Saturday, October 31, 2009

Quick Reply

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 (NIV)

Some days it seems like my prayers barely get past the ceiling fan of my den. I realize that God can choose several ways to answer me but being the typical, impatient first-born, I prefer to have it right here and right now. My Heavenly Father must shake His head at my arrogance just like I laugh at my youngest grandgirlie's impertinence on occasion. However, this week I learned a great lesson and it all had to do with attitude. Was I going to be in charge or was I going to turn the situation over to the Master Fixer? More often, than I care to admit, my thoughts, opinions, and desires overshadow those close to me. And when I'm hurt, the feelings spill out in unhelpful ways. I may be right but at great cost to my relationships.

As I was praying about a particular situation, confessing my part but also pleading for some help, the Holy Spirit calmed my heart and gave me some ideas. I knew they were from Him because it was not my inclination to do it this way, but decided to try it. Would you believe that in less than 60 minutes I had an answer to my prayer? Sometimes He requires patience. And, sometimes the answer is "no". Yet, this time He was gracious and gave me a quick answer. Thank you, Lord!

Pay attention to His still, small voice and don't lose heart when you pray to your Heavenly Father. Believe Him and watch for your answer. It may be just around the corner.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Te Deum

In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. Psalm 71:1 (KJV)


The lyrics and melody of Te Deum by Mark Hayes echo through my heart and mind today. It is a special choral work that we will sing tomorrow for Reformation Sunday. Not an easy piece, it has taken extra rehearsals and time spent working at home to learn my part. As I listen to the soaring orchestral accompaniment, chills run up my spine at the beauty and majesty of those ancient words and glorious harmonies.


It has not been an easy week and without my faith and trust in the One who holds the universe in His hands, I would be a mess…and, sometimes I am. It is so easy to fall back into old patterns of worry and fear particularly over things we have absolutely no control over. Some unforeseen health problems have popped up. Two doctors visits later and I still have few answers. As I lay in bed last night praying, giving over my fears and worries to my Heavenly Father, the soothing words of this majestic piece washed over me:

O Lord in Thee have I trusted

Let me never be confounded

O Lord in Thee I trust

I trust in Thee.


This is the prayer of my heart whether the world looks rosy and all is well or it is eclipsed by sorrow and trouble. God is not hiding; He IS there. Don't be confused by all the "noise" of daily life but focus on the Light of the world, Jesus. He will lead us through. Trust Him.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Just One Moment, Please

Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment. Matthew 9:22 (NLT)
It seems like every time I sit down at the computer to write a blog, something comes up. Company visited us from California for a few days followed by numerous appointments, technology failures, and a headache that just won't go away. There is also the small voice in my head that says, "who reads this anyway?" In a word, I'm discouraged about this writing thing. I received an email from a friend, a published author of many books and articles, bemoaning her lack or any recent publication. Everyone is tightening their belts in this economy – even magazines. She, too, was discouraged. Anyone watching the news has every reason to be disconcerted. The market is up—the market is down. Fire destroys homes and floods threaten to follow. Do you get one flu shot or two? Peace is elusive and war looms all over the world. Health care? It's enough to make you want to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over your head. The story of the woman in the Matthew verses reveal that she had suffered from terrible health issues for years, basically losing hope. Yet, she heard stories about this man, Jesus, who healed people. If she could just get close enough to touch even the hem of his robe, she knew He could help her. Yes, He felt her presence in the crowd as some of His power had been drawn out and He knew that her inner struggles were as great as her physical ones. As He turned and sought her out, His first words to her were ones of encouragement and then He graciously healed her. What if He had decided not to heal her? How many times do we look at our circumstances and feel cheated or discouraged? We try and try and nothing changes so then we lose hope. Rather than trying, we should be trusting in Great Healer. He knows just what we need. Jesus gave her the greater gift of encouragement because of her faith. And, it is that same faith that gives us the courage to keep putting one foot in front of the other. We have hope.

Monday, October 5, 2009

First Impressions

For the LORD your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them. Deuteronomy 4:31 (ESV)
Do you have your act together? My friend thinks I do, but I know better. If you look like you have things under control, people often assume that you do. Clothes, hair, and makeup create that first impression. The next step occurs when you invite people over for dinner. You are either chef extraordinaire or you reheat well. Your house is tidy or messy. Your children are well behaved or not. We may be able to hide or disguise all that's visible but it's the personality quirks that get in the way of our "perfection." Are we bossy, nosey, late, irritable, unfriendly, or gossipy? I forgot an appointment with my friend (the one who thinks I never mess up.) And, to top it off, this was the third time I had forgotten a date with her. What's up with that? Nothing irritates me more than irresponsibility and now I have to eat humble pie. With a grateful heart, my dear friend forgave me one more time. Because I have accepted Christ as my Savior, I am a child of the new covenant and His mercy wipes away my imperfections. He forgives me, picks me up when I fall, and puts me back on the His path. How can we do less with each other?