As Long as I Have Breath~

TGIF Greetings~

Confession time: Sometimes I feel as though my lovely husband is not listening to me.  I know he hears me, because I have a lovely, mellifluous voice.  And I am not known for being the silent type.  But listen?  Really understand what’s in my heart? Appreciate my concerns, worries, and fears?  Not always, no.  Don’t be surprised.  He’s my husband; he’s not God.  It is unfair to expect him to get me 100% of the time.  Plus, he’s human as well, which means he has his own stuff to deal with. 

Yet, never was this inability to really listen to me more evident then when our kids lived at home and were going out for the evening.  I knew he would be fast asleep by 11 PM but that I would lie in bed, wide awake, until I heard the glorious sound of the children arriving safely home.  He could not understand why I could not fall asleep, and I could not understand how he so easily could.  Over and over and over again I would share how this was a real problem for me, and over and over and over again Jorge just could not see what the big deal was. 

Sometimes I would get so annoyed that Jorge was soundly sleeping while I was not that I would barricade his nostrils with my knuckles and silently laugh while he gasped for air.  (Lord, forgive me L) 

But God is so good.  He really used this time to teach me some beautiful things.  More than once He whispered to me, “Yenisita, let Him sleep.  He can not protect your kids anyway.  Besides, I am listening to your concerns and worries as a mom – perfectly!”

Yeah! Not one word or one thought has gone unnoticed by our Lord.  In fact, and I have shared this with you before, every single one of our prayers is so precious to Him that He keeps them eternally.  (See Revelation 5:8)  I can’t even recall all my prayers! And yet one day, God Himself will show us how He faithfully and lovingly treasured every single prayer, petition, plea, intercession, cry, and supplication.  

“Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:2)

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for listening - for coming down to us and really paying attention.  For giving us Your undivided attention.  You are amazing.  As long as we have breath we will pray.  In Jesus' name, AMEN~

He Bends Down~

Thursday greetings ~

Everyone goes through highs and lows in their walk with God.  There have been days when my heart soars because I just know my petitions have been “accepted by the Lord” (Psalm 6:9), and then there are days when I feel like Job, “If only I knew where I could find God! I would go where He lives.” (Job 23:3)

The good news is that it’s never ever about us and how we feel or don’t feel.  It’s all about His constant goodness and His constant deep and abiding love for us.  God is not subject to wavering emotionally.  “Even if we are unfaithful, He remains faithful.” (2 Timothy 2:13). 

Every time you pray, keep this encouraging and powerful truth in mind: “Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:2)

No matter how much or how little faith you have at the moment, no matter how connected or disconnected you feel to God, know that when you pray, He bends down to listen EVERY SINGLE TIME. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, What a beautiful and inspiring verse.  That You, the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth, would come to me and give Me Your undivided attention fills me joy and hope.  Thank You for caring enough about me to listen.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN~

What's Your Praise Phrase?

“My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because You rescued me....No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God. For all the earth is the LORD's, and He has laid out His operations on a firm foundation. He protectively cares for His faithful friends, step by step...No one will succeed by strength alone. The childless woman now has seven children. God will set things right all over the earth..."

I purposely sent out the same verse from Friday’s DEVO and highlighted the words above to get us all thinking about our own praise phrase.  Just this morning I spoke with a buddy whose praise phrase is, “My son’s medical issues are stabilizing, and I am trusting God for a complete recovery.”  Trust me when I tell you that long before she said those words to me, there were plenty of tears and fears and pleas for God to go into action for her.

I also shared one of my praise phrases, “My children are finally settled into happy and healthy marriages!”  But please know that long before I had my praise phrase, there were also plenty of tears, fears, and pleas to God for His help.

The take away for all of us is that God is willing and able to give us all a praise phrase.  Actually, He wants us to have a life filled with them.  I Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Never stop praying.”  God wants us to keep on praying so He can keep on answering.  And notice how generous God is.  Hannah asked for one son, and God gave her six more beautiful children.  The same Lord Who went above and beyond for her is the same One Who will go above and beyond for us.

What would you like for your praise phrase to be?  Think about it, and let’s pray.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You that when we ask You to go into action for us, we can expect a praise phrase to follow.  I need Your help with ____________________________, and I thank You that I will soon declare that You rescued, strengthened, cared and made things right for me! In Jesus’ name, AMEN~

A Prayer of Praise Will Follow~

TGIF Greetings :)

 

This past week I enjoyed a little get-a-way with my in-laws, affectionately known as Chini and Isa.  But Hannah's words - "Go into action for me" - and the Bible saying "God began making the necessary arrangements in response to what she had asked" - were front and center in my mind.  In between getting henna tattoos, posing for pictures all up and down the state of South Carolina, and even while taking a communal bubble bath, those words kept popping up in mind; they now hold a permanent place in my heart.

Even so, when Hannah initially prayed those words, her soul was crushed, and she was inconsolable.  But what a difference prayer makes!  Look at her prayer of praise after God answered her: (1 Samuel 2)

“My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because You rescued me....No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God. For all the earth is the LORD's, and He has laid out His operations on a firm foundation. He protectively cares for His faithful friends, step by step...No one will succeed by strength alone. The childless woman now has seven children. God will set things right all over the earth..."

Amen amen amen!  We may have moments when we think we will never enjoy life again, but if we can pray through our pain, a prayer of praise will follow! 
PRAYER: Dear Lord, We rejoice in You. You have made us strong. You rescue us. No one is Holy like You. You are our Rock. You care for us and our families. Thank You that You make it right!  In Jesus 'name, AMEN!

 

The Lord Has Granted my Petition~

Thursday greetings~

Today we revisit a woman named Hannah who was bold in her prayers. 

Hannah could not get pregnant, and it was heartbreaking.  To make matters worse, others in her community made fun of her because she didn’t have children.  (I guess mean girls have always existed), and surprise surprise, her own husband didn’t understand her.  “Don’t I mean more to you than 10 sons?” 1 Samuel 1:8. 

What did Hannah do?

1 Samuel 1:11-12, “Crushed in soul, Hannah prayed to God and cried and cried –   inconsolably.  ‘Oh God…take a good hard look at my pain, go into action for me by giving me a son.  I’ll give him completely, unreservedly to you.  I’ll set him apart for a life of holy discipline.’”

Hannah is crushed, and by now we know that her own husband doesn’t get it.  She could have nagged him, tried to get him to see it her way.  But Hannah shows us a better way.  Rather than complain that he is not meeting her needs, she goes straight to God and cries out to Him – not just telling Him how much it hurts, but also boldly asking Him to go into action for her.

When we are inconsolable, there is no one better to turn to than to God.  

And then we read verse 19 and learn that as Hannah and her husband made love, “God began making all the necessary arrangements in response to what she had asked.”

But wait a minute?  If Hannah asked God to go into action for her, why did she have to make love to get pregnant?

Sometimes we have to do something that is natural for God to move supernaturally.

It’s called taking a step of faith, and this is a principal we can apply to almost everything in life.

You want to get into a certain college?  God wants you to fill out the application first.

You need a job? God wants you to set up some interviews.

You want to get married?  God wants you to go out on a date and meet new people.

In other words, we pray, we take a step of faith, and then God acts accordingly.

Verse 20 says that “before the year was out, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son.  She named him Samuel, which means, ‘I asked God for him.’”

This chapter concludes with Hannah joyfully testifying, “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted my petition.”

When we pray amazing things happen in our families.  Samuel grew up to be a mighty man of God who was powerful and prominent in his nation of Israel.  

One more thing.  Hannah went from having no kids to having three more sons and two daughters for a total of six. AMEN!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We have learned that in order for You to grant a petition, we have to offer it up.  So we pray today and ask You to go into action for us just like You did for Hannah.  Here is my specific petition for You: _________________________________. I have prayed, show me how and when to take a step of faith, and thank You that You will act accordingly.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN~  

Jesus Took the Wheel~

Tuesday Greetings~

A few years ago Carrie Underwood released a song called, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”  I loved it, and those words came to be the daily theme of my life.  Sometimes I would whisper it under my breath, and other times I would belt it out in a full scream.  I became known for saying it – so much so that even when Rayray’s friends came over they would sing it to me. 

One line in particular says, “Jesus take the wheel, take it from my hands. Cause I can’t do this on my own. I’m letting go…”

Join me in saying AMEN!

Right around the time this song came out I had two teenagers living at home, and I fully understood that once they left the house, there was nothing I could do.  I couldn’t protect them, whisper in their heart to say “No” to drugs, grab them by the shoulders and help them walk away from temptation, or anything else, for that matter.  However, I could pray for Jesus to take charge.   I could pray for Him to spread His wings of protection over them.  In this crazy society where so many unwholesome things are competing for our children’s’ attention, I could pray that His voice emerge the loudest.   

Time and time again Jesus took that wheel and steered my kids right out of harm’s way, which is why Rayray gave me a keychain for Mother’s Day that says, “Jesus took the wheel.” She recognizes that He is in control and always ready and willing to take the wheel of anyone who is willing to let Him have it. 

Psalm 37:23 A person’s steps are made secure by the Lord when they delight in His way.

We delight in His way when we admit that we can’t do life on our own.  When we admit we need His constant help.  When we realize that we are essentially powerless, and that He is all-powerful.

What is the result of all this delighting, of asking Him to take the wheel?  Our steps and the steps of those we love are made secure. 

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, Take the wheel!  You are the only One Who knows how to get us where we need to go.  Guide, protect, and bless us and our families.  In Your name we pray, Amen~

You Have No Idea What Fun Is...

A post Mother’s Day greeting to all~

Who’s the most creative person you know or ever heard of?  So many folks come to mind.  Shakespeare, Churchill, DaVinci?  Sometimes, I read a book and am amazed at the author’s brilliance and wit.  Or I will watch a movie and marvel at the special effects and think about the genius mind behind it.  Other times it blows me away at how far technology has come in my lifetime; I never thought I would use my cell phone to make calls and take pictures and pay bills.    

And yet…1 Corinthians 2:9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.”

So many super minds out there and not one has enough creativity or imagination to fully explain the things God has prepared for us.   

When my children were little they slept with me in my bed.  I loved that so much; they were so yummy.  And even when they outgrew this arrangement – Hormone was four when he requested his own bed – every year on Mother’s Day, my kids still join me for a quick picture and hug in bed.   It’s the one thing I want for myself every year.  And in case you are wondering, my in-law children are on board with this nonsense and promptly joined me yesterday for a pic of this tradition.   

And while we organizing ourselves for the picture, I was laughing at how silly and odd and funny the whole thing was, and God whispered to my heart right then and there: “Yenisita, You have no idea what fun is.  You just wait.”  

Since He and I have an agreement that I am going to share whatever He whispers to me, God knew I would say this to all of you today. 

So, if you had a great day yesterday, AMEN!  But there is something even better headed your way. 

And if your day stunk, say AMEN! anyway because one of these days, your day will never ever stink again.

My mother-in-law’s mom passed away this past December, so hers was a day of mixed emotion.  Later as she and I talked, we both agreed that mixed emotions will one day be replaced with something better than we can ever imagine!

PRAYER:  Dear Lord, We thank You for all the beautiful blessings we have on earth. Life is a precious gift, and we want to live with joy, health, peace, and protection.  We also thank You that nothing can compare with the amazing indescribable things You have for us.  Help us focus on the better days ahead.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN~

Delays Are Not Denials~

Thursday greetings~

Have you ever heard the expression: “Delays are not denials?”  It’s a common saying in church circles, and it means that just because your prayer hasn’t been answered yet doesn’t mean that God is not going to answer, or that He has somehow overlooked you, or worse, chosen to ignore you completely. 

No one understood this better than Jairus.  Remember him?  He was the father who asked Jesus to come to his house and heal his sick daughter; he’s also the one whose messengers brought the news that the little girl died while Christ was delayed attending to someone else.

Those around him said there was no use in Jesus showing up because there was no need now.  And yet, THE BEST WAS YET TO COME!    

Mark 5:42 “At once the girl stood right up and began walking.  Everyone was completely amazed.”

None of us can understand God’s reasoning.  Why not heal her before she died?  Maybe one of the reasons was to encourage those who read the Bible to have faith – that no matter how dire the circumstances, Jesus is on the way when we pray. 

And hats off to Jairus for not giving in to the fear and telling Jesus He didn’t need to come.  After Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid. Just trust Me,” Jairus followed Christ all the way home where a mighty miracle would soon take place!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You that delays are not denials. Help us to trust Your timing. Whenever we are tempted to give up or stop praying, we invite You to whisper in our hearts, “Do not be afraid. Just trust Me.”  In Your name we pray, AMEN~

It is Never Too Late~

Greetings and blessings to all J

Mark 5:35 While He was still talking to her, messengers arrived from Jairus’ home with the news that it was too late – his daughter was dead and there was no point in Jesus’ coming now.

As the woman with the bleeding problem was making her way toward Jesus, He was actually on His way toward Jairus’ house to deal with his very sick little girl. And the next thing we know about this precious child is the verse above.

Wow oh wow oh wow oh wow!

Jairus was sure he had done the right thing in seeking out Christ in the first place, in putting his faith and trust in Him, but then suddenly Jesus stops to talk to someone else. To help someone else. To do a miracle for someone else. And in the process, Jairus’ little girl dies.

To the run-of-the-mill person, the messengers were right on target: “No point in Jesus coming now.”

But you and I are not run-of-the-mill kind of people. We are faith-filled! We are the kind of folks who understand verse 36: But Jesus ignored their comments and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just trust me.”

I get chills every time I read those words: “Don’t be afraid. Just trust me.”

No matter what situation we face, we must ignore our detractors and invite Jesus to come anyway. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Help us to ignore anyone who doesn’t see the point in inviting You into our lives. You have everything we need, and we trust You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN~

WIIFM?

Monday greetings~

“What’s in it for me?” That’s a common question we have all asked at one time or another. It’s such a popular saying that it has its own texting abbreviation – WIIFM – and it’s basically asking if there is any personal benefit to be gained from participating in the activity in question.

Lis, Hormone’s wife, did not dive into the mosh pit last week because she could see no benefit to being shoved, pushed, and/or bumped into by frenzied concert goers. However, countless others seemed to enjoy it.

Last year 1600 snake hunters paid $25 for the privilege of obtaining a permit to capture pythons in the Florida Everglades. The grand prize winner netted a 14 foot snake and $1500. That reward isn’t anywhere close to making it worth it for me. Sorry!

My husband, being the adventurer he is, loves the smell of oranges and after eating one he will take the outer peel and squeeze the juice out of it right up into his nose. Most of the time it will also find its way to his eyes and sting him, but for him it’s a thrill. I, personally, have yet to accept his invitation of shoving an orange up my nose. 

The lady with the bleeding problem, however, saw that it was worth fighting her way through the crowd to get to Jesus. She knew there was a huge personal benefit to be gained from reaching out and touching Jesus.

The Bible agrees. Hebrews 11:6 “…God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

 

He forgives our sins, crowns us with love and compassion, gives peace to our fearful hearts, guides our lives, protects our families, puts joy in our souls, provides hope for our future, heals our bodies, satisfies our desires with good things and on and on and on ...

 

WIIFM? All of the above and then some. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You that You reward those who seek You. We purposely set our sights on You. We need and welcome the unparalleled rewards You so generously give. Nothing else compares to You. In Jesus’name, AMEN~

Pressing on all Sides~

TGIF Greetings~

Earlier this week Hormone and Lis, along with another couple went to a concert.  At one point the crowd got a little excited and it turned into a mosh pit.  To her eternal credit, Lis safely participated from just outside the action – not necessarily being pushed but every once in a while giving a good shove to anyone who came near.  I thought that was so funny! But honestly, being in an excited crowd can be scary, and I don’t blame her.

Someone else who found herself in a crowd was the woman with the bleeding problem.  Jesus had just arrived on the scene and there were so many people around Him that they were “pushing and jostling him – pressing Him on all sides.” (Mark 5:24)

But that did not deter the woman.  Her need was bigger than the obstacles standing in her way, and so she fought her way through the hoards to touch Him.

What stands in the way of our reaching out to Jesus?

Sometimes it’s other folks, sometimes it’s our own busyness.  Frankly, sometimes it’s our own disinterest.  I know because it’s happened to me.  Yet, when there is a problem, I know where to go, and nothing can stand in my way!  Let us push through to Him today and everyday.  The Bible says that “the moment she touched Him, the flow of blood dried up.”  The same is true for us; the moment we come in contact with Him, good things always happen!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, No matter what, You are accessible.  There may be a lot of stuff going on, but You and Your power are always ready.  Thank You for receiving us into Your presence.  Whatever problem we face [insert request here], we ask You to dry it up!  In Jesus’ name, AMEN~

Live Well, Live Blessed~

Today is the National Day of Prayer!  It blesses my soul that each of us will be joining millions across America raising our voices to the most High God seeking protection, wisdom, and health for ourselves, our families, and our great nation.

In fact, the woman with the bleeding problem from Monday’s DEVO serves as a testimony that this is exactly what Jesus wants for each of us.

Mark 5:34 Jesus said to her, “Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.”

After she muscled her way through the crowd to touch our Lord, she received an on-the-spot healing, and then Jesus Himself spoke into her life.  Could it be that the first step in living well and living blessed is to make contact with Christ?

Yes! Yes! Yes!

PRAYER: (Today’s prayer is from http://nationaldayofprayer.org/about/national-prayer-by-anne-graham-lotz/

Lord of our hearts, On this National Day of Prayer, we look to You.
In the darkness, You are our Light.  In the storm, You are our Anchor.

In our weakness, You are our Strength. In our grief, You are our Comfort.
In our despair, You are our Hope.  In our confusion, You are our Wisdom.  In times of uncertainty, You are the Rock on which we stand. Amen amen amen!