Seven Prayers A Day

I was just catching up on my friends' blogs and was intrigued by a link on Jen's blog. I think the title of this post is a link to it (first time trying to link something, I hope it works). Anyway, I was directed to Angie Smith's blog, Bring the Rain - beautiful story of a family, their faith and trust in the Lord through such pain and heartache. The blog was started in January 2008 as a journey through the Rain, and has since blossomed into wonderfully insightful, inspiring conversations. I have only read a few of Angie's posts, but can easily see why she has a large following.
In this particular post she challenges others to pray 7 times a day for 7 days for our children. She has given us specific verses for specific times of the day. She suggests praying aloud so our children hear us bow before the Lord on their behalf.
I have to admit that I prayed "over" Jared, Molly and Travis much more when they were younger (they are only 8, 6 and 4 now). It was easier to lean over their cribs and whisper prayers over them. Now, it seems I so much want to have my kids do the praying (wanting them to "grow" in their faith) that I don't pray "over" them much (for them, yes, but not so much in their presence. But, I think I need to do more of what Angie suggests and let them hear me pray over them with God's Word. I have enjoyed doing this during my Moms In Touch prayer time. It brings a certain peace when I speak to God through His Word. I do not doubt that my children would also find peace and comfort in hearing me pray these verses over them.
So, I have begun praying 7x7 for my children and I hope this link works so you can begin also.

No Worries

I just have to take a moment and express the transformation I have been through in the past week or so. Last Monday I sent out a message asking my friends to pray with me for our nation. It was a forward of an email calling people to pray for one minute every night leading up to the election (today). Here is what I wrote last week:

This morning I was feeling fearful as I thought about the media stories, polls and predictions about the upcoming elections. My fear is compounded by the fact that I know some people are voting based solely on economics and not thinking about the social, moral and Biblical aspects of issues. My heart was heavy, I felt alone -- imagine how heavy God's heart is and if He is feeling that His people have left him.
Then, I received this email that renewed my energy and put my fears aside. My hope is in Christ - not the voters! This message calls us to unite as the body of Christ and humbly pray and seek His face. God wants us to reach out to him . . . so, please join me in praying for our nation for one minute (or longer, if you like) at 6pm EVERY night.

Some of my friends responded (thank you) with commitments to pray, and also with reminders that God is in control. I prayed, read scripture and asked Him to take away my fears and worries - and guess what? He did.

I have been filled with a hope and peace that I could not find last week. In fact I was able to help another friend push aside a fear and focus on seeking God's face, something I could only do after allowing the Holy Spirit to change my heart (and head). This is the message I sent to her:

Yes, things are happening now that cause us to think of end time prophesies - the complacency of Christians, the undercurrent of accepted immoral practices, etc. But, these things were also taking place 50 years ago - it is just steadily getting worse. So, no one can say that THIS presidential election is the beginning of the "the end." But, we do know that we are not going the "right" way if we keep getting further from God. Although, the "right" way in God's eyes may mean that we do have to keep going further "down" until we hit that bottom God tells us about in Revelation. But, there are also all those times in Israel's history that they "hit bottom" so to speak (slaves, captivity, losing wars) but then they turned back to God for a time and then away again and so on for years, until God's plan of salvation came into fruition through Jesus.
I know that is saying it could go either way, but I am not trying to predict anything. I am just trying to ask God every day what He wants me to do.
We don't need to be consumed with worry and fear, but we should be on guard and do our part in trying to live for Christ every day (which includes voting with God's will in mind - that's what I did today).

I also gained a sense of peace and hope through attending the Solemn Assembly - call to prayer event held in Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff Sunday night. I happened to be in Flagstaff with some girlfriends and felt so blessed to be able to attend the event with them. The event was led by Pastors from 12 different churches in the area. There was a sense of unity coming together, not under denomination or doctrine, but simply as God's children, calling on Him to forgive us and asking for His will for our country.

I am hopeful for a spiritual healing of divisions within our churches and our nation - and especially for a healing and unity as a nation - no matter the outcome of today's elections.

I am also committed to continuing to pray for our nation as fervently as I have been after the election. The need for us to pray for country does not ever end! But, I will be praying in trust and hope in Christ, not out of my worries and fears!

Whatever is Right

I have been thinking a lot about what is right, especially with the upcoming election so close at hand. On November 4th, the citizens of America will be voting on many proposals and political offices, including the next President of the United States. How do we know which answers to all of these questions are right?

Some people say that it is not a matter of what is right, but a matter of choice - choose what you want, what will make you happy or your life "better." Now, there are some questions to which there is no right answer like, "Do you want strawberry or chocolate ice cream?" or "What kind of car should I buy?" or "What color should I paint my house?" Depending on how you answer these questions, you could end up very satisfied or make a choice that you don't really like. If you don't like your choice, you may not like it or feel uncomfortable, or think your house is ugly, but the outcome of your decision has no affect on your relationship with God. The flavor of ice cream, kind of car or color of paint is not something God has an opinion about. So, there is no right answer to those questions.

However, God does speak strongly on certain topics and that is where right comes in. My simple definition of whatever is right is --pleasing to God; in line with the Word and will of God.

• Genesis 18:19, "For I [the Lord] have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."
• Exodus 15:26, "He said, 'If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.'"
• Psalm 19:8, "The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes."

I know the following list is long, but it reveals how we have taken what is right and made it into something connected to human standard, rather than God's. Reference: Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/right (accessed: October 28, 2008).
1.in accordance with what is good, proper, or just: right conduct.
2.in conformity with fact, reason, truth, or some standard or principle; correct: the right solution; the right answer.
3.correct in judgment, opinion, or action.
4.fitting or appropriate; suitable: to say the right thing at the right time.
5.most convenient, desirable, or favorable: Omaha is the right location for a meatpacking firm.
6.of, pertaining to, or located on or near the side of a person or thing that is turned toward the east when the subject is facing north (opposed to left ).
7.in a satisfactory state; in good order: to put things right.
8.sound, sane, or normal: to be in one's right mind; She wasn't right in her head when she made the will.
9.in good health or spirits: I don't feel quite right today.
10.principal, front, or upper: the right side of cloth.
11.(often initial capital letter) of or pertaining to political conservatives or their beliefs.
12.socially approved, desirable, or influential: to go to the right schools and know the right people.
13.formed by or with reference to a perpendicular: a right angle.
14.straight: a right line.
15.Geometry. having an axis perpendicular to the base: a right cone.
16.Mathematics. pertaining to an element of a set that has a given property when placed on the right of an element or set of elements of the given set: a right identity.
17.genuine; authentic: the right owner.

So, back to what is right in the Lord's eyes. It's really not that difficult to find and know what is right in the Lord's eyes.

• Deuteronomy 21:9 and 7 "So you will purge from yourselves the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the eyes of the Lord." Asking God for forgiveness of the shedding of innocent blood, even though, "'Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it done.'"
• 2 Kings 7:9 "Then they said to each other, 'We are not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let's go at once and report this to the royal palace.'" We cannot not wait until Jesus comes again to proclaim the Good News - do it now, even in these dark days, so that those without knowledge may find Him.
• Psalm 119:128, "and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path." We cannot be complacent and allow sin to be made into law.
• Proverbs 21:3, "To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." We cannot just attend worship service and give our tithe to the church, but do nothing right in our community.
• Isaiah 1:16c-17, "Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow."
• Isaiah 51:7, "Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrifired by their insults."
• Isaiah 58 speaks of how we think we are doing what is right by asking God for help, but yet not doing what is right to our fellow man. It tells us to "do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk" and "spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed." We can't just complain to each other or God when things are bad, but we must do something about the injustices we see.
• James 2:8, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right."
• Throughout the New Testament Jesus speaks specifically about doing right. There is too much to list here, but you get the point, it is pretty easy to find out what God considers right.
• And, it is also just as easy to discover exactly what God thinks is not right.

So, when I read Philippians 4:8,

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

or when I want to know which is the right proposal or candidate to vote for, I need just read His Word and ask Him to whisper in my ear the things that are pleasing to Him.

Oh, just a note for clarification - I know that God does not endorse any certain candidate, but I am going to vote for the people whom I think will best lead, govern and implement laws according to God's commands, based on the person's track record thus far in their service to our country.

I fell off the Swing

I have confessed to God, but I feel I must publicly confess, too. The past few weeks have been a bit chaotic around here and I fell off the swing, so to speak -- using my swing figuratively for my disciplined time with God. I knew in my mind and heart that when life got crazy, that is when I most need Him directing my days. But my body didn't listen to my mind and heart.
I got into this mode of doing instead of being. I was so focused on tasks that I put aside that very special time when I converse with my Father, my Friend, my Lord. Even in the midst of my busyness I knew what I was doing, but I daily made a conscious decision to do what my flesh wanted and not what my soul needed.
I thought I would just replace that special time with quick, on-the-go prayer. I am not opposed to talking with God anywhere, anytime. In fact, I love that I can do that - talk to Him about anything, anytime and He listens. However the past few weeks, my on-the-go prayers have been pretty superficial and very much a one-way conversation. I was not asking God questions I should have asked and was definitely not listening to anything He was trying to say.
This selfishness was reflected in many aspects of my life. I was allowing Satan's discouragements and deceptions into my mind. I was not thinking about the "whatevers" of Philippians 4. I was not very patient or kind, especially in my words to my children. My husband and I seemed to be on different pages. I began to use food to comfort my emotions. I did not take care of my body, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
In just a few short weeks, I allowed the devil to get a foothold in the cracks of my life. It is so easy to let my guard down, especially when life throws curve balls. But, I am so thankful that God did not give up on me and kept pursuing me through His Spirit and through His Body. Internally, I felt convicted and began to repent and again took special time to talk and listen to Him. Externally, as I began to share my struggles and confess my sins, my girlfriends gave me grace, loved me, encouraged me and are holding me accountable.
Thank you, Lord, for this "test" and even though I may have failed, I am grateful for what I have learned. You are loving and gracious, God. Please help me to bestow those wonderful gifts on your children, as you have given them so freely to me.

Whatever is Noble

The word noble conjures up images in my mind of kings and queens. I guess that is because I have always thought of noble as respected authority. But, as I think more upon this concept I think my definition has evolved into, "of high regard (in God's eyes; something of a "higher" cause or doing something for a cause without regard to self."

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition states this as Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor: a noble spirit.

Whatever is noble . . .

1 Timothy 3:1 "Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task."

It struck me that as Paul was giving specific instructions concerning the qualifications of church leaders, he did not say that an overseer is noble, but the task of an overseer was noble. One who is about a noble task thinks of other's needs and meets those needs. To be able to do that, one must possess certain character traits. Those kings and queens I mentioned earlier may be good examples of nobility, but not just because they are royalty.

Ironically, another passage of scripture which discusses noble character was written by a King. King Lemuel wrote about wise teachings he received from his mother. A portion of Proverbs 31 is often titled The Wife of Noble Character, but I want to back up and include the two previous verses not usually included in that section.

Proverbs 31:8-31 8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Obviously, I could do a whole study on just this passage. But for the purpose of this post, I just wanted to briefly highlight how noble character is defined in the Bible: brings good [to husband], eagerly works, provides food for family, wise in business, gives to the poor, clothes family, possess strength and dignity, speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction.

So, Whatever is noble . . .

• a soldier serving to preserve my freedom through the US military
• Jesus - specifically, his sacrifice of his life to free me from the bondage of sin
• Mother Teresa
• a child selflessly giving her cookie to her brother to help him feel better

I am sure there are many other noble things to think about, but these are my "go to" things when I want to defeat those negative thoughts or moods that sometimes sneak up on me.

Next up, whatever is right . . .

In the meantime, checkout Korri's blog http://mkjca95.blogspot.com/2008/09/whatever.html to see her visual interpretation of Philippians 4:8. It is beautiful!

Whatever is True

My friend once told me that she created a list of things she could think about that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8) so she could have something specific to concentrate on when negative thoughts infiltrated her mind. I thought this was a great idea and made a mental note to do the same. Well, it has taken me a while, but I have been researching and meditating on what God has instructed us to think about.

Whatever is true . . .

true. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved September 15, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/true
1. Consistent with fact or reality; not false or erroneous. 2. Real; genuine. 3. Reliable; accurate: a true prophecy. 4. Faithful, as to a friend, vow, or cause; loyal.

Psalms 33:1-6 "Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth."

Reading that passage reminds me of several cds (http://www.seedsmusic.com/) we own that simply put scripture to cool music. They are made mostly for kids' enjoyment and easy memorization of God's Word. But, the music is good and catchy, so not only do the kids love the songs, my husband and I like them and have found that we can now recite verses because of the songs. And, this helps us keep whatever is true in our minds.

When I get discouraged, feel defeated, confused or overwhelmed, this true word comes to mind:
Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

John 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener."

Don't be deceived by Satan - lies are from Satan. Jesus and all that He did and does for us is true.

Acts 14:22-23 "strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said."

It will not always be easy to remain true to God and His Word (our fleshy desires and pride often get in the way), but Jesus called us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23).

2 Corinthians 13:5-8 "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth."

We have Christ in us through the Holy Spirit. We must ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything in us that is not true (sin, false beliefs) so we are not working against the Truth in us.

Finally, a lesson I learned about whatever is true that has impacted me the most. This reveals some of that sin that has been holding back my ability to grasp what is true. But, now that I am aware of my pride and judgmental attitudes, I am able to turn from them and behave differently (repent). But, even in my sharing this with you (whoever may read this), I fear I am committing the very thing I have just learned to not do.

I was drawn to 2 Corinthians 12:6 "Even if I should boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say." What I take from Paul's words is that whatever is true can be between me and God - I can refrain from boasting or preaching it, but instead will live it. Through this blog, my intentions are not to boast about what I am learning, but humbly want to share the joy I have of growing closer to God.

And, ironically, what I have learned over the past few weeks is that I don't have to try to make someone see what I consider truth. Specifically, I am speaking of politics and a specific issue (abortion) related to this upcoming Presidential election. I have restrained myself and not tried to debate certain issues with my parents whom I would alienate. They see things differently and are not open to suggestion or debate. You may not see this as unusual, that I would not discuss something I know we disagree about. But, it has been my nature to do just that. I love to talk things out, debate and try to convince people to see things from my perspective. But, I have been convicted to simply love my parents and not try to have those lively discussions.

So, whatever is true . . .

• fact - don't let Satan fill my mind with lies and "what ifs"
• His Word - sing it, memorize it, keep a favorite verse ready to fight off negative thoughts
• God's love for me, Jesus' sacrifice for me, Holy Spirit in me
• examine my heart ask God to reveal my true heart so I may repent
• the transformation God is creating in me every day - I am not the same person I used to be, but I still have a lot more to learn and change

Wow, that was more than I thought it was going to be, but I now have a clearer understanding of what is true. Hope it made sense to y'all.

Preparing our minds

I have put off writing a "real" post because it seems that the more I soak in The Word, I am led to other passages that reveal so much more. I have been enjoying wonderful times of discovery and reflection on my swing. It seems that as I began to dig into one passage, I unearthed several lessons that will take some time to unravel.
I guess I have been feeling overwhelmed because I feel like my eyes are being opened to a new way of seeing things. It's like when I have been in a dark room for a while and try to walk out into the bright sunshine. I feel like I have to cup my hands around my eyes and focus on just that small view. Then as my eyes adjust to the light, widen my view until I can take it all in.
My "cupped hands" view revealed 1 Peter 1:13, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." These words struck me because I am all about action. I want to jump in and help wherever I can. But, I don't always take the time to prepare my mind for the actions of my hands. That has caused me to make mistakes, to judge, to cause pain and to be hurt. So, how do I prepare my mind for action?

• Get into The Word - Deuteronomy 11:18a "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds;"
• Praise God - Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
• Use my mind to think about things from all angles, not just my own viewpoint - Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all."
• Pray - give to God ALL that is on my mind and ask Him to put into my mind the thoughts He desires for me - Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And,the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
• Protect my mind from negative thoughts and Satan's lies - Philippians 4:8 "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things."

Ah, I feel like I can see a bit more clearly now. Time to allow more light into my field of vision. My next post will begin to dissect the "whatever" verse.