WEEK 3 on the sidewalk:
In our culture, we decide so many things for ourselves...We decide where we are going to work, where we will live, what we will buy, what we will eat, and even what Starbucks drink to order. Everything is available to us. There are some people who are not as 'fortunate'...some do not know how they will get their next meal or when they will get the next paycheck. But I wonder if they are really less fortunate when their situations cause them to more readily see their dependence on the Lord. Whether we realize our need for Him or not, God is ultimately the one with complete control over our lives. Actually everything is only available to us because God allows it.
We also decide when we will start our families and how many kids we will have. I was shopping at Target the other day and passed the aisle that said 'Family Planning.' What exactly does this mean? And there is 'Planned Parenthood.' The words sound so nice and positive, but really they missing something...Where is God in all these plans? Are we getting so good at planning our families that we don't need God?
If there was a 'family planning' aisle in the Bible, it would consist of ways to seek fertility, instead of today's 'family planning' methods, which have more to do with avoiding or ending new life. The Bible shows how fertility was a blessing from God and how infertility and avoiding pregnancy was never part of His plan.
*God blessed Abraham and said He will multiply his descendants beyond number.
(Genesis 26:24)
*God promises His people food, water, and no illness, miscarriages or infertility.
(Exodus 23:26)
*When Onon avoided creating an heir for his brother, God considered this evil and took his life. (Genesis 38:9-10)
*When Sarah lied about being Abraham's sister God cursed the land with infertility.
(Genesis 20:18)
*God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply.
(Genesis 1:28, 9:7)
*Jeremiah prophesied that God said to multiply and not dwindle away.
(Jeremiah 29:6)
I wonder what it would look like if our culture completely turned the family planning over to God. Would we still use birth control or other ways to avoid conception as much if we allowed God to do the planning? Our culture says it's okay to end a pregnancy if it's not in our plans. But what does God say? Have we forgotten who creates life?
We may make our plans but it is God who directs our steps. May we allow God to light our path and not close our eyes to a culture that doesn't honor or respect life.
Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
WHEN
WEEK 2 on the sidewalk:
The prayer guide I was given for the sidewalk counseling starts with a song, and the words are from Isaiah...
Isaiah 43:1-5
But now, this is what the LORD says -
he who created you...
he who formed you...
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you...
Do not be afraid, for I am with you..."
Sometimes as I am standing on the sidewalk, I will talk to other people praying there, or I will try to communicate with cars as they drive by. And other times it's very quiet...God's presence is so strong. When it's quiet, I meditate on these words and the part that stood out to me is this... God says when the waters get rough and when I go through the fire. Not if but when.
Often when I pray, I think I ask God to make the waters calm or to make the fire go away. I tell God what I am going through is hard. But God hasn't promised me that I won't go through difficult circumstances. Instead he promises that he will be there with me.
He tells me to not be afraid.
He will keep me safe.
I am precious to him.
He loves me.
I am his.
He created me.
He has redeemed me.
My prayer is that all will know the amazing love God has for them. That they aren't alone. And that they have a Creator. And a Savior.
The prayer guide I was given for the sidewalk counseling starts with a song, and the words are from Isaiah...
Isaiah 43:1-5
But now, this is what the LORD says -
he who created you...
he who formed you...
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you...
Do not be afraid, for I am with you..."
Sometimes as I am standing on the sidewalk, I will talk to other people praying there, or I will try to communicate with cars as they drive by. And other times it's very quiet...God's presence is so strong. When it's quiet, I meditate on these words and the part that stood out to me is this... God says when the waters get rough and when I go through the fire. Not if but when.
Often when I pray, I think I ask God to make the waters calm or to make the fire go away. I tell God what I am going through is hard. But God hasn't promised me that I won't go through difficult circumstances. Instead he promises that he will be there with me.
He tells me to not be afraid.
He will keep me safe.
I am precious to him.
He loves me.
I am his.
He created me.
He has redeemed me.
My prayer is that all will know the amazing love God has for them. That they aren't alone. And that they have a Creator. And a Savior.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
ON THE SIDEWALK
WEEK 1:
I went to PP to pray three times this past week for the 40 days for Life. It was different than I had expected. There I was at 7am on the starting day and I didn't see crowds of people all praying and being passionate for this cause that is so dear to my heart. I only saw 3 or 4 people standing along the sidewalk, peacefully praying. I asked God 'Where are all the people?'
One woman came out and talked to me and Sue, the lady I had met on the sidewalk. As she approached us she started shaking her head, and Sue said 'Oh I bet she's coming to tell us what she thinks of us.' Sue has been sidewalk counseling for 5 years, every Saturday. Her dedication is amazing. Anyway, this woman starts to cry and says, 'This is affecting me so much more than I thought it would.' She explains that she tried to talk her friend Tory out of getting an abortion, but she wouldn't listen. The abortion was happening at that very moment as she stood with us in tears. The woman told us that she had had an abortion years ago and had gone through counseling afterwards. She later had two daughters and now has grandchildren. She said looking at those 11 women waiting in line to terminate their pregnancies was more than she could handle. I wonder who their babies would have been. I wonder what color their hair would have been, and what their personalities would be like. I told the woman that someday both of them would meet their babies in heaven. I bet that's the last time she drives someone to an abortion clinic.
I have felt God's presence there so strongly while we stand and pray. I wave at every car that passes by, and I sometimes get a wave back from, both PP employees or people going into the clinic. As I stared at the six-story building, the verse that came to my mind was 'Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.' The grandmother I met is forgiven. And her friend Tory is forgiven. Jesus already died for their sins (and thankfully mine as well). He said 'It is finished.' But that doesn't take away the pain that mothers, fathers, generations even, will go through because of their choices.
I just began to pray that God would open their eyes to the truth of what abortion does. It stops a baby's beating heart. I pray for their hearts to be changed. It is amazing to see God moving and be a part of His work along that sidewalk on the Gulf Coast Freeway. He is truly bigger than that 78,000 square foot building. And even though I only saw four people there that first day, I know his armies of angels are mightier than my eyes can see. Maybe it's my eyes that need to be opened...
Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, 'Father forgive them, for they know not what they do...'
2 Kings 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. 'Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?' the servant asked. 'Don't be afraid,' the prophet answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' And Elisha prayer, 'Open his eyes, LORD so that he may see.' Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he look and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
I went to PP to pray three times this past week for the 40 days for Life. It was different than I had expected. There I was at 7am on the starting day and I didn't see crowds of people all praying and being passionate for this cause that is so dear to my heart. I only saw 3 or 4 people standing along the sidewalk, peacefully praying. I asked God 'Where are all the people?'
One woman came out and talked to me and Sue, the lady I had met on the sidewalk. As she approached us she started shaking her head, and Sue said 'Oh I bet she's coming to tell us what she thinks of us.' Sue has been sidewalk counseling for 5 years, every Saturday. Her dedication is amazing. Anyway, this woman starts to cry and says, 'This is affecting me so much more than I thought it would.' She explains that she tried to talk her friend Tory out of getting an abortion, but she wouldn't listen. The abortion was happening at that very moment as she stood with us in tears. The woman told us that she had had an abortion years ago and had gone through counseling afterwards. She later had two daughters and now has grandchildren. She said looking at those 11 women waiting in line to terminate their pregnancies was more than she could handle. I wonder who their babies would have been. I wonder what color their hair would have been, and what their personalities would be like. I told the woman that someday both of them would meet their babies in heaven. I bet that's the last time she drives someone to an abortion clinic.
I have felt God's presence there so strongly while we stand and pray. I wave at every car that passes by, and I sometimes get a wave back from, both PP employees or people going into the clinic. As I stared at the six-story building, the verse that came to my mind was 'Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.' The grandmother I met is forgiven. And her friend Tory is forgiven. Jesus already died for their sins (and thankfully mine as well). He said 'It is finished.' But that doesn't take away the pain that mothers, fathers, generations even, will go through because of their choices.
I just began to pray that God would open their eyes to the truth of what abortion does. It stops a baby's beating heart. I pray for their hearts to be changed. It is amazing to see God moving and be a part of His work along that sidewalk on the Gulf Coast Freeway. He is truly bigger than that 78,000 square foot building. And even though I only saw four people there that first day, I know his armies of angels are mightier than my eyes can see. Maybe it's my eyes that need to be opened...
Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, 'Father forgive them, for they know not what they do...'
2 Kings 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. 'Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?' the servant asked. 'Don't be afraid,' the prophet answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' And Elisha prayer, 'Open his eyes, LORD so that he may see.' Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he look and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
LIGHT
Jesus said he is the LIGHT of the world. He is light...the opposite of darkness. He brings life with his light...the opposite of death. (John 8:12) The first part of creation was creating life. Without the light of the sun all life would cease on earth.
Jesus also said we are the LIGHT of the world. When his Holy Spirit dwells within us, we are able to radiate His light. Just like the moon reflects the light of the sun, we don't produce our own light but we reflect the light we see from God (Matthew 5:14).
I want to be a light for Jesus...a light in this dark world...a light that leads to LIFE.
Planned Parenthood is the largest provider for abortions in the United States, and the Houston PP building is the largest abortion facility in the nation. This Wednesday, the Coalition for Life will stand for LIFE outside the PP building for 40 days. They will be there to pray and intercede for life. It is estimated that 78 abortions occur every day in Houston. Over a million each year in the US. It actually beats breast cancer and even stroke for the number one killer. It's actually the largest genocide in human history, with over 50 million babies aborted since 1973.
This year, I'll be joining the fight and will stand with them. I will ask God to have mercy our country for what we as a people have chosen and pray for Him to heal our land.
I want to be a light for Jesus...a light in this dark world...a light that leads to LIFE.
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the ruler of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.
John 8:12
I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.
Jesus also said we are the LIGHT of the world. When his Holy Spirit dwells within us, we are able to radiate His light. Just like the moon reflects the light of the sun, we don't produce our own light but we reflect the light we see from God (Matthew 5:14).
I want to be a light for Jesus...a light in this dark world...a light that leads to LIFE.
Planned Parenthood is the largest provider for abortions in the United States, and the Houston PP building is the largest abortion facility in the nation. This Wednesday, the Coalition for Life will stand for LIFE outside the PP building for 40 days. They will be there to pray and intercede for life. It is estimated that 78 abortions occur every day in Houston. Over a million each year in the US. It actually beats breast cancer and even stroke for the number one killer. It's actually the largest genocide in human history, with over 50 million babies aborted since 1973.
This year, I'll be joining the fight and will stand with them. I will ask God to have mercy our country for what we as a people have chosen and pray for Him to heal our land.
I want to be a light for Jesus...a light in this dark world...a light that leads to LIFE.
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the ruler of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.
John 8:12
I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
THORNS
There are three ways Satan takes me away from God and His word...
1. Cares, worries, being overwhelmed in this world, this age, this life
-Let's see, my worries are basically dating, dealing with drama in my family, thinking about growing old alone
2. Wealth, riches...they lure, tempt, make false promises, seduce
-I am always wanting to buy things I don't need (right now it's a new car!), or I see things that others have and want it, or I think my savings account is my security
3. Our own desires, lusts, longings, evil desires, and many other things that take us away from God
-I desire to be in a relationship and belong somewhere; I long to not suffer or be in pain. And even though God gives us desires, that desire become evil when it becomes more important to us than He is.
The result of these distractions is...
1. They crowd in, choke God's message, choke His word.
2. Keep the teaching from growing and producing fruit, strangles what I have heard.
3. Nothing comes of it, and I am unfruitful.
I may hear the word, but the seed among thorns of distraction prevent me from growing. Without connecting to Jesus, the vine, I can produce no fruit. Watch for the thorns in your life that are disguised as something good but can take us away from God.
So this made me question what do I really desire?
So besides a great guy in my life, a BMW, and a Marc Jacobs handbag, this is what I really want...
-to know God
-to believe His promises
-to have faith in what I cannot see
-to feel His presence
-to serve in His kingdom
-to see God's wisdom, not my own
-to have peace and to be still
-to love others and not judge them
-for others to experience Jesus' amazing love
-to set my affections on things above, not things in this world
-for our nation to respect the life of the unborn
-for my words and thoughts to be pleasing to God
-for my life to glorify God and be an offering to Him
-good, encouraging, and uplifting friendships
-to know God's word so I can be armed
-the Lord's will to be done in my life
-to find joy in suffering, knowing this grows me and He never leaves me
-all my loved ones to know and walk with Jesus
-to really know and understand God's deep and unconditional love for me
-peace, patience, rest, hope
Matthew 13:22
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
Mark 4:19
...and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
1. Cares, worries, being overwhelmed in this world, this age, this life
-Let's see, my worries are basically dating, dealing with drama in my family, thinking about growing old alone
2. Wealth, riches...they lure, tempt, make false promises, seduce
-I am always wanting to buy things I don't need (right now it's a new car!), or I see things that others have and want it, or I think my savings account is my security
3. Our own desires, lusts, longings, evil desires, and many other things that take us away from God
-I desire to be in a relationship and belong somewhere; I long to not suffer or be in pain. And even though God gives us desires, that desire become evil when it becomes more important to us than He is.
The result of these distractions is...
1. They crowd in, choke God's message, choke His word.
2. Keep the teaching from growing and producing fruit, strangles what I have heard.
3. Nothing comes of it, and I am unfruitful.
I may hear the word, but the seed among thorns of distraction prevent me from growing. Without connecting to Jesus, the vine, I can produce no fruit. Watch for the thorns in your life that are disguised as something good but can take us away from God.
So this made me question what do I really desire?
So besides a great guy in my life, a BMW, and a Marc Jacobs handbag, this is what I really want...
-to know God
-to believe His promises
-to have faith in what I cannot see
-to feel His presence
-to serve in His kingdom
-to see God's wisdom, not my own
-to have peace and to be still
-to love others and not judge them
-for others to experience Jesus' amazing love
-to set my affections on things above, not things in this world
-for our nation to respect the life of the unborn
-for my words and thoughts to be pleasing to God
-for my life to glorify God and be an offering to Him
-good, encouraging, and uplifting friendships
-to know God's word so I can be armed
-the Lord's will to be done in my life
-to find joy in suffering, knowing this grows me and He never leaves me
-all my loved ones to know and walk with Jesus
-to really know and understand God's deep and unconditional love for me
-peace, patience, rest, hope
Matthew 13:22
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
Mark 4:19
...and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
EL ROI
As I went to stand in line to board the Southwest flight to go home, I looked around and realized I was all alone. My boarding number was C18...there was no one in front of me or behind me. "Am I on the right flight?" was the first thought that ran through my head. So I followed the B 31-60 group as some of them saw me alone and gestured for me to come over and board with them. When I got on the place the flight attendant asked me if I was the last one and I told her yes and that I was the only one in my boarding group and showed her my number. She laughed and said that was strange.
Then as the same flight attendant was coming by towards the end of the flight with the trash bag I asked her if I was going to be receiving my drink. She looked surprised and said "Oh did they forget you?" Apparently my row had been skipped! She laughed and said, "Must be that C18 number!"
Again I felt alone and forgotten. Does anyone see me?!
Then I heard God answer me...(guess He is the only one who heard my question since it wasn't aloud). He said "I see you."
Even when I feel like the world has forgotten about me, little C18, God sees me. And He hears me.
In Genesis 16, Hagar had run away after being mistreated by Sarai, her mistress. An angel of the LORD finds her and tells her to go back. The angel tells her God has heard of her affliction, and Hagar gives God the name EL ROI, the God who sees.
Genesis 16:11, 13
...for the Lord has heard of your misery...
She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her:
“You are the God who sees me,” for she said,
“I have now seen the One who sees me.”
Then as the same flight attendant was coming by towards the end of the flight with the trash bag I asked her if I was going to be receiving my drink. She looked surprised and said "Oh did they forget you?" Apparently my row had been skipped! She laughed and said, "Must be that C18 number!"
Again I felt alone and forgotten. Does anyone see me?!
Then I heard God answer me...(guess He is the only one who heard my question since it wasn't aloud). He said "I see you."
Even when I feel like the world has forgotten about me, little C18, God sees me. And He hears me.
In Genesis 16, Hagar had run away after being mistreated by Sarai, her mistress. An angel of the LORD finds her and tells her to go back. The angel tells her God has heard of her affliction, and Hagar gives God the name EL ROI, the God who sees.
Genesis 16:11, 13
...for the Lord has heard of your misery...
She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her:
“You are the God who sees me,” for she said,
“I have now seen the One who sees me.”
Sunday, September 2, 2012
PURE
PURE...I have been meditating on what this word means. Pure is actually the name of these snack bars I like to eat. They are organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, full of protein, fiber, omega-3s, and antioxidants. They are even Kosher! Pretty pure...(the apple cinnamon is my favorite!)
In the Old Testament, the word pure is used to describe the type of gold, oil or incense that is to be used in the Tabernacle. Job says his prayer is pure, and that he is pure and innocent (Job 16:17; 33:9). Later the bible says God's word is pure and that every man thinks his ways are pure, but God judges his motives (Ps. 119:140, Prov. 30:5; 16:2).
David says "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart..." So in order to be holy and approach God, we must be pure (Ps. 24:3).
In the New Testament, the word pure is mentioned in one of my favorite verses, where we are told on what 8 things to think on...true, honest, just, PURE, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. So we should think on things that are pure (Phil. 4:8).
James says wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Another list of 8... So godly wisdom is first pure (James 3:17).
Peter writes that since we have purified our souls by obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit, we should love others with a pure heart. He also reminds Christ's followers to have pure minds. (1 Peter 1:22; 2 Peter 3:1).
In Revelation, heaven is described as having angles clothed in pure bright linen, and the streets of the city are pure gold. And in the very last chapter John is shown a pure river of living water, clear as crystal (Rev. 22:1).
God's word is PURE.
God's wisdom is PURE, above all else.
Our souls are PURE by obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit.
Our thoughts and our minds should be PURE.
Our hearts should be PURE so we can love others, and be able to enter in God's holy presence.
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the PURE in heart, for they shall see God.
In the Old Testament, the word pure is used to describe the type of gold, oil or incense that is to be used in the Tabernacle. Job says his prayer is pure, and that he is pure and innocent (Job 16:17; 33:9). Later the bible says God's word is pure and that every man thinks his ways are pure, but God judges his motives (Ps. 119:140, Prov. 30:5; 16:2).
David says "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart..." So in order to be holy and approach God, we must be pure (Ps. 24:3).
In the New Testament, the word pure is mentioned in one of my favorite verses, where we are told on what 8 things to think on...true, honest, just, PURE, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. So we should think on things that are pure (Phil. 4:8).
James says wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Another list of 8... So godly wisdom is first pure (James 3:17).
Peter writes that since we have purified our souls by obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit, we should love others with a pure heart. He also reminds Christ's followers to have pure minds. (1 Peter 1:22; 2 Peter 3:1).
In Revelation, heaven is described as having angles clothed in pure bright linen, and the streets of the city are pure gold. And in the very last chapter John is shown a pure river of living water, clear as crystal (Rev. 22:1).
God's word is PURE.
God's wisdom is PURE, above all else.
Our souls are PURE by obeying the truth through the Holy Spirit.
Our thoughts and our minds should be PURE.
Our hearts should be PURE so we can love others, and be able to enter in God's holy presence.
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the PURE in heart, for they shall see God.
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