Turning and Overturning

Jesus —

our example

How to overturn the tables and turn the other cheek

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer, ‘but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’ ”  Matthew 21:12-13 (NIV)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”  Matthew 5:38-39 (NIV) 

        Eye for eye and tooth for tooth—revenge appears to be the norm in our society. If you bear no resemblance to the status quo or hold contrasting beliefs, beware! Retaliation is fair game. All the while faith and morality has been diluted and compromised so as not to offend anyone holding divergent beliefs. What is going on in our society? How have we gotten things so distorted?

          God’s ways have always been countercultural to society. Jesus, the Son of God, lived with humanity to exemplify the better way. He taught His disciples to turn the other cheek, to respond to personal harm with humility. But humbly turning the other cheek becomes difficult when pride desires revenge. Human nature habitually contends with God’s ways. 

          As a result, walking the world’s ways powerfully pulls people astray. Jesus taught His followers to topple the trend of assimilation with the world, choosing rather to be transformed by godly values and virtuous attitudes. Easy to say, difficult to do without God’s help. A benevolent response seems so inopportune when we desire immediate justice. And we presume to advance tolerance when we actually fail to stand against a society that promotes wickedness. These wayward behaviors and ever-changing worldly norms conflict with the steady standards of a righteous God. Our relative truths reign in stark contrast to God’s absolute truth.   

          I believe the past several years have been a wake up call for believers in Christ. When churches were forced to close, it prevented in-person gathering of believers to worship together and support each other. Of course there were online church services for families at home, but let’s be honest. How many people were really listening while sitting in their pajamas with a cup of coffee? The years of Covid have definitely revealed the decline of Christianity. The American church has become lukewarm, allowing secular beliefs to make inroads through the doors of churches as well as the hearts of believers. Hence the church has acquiesced to moral decay. 

“The American church has become lukewarm, allowing secular beliefs to make inroads through the doors of churches as well as the hearts of believers. Hence the church has acquiesced to moral decay. ”

          What would Jesus do? He would turn things upside down. Jesus’ prayerful relationship with His Heavenly Father kept Him focused on God’s ways. So when He entered the temple in Jerusalem and saw irreverence, He took action. He cleared the temple by upending the money changers’ tables, driving out those who were buying and selling doves and merchandise in the temple courts. He declared the temple had become a den of robbers instead of being a house of prayer for all nations (Matthew 21, Mark 11).

          Before and after cleansing the temple, Jesus utilized a fig tree to explain the spiritual condition of the people of Israel. He walked up to an exceptionally leafy fig tree, expecting to find some fruit to eat. Even though the tree possessed many leaves, it had yielded no fruit. Jesus then declared it to never produce fruit again (Mark 11:12-14, 20-22). Why?

          “You will know them by their fruit,” Jesus had spoken earlier while teaching on a mountain. Fruit symbolizes productivity, well-earned harvest. The leafy fig tree with no figs symbolized Israel’s spiritual barrenness. They had been practicing a form of religion and saying all the right words, but their hearts were far from God. And they had turned their house of prayer into a marketplace. Is the American church in the same condition as Israel was? Have we allowed society to weaken our measure of faith in an Almighty God? What if we followed Jesus’ example of speaking out in righteous anger? 

          As Jesus followers, we must be aware of the fine line between righteous anger and submissive humility. When do we act and when do we humbly submit? When do we stand firm in an uncompromising way and when do we quietly yield to those in authority? Observing Jesus’ life in Scripture can help us discover the answer.

          It is perplexing to believe that the same man who overturned the moneychangers’ tables would turn the other cheek to the ones who beat and crucified Him. Shouldn’t He have fought back? Isn’t that what we would have done? 

          Jesus lived to do the business of His Father. It’s why He cleansed the temple that was supposed to be a house of prayer. It’s also why He humbled Himself before God His Father and became obedient, even to death. He took no revenge. He sought no payback. Instead He willingly yielded to authority. His submission was not a sign of weakness but one of disciplined strength, enabling Him to trust His Heavenly Father who judges all people with justice.

          In a world seemingly gone mad, humble people seem to be a rare find. Yet during the riotous summer of the pandemic, a news story about a black female shop owner standing outside her decimated store exemplified humility. Her life seemed to be in shambles and she was in tears. She had worked hard all her life only to watch her livelihood destroyed in minutes by those that looked like her. Amazingly she wanted no revenge, but simply desired that the people who wrecked her life discover the error of their ways. Only God can soften a heart to reject evil for evil, and instead offer blessings over offenders. It’s what humble submissiveness is all about. 

          How can we know whether to humbly submit or to speak out against the wrongs of mankind? A prayerful relationship with God will equip us to discern our reactions. Then we’ll know whether to turn the other cheek or overturn the societal trends in our world.

          If we view all people as image bearers of a mighty Creator God, we can learn to honor and respect them no matter what. Responding with a quiet and gentle nature to human institutions, earthly rulers, bosses at work, marriage partners, and even our enemies will steer us away from wrongdoing. And turning the other cheek will demonstrate a complete trust in the God who judges justly. Jesus exhibited the better way to live as He silently stood before His executioners.   

          We can’t allow our worldly understanding of kindness or tolerance to be equated to biblical morality. Jesus willingly died for the sinners of this world. Will we speak out against the sins in this world? Jesus knew when to turn the other cheek and when to overturn the tables. He displayed a principled life to an immoral world. When we follow His example of biblical morality, we will stand up for the virtue of our righteous God.

FREEDOM in Jesus' Name

“Freedom isn’t free” has been a motto for many military units. It’s an idiom expressing gratitude for the service of military members who risk their lives for others. It reminds us the path to liberty isn’t free. It proclaims freedom comes at a price. And it derives from love.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

America recently celebrated Independence Day. I imagine the shouts of freedom resounded with vigor throughout the new land over two centuries ago. But it resulted at a great price.

Over two thousand years ago, true freedom was presented to all of humanity, but it cost one Man His life. God, our Heavenly Father, because of His great love for mankind, sent His Son to earth to save any sinner* who would believe on the Name of Jesus. While on earth, Christ Jesus taught His followers about God’s truth. He proclaimed His mission before the Jewish leaders in the synagogue, reading from Isaiah 61:

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. vs. 1-3

Good News. Freedom. Liberty. Comfort. Crowns instead of cinders. Gladness instead of grief. Praise instead of panic. Jesus brought the glory of the Lord to everyone. And we have the freedom to choose….. or not. 

To the Jews who chose to believe in Him, He said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32

Free. Freedom from the slavery of sin that entangles and snares.* Jesus came to save captives from the trappings of sin.* He said to His followers, “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke to His disciples about salvation through His death and resurrection. Though He knew they didn’t fully understand, Jesus told His disciples not to be troubled. As they had believed in God, they were to believe also in HIm. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me,” He proclaimed. John 14:6

Jesus declared Himself the pathway to liberty through redemption in His Name. He came to earth to demonstrate the freedom found in the truth of God’s Word. He professed Himself the way to the Heavenly Father. 

When the time came for Him to exchange His righteousness for the sins of the world through death on a cross, He stood before Pilate answering the question of His kingship, proclaiming His mission fulfilled. Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John 18:37

TRUTH SPEAKS AND TRUTH HEARS!

Before He died, while gathered with His disciples, Jesus prayed for them and future believers. Jesus prayed for us! Pause for a moment and let these words of Christ fill your heart and become reality.

“I am not praying for these alone but also for the future believers who will come to me because of the testimony of these. My prayer for all of them is that they will be of one heart and mind, just as you and I are, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me—the glorious unity of being one, as we are—I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one—so that the world will know you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me.”  John 17:20-23

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR PRAYING FOR ME!

Sisters and brothers, Jesus prayed for us. He died for us. His words to His followers are written down for us. They are as relevant today as in the past. When we believe in Jesus Christ and the truth of His Words, we find freedom. We discover His love and grace. We become one in Christ Jesus, united in God’s love.* 

Are you captive to earthly pursuits? Do the things of this world have you in a panic? Are you grieving the emptiness of this temporal life? 

Open your heart to God’s truth. Allow Christ Jesus to unite you to God’s love. Live in the freedom of God’s grace through Jesus. By accepting salvation in Jesus’ name, you will experience freedom. You will be set free. You will be free indeed. 

*Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…

*Hebrews 12:1-3 (NASB)
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

*Galatians 5:1
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. 

*Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 

Praying Mothers

And we are sure of this, that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we really know he is listening when we talk to him and make our requests, then we can be sure that he will answer us. 

1 John 5:14-15 (TLB)

I took this picture several hours after my daughter delivered a healthy baby boy. In the clouds, I saw an ear and it gave me assurance that God had heard our prayers.

My tears dripped into the dishwater as I stood over my sink. I fought intense anxiety building in my gut. “Lord, please deliver this baby and give my daughter peace,” I said.

Miles away, across many states, from early morning until late afternoon, my daughter had been suffering a difficult labor. But it didn’t matter how near or far, coronavirus had impeded a family gathering. While phone calls connected us, the cries of a mother-to-be pierced my heart.

My husband and I felt helpless. I experienced fatigue. But I knew my exhaustion didn’t exceed what my daughter endured. So I prayed. My family and friends prayed. In spite of many prayers, it appeared our intercessions had fallen on deaf ears. Where are you, God?

Finally the phone rang. My son-in-law relayed the good news. She did it. They had a son. We had a grandson. My son and daughter-in-law had a nephew. Their two children had a first cousin. I exhaled all my pent-up apprehension. Thank you, Lord. 

After several days, my daughter-in-law called to share a God-moment with me. On the day of our daughter's delivery, our daughter-in-law had felt the need to go inside her closet, get on her knees, and pray. She quickly texted her two prayer warrior friends, asking them to pray as well. Together, though miles apart, they appealed to our Heavenly Father for the welfare of mother and baby.

Once the delivery had occurred and we all understood the time frame surrounding the birth of our grandson, we realized the mighty hand of God at work in our lives. When I had begun to cry and give up, my daughter-in-law had gotten on her knees in obedience. At that very moment miles away in a hospital, an unborn baby boy encountered distress, his mother completely drained. The doctors and nurses were deciding whether to perform a c-section or extract him by vacuum.

God had listened and heard our heart-felt prayers. A small body of Christ had obeyed the call to pray. A faithful God had answered. And a new mother embraced a new life. Thank you, Jesus. 

We give thanks to our Heavenly Father for earthly fathers. But on this special day, we especially lift our praises to God for providing mothers. It’s a remarkable bond that connects mother and child.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers everywhere. Happy Mother’s Day to my dear daughter-in-law. And Happy First Mother’s Day to my darling daughter. 

Wait on the Lord

So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.  Luke 15:20 (NIV)

The Israelite watchmen of old stood in towers or upon city walls, peering out across the land while protecting Jerusalem. These Hebrew guards kept watch and waited out their allotted time on the wall, observing everything and everyone around them. Watchmen on the walls first detected any approaching enemy or advancing army outside their borders, and then warned the people inside the city.

Several years ago, I stood on my imaginary wall, watching and waiting for the return of my daughter to her senses. Her poor life choices had affected our family. She had broken my heart and filled me with anguish. But I prayed. 

Each day I struggled and prayed. Eventually God answered me with a mission. He prompted me to notice mothers living with the same pain. He inspired a vision of military policemen standing guard, wearing armbands with the letters MP on it. Military police protect the lives and property of those in service to one’s country. For me that image symbolized mothers praying for their prodigals. Praying while waiting for God’s work to be accepted into the lives of their children and watching for their return to God and family. Mothers for prodigals was born. 

This labor of love—this watching with purpose based on the promises of God—requires faith and trust in the God who loves us! It demands constant vigilance (with wailing, if necessary) in humble prayer, giving up any personal dictates and whims while placing our children in the very capable hands of God. This hopeful waiting requires us to daily give our doubts to God and peacefully watch what He is doing, even if it looks messy!

Squandered his wealth in wild living describes the actions of the prodigal son in the book of Luke as told by Jesus. The son chose to ask his father for his inheritance. Can you imagine how the father must have felt? It’s almost as if the son wished him dead. What a crushing blow, but the father conceded. The son then left to pursue his selfish dreams. He made a choice as so many prodigals do, choosing from selfish gain and breaking his parents’ hearts. 

When he lost everything and came to the end of himself, he turned back and headed home. He knew he had sinned against his father. He desired forgiveness. While he was a long way off, his father saw him and ran to him, heaping hugs and kisses on him. The father had been watching and waiting, and I dare say praying for the return of his son. 

What joy for this watchman, this father who daily had waited patiently at his border for any sign of an answer to his many prayers. After experiencing a tremendous heart ache, can you imagine the joyful healing from a reunion with the very one who had caused anguish? 

You may be in a situation right now that feels nothing like triumph. Misery surrounds you as you wait and watch. I understand such feelings and so does God. He sees your hurting heart. He hears your agonizing cries. Don’t give up your position! Stand firm on His promises and trust in His perfect timing for your loved ones. Rely on His Word to strengthen and preserve you in peace. He is a faithful God! Keep watch with Him and wait.                                              

If your circumstances have turned around like the one in the story of the prodigal son, give God the glory but don’t stop praying. There are many prodigals and families who need prayers of intercession for protection and peace while God works within their lives. Continue the labor of watching for the return of God’s children to His loving truth. And praise Him while waiting!

Let’s lift up Scriptural battle cries to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we watch and wait for His fulfilled promises.

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me.  Micah 7:7 (NIV)

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy.

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness,
    so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.

I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
    for with the Lord is unfailing love
    and with him is full redemption.

He himself will redeem Israel
    from all their sins.  Psalm 130 (NIV)

I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest......  Isaiah 62:6 (NIV)

“Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. 
Romans 12:12 (CEB)”

When Clouds Gather, Watch and Pray

“Taken by surprise” triggers a mental picture of shock and alarm. This idiom means to be unprepared or not ready. Being unsure or unaware of circumstances leads to vulnerability, resulting in uncontrolled reactions. Nobody wants to be caught off guard, but most likely it’s happened to all of us.

Peter encountered such a moment in the Garden of Gethsemane. From a distance he had followed the soldiers who had arrested Jesus. As they led Jesus away into the house of the high priest, Peter positioned himself close to a fire in the courtyard. The people nearby recognized him, promptly questioning him about his relationship to Jesus. After several inquiries, his temper flared and he denied even knowing Him. The tension surrounding Jesus’ arrest definitely exposed Peter’s weakness. 

Earlier Peter had been with Jesus, James, and John in the garden. Clearly Jesus was troubled and had asked His disciples to keep watch with Him. Moving a short distance away from them, Jesus had fallen to the ground and prayed. He later returned to them and found them sleeping. Three times He prayed. Three times they slept. “Could you not keep watch with me for one hour, watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation? The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” said Jesus (Matthew 26:36-41).

Jesus knew what was about to take place. He longed for his disciples to be vigilant in prayer and strengthened by their Heavenly Father. Having failed to watch and pray, they were surprised by an army of people who arrested Jesus. They were completely unprepared for the difficulties that they eventually encountered.

People of ancient cultures knew the importance of being watchful. Many of them, including Israel, had enemies. Watchmen were to stand vigilant at their posts on Jerusalem’s border walls to prevent the townspeople from being caught unaware by unwelcome outsiders. If they got distracted or fell asleep, the inhabitants within the walls were in danger of attack. If they devoutly kept watch, the townsfolk inside were shielded from harm.

As Israel began assimilating with other cultures, they began putting less faith in the One True God. Did a decease in faith cause a decline in watchful prayer? Israel’s indifference for the faith of their fathers left them vulnerable to outsiders, leading to an invasion by the Babylonians. The invaders attacked and assaulted Jerusalem, breaking down walls and taking Israelites captive. Where were the watchman? Had they fallen asleep? 

After years of captivity, the Israelites returned to Jerusalem, led by Nehemiah, to rebuild the walls and the temple. As they began working, they were threatened by people attempting to prevent the rebuilding. The laborers were so afraid that they wanted to quit. But Nehemiah prayed and posted a guard day and night to keep a look out, especially over the exposed lowest places of the wall. Nehemiah said to the laborers……

““Don’t be afraid of them,” he urged. “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome,
and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes”
(Nehemiah 4:14).”

The image of watchmen or military police is what I envisioned when God birthed in me the idea of mothers gathering together to pray for prodigals. Living with the agony of a broken relationship with my daughter, I yearned for her return. While I agonized over our estrangement, God opened my eyes to other families dealing with relationship woes. I realized we needed to support one another through our struggles and together fight for our families. I could hear Jesus saying, “Watch and pray.” 

These Biblical accounts of watching and praying inspired me to form a prayer group—Mothers for Prodigals—to take our concerns to Almighty God. We believed God would strengthen us while we encouraged one another. Our bond of fellowship grew as we prayed for each other and our children. We watched for God to work within our families. 

Nehemiah understood the importance of cautiously confronting circumstances. Jesus knew the seriousness of being awake and alert. And Peter learned the significance of being watchful.

“Peter later writes,
“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.
Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world”
(1 Peter 5:8-9).”

We live in a world full of people who need our prayers. Distractions, drowsiness, and delusions draw them away from our Creator, the God of Truth. Those of us who believe in the name of Jesus are called to be the watchmen on the walls, to pray for them. We must be eagle-eyed watchmen, not heavy-eyed guards. 

So watch and pray. Don’t be taken by surprise or fall into temptation. Protect any exposed areas over your families with the covering of prayer. And trust God to take care of you and your children as He works to bring His people back to Him. 

Spiritual Warfare Prayer

JESUS CHRIST,
Lord God Almighty,
I kneel before you, preparing to war in prayer.
I need You.
My family needs You.
My friends need You.
Even my enemies need You.
Train me, O Rock of Ages, to fight against the enemy.

Embolden me to follow Your example, 
Telling the good news of Your merciful grace,
Healing broken hearts,
Offering release to the captives,
Declaring Your redeeming love.
For Your many blessings, I proclaim thanks and praise!

With You all things are possible—You said it, I believe it. 
In faith I offer myself as Your hands and feet 
To do Your will on earth.

The battle wages in the heavenlies and You are there,
As we feel the backlash, You are here with us. 
Thank You, Holy Spirit!

Even though the struggle of good and evil persists here on earth,
We can shout victorious praises.
You won the battle with Your submission to Your Heavenly Father. 
You were crucified and died, but You conquered death.
Your cross is a symbol of the fight You fought and won.

Here I stand, 
Surrendering to You,
Believing in Your victory,

Before I head to the battlefield, I put on Your armor. 
I begin by firmly fastening the belt of truth around my waist, 
Your Truth encircles me, O God of my salvation.
Fortify me with Your true words of integrity.

Supply my spirit with Your strength
As I put on Your righteous breastplate.
It protects the wellspring of my heart,
Guarding the inflow and outflow.
You keep my emotions intact.
I trust You with my life.

Truth and righteousness invade my soul
When I lean over to put on shoes of peace.
Strapping them on, I am ready to stand firm
In the power of Your might.
I can overcome anything with You by my side.
Thank you, Jesus.
Equip me to tell others about the good news of Your salvation.

When I cover my head with Your helmet of salvation,
Make my mind steadfast.
Satan uses many distractions to take my eyes off You,
Captivate my thoughts—quiet the conflict in my head.
You have saved me and I believe.
Lord, help my unbelief!

I take up my weapons and prepare to war.
Worry, distraction, death, discord, evil, fear—
All these and more assail me in this life.
Your Word warns of trouble on earth,
Yet You also said, “I will never leave nor forsake you.”
I stand on Your promise.

Taking up the shield of faith,
I deflect the stings, arrows, and spears of the enemy.
Under Your protection, Lord God,
I go on the offensive with the Sword of the Spirit,
Standing on Your Words of Life,
Pushing back the enemy,
Piercing through the darkness with Your truth,
Overcoming with Your Holy Spirit!

Peace reign down and flow like floodwaters,
Swaying wounded hearts,
Liberating captured souls.
FREEDOM in Christ!
Thank You, Lord God Almighty.
In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN.

Below are some Scripture references used to write the warfare prayer above. Read these Scriptures and allow Christ to motivate you with His mighty words. Be at peace in His Name and let’s stand firm together, interceding with Christ for the lives of His people. Come, Lord Jesus!

Psalm 24:5, 25:5, 144:1
Isaiah 26:3-4, 61:1-3
Mark 9:24, 10:27, 14:36
Matthew 27-28
Luke 22:42
Ephesians 6:10-18
Proverbs 4:20-23
John 3:16-17, 8:32, 14:26, 16:33
1 John 2:5
1 Corinthians 2:16
Philippians 1:27, 4:7
Hebrews 11:1, 13:5
Galatians 5:1
Isaiah 52:7
Romans 10:14-15

Fan into Flame the Gift of God

          It was the thirtieth day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred fifty-four. According to the Order of the Church, pastors and elders ordained and consecrated my father as a minister by the laying on of hands. I can only imagine his mother’s delight—my grandmother who watched many Billy Graham crusades on TV. As I now held the certificate of ordination in my hand, I recall precious memories of a faith passed down from generation to generation. 

          Born a preacher’s kid, I attended church every time the doors were open. Sundays and Wednesdays especially found us all at church, even when snow kept everyone else away. My Dad made sure of our presence. While my upbringing has instilled regular church attendance, it’s my dad’s faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that I cherish most. What a blessing to grow up in a household that celebrated the gift of salvation through Jesus. To be taught how to grow in faith through Him. 

          But faith-building isn’t always easy, especially when life appears hopeless. Ironically, learning to trust God emerges out of difficulties. Why does it seem we lean in and learn more when hardship hits or when death strikes? Living through adversity tends to shape our lives. Walking through tribulations with the Savior transforms life. 

          My dad’s death shook me to my core. How would I live without him? Along with grief, a broken relationship with my daughter brought me to my knees. I agonized over the discord and disassociation with her. I couldn’t dam my tears. They flowed like rushing water. Despite the misery, God continually reminded me of the blessed assurance handed down by parents and grandparents. Eventually I held on to salvation in Jesus and experienced peace through the Holy Spirit. 

          Day by day I encountered this peace, but pain came alongside. It’s as if I walked in between railroad tracks with Jesus on one side and agony on the other—peace paralleled pain. Such a bittersweet existence. 

          Over time I became receptive to the revelation of other wounded people, especially mothers with prodigals. I believe God steered them in my direction, and I identified with them—their tears were my tears, their heartache my heartache. Seeing them took my eyes off my own suffering. They needed to experience the peace I had discovered, the resolve in my heart that God guarded our lives. But how would I tell them? What would I say? I felt so uneducated when sharing the gospel. 

“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord,” Paul told Timothy. (1 Timothy 1:8)

          Paul considered Timothy his true son in the faith, bonded by the blood of Jesus. Because he recognized Timothy’s youth and lack of confidence, Paul reminded him of the faith that lived in his mother and grandmother. And he prompted Timothy to recall the prophecies made over him at the time of his ordination. (1 Timothy 1:18-19)

          “Fan into flame the gift of God,” Paul said. “And know that “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline,” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

          Paul didn’t want Timothy to be afraid to share the gospel. He encouraged his spiritual son to join in his suffering, to fight the good fight, to guard the good deposit entrusted to him through the Holy Spirit. With honest eloquence, Paul motivated Timothy to keep the faith by saying, “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith.” (1 Timothy 6:20)

          God used Paul’s words to speak to me. Being afraid to share the gospel was not an option. I needed to hold tightly to the words of the Lord, reject fearful thoughts, and intercede for my child. With more strength than I could have imagined, God galvanized a fight within me—a fight of faith, the faith of my fathers. He formed our group of mothers with prodigals and gave us a Scripture verse to sustain us, Isaiah 43:5-7. Together we determined to humbly pray for our children, believing God’s truth.     

          We refused to allow anxiety over choices made by our children to squelch the fire. The embers in our troubled hearts had been deposited by our Heavenly Father. The power of the Holy Spirit fanned them into flame. In unity but with distinct voices, we cried out to the True and Faithful One, Jesus Christ. And He strengthened us. 

          Timothy came from a line of faithful believers. I learned of faith from my parents and grandparents. Standing on a firm foundation, I’m compelled to fan into flame this precious gift of God, passing it on to my children and grandchildren. 

          With power, love, and sound minds, my prayer group and I will continue to keep the faith and share the gospel with a lost and hurting world. For the sake of our children, for the next generation, we yearn to set ablaze the gift of God. We believe our prayers will ignite the flame. 

“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord.
(1 Timothy 1:8). ”

Oh the joy of future generations living in the truth.

When Clouds Gather, Approach His Throne

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

          Six humble women confidently drew near the throne room of the King of the universe, interceding on behalf of others. Praise poured from our lips to honor our merciful Savior. As we began lifting up the needs of a fallen world, our hearts ached for the return of our prodigals. Emotion filled the room as our souls reached out to touch His scepter.

          It was a reuniting of minds, the prayers of mothers and grandmothers for wandering children in a lost world. We had allowed the things of life to get in the way of meeting regularly to pray. Now it seemed the world’s ungodliness intensified at a rapid rate. It felt as though clouds of destruction surrounded us. So we put aside any fear that threatened to paralyze us, reclaiming with sound minds the power and love of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:7). Our desire to stave off evil’s powerful influence over our families escalated with renewed potency. 

          Finally we sat face to face with each other, beginning a powerful hour of prayer. Tearfully we pleaded with our Heavenly Father for our families, our nation, and the world. We confidently approached His throne, believing we would receive His merciful grace in our time of need. Talking with Him through the authority of His Word equipped us to sense the presence of His Spirit (Matthew 18:20).   

          We knew God understood the desires of our hearts, and yet we also knew He longed for us to commune with Him through prayer. In one accord but with distinct voices, each of us offered words of adoration, repentance, and supplication. As we interceded for our children, Jesus also interceded for us before our Heavenly Father. With humble confidence we desired to touch the hem of His garment that He might answer our prayers (Matthew 9:20-21).

          Earlier we had reviewed the example of Queen Esther as a way to approach God. Esther’s uncle Mordecai had warned her of a plot to annihilate the Jewish people—her people. As queen she held an invaluable position to possibly stop the plot. But she had to align herself with her people while knowing the king was unaware of her Jewish heritage. She also risked death by going uninvited to speak to the king. Still she and her uncle knew they would all die if she didn’t chance an encounter with the king. Mordecai supposed Esther had come to royal position for such a time as this.

          Understanding the severity of the situation, she requested that her uncle gather together all the Jews in the city of Susa for a three day fast as she and her maids also fasted. Fasting involved prayer and they needed to prepare for her encounter with the king by calling on Almighty God. Would the king show mercy and hear her request or would she be put to death? 

          As time drew near to enter the inner court of the king, Esther donned her royal robes. Covered in prayer, she approached the king with prestigious confidence and courage. When he caught sight of her standing in the court, he was pleased to see her and held out the royal scepter, his instrument of mercy. She moved forward and touched his scepter, accepting his gracious mercy. He prepared to hear her request (Esther 4-5).

          Just as Esther held the responsibility of her royal position, we too are royal priests who have a responsibility to identify with the rest of God’s people. We wear the royal robes of Jesus’ righteousness when we accept Him as our Savior. We need only to humbly bow before Him and receive His mercy and grace.

          When AMEN (meaning let it be so) was proclaimed within our circle of prayer, we stood up, sharing smiles and hugs. Anxiety had been transformed into relief. We had placed our situations into God’s trustworthy hands. Making plans to meet again, we went our separate ways holding fast to God’s faithfulness to each one of us.

          As we have approached His throne and reached out to receive His grace, we yearn for our families to do the same. To take hold of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. To receive His mercy and grace. To live abundant life on earth and eternal life in heaven. 

          Have you reached out to touch the scepter of Jesus’ grace? Are you sharing the gospel and praying for future generations? It could be that you have been called for such a time as this. 

          Put on your royal robes and approach God’s throne with assurance. Reach out and receive His grace. The king granted Queen Esther’s request—her people were spared. The King of the universe waits to hear and answer your prayers. 

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Have you been called…..FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS?

When Clouds Gather, Humble Yourself and Pray

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.  James 4:10 (NIV)”

Prayer expresses faith in an Almighty God. Earnest prayer connects us to our Heavenly Father where communication transpires with One more powerful than ourselves. It’s a liberating conversation. So why does it seem we seldom pray until trouble besieges us? Are our prayers only pleas for help? Is our communion with God merely requests for needs and wants?

At times our long lists of petitions trivialize prayer. Have you ever repeated the same prayer over and over again, as if babbling repetitively? Believe it or not, God already knows our needs. Scripture tells us He knows us by name (Isaiah 43:1) as well as the exact count of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30). He even knows what we need before we ask (Matthew 6:8). 

Since God has full knowledge of you and me, we ought to take time to be still and get to know Him (Psalm 46:10). Instead of routine words expressed as prayers, humbly bow before Him with joyful expressions of thanks for who He is and what He’s already done for us.

God loves us more than a parent adores her own child. With sacrificial love, He surrendered His Son to die in our place in order for us to gain eternal life with Him (John 3:16). He yearns for a relationship with us like parents long for loving bonds with their offspring. 

Genuine, loving relationships are full of grace. However, imagine the sound of repetitious entreaties from a child to a parent. Yes, parents wish to please their children. But constant pleading? Sooner or later the demands sound like clanging cymbals. Being a parent myself, I understand the simple delight of being loved for who I am, not for what I can do for my child.

Years ago my family learned a valuable lesson about treasuring the person and not his handouts. My husband’s job required him to journey out of town every week for a year and a half except on Saturdays. Because of his travels, we decided I would be a stay-at-home mom for our two preschool children. Even though it was the best plan for us at the time, our family dynamics suffered because of stress. 

While he faithfully provided for us, my husband experienced extreme guilt because of his absence. He began bringing home gifts for our children to appease his conscience. Before long, they anticipated his presents to the point of neglecting him. His dejected countenance pained me. We knew immediately what must happen or not happen—no more goody bags filled with toys. Oh the tears and tantrums that materialized. Eventually our children forgot about what dad brought home and instead squealed with delight when he entered the door. Oh to be appreciated for who you are!

How often do we neglect adoration for our Savior and instead seek what He can give us? Are we as selfish as little children? Doesn’t the God of the universe also deserve to be loved and appreciated simply for who He is? Remember—His love is greater than that of a human parent. And He desires a loving relationship with each of us. Knowing of His sacrificial love for us should shift our prayers from self-serving to God-honoring. Pride out—humility in. 

Humility? How do we pray with humility? Does kneeling help? Or is it a heart issue? Jesus once said to a crowd on a mountainside, “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.” 

His statement is included in the list of blessings or beatitudes from His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5). These beatitudes speak to the acceptable attitudes humbly displayed before a supreme being, and Jesus modeled them perfectly. So how do we follow Him?

While teaching His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke about prayer, explaining the essence of pride and humility (Matthew 6:5-15). He detailed how people stand in the synagogues and street corners to pray. They desire to be seen. He told his audience to go where no one sees and then pray. Standing alone with a pliable heart before Almighty God dissolves self-absorption. It transforms a selfish human heart into a humble one. 

Do you have needs to bring before your Heavenly Father? Have you examined your heart before going to Him in prayer? Start with the perfect prayer modeled by His perfect Son, Jesus. He said, “This, then, is how you should pray:

‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”  Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)

Following Jesus’ example takes our eyes off of our issues and turns them toward God. Recognizing His power and authority exposes our inability to control anything in our lives. Simply gazing at the heavens He created should cause us to say with the psalmist, “Who am I that you are aware of me?” (Psalm 8:3-4). 

Truly understanding God’s majesty increases wisdom. Daily walking in that knowledge inevitably leads to humility. And God shows favor to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).

“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.  Psalm 66:18-19 (NIV)”

“Before we can pray “Thy kingdom come,” we must be willing to pray, “My kingdom go.”
~Alan Redpath”