I miss Hershi

Last week, I chose put our dog down. She was a Rottweiler and Chow mix, almost 12 years old and very sickly.

I am very sad and even depressed. My friends, who are pet lovers, tell me that I am experiencing grief becuase this pet was like a family member.

Sometimes, I wish I had just let her suffer and pass way peacefully at home. Yet, that is really selfish.

Our once fiesty and energetic dog had become a blury eyed, weary, and lifeless animal. It was disturbing to see her struggle, vomit almost every meal, even water, and shed skin (excessive pet dander).

Vet visits cost more than I could handle when I was employed, but I managed somehow. (Somebody didn't get paid that week.) The vet prescribed medications that seemed to work for a month or two. On our last visit, the vet suggested more expensive tests. Of course, there were no guarantees. Now, that I am unemployed, there is no money to go through series of tests and medications.

I wish I had her here with me. She was so loyal and faithful. I wander if she stayed alive to protect us. She was the best watchdog. You couldn't come near our yard without hearing her menacing bark and seeing a flash of her sharp teeth.

Will I get another pet? I can't see myself getting attached like this again and knowing that one day this will happen again. We are blessed that she lived so long.

Unanswered prayer?

Does God answer all prayer, no matter what?

Some folks think so.

Some folks think that God picks and chooses which prayers He will answer.

Some folks think He doesn't answer any prayers.

Then there those of us who have read and studied the Bible... we believe that God answers prayers of faith that are based on His will, which is found in His Word.

When I was younger and desperately seeking answers to all things spiritual, I wanted to know if God really answers all prayers.

In my search for a comprehensive study on prayer, I discovered R.A. Torrey's How to Pray. This book is a classic.

Chapter 9, Hindrances to Prayer explains why sometimes, scriptural prayers don't get answered.

1. Selfish purpose or wrong motives. James 4:3
2. Sin. Isaiah 59:1,2 & Psalm 66:18
3. Idols in the heart Ezekial 14:3
4. Stinginess. Proverbs 21:13 & Luke 6:38
5. Unforgiveness. Mark 11:25
6. Wrong relationship between husband and wife. 1 Peter 3:7
7. Unbelief. James 1:5-7
   

Next time, you pray scripturally and feel like your prayer is hitting the ceiling, check yourself against the list. If you pass the test, then let patience have its perfect work. You will reap in due season if you don't give up.

Please don't get into condemnation if you prayed for healing and you didn't see results. Or a tragedy occurred even though you prayed that it wouldn't. Maybe you prayed for a loved one to live, but he/she died anyway. These are delicate situations that require a separate discussion about timing, the will of man, spiritual and natural laws and spiritual opposition. For now, don't blame God. Don't beat yourself up. Look to Him for comfort and understanding.

Let's pray-

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are not a man that you should lie or the Son of man that you should repent. Your promises are yes and amen. There is no fault in you. Open my eyes to see where I might be missing it. Is it lack of revelation? Fear? Unbelief? Or any of these hindrances to prayer. I am not too ashamed to confess and repent. In fact, doing this will bring me closer to you. There is no condemnation here. I trust that the Holy Spirit will convict and guide me into all truth. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Changing my perspective and fulfilling my purpose

While driving one morning, I had a heated discussion with God. Well, let's say that I was passionate about my subject. Sum it up as - "Why God why?" "When God when?"

In the midst of my rant, I saw my screenplay- what I was saying that I wanted, what I was (wasn't) praying, and what I was actually doing about it.

Imbalance.

Then this scripture came to my thoughts:

A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great people. Proverbs 18:16

We have gifts - talents, expertise, knowledge, experience, skills. Wherever we are in life (physical location or goal time line), we should be sharing our gifts. And those gifts will bless others and open doors of opportunity.

The light bulb came on. My "aha" moment of truth.

I was desperately seeking opportunities in places where my gifts were under appreciated, not appreciated, not wanted, or just plain not understood. Yet, I was saying (affirmations) :

I am brilliant in my work. I am filled with creative ideas that benefit me and others. I have unlimited earning potential. I make a fortune doing what I love.

My prayers were

Deliver me from this crazy situation(s). I want out, now! Amen.

How do you bring balance and order to personal chaos?

1. Pray and believe the same thing. Mark 11:24 (Amplified Bible) For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].


2. Realize that nothing is impossible. Mark 9:23 (New Living Translation) "What do you mean, 'If I can' ? "Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." My library is filled with true life stories of people who did what others said was absolutely impossible. You and I have our own personal testimonies about overcoming difficult or seemingly hopeless situations. Think about it.


3. Shine where you are. Matthew 5:16 (NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Whether in a pit or a palace, we have to show strength in character and excellence in our craft. Character still matters. And while being educated is a good thing, continuing education is even better.


4. Promote yourself to the best audience. Believe it or not, everybody doesn't know what you do and that you are really great at it. Friends and family included. And everybody doesn't care. Friends and family included. But someone is desperately seeking what you have to offer. The saying goes that there is no distance in prayer. While you are praying for opportunities, also seek opportunities locally and abroad. I'll admit that I prefer face-to-face meetings over lunch or dinner when discussing ministry, business or just life. However, that isn't always possible. So, I take advantage of online social networking. You can find a social network for just about anything.


5. Know that you are valuable, needed, and sought-after regardless of your personal economic situation or the global economic situation. Genesis 41:56 & 57 (English Standard Version) So when the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. Moreover, all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth. As I was mediating that morning, I was reminded of Joesph in the Bible. His story is amazing. It would make a great drama movie. The life lessons are numerous. In every place Joseph shined. He was respected and sought-after. You have to read his story to see where he began and appreciate where he ended up.


6. Expect more. This also came to my thoughts as I was driving. Yes, bad news abounds. We're surrounded by it. I'm a news junkie, but sometimes, I have to shut it down. When I face negativity and limitations whether external or internal, I am reminded of my personal mantra (based on Philippians 4:8&9):

   I am at my best when I fill my mind and meditate on things that are true, honest, reputable, authentic, pure, and compelling; the best, not the worst; lovely, not ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. When I do this God, who makes everything work together for my good, will work me into his most excellent harmonies.

   
   Let's pray -
   
   Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for what you have already done in my life. Thank you for what you are doing right now. Open my eyes to see situations and circumstances as opportunities to shine. Wherever I am, whether on purpose, by default, accident or mishap, I trust you in the midst of it. Knowing that your purpose and plans for my life are not canceled nor on hold, I continue to use my gifts. As a result, You will reward me with favor and opportunities. And I promise to appreciate it and manage it properly. In Jesus name. Amen.
   
   
   
   

The fine art of genuineness

I'm an observer. A people watcher.

I could never stay awake when reading psychology textbooks. My studying human behavior comes by listening and observing.

Too often, we say one thing and do another.

We say to someone facing difficulty, "I love you. I'm praying for you." Then we walk away and forget about the person and his/her problem.

We ask people, "How are you?" and never stop to listen to the answer.

When another believer asks us, "How are you?" we quickly respond, "Oh, I'm blessed." Sometimes, we are too proud to ask for prayer. Or too ungrateful to share a praise report or testimony that doesn't have anything to do with a new car or a big raise.

To be genuine is to be FOR REAL. Authentic. True. Legit (a.k.a. legitimate).

The opposite is to be PHONY. Fake. Deceitful. Two-faced.

We expect an element of phony from Hollywood. They're actors and actresses. But should we see the same behavior in the Church, The Body of Christ?

Absolutely not.

Romans 12:9 (KJV) Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil;cleave to that which is good.

Roman 12:9 (AMP)[Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good.

How can we be genuine in the midst of insincerity, hypocrisy, and self-absorption? In the world. And in the Church.

PRAYER:

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14

I do not want to be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs]. I want to be transformed by the renewing of my mind so that I may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

His plans are superior to ours

Standing firm on His promises

Do you ever doubt that what you want to see happen in your life will ever happen?

That time will pass you by while you are waiting on a dream, a vision, a prayer to manifest?

You feel like backing off. Maybe even giving up. Living status quo.

It's during those times that you have to run to God. Bury yourself in His Word. Cherishing every promise.

But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. - Psalm 73:28 KJV

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: - Philippians 1:6 KJV

Handbook for a better life

I'm sharing an email that I received today.

LIFE’S HANDBOOK FOR 2009

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything..
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about.

Scripture for Today - Perfect love conquers all

1 John 4:18 (KJV) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear:because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18 (AMP) There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection].

1 John 4:18 (The Message) God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.

Prayer for Boldness
from Prayers That Avail Much, Volume 1 by Word Ministries, Inc

Father, in the name of Jesus, I am of good courage, I pray that You grant to me that with all boldness I speak forth Your Word. I pray that freedom of utterance be given me that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news of the Gospel - that I may declare it boldly as I ought to do.

Father, I belive I recive that boldness now in the name of Jesus. Therefore, I have boldness to enter into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus. Because of my faith in Him, I dare to have boldness (courage and confidence) of free access - an unreserved approach to You with freedom and without fear. I can draw fearlessly and confidently and boldy near to Your throne of grace and receive mercy and find grace to help in good time for my every need. I am bold to pray. I come to the throne of God with my petitions, and for others who do not know how to ascend to the throne.

I will be bold toward Satan, demons, evils spirits, sickness, diesease, and poverty for Jesus is Head of all rule and authority - of every angelic principality and power. Disarming those who were ranged against us, Jesus made a bold display and public example of them triumphing overthem. I am bold to say, "Satan, you are a defeated foe, for my God and my Jesus reign!"

I take comfort and am encouraged and confidently and boldly say, "The Lord is my Helper, I will not be seized with alarm - I will not fear or dread or be terrified. What can man do to me?" I dare to proclaim the Word toward heaven, toward hell, and toward earth. I am bold as a lion for I have been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I am complete in Him! Praise the name of Jesus!

Never would have made it

Two years and some months.

Healing. Forgiveness.

The bitter sting is gone. But the memories remain. Reminders of the pain and shame.

Yet, I am not bitter. I was very bitter, angry, hurt, and rejected for a few months. But God. Too many prayers and promises hanging in the balance.

However, when someone shares what they are experiencing which sounds so much like what I went through, tears flow. Prayers and encouraging words are offered.

Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:4 (Amp)

What has changed in two years and some months?

True repentance? Only God knows the heart. Who am I to judge?

I have changed, though.

Never would have made it without You...
I'm stronger.
I'm wiser.
I'm better.
Much better.
When I look back over all You brought me through, I can see that You were the One that I held onto.

Do I trust Him?

Several weeks ago, distressed, frustrated, and weary, I called a friend, fellow minister for advice. My voicemail didn't give hint that I was a "mess" and it didn't express the sense of urgency that I felt.

Fortunately, my friend called me back within an hour. Knowing that she (and her family) had recently made a very tough decision that would affect longtime relationships, I expressed my concerns without trying to be emotional. She put the right words in my mouth, "When do you cut your losses?"

Yep. That summed it up.

As we talked and she shared her personal experience, it became clear that I was not trusting God in my situation (the one that I was sharing with her, as well as others) .

When you have done all you know to do, stand.

Ephesians 6:13 (Amp) says "Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]."

I had prayed. Prayed for wisdom, protection, and vindication. Even prayed for my enemies. Spoke the Word.

Yet, I was stressing out.

If God was leading me to take a leap of faith, then why couldn't I do that?

If I believed God's word, then why couldn't I relax. 1Peter 5:7 says to cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.

I love the way The Message Bible breaks it down:

So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
1Peter 5:6,7

After that conversation, daily I took stock of every area of my life where there was little or no trust. Flat out fear.

A week or so later, I was sitting at a stop light and noticed a construction crew to my left. Their company logo and message was painted on the truck's side. Their message was most powerful:

This company trusts in God.