Pray for All the People

1 Timothy 2:1-2
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Last night Tim and I watched 48 Hours and listened to the sadness and fear in the voices of the people who survived the tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado. My heart and prayers went out to them and the friends and families of the victims. I also thought about the man who performed such a horrific act. His family must be in shock. God asks me to pray for all of the souls involved, but I’ll admit it is difficult to pray for the perpetrator. But, Timothy brings the charge to pray for all people. I am asking that you join me as I lift this situation up to God and seek his peace and guidance.

Also, would you pray for a group of folks leaving today for a week long missionary journey to Mexico?  A group from True Life Christian Church is traveling south to reach out as the hands and feet of Jesus. I pray that they find opportunity and that they are covered by safety. I also know a young man who is preparing to go into the mission field on a more permanent basis. Please pray for Marion as he ventures into an unfamiliar land with Jesus in his heart and hands.

I praise God for prayer!

  

Sunshine and Shadow

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

In the spring, I planted zinnia seeds like the ones I remembered from my childhood. With rain and sun green sprouts shot up and over time displayed a riot of color.  One morning when I left for work, I took a moment to admire the blooms. They reached their faces to the sun. When I got home that evening, I noticed that the buds bowed their heads because the sun had moved to the other side of the house.

The movement of these simple flowers reminded me of how I strive to be as a follower of Jesus. In seeking him I search for his light and raise my face to meet his. The warmth of his love and grace refuel my soul. In the darkness of life I bow my head and pray for his guidance. In time he sends his answer. I am amazed over and over again how the most common elements of nature speak volumes about our incredible God. Whether sunshine or shadow, he stays the same. I just need to stay focused on his light.

Watch Out for Will-o'-the-wisp

Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:25
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 

“Girls day out!” my granddaughter declared as my daughters, my granddaughter and I spent the afternoon watching the movie Brave. Without spoiling the plot for anyone, I’ll just say that the young Scottish princess, Merida, determined to change her destiny, initially follows the will-o’-the-wisps (ghostly lights that lead travelers off their path) right into trouble.

As I watched the story unfold I couldn’t help but think about those will-o’-the-wisps. As a follower of Christ, he has a purpose for my life and a path set before me. If I listen to the Holy Spirit and seek his guidance, I stay in step with him and follow God’s plan for me. If I become distracted by will-o’-the-wisps, A.K.A. the devil, I veer off into trouble and chaos. When I accepted Jesus as my savior and followed him in baptism, he gave me the gift of his Holy Spirit, my guide for life. I choose to follow him.

Weeding My Heart

Proverbs 24:30-34
I went past the field of a sluggard,
    past the vineyard of someone who has no sense;
 thorns had come up everywhere,
    the ground was covered with weeds,
    and the stone wall was in ruins.
I applied my heart to what I observed
    and learned a lesson from what I saw:
A little sleep, a little slumber,
    a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief
    and scarcity like an armed man.

On my route to work, I pass an empty house covered with vines and weeds. Just last year, I remember seeing porch furniture, flowers growing and lights on. Not anymore, neglect has allowed poison ivy, ragweed and other unfriendly plants to flourish. The greenery has grown up over the porch roof, across windows and up walls.

When I planted my flower garden, one volunteer plant grew that I didn’t recognize. I let it go for a few weeks and then realized it must be a weed. I pulled that invader out and am vigilant about removing any new ones that crop up. But more important than my flower bed, God wants me to dig the weeds—laziness, greed, selfishness, immorality, jealousy, basically sin— out of my heart. Neglected weeds choke out flowers and eventually take over. Sin steals peace and salvation and eventually destroys the heart. I guard my heart by reading the Bible, praying and surrounding myself with family and friends who pray for me. With God’s help I can keep my heart weeded and let his flowers bloom.  

Worth the Wait

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

When we moved to our new home five years ago, I transplanted a tiger lily that produces a double bloom.  Every year I look forward to this beautiful flowers arrival. This spring I watched the plant grow and wondered if I’d see a bloom. The long green leaves stood for months without a single spike to hold the flowers. Along the road and in the neighbors’ yards I saw bright orange lilies wave in the breeze. But where were mine? One morning as I walked to my car, I glanced at the flowerbed – several spikes shot up overnight. Within weeks I had beautiful double orange blossoms to enjoy. Once the flower blooms it only lasts a day. But, I’ve enjoyed everyone one.

I don’t know anyone who enjoys waiting, especially on an answer to prayer. I recently read that God gives us three answers when we pray: No, Not yet, or I have something better in mind. When I pray, I hope that the answer will arrive sooner than later, but many times I have to wait. That doesn’t mean I sit and twiddle my thumbs, I move forward with life and follow God’s lead. Eventually, I understand his answer. Waiting on the Lord may not be fun, but the journey is worth more than gold.