"The Way of the Heart" by Henri Nouwen- A Book Review

Abbey had recently been sent a book list for her to read while participating in her Mission Year. Most of the books looked intriguing and I hope to read most of them in the coming months. The first one I could locate at our local library is this small book by Henri Nouwen. I've read a few of Nouwen's works, The Return of the Prodigal Son, and Adam: God's Beloved. Both books were small, insightful, and gathered me into a deeper place with God.

The Way of the Heart follows suit with the aforementioned works. Nouwen doesn't take up a lot of space to say with profound simplicity what should naturally come to us, but we have lost along the way.

By turning to the Desert Fathers, Nouwen delves into three "lost practices" of Christianity...solitude, silence and prayer. This book is easy to read yet I'm not sure you could ever plumb the depths of living out these three disciplines, particularly in our crazy, busy, obnoxiously loud world.

But a heart who sought to live like Jesus, may just be the tool to point us onto the path of finding Him through solitude, silence and prayer. This book could easily be read over a latte' at Starbucks, and yet the vast expanse of the spiritual life that will be opened to you through these concepts will take a lifetime to live.

Learning to Pray Boldly

Pictured above are several index cards with biblical scriptures printed upon them. This is not a concept that is new to me, I've been doing it for about four years now. Beth Moore, in one of her studies, was the first to "turn me on" to this way of learning Scripture and claiming it personally. What is new to me is an idea presented in her Believing God study: Speak the Scripture out loud and claim them with the power and authority of the Holy Spirit whom resides in me.

Obviously, she can explain this much more eloquently and dynamically than I ever could...but here's what I know:  this has absolutely transformed my prayer life and outlook on my relationship with God. Do not tune me out because you think I've bought into some type of "prosperity gospel". I am not claiming a boat or a car or a mansion or a fancy trip or any other number of things that many televangelists and preachers have wrongly taught that you can "name it and claim it".

But if I am praying from a heart that is wholly surrendered to the will of God, asking Jesus to speak His Word into my life and prayerfully expecting the power of the Holy Spirit to deliver on the promises He has claimed that He can, then I can with unfettered boldness declare: God, as Your eyes move to and fro throughout the earth, I know that You will strongly support me (sustain me; make me bold; encourage me; repair me; help me to withstand) because You find my heart (my soul; my inner part; my inclination; my resolution) is completely (wholly, perfectly) Yours. (see II Chronicles 16:9)

By simply taking His Word, inserting personal pronouns and sometimes even my name, (and even looking up alternate definitions for some significant words) I have claimed a biblical promise for my own life. Again, this concept isn't new to me. What is different is speaking it out loud! 

Moore explains the reason for this: We can pray without ceasing and should...but when we speak God's, Holy Spirit inspired Word...we are speaking the very words of God. We've been told in Scripture that our enemies tremble in God's Presence (see James 2:19 for one reference). We've also been told that the Holy Spirit has unsurpassed power and that He is the energy in the spoken word of God (see Genesis 1:2). Thus, when we speak the very Words of God, demons flee and the Holy Spirit is unleashed to work, battle, encourage or discipline just as He has promised He will.

Since I began doing this a few weeks ago, having tailored some specific Scriptures to specific people and situations, I have seen God's Spirit moving and working. Long-buried issues that have needed addressed; old habits that just need to be put away so we, as Christians, can enjoy Kingdom-living (see Proverbs 14:26-27); awareness that we don't fight against flesh and blood but against powers and forces we cannot see so I don't take little slights as personally as in the past (see Ephesians 6:12); a very real knowledge of the closeness of the Presence of the Holy Spirit (see Proverbs 2:3-5); and that His hope for reconciliation, restoration, abiding joy and comfort and beautiful life is always available and no one can take that hope away from me (see Ephesians 1:12 and Romans 5:5 and (I Corinthians 13:13)!!!

Because of all I have seen, heard and felt over the last six weeks, I may be annoying those who know me. I cannot help but be 'bubbling over with the memory of His abundant goodness and shouting joyfully of His righteousness.' (see Psalm 145:7) I have had some amazing conversations the last few weeks and I just know He is only getting started! I have to be honest and say that there has been a lot of activity on my Enemy's part too and I have not been surprised. But 95% of the battle has been in my head and declaring God's Word out loud makes the baddie flee the premises much faster than he used to. Bottom line...I am supposed to be about my Father's business (see Joshua 24:15) so no enemy that comes between that objective should get free rent in my head any more.

God never said this would be easy (see John 16:33), but He promised He would never leave nor forsake me (see Deuteronomy 31:6). So as I "fight the good fight" (see I Timothy 6:12) I am thankful to be learning just how powerful my Sword is (see Ephesians 6:17)!

***Okay, funny side note for anyone that ever grew up in an evangelical, protestant church. Did you ever have Bible drills? Did your Sunday school teacher ever have everyone start with their Bibles extended in the air? Did your teacher ever say, "Put your swords in the air."?? Really? Why did it take almost 40 years for me to get this: It really is a sword!

Just WOW!

Today, I completed the Believing God Bible Study and all I can say is WOW! Beth Moore concludes the study by expressing her belief that it wasn't the end, but only the beginning of women choosing to live a life where they Believe God...Believe who He says, what He says He can do, whom He says I am, what I can do through Him and that His Word is alive, active and living in me.

That sounds like a tall order to fill, but the video segments were filmed in 2004 and almost 10 years later, the transforming power of God's teaching and the Holy Spirit's promptings were still evident in myself and many women in my small group. I pray that I am forever changed. I've already witnessed how He is working out my self-deprecating mindset...He has revolutionized my expectant prayer life...has taught me a life-changing lesson about believing the fulfillment of His vision for my life has already happened...and how to handle conflict, even in the midst of a spiritual high like none other I have experienced. Of course my Enemy has attempted to trip me up...but my God is enormously bigger than anything that could ever try to derail my Journey with Him.

The hiatus from blogging, while not intentionally timed to coincide with this study, was perfectly suited to it. Most of what I've learned the last two months has been more precious, more joyous, more redemptive and more treasured than words could ever convey. My prayer is that as I blog, you'll sense God's work in me as well. I truly believe He has rocked my world, yet again, and as I practice believing faith and prayer...I know He is just getting started!

Amen and Amen!

My Baby's Heart...Sometimes It Hurts

[I almost entitled this post, "My Baby's Heartbeat", but I didn't want anyone else's heart to skip a beat in the split second they might think we were expecting!]

I have known for a few years now that our baby, Leah (9), is full of compassion, mercy and service to others. These are her strengths given by her Abba that has a divine plan for their use. When someone is crying or bleeding, she is the one...by their side...looking with her piercing gaze into the eyes of the one in pain...usually rubbing their arm, back, head or whatever she can to console them. When two people in our family are fighting, if she is not one of them, she has often cried over the words flung in anger or the grief expressed by the parties involved. 

Over time, I've realized that I will need to guide each of our children into the awareness that their greatest gifts can also be their greatest weaknesses. This is a lesson I have learned for myself only within the last two to three years. But it makes sense doesn't it? What better way could our Enemy stall, hamper or even defeat us than in the very strengths that God has given us to use for His Kingdom?

All of this was brought home to me this week as Leah had a couple of sad days over something she'd seen in a movie. Being the youngest of four, she has seen many PG-13 movies and (as her older siblings frequently remind me) exposed to things I would have been more guarded about with them. This has had its benefits and drawbacks, but overall, I have been very careful to attempt to remain faithful to the call God gave me from the beginning to allow our children to actually have a childhood. It's one of the top five reasons why I felt compelled to home school.

But sometimes, based on each individual child, something happens that sets them off. Such was the case when I watched The Boy in the Striped Pajamas this week. I'd been watching it alone for about 20 minutes when Rebekah, who had already read the book, joined me. Then a little later Noah and Leah watched about the last hour or so with us. I had to explain a few things as the movie went along, because it's mostly written from a child's perspective. Thus, when the Jewish child says, "My dad went on a work detail and I haven't seen him again," I had to tell the kids that meant he wouldn't be coming back.

I don't want to spoil the movie for you if you haven't already seen it, but if you know that it's based on the Holocaust, you can intelligently surmise that it has a sad ending. At about 2:30 a.m., I found out just how sad it had been for Leah.

When I got that tap...tap...tap...on my shoulder while I lay sleeping, and I saw the crying puddle embodied by my child standing before me, I immediately knew what had happened. But I wisely (thanks be to God for making me aware in the moment) didn't draw attention to why she couldn't sleep. Instead she pulled up a pillow and blanket on our floor and waited it out until morning, tossing and turning most of the time. At one point, we even got up to get, what we have affectionately dubbed, "the puke bucket" because she was trying to rationalize that she might even be getting sick.

The next afternoon, she and I had some time to talk. I found out she was greatly distressed about the older kids and I going to the midnight movie to see Iron Man 3. No assurances of fun by spending alone time with Dad could console her. She finally blurted out, "Well, I know I'm not going to sleep again tonight."

I decided it was time to talk about the movie in depth. I tried to offer comfort by telling her that it was a good thing to be sad when we are confronted with such horrible evil...it's why I cry at Les Miserables or when I read or see something about the destitute or downtrodden. It's God's Spirit in us crying out that this is not the way He created us to live.

And then I almost cried, yet again, as she attempted to put into words exactly what she was experiencing...I pray I never forget it:

"I'm okay...as long as I'm playing, or doing something else...but then when I stop...I remember and now I don't feel like I'm going to be sick anymore......but my heart feels heavy." (emphasis mine)

Tell me what 9 year old is tormented with nausea and a heavy heart when confronted with evil and I will show you a child who will be used by God to demonstrate His glory in a world that desperately needs to know Him!

I was humbled, to say the least.

I fumbled through some things that I felt I should share with her and after some much needed processing, prayed with her and God's Spirit did comfort her in her grief. But here's some lessons that I learned, shared with Leah and that I'd like to share with you:

• A heavy heart is a good thing. It is a sign of compassion, love, mercy and grace. When people are hurting, we should hurt with them. We should enter into their suffering with them.
• We can't become paralyzed by our grief. When our Enemy knows our strengths, he will attempt to make us weak. Recognizing that the plight of others grieves us is good. The inability to act upon it out of depression or fear is not.
• Recognizing our blessings can heal our grief. Becoming a more thankful person is one of my life's goals. Sharing that with my child was exactly what she needed. Praying our thanksgiving to God for all our gifts and the blessing of life to share with others helped break the stronghold of sadness she felt.
• Acknowledging our humanness is essential for perspective. Getting on our knees to symbolize God's ultimate sovereignty and control, while confessing that there is no way we can comprehend why bad things happen to innocent people, was a big step in opening up a whole new world to the huge heart that beats within her tiny body. It can do the same for all of us.
• Finding God's heartbeat in ours is amazing. Understanding that her heart would not hurt were it not for God's heartbeat drawing close to hers, can bring confidence for action in the future when confronted with the evil in this world.

I'm sure there are many, many more...but these were the big ones. I would be remiss if I did not add that this opened my eyes and heart to the possibilities of what God has planned for this little lady. Hang on baby, it's going to be an amazing ride!

He Said WHAT?

I've been marking more of the book of Isaiah, after taking a very lengthy hiatus because of the two previous Bible studies I've done at church. I'm growing to love Isaiah though, and am enjoying my time alone with God's Spirit while searching through it. I'm currently in the part of the book that references King Hezekiah a lot. Recently, I came across a passage that left me shaking my head in disbelief. Even though I've read it before, I am still amazed.

Last week, for one day's study, I read about how King Hezekiah was "mortally ill" (see Isaiah 38). It doesn't sound good, does it? But what does the king do? He doesn't resign himself to the inevitable. He has been told to "set your house in order, for you will surely die and not live." [Sarcasm moment...I would think most of us would "not live" if we had "surely" died. Just love God's humor sometimes!] To me this is about as much of a double negative regarding your continuing existence as you can have. But no...Hezekiah reminds God that he has always followed God with his whole heart and has done what is "good in Your sight." (verses 1-3)

So Hezekiah dies...right?

No! God changes His mind and says, "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will add fifteen years to your life." Wow! If you ever needed proof that prayer can move the heart of God...there it is!

But apparently, someone else changed in the process too...Hezekiah.

The very next chapter, King Hezekiah is healed and whole and receiving visitors from Babylon with well-wishes and congratulations on his recovery (see Chapter 39). In the course of the visit, Hezekiah shows off all of his wealth. I mean he shows them everything. And we're not specifically told this...but he must have been bragging or at least had an arrogant or prideful heart about it...or in some way taken credit for amassing this wealth that had been given to him and Judah by God's provision alone.

How do I know this? Because God sends Isaiah to set the record straight.

There's not a lot of chastising or condemning words, just a few questions and then a matter-of-fact prophetic consequence: There is coming a day when everything you have stored up will be carried off to Babylon...and some of your descendants too. They will even serve the King of Babylon.

Do you remember the Hezekiah that pleaded for his life? The one that reminded God of his whole-hearted service? You'd expect that guy to show up right about now...asking...begging for forgiveness, right?

Nope...that's not him. Instead the king that responds to Isaiah says, "The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good." (verse 7) He said WHAT? Why in the world would he, who wept for his own life, not weep and plead again?

Here's a little clue: "For (Hezekiah) thought, 'For there will be peace and truth in my days.'" (emphasis mine, verse 8) Apparently, Hezekiah wasn't concerned about the world he left behind, as long as he had peace in his days.

As I sat and shook my head in wonder and thoughts flew through my mind like, 'How could he?' 'What a jerk!' 'This guy amazes me.' 'Really? Who does he think he is to ruin life for those that won't even be to blame?' and 'That's just ridiculous!'...God's Spirit stopped me in my mental tracks and reminded me...am I any different when I shop, spend money, throw away items, horde stuff, etc, etc, etc...all without any thought for the person that had to work at slave wages to give me that luxury item (like coffee, sugar or chocolate)? When I buy clothing without any regard for the sweatshop in which it has been made or I buy food that has been factory-farmed and is killing the environment that subsequent generations will inherit...am I not just like King Hezekiah?

This blog has mention after mention of organizations that are making a difference for future generations...in the God's-Kingdom-is-coming-now-type way. Two I just posted about last week are Generosity Feeds and A Heart for Korah, but there are countless groups that feel compelled to stop the cycle of poverty, human trafficking, enslavement, starvation, and filthy drinking water, either on a local or global basis. In our world of instant information, there is no longer an excuse for remaining in the dark about where darkness is thriving and God is leading His people to push it back inch-by-inch for His Kingdom.

With that in mind, I ask you this question and I pray I'll keep asking it daily of myself: how do you want to be remembered? Like King Hezekiah, as long as you have peace in your day, will you be content? Or do you want to be known as the one that allowed the Holy Spirit to use him/her to break the bonds of evil...even if only for one person?

Amen!

Dishonor

This is a tough one...but I'll try. The tough thing about this topic is not writing about it...it's keeping my temper in check. Curious? Read on. Not in the mood to look in the mirror? Stop reading here and come back when you're ready. And yes, I'm looking in the mirror too.

There is a passage in James 2 where I become teary almost every time I say it.

"But you have dishonored the poor man." (James 2:6a)

Actually, there is a lot leading up to and following after this one small sentence and in order to understand why my temper needs checked and I'm teary when I say or read it...I'm going to have to explain a little...or a lot. Please bear with me.

This one line follows hot on the heels of James 1:19-21 where we have been strongly cautioned to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger." (verse 19) James also reminds us that our anger doesn't accomplish "God's righteousness". (verse 20) Dictionary.com defines righteousness as "the quality or state of being just or rightful." So our anger...no matter how "righteous" we may think it may be...does not bring about God's justice, morality or uprightness (also as defined on dictionary.com). 

I believe this warning to check our anger...also called "setting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness"  and to instead "in humility, receive the word implanted" (verse 21) is one that greatly needs to be heeded by the American church culture. This is not the first time I've shared my frustration over what was plastered all over Facebook during the political election season. Too many times to count I was ashamed at the anger, divisiveness and nastiness that was spoken (in our culture...that means typed) by people calling themselves Christians. 

The huge sigh of relief I felt after the election was short-lived, as now, almost two months later comments are still being made! Ugh!...is the only word that will sometimes express my feelings. Unfortunately, I've had to unsubscribe from more than a few people just so I won't harbor anger and bitterness toward them. I would never "unfriend"...but I don't have to have their poison spewed all over my news feed! Enough said!

Or maybe not.

Because James goes on. In chapter 1 he not only tells us to "receive the word" but that we need to prove ourselves to be doers of it. Also, that I should never forget "the kind of person [I] was" (James 1:24) But one more warning that should smack us all out of our bitter jibes and deriding comments is this: "If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless." (James 1:26, emphasis mine) Maybe it's time we start "bridling" our keyboards too! 

Do you want to have "pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father"? Then James not only cautions us to bridle our outbursts...but to also "visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (James 1:27) How many people do you know that were pontificating on the evilness of one side or another (and still are), but have actually sat down with a single mom (a.k.a. the widows of our society) or latch-key or fatherless kids (a.k.a. the orphans of our society) and tried to understand why they feel a sense of entitlement or despair? Yeah...I don't know very many who've done this either.

And right before James makes me teary and sad about how we "dishonor the poor man". He warns us yet again to not get too high and mighty about our faith. (see James 2:1-3) In fact, this segment of Scripture in the NASB is entitled "The Sin of Partiality". James wants us not to give favor to the rich and look down upon the poor because "Listen, my beloved brethren, did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?" (James 2:5)

The question I keep wanting to ask when someone is concerned about "entitlement", "hand outs", "redistribution of wealth" and "lazy people that just want society to take care of them", is this: "Do you actually know any poor people?" 

I'm not talking about someone that gets posted on broadcast news, YouTube or elsewhere talking about how great it is to get all of this free help. I'm also not referring to someone that just can't afford to eat at a sit down restaurant. Nor am I alluding to someone that doesn't have the latest iPhone, iPad or accompanying fluff to go with it. No...I'm talking about have you actually sat down and had more than a 5 minute conversation with someone that has to scrape together money for gasoline so they can get to work...which is a job that pays less than $10 an hour (equal to only about $20,000 per year) and probably has to work a second job, has their kids in daycare or before and after school programs, might be in school part-time or full-time, has no husband paying child support, no medical insurance if they or their child gets sick and can't stay home if they are sick because they'll either miss much needed income or worse, lose their job. 

How many grandmas have you conversed with that are living on medicare and social security, raising their grandchildren and trying to help those kids sustain a standard of living that will keep them from being made fun of and bullied at school?

When was the last time you sat down,  held the hand of and prayed with someone who just needed a few forks, a couple of bowls, some decent clothes for a new job and maybe a pillow and blanket so the floor would be more comfortable?

It's been awhile for me too. But when I have, I have walked away not only humbled, but astounded at the ones that say, "No, it's alright...I don't need free food...I get food stamps. Leave it for someone that doesn't have help." They haven't asked for a new set of dishes or towels or sheets that match. They've been thankful and grateful to just get enough to get by.

Are there people that feel entitled to food, clothing, shelter and other assistance? Absolutely! Try taking all of that away from your family for a few weeks and see if you begin to feel like you should be entitled to it too.

And, yeah, yeah...I know there are chronic abusers...I've met a few. I am by no means excusing their laziness or brazen expectations for it to just be handed to them. I'm just hinting at this idea that maybe instead of making blanket statements about the thousands of poor in America (or billions around the world)...might it be more beneficial to sit down with them and find out why they have these behaviors and attitudes?

But see...that's the hard part isn't it? Actually entering into someone's life...messy life...is exactly what we try to avoid. But there is no shirking the responsibility that it is exactly what God calls us to do and Jesus lived out!

James, doesn't let this go and I don't want to either...if we claim to be Jesus followers, in our culture that's called a Christian, then James says our works will put feet to our faith. If we don't have works that match our faith then we are no better than the demons who believe in God. Oh wait! At least "the demons also believe and shudder." (James 2:19, emphasis mine) I've heard a lot of Christians use this passage against people who say they "believe" in a god but live lives contradictory to the Bible's teachings. Interestingly enough, it was actually written to Christians that said they had faith and had no works to back it up. Yes, the ones who were dishonoring the poor!

Is it maybe time for us to start doing some shuddering too?

My loving Abba, I am ashamed at the people we have become! Myself included! We are more concerned about our own comfort...our own toys...our own gluttonous "needs"...that we are more than willing to dishonor the poor with our words of accusation or judgment and our condemnation than we are to cry out for mercy, justice and love on their behalf. How patient and merciful You have been with us! May we never, ever stop looking in the mirror and remembering "what kind of person" we were! (James 1:24) Or maybe the person we would still be if not for your unconditional, undeserved Love! When we are tempted to wade into the filth and wickedness of this age and accuse people who do not know You of not living up to standards that we somehow, miraculously expect them to just understand and live by...may we shut our mouths...close up our keyboards and instead open up Your Word and our hearts to hearing how much YOU love them and want us to as well. May our anger and fear at what appears to be "unfair", "unjust" and "unequal" not drive us to social media and rants about political positions...but instead, may we be driven to our knees to intercede on behalf of the billions who are dying without the knowledge of an Abba who loves them without any limits. And when we've been on our knees long enough to have our hearts broken for the poor, the widow, the sick, the imprisoned, the orphan, the destitute and the outcast and yes...the clueless...in the same way that Your heart has been broken...may we rise up to become the people that you created us to be...a people that is known by our Love for one another. Lord, through your servant James, You have told us that 'blessing Your name and cursing men who have been made in Your likeness' should never come from the same mouth (James 3:9-10). Lord, may it not be so! Instead give us mouths full of praise for You and edification, mercy, hope and love for others. For we know there is no where else in this world they will find these but in You.

Amen!

After this...you may unfriend me. That's okay, if you feel the need to differ with my convictions. Eventually, the only posts that may come up on my Facebook news feed will be photos of grandkids, puppy dogs and cutesy little sayings about rainbows and butterflies. Actually...I'm okay with that too.

For the First Time

I occasionally receive comments to blog posts from people I do not know and will probably never meet this side of Heaven. The diversity of the lifestyles by these readers thrills me to no end! It is absolutely one of my deepest joys to know that God used His words through me to speak to someone's heart.

Tonight, I've had a first though...a prayer request from an anonymous reader. I don't normally post requests from someone I do not know or with whom I've not at least had some e-mail or other correspondence. I did publish the request to the post that the comment was made, but I have a feeling the person that took the time to ask, probably wanted to know that others would be offering up the request too.

After first hesitating to repost it, my subsequent thought was...who am I to judge if someone needs prayer...then someone needs prayer. After all, that's why we're here isn't it? So although I don't know the author by anything other than their blogger moniker of Rocky2, here is their request and I do praise God that someone felt comfortable enough to ask.

"Praying for you all. Here is my request. Lord bless. A Christian minister with a broken heart asks for prayer for his only child - a wayward daughter on the West Coast of the US who's been living with an older man. On Sep. 24th she is having surgery to save her life from what appears to be cancer. PLEASE PLEASE pray that Jolene will survive and finally be drawn to Jesus! (The same minister has an aneurysm near his heart that needs a healing miracle.)"

Abba-

You amaze me at how Your Spirit leads us to one another when we need it. And right now, I pray for the one whose heart desires what is best for Jolene. Jolene needs you...desperately! She needs your healing touch...first for her soul and then, also her body. We know it is Your will than none would perish and I confidently claim that we know You are drawing Jolene to You. The minister who is parent to Jolene sounds burdened beyond their own strength. I praise You that they do not have to carry this burden at all. I thank You that they can heave it into Your open arms. Lord, the minister needs healing as well...of body and heart. We know You are capable of all these things we ask. I also pray Lord that over the coming days Your Holy Spirit will remind me of Jolene and her parent. I pray that when You bring them to mind I will once again call upon You confidently on their behalf. I am humbled and awed at the opportunity to pray for them and I pray for the faithfulness to do so when You ask. I love You Lord and I am thrilled to be Your child. I pray that same relationship and even more for Jolene.

All praise, honor and glory to You alone! Amen!

"Why are you persecuting ME?"

You don't have to be a Jesus follower long to know there is a history of persecuting His disciples. The New Testament is replete with examples of followers of "the Way" who were being flogged, jailed, and stoned because of their refusal to deny that Jesus was the one, true Messiah...God in human flesh who lived, died and rose again. But there's only one story that I know of in the Bible that gives you the perspective of a persecutor...the story of Saul.

As I've begun to study the life of this man, later known as Paul, a few things have struck me differently than I'd originally remembered. God's Word (the Bible) is alive (see Hebrews 4:12) and one reading to the next, God's Spirit will use it to teach me new things. Today in (Acts 9:1-19), it wasn't exactly a new idea...just one word that stabbed through me into a place I don't journey often...the persecution of Christians.

I've lived my whole life in mid-America, sometimes called the upper part of "the Bible belt". My small town upbringing didn't lend itself toward opposition, let alone persecution, for being a Christian. Today, some Americans are overly concerned that taking prayer out of public schools or the Ten Commandments off the courthouse walls is the beginning to the end of our religious freedom...a freedom on which this country was founded. And their concern may be warranted.

But whenever Christians here get all bent out of shape over what may or may not happen...in my mind I always think..."Well, at least you're not being shot for your faith...yet." It's a very real possibility in many nations around the world...today. All I had to do was google "countries that persecute Christians" and 537,000 sites popped up in 0.32 seconds. The one I clicked on persecution.org even has a map that shows exactly where this occurs.

So today, when I read this passage I was thankful God's Spirit spoke this little word to my heart...ME. I'm not certain of the exact timing of Saul/Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, but we do know that Jesus died, was buried, was resurrected and was seen by hundreds of followers for 40 days. Many other details are related in Acts before the Damascus Road encounter between Jesus and Saul/Paul, so I think it's safe to assume this could be many months after Jesus had ascended to Heaven and the Holy Spirit had begun to dwell in His followers. But note what Jesus says: "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"

Not...My followers...My disciples...My friends...My loved ones...no, it was Me. When I read the passage this morning, probably for the fiftieth time or more, Holy Spirit put one of those ideas in my head that was instantly complete...but very difficult to put into words...human words. Bear with me, I'll do my best (with His help, of course!)

You see, Jesus told us if you feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick or imprisoned that it's the same as doing it to Him. He also told us that if you don't do any of these it's the same as neglecting service to Him. (see Matthew 25:34-41) Based on the encounter with Saul/Paul, is it safe to assume or is it too big of a leap to infer that when our Christian brothers and sisters are left hungry, naked, sick or imprisoned because of their faith in Him there is some sort of "spiritual transference" where Jesus actually takes upon Himself their persecution? What comes to mind instantly is that He did take upon all of the sin ever to exist in the world when He died on the cross. But in that way that I can't exactly wrap my brain around...He is still taking it upon Himself as it happens. I'm sure there's probably a Biblical reference or commentary somewhere that would explain this better...but I can almost visualize the tortured prisoner with the faint outline of Jesus (the same as an artist might depict an angel or spirit) hovering over His child and shielding him or her from the full onslaught of evil all around them.

Can this be why the apostles "rejoiced that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name." (see Acts 5:40-42) Is this how thousands of Jesus followers throughout history have gone singing to their deaths. Is this the reason why even today in China...despite sometimes brutal persecution...hundreds of people are turning to Jesus every single day?

When Jesus is the one taking the persecution onto Himself, yes, of course the physical ramifications are borne out on the human flesh...but are we not taught in scripture that this is just a temporary shell that we occupy until the New Earth and our bodies are completely perfected? Paul...yes, the same Saul/Paul that used to persecute Christians...later calls the persecutions that happen to him "light and momentary troubles". Unfortunately, we only see with human eyes. What I had the pleasure of being reminded of today is that what really matters...our spiritual souls...remain untouched. Jesus personally sees to it that the persecuted soul is unblemished. He is the one that bears the scars. The bodies we leave behind may show some scars...but the soul will be refined and perfected just like gold in the fire.

Does that get your heart pumping? It did mine! I do not currently live in a place or time when I have to face persecution...but some day I may. It could be a very real reality for my children or grandchildren. Whether it is or not, this I know...no matter what the forces of evil concoct for our mortal frames...Jesus will see to it that the soul of His beloved is safe. Amen!

I'm going to add just one more thing. Because this blog goes out to "the great unknown" and because I see daily that it is read by people all over the world and because sometimes the countries listed are ones where persecution is active and even rampant...I feel obligated to the one that may read this that knows all too well about what I write, it is my desire to share in your sufferings through prayer and petition on behalf of the Abba who knows you by name. You are not anonymous to Him! You are not forgotten! You are loved with a passionate, furious, boundless love that seals you and jealously keeps you for His own! And one day you will stand before Him and He will tell the story of how you remained faithful throughout and even despite your pain. That is a story I can't wait to hear! Until then, my hope is that I will be more attuned to God's Spirit so I will be reminded more frequently to pray for you and my brothers and sisters around the world who need to know the encouragement, the comfort and feel the close Presence of the One in whose Name they suffer.

Amen!

To the Single Moms I Know...and Everyone Else Too!

Scrolling through my Facebook feed just a few minutes ago, something struck me and I'm sure it's no coincidence. Three single moms I don't know very well...in fact, mostly through FB...each posted something to their timelines this evening.

On my feed, their appeared consecutively:

"Everything in life happens for a reason...Ba Hum Bug"

"Life keeps throwing punches...and I'm a little punch drunk". :(

"Sometimes the smallest issues can BE the BIGGEST ones...Do you ever feel like you need a miracle, I do! God, been asking for a long time...help me understand."

As I said, I don't know these ladies well. In fact, of the three, I've only seen one since we moved to Kentucky six years ago and I haven't interacted with her in about three years now. But I see a lot of similarity...maybe you see it too. Yes, their use of my favorite punctuation...the ellipse...is obvious, but aside from that...what do you hear.

I hear pain. I hear doubt. I hear worry. I hear stress. But sadly, I hear a longing to share it with someone...anyone that will care. I do wonder if they've shared their burdens with a friend. I pray they have people who love them, are surrounding them, uplifting them and encouraging them. Knowing how our culture has closed itself off though, my guess (and purely a guess) is that it is somehow "easier" to send this pain out into the great unknown of FB than to share it with a community that will strengthen, challenge and mostly, surround them with love.

I don't judge these ladies. We've all done it. Well, at least those of us with FB or blogs have. But tonight, I'm asking you...yeah, YOU...the one anonymously reading this blog to say a prayer for these ladies you may never meet this side of Heaven. And if you don't feel comfortable doing that, ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind a single mom that you personally know. I am confident in a nanosecond you will have had one or possibly many more come to mind.

Don't get me wrong...I know we all have pain. We all have low times (my blog is testimony to mine!) and we all have doubts or worries too. My sadness is compounded when single moms have to carry these burdens alone. Yes, I know with God they are never alone...but He did also command us to live in community and carry one another's burdens. When one is weak, the stronger ones are to walk beside and support them.

So please, say a prayer of love, encouragement and support for these ladies and the ladies you know. Pray the Holy Spirit will bring people into their lives who will love them the way God loves them.

And if you're one of the ladies who happen to have been quoted above, I do apologize for stealing your words tonight. Please know that you are loved with a boundless love that will never fail. Also, thank you for the privilege of calling upon the Name of your Abba on your behalf tonight. I am honored to be your sister in Christ!

Amen!

Bi-monthly Prayer Requests and Updates

Here's the link to our beginning/end of month Prayer Requests and Updates

If you would ever like to join us as a Prayer Partner for Boundless Ministries, send me an e-mail with "Prayer Partner" in the subject line. Prayer Partners are an integral part of all we do.

Pleading for the Widow

Here it is as promised in the previous post (see Isaiah 1) my conviction to "plead for the widow" (Isaiah 1:17). This is the list God was already laying on my heart before I even read this verse. And the image above is one I found online. It's an artist's interpretation of Jesus pleading...somehow I think it's appropriate since I know He lives to intercede for us before the Father and I know His Holy Spirit prays for us with words and groans that we cannot even express when we don't know how to pray. (see Romans 8:25-27) Please don't just read over this list...please plead to your Abba on behalf of these ladies who most often would never plead to us on their own behalf. Ask Him to lead you in how you should pray for each.

• Mom of one has court date 7/31 where she will most likely discover she will be receiving less child support. 
• Mom of one has begun looking for new apartment in the Florence, Burlington or Hebron areas. She needs rent to be $600 a month or less. Current lease is up in October.
• Mom of four has final court date for her divorce on 8/10. She and her children are moving to Florida 8/12. She needs peace from the stress and strain too.
• Our neighbor, a mom of two who has been unable to find a teaching position because she holds her master's degree and her boyfriend will probably lose his job with a small airline this fall.
• Mom of one has been feeling empty and bears heavy load of caring for her mother who has dementia also.
• Mom of one lost her usual summer part time job and has been experiencing financial difficulties as a result.
• Mom of three is getting married and moving to Wisconsin from the Northern Kentucky area.
• Mom of two moved to Arizona recently. Pray for them during this transitional time of adjustment.
• Mom of three experiencing financial strain has started a home-based business and looks for opportunities to earn money from home.
• Mom of one may be going back to school. Pray for wisdom about financial aid and college choices.
• Mom of three has experienced difficulty with son and his emotional strain. Pray for them as they head into the next school year.
• Mom of five, four still at home, has had several rocky years as she has attempted to leave an abusive and controlling husband, find her own employment (which she now has) and begin life without being dependent on her ex.
• Mom of four has had a difficult year and a half. She is self-employed and has previous asked for prayer regarding the finalization of her divorce and her ex-husband's plea bargaining process.
• Mom of one is expecting and has a rocky relationship with her boyfriend.
• Mom of a newborn, just born last week, needs physical recovery and rest. She will need much assistance in the days to come.
• Mom of four is expecting a child this fall. She has expressed a need for some baby furniture.
• Mom of two in Indiana is having severe financial difficulties and she cannot find a job in her chosen profession.
• Mom that is new to homeschooling will need peace as she juggles home, work and schooling responsibilities.
• Mom of three in Indiana has expressed concern over health issues recently.
• Mom in Indiana has son receiving college interest for playing basketball as he heads into his senior year. Pray for wisdom and God's leading.
• Mom of two lost her son through a violent act last year and as expected still grieves his loss.
• Nine other moms that we have loose affiliations with that are at varying places in their journey. Some still have children at home, but are also grandmothers or have children at the age where they're getting married. 
• All of the moms we know at one time or another have had custody or support disputes and regular issues with security...either financial, emotional or even physical.

Thank you for pleading for the widows of our society...the single moms and their families. Ask God to reveal to you the women in your life and circle of influence that also need someone to plead for them.

Amen!

"Got My Mind Set On You"

Last night, I shared with a friend that I've felt like I've been avoiding God. I started asking Him today, "Why?" I think there are a few reasons, but one has been this lesson of being at peace with complete dependence upon Him. What He's asking of me is so counter-cultural, so mind-boggling that I can't even begin to get my brain around it.

For an uber-analytical mind like mine...this has been driving me nuts. So, I've been avoiding Him because I didn't want to do the "work" to process with Him exactly what He is calling me to do. I know I sound vague, but I cannot put into words the thoughts I've had. They are so much higher than my finite thoughts that this is going to take a lot of time and patience and yes, even money, with and from God to sort it all out.

And if you've ever needed to believe that God must have a sense of humor...let me assure you...He does.

You see, this song...an old 80's throwback to my teen years...for the last year or so has occasionally "popped" into my head...often out of nowhere...when I've struggled to comprehend or just to process what God is saying or sharing with me. I cannot even begin to count how many times this has happened. I would only let myself repeat the line "I got my mind set on You" over and over again, because I didn't like the next line that says, "It's going to take money, a whole lot of spending money." I was content to recite the first phrase over and over again. It sort of became a way of "recalibrating" my brain back to focusing on God.

This morning as I turned again to Him and truly began to ask, "Why am I avoiding You?" "What are You asking of me?" "How do I begin to have peace in our circumstances, when I know the bottom line and You say, 'Don't worry...I've got your back!'" Ugh! It was excessively overwhelming and I was becoming exasperated with no answer.

But then...I felt led to open up Jesus Calling...and I was a few days behind (yep...that avoidance thing again!). In God's perfect timing, I read today what was scheduled for yesterday:

"For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace..." (Romans 8:6)

And once again, George Harrison and his 1980's hit began playing non-stop in my mind. You see, when I've "God my mind set on (Him)" there is life and peace! When I set it on the flesh or my earthly surroundings or my cultures demands...there is only death.

Just for kicks, I wanted to post the video from Youtube. It's cheesy...but all of the words are appropriate for today. It is going to take lots of money (from God), lots of time and lots of patience (from me) to "do it right". But if I've "Got my mind set" in the right place there will be "life and peace".

Amen!

Archived Prayer Requests for January 2012

1/27/12: Mom of 4 is praying for her bankruptcy filing to go quickly and smoothly so her divorce can be finalized. She is also seeking wisdom and guidance about budgeting time for her kids and her schooling. She has a tough winter/spring semester and wants to balance family/school time well. 5/1/12: Mom of 4 was recently admitted to Phi Theta Kappa fraternity for having a 4.0 GPA!

1/27/12: Mom of 3 is experiencing continued financial difficulties. She needs God's wisdom and guidance as she faces choices regarding housing, employment and finances in the immediate days ahead.
1/24/12: Mom of 2 in Indianapolis needs prayer because her son, in his 20's, died yesterday. Please pray for her Abba's Presence to be very real, very close and very protective of her spirit in the days, weeks and even months to come.

1/23/12: Please pray for our Single Moms' Night Out on Friday, the 27th. Praise that God has provided, families have signed up, volunteers are scheduled & we pray for a good time! 2/2/12: Praise that the Single Moms' Night Out went off without a hitch! Thankful for all of the volunteers and donations that helped give some moms a much deserved night off!

1/23/12: Mom of 3 is in immediate need of new housing option. Please pray for God to lead & guide the process and make the transition comfortable for the kids.

1/23/12: I apologize, but there has apparently been a glitch with blogger.com and two months worth of prayer requests have "disappeared" into the great unknown. As I recall the ones we've been given over the last few months, I'll attempt to re-post them.

Bi-monthly Prayer Requests and Updates

Here's the latest update to the Prayer Request Page
Thank you for your faithfulness to pray for the single moms we know that this ministry that attempts to serve them in the name of Jesus.
Amen!

Just Had to Share This Quote Today!

We're visiting with family and their internet explorer is not compatible with blogger, BUT I just had to share this quote I came across in Beth Moore's "Esther" today.

"When, because of your faith, your life too becomes perceptibly different; when your reactions are quite opposite to what the situation seems to call for and your activities can no longer be explained in terms of your personality; that is when your neighborhood will sit up and take notice. In the eyes of the world, it is not our relationship with Jesus Christ that counts; it is our resemblance to Him!" --from "The Queen and I"

It's also been interesting in my experience that when "the neighborhood sits up and takes notice" is sometimes when Christians start asking if you're on the right path. Just something to chew on!

Bi-monthly Prayer Requests

There have been some updates to the Prayer Request Page and this is the latest.

Please be in prayer for the moms that are facing custody and final divorce proceedings. They need peace, wisdom and above all to experience an overwhelming confidence that God's Presence is near!

Thanks for praying...it does make a difference.

Reversed Thunder and What It Means

I know I keep quoting this book...but it's just that good and today, I discovered from where the title comes and I just have to share it!

Each chapter starting with the second is called "The Last Word on ____________ (something)" because after all, Revelation is the "last word" as far as Spirit-inspired Scripture goes. The chapter I began this morning is entitled, "The Last Word on Prayer".

Prayer is an area where I have struggled my whole life. I've shared this on previous posts. But what I've realized over the last few years is that the times of crisis we've experienced more recently opened me up to a whole new world in regard to my prayer life with God. I've relished every moment! And I miss it when that closeness, that special openness to His Spirit isn't there. I'm currently experiencing a time like that...I've shared that as well.

And while I'm processing and praying and asking for discernment why I don't feel as close to Him right now as I'd like, He brought this amazing chapter to me today. I'm only on the second page of it, so there may be more...but this is what blessed me this morning:

     "The Apocalypse is a fusion of vision and prayer. When the seventh seal is opened, there is silence in heaven for about half an hour. A climax has been reached. The silence prepares the imagination to receive an incredible truth. While conflicts raged between good and evil, prayers went up from devout bands of first century Christians all over the Roman empire. Massive engines of persecution and scorn were ranged against them. They had neither weapons nor votes. They had little money and no prestige. Why didn't they have mental breakdowns? Why didn't they cut and run? They prayed.
     It was in order to hear those prayers that there was silence in heaven. Out of silence, action developed:  an angel came before the altar of God with a censer. He mixed the prayer of the Christians with incense (which cleansed them from impurities) and combined them with fire (God's spirit) from the altar. Then he put it all in the censer and threw it over heaven's ramparts. The censer plummeting through the air, landed on earth. On impact there were "peals of thunder, voices, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake." (Rev. 8:5). The prayers which ascended, unremarked by the journalists of the day, returned with immense force--in George Herbert's phrase, as "reversed thunder." Prayer reenters history with incalculable effects. Our earth is shaken daily by it." (emphasis mine)


Like me, have you ever doubted that your prayers mattered? Make a difference? Or are even heard?

Ohhh! BELIEVE loved One! They are heard, they do make a difference and they definitely matter. In fact, they 'reenter history with incalculable effects' and the "earth is shaken daily by it"!

Amen!!!