Faster Is Not Always Better

But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees.
Then he said to his servant, “Go and look out toward the sea.”
The servant went and looked, then returned to Elijah and said, “I didn’t see anything.”
Seven times Elijah told him to go and look. Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.”
Then Elijah shouted, “Hurry to Ahab and tell him, ‘Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry, the rain will stop you!’” 1 Kings 18:42-44

Just before Elijah went to the top of Mount Carmel to pray, he prayed one prayer and immediately fire rained down from heaven totally demolishing this sacrifice, the wood, the alter, the dust and all the water that had been poured over it.

I think to myself….”WOW, to have answers to prayer like that.!”

What happened next? Elijah went to the top of Mount Carmel and prayed again. The Bible says he was bowing with his face between his knees. He prayed. Nothing happened. He prayed again. Nothing happened. This happened seven times. Seven times he prayed and God did not answer until the seventh time!

I wonder if Elijah became frustrated in those prayers. The Bible tells us in James 5:17 that he was a man just like us. Do you think that he was praying and complaining that God answered so clearly at the battle of the alters but now took his time? I might do that.

A couple of months ago, I was praying for something and I got the answer as I was standing there praying. I began to wonder why God didn’t always do that. Then a question popped into my mind. If God always answered us immediately, would we still seek him? Would we still try to be in a relationship with him? Or would we come to him only to get an answer?

I know his timing is perfect. I know he has reasons for not answering right away. And I do trust his plan….but honestly, if he had always answered everything exactly when I wanted, there would be no need to trust, would there?

A Minute In It - Would They Know We Are Christians?

A minute in Gods' word will change your life.  Read through the Bible text and ask yourself the questions at the bottom of the post.

1 Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.

4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!”5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. Acts 3:1-11 (NLT)

Do you have a lot of money to share with people?
Do you share it if you do?
If you don’t, what can you share with others that would show them Jesus?
If you were a stranger standing outside your church and you started talking to the folks as they exited, would you know from their actions if they were Christ followers?
Would you know that about yourself?

Prayers Of The Master

I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. John 17:20 (NLT)

Last night in Bible Study, we did a study of all the ways/times Jesus prayed. If you’ve never done that, I highly recommend it. It reminded me that he prayed is all types of situations, for all types of people, including himself. Jesus is our example in everything.

One of the things I especially liked was today’s verse. In John 17 Jesus is praying. He’s talking to God, pouring out his heart, and guess what is on his mind? Us. You and me! He says “I am praying for all who will ever believe in me.” That’s us!

And guess what? He still is praying for us.

Romans 8:24 says “Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.”

And Hebrews 7:25 says “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”

This Jesus, our Jesus has lifted us up in prayer and is still lifting us up to the Father.

There is something wonderful about knowing that someone is praying for you. If you can give that gift to someone, I encourage you to do so. Praying for someone is like wrapping a warm blanket around them. But know this, you are being prayed for as well. Jesus is wrapping his arms around you and lifting you up. He’s interceding for you. Why? Because he loves you. Always has. Always will.

Who Would Imagine That?

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

Whenever I am up against a problem, I think about this verse. In my humanness I want God to use his power to do more than I can ask or imagine. That’s the part we focus on, right?

But, didn’t he already do that?

Who would have ever thought that someone, someone I never met or knew, would give up unimaginable beauty to walk hot, dusty roads? Who would have thought of leaving the comfort of home where everyone around adored you to live in a place where jealousy and pride abound? Who would have thought that a creator/artist would limit himself so he could lift up other people? Who would have thought that there was a love so deep, so profoundly unthinkable, that he would leave safety to be in harm’s way every day? Who would have thought that someone would love me so much that he would give his life for me knowing I may not choose to love him back?

God has already accomplished more than we can ask or imagine. And because he did, there is a power at work in my life and my heart…..all for his glory.

Jesus, I bow before you and praise you. And while thank you doesn’t seem like enough, I know you hear my heart. Amen

One Size Doesn't Fit All....On Purpose

Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. “I can’t go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine. 1 Samuel 17:38-40 (NLT)

David was sent by his father Jesse to bring food to his brothers. They were fighting the battle against the Philistines. When he got there, he heard Goliath shouting insults at the army. He was jeering and taunting them. And the Israelites were afraid.

David’s was incredulous. Why was Goliath allowed to insult God’s army without consequence? Didn’t he know that they had God behind them? In essence, he was insulting God. He went to King Saul and said he wanted to fight the giant.

King Saul was not easily convinced. David was so, well, small. How could he possibly fight Goliath? And David’s reciting of his experience didn’t help. Sure, you may have killed lions and bears but this is a GIANT! Finally, Saul gave in. He handed David his armor and said “Wear this.” David put it on. And then he took it off.

David knew that he couldn’t fight anything trying to be something he wasn’t. He wasn’t Saul. He didn’t look like Saul. He didn’t fight like Saul. He was David. He had to be who he was. A man that trusted in God.

How many times do we try to fit in where we shouldn’t? How often do we compromise on our core values, our beliefs, in order to accomplish some goal? How many times do we try to put on what is not ours to wear in order to win?

God created you. You are his masterpiece. And even if you haven’t fought lions or bears, your experience matters. God never wastes anything. He will use you, where you are and with what you have. If you have to go face a giant today, trust God. He’s in the battle with you and he knows what he’s doing. And, do you know the best part? He won’t make you wear someone else’s armor.

If You Could Have Anything....

Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. 47 When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 
“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.
But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”
So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” 50 Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.
 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.
“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” Mark 10:46-52 (NLT)

In this story, doesn't it seem odd that Jesus asked "What do you want me to do for you? Jesus asked this question multiple times. Once, when he asked it of the disciples, they said they wanted to be elevated in his kingdom. 

Maybe Jesus asks to draw out our true intentions. Do we want to receive material comforts? Do we want relief from stress and burdens? Do we want a miracle for ourselves or someone else? All of these things are not necessarily bad. We can definitely ask for them! But, then we have to ask ourselves another question.  If you don't receive what you ask for, will you still love Jesus? Will you still seek him?

Sadly, some of us would not. And that is the most important reason to reflect on the question He asks.

What is it that you really want?

A Minute In It - Many Blessings

A minute in Gods' word will change your life.  Read through the Bible text and ask yourself the questions at the bottom of the post.

1-3 God, my shepherd!
    I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
    you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
    you let me catch my breath
    and send me in the right direction.

4 Even when the way goes through
    Death Valley,
I’m not afraid
    when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
    makes me feel secure.

5 You serve me a six-course dinner
    right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
    my cup brims with blessing.

6 Your beauty and love chase after me
    every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
    for the rest of my life.  Psalm 23 (MSG)

Sometimes we need to take a moment and count our blessings. In this wonderful Chapter, there are things that God blesses us with. Read through the text and thank God for the blessings he provides for you.  

"I'm Right Here!!!"

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)

The other day my husband and I were playing Hide and Seek with my grandson. He's a toddler so one of us would go with him to hide and the other would seek. It was my turn to count and then find him and my husband.

As I was standing in the family room, I saw my husband take him into the front closet. I dutifully counted "1, 2, 3, 4, 5" and went to find them. I knew where they were so I wasn't really looking. All the while, I am talking out loud saying "I wonder where they are? I have to keep looking!" As my hand reached for the closet door, my grandson yelled from the stair landing "I right here!" (Apparently, my husband saw me spy their hiding place and moved.)

He couldn't help himself! He wanted to be found by me. He wanted to be together, to play some more and to share the moment.

Who else does this remind you of? God does the same thing. He says that if we seek him we will find him. There is no game here. He wants to be found! He wants to spend time together, to share moments, talk and play. As a matter of fact, he goes out of his way to get us to see who he is. The problem comes when we think we know where to find him so we stop looking. 

Just like I thought I knew where to find my grandson, I didn't really search. I went to where I thought he was; expecting him to be there. But he moved! Do we do that with God? Do we go to the same place every time because we think he's there? Do we even notice when he's not?

The depth of our relationship with him has a lot to do with our response to his call. Are you seeking God? Really seeking him? Or are you going through the motions to play a game and missing out? God is jumping up and down and yelling "I'm right here!" but we miss it because we thought we had him figured out.  But, just like my husband and my grandson, he is full of surprises making it well worth the search!