray for someone, TELL them you are praying for them, and yet never do it? I have often wondered how many “prayer promises” are out there that are never really filled.

So, I do pray for others, often and on a regular basis. However, sometimes lately I have felt that my prayers were "lacking" in some way. Not that they are lacking fervency, or aren’t sincere. But for some reason, I was just feeling that when I prayed, it was to God who is "way up there"...and I was wondering if my prayers were really making a difference. Are they being heard? Am I praying the "right" prayers? I mean, I pray for the will of God, and yet I know that often times I find myself praying for what I want, or what others have requested me to pray….and then “cover it” with a hastily tacked on, “but above all, I pray for Your will, Father!” Is that appropriate? Probably not…at least not always.

I have been longing for more of the presence of God when I am praying. I long to have His reassurance WHEN I pray, WHILE I am praying….reassurance that He is there, close by, listening, hearing my prayers, and answering them. I trust Him for the answers, no matter what they are...but my concern is how can I KNOW what those answers are?! How can I REST in the assurance that He is listening, answering…?

Well, after some prayer, thought, and reading on this subject, I have been reminded of the importance of praying "intercessory prayers"...in other words, praying through the Bible, through God's promises in His Word! When we pray God's promises, we pray with the answers in mind. He promises, we believe. This is faith. When we pray His Word, we are praying by faith, knowing, by this faith, that He is working His will in our lives and in the lives of those for whom we are praying.

I have such a desire to learn to pray the promises of God more, and they are right there in the Scriptures! Why haven't I made the Bible my prayer book before now? I have even heard it said before that we should never pray without reading the Bible, and that we should never read the Bible without praying!

I am making an effort every day to pray with my Bible, through my Bible, and to memorize His promises in the Scripture. If you are doing the same, I would love to hear about your experience with this. What promises of God have held special meaning in your prayers? Are you feeling the presence of God? Are you feeling the reassurance of His answers through His promises? I love that God has told us that CHRIST is the ULTIMATE YES!  ALL of God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ, Who is the Word!

“You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”? As surely as God is faithful, my word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.” - 2 Corinthians: 17-20

It would be a privilege to pray for you! If you would like for me to pray for you, please don’t hesitate to let me know your concerns. I promise to pray God’s promises for you!

Blessings!


Tron :)