Watching In Wonder

Our church is experiencing something I have never witnessed before: the amazing wonders of prayer.

For two years, two women prayed once a week for our church. Then a pray band of 12 began for an hour for five weeks. Then we added two people praying during class and church. The results of these efforts are:

Two people healed. One person came to the Lord. One person found a job. A ministry we have been praying for reports growth. New people are coming to church, others are "waking up" to God. But lots of pressure on people and problems have also come. We believe it is Satan's effort to discourage us.

For me personally, this is almost a frightening thing. As I watch changes that have never happened before; change so quickly, I wonder at it all. I see the power of prayer in action. And it frightens me; because I wonder what will happen next. I also wonder why we have not used this power before. It is humbling when I get more and more calls from people that their doctor's can't find any illness; when people are excited about "miracles" around them.

But, I also am apprehensive; as troubles seem to be pour on some of us. Will we stand firm? Or will we run? I wait with anticipation for what will happen. Will we soon see flames? Hear wind? This story is "to be continued", and I am excited!

Wide Shoulders

"You better do another blog soon, your last one sounds so negative."

I smiled at the comment of the editor. He is a God fearing man, and never wants to offend anyone. He has wisdom and I appreciated his comment. At first I thought about it. I should not be negative. I did not mean to be negative: but I did want to be real.

I think all Christian's can be real with God. Certainly David was real. When he was frustrated with God, he said so. But that open communication is what brought David and God closer and closer. I don't think God is too frustrated when we reach out honestly to him. His shoulders are big and wide: and once we have moved past the pain, they are big enough to carry us to joy.

Can't Miss It

Tonight five of us met to pray. We did not plan on praying together tonight. As a group we had decided that we would stay home since it was Halloween night; but one person said how much she would miss praying, then another person and so it went. Five people just could not pass up the option of prayer.

Isn't it good when the heart just can't stand to miss a time of prayer?

Angry With God.

Today I was really sick. I battled my anxiety disorder which sometimes is very painful; terribly depressing and sometimes feels like life is not worth it. I was angry at God. "Why God, don't you release me from this illness? Where are you? Why can my mind keep me so sick!"

I really don't know the answers to all of those questions. But, I can answer some of my own questions. God never said life would be easy. Pain is a great purifier. Suffering brings out humbleness and God says he will never leave us. So by faith we can know, though he allows pain: he suffers too. What parent watches a child suffer and does not suffer also? Sometimes we have to watch as our child falls after taking his first step. We don't like the pain: but we want him to grow. God has to let us grow up also, and pain does that.

I feel better tonight. I remain in faith: but I hope next time to be more patient. I believe God has all things in control. I still believe God is love, and though today I was angry: tonight I am peace. The bible says, "All things work to the good of those that love God and do according to his purpose." I believe.

God's Method

More and more God simply leads me where he wants. Today, was a wonderful example of that. I went to the local mall. In that time I was able to share God with three people. I did not force them; push or be rude. They asked me. It is with love, kindness and respect that we are to move forward. Ask God to show you how to love others and share his love. Don't be afraid, and don't worry. He will use your willing heart to lead you where you need to be. If he wants you to speak; he will have you speak. Just be honest with God and willing to obey. Depend on him.

My trick? A few years ago I learned to ask God to plan my day. I make a schedule; put it before God and ask him to arrange it as he would like. Some days he leads me to speak for him. Some days to be quiet. Some days to run into the right people, other days to be in prayer. This is the most exciting life. Pray, love and serve with kindness. This is God's method; and he is teaching it to me.

Blurting Woman

Today I listened to two women gossiping about another woman in church. It hurt me, and without realizing it: I blurted, "Ladies, stop gossiping about this woman. She is a sister in God." They looked stunned, and simply did not know what to do. I was as surprised as they were. I did not plan to blurt that out. But, the ladies stopped talking about the woman and changed the subject.

I wish I could say that I never gossip. I sure don't want to gossip; but I slip up sometimes. I know that I dishonor God when I hurt others. God hurts when we speak unkind things about people he loves. All people are his children. When I speak about others unkindly, I hurt God.

This is a New Way

For five weeks now a little group has been meeting to pray. We don't sing, talk, study materials. We just pray-the results? Well, our group is growing. People are starting to make changes. We also have more people getting serious about their commitment to God; and I am so excited. I also see that people are becoming more unified and caring for one another.

My question I wonder is why haven't we done this before. I am just now learning, after a life time of church attendance, a whole new way of being a Christian: fervent pray, trust in God and growing in faith. This way is so much happier.

Our Journey

An interesting thing is happening in our church. We are embracing prayer. As we have started to pray, the church has been changing. Membership is going down, but another change is happening. The members which remain are starting to change. It is interesting seeing members drawing deeper into their relationship to God. Some members say they can feel the Holy Spirit over the service. People are joining in fellowship and differences are being set aside. New ministries are starting.

I am anxious to see what God will bring about. My husband and I are starting to see big changes in our thinking and home. I feel like the Israelites may have felt: excited, curious, and in wonder. God is good: and this is a new journey.

God Still Does Miracles

My husband and I have a burden to start an orphanage in India. We heard that little 10 year old girls; in public orphanages, are given to be "wives" to paying "husband's" which rape and work them to death. Then they return for a new wife.

We have been trying hard to raise funds, but we do real estate for a living and the market is so slow where we are living that paying our basic expenses have been all we can do. I had scheduled an appointment with a Financial Planner to help us meet our goal. His fee was 2400.00. But with our own finances so unstable I honestly told the man we would not be able to follow through on our plan.

He told me my first appointment would be free; and to come in anyway. After looking through our situation: he dropped his fee to 300.00 to be paid when we sell a property. That's a miracle!

Pray for us, that we will continue to walk as God wants. Pray a prayer of thanks to this God fearing man and pray for the children. Thank you.

Rude and Offensive

I have a friend which can be rude, offensive and entirely too blunt. When I first met him; I wanted to scream. Fortunately, I kept my self under control and decided to not speak from how I felt. I am so thankful too: because though my friend can just say the stupidest things he also can be supportive, understanding and has a brilliant mind.

Today my friend said something rude and offensive to me. At first I wanted to "let him have it" but then I realized; it is just an area he needs to work on. In general there is a very wonderful person inside of him.

Isn't it great that God sees the heart. When Jesus sees us, he always sees the good that is hiding inside. That is good news. He loves us even though we may have some rude, offensive behavior too.

Rude Teens/ Rude Adult

You know I think that sometimes God must just smile at our own circles we run in; we set up some standard that is our choice, not his.

Today I had to step back and smile as I ran in a crazy circle. We have been praying for our church and for our youth. We had a huge crowd of kids tonight. The biggest group in a long time. I make soup for the prayer group and I was bugged that the kids took over. They ate like kids do; lacking manors, taking too much and being typical teens. I fumed over it all.

"I didn't make this food for you all. This is for the prayer team. You guys eat like animals. Get your hands out of all the crackers...." On and on went my bitter thoughts. But then I realized I was in the fools ring. Praise God for kids. They will learn. They are in God's house. We have been praying for the kids; they come and I grumble. What was I thinking!

So, today, I go to bed loving my rude and sweet; joyful and excited teens. They will learn, and so will I.

Faith Filled Secretary

" I just finished cleaning up the children's room. You guys are praying for the Children's Ministry aren't you? I am just getting the room ready for when the prayer is answered."

Wow, that is a woman of faith. Our dear church secretary had stayed after work six extra hours cleaning so every thing would be in order when God sends us a worker.

Praise God for faith filled secretaries, that believe enough in prayer to act while waiting!

Miracle of God

My friend, my realtor, tried to encourage me. We have two properties we just can not sell. Under normal conditions I should be frantic. They have been on the market for almost two years- not one offer. Am I frantic? Not at all. Through this two years the stress drove me to deep prayer. My husband and I have just gotten more and more confident our God is in control.

I praise God, and feel totally thankful for all things. My friends around me comment that they are shocked at my calm spirit; because it is so contrasted to my spirit of fear before this property. God is in control; and what comfort that is to me! When God is in control, he is control, period. My fear is gone. That is a miracle! I hope my faith holds on because this is the most joyful way of life! Praise God for this new way. The money we have lots was well worth the growth we have gained. What drugs, counseling and doctor's could not do: stay off fear. God has! Praise God.

Happy Birthday

Today was my birthday. I felt so loved and was treated so nicely. It ended up a wonderful day. I am so thankful for the kindness of so many people. It certainly is humbling to know that I am so blessed. Some days I feel overwhelmed just counting my blessings. Daily I reach out in praise for the many wonderful things in my life. God has richly blessed me beyond belief.

Abundantly Thankful

Sometimes I think about my what is in my life and I am so blessed. It is the simple things which make such a difference. The flowers I just planted, friends, a comfortable home.

"Rejoice in the Lord always", the bible says. Rejoicing is an attitude. Do I look for the abundance in my life. God has always provided something to be thankful for: but I must remember to look for it and be in praise.

Power in Prayer

There is power in prayer. Our church has taken a strong position on prayer. We are banding together to reach out in prayer. In just three weeks I have already seen some pretty amazing changes around our church.

What I think, "Why did we wait so long?" I believe prayer is the mover of mountains. I am anxious to know what God will birth out of all of it.

Surprised by God

I don't always understand God. In fact, sometimes I don't get him at all. But there are those times when God shows me he cares even for the little things.

Soon is my birthday. In my mind I was thinking of something that I wanted. I told no one and it was a really unique thing. It was a DVD of a T.V. series I watched because the actress looks and acts just like my one of my favorite aunts. My aunt has passed away, and every time I watched that series memories flooded my mind. But the series is gone and not on T.V. anymore.

Yesterday a birthday package came for me. I thought is was a mail order I had ordered and was surprised to get my birthday gift. Inside out fell a DVD of the program I wanted. I called my daughter to thank her, "Yeah, Mom, and the strange things was: it was the only one there."

God is good.

Pleading With God

I am reading a book about George Muller. The author says that Mr. Muller often fought in prayer with God. He says he would quote to God his own word and plead for God's working. The commentary said that it was not God that needed to be convinced but Mr. Muller.

I think that is an interesting idea. How many times do I need to plead with God? It is not for God's benefit but for mine. I need to believe that God is true and will do what he says. That refines faith. God does not move; I do. When I study, pray and believe mountains start to move.

Cleaning House

Today, I want to bolt out of my own door. I have decided to spend the day cleaning my house. Something always amazes me when I deep clean my house, or when I repair one of our rentals. How much work there is, and how much I have over looked! I am tired of working around here. I want to close my cupboards and call it good. But, inside of myself I know that I will be cutting corners; and I really will not be satisfied.

I am reminded of my Christian experience today. When I really want a clean heart, I must come to God. Pray for him to do the cleaning, but I must also be willing to do my part. When he asks me to give up things I don't need. I need to toss them out. When I want to cut corners; this is God's house. I need to be satisfied only with good work.

So back to work.......

Roller Coaster Day

My day was emotionally exhausting. I sat at court with a friend. I went to breakfast to help someone. I had to apologize to a couple of people when my words were a bit careless. I read about the work of a missionary and determined to know God better.

Some days run smoothly, but other days seem like emotional roller coasters. With my up and down day though I was blessed. It was all in God's hands. He saw every piece of it, and road the ride of life with me. That is a god of love; each day staying with us for better or worse.

Not a Stock Market God

My husband watches the stock market. I used to do that also; but I found my emotions went up and down based on the daily ratings. I think that at times, as a Christian I can do the same thing. When God does not do what I think he should do: my faith drops. My faith needs to be consistant. I need to be able to know God is in control if things are up or down. God's love is consistant. I don't need "signs" all of the time. Scripture is plain. God loves us. His love does not fluctuate on his mood swings. My faith also needs to be consistant that he is always acting on the basis of what is the best for all of his children. And, his plans are based on that deep and lasting love.

Joan of Arc

I am reading about Joan of Arc. She was burned at the stake for her faith. She believed that God would deliver her. We may wonder why God allowed this young girl to die; but witnesses said that her last call was the name of Jesus and she asked for forgiveness of those which burned her. Witnesses also ran calling that she was sent from God, and they saw a Dove leave her mouth at death. Pretty powerful things. Joan did not know that her life would be read over 700 years later. Called to death, she will have an eternal reward.

Sometimes we do not understand God's calling. Our duty is to live by his standards. He will reward us as a tender father. God never says our journey will be without troubles. He says he will be with us, in the journey.

From Fear to Faith

I am in fear. I really regret that I have chosen to follow the path of fear today. God is clear that he is love and perfect love casts out fear. Does that mean we can never fear? I don't believe that either. Jesus sweat blood: I am sure he had fear. But his fear, I believe was of his own concern to be obedient to his father.

Fear which, like mine is today, is from worry over bills; relationships etc. basically says that God is not in control. Where is my faith? When I worry like today, I say I don't really feel God is in control; or if he is, then it is not a God that wants my best.

So, I am going to do what I know works. Tomorrow I will spend more time in prayer. I will commit myself and fear to God's plans. When I totally grasp God, by faith: there is not fear.

My Choices Do Matter

This week I have had some unusual challenges to my values and character as a Christian. I have had opportunities to make good choices, and bad. Some choices I made were good: others not so good. But, in general I have tried to take the "high road". Now as I evaluate the last week I see big gains in my spiritual life. It was those little consistent nags on my values; making daily choices for the high road that has brought me to realize I have made some good growth in my Christian life.

I am seeing that the Christians that daily chose to pick the high road, become the winners in the race of life. Daily challenges added up do make a difference. This is a learning experience for me.

Women That Live Their Faith

God has blessed me by surrounding me with some powerful women. I admire them. They are all different and bring different talents to life. Two of these women are silent "doers". They are the ones which behind the notice of others. They don't seek praise; they simply see a job that needs to be done and do it. Two other women are givers. When others hold their purse strings tight; these women open the purse. Another woman opens her home to others unselfishly serving. One of my friends is my spiritual guide. Her faith is amazing. She never doubts, she simply trusts and moves on in life. I respect these woman. These women live their faith through action. I want to be the same.

Judge Not

Judge not. The bible is clear we are not to judge but yesterday I was really battling that one.

I went to a Christian concert and a woman in front of me "saved" a whole row of seats; but when she saved seats it kept other people standing. Some of that woman's party never did come and so those seats remained empty. "What nerve!", I thought! The bigger problem was my judgement of her. I don't know her heart, and God does. My job was to be in praise to God, appreciate I could be there; and if my "sister" was in error: pray for her. I did pray for her, and for myself to have the right heart. Eventually I was able to let go of my anger.

How much better I would have done to not judged her at all. What a gift it is from God to not judge anyone. My job is to love God: love others. How simple. I ruined my experience trying to do God's job. I hope I do better next time.

God Answers

This is the third week that a little group is meeting to pray. Last night thirteen met to faithfully call out to God. It made my heart fill with joy just knowing that we were together calling on God. I wait anxiously to watch what God will do.

I love praying with my friends, for I believe God anwers.

Where are the People?

I read a comment lately that church attendance is continuing to fall despite efforts to make it more friendly. What is the problem? My view is that we as Christians too often look at our faith like a piece of jewelry. We wear it, instead of seeing it as life blood. Our faith needs to be so much a part of us that to not have Jesus, is to not live. Christianity that focuses on Christ brings a person to a new and higher standard. If my life does not reflect a passion for Jesus, it is less than I want it to be for me.

God bless all who seek the kingdom of God in its fullest. Seeking him as first, last and all.

Lonely Jesus

For the past two days I have felt sad and restless. I have not know what the problem was until this morning. My good friend has moved from me. I am lonely. Do you think Jesus ever gets lonely? I do. I think he wants us to be with him for eternity. Soon he promises to come and get us. Then we will be going home forever.

In the Master's Hands

One of my favorite writings is an old poem that hung on our wall growing up. The author is unknown, but in the poem it talks about a weaver adding gray, black to make the bright colors and golds stand out. The poem ends with "trust the master weaver."

This week, I have been facing things that normally do not bother me. It is almost as if those things that we all hide; for our own safety are being put in my face. I am not surprised to be facing uncomfortable things. We have started a strong prayer ministry. Satan always tries to distract us when spiritual things happen.

I can chose my path. I can focus on this uncomfortable things, or I can focus on a God which weaves all things: good and bad, for his glory. For today- I will turn my insecurities and fears into the master's hands.

Service for God

I wanted to do more service for God. As I looked at my life it seemed that really I have not accomplished much. But, that is because I am looking at my standard and not God's. When we commit our lives to him and living daily for him: we accomplish. Our duty is not to ask why God has put us in a place; but what can we do in that place. Trust, is allowing God to use us as he wants. Then we will always know we are in service for him. His will be done, and that is what matters.

I Love Living Like This

"I just love living like this!" , my sister-in-law said to me. For ten years my brother and family have lived by faith. They work, and work hard; but they apply all of the money coming in towards living now. Extra money goes for missions or other outreach. They have no savings or retirement plans except to keep working and serving God.

The results? Well, they are strong in faith, have started four outreach programs; which include three schools, one restaurant to teach healthful living. Of four children, three are planning on service as missionaries. And they have a firm and strong family.

Jesus told the disciples to go with nothing too. Many famous Christians have followed this plan and all worked and served until death, leaving the earth praising God.