LIFE'S INTERRUPTIONS

Storms roared into the mid south area this past Friday afternoon with a vengeance! We lost power as did several of our family. We were sitting on the back porch watching a slow, easy rain with our granddaughter, when suddenly everything changed. In a heartbeat, the slower shower became a horizontal sheet. The breeze became a vicious, howling wind twisting and turning everything in its path. Our quiet afternoon had been turned upside down.

We, fortunately, only had a few limbs to fall. Others had entire trees to come crashing down, while others in our neighborhood also lost flag poles. Yet that was still not the worst. We later found out that a tornado had touched down just about a mile from our daughter's home. They had a section of fence blown down, lost a tree and also had no power. Yet others in their neighborhood had sections of their roof blown off, while others just a short distance away had their entire home demolished by the storm and the 120 mph winds!

Life has been interrupted as we are forced to do without air conditioning, refrigerators, telephones and TV!! No microwaves or ovens. No power tools to do repairs.

Restaurants in the area flourished. Grocery stores were sold out of dry ice. Chain saws were buzzing and equipment stores were doing a booming business as people rushed in for saws, plywood and heavy plastic.

But the best part of all was to see neighbor helping neighbor. Friends checking on friends. Friends helping those in need find generators or places to store frozen food so it would not spoil. Others opening their home to families whose air was out.

Yes, life's interruptions doesn't always bring out the best in us. Yet for many, it does. It causes us all to stop and think for a minute about what is really important. We are made to pause and reflect upon the value of relationships over things.

Yes life for all of us had a few interruptions this weekend. For some it will be life as usual tomorrow. For others who have lost a lot, it will be some time before life is back to normal. So if you know someone who can use a helping hand, reach out and help. Tomorrow it could be YOU that needs that hand of love.

MORE THREADS IN THE TAPESTRY

It seems that God just continues to bring things to my attention regarding His kingdom tapestry. I purchased a book at a yard sale yesterday and within the first few pages I saw more threads of His amazing work!

Richard Wurmbrand was orphaned early in life. He was brought up in a family with no religious background. He was raised in poverty during the days of WWI and at the age of 14 was a devout atheist. It was not just "that I did not believe in God or Christ---I hated these notions, considering them harmful for the human mind. So I grew up in bitterness toward religion."

Although he was an atheist, something always drew him to churches! He could scarcely pass a church without entering, even though he never understood what was going on or what was being said within.

Richard was sure there was no God, yet was very sad there wasn't. "I would have liked very much to know that a loving heart existed somewhere in the center of the universe" since he had very little happiness as a child. Something in him seemed to yearn for what those within the church had. One day, though still an atheist he prayed a prayer something like this,

"God, I know surely you do not exist. But...if perchance you exist, which I contest, it is not my duty to believe in You; it is YOUR duty to reveal Yourself to me".

According to Wurmbrand:

"During this time of inner turmoil, an old carpenter in a village high up in the mountains of Romania prayed like this :

'My God, I have served you on earth and wish to have my reward on earth as well as in heaven. And my reward should be that I should not die before I bring a Jew to Christ, because Jesus was from the Jewish people. But I am poor, old and sick and I cannot go around and seek a Jew. In my village there are none. Bring a Jew into my village and I will do my best to bring him to Christ.'

Something irresistible drew me to that village. I had no reason to go there. Romania has 12,000 villages, but I went to that one. Seeing I was a Jew, the carpenter courted me as never a beautiful girl had been courted. He saw in me the answer to his prayer and gave me a Bible to read. I had read the Bible out of cultural interest many times before. But the Bible he gave me was another kind of Bible. As he told me some time later, he and his wife prayed together for hours for my conversion and that of my wife. The Bible he gave me was written not so much in words, but in flames of love fired by his prayers. I could barely read it. I could only weep over it, comparing my bad life with the life of Jesus; my impurity with His righteousness, my hatred with His love...and He accepted me as His own."

I was moved beyond words as I read his story. Moved at God's amazing love for us. Moved at how He pursues us!!!!!!!!!!!!

When a heart yearns for God, He will move Heaven and earth to respond. It may be immediately, it may be days or months or years before we SEE Him move, but...make no mistake He will move! God will take those threads of His tapestry and begin the weaving process and one day the various threads of that life will come together with the threads of other lives and together they will create a magnificent piece of the Kingdom Tapestry!

Oh today, my dear friend, if things seem to be a knotted mess in your life, know this. The Master Weaver is working out a beautiful design and your life is just one of the many threads that it will take to complete it.

Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a little song that so wonderfully expresses this:

SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

Something beautiful

Something good

All my confusion

He understood

All I had to offer Him

was brokenness and pain

But He made something

Beautiful of my life.

Whatever your needs are today, cry out to God. He will hear you and He will respond. He will take your brokenness, your pain, your heartache and He will weave them into something beautiful that will honor and glorify Him. And know this...if you do not know Him as your Lord and Savior, just take one step toward Him and He will move Heaven and earth to reveal Himself to you.

GOD MOVES

David Wilkerson, author of the beloved Prayer of Jabez, wrote the following devotional. As I pondered on it, I've added my own thoughts in red:


As I was in prayer, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart about four expectations that God’s people should trust him to bring pass. These expectations are based on absolute promises the Lord has made to us. Our God is a promise-maker and a promise-keeper!

1. EXPECT TO BE REWARDED AS YOU DILIGENTLY SEEK THE LORD. “God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

You can ask in faith for a token from the Lord to encourage and rekindle your confidence. God is always on time, and he knows you need a ray of hope and good news in your time of testing. Expect him to keep his promise to reward you now, when you are in greatest need. God cannot lie – he has said he rewards those who diligently seek him – so seek him daily. And truly believe this will be your season of great spiritual blessing.

I can think back and remember numerous times in my life when I was in the midst of a hard place or my heart was hurting, when God would send me that "token". I recall early on in our marriage my husband and I had had a quarrel one night. The next morning I left for work with a very heavy heart. My mother and I worked for the same government agency at the time, only she generally went in much earlier than me. On that particular morning, I had cried out to the Lord all the way to work. As I was walking to my desk, I met my mother in the hall. She had a beautiful bouquet of roses for me in her hand. She had no idea of the heaviness of my heart...but God did! It was if He had whispered to me "I heard you, My Child....all is well." Within just a short time, my husband phoned and asked me to meet him for lunch. All was well!

2. EXPECT TO SEE EVIDENCE OF A PROGRESSIVE MIRACLE IN YOUR LIFE. “With God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27).

I have written about instantaneous miracles and progressive miracles. Progressive miracles start in unseen, quiet ways and unfold little by little, one small mercy at a time. You are now in such a miracle. Expect to see God working in mysterious ways, unseen to the human eye. This should be the season you can say, “I don’t know how it will come to pass – I don’t see much happening right now – but I believe God set into motion an answer to my prayers the very first hour I asked.”

In our recent study of the book of Esther, we saw again and again how perfect is God's timing. As I wrote a few weeks ago, God is constantly weaving his Kingdom Tapestry in our lives. He is orchestrating the very minute details of our lives and all for a divine purpose. I heard of just one such instance this week. I will let our Connecting Points leader share in his own words:

"This guy....hit me upside the head and did not even realize it when he did it. I was leaving a company to move to Omaha, NE. He gave me a going away card, and in it, he wrote something and then just put the scripture "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength" Phil 4:13. I will never forget that, after I re-read that card, I went and looked up that scripture and read about it and it made me curious. Soon thereafter, I took that scripture to my knees and asked Christ into my life at a TOUGH time in my life. Rick, thank you for sharing that scripture with me. That little seed you planted has done incredible things in my life!"

Who would have thought God could use a simple greeting card to change a man's destiny? But you see, his friend, Rick, incorporated the Word of God into his card and that is what made the difference!! God had brought these two men together in a work setting who knows how long before. Now He was moving one out of that setting, possibly to never see the other again. But God was working the whole time!!!!!!! He was orchestrating His divine plan in the life of each of these men.

How many times have you been tempted to write a note in a card, or share a verse of scripture and then held back for fear of what that person would say or think? The Word of God is powerful, it is life-changing. And, because Rick was not afraid to go out on a limb and simply share one verse with Barry, Barry's whole life was changed!!

3. EXPECT TO ENTER INTO GOD’S PROMISED PLACE OF REST. “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God…enter into that rest” (Hebrews 4:9, 11).

The recent year has been one of the most stressful for many believers. It was a year of incredible calamities, problems and trials. Now the Lord desires that you trust him to bring you into his promised rest. God never intended his children live in fear and despair. We need a reckless faith, a trust in him in the face of fear and trouble. Now is the time to lay it all on Jesus.

God wants us to rest in Him. He tells us "Come all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." Matt. 11: 28 The only place of rest is found in Him. Our burdens are too heavy for us to bear alone. He desires for us to find our comfort in Him and Him alone. We will not find rest in Oprah, nor Dr. Phil. We will not find rest in the latest best seller. We will not find rest in wealth or health or philosophies. We will only find rest IN HIM. But that rest belongs only to those who know Him, who have placed their faith and trust in Him. Do you long for rest? Do you know Him?


4. EXPECT THE HOLY SPIRIT TO BE ALWAYS “IN HIS TEMPLE.” “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

The Holy Spirit abides in the heart of every believer. He is omnipresent throughout the world and universe. I face each day acknowledging that he is here in his temple to comfort and guide me, encourage and anoint me, to reveal the glory of Jesus Christ in ever-increasing revelations. He desires that you expect him to make his presence manifest to you, and more so each passing day.

Believe these promises. Lay hold of these four expectations, and you will see marvelous things in this season of your life.

Having a "God consciousness" will change the way you live your life. When you are constantly aware of His presence with you and IN you, it changes the way you go about your daily life. He becomes more than just the topic of the Sunday School lesson. You realize that HE, the one and only God, abides with you moment by moment. He is truly "nearer than breathing, closer than hands and feet".

Last week my mother had a really rough week. A few months ago, she had major plumbing problems that cost her quite a bit of money. Then last week, her air conditioner went out. I don't have to tell you how much one of those costs!!:( On top of that she has had to have yard equipment repaired and other expenses out of the ordinary budget.) When they A/C man said she needed a new one, it was just about the last straw. She was really down and yet she breathed a prayer to the Lord and said "God....I really could use a hug right now."

Later than afternoon, my husband stopped by to see about something for her. She told him about her prayer as he was about to leave. He said "Well I can give you a hug!!" and he did. Then as he left, he leaned out the window and said, "Granny, don't worry...we'll be praying for you and we love you!" She was SO moved that she called me to tell me how much that had blessed her. Such a simple thing, but God knew exactly what she needed. My husband thought was going by to fix a small problem. He did not know that he was the insrument God would use to answer her prayer. He is THAT personal to us!

Whatever your needs today, GOD KNOWS. Take it to Him and see if He will not pour upon you a blessing, pressed down and running over!!!!!!!!!!

PRAYING SCRIPTURE

Some years back I was taught how to pray scripture. We always want to be sure that we are praying in God's will and when we pray scripture we can be sure that we are doing that (providing that you do not take it out of context).

As I've taught Bible study the last couple of years, and in just conversation with other believers, I've realized that there are many people who do NOT know how to do this. They have never been exposed to it, just as I had not for many years. So in thinking about that today, I'd like to share a few verses that are favorites of mine and show you HOW to do that.

Let's start with some really easy ones that you can pray for yourself:

Psalm 27:11 "Teach me your way O Lord and lead me in a plain path". David phrased this one so perfectly you do not even have to change the wording! There are many verses like this that you can take and just quote David or the author verbatim and make it YOUR personal prayer.

Here is another one like that....Psalm 30: 10 "Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me...be my helper!"

Here are some you can pray for your children (be sure to insert YOUR child's name in the blank):

REGARDING THEIR SPEECH: "Lord, would you keep ____ 's tongue from evil and his lips from speaking perversely? Help him to depart evil and do good." Psalm 34: 13, 14

REGARDING BAD COMPANY: "Lord, would you protect _________ and keep her from those who are seeking to draw her away from you? Would you 'let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after her soul; let them be turned back and brought to confusion that seek her hurt....may the angel of the Lord chase them away!" Psalm 35: 4, 5b

GOING THROUGH A ROUGH TIME: "O God...in the multitude of thy mercy would you hear me? Deliver ________ out of the mire... do not allow her to sink; cause her to be delivered from [this situation]. Please do not allow her to be overcome by this. Hear her prayers O Lord, for your lovingkindness is good; turn to her according to the multitude of your tender mercies and do not hide your face from her for she is in trouble and she needs you to hear her quickly!" Psalm 69: 13-17 You will notice that I did change a few words in this verse, but I did not change the meaning. Instead of saying "do not let the deep swallow her up and let not the pit shut her mouth upon her", I said 'do not allow her to be overcome by this'. Same difference, just more appropriate to what you are praying. Most of you are not going to be praying about a child in the deep or a pit (hopefully), but it is referencing a situation in which one is about to drown.

DIRECTION: "Help ____ to refrain his feet from every evil way that he might be able to keep your word." Psalm 119: 101

SPIRITUAL GROWTH: "Father would you grant ________ according to the riches of your glory to be strengthened with might by your Spirit in the inner man; may Christ dwell in her heart by faith; [and may she] be rooted and grounded in love and be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ which passes all knowledge and be filled with all the fulness of God." Now can you imagine praying THAT prayer for your child or grandchild every day? Is there anything in that God would not want you to pray? I think not. You are praying HIS word directly back to Him. It is a powerful tool.

I hope this has given you a glimpse of how praying scripture can enhance your prayer life. And, I hope it will motivate you to want to give it a try. Psalms is the easiest place to start. Won't you try a few verses today as you kneel before the Lord. I promise, you will be blessed!

I PRAY YOU ENOUGH

Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged, and the mother said,

"I love you, and I pray you enough."

The daughter replied,

"Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I pray you enough, too, Mom."

They kissed, and the daughter left.. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking,

"Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?"

"Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?"

"Well...I'm not as young as I once was, she lives so far away & has her own busy life. I have some challenges ahead, and the reality is - her next trip back will be for my funeral," she said.

"When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I pray you enough.' May I ask what that means?"

She began to smile.

"That's a prayer that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone."

She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more.

"When we said, 'I pray you enough,' we wanted the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them."

Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

"I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

I pray you enough faith to have comfort and peace with God."

Then, she began to cry, and walked away.

---copied

Today, I wish each of you "ENOUGH".

MARRIAGE BOOT CAMP

"This know also, that in the last days periolous times shall come, for men will be lovers of their own selves...lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God." II Tim. 3: 1-2, 4 KJV


I think someone needs to start a Marriage Boot Camp! I have just heard of another marriage that is headed for divorce court because the woman was tired of being married....tied down.

What was she thinking marriage was going to be? I can tell you...a Hollywood version of what it REALLY is! She was expecting moonlight and roses, looking into each others' eyes over a candlelight dinner, dancing in each other's arms every night to "I'll Always Love You", passionate romance and a husband who looked like he stepped out of a magazine ad for Calvin Klein. Instead she got a reality show called "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MARRIED COUPLE"....alarms going off at 5 am, husband looking scruffy with morning breath, breakfast to prepare, lunches to pack, garbage to gather, litter boxes to clean out, grocery shopping to do, meals to be cooked after a long day at work, laundry that is never ending, errands to run, constant exhaustion, too much month at the end of the paycheck, bills that never stop, and that is all before a baby comes on the scene!!

That is why I think couples should have to go through marriage boot camp. They should have to go somewhere for 6 months and without consumating a marriage, they should have to be forced to deal with all the demands a normal couple would undergo. They should be given a certain amount of money (which by the way is never enough), and with it should have to pay an imaginary house note, car notes, and bills that a normal couple would encounter. Then just when they think they have the hang of it, they should be thrown a curve with one of them losing their job, cutting their pay in half. They should have things break, someone get sick or some other common stress that married couples face. There should not be much money for going out to eat, clothes or other luxuries. Then, before they pass the course, they should be given kids. Just a couple (not their own, of course, but I'm sure they could find a few people who would gladly farm theirs out for a few days) for long enough for them to experience what it's like to never have a moment of privacy and to know what it's like to walk the floor with a colicky baby or clean poop from multiple services before you've had your morning coffee.

Yep, a good dose of reality might just reduce the number of cases of divorces and couples who are ready to throw in the towel before it's hardly had time to get wet.

Marriage is a commitment. I just don't think most of those heading to the altar these days get that. It's not just something a woman cooked up so she can play bride and plan a wedding. It is meant to be for life...'til death do us part'. It does NOT mean that if you get tired of your spouse or if life gets hard or if it's not turning out as you imagined that you can bail. It means that you stick it out, you work at it TOGETHER, that you esteem the other greater than yourself and most important of all, you depend on the only One who can hold your marriage together...the Lord!

THE CLOCK IS TICKING....

I have been reading Joel Rosenberg's book, EPICENTER (I highly recommend it, by the way) and have found it spellbinding!

Not only does Rosenberg, a Christian Jew, do an excellent job of correlating current events to scripture but he also causes you to look at today's news in a whole new light.

Rosenberg looks at Ezekiel 38 and 39, two prophetic chapters in the Bible, and puts modern day names to the ones listed there in scripture. He also shows how several prophecies about Israel have been fulfilled already.

If you know anything about scripture, you know that "he who blesses Israel will be blessed, and he who curses Israel will be cursed". We have been blessed in the past to have presidents who have stood firmly by Israel. However, our current administration seems to be leaning less and less in that direction.

I encourage you to pick up a copy of Epicenter today and learn for yourself what the Bible has to say about Israel and the Middle East. I also encourage you to subscribe to Rosenberg's blog at:
www.flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com.

The clock is ticking....we must stay informed.....