Surf to: http://www.freshc.org for a Fresh Connection…
“We picked men we knew you could trust, Judas and Silas—they’ve looked death in the face time and again for the sake of our Master Jesus Christ.”
It makes me wonder about the men of God and by what credibility they come to share with us “the way”. One might say, “I have been called by God”. That is pretty special in itself, but requires some interpretation and faith in the individuals ability to discern his calling. By Biblical standards the question would be, has the one called looked death in the face time and again for the sake of our Master Jesus Christ?
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not knocking pastors. My dad was one and I loved him. I just wonder how important it is for a pastor to chase a lion in a pit on a snowy day. If you were to send your pastor out as your representative, by what credibility would you send him? Would it be something like, “Listen to this man. He can bring a great dish to a potluck dinner?” Or would it be, “Listen. This man has looked death in the face for Jesus.”
I just wonder…
From my friend Faith. What a great name!
My Thoughts:
Jeremiah 10:6
No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.
So…most of you know that this last week was pretty intense for my family. I received the call Friday evening from my parents telling me that my mom had been having chest pains, had been to a cardiologist, and that she would have a heart catheterization (with stints or bypass) on Monday. My entire family rushed to Missouri to be with my mom and dad. My mom was having all the symptoms of a heart attack on Sunday and was taking nitroglycerin. On Monday, the doctor told us that my mom had some anomalies (defects) and 2 clogged and calcified coronary arteries. He told us that he was pretty sure that she was going to have a triple bypass. We rallied, prayed, and hoped for the best.
An hour passed and the doctor came out with a perplexed expression on his face. He said, “She’s fine. Actually she is better than fine. Her arteries have zero plague and no calcification. Being 65, she should have some but she doesn’t. Not only is she plague free, but the abnormalities on the CAT scan just aren’t there anymore. I cannot explain it, and I called 3 other doctors in to look…God must have performed a miracle.”
My mom went home that evening and has had no chest pain or any symptoms. My mom says that all her symptoms went away shortly before they wheeled her into the procedure room and that it was fascinating to watch the doctors freaking out because they didn’t see what they thought they would. They even checked to make sure they had the right CAT scan.
I am praising God because I truly believe He healed my mom…a mighty demonstration of His power. As you pray and listen to God this week, what is God demonstrating to you?
“As Christ’s ambassador and now a prisoner for him, I wouldn’t hesitate to command this if I thought it necessary, but I’d rather make it a personal request.
If he damaged anything or owes you anything, chalk it up to my account. This is my personal signature—Paul—and I stand behind it. (I don’t need to remind you, do I, that you owe your very life to me?) Do me this big favor, friend. You’ll be doing it for Christ, but it will also do my heart good.” Paul
It seems Paul had the authority to command this or that to be done. He chose to allow those who “owed him” the opportunity to do based on their love for him. He reminded them of the debt, but much preferred they exceed his expectations out of love.
That is much like the relationship we have with Christ. God created man. He is in authority over us because He created us. God has certain expectations of us. He could command us to do this or that. Sometimes, I think He does. But you know, He much prefers we exceed His expectations out of love.
Creation alone is enough justification for authority and the right to tell us what to do, but when God suffered even as His Son suffered on the cross His authority was further authenticated. As Paul said, “… you owe your life to me”. As believers, we owe God our life because He created us and doubly owe Him our life as He saved us from eternal Hell and gave us eternal life.
This prompts me to consider: What command has God directed to you and I, that He much prefer we do out of love and exceed His expectations? I wonder if it is even possible to exceed God’s expectations?
Recent life experiences, dreams and an extended read from a blog by the Bajanpoet of Barbados has got me thinking. I wonder if it is wise to do battle with the evil one?
In the Word there is the story of a single Godly prophet challenging the prophets of baal. I figure they were the prophets of the evil one. Certainly, God’s prophet challenged them with fire from heaven and torched them. As I recall, it actually cost them their life.
Then, I remember the story about the men attempting to be of God challenging the evil spirits in a man and received a thrashing by the spirits. I hope I got the story right.
Yesterday, I spoke words into the comment field of a blog that was obviously evil. I was offended by his unGodly character and chose to speak kind words, fully expecting kindness to be repaid with venom. I was not disappointed.
Now the question becomes, when is it wise to do battle with the evil one? I may have posted my comments out of distaste, but my motive may have been for the sport of poking the evil one. I wonder if there is wisdom in poking the evil one for the sport of it?
Ever tried to pray without ceasing? I have tried. I couldn’t multitask good enough. Good thing I wasn’t a brain surgeon. It would not have been a pretty sight.
Setting my watch to beep every 60 minutes and remind me to pray has been wonderful. Praying is something I like to do. I like to know God is listening and has His ears perked up. I know He is waiting to hear my praise, worship and yes, petitions for help.
Give it a try. Set your watch to beep every 60 minutes. Turn your mind to God and pray as God impresses. I am expectant to see God’s response.
My central theme has been healing. I am praying for healing of others in every way possible, with an emphasis on healing marriages. Maybe I’m praying for you…
8:00 beep n pray - 9:00 beep n pray – 10:00 beep n pray – 11:00 beep n pray – 12:00 beep, pray n eat – 1:00 beep n pray – 2:00 beep n pray – 3:00 beep n Daniel drops by. Let’s pray!
Daniel prepares God for action. He praises Him for His beauty and faithfulness. I invoke the “where 2 or more” clause. It went something like this. “Father. I invoke the power of God’s Word when you said, ”where 2 or more are gathered together and ask in my name, I hear and do!”
I refuse to let the evil one break up a friend’s marriage. I pray that God do whatever He has to do to prevent the collapse of this marriage. I openly confess the power is in the blood shed on the cross for my sins and I make petition. God, please forgive me and bless them with your love. Amen.
4:00 beep n pray – 5:00 beep n pray – 6:00 beep, pray and pick up pizza. The watch keeps beeping. I keep praying. What will be the outcome? Will God intervene?
How much will you pay for an authentic James Harrison Superbowl record breaker T-Shirt? I think this shirt may have been worn during the Super Bowl game and James made his record breaking touch down. I think the guy that has this shirt stole it off his back while he was in the shower.
Or possibly you’d like to bid on Aretha’s hat she recently wore at the Oh’Bama inaugeration. She says she’s not sure if she is going to let the Smithsonian Institute have it.
And if nothing else you could always bid on Michael Swim Phelps’s hooka pipe. He says he used bad judgement. Probably thought the pipe was a bad fit for his teeth.
Or possibly my dirty socks.
I don’t know. I guess the Super Bowl brings out the best or worst in me. Sigh…
Which item will bring the best price on ebay?
|
|
|
| Error | |
Bad Request
Your client has issued a malformed or illegal request.
————————————————————————————
I am focused and praying hard for couples in marriage that I know are struggling. Yesterday, one of the couples said they were separating and another said they had already separated. Sometimes it seems God sends back a “Google Error. Bad Request.” response.
What am I doing wrong in my prayers? If separation is the result of my prayers, maybe I shouldn’t be praying? Is God just too busy keeping up with presidents and kings and things? Does God really care?
Then, I think about Jesus willingly dieing on the cross that I might have life and have it abundantly. That negates any argument of not caring. Could it be that my prayers are adding light to the couples’ life that reveals things they don’t want to see?
Running from God is never the solution. He never tires. He will chase. Abundance is found when God is embraced and you walk faithfully together through the fire. Let God catch you. Give up the chase. He can and will make a difference. God bless.
Till death do us part… Excuse me! But what does that mean? Does it mean I will stick with you as long as I “FEEL” like I love you? Does it mean I will be faithful as long as you stay young and perky? OR does it mean I will stay faithful and love you until death separates us?
Believers in our church are beginning a movement to turn our eyes and hearts to God every 60 minutes for 60 days. God has impressed me that for now, I am to pray for specific marriages. These couples include friends, family and even a new friend reqesting prayer in Barbados.
Something really profound happened today. A friend called today and said he was bringing his wife to town as a surprise and wondered if we could meet for dinner at the River Walk. We hadn’t seen each other for years and he reminded me that they were in a marriage enrichment class we taught 10 or 15 years, ago.
Our meeting was not a coincidence. It was God reminding me. The battle for marriages is worth the fight. If I can pray for you or a friend of yours, let me know. I will be honored to add your choice to my list. God is in the miracle working business for those that love Him.
I look forward sharing some incredible “God Spots” with you as God rescues marriages!
