Pray for Peace Makers?

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

Matthew 5:9 

 

 How many times have we gone through the motions of our day without every praying?  Are we thankful for waking up?  Are we thankful to have a roof over our heads, food, water, clothing, people who love us?  What about the people who protect us?

 

We have SO much to be thankful for, and today I as that you join with me in praying for our First Responders (naming the ones you know by name).  Pray for their safety.  Pray for the strength and courage to do their jobs.  Pray for their families.  Thank God for their dedication to face the ills and evils of society we don't want to face.

 

I'll be honest, there are days when I am so wrapped up in what I'm doing or thinking that I don't notice the police cars, ambulances, and the EMTs who work them to save lives.  Please forgive my oversight.  I have become more aware and if I see a face I recognize, I will pray specifically for them right then and there.  If not I will sill pray for them right then and there and hope to make a new friend.

 

So I ask you, will you join me?

Armor Up!

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11 

Way back when I was in the Army, we would salute our First Sergeant as an indication that we were geared up and ready for action. And WOE to the one who was not ready for action...just sayin'. 

Yesterday, we talked about being prayed up before beginning our day.  Consider today's verse: "Gear Up and Be Ready."   This is where we support each other!  If you know someone who is not Geared up and Ready, pray for them.....pray with them.....pray over them.....help them get ready for action, even if that means taking them off the line for a while.

Let's face it, we are all part of the same Army, so let's be about the work of functioning in such a way that God's Mission for us is completed!

What Gift Can We Give?

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.

1 Timothy 2:1-3

We hear a lot in Scripture about praying.  But what exactly is prayer?  It is an ongoing conversation with God.  It's when we tell Him about our hurts, joys, concerns, unload our irritations and anger....it's when we tell God EVERYTHING that's on our hearts, because, let's face it, He already knows but wants to make sure we know as well.

Look carefully at today's passage, the FIRST thing the Apostle Paul tells Timothy to do is begin with prayer.  Start the conversation: "Father, before I head off to work today, thank You for loving me and my family; Thank You for the opportunities You will set before me today; Thank You for the parts of my job I don't like; Thank You for the fact that You have already gone through today and are always with me during the day.  Keep me alert.  Keep me strong. Keep me safe." 

Then, as you go through the day, pray for others who come to mind.  God brings people to our minds for a reason, just as He brings people into our lives for a reason.

My pledge to ALL who read this is my prayers for our First Responders are daily!  When one hurts, ALL bear the pain! 

Faithful

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.

Lamentations 3:22 

 

When I was much younger, we our family vacations would take us places like Mt. Rushmore, Wall Drugstore, Carlsbad Caverns, Bandolier Cave Dwellings, the Grand Canyon and even Yellowstone National Park.  Being the constantly curious child, these places fascinated me.  The one thing that impressed me at Yellowstone, aside for seeing bears, was watching "Old Faithful" which would spew its plume of hot water every hour.  

 

God's faithful love should be our example! God loves me even when I think, say and do dumb things.  He loves me when I put my foot in my mouth.  He loves me when my acid tongue takes aim.  He loves me when I feel horrible.  He loves me when I am afraid.  He loves me when I try to please Him.  And God not only loves me but He grants me His unending mercy!  That means no matter what happens, God loves me and makes sure that everything will ultimately be good for me.

 

When my Grampa was sick and in the hospital, I prayed and prayed and prayed that God would heal him.  I prayed that He wouldn't take my Grampa from me (yes I was selfish like that).  And when I was told that Grampa had died, I was heartbroken!  I couldn't believe God would do that!  I remember being so angry at God for taking my Grampa.  I walked in to the woods behind our house determined to have it out with God.  And in the midst of my angry tears, I didn't hear it but I knew it was spoken to me: "My child I love you more than you know.  And I know you are hurting now, but your Grampa is with me now completely healed and you will, one day, be with him again.  And always remember, the same life-breath I blew into him, is also in you." 

 

Always remember, God's love is faithful and His mercies NEVER cease!

You've Gotta See This!

Come and see what God has done,
    the amazing things he has done for people.

Psalm 66:5 

 

If we take the time to stop and look around, we will see some truly amazing things that God has done.  If you've ever seen the beautiful crystal blue waters of the Caribbean or the sunrise peeking over the mountains, or the smile of a newborn, or being greeted by your bride....then you understand how amazing is God.  

 

Sometimes we just need to be reminded to be observant of  all that God has done for us, is doing for us and will do for us. Watch a child discover the world around them.  The first time they see the sea and go collecting seashells.  

We miss so much when we keep out nose to the grindstone and trudge through one day after another without ever daring to be astounded.  How daring are you?  Are you daring enough  to ask God to reveal to you just how mind blowing He is?

 

 If you want to be truly amazed, ask God to amaze you!  Ask him to open your eyes to all the wonders He has given us.

"No One Understands!"

What exists now is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done;
there is nothing truly new on earth.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 

 

What if I told you that there is absolutely nothing new on the Earth?  It's true!  There is NOTHING new on the Earth, but there's quite a bit that is new to us!  Think about it this way, everything you have endured; everything you are going through; everything you will experience in the future....someone has already endured, gone through, experienced and has come out on the other side.  

 

The fact that there is absolutely nothing new under the sun is also some of the best news ever, because that means there's nothing that God is not already aware of and already has a plan in place.  Got moved?  God's not surprised.  In fact, He arranged it on purpose.  Situation changed?  True, we don't really like change.  But change still is nothing that God isn't already aware of and already has a plan in place.

 

No matter what our situation, there is nothing that surprises God.  In fact, God has already been there and has a plan.  Sometimes we just don't see it right away.  Perspective is a wonderful thing (and God created that too).

 

 

Thank You!

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, 

forgiving one another, 

just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

 

We've all seen people getting awards for their service and for the things they do to make the lives of others better.  I am always extremely proud when someone I know is recognized for their hard work.  But they aren't the only people who deserve recognition.

 

I hope you will permit me a moment of pride.  I would like to draw your attention to the Corps of Chaplains who work with First Responders.  This group prays for and with First Responders who deal with and face humanity at its worst.  These dedicated Chaplains go to the scenes to help the Responders and sometimes the families of the victims.  Let me tell you a truth, sometimes it wears on you.  

 

I love my job!  I truly do love the people I get to work with in the Chaplain Ministry, whether they have heard me say it or not, I'm saying it now: 

 

Thank You!  I Appreciate YOU because God has put you right where you are needed.  Thank you for being that person of comfort for those who need to be comforted.  Thank you for being that person who prays for others whether they know you are praying for them or not.  Thank you for being supportive of the Chaplain Program. Thank you for being supportive and encouraging to each other.  Thank You! 

Appreciating others is a form of love and caring.  Let's be more Appreciative of Each Other thus expressing the love that God has shown to all of us!