Run!!!

TGIF Greetings:)

 

Proverbs 18:10

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower. A righteous person runs to it and is safe."

 

Twice this week I have gone running, and not around the track or thru the neighborhood, but to the name of the Lord.

 

Sometimes things are urgent. We can't walk or stroll or skip to the Lord--we have to RUN!

 

Running conveys a sense of urgency--an "I need help right this very second!" There's no time to waste!

 

First it was with a friend who needs God in her marriage, and then it was with another pal whose child is starting new meds. In both cases we were looking for safety from adverse reactions.

 

Isn't it great that our Lord's name is a strong tower? It's not a flimsy ant hill. Who would want to run to that?

 

It's tall and fortified and able to withstand a billion of us or more running toward it at the same time. What an awesome and mighty God we have!

 

Notice, however, that first we run, and then we are safe. We have to pickup our feet and go toward the Lord. Sometimes we get upset, angry, or confused and rather than run toward Him we run away.

 

But today I want to encourage us all to take a step of faith and start running. When we do we will be safe!

 

PRAYER:
Dear Lord,

We run to You right now because we need safety. Thank You that You provide all the shelter we need. You are mighty and strong; bring that might and strength into our lives right now. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Timing is Key~

Greetings:)

 

Proverbs 25:11 "A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray."

 

OK--Today I need to clarify because one of you lovely and precious children of God wrote back to me to say that you have tried repeatedly to "impress" God into the heart of your teenager, but all you have gotten are hostile stares, and one time, you swear you were almost physically attacked.

 

After a little more digging, you and I discovered that your timing might be off--just a tad. Maybe right when they wake up and are in a hurry to get to school on time and can't find matching socks is not the best moment to declare, "Jesus is your friend; don't disappoint Him!"

 

When I said yesterday that if I were to have waited until my children were receptive before speaking..., it was meant largely as a joke in order to make a point. The point being that there will be times when you have to speak up no matter what.

 

But in the grand scheme, we all instinctively know when our kids or husbands or friends or relatives are in the right frame of mind to hear what we have to say.

 

When Rayray was in 10th grade her very best friend in the whole wide world was diagnosed with a brain tumor. (Breathe a sigh of relief right now because it turned out to be benign, and she is perfectly healthy today).

 

It was a mega scary time for everyone, and Rayray camped out by her friend's side--at one point even sleeping on the waiting room floor--for two weeks until she was released from the hospital. She would not leave her friend's side, and I remember thinking at the time that Rayray is going to take good care of me when I am geriatric.

 

To say that Rayray was exhausted is an understatement. She was emotionally and physically spent, and I reigned in the Jesus talk.

 

"Mom is praying for you and your buddy"...is about all I said. And even when Rayray came to me one night and was crying her eyes out and wondering whether her friend would be OK, I did not, I repeat, I did not sermonize the moment and rant on and on about getting a grip--Jesus heals--He's in control...

 

In other words, sometimes we impress our kids and others the most when we just hug it out instead of talking it over.

 

A few weeks after everything happened, when Rayray was relieved and happy to have her buddy back, we went over everything that happened and concluded that God deserves the highest of praise, or as the young folk might say, the highest of props.

 

We thanked Him so very very much for the postivive outcome, and Rayray came away with a little treasure impressed on her heart that God hears the heartfelt, desperate prayers of two teenaged gal pals. Glory and Hallelujah!

 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Give us wisdom. Help us to speak at the right moment. There is so much we want to say sometimes, but we must be wise not to overdo it. Help us to remember that saying the right thing is only valuable when said at the right time; it's a beautiful and lovely thing. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

It's OK to Nag~

I hope you are all sitting down for this because you will be shocked: My children complain about me!!!!

Their number one complaint? "Stop preaching!"

When Hormone got married he and Rayray had a brief meeting about how she would now bear the brunt of all my sermonizing by her lonesome.  Boo hoo!

You know what I say? "It's my job!"

More than once I have said that if someone has an issue with my "turning everything into a life lesson," then they should file a complaint with God Almighty.

Deuteronomy 6:5-8 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."

Not only are we to keep God front and center in our own lives, but we have the awesome and amazing responsibility to "impress" God's ways on our kids.  I like to think of it as God's permission to nag.

If He is saying to talk about it at home, on the road, when you go to bed and when you get up...then it's a daily responsibility.

Why every day? Because all the other junk out there doesn't take a break, so we should not either.  

There is so much garbage out there competing for our kids' attention, and the majority of it will hurt their souls.  We fight that constant barrage with a barrage of our own.  Sometimes--OK--a lot of the times--our kids are going to get annoyed by it.  But notice how these verses do not say to only talk about God if the children are receptive.  Please! If I had to wait for my kids to be receptive I might have forgotten how to talk altogether.

Let us not shy away from engaging our kids in the types of conversations that matter.  No one else has a problem strutting their point of view.  

Back in 1992 I was taking a class, and someone I made friends with brought in a very popular book by a very popular singer that dealt with the topic of sex.

Everyone in the room gathered around her desk to look at the provocative pictures except me--the nerd.

Here I was a 27-year-old mother of two and all I could think about was a song my mother sang to me a million times, "Cuidadito tus ojitos lo que ven..."

"Be careful little eyes what you see..."

You never know when something you have taught your kids will pop up and have a positive impact.  It might not have been a big deal that I didn't look at the book except that, for whatever reason, it kind of made an impression on the girl who brought it in.  She and I became friends after that and were able to pray together a few times for some struggles in her marriage. Glory:)

Let us ask God for the strength and perseverance we need to engage our families every single day.

PRAYER: Dear Lord,  Sometimes we get tired.  Tired of all the bad stuff out there and tired of having to shield ourselves and our families from it.  Strengthen us today for the struggles of this day, and thank You that we are promised the blessings of peace and joy when we do the hard work of "nagging."  In Jesus' name, AMEN~  

Write it Down~

Good morning, all you beautiful and blessed creatures of God. How do I know you are blessed? Because you have all tasted and seen for yourselves that God is good :)

 

At the end of this DEVO is a picture I took of a note we received from Denny's. A couple of weeks ago Jorge and I went in for an early breakfast, and we were in a hurry. Jorge had a meeting he needed to get to, and I went along for the ride. Our waitress was perfectly lovely, but as Jorge proceeded to order his I-am-on-a-healthy-lifestyle-eggwhite-concoction, he noticed that she was not writing anything down. As soon as she left he said, "Bibi, she didn't write it down; they're going to get the order wrong." Poor Jorge--he started to sweat.

 

Of course, he was right. And when you're in a hurry to begin with...well...let's just say that I give Jorge a lot of credit for keeping his Christian cool. How can we go around all the time talking about Jesus and then being nasty in a restaurant? We can't, so we weren't.

 

We barely made it out of there on time to get to the meeting, and in the grand scheme of life, being a little late would not have been the worst thing in the world. But we both certainly had a renewed appreciation for the importance of writing down stuff.

 

The Bible agrees.

 

Deuteronomy 6:5-8 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

These are powerful verses, and later this week we will look at why God says it's OK to nag your kids and why it's important. But today's principle is all about how forgetful we tend to be and how we can fix it. We fix it by writing it down. Did God mean to literally write stuff down? And if so, what stuff?

 

I have three different Bible verses up on the walls of my house. Two are wall appliques, and one is a wooden sign. Plus, I have several crosses, and some clippings/magnets on the fridge. I also have a bunch of prayer books all over the place and of course, the high and holy Word of God in every single room.

 

In other words, it is hard to forget Whom I love, Whom I trust, Whom I pray to, Whom I have faith in, and Whom is my Protector and Guide.

 

There are constant reminders everywhere, and it calms my soul. What God is really saying is to do whatever you have to do to keep me front and center in your life.

 

After our experience at Denny's, we wrote a very nice note with some friendly suggestions and in response Denny's sent us a card with two free Grand Slams! SCORE!!!!

 

As nice as that is, when we "write" down God's Word in our lives, we are promised that we and our descendants will live a long and blessed life. BETTER SCORE!

 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Good things happen when we write things down. It helps us to remember that Your way is the best way, and it keeps You as the primary focus in our lives. And when we focus on You, every problem is life becomes teeny tiny by comparison. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

An Open Invitation~

Monday greetings:)

 

Remember last week when God was invited to hover over a special gal going in for surgery? Well, praise His High and Holy name! Everything went incredibly well! God is good and it's worth inviting Him into your life, into your problem, into your situation--no matter what it is. In fact, there is a standing and open invite for all of us in God's Holy Word.

 

Psalm 34:8

"Taste and see that the LORD is good! How blessed is the person who trusts in him!"

 

In other words, see for yourself. Don't take anyone's word for it. Don't live it through anyone else's experience. Get in on the action. Take God at His Word.

 

I love it when the Bible uses an exclamation point in a verse. But if it uses two--WATCH OUT!!! This must be worth a try.

 

Where, dear child, do you need a heaping helping of God's goodness right now?

 

Taste and see...First you try it...you pray for it...you RSVP to God and expect Him to do His thing...

 

AND THEN

 

You will see it....with your own eyes...His goodness, His provision, His blessings, His protection, His guidance, His healing, His peace, His joy, HIs hope, His wisdom...HIS ALL--all for you.

 

Glory , Hallelujah, and Praises :)

 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We accept Your invitation. We want to see for ourselves Your goodness running rampant in our lives. Especially in this area (fill in the blank). Thank You that because we trust in You , we are blessed. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

If You Can't Stand the HEAT...Stay Put Anyway~

GO HEAT!

 

What a series, what a game, what a win!!!

 

Last night as all the revelers revelled way into the wee hours of the morning, and as I found it difficult to fall asleep with all the car honking, firecrackers (I hope that was what was responsible for the booming noises and not guns), and pot banging, I thought, "As everyone here in South Florida is celebrating is there anything we can learn from the HEAT?"

 

Yes there is, but not from the HEAT directly.

 

Tuesday's Game Six came down to the wire. It was a nail-biter, and some of the fans, sure we were going to lose, ditched the arena. Once outside the doors they realized that Ray Allen made a 3-point shot that tied the game and eventually led to an overtime thriller.

 

They rushed to get back inside, but NOPE! They couldn't come back in. Bailing early cost them the opportunity to eyewitness one of the greatest comebacks ever.

 

Even Lebron said it was one of the greatest games he had ever been a part of.

 

Truth is the fans at the arena weren't the only ones who couldn't bear to watch. Someone close to me, OK--it's Jorge--shuffled off to bed with his head hanging low prepared to wrestle with the adrenaline overdose that the highs and lows of the game had produced.

 

Lucky for him that he gets ESPN updates on his phone, and he just couldn't help it. He mustered the bravery to look at the score, and once it went into overtime, he pepped right up and watched the last five minutes standing at full attention.

 

Much like some of the HEAT fans, we give up. We throw in the towel. We decide that we have been praying too hard and too long for the help that will never come, so we stop. We disconnect. We hang out head low and resign ourselves to living with whatever has us bothered.

 

I know this because it has happened to me. There was a season in my life when I was bone-tired of asking, seeking, pleading, knocking, and yes, sometimes wailing like a baby about a certain thing before God's glorious presence.

 

Some days I didn't even feel like praying about it--to be honest. I wondered whether it made a difference. I wondered if maybe my time wouldn't be better spent reading a book or watching TV. I wondered whether God had lost interest in me. Whether He still cared, because surely if He cared He would have answered by now.

 

But because my mother, God bless her lovely soul, taught me--not so much by words but by example--to never give up on prayer, I prayed on.

 

I discovered that God welcomes our half-hearted, slightly disconnected, weak babbling because He loves spending time with us--even when we are at our worst.

 

I also discovered that if you persist in praying--no matter how feeble the offering--eventually you will find yourself re-energized to get back in and fully engage.

 

It's called being strengthened in faith, and it's what happens when we refuse to exit the game early because it looks like we're going to lose.

 

HANG IN THERE!!! You may be in overtime--you may be discouraged. You want nothing more than to check out and go to bed and sleep until it's all over. But if you do, you will miss out on a special powerful answer catered just for you.

 

Colossians 4:12-13 "What a trooper he has been! He’s been tireless in his prayers for you, praying that you’ll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do."

 

These verses refer to a man named Epaphras. He is described in the Bible as a "dear and faithful minister of Christ."

 

He had a worthy goal of wanting to see folks standing firm, mature and confident, and the first step was to be tireless in his prayers.

 

Other versions of the Bible say he was "struggling in prayer," praying intensely," "combating earnestly," "wrestling in prayer," and "laboring fervently in prayer."

 

No wonder we feel like quitting sometimes; it's hard work!!!

 

But let's resolve today that we will not. It will be worth it to see those we love standing firm, mature, and confident in everything God has for them. I can personally testify that it is worth it!

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Don't let us give up. Too much is at stake. And thank You that when we get tired of wrestling, You re-energize us with Your perfect strength. We pray for those we love and ask You to help them stand firm, mature, and confidently today. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Flutter~

Thursday Greetings:)

 

I love the verses we have looked at the last couple of days, so join me for round three.

 

But first, allow me to answer one of your questions.

 

"Yenise, I do not feel comfortable always bothering God and asking for help all the time."

 

Dear brother, READ THE BIBLE.

 

John 16:24 "Ask, and you shall receive."

 

James 4:2 "...You do not have because you do not ask God."

 

And those are just two of many many more. Feel free to take God at His Word and ask away. Besides, you really do not have the ability to take care of everything on your own.

 

Now then, just this morning I shared a "let there be" prayer with someone who's mom was going into surgery.

 

"'Let there be' healing and health and a complete recovery for so-and-so. Let there be peace in the patient and wisdom and skill in the surgeon..."

 

It just makes my day when we invite God to hover over us. And the word--hover--got me thinking, so I looked up other versions of the Bible to see what they say.

 

The Young's Literal Translation of the Bible says God was "fluttering."

 

That word inspired me so much that I spent the rest of the day yesterday till almost 1AM this morning sporadically asking God to flutter over each of us. To flutter over our businesses, health, emotions, bank accounts, relationships, and jobs.

And every time I thought about it, I was over joyed because there is a mighty precedent here, people. The entire creation came into existence because God fluttered.

 

He can make something out of nothing. He can create new beginnings in our lives. He can speak a word, and every thing changes--in a flash!

 

Join me today in asking God to flutter over us.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, What a perfectly wonderful word--FLUTTER. We invite You to flutter over us right now with your unparalleled magnificence. Right before You did that in Genesis the earth was "void and empty." Then You showed up and awesome miracles took place. Sometimes we feel void and empty, but You have exactly what we need to feel alive. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Where the Spirit of God Hovers...

Wednesday greetings, dear people!

 

GO HEAT!  For all you fair-weather fans and scoffers, imagine me sticking my tongue out!

 

Yesterday's DEVO touched a nerve, and I love it when that happens.

 

Check out these responses:

 

I am asking God to let there be healing for my child.

 

I am asking God to let there be a secure job for my spouse.

 

I am asking God for a favorable outcome with a legal matter.

 

I am asking God to let there be a beautiful young woman to come into my life so I can settle down.

 

I am asking God to let there be courage in my life so I can be bold and take a step to a better financial future.

 

I am asking God to let there be more love between  my spouse and me because it's gotten cold.

 

I am asking God to let there be emotional stability for my spouse because there is a tendency for anger.

 

I am asking God to let there be an eye-opening realization in my spouse's life of the great need for God.

 

This list goes on and on...

 

I wonder what is more difficult: Creating light, creating the animals, creating the ocean, creating the universe and creating us lovely folks, or answering any of the petitions above?

 

I think it's pretty clear that God can handle anything and everything.

 

I also want to backpedal to the verse above yesterday's verse.

 

What is the precursor to God's power showing up and doing bigger and beautiful things?  What is the first step in making something out of nothing?

 

Genesis 1:2 "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."

 

Where the Spirit of God hovers, amazing things follow.

 

Hallelujah!!!!

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Hover over us right now!  We welcome Your presence and Your power.  Thank You that You have everything we need to realize the "let there be," we have been asking for.  In Jesus' name, Amen~

Let There Be~

Greetings:)

Right at the very beginning of the Bible we read that when God spoke amazing things happened.  Genesis 1:3

"And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light."

Today's DEVO is short and sweet, but the message is powerful, nonetheless.

What area of your life do you need God to speak into today?  To bring about a change in?  To bring about a breakthrough?  

I have a buddy who could really use a financial miracle.  All morning she has been asking God to speak to her situation and "let there be" enough income to cover those pesky bills.

I have another gal pal who is running low on energy.  She is caring for an aged and infirmed parent and is weary to the bone.  We asked God this morning to "let there be" enough strength for the tasks at hand. 

I also have a friend whose relationship with her mother-in-law is strained.  She has been crying out,  "'Let there be' peace and mutual understanding between us, dear Lord."

And finally, a special young lady I know has been regularly asking God to "let there be" a nice young man who will show up and love her and respect her for the long haul.

Take a moment to think of what You would like God to do for you today, and let's pray.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, "Let there be..." What beautiful and simple yet powerful words.  We all have an area where we welcome Your creativity and strength.  Speak a miracle into our lives today.  Especially for _______.  Let there be _________.  In Jesus' name. AMEN~

It's a Good Fight~

A post Father's Day greeting to all:)

 

Today we wrap up with some interesting news. After Pam's amazing missionary trip she came back to Miami and prepared to--of all things--retire as a pediatrician.

 

She was already planning to do this before she left on her trip. And going on that adventure was, as they say, the cherry on top. The final flourish on a long and rewarding career.

 

So today's topic is about finishing strong.

 

It's not as though Pam is about to sit back and do nothing. She's about to start a new season of life, and as she contemplates the details of that, we will think about what it means to go out on top.

 

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."

 

I am not saying Pam's mission in life is over--hardly.

 

I am saying that while she was in service as a doc there were good days and bad days. Somedays were easier than others. Somedays were happy and some were sad. Some were replete with highs and others with lows.

 

But when you are doing what God created you to do--you do it. You fight through the rough knowing the easier is just around the corner. You run the race (sometimes it's a rat race) with God's vigor that He infuses into you when you pray. And no matter what--no matter how hard it becomes, how discouraged you get, how overwhelming it feels--you remain faithful. Not perfect--FAITHFUL.

 

You press on ahead with prayer and faith. You stick with God and don't turn away from Him. You take Him your questions, your doubts, your concerns, your worries, your everything. You thank Him for your joys and blessings. You don't hold anything back.

 

And when you do that, you finish strong--on top of the world like Pam--knowing you made a huge difference in someone's life. Reaping the pure joy that comes as a result.

 

And why? Because, 1 Samuel 26:23, "The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness."

 

When we think of rewards we think in terms of currency, like cash.

 

But my dear, sweet friends, there are all kinds of currency in this world. I know more folks right now who would prefer peace over dollars. Family restoration over gold. Joy and contentment over a new car.

 

You can be faithful, full of faith, right where you are. Everyone around you will benefit from someone who is fighting the good fight. It's a fight because it's not easy to day-in/day-out take care of kids, run a household, be a sounding board for your spouse or someone at work...You get the drift.

 

If we, however, will put up our dukes and fold them into praying hands, we will be faithful and we will be rewarded.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, We come to You now because we need You. Without You we can not possibly fight the good fight. Yes, it's worth fighting for, but we get tired so easily. Fill us up with perseverance today so that we are rewarded by You. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

You Are Gifted~

TGIF Greetings:)

Here's a shout out to all you fathers out there.  Parenting is not for the weak at heart, but YOU CAN DO IT because God--the best Dad there is--has got you covered.

They say you get two chances at a happy childhood--when you're little and then when you have kids of your own.  So even if your pops was absentee, unattached, distracted, or just plain mean, cheer up.  You get another shot when your kids come along.  Decide in your heart now that the dysfunction stops with you because you're going to turn it around and be the best dad you can be for your family.  Amen~

Yesterday we looked at trailblazing as a great thing because it opens up doors for us to bless others.  But one amazing thing that Pam discovered that I found remarkable as well was that right there --deep in the jungle, where dead cows are thrown into the water so others can bathe without fear of piranhas nibbling at their extremities--where the days were long and exhausting providing care to hundreds of children--where there was not one modern amenity--right there in the middle of all that--Pam felt perfectly happy.  Overwhelmingly happy, to be exact.

Well, I am a little jealous.

You mean to tell me that it is possible to be genuinely happy without spending a dime?  Without going to a dinner and a movie?  Without buying something/anything?  Having to sleep in a bunk bed in a room with someone you just met on a river boat in the middle of nowhere???

I promise you that when I saw Pam after her trip, without even knowing the details yet, I told her that she looked positively radiant--10+ years younger even.

And all this because for one glorious moment everything coalesced for Pam.  She realized that she was doing what God called her to do, and it was grand.  

Not even a vacation in the finest hotels in Europe with the finest cuisine could ever even come close to the pure joy she felt out there so far from home and so far from every basic necessity that we hold so dear.    

I can have joy making sacrifices?  I can have happiness serving others? I can be content working long hours with no recognition?  I feel satisfied not getting paid for my time?  Sounds counterintuitive, but yes you can.

The point is not that you have to necessarily copy everything Pam did to feel like her.  But rather, be willing to use whatever gifts, talents, and skills you have to make someone else's life better.  That is where you will find the joy.  

Examine your life and if you have been feeling down, maybe it's time to take a different approach.  I myself have not been called to be a pediatrician here or anywhere else.  Nor have I been called to be an astronaut or physicist or professional football player.  But I do consider myself to be a gifted optimist, so I try to encourage every one around me every day. 

And I have found that encouraging others greatly encourages me. Win-win:)

1 Peter 4:10 "God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another."

No excuses, people.  Like it or not we are each gifted.  Pam has shown us that in using our gifts to help others, we are the ones who in turn are happy:)

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Maybe what's missing from our lives is that we are not using our unique gift from You to help others.  Open our eyes to what we need to be doing so that we may be joyful.  In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Trailblazer~

Matthew 5:7 "You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for."

 

There are so many applications to this verse, and as we continue with Pam's story, we will be blessed--I promise :)

 

So there she is on that plane, literally flying into the jungle, and she is overwhelmed with one pervasive thought: "I could never do what I am doing if not for those who paved the way."

 

Who paved the way for her? Have you ever seen a movie called, The End of the Spear?   It's a true story based on five missionaries who lost their lives reaching out to a savage tribe in Ecuador. The part that always gets me is how the widow of one of those men stays put--determined to reach out to these souls. I won't spoil it for you, so rent it for yourselves!

 

They, specifically, did not literally make it possible for Pam to do what she did. But people like that--who risked life and limb because they had a burden for the souls of those who have never heard about Jesus--and countless other deeply-burdened Christ followers with a heart bigger than I can imagine who relentlessly researched and fundraised and pestered and persisted until everything was in order--those are the ones that made it possible for Pam and the others on her team to take that two-week journey.

 

I am not saying that Pam's part was the easy one; she still had to get up and go and endure separation from her family not to mention running water and telephones. I am saying, however, that even in our own lives there are blessings we enjoy because someone ahead of us paved the way, and that, dear friends, is something to be grateful for.

 

You wouldn't be here if not for your parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents. Where would I be right now if my mother and grandparents had not had the courage to leave Cuba in 1966 for a chance at better opportunities in America? Would I even be married to Jorge? Have the kids I have? Live where I live?

 

More importantly, back in 1957 if my mom had not attended a rally of Presbyterians would I be on the current faith trajectory that I am on? It was no small thing to leave the traditions of her childhood, but there was something appealing about the Presbyterian way, so she joined.

 

Odds are that if you are currently praying for your family, someone came ahead of you and taught you, inspired you, or provided the example. And even if you are the very first one in your family who has taken a step of faith and become a prayer warrior, then you are the trailblazer. You are leaving a legacy of eternal significance.

 

That is what Pam did. She piggybacked on the efforts of others but made a tremendous impact herself that will endure forever. She went way out of her way to care for others--at great personal cost. But guess what?

 

Tomorrow:)

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, There's a reason You encourage us to store up treasures in heaven. Those are the kind that will bless us forever. Help us to have the right priorities. Help us to forgo some of the stuff that is really unimportant in the long haul for the kind of things that are eternally impacting. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

You're Blessed When You Care~

Good morning:)

Do you ever get tired of all the bad news?  I sure do, so it's time we share something good.  An upfront thanks to Pam for providing an inspiring story.

She has been a pediatrician here in Miami for several years.  It's been a fulfilling job, but when the fine folks at Samaritan's Purse came calling--looking for someone willing to go on a medical missionary trip, Pam enthusiastically agreed.  It would be a two-week adventure into places so remote that they had never even had medical care.  

Hard to imagine given that on every street corner in Miami there's a pharmacy of some sort.  Among all the things I repeat--almost daily--is that we live in America.  If we forget something or need something, we can easily get it--24 hours a day too.

One time the local Latin cafeteria was closed for renovations, and Jorge could not get his 3AM cortadito.  It bordered on the tragic, but he survived.  My oh my, how blessed we are in this great nation!

Nevertheless, imagine never ever having been to a doctor.  Your baby never having an inoculation--not having an aspirin handy for a headachey spouse. Well, these were exactly the kind of folks Pam was about to minister to.

That word--MINISTER--is a noun but also a verb that dictionary.com defines as "give service, care, or aid and/or to contribute to comfort and happiness."

It's one thing to minister from the comfy confines of a plush sofa surrounded by A/C, and I am not knocking that.  But it's another thing entirely to fly by plane to a foreign country, only to have to board a twin engine prop plane to fly deep into the jungle then board a tug boat to finally arrive at your destination.

Just for getting on that prop plane I will forever hold Pam in high esteem.  I think I might have freaked out at that moment--fallen on my knees and asked God to surround me with extra strong angels--the kind that do Crossfit--who could carry me on their wings away to safety...But here is what I love about Pam.  Not only is she a calm and soothing soul.  Seriously, talk to her for five minutes and it will lower your blood pressure.  But her priorities are in order.  Do you know what she was thinking about as she was on that rickety old plane?  

Trailblazers.

Tune in tomorrow:)

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Thank You that there are plenty of opportunities to minister right here where we are.  But thank You that there are those willing to leave the comfort zone for the sake of others.  The important thing is that when we make an effort to give service or comfort another, we ourselves will be comforted. Matthew 5:7 says, "“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for."  Amen to that! In Jesus name we pray, Amen~

What Pleases God?~

Greetings, brothers and sisters. May you have a beautiful and blessed day!

 

Remember my friend Pam--the pediatrician? I originally wrote about her on March 8th's DEVO, which appears below. Today we refresh our memories; tomorrow we find out about her life-changing experience.

 

Hebrews 13:16

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

 

I have a friend named Pam, and she is a brainiac pediatrician. Next month she is leaving on a medical missionary trip to La Paz, Bolivia where she will be traveling by river boat up and down the Amazon River tributaries to provide medical treatment to the fine indigenous tribes of the region. For two weeks she will live upon this river boat and bathe with the muddy waters of the Amazon while she inoculates babies and hugs them in the name of Jesus.

 

She is living the verse above by doing good, sharing with others, making sacrifices and pleasing God in the process.

 

Kudos to Pam! But did you know that you do not have to go that far to do the exact same things?

 

Right where you are you can make sacrifices by doing good and sharing with others. It starts right in your own family. God is pleased when you sacrifice your spare time to work on a project, or provide an understanding shoulder to lean on, or keep your right to be angry to yourself and encourage someone instead, or when you enter into a season of prayer for someone's well-being... Maybe your kids are grown and gone, but you can still buy a dessert for a sick neighbor or let someone pay ahead of you in the 10 items or less lane. There are a million possibilities.

 

Yes, we all sometimes find ourselves fatigued and wondering who the heck is going to do good for us, share with us, make sacrifices for us, but talk to Pam and she will tell you that there is a miraculous aspect to pleasing God. Somehow, someway, she always always always winds up feeling more blessed by her efforts than she would have if she saved her energy and not done anything at all.

 

And did I mention that she is having her gallbladder removed today? Let's do some good ourselves today and include her in our prayers:)

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord,

Thank You for encouraging us to do good and share with others. These sacrifices are sometimes hard, but they are worth the effort. We pray for Pam and ask for a speedy recovery for her;she has a lot of work ahead of her. We also thank You that You use our time and trouble to bless others, but You also bless us in the process. It's a glorious win-win. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Perfect Harmony~

Good morning! Finally--some sunshiny weather:)

 

One of you dear and precious souls wrote to me asking why I am such a fan of marriage. First, thank you for noticing, and second, it's because there is no other institution on earth that will contribute to our personal growth, maturity, and happiness like having a spouse and/or children will.

 

Maybe some of us don't think personal growth, maturity, and happiness are important, but let's face it--do any of us really want our kids hanging around the house until they are 40? Sleeping in until 1PM? Yelling at us and making demands?

 

Sure, they could live with someone without being married, but do a simple Google search and ask, "Does living together lead to marriage or long-term relationships," and article after article will confirm that no, no way, nope, sorry, ain't gonna happen...

 

Colossians 3:12-14 says, "Put on then, as God's holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other...and above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

 

I love that we are God's beloved. And I love that we have a choice as to what we will wear. But what I love the most is that choosing how we will dress will directly impact the quality of our lives. Putting on love leads to perfect harmony, or as another version of the Bible states, "Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly."

 

Love ties everything together perfectly--how perfectly wonderful! And while this verse if for everyone--marrieds and singles alike--those of us who are married, know that the day-in day-out of living in a committed relationship will push our buttons like nothing else on the planet. It brings out the best and worst in us, which makes it the ideal setting for us to practice all the virtues in the verse above.

 

Why bother? You may be asking. Because again, the promise in the verse is that when done right it leads to perfect harmony. I want this for myself and my kids. And I want it for you too.

 

Are you kidding me? I can't wait for my kids to have kids themselves so they can then come running to me with teary eyes and apologize for the stuff they did, like sneak out of school in the trunk of a friend's car every day for a semester or set fire to the terrace, and then profusely thank me for keeping my cool when they deserved for me to throw shoes at them. ( I may have done this once or twice.) But honestly, over the years I learned (I am still learning) to keep my judgments to myself for the greater goal of living in peace.

 

It's the circle of life, and we should embrace it. Start asking God now to send your child or to send to you a suitable companion. One who will embrace the truth contained in today's verse. One who will purposely be compassionate, kind, humble, patient, forgiving, and above all else, loving. Sorry, folks, but anything else other than that is being mean, angry, unforgiving, proud, and hateful. And that, as I am fond of saying, is highly unacceptable.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Perfect harmony sounds great, and if You are saying it's possible, then we are on board. Help us to "dress" this way so that we attract someone who clearly understands that if we practice what we preach, then they better as well. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

He Will Give You Everything You Need~

TGIF Greetings :)

 

Relationships have been front and center for almost two weeks in the DEVOs, and today we tie up some loose strings.

 

Have you wondered why Boaz spoke so graciously to Ruth in the first place? Why he touched her heart with her words? Why he blessed her and Naomi with provision and protection?

 

Ruth 2:11 "Boaz replied, 'I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.'”

 

Ruth's reputation preceded her. Boaz knew she was worth getting to know. It is true that there are those who are not necessarily after a long-term relationship and could care less about a young woman's character. But this works in our favor.

 

If we conduct ourselves in a respectable way we will attract those who are respectable. The riff raff will stay away because they know that, first and foremost, we are taking refuge under the God of Israel's wings.

 

This is a powerful principle: SEEK GOD FIRST--TRUST HIM WITH YOUR FUTURE--HOLD ONTO YOUR CHARACTER AND MORALITY--AND THE RIGHT GUY OR GAL WILL NOTICE.

 

It is so romantic to me that a guy would say to a young woman that I have heard about you--you have been so kind in your life that I ask God to bless you for it.

 

Those words might be a little dated for 2013. But you know what I mean. Boaz approached Ruth for the right reasons. And it made him want to share everything he owned with her to make her happy.

 

Back in 1982 I worked at Sedano's Pharmacy. There was a regular customer who would come in once a week during my shift and make small talk. He was cute, and everything was fine at first. He did indeed ask me out. When he found out I couldn't date without a chaperon, he said, "Can't you meet me somewhere?" Uh, no.

 

Don't think I didn't think that having a chaperon was ridiculous, because it was. But honestly, if this guy could not respect my family's way of doing things, how would he ever respect me?

 

Ask Jorge and he will tell you that once he and I started dating I welcomed my mom's overbearing rules.

 

For example:

(1) If you see Jorge on Friday, there's no need to see him on Saturday and vice-versa.

(2) You must be home by midnight, and your brother is going with you every where you go. (I was 20 years old! Most kids don't even start getting ready to go out until 11PM nowadays).

(3) You may see him every Sunday--at church.

(4) He may visit once during the week and stay for an hour or less. I have things to do and can not sit there and babysit you.

 

It was rough, to say the least, but I welcomed these suffocating and unreasonable rules to see just how much Jorge was willing to put up with. He did not flinch--not once--the entire 18 months we dated before we were married. Not even when we arrived 10 minutes late one Saturday night--from youth group no less--and my mom punished me for one entire month. No Jorge for one month! I thought I would die! But I didn't, and neither did he. And, most importantly, I knew that I knew that I knew that Jorge was the guy for me.

 

There are ways in which a young man can touch our heart that does not require words; there are ways in which a young woman acts that draws the attention from the right guy. And vice-versa. And everything starts to fall into place when we, like Ruth, decide to make the One True God our God.

 

Matthew 6:33 "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need (including a blessed relationship)."

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, We have been so blessed by the story of Ruth. It truly is a beautiful love story between two people who knew how to treat one another and respect the elders in their lives. The consequences of their behavior inspires us today. We all want to true love in our lives and the first step is to take refuge under Your wings. Cover us with your guidance and protection as we make relationship decisions. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

I Dare You~

Greetings and blessings :)

 

Tomorrow we will wrap up the story of Ruth; today is shout-out day.

 

Here's a shout out to a phenomenal mom who took a step of faith yesterday and faced her child's health issue head on by boldly going up to her adult-aged offspring and praying--out loud and fearlessly--for his healing and recovery.

 

Of course I asked for a detailed report on how it all went, and I am happy to say that mom and child will be praying again today.

 

Never ever underestimate the impact we have on others when we do something spiritually bold. And never ever underestimate the power that comes down from heaven when we invite God into the midst of our lives.

 

Maybe most of us did not grow up with such public displays of prayer and/or faith. But hopefully we have been bucking that trend and others are taking note.

 

I invite you all to do something crazy today and pray out loud over someone you love--right in front of them. Put your hand right on their shoulder and say, "I bless you in the name of Christ with health, peace, and joy."

 

I double double dog dog slathered in onions and mustard dare you.

 

It is no secret that I am a little pushy--just a little. So for the past few weeks a special person and I have been praying together for break through. Talk about a well-rounded mess--every area of this young person's life was in shambles.

 

But there are few things in life more joyous to me than coming alongside someone who is willing to take a step of faith and together believing God for the seemingly impossible.

 

Sometimes things are so messed up that when situations start to turn around we can only conclude that it was God's handiwork. No mere mortal can take the credit. So consider this turnaround.

 

From heartbreak over a relationship to peace and joy that God is in control.

From being out of work to working and making a good income.

From being on your own to being reunited to family.

From never going to church to going every week and loving it--and getting your family in on the blessings!

 

And all this for one person! Hallelujah!

 

Think about the circumstance you face and take heart--God has an answer. He fathers millions of millions of kids, and He has seen it all. Surprise! We can't surprise Him!

 

And I do not know who said this but it is so true, "If you never ask, the answer will always be no."

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, We do ask because we need Your yes--yes to health, yes to peace, yes to provision, yes to joy, yes to hope, yes to guidance, yes to love. Thank You that are always willing to give to those who ask.John 16:24 "Ask and ye shall receive." We have prayed and we are grateful for the answers that are on the way. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

I'll Do Whatever You Say~

Happy Wednesday:)




Naomi and Ruth have been our focus lately and for good reason. Their relationship teaches us so much, and let's face it--is there any decision we make more important than who we will marry?



Let me rephrase that. Deciding to love God and become His child is ultimately the most important decision we will ever make because it has eternal implications. But deciding who to date and who to marry will affect everything else we will ever do as long as we live.



So many parents I meet think that once the kids are 18 their worries are over. Sorry! In many ways the challenging years are just beginning. Why? Because the decisions our kids make as adults are for keeps. A middle school relationship does not have nearly the importance, then say, the ones that start freshman year of college.



I once read a metaphor about marriage that really made sense to me.



When our kids start to date, it's as though they are out at sea--dancing on the waves--sometimes going from relationship to relationship. When they finally settle down with a nice vessel--no dinghies allowed--it's as though the ship has come in and anchored in the safety of a harbor.



Marriage is intended to be a happy and secure harbor, and so it is of vital importance that we lovingly and firmly guide our kids along these sometimes choppy waters. Or find someone to lovingly and firmly guide us if we are the one seeking a relationship or looking to improve upon an existing one.



Naomi played such an important role in helping Ruth navigate her relationship with Boaz. She gave her some great advice, like, "Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes..." And Ruth was wise enough to follow the advice. She says to Naomi, "I will do whatever you say."



STOP RIGHT THERE!!!



Those words are music to any parent's ears. Can you imagine your kids answering you like that? No temper tantrums, no "Why?", no "You can't tell me what to do!"



What was the result of Naomi's advice and Ruth's willingness to follow it?



Ruth 4:13 "So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son."



And not just any son either, but one who would grow up and marry and have another son and so on and so forth until Joseph, Christ's father, was born. Skip all the way to the first book in the New Testament and you will see Ruth's name right there in verse five in the genealogy of Jesus. Not bad for a foreigner from a godless land who took a step of faith and followed her mother-in-law all the way to the true God and into the arms of a loving, wonderful, generous, and gracious spouse.



In other words, incredible and amazing things happen when we mentor others and they listen. Never underestimate the impact that you are having on your kids or anyone else who you are praying for or helping.



PRAYER: Dear Lord, The story of Ruth and Boaz is an inspiration. We all want what they had--a mutually loving relationship--for ourselves and for our children. Guide us as we make these incredibly important decisions and thank You that the Bible has such great advice. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

In Ways That No Human Ever Could...~

Sometimes we take little detours in our DEVOs, but they serve a good purpose because, hopefully, we can all learn something beneficial from other people's questions/testimonies:)

 

My friend has given me permission to share her story.

 

"After being married for over five years my husband decided he no longer wanted to be married to me. I was angry and heartbroken and wondering how on earth I was going to make it on my own. I was especially concerned for our child. I did not want him growing up without a dad. I turned to God and started devouring the Bible.

 

I never pictured myself as the kind of woman who would be willing to forgive the kind of stuff my husband was doing to me--he was having an affair--but I did forgive him.

 

I also discovered something amazing in the process: God is enough for me too.

 

I have found new depths of joy in the midst of my pain that comes from an increasing faith in God. I can not explain this, but I know how I feel, and I feel at peace.

 

The biggest truth out of all of this is that God has shifted my focus off my husband and my hurt onto Him as the Ultimate source of everything I need in life--including and especially love.

 

Don't get me wrong. I pray everyday for a reconciliation between my husband and me--for him to turn his heart back toward our home like the Bible teaches. But in the meantime, my priority is to be restored. To let God love me back to a place where I can be content even without my husband because GOD is the Lover of my soul.

 

This takes work because a relationship is a two-way thing. I wake up and purposely start a conversation with God, and I let Him know that I am trusting Him for the daily bread.

 

Yesterday's DEVO was a good reminder that God has everything I need, including the emotional stability I need to be a single parent...including the self-control I need not to speak poorly of my husband to our child...including the joy I need to protect myself from the bitterness and envy I feel toward other happily married couples...including the strength I need not to spoil my son because I feel sorry that his dad is not there for him...including the self-esteem I need because I struggle with rejection...including even the money I need to pay bills because no one else is helping me.

 

What if I told you that this spiritual adventure I am on is actually exciting? It is scary sometimes, but it is also amazing to see God showing up for me in ways that no human ever could.

 

My life is in His hands, and so is my son's."

 

 

Wow, people! Wow! Wow! Wow!

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, You show up for us in ways that no human ever could. Glory! We pray Psalm 68:28 and ask You to "Summon your might, O God. Display your power, O God," in our lives. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

A Life of Free and Open Access to God~

Good Monday Morning~

Let's hit the pause button on relationships for one day to review something that will benefit us all moving forward. Sometimes it can get a little overwhelming thinking about all the "do's" and "don'ts" of Christian living. But God never intended for us to feel overwhelmed, but rather liberated, light, joyous and free!

I dedicate the following passage from 1 Corinthians Chapter 1 (Message Version) to us all:

^{3 "} May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and Jesus Christ, be yours.

^4-5Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus.

^7-9 Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Friend Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that."

There are gifts and benefits that belong to us, which is great news because we could all use a heaping dose of joy right now.

We have free and open access to God. This boggles my mind, but not enough to keep me quiet. No way! Use it or lose it, as they say.

We've got everything we need, so we should start acting like it.
God Himself is alongside us to keep us steady and on track until the perfection of Heaven. Glory! 

Whatever you are facing today remind yourself that God is right there next to you. Put it on a sticky note and adhere it to your mirror or visor or in my case, your computer monitor.

God never gives up on us. It doesn't matter how we feel; if we fall off track or get pushed off track, He gets us back on track. GLORY!

These verses should positively impact the way we look at life and the way we make decisions.

For example:
My buddy, "K", was having difficulty getting pregnant. The doctors were good at taking her money, but not good at giving much hope after several failed in-virtro treatments. She honed in on verses five and seven, and with her free and open access to God she said, "God, you said we don't need a thing because in You we have it all. That means You have a baby for me. You have healing for me. You have peace for me. You have joy for me. You are with me on this spiritual adventure, and I trust You."

"K" has been enjoying sleepless nights for the past two years after having two red-headed chubby boys 11 months apart.

Fill in your own blank as we pray today. Maybe you are looking for love, or a job, or just an improvement in your existing relationship. When God says we have it all He means it.

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Thank You for this passage. We needed the reminder. You are right here with us, and we need You. We are grateful that we have everything we need to live a blessed life. In Jesus' name, AMEN~