Tag Archives: Prayer

Sons Of Disobedience

15 Aug

lake of fire

2. wherein ye once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience; 3. among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest:– 4. but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Ephesians 2:2-4 (ASV)

Many years ago I attended a large church in Phoenix.  I was a member of the choir and church staff.  Sunday mornings were delightful.  We would begin choir practice at 8am and the anointing would always fall over the sanctuary.  By the time service started there was such a thick and powerful anointing that people often said they could feel it when they walked through the doors of the foyer.  The ministry teams would often be in the sanctuary as the choir practiced, to drink in the anointing before the congregation began arriving.

One Sunday, in particular, will forever stay in my memory.  It was that Sunday that a young warlock priest was sent to the church to kill the worship leader.  We were unaware of it during the service.  We weren’t actually made aware until the following Wednesday night choir practice.  What we were aware of was that many people made their way to the altar and left the elements they were bound by on the steps to the platform.  It was a common thing to see every Sunday.  We often saw cigarettes, drugs, needles, guns and knives, left by people in deep prayer, crying out to God to cleanse them of their addictions or behaviors.  That Sunday a dagger was left at the platform and a young man laid at the platform sobbing for a very long time.

On Wednesday the young man told us that he had been sent there by his coven to kill our worship leader.  When the call came to attend the altar for prayer, he walked swiftly to the altar, dagger in hand, fully intending to run up the steps to the platform and complete his assignment, but by the time he had reached the steps, God had broken his heart.  God took away his desire to kill the worship leader and his desire to be a part of the coven any longer.  God stopped his feet from going forward, he said it was like there was an invisible wall at the bottom of the steps that he could not push through.  He dropped the dagger to the floor, fell to his knees, and began sobbing and crying out to God.

That young man began attending church every Sunday, and Bible Studies during the week.  He and the worship leader became close as the worship leader mentored him.  I won’t say it was an easy transition for this young man, the coven he had come from was very angry and went out of their way to bring him, and his family, great harm.  Eventually he had to move away to protect his family and get the fresh faith start that he needed.

This young man was sent to destroy a church and the powerful anointing that filled it – “but God, being rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4) turned his heart and set a hedge of protection around the people in the service.  God gave this young man another chance at true eternal life, in Heavenly places, taking away an eternity in the Lake of Fire.  God, in His Mercy, changed the course of many of our lives, by the testimony that came forward, showing us that not only can God change an evil man to a godly man, but He can protect His servants from any evil that attempts to bring them harm, “for his great love wherewith He loved us” (Eph 2:4).  What more could we possibly ask for.

Thank you, Lord, for not letting me forget your mercies and your love, spread out over the saint and sinner alike.  Thank you for loving me when I was unloveable, and bringing me up to a level where I can share that love with others.  Hallelujah!

** A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 2, Part 2

Written by Linda J. Humes

11-16-2014

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The Fullness of Him

4 Aug

Circle of Prayer

“and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”  Ephesians 1:22-23 (ASV)

Many years ago I worked for a large church in Phoenix.  Christmas was a bustling time as we pulled together our huge Christmas event – not the play or the kids dance event – it was an event called “Drive-By Blessings.”  For weeks we pulled together bags of nuts, candy, toys, a tract and a piece of fruit to hand out in the worse parts of Phoenix.  On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we took trucks and vans into the most impoverished and dangerous streets to hand out Blessings to the kids and clothing and food to the adults.  I treasure the memories of those years.

We left at 6 am to group together and didn’t get back home until 6 pm.  There wasn’t a traditional Christmas meal waiting for us, no aroma of a cooking turkey, and no fragrance of a pumpkin pie; but there was a most warm and fulfilling feeling deep in our souls as we talked about those we encountered and how their frowns and frustrations turned to smiles with our simple Blessing.

As we drove into these Phoenix neighborhoods, we became the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing a little bit of hope and happiness into a dark world.  We became the only Jesus many of those people will ever know.

In our scripture reference, God has put “all things” in subjection to Jesus, His Son.  All Things!  Subjection means that others must be submissive and under the authority.  All good and all evil were in subjection to Jesus; all living things and all death.  All angels and all demons were under subjection to Jesus; even Satan himself was placed in subjection to the instructions and authority of Jesus.  All things are under the feet of Jesus (Psalms 8:6).

God also made Jesus the head over the church, which is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27).  The church which is the hands and feet of Jesus (Proverbs 31:20).  The church which is the unified body of believers who will one day become the Bride of Christ (Revelation 21:2, 9).  Jesus sends the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16) and cleansing of Baptism (Acts 1:5).  And as He stands in this place of authority, He takes the time to kneel in intercession for all of the needs we lay before him in prayer (Romans 8:34, John 17:9).

We, the believers, become His body.  We become His fullness on earth, which is the satisfaction of our deepest needs, which is the fulfillment of His deepest needs.  We become His hands and feet to a hurting and dark world.  We become the spoken word to a desperate person at a critical moment.  We listen carefully for His guidance and recognize our duties and call, stepping forward to fulfill that life changing moment.

 “Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours, Yours are the eyes through which to look out Christ’s compassion to the world. Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good; Yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now.”   ― Teresa of ‘Avila

My Lord, help us to remember that although You can move mountains and change a person’s condition in a heartbeat, that you prefer to work through the Believers, to continue that precious relationship You place within the Body of the Church.  We can receive the supernatural healing while all alone in a hospital room, but oh the joy of knowing that there are people standing in prayer and encouraging us to go forward to a stronger and greater call for Christ.

*A Journey through Ephesians – Chapter 1, Part 13

Written by Linda J. Humes

10-25-2014

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The Love You Show

2 Aug

Corporate Prayer

“For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which ye show toward all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;” Ephesians 1:15-16 (ASV)

At some time in their lives most children feel unwanted and that they don’t belong in their family.  I don’t remember ever feeling like I belonged.  There weren’t hugs or kisses on the cheek or “I’m proud of you” comments.  I can often remember thinking that we kids were a chore to be dealt with, nothing more.  After my father’s death my mom remarried, and I had hoped it would change.  There were happier times in the family, when we spent time playing games and sharing stories – but I can only remember one time in my whole childhood that I received a hug and a kiss on the cheek from my mother.

When I gave my life to follow Jesus, He brought me something that I never expected – a new family.  I received hugs and encouragement and a feeling of belonging every time I stepped inside a church door.  It wasn’t an immediate transformation, but after a while I found that I was able to open up and share that same unconditional, “sister/mother” love with others.  A love without strings or expectations.  A love that came from being a member in the body of Christ.

Interestingly, it didn’t matter which church I entered, the acceptance was the same.  There was a strong feeling of family, an understanding that we all have our pains and wounds that we are working through, and a commitment of working together to try to help each other get to the place where we could heal and grow in the call that God had placed upon our lives.  There was a desired commitment to pray for others, known and unknown, to usher the healing balm from the Father’s hand into the lives others.  A delicious gift, freely given and humbly received, on a daily basis.  Through those times of prayer, mountains moved, faith grew, bodies were healed, love was shared, true compassion for others was felt, salvation went forward and people were set free – far more than anyone else – I was set free.

In Paul’s words in the scripture above, he recognizes the special circumstances and compassions that God put into the hearts of the believers (saints) that drew them toward each other in a common goal of sharing the message of the gospel and encouraging each other in love and prayer.  Through their faith they were able to bond together for a common goal of sharing a very unpopular and dangerous message and yet remained compassionate toward other’s frailties; holding each other tightly in prayer.  For the gift of that bond, that relationship, that family of Christ, Paul found strength and honored them all in thanksgiving and prayer.

I see what Paul is speaking of in this text every day.  I see it in today’s church – in the services, the Bible studies, the youth groups, men’s groups, and women’s groups.  There is a drawing together of the body of Christ that cannot be explained by any other term than “family.”  A family of imperfect, but striving and compassionate people, willing to take the time to encourage and pray for their “brothers” and “sisters”, to help them reach a newer and stronger level of faith.

Is it faith that brings us compassion, or is it compassion, birthed inside by a loving God, that gives us the foundation that faith stands firmly upon?  Is it faith that gives us confidence in prayer, or prayer that builds our strength in faith?  Is it the love of the saints that makes us want to pray and encourage others, lifting them up before the throne-room of God, or is it the time spent in the throne-room with God, in diligent and dedicated prayer, that brings us a love for people we may never meet; that breaks our heart for a people that we can only see in the Spirit, and gives us confidence for a true physical, emotional and spiritual healing for those who stand among us?  I don’t know, but I stand before my God with a heart filled with gratefulness for the gift of prayer and a heart filled with compassion for all mankind.

** A Journey Though Ephesians – Chapter 1, Part 9

Written by Linda J. Humes

9-14-14

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You Covered Me

28 Jul

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

God, this season has been the most difficult season of my life, But You covered me.

When scripture verses made no sense and chapters were just blurred words on a page, You reminded me that they never change, are never returned void, are always “Yes” and “Amen.”

When I searched for answers, only to find confusion and frustration, You sent me the right words through the voice of another.

When the weakness and fatigue overwhelmed me and all I could do was sleep or rest in my chair, I felt Your strong arms as You held me.

When loneliness started to creep in and I wondered what I had done to cause You to abandon me, You showed me that You were right there with me, every moment of every day.

When the illness made me doubt my faith, and all I know to be true, You wiped my tears and held me closer.

As I get stronger I can see the many miracles you provided along this journey, I am so grateful.

How do I thank a mighty God who holds a universe in His hands and knows the needs of every falling sparrow? By being an instrument of Your love. Knowing that You will always be there, Covering Me.

—

Written by Linda J. Humes

5-16-18

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The Flame Inside

13 Feb

“And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”   Acts 2:3-4

 

The flame that glows inside my soul speaks endless words:

  • Words of Joy for the brokenhearted,
  • Words of Peace for those caught in turmoil,
  • Words of Healing for those who suffer,
  • Words of Hope for those in despair,
  • Words of Patience for those who strive,
  • Words of Kindness for those who have suffered at the hands and words of others,
  • Words of Gentleness for those who have lived through trauma,
  • Words of Self-Control for those torn by addictions,
  • Words of Goodness to those who have felt the pains of rejection,
  • Words of Faithfulness for those who have been betrayed,
  • And Words of Love for every soul, young and old, pleasant and tormenting, with a deeper portion for the most unlovable.

 

Lord God, give me the power to unleash the flame,

Growing it large enough to cover every need with Warmth and Grace.

 

Let my words flow with the gift of Life.

Use Me . . . . .

————

Written by Linda J. Humes on 2-13-2018

Published 2-18-2018

Republished 10-13-2021

Republished 6-26-2022

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In Times of Crisis

2 Feb

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”   John 16:33

—

There isn’t a person born who hasn’t faced crisis at some time in their life. Some people face crisis on a daily basis; some very rarely.

In my life I’ve experienced crisis in many, many forms. Each event was different, but had its own specific crisis impact on my future and the person I would become. Living in extreme poverty, sexual abuse, physical abuse, alcoholic husband, divorce, having a child trapped in drugs, having a child in prison, health failures, financial burdens, all of these set a tone for who I was, and by the way I dealt with each event, who I would become. I had to ask myself whether I was going to I allow the crisis to define my weakness or whether I would use the crisis to build my strength.

I have prayed many times to receive the understanding of why I went through so many difficult events. When I began to counsel people the answer became clear; I could relate to the pain of others and bring to them a testimony of hope. I don’t believe it was God’s plan for me to have to face so many difficult situations, I believe they came because of the choices of my parents, and later on, because of my own insecurities and poor resulting choices. I do believe that God took those situations and turned them into a God purpose, to help raise another out of the pit of despair.

I can testify that you can lay hands in prayer on an empty refrigerator and food will come to your door by the most unexpected means. I can testify that through prayer a seemingly lost child will return home and rededicated their life to Christ. I can testify that you can forgive a rapist and a child beater. I can testify that miracles happen every day, even in the midst of crisis, if you take a moment to look. I can testify that God answers prayer and moves mountains from your path, if that’s what it takes to solve a crisis in your life. I can testify to these, because I’ve walked those paths.

God never leaves us; He laughs with us and He cries with us. He holds us in the dark hours and sends angels to provide our needs. Sometimes the angel is you, sometimes it’s me, and sometimes it’s a complete stranger. God’s love will continue to hold us closes; as long as we let Him. When we are so angry at Him for allowing things to happen to us, He holds us close. His omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient presence understands our confused emotions and allows us to work it through, just as we do with our own children.

Leaning on the love and understanding of God brings peace. God helps us to remain strong in faith by being who He is, faithful.

Letting go in a time of crisis is not easy. We hold fast with both hands to what we think we should keep. But, if we don’t release the left hand of yesterday and the right hand of today, we won’t be able to reach for the hand of God and His blessing for tomorrow.

What are you holding onto? Are you embroiled in a crisis at the hands of the enemy, or are you the empowerer of your own situation by not releasing the past and standing in faith of a new tomorrow? Let go!

By Linda J. Humes

Written 1-30-2011

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THE TREE

9 Dec

“For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” Matthew 25:35-36

After living my whole life in a large city, we moved to a small northern Arizona town, where houses sat on 1 acre lots, or larger. From stoplights every 2 streets, to 2 stoplights in the whole town. From helicopters and sirens all night long in the surrounding neighborhood, to a siren every few months, or less. It was a welcomed change, it was a time to slow down and enjoy life.

About 3 months later I had to make a business trip back to the city. It didn’t take much time to realize how quickly I had acclimated to small town life and how overwhelming the big city could be.

Highway travel with cars darting in and out, merging, volleying for position, and set on getting somewhere as fast as they could. I set my car in the direction I needed to go and focused completely on getting there. The feeling of being overwhelmed ceased, but the realization that in all this scattered and tempered movement, no one went anywhere quickly, at least not during rush hour.

After a long day’s work, I decided to try the inner city streets to get cross to the highway. It went rather smoothly across the city, until I had to take the major street that would connect me to the highway. I had no idea that the turn I was about to make would shock me.

The time I saved traveling across the inner city was lost in the creeping traffic of the main artery streets that crossed the city to accessed the highway; streets that business people travel night and day to get to the large corporations, legal offices and medical specialist complexes; where a large group of people become invisible to the eye of daily life. It was a group of people I knew existed, but I never “really” saw. A group of people that walked the streets where I had lived; slept in the parks where my children had played; there on that street lay the homeless.

It took moving away to see the pain and desolation of these displaced people, lying on bus-stop benches and along the sidewalks. Groups huddled closely to stay warm; people walking down the sidewalk moved from side to side to avoid the extended arms and outstretched legs of the sleeping. Commuting people stepped over dirty backpacks and encrusted duffle bags, people walked by, never making eye contact with those they stepped over.

I looked around at the other drivers, many were accustomed to this daily trek, with papers across the steering wheel, cell phones to their ears, paper bag dinners being consumed. They weren’t looking to the side. They weren’t seeing the people on the side. They had an agenda.

I cried out to God, asking why I had not seen these people before. Why did my heart break now, but not when I lived close enough to have done something? At one time these people represented a threat that I had to protect my children from – perhaps an unrealistic threat, yet one that seemed so real at the time. I had seen them as a group instead of individuals, each with a set of circumstances and events that placed them where they were, or encouraged them to choose this lifestyle.

I stopped at a convenience mart to get a cup of coffee and a snack; the homeless sat and lay all around the perimeter, some stood together near the building. One man, close to my age, stood near the door. I made my purchases and as I approached the door he opened it. He smiled a broad smile, teeth missing, in need of a bath, layered in clothes to break the cold. I smiled back and thanked him, he gestured back and went about his business.

I sat in the parking lot a long time, taking it all in. I was overwhelmed by the needs of these people; I was overwhelmed because there was nothing I could do. I felt hopelessness for them; I felt hopelessness for me. I was ashamed for not seeing the reality of life before my eyes in the 30 years I had lived in the area, 2 of those years less than a mile from where I was this day, 3 years in a similar area. Why hadn’t I seen?

I made my way back onto the street filled with creeping traffic. Tears filled my eyes, my heart broken. There were homeless on both sides of the street for miles. I asked Jesus to forgive me for the heart I had hardened toward these children of God. I began to pray and intercede for their lives, their health, their safety, and their salvation. I cried out to God to send laborers to the fields; fields cluttered with a hungry and dying group of people with no where to call home.

Night was falling quickly, as did the temperature. Blankets surrounded several to increase warmth. Their lives went on as usual, they as unaware of the travelers on the streets as the travelers were of them.

My last prayer was for God to show me that He was there, that these people were as important as I was. I needed to know that those lives were not wasted. I needed to regain the faith that God was in control, even in the dismal situations that lined these streets.

As I reached the freeway entrance and made my turn I spotted my answer on the very top of a cold dark sky-scrapper. On that January night, when all corporations had closed and the lights dimmed, there stood a Christmas tree, lights twinkling in the night sky, a bright white star at the very top. A small symbol of Christ and His birth – accidentally left turned on.

Jesus, never let me forget that we all start our lives as babies. We grow to face events and circumstances that guide our paths. Let me never forget that everyone born must have hope, true hope that could only come by knowing Christ. Let me be a bearer of the light to all I meet. Let me be the star at the top of a Christmas tree on a sky-scrapper on a cold dark night when someone looks up to find you.

By Linda J. Humes

Written 2-1-04

**The Emmaus Road”

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Little Lady, I See You

13 Oct

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)

The perception of purity grieves me for a number of reasons, not only for the scriptural reasons, but for the women, young and old, caught up in the belief that they must adhere to an immoral cultural standard to be accepted and loved.

The problem really exploded in the 60’s with the Vietnam War. The youth believed that someone was going to drop “the bomb” and we were all going to die. I had friends who vowed never to marry or have children because we were “all going to die soon.” The Haight-Ashbury Park was constantly on TV; free sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll; party and do what “feels good.” Thank goodness I didn’t get caught up in that culture.

I recognize that purity has been a problem since the beginning of time, if it hadn’t been it wouldn’t have been mentioned in the Bible. However, I suspect that with today’s media, our young people are bombarded and confused about what is morally right and acceptable.

In the last 5 years I’ve found it nearly impossible to find reasonably priced clothing in a modest style. Low cut tops and high midriffs, with tight low-cut pants, sends a sexual message, intended or not, that the wearer is available. After clothing stimulation are the TV shows where it is normal to have sex after a casual meeting with music in the background playing “I want to sex you up.” No wonder people are confused.

The culture doesn’t just affect the secular world, the children raised in church face the same issues. We teach them good values and then they have to live in a world where they look so out of norm. Kids tell them they are freaks and if they have to dress that way they don’t want to be Christians. Our kids feel caught between 2 worlds and most gravitate toward their peers.

When a person does step out of the secular world and comes to church, giving their heart to Jesus, a new dilemma arises – condemnation! What was acceptable clothing and behavior outside the church is an offense inside the church and they are torn between the pain of the world and the condemnation of the church.

Before we can teach a person about honor, strength, wisdom, commitment to Christ, fruitful lives and Christ-like intimacy, we have to help them understand who they are in Christ and the preciousness God sees in them. Until they realize that they are accepted, they will not be willing to change their lifestyles.

If the women and men of the church could encourage them in some area of their life, then they will work harder in that encouraged area and the Holy Spirit will work inside of them. The church can’t expect overnight change, they didn’t get where they are in a day and they won’t get out in a day. The more we encourage and spend time with them, the more they will want to model our walk and leave worldly behaviors behind. It takes the older, spiritually mature women, to guide the younger women in the right path; same with the spiritually mature men and young men. Love and respect will be the catalyst for true and continued growth.

The key for the church is mentoring, consistency and love. Once modesty is understood, the other areas will fall into place. You can’t teach honor, wisdom, spiritual strength or a fruitful life, but you can model it. If church representatives dress seductively, the newcomers will become confused and leave. If leadership doesn’t set boundaries for worship teams and platform attire, how can we expect the congregation to be modest? People will follow the area of your life that they see honors Christ. They will want the peace and the joy you have and will see how you attain it. They will read stories in the Bible and see how change in people’s lives brought about a change in the world. They will want to make a difference too. We teach by our walk, our love, our encouragement, just like Jesus did with His disciples. That’s an okay thing; maybe that’s the PERFECT thing.

Father God, please always let me see the person inside, and not what is hanging on the outside. Let me see others with Your eyes.

Written 3-11-2010 / Published 10-13-2021

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MARCH FORTH

18 May

By Tim Farmer

 “Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!”  Zechariah 2:13

                        March 4th?                  March 4th!!                  March Forth???

I sat down in my usual spot on the sofa in the light of the morning sunrise thanking God for another glorious day. I was sitting still, pausing to let the sunlight warm my face before opening my daily devotional.  I remembered that Mario Murillo sent out an online invitation to the pastors of California to attend a lunch he was hosting in Manteca, California on March 4th. Today. The event was to pray, heal and encourage the pastors to reopen all of the churches in the state. The response to his invitation was amazing. Instead of a hundred or so, as Mario had anticipated, over a thousand pastors had responded.  I prayed that God would provide all that they would need to make the lunch a success. I thought about how interesting it was that the event was happening on March 4th.  Was that intentional?   There are no accidents.

Many of us have been praying, in hopeful expectation, that today would be a day of a great event in Washington, DC involving our Presidential leaders.  We shall see.  I finished my prayer for the pastors lunch and sat in silence again in the bright sunlight.  This is my daily quiet time with God. Silence. Today’s date was repeated in my mind.  Once. “March 4th.” Silence. I waited. I am learning patience. Then the thought struck me, it wasn’t the date I was hearing, that still small voice was saying “March forth.”

Recently I have been wrestling with my being a disciple. How could I best share my faith and help others to know Jesus?  It was easier 30 years ago when Janet and I were newlyweds and active members of the local Presbyterian Church.  Still energetic in our early 40’s we were involved with several popular ministries at the church.  Janet’s servant heart and smile could light up a room. She was my great encourager, advocate and nudger. She quickly taught me to be courageous with my faith.  

Janet was fearless.  Everyone loved her.  Sadly, Janet went home to be with Jesus early in 2018.  The last few years of Janet’s life were very difficult. Chronic pain in many areas of her body made it difficult to sit in church.  She stopped attending.  After a while I attended less as her condition became worse, then I became a “sometimer.” To say I miss her is an understatement. Now, I believe she shines brighter in Heaven than she did on earth.  

While making plans for her memorial with our senior pastor,  I made a promise to return to Sunday worship.  Even though I aimed the promise at my pastor, it was really to my Lord and Savior. 

Fast forward to 2020 and Covid-19.  Just before the quarantine began, I had started weekly sessions with a Christian counselor in Pasadena to help me in coping with depression and Janet’s  passing.  Before the second session the quarantine went into effect, so our sessions were on Zoom.  Attending church and bible study were also conducted on Zoom.  Better than nothing, however the fellowship is not the same. 

The tender greetings and the hugs of encouragement were gone.  But God found a way.   Not being able to go to work actually became a blessing. A huge blessing. This alone time gave me the desire to be in the Word, study the Bible, connect with old friends on social media, and fellowship with Believers.

My mid-week Bible study was helping boost my confidence, as was my alone time with the Lord in the mornings. During the days I couldn’t get motivated.  Tired and frustrated with myself I became lazy and watched too much TV. 

November of last year I turned 70.  I have had a very active lifestyle during my adult years but being static during the lockdown has added to new physical issues. My motor skills were declining. What had been easy was now difficult. Alone, without Janet, I have become less confident in my actions. I am too worried about making mistakes.  I feel ill equipped for the many tasks that used to be second nature to me. The idea and responsibility of discipleship seems daunting, overwhelming, and unreachable.  It has been hard enough trying to get through each day. I needed motivation, accountability, a task, a project to build, something! Then a friend called.  She needed a special box built, something small that could hold a Laptop, and a way for it to adjust to different heights.

After the call ended I thought it would be a fun little project. I knew the materials I needed were at work.  All I had to do was start; and I did. Less than a week went by, still incomplete but usable. I took it to my friend’s apartment, so that she could try it out and see if there were any improvements that I might need to add. She ended up keeping the box for two weeks, it was working great! I went over to pick it up and brought it back to the shop.  All I had to do was add some handles and put a clear finish on it, then return it.  She was very happy.  So was I.    

Those few hours working on that little box gave me a purpose. I prayed about that purpose for days. Several other projects popped up that I was able to complete. The old juices were flowing.  My  friend Ken would say, “Tim, you’re in the flow.”  But I recognized something different about this; Jesus was in it.  He was always there but my eyes were now open to see it.  And, this morning my ears had opened to hear Him again -“March forth.”

My devotional book belonged to Janet. I use it every morning and treasure the little notes that she had written along the edges of the pages. Today’s devotion had two scripture references, the first was Luke 12:25-26.  In my rush to get to the passage in my bible I started reading at Luke 11:5, then realizing my mistake I decided to read both chapters in sequence.  The teaching of Jesus in these chapters had greater significance for me than ever before.  After reading it again I believe that “March forth” was my special encouragement from God. It was for me to step out in faith; to stop being fearful of making a mistake or looking the fool.  It might even be a trumpet call to the masses.  I don’t know for sure, but I am certain it is mine.  

Perhaps I am to join with those better equipped than I as they “March forth.”  There may never be a more important time in history to do exactly that. It is time for me to step up, join the battle line and become a soldier for Christ.

I treasure the time Janet and I spent together.  Our meeting was a miracle unto itself,  but that is another story.  I know we will be together again. Love lasts forever. Today I will March Forth for both of us.

MARCH FORTH and ALL GLORY BE TO GOD.

March Forth!  How Great Thou Art Lord!

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HOLD US CLOSE

12 Apr

“And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”  Luke 24:32

…

 

We come to you, Oh, Lord,

Our hearts we open wide,

Sweet angels guide us home,

Through prayer we’re safe inside.

…

Keep hunger in our souls,

Sweet fillings every day,

We’ll gently teach your Word,

And live you ways.

…

Please hold us close, Oh, Lord,

The way is dark and steep,

We comfort in Your love,

With joy we weep.

…

Please walk with us, Oh Lord,

You’ve sent us to the world;

Their lives are dark and lost,

We’re here to stop their hurt.

…

Put mercy in our souls,

Your perfect love we seek;

For danger stands nearby,

Each time we speak.

…

We represent Your truths,

Our Joy must never dim;

That all may want to know,

The peace within.

…

 

We drink Your word, Oh Lord,

Our hearts and souls are filled.

Your teachings guide our steps,

Our fears and hurts are stilled.

…

We come in daily prayer,

Our vigils never cease.

We gladly intercede,

To bring our brothers peace.

…

Please guide each step, Oh Lord,

To keep our witness true,

Your Spirit lights our path,

Each faithful step renews.

 

 

Written 9-3-91 as a song

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