At first when I heard his words I didn’t understand. I tucked them away in the back of my mind, but today they surfaced again. It was something Derek Prince said years ago that today made sense. “I would prefer some Christians not to pray for me!” Having been asked to pray a specific prayer, I couldn’t do it! In prayer, I was reminded of Jeremiah and his words in Chapter 29, verses 11 & 12. They were written to the exiles in Babylon to encourage them in their situation, and to give them assurance that The Lord was aware of their condition. I believe that just as the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and for ever, so His Word speaks to us in all the aspects of our lives, today, tomorrow, and forever... “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to give you hope and a future …” I am challenged afresh by the height and depth and length and width of God’s love, which is portrayed throughout His precious Word. Our hope is built on Jesus Christ and His love and faithfulness. Our future extends to eternity, and those whose learning has not extended to embrace this concept are inclined to make demands focussed on the present. My intercessory prayers may not be understood by those who pray with me, but the basic is that God’s will be done – for it is not His will that any should be lost – eternity awaits, stretching out, and only good is there for those who embrace it. I have learned not to make demands. The name it and claim it part of my learning was a step, and when God’s answer is “No” or “Wait” I can accept it as part of His good and perfect will and plan for His precious children. So when you pray for me, pray that I can rest wholly in Him, being equipped, supported and guided by the Power that raised Jesus from the dead. Amen.

In His Will

Praying for a dear friend in difficult circumstances I found myself being presumptuous as I presented before the Lord my ideas on what the solution could be. Gently He reminded me of other situations when His Will had been infinitely and abundantly beyond mine. As the Living Bible says in Ephesians 3:20, His mighty power --- is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of ---
I went on to my Daily Light reading, and was confronted by the words of Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Amen! Your will be done, Lord. Oh, puny mortals that we are, thinking we are wise, and that we have the answers when we demand our wilful way, but in His hands is the safest place to be, waiting and watching, asking His guidance, allowing Him to direct our steps, and accepting that His hidden agenda will be revealed as time goes by. Some of the most profound words of the King James Version of the Bible are “And it came to pass --”
I will always trust in You, and in Your mercy, and shall rejoice in Your salvation. Psalm 13:5
And I will sing to the Lord for He has blessed us so richly.

40 days or 40 years.

It has been a bit of a desert experience, these past 40 or so days, when plans have been disrupted and time disorganised. I can see how Moses must have grown older and wiser in his wandering with the tribes of Israel.
They had been disobedient, and even caused his lapse of good judgment leading to more disobedience. They had doubted God’s providence and he had mistrusted God’s word. It is so easy to do, when circumstances sow confusion into our hearts. We need to get out from under the circumstances and stand beneath the shadow of His wings.
Max Lucado can always be relied on to give a word of warning tempered by words of encouragement and he has done it again. If you want a pick-me-up, then read his latest book, “God’s Story, Your Story” and be recharged by his reminders of refreshing showers of blessings in the wilderness areas of your life. I’m sending off a couple of copies to folk I really want to get interested in the Bible. This can be a starter step.
He quotes 2 Samuel 22:25 from The Message. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.
I am looking forward to His guidance into my next 40 steps! And enjoying the showers!

Hallelujah! What Delight!

What can be more delightful than being set free?
I received a text message from my brother-in-law that read “Hip Hip Hurray” and went on to say that my sister-in law had been released from hospital after surgery for cancer. Chemo lies ahead but for now they rejoice that the wounds, both internal and external are healing so amazingly well. “The big one,” he said, “about a foot long, has healed quicker than a scratch I may have sustained at golf.”
I will say “Hallelujah!” when they realise the Lord is calling, and provides healing and release from fear.
Another sister-in-law has also undergone surgery and is examining her options as chemo, radium and other long term treatments challenge the months ahead. There too is the evidence to me of answered prayer, but they have not yet realised the significance of being given multiple chances to recognise the one who holds out the gift of perfect healing. If they will believe, and acknowledge dependence on Him they can be set free from the tears and worries of this life knowing that pain is temporary.
If this sounds blasé and uncaring it is not meant to be. I remember saying to someone once that we are all heading to death, but the problem is we don’t all know what lies ahead after death. The response was that it was all very well, but I was not in their position. True, and I have yet to face the final moments, but I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.
At my age, so many friends, family and acquaintances look more to the years behind than the ones ahead, for those that have gone are more than those that remain. I rejoice with those who know where they are going, for Hallelujah! What delight lies ahead into eternity.
I continue to lift in prayer, with my heart crying out, the lost, the imprisoned, the unconcerned, that eyes will be opened, ears unstopped, hearts challenged and minds opened to receive the message of Love proclaimed this season. A price was paid for each one of us, and a gift of eternal life held out to those who are willing to receive it. I have said “Thank you, Lord,” and perhaps that is why Psalm 147 gave rise to my musings.
Hallelujah! Yes, praise the Lord! How good it is to sing His praises! How delightful, and how right! (Psalm 147:1 TLB)