A Wildly Wonderful World

“What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, You made earth overflow with Your wonderful creations” (Psalm 104:24 The MESSAGE Version).

Greetings,

What’s your favorite thing about nature? Is it a field of wildflowers? What about a snow-capped mountain peak? Does looking out an airplane window at the world below take your breath away? Maybe it’s the Grand Canyon?  For me it’s always been sunsets at the beach.  This past weekend I witnessed the closing of yet another day, and it was spectacular. 

I found myself thanking God because He, in His incomparable creativity and wisdom, calls me His child and is willing to help me.  

Take a minute to think about what you find awe-inspiring and then pray. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Almighty Maker of heaven and earth, we thank You for our wildly wonderful world.  When we see the overflow of Your wonderful creations, our faith is strengthened to believe in You.  Without a doubt, You have all the power and wisdom to work out our difficulties.  We invite You to put Your full power on display in this area _______________. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Even in a Zoo!

Greetings,

Yesterday I went to the zoo with my daughter and granddaughter.  We had such a lovey day. Little Ellie fed a camel, petted a goat named Cinderella, rode the carousel, oohed and aahed at the lions, hyenas, and Cuban alligators (yes, my people have a reptile named after them), and thoroughly enjoyed frolicking in the splash park.  I loved watching her and her reactions at all the new sights and sounds.  

But my favorite part of the whole experience is when it started pouring rain.  We rushed into a covered gazebo and were soon joined by a family of five.  A mom, dad, and their three young sons. The father struck up a conversation and asked us if we were tourists or locals.  I quickly thought, “Yenisita, make a good impression; Miami is counting on you.”  I shared that we were, in fact, locals and welcomed him to our city.  He shared that they were on a two-week vacation that started in Houston, made a pit stop in Orlando, and then after a few more days in Miami, were headed back to Qatar.  

“Qatar?” I sort of squealed, “How interesting.” And then I asked him what the main religion was there. 

“The main religion there is Islam, but we are Christians.”

I enthusiastically replied, “We are too, praise Jesus!” 

And in those few moments as we waited for the rain to pass, we talked about God’s faithfulness.  It turns out he and his family moved to Qatar a few years ago because religious persecution in his old country was becoming more pervasive and they no longer felt safe. It was a sobering moment.  Before we parted ways, we blessed each other’s families.   

  

How is it that complete strangers can bond over their love of Christ? Easy: We are all brothers and sisters who share the same hope, same faith, and same Father (Ephesians 4:4-5). And, I know God allowed this powerful moment in my life to remind me to always be grateful for the religious freedoms we have in this country.  Even the freedom to pray and praise in a zoo!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You that there are believers who love You, trust You, and seek You from all over the world. We are all Your children, and we are grateful because You cover us in Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Watch This Movie!

“Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is His ear to deaf to hear you call” (Isaiah 59:1).

Dear Reader,

Today I want to recommend a movie that will encourage you and inspire you to believe God for your own miracle.  It’s called BREAKTHROUGH.  This is the only dialogue I will share, “Please God, send Your Holy Spirit to save my son…”

As soon as I heard those words I was filled with emotion. As soon as I saw God’s response, I started ugly crying and didn’t stop until the movie ended.

If you need a faith boost today, WATCH THIS MOVIE!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for those who make inspirational films.  We certainly need more of those than any other kind today.  Bless everyone who watches this movie to hope in Your almighty power. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Keep Your Mouth Shut

Greetings,

Just a few short minutes ago I was having a conversation with Jorge concerning one of our adult children. Bordering on exasperation, I concluded by saying, “Sometimes the wisest thing to do is keep your mouth shut.”

Can you think of a time when keeping your mouth shut spared you trouble? Spared you making things worse? I can, but I can also tell you it’s not easy.  That’s why God encourages us to “…pray about everything” (Philippians 4:6). 

Prayer is the one sure approach we can take in any and every situation.  Not talking, nagging, explaining, cajoling, begging, or imploring others.  Besides, He welcomes us every single time we want to talk with Him and does not put a time limit.  I can honestly say I do not have one relationship where I have this incredible freedom.  

PRAYER: Dear Lord, sometimes we want to be heard and let our opinions be known.  Sometimes we really want to make a point because it’s important to us.  And sometimes we really just want someone we love to listen because we have something wise to offer.  Thank You that You always hear us, our opinions matter to You, and You can influence those we love better than we can.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

A Powerful Prayer

Greetings,

Last Thursday President Trump attended the Armed Forces Full Honors Review at the Pentagon.  Before he took the podium, U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, Ronald M. Harvell, deputy chief of chaplains of the U.S. Air Force, prayed such a powerful prayer that I took the time to rewind the program and type it up.  May the Lord bless us all as we pray it over ourselves today:

“Lord, we come to You in this moment, and we seek Your blessings upon the United States of America. Thank You for Your presence with us.  As lovers of peace, we pray for this time that requires peacekeepers and peace makers.  Therefore, grant the President and Vice President [and us] Your divine wisdom, Your divine strength and Your divine knowledge that leads to increased power and brings increased peace. Now King eternal, as You continue to bless the United States of America, we continue to trust in You and Your power, for Your glory, now and forever, amen.”

Do Not Delay~

 “…I can never stop praising You; I declare Your glory all day long” (Psalm 71:8 NLT Version).

Greetings,

This past Sunday I was in church and the worship leader introduced a new song: Do Not Delay.  As soon as the music started, I knew I would love this new tune. I mean, I am pretty good at asking, begging, and pleading with God to send help quickly. How about you? Plus, I cannot possibly be the only one who wants her prayers answered ASAP.

And then the lyrics went like this – “Do not delay your praise to God…”

Immediately I thought “OUCH!”  This wasn’t about God doing something for me but about me worshipping Him for a change.  About me being quick to let Him know how wonderful He is.  About me not waiting around to praise His high and holy name.

I had a tremendous moment of clarity at church on Sunday, and I hope we will all think about how even though prayer is important, it is just as important to let God know how much we love Him!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, we praise You and thank You for the strength, joy, love, peace, hope, provision, health, wisdom, and protection You give to us every day. You are amazing, and we bless You! AMEN.

Oblivious of Storks

"The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, though they cannot compare with the wings and feathers of the stork” (Job 39:13). 

Greetings,

May it be said of me that I am a bit of an ostrich.  That I flap joyfully even though there are others who are skinnier, prettier, and more successful. That I am content to shine in my corner of the world even though there are others whose light is brighter. That I am happy to be me even though there are others with fancier feathers.

And may the same be said of you.  That you are oblivious of storks. That you are joy filled because you are God’s precious, unique, blessed child and that’s your focus – not anyone or anything else.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for reminding us that we can have joy being exactly who You created us to be.  Help us to flap joyfully every day! In Jesus’ name, AMEN.