Spiritual Scaffolding

Not Just a Shoebox

Last year a few of us shopped together and a group gathered at my home to pack our purchases in shoeboxes.  We packed, enjoyed treats and helped the children write letters or draw pictures to include inside their gifts.  Many of you did the same as a family.  Collectively, we donated over 30 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  It was a special time of serving Christ together.  During one shopping excursion, a teen was asked by her cashier what she was shopping for, since she had multiples of identical items.  Her response blew me away as my young friend explained she was shopping for Operation Christmas Child and proceeded to give witness of the program, stating she would “fill shoeboxes with presents for teenage girls around the world who need hygiene items, books and school supplies”.  It was special time, indeed! 

Last June I received the most long awaited surprise of all time.  When I saw the stamps I literally squealed in excitement.  I was blessed with a letter from a beautiful teenager living in Kenya.  Her name is Doris.  As a 14 year old, Doris received a shoebox gift, delivered by Operation Christmas Child volunteers, sent by me.  As I opened the envelope, I erupted in laughter as three photographs spilled out.  As tears ran down my face, I read her words of sorrow and joy, sensing her gratitude towards and love for our risen Savior.  She shared she is in class eight at Kivaa King’s Academy and loves her two brothers and two sisters.  When she was three years old she became “lame”.  For awhile, she had to stop going to school.  Her parents were not very happy and neither was she.  Today she testifies “thanks to the Almighty because I have undergone many circumstances; but, He has still been my guide”. 

As summer ended and the autumn season approached, another unexpected surprise arrived in the mail.  A second letter from Kenya!  Tears flowed as I slipped my thumb under the envelope flap.  I sat in my car, thanking my Lord for His rich blessings to me, knowing how deeply I desire to serve Him as a missionary, to develop a relationship with those in need, I was astonished He sent not one letter, but two.  Tears turned to joyful weeping as another set of photographs fell to my lap.  This letter traveled from Kenya to Louisiana with a friend who moved to the United States three and a half years ago.  It was from Baton Rouge the letter was mailed to me.  Daniel and Tabitha have three adorable little girls, Mercy, Favor and Grace.  The girls received a shoebox gift from me.   (Judging from the photographs, all three girls are in the age range for shoebox gifts; however, I am unsure if Mercy (the eldest) or all three girls received a shoebox.)  Daniel writes of their love for Jesus and the children’s appreciation for His blessings to them.  He sent his prayers for me and thankfulness for my walk with Christ.  I have since spoken with Daniel, Tabitha and all three girls over the telephone and it was a awesome pleasure to have that privilege.  Jesus never fails to bless abundantly!

Doris, Mercy and her sisters now have opportunity to participate in the Greatest Journey as recipients of Christmas shoebox gifts.  The Greatest Journey is a bible study where the children can learn more about God’s word and come to know who Jesus is.   Our packed shoebox gifts, joined with others, met the needs of millions of children around the world, including the United States.  I used to worry about an item of clothing being the wrong size and it was shared with me that children cherish these gifts, saving for later or sharing them with siblings, cousins and friends who were not selected, making each item last as long as possible.  (There are not enough shoeboxes for every child, yet, so children are chosen, so over the years, each child will receive.  The goal is to have a shoebox for every child.)  I am so humbled by the gratitude, appreciation and selflessness demonstrated by the children who receive gifts each year.  Operation Christmas Child is not just about presents in a shoebox.  As I pray God sends each shoebox to the child He designates, I believe my gifts go exactly where God desires each one to go.  Each year I carry a deeper understanding of how God works in our lives.  I  trust solely in God’s purpose and plans as I glimpse into a photo captured moment of Doris’s emotions as she opened her gift.  To read, from her hand, the young wisdom and knowledge of Christ’s love and care for her.  Hearing firsthand, a young husband and father’s message of hope and faithfulness as his daughter’s continue to enjoy the gifts of toothbrushes, toothpaste and dolls as he rejoices they will grow in the gospel message of Christ’s love for them through the bible study classes.   What a great privilege to personally pray for these two families!  That's what shoebox gifts are about.  The process of sharing, caring, and giving of one's self for the blessing of another as we grow in our faith in Jesus and hopefully, lead others to a relationship with Him.

Great news!!!  I recently discovered there is a new processing center in the Washington DC/Baltimore area, located in Columbia MD!  I am on the waiting list for this year.  I’d love to get group together to volunteer for next year.   Let me know who is interested.  

This year’s National Collection Week is November 17-24.  If you’ve never filled shoeboxes, to get started, decide on whether you want to fill a shoebox for a girl or boy and then choose an age category:

2 – 4 years              5 – 9 years               10 – 14 years

Here are a few suggested items:

            Toys:  stuffed animals, cars and trucks, dolls, yo-yo’s, harmonicas, jump ropes, blocks, balls, travel size magna doodle or etch-a-sketch, slinky

            School Supplies: solar calculators, pens, pencils and sharpener, markers, writing pads of paper, crayons, drawstring fabric backpack, ruler, protractor, reusable lunch bag

            Hygiene Items:  toothbrushes, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb/brush, washcloth, toothpaste, tissues   (Dentists are great resources and very willing to donate toothbrush/toothpaste!)

            Other:  bibles, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), books, coloring books, hard candy/gum (must be in original package and doubled bagged in Ziploc).

Note: No war related toys, politically themed items, used items, chocolate or out of date candy, liquids      or lotions, medication or vitamins, aerosol, breakable items or glass.

           Helpful Hints:  Place your child label in a corner because OCC will be taping all boxes around the middle!

 

Target sells standard plastic shoeboxes for under $1.  This becomes a gift in itself as the child will have something durable to keep his or her items in or use for other storage, such as food.

 

The suggested donation to ship each individual box is $7.  This is not mandatory, God will provide for the shipment.  Many people donate only shipment costs while others fill boxes.  A great example of the body of Christ using resources God gave each and using it by working together to help others.

PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE 

    Please PRAY for children in situations with nothing to call their own, who have little to take their minds off the poverty, disease, famine and/or war surrounding them with the absence of reminders they are loved.  Recipients of Christmas shoeboxes have the opportunity to participate in the follow-up program, The Greatest Journey, partnered through Operation Christmas Child with their local church.  PRAY for the children who will be receiving Christmas shoebox gifts this season.  That each gift ministers to each specific child and brings a lasting sense of hope and God’s love for them.  People need Jesus to guide them to a loving God who is the only One who can protect the essence of self, their soul.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life.  Only He can reconcile our hearts back to God.  Seek the Way.  Learn of Truth.  Choose Life.  May we all not just believe in Jesus, but believe Him.  Please PRAY for those delivering Christmas shoeboxes through the underground churches, regions where believers are being persecuted and areas of war.   

     Please CONSIDER giving, through donations, packing a shoebox or volunteer service, to Operation Christmas Child and/or locally within your own community programs providing Christmas gifts and hope to children of our military, those with incarcerated parents or are homeless.  Guidance Counselors, social workers, etc. often have names of children and teens you can sponsor for the Christmas holiday.  Below are links to websites where you can learn more about Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child.

     RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in. 

     Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in supporting and/or partnering in missions work, locally or globally. 


PRAYER REQUESTS

The message of Christ’s birth be focal this holiday season and carried in heart’s throughout the year

Children living in the midst of war and persecution

Children displaced in homeless shelters, missions or orphaned

Children whose parents are incarcerated or unable to provide for them

Women and children sold in human trafficking, especially in the United States

Recipients of Christmas shoebox gifts

 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT

Samaritan's Purse

Go to:  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Operation Christmas Child

Go to:  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

 

This link will guide you to locate your local drop-off site, information regarding packing, free downloadable materials, packing parties, volunteer opportunities at processing centers country-wide, shipping donations, etc.

 

A Lesson in Faith

All About Gideon 

This is Gideon. 

I am his human whose sole purpose in life, according to him, is to maintain the luxury of living he has grown accustomed to. 

 

These are Gideon’s cousins, Staples and Rocky, several species removed.  They are sister and brother. 

The two siblings live in Kennesaw, GA.  Gideon used to fancy himself a dog until he spent nearly a month with his cousins this summer.  Today, Gideon clearly understands his role as a cat and has become even more impossible to live with.  He is king of the castle; but, that’s an entirely different story!    

Two weeks prior to my trip to California I could not find anyone to care for Gideon during those 16 days.  Gideon’s care reached an all time crisis.  The sibs “mother” suggested I bring him to her.  I’m thinking, she’s started a pet care business.  She loves animals.  She loves Gideon.  She’ll take exceptional care of him.  She also thinks she’s the sib’s mama.  I can trust that, right?  I agree to bring him. 

I pray.  I research.  I pray.  I start car training.  I pray some more.  Gideon’s handling this fairly well.....

…....until I put the crate into the car, that is!  I am adamant about not giving him a sedative, trusting God to care for him and use the herbal remedy that helped with the noise over July 4th.  The SUV is packed, completely stocked for every possible scenario Gideon could create in the car.  I take a leap of faith declaring,

 

“Lord, I know you care about Gideon because You care about all of Your creation.  He hates being in the car.  You be his sedative.  It is a long drive. Don’t let him pee and poop in the crate, help him to use the litter box.  Help him not be frightened.  I trust You to be with him, to be with me and get us to Georgia safely and without duress.”

Gideon and I set out early morning.  Gideon is howling, nonstop.  I am storming the gates of Heaven, confessing in good faith, God is going to answer my prayers.  Two hours into the trip, just outside of Richmond, I smell the worst case scenario.  It is still dark out so I find a well lit gas station to pull into.  Groaning I get out, switching over from praying to fussing at the devil informing him I do trust the Lord to answer my prayer and I remind myself I am well prepared for such a time as this.  I get all the supplies together and while unzipping one side of the crate, I attach the free end of his leash to his harness.  I wipe him down and allow him to roam the SUV while I clean out the crate and bag the soiled blanket, which he has now inherited for life.  I check the dry pads and see nothing soaked through, (hallelujah), saturate the car with Fabreeze Linen and Sky and lay out a new blanket for him.  After grappling him back into the crate, I go wash my hands, stifle a tear or two and get us back out on the road.  Mind you, I’m still speaking out in faith God is going to answer my prayer despite the fact Gideon’s just pooped in the crate two hours into the trip!  It is more petulant, but a prayer nevertheless.

To my astonishment, passing through Richmond, Gideon got very quiet.  First, I breathed a sigh of relief and thanked Jesus….all the way into North Carolina!  However, Gideon got too quiet and as I drove into Durham, NC my overactive imagination began to fear my cat had perished due to prolonged anxiety!  I’m going to be the only person in history whose pet died due to anxiety.  Great.

Shortly after, I heard a faint sound of life.  Inwardly, I truly breathed a sigh of relief.  I really thought I killed my cat.  Well, not really, but I was preoccupied with the idea of it!  As we approached three hours, the faint sound of life grew to an incessant cry.  I pull into a place nicely shaded and hook him to his leash so he can use the litter box and eat some food and drink some water.  The crate is dry and clean, he uses the box, he eats and it is cool enough for me to leave him in the car to care for my own needs.  After about a 30 minute break, I wrestle him back into the crate and we are off.  For the next seven hours we repeat the same routine, Gideon cries incessantly for 30 minutes then off and on for two hours.  I stop when he begins to cry continually.  He takes care of business while I take care of business.  I wrestle him inside the crate and the cycle continues….all the way to Atlanta, GA.  Arriving in Kennesaw I carry Gideon into the house.  The sibs are excited to see “Aunt Rochelle” and are jumping all over me.  Gideon stiffens and proceeds to dig his claws into my side glaring at me with a “You’ve got to be kidding,” look of sheer disgust. 

 

In case you are wondering, this is what that look entails. 

 

I get it all the time so I’m the least bit intimidated.

 

I run him upstairs and leave him in a room, thinking, “Lord, what have I done?”  My friend says, “It will be fine.”  I’m thinking, “Thankfully, it is a big house.”  What can go wrong?  He’s bigger than the dogs, after all.  After a round of hugs (humans) and scratches behind the ears (dogs) we unpack the car.  Gideon is in no way interested in being introduced to cousins no matter how many species removed they claim to be.  Rocky, however, is incredibly interested in Gideon.   Staples, smart girl that she is, lets the boys figure it out.  She knows she’s the alpha.  I stayed a week to visit and that helped get him comfortable.  It will have to be fine.  And, it was.   Three weeks later, they were picking on each other just like siblings and cousins do.

I returned from California and drove back to Georgia to retrieve my owner.  I am tired, I want so much to visit, but I am ready to be home.  I’m not looking forward to driving back to Maryland with Gideon.  I pray, desperately holding onto faith that God answers our prayers.  I remember His timing is not ours, but His timing is best.  I remember how the Lord chooses to answer our prayers often does not resemble the outcome we want.  I wonder if too often we miss His answer because it is difficult to see how and when He has moved on our behalf because we are looking for our way instead of being focused on His will and way. 

Awhile back, I began praying, telling Christ the manner in which He answered my prayers was to His discretion, giving Him total control.  That was hard, but I have discovered that waiting on Him can be exciting and something to anticipate when we truly believe He hears us and will answer, even if He answers differently than what’s desired and we must wait a long time.  We have to believe Him.  We have to believe that He will do what He says He will do because He will.  He cannot go back on His Word.  It is not His nature.   His nature is faithful, true and a Keeper of Promises. 

I began my journey to Maryland with Gideon, completely void of much faith that this trip back would go as smoothly as I would like.  I had to admit I was disappointed with how the first half of the trip went and was not holding out for much better on the way back.  I was praying, but not with the determination and assurance as before, with unabandoned faith.  I was battle worn.  Even if God didn’t answer my prayer this trip, I believe He has His reasons and it will be enough.  Deep in my soul I heard His still voice telling me “You just need the faith of a mustard seed.”  Waving my last goodbye I pull out and head down the street.   I have not gotten to the freeway yet and guess who poops and is howling like someone is torturing him.  “Really?”  I groan.  I pull into the shopping center lot and go through the routine of cleaning up.  He’s not peed, so the clean-up is quick and easy. As I clean up I tell myself, it is all right, I do not know when, but God is going to answer my prayer.   I run into a restroom to wash my hands and unexpectantly I feel a peace come over me.  It is going to be all right, I don’t know what is going to happen, but I know that I know, it is going to be all right.  I head out and reaching each stop approximately three hours apart, Gideon becomes more and more relaxed.  He uses the litter box, drinks water, eats food and surprisingly goes willingly back inside the crate.  More astonishing than that, I rarely hear a sound from him.  I peek through the rear view mirror and he’s just laying there looking out the crate or sleeping.  I start to laugh.

Amazingly, the last hour of the trip, stopping for gas, Gideon never make a sound nor did he get up!  I unzip the crate to let him out and he just stares at me with no intention of moving.  I zip the flap back up and head over the bridge singing God’s praises for His goodness and mercies every day.  What a wondrous God who loves us at our weakest, who sees us in our most dire moments that He should care for the most simplest needs in our lives!

We can turn to Him when in need, when heavy laden with burdens, and overwhelmed with fear.  He cares about what matters to us, where we’ve been, what we are going through, and where we will go.  He knows and loves us through it all.  There is no other One who can answer our deepest most secret prayers, but we must be willing to receive how He chooses to bring about an answer and trust that when He does it will be far greater than anything we could have pulled off or imagined!  I have a pastor friend who occasionally must chastise my impatience with “Wait on God and keep doing what you are doing.”  Typically, I roll my eyes, but what wise advice to keep ourselves focused on His plan instead of our own.  I thought waiting until Gideon pooped at the house would alleviate his soiling inside the crate.  Then, when he in fact did poop, both times, my faith plummeted.  I needed to wait for God to answer my prayer and keep doing what I was supposed to be doing.  I was supposed to be following the guidance I learned about traveling with a cat resting in His promise to take care of Gideon’s needs which included relieving himself in the way that allowed him to gain comfort.  I was not supposed to be stressing out over his pooping in the car or distain for the dogs who just wanted to be his friend. 

God answered my prayer regarding Gideon, in a manner that was best for Gideon, not me. 

I am unable to will Gideon to trust he was not going to the vet.  I am unable to get Gideon to spend the day of travel sleeping as if he was propped on my pillow in bed.  God had a plan the moment I asked for Him to step in.  He took this opportunity to provide Gideon with a positive experience with being in the car.  He used this time in my life to strengthen my resolve to believe Him, to surrender to Him all that I am.  I had to be willing to acknowledge that and relinquish my will and conform to His.  The moment I did, what an enjoyable time of travel we had!  I got home making excellent time, just as the sun set, energized by the blessing of answered prayer, His way.

 

PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE 

     Please PRAY for hopelessness that abounds.  There is hope in Jesus Christ, our constant and refuge.  He never changes and is ever present.  He came to right a fallen world.  We are living in times where there is a great removal of integrity and sin is legalized.  1 Thessalonians  5: 16-18 instructs us to rejoice in all things and pray without ceasing, rejoicing in all things.  When things are not going our way, when we are not receiving the answer to prayer we wanted or when we wanted we must praise Him anyway.  He is at work and the answer is one its way, even when we are unable to see Him making a way.  When we can not see a way out of our circumstances, we must rejoice until we do.  Faith dictates we live joyfully when times are rough.  It stretches us and we grow stronger, developing our faith.  Satan wishes to keep us distracted from the will of God, His ways and truths.  He is successful when we allow disappointment to discourage and defeat us.  Do not give the devil that foothold.  Stand strong, through prayer and supplication, in all things, at all times.  Trust God and go to Him in prayer for He hears you, knows you and loves  you.  
       We must pray for the wrongs we witness and experience, for those who hurt and mistreat us.  If we do not, where will they see Christ revealed?  It is difficult to pray for those who hurt, abuse and persecute others.  It is through our steadfast love for Christ, demonstrated when it matters most that the testimony of salvation is clearest.  Count it an honor to suffer for Christ, reach out with the condition of those hearts that reeks havoc in mind.  It is a heart that does not know the love of Jesus for him or her.  Pray for those who are living outside of His love for them.  Their world is dark and without direction.  Pray for the glory of God to shine in the lives of those who need Him most so they may come to know Him as Lord.  Prayer changes everything because the Lord of all creation deems prayer as a sweet fragrance that rise before Him.

       For those in Christ, our confidence comes from knowing God’s redemption plan restores us back to Him.  It is there we find ultimate peace in knowing Jesus brings salvation to all who will receive.   Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life.  Only He can reconcile our hearts back to God.  Seek the Way.  Learn of Truth.  Choose Life.   Please PRAY that people develop a hunger and thirst to know more of Jesus.  Pray hearts open to hear the Good News of God's plan to reconcile all creation back to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  Pray for spiritual growth with the people of America, that they embrace their faith in Jesus, fully trusting in Him.  Pray that those in Christ boldly live out their faith for others to see, a living witness to God’s grace and mercy.  May we all not just believe in Jesus, but believe Him.

     Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or volunteer service locally within your own community, fulfilling the Great Commission through service to the poor and neglected people of our country and other regions worldwide.   Consider praying for you community, schools, state and nation as you walk, run or swim laps.  Pray as God reveals what is going on around you when you drive or use public transportation.

     RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in. 

    Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in developing their faith in Christ and serving his or her "neighbor". 


PRAYER REQUESTS

Please keep Noel, Mindy, their unit and others deployed in prayer as they are in Afghanistan.  They are scheduled to return to Georgia next month.  Keep their families in prayer as they endure this last month without their loved one at home.

Please be in prayer regarding the genocide of believers, including children, who are being martyred in Iraq.

Pray for our children as they begin a new school year.   They are exposed to practices that do not line up with the word of God and the temptations are vast.  Pray that they are able to stand on and for their faith in Christ. 


To hear learn more about car training a cat (for those wishing to stretch their faith):
Go to:  http://cats.about.com/od/amyshojai/a/8-Tips-To-Prepare-Cats-for-Car-Travel.htm

To learn more about praying the Lord's prayer:
Go to:  http://teachustopray.org/how-we-pray/

To learn more about prayerwalking:
Go to:  http://waymakers.org/pray/prayerwalking/

             http://media1.imbresources.org/files/85/8521/8521-46574.pdf
 

Between the Cross and the Tomb

The Second Day

Yesterday I set out late afternoon to work in my garden as the upcoming spring reached sudden temperatures of 81 degrees.  I have pleasant memories of gardening with my great-grandparent’s neighbor Mrs. Shaw which led me to duplicating my own “bit of earth” seeding corn, tomatoes, pole beans and many pansies along a fence in our backyard.  I was the shadow of my grandfather learning how to prune rose bushes, shrubs and care for orchids.  A love for gardening remains a strong preference in regards to how I spend my quiet time at the end of the day.  I’ve often wondered why that is and have come to the conclusion gardening brings me to my knees.  On my knees I marvel at the truths made known to me as I tend to His creation.

Easter week, a holy week.   I remember, when growing up, my brother and I were not allowed to play between noon and 3 PM.  We were to meditate on Christ’s death on the cross, His suffering.  However, there was always the anticipation of Sunday because Jesus was no longer dead and buried, but risen.   A message preached long ago by Pastor Shadrach Meshach Lockridge has become, over the decades, a legendary saying when life seems hopeless…a reminder… “It may be Friday; but, Sunday is a comin’!”

Sunday is a Comin’

                                                                                                                        S.M. Lockridge

It’s Friday
Jesus is praying
Peter’s a sleeping
Judas is betraying
But Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
Pilate’s struggling
The council is conspiring
The crowd is vilifying
They don’t even know
That Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
The disciples are running
Like sheep without a shepherd
Mary’s crying
Peter is denying
But they don’t know
That Sunday’s a comin’

It’s Friday
The Romans beat my Jesus
They robe him in scarlet
They crown him with thorns
But they don’t know
That Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
See Jesus walking to Calvary
His blood dripping
His body stumbling
And his spirit’s burdened
But you see, it’s only Friday
Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
The world’s winning
People are sinning
And evil’s grinning

It’s Friday
The soldiers nail my Savior’s hands
To the cross
They nail my Savior’s feet
To the cross
And then they raise him up
Next to criminals

It’s Friday
But let me tell you something
Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
The disciples are questioning
What has happened to their King
And the Pharisees are celebrating
That their scheming
Has been achieved
But they don’t know
It’s only Friday
Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
He’s hanging on the cross
Feeling forsaken by his Father
Left alone and dying
Can nobody save him?
Ooooh
It’s Friday
But Sunday’s comin’

It’s Friday
The earth trembles
The sky grows dark
My King yields his spirit

It’s Friday
Hope is lost
Death has won
Sin has conquered
and Satan’s just a laughin’

It’s Friday
Jesus is buried
A soldier stands guard
And a rock is rolled into place

But it’s Friday
It is only Friday
Sunday is a comin’!

We live in the realization of that hope, the hope of the risen Christ.  However, today as I kneeled in my garden pulling weeds I suddenly thought upon how there is a focus on Thursday evening as Christ ate His last supper with His disciples, the mockery, lashes and crucifixion on Friday and resurrection on Sunday.  At the time, those who followed Christ could only see He was dead.  Even after being witness to His countless miracles, the followers of Jesus did not fully understand He would literally rise from the dead. It had not happened yet.  Did they even remember, on this second day, Jesus’ words of living again, of His being raised from the dead?  We get the impression they went into hiding.  They must have been incredibly frightened, disillusioned and confused.  Peter dealt with his denial, in shame, I am sure.   Pausing, I absentmindedly thought “Jesus spent today in hell.”  Repeating, this time out loud, I whispered “Today Jesus went to hell….so I would not have to.”  Sitting back on my feet I realized the time between Christ’s arrest and His appearance at the tomb, the second day, has significance as well. 

In Philippians we read that “at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth.”  In fulfillment of His mission, when Jesus died as man experiences death He went to the “grave” to bring the gospel and redemption to those who died in wait of the Messiah.  He opened the gates of Heaven for the faithful who died before Him.   He is truly victorious over the power of the devil.   He has loosed the chains of death and paid a debt we could never make good on.  We have been bought with a high price and given a gift of eternal life.  He has come, He has risen and He will come again.  We live in the promise of His resurrection, restored back to God.  All who believe Jesus Christ is Lord shall not experience death, but life in the presence of God, for all time. 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below, praise Him above all heavenly host, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost - Louis Bourgeoius.

 

PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE 

     Please PRAY for that the hearts of people turn towards Christ and be guided by the Holy Spirit.  The world has become more uncertain than ever.  Matthew 24:6 repeats the words of Christ that tells us in the end times we will hear talk of war and rumors of war.  He goes on to say that we are not to be troubled because these things must come to pass.  People go about their daily lives without assurance, searching for comfort in a world that cannot possibly provide it.  We live in a country where churches sit on every corner.  Bibles are sold openly and given freely.  We can pray in public establishments and speak the name of Jesus without fear of persecution.  Let us not take that for granted but use such liberty to live out the gospel to those around us.  Let us be a witness through how we live our lives. 

            For those in Christ, our confidence comes from knowing God’s redemption plan restores us back to Him.  It is there we find ultimate peace in knowing Jesus brings salvation to all who will receive.   Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life.  Only He can reconcile our hearts back to God.  Seek the Way.  Learn of Truth.  Choose Life.   Please PRAY that people develop a hunger and thirst to know more of Jesus.  Pray hearts open to hear the Good News of God's plan to reconcile all creation back to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  Pray for spiritual growth with the people of America, that they embrace their faith in Jesus, fully trusting in Him.  Pray that those in Christ boldly live out their faith for others to see, a living witness to God’s grace and mercy.  May we all not just believe in Jesus, but believe Him.

     Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or volunteer service locally within your own community, fulfilling the Great Commission through service to the poor and neglected people of our country and other regions worldwide. 

     RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in. 

    Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in developing their faith in Christ and serving his or her "neighbor". 


PRAYER REQUESTS

Please keep Noel, Mindy and their unit in prayer as they are in Afghanistan to the end of the summer.

Please keep Bethany in prayer for healing in her upcoming back surgery in May.

Pray for those out of work or potentially facing unemployment. 


To hear Pastor Lockridge's Sunday's a Comin' message:
Go to:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-OaS3_vUu0
 

Revelation

Letter to the Churches of America

Sending a prayer of encouragement and support to a woman recently wounded for her faith in Jesus Christ, via internet, a cry rose from the depths of my heart and I began to openly weep.  There are men, women and children daily being persecuted for believing in the Lord Jesus.  They are beaten, set to fire, shot.  Their homes and places of worship are destroyed.  They are dragged off to prison, often tortured.  iCommit to Pray has set up through Voice of the Martyr as a way to share with members of the persecuted church the assurance they are not alone.   People young and old are standing firm on their faith, boldly proclaiming the gospel to others, knowingly what may come.  Wounded and shattered, they are not broken.  Instead they return brutal acts of hatred with prayer for those who reek havoc and bring devastation to the body of Christ.  They know their enemy and in fighting a spiritual battle, they witness to their tormentor’s with hope they to come to know the redeeming love of God.

On the contrary, I do not weep for the persecuted church for their heavenly reward is great.   I weep for the churches of America.  My heart was breaking at the revelation as misery is embraced for Christ’s namesake worldwide; state-side, churches seemingly take the name of Jesus Christ for granted.  It has been reported that establishing a church in the United States is the most lucrative business to commence.  When did God’s work become a business, the most profitable, at that?  Unfortunately, many ministries today resemble those of the secular realm.  Radio commentary, music, local performing arts and literature are increasingly bolder, walking a fine line of immorality.  Authors and screen writers alter the word of God in works that were intended to reveal His word.  Services are noisy, disruptive and ritualistic.  Churches tend to be filled with people just as distracted as those “in the world”.  Indeed, the only defining characteristic is the claim of being a “Christian”.   In welcome congregations invite the one Who Is to our presence instead of reverently coming into His presence.  Being a “Christian” in American as practiced, maybe the country’s final undoing.

I find resonating in my heart, a series of letters John wrote to seven churches through knowledge Jesus received from God communicating by His angel to John.  I imagine those words of prophecy as if written to the 450,000 churches in the United States…..

The One who sits on the right hand of God, Lion of Judah, victorious Lamb Who was slain, conqueror of death, risen Lord, Christ the Messiah, says this:

 

I know how you live, how you work, and see you are resolved to walk away from what is wrong to do what is right.  But, I have this complaint against you, I was never your first love.  You use my name as a label refusing to honor the lifestyle required of it.  You create movies and write songs that do not offend, that lift up weary hearts honoring people who have overcome great challenges and circumstances.  You have filled pages in books with words that emulate My Father’s commands, but you have failed to give Him glory for guiding you to what is right and what is wrong.  You have replaced Me with idols of desire, power and greed distancing yourselves from communion with Me.   With surface communion towards Me you lack genuine connection with others.   Lay down what keeps you from seeking fellowship with Me.   Repent.  Continue to do what is right, walking away from what is wrong, for My namesake.   Give glory to God and honor Him when you overcome temptation and trials of this world for it is He who brought you through.  Do not be afraid to speak out My name when you teach what is right for it is the Father who gave us the commandments. 

I know your hardships and blasphemy others speak against Me.  Do not be afraid and be strong when you suffer for My namesake.  Satan is casting you in prison, beating and torturing you.  He takes the lives of many of you, but not really.  Satan’s league can only hurt your body. I am praying for you that you will come through the fire purified.  Keep the faith and be bold in your testimony of Me, even to the death and you will receive your just reward.

I know where you go, I hear what you say, and I see all that you do.  I see how dedicated you are to your causes and will work to help the poor, orphans and those who find themselves in sudden need from disasters come.  You fight to eradicate diseases and make regulations to protect the planet.  You do not deny me, but I have these things against you because you live among the corruption and have become allies to sin.  You remain silent allowing the voice of the evil one to grow stronger through the years.  You have embraced the ways of the age detouring your focus from things of God and His holiness.   You have become desensitized to things of violence, sex and other immoralities taking bribes of position, loosing yourselves to fame, fortune or rank.  You think nothing of lies told and aim for power at the expense of others.   You have renamed and legalized things that are an abomination to the Father in order to live the way of your own choosing, forsaking My ways and plans for you.  Your attention no longer is on me or serving me but on your lifestyle that no longer is guided by the Holy Spirit.  You are preoccupied with being busy yet I see your time wasted on things that do not matter, pursuing goals that increase the numbers but not the hearts of man to Me.  I will search the hearts of every man and give to those who are not enticed by Satan’s distractions over all the nations.  The devil has laid a trap and you fall into his snare, you have been greatly deceived.  Repent, for you do not know the hour of when I come.  Draw close to me so you will be ready and I will feed you the bread of Heaven and bless you with a new name.

I know you are known for being a vibrant place of worship, with extensive programs and ministries.  I say you are languid, with your relaxed and insincere ways of worship.  Stop entertaining yourselves and return with reverence to Me.   You serve and preach in My name; but, it is through your ability and your knowledge you give and serve.  You do not even give Me glory when you are healed!  You have become independent of Me and My Father.  Repent and depend upon the Lord you claim to worship, the Lord you call your God.  You sell Me to increase your numbers.   I do not need fanfare to tell people of my Father.  I require hearts that believe I am enough.  However, I am aware that there are those who have remained pure from the ways of the world.  Those I will clothe in white and find their name in the Lamb's Book of Life.  It will be those I declare as mine at the appointed time before My Father and the angels.

I know how well you treat your fellow man, showing all manners of kindness and consideration.  You show respect to peoples of varying abilities and situations doing what you can to make their lives easier.  However, I have this against you.  You try to do the right thing but are misguided trusting in your own wisdom and knowledge.  You lean on understanding you determine truth according to what you hear from the world around you.  You are living on false doctrine.  Turn to me and I will show you Truth.  Do not rely on the excuse of not knowing the Word of God.  Seek out the answers to questions in Scripture for you will surely find it there.  Lean on the Word of God to develop wisdom and knowledge that will not lead you astray, that will keep you on the path of righteousness.  Test me at My Word and see that I Am all that is, was and will be.

I know there are many who struggle in their weaknesses in effort to follow My Word and keep My name on your lips.  I see those who try to trick you causing you to stumble with their deception and hidden agendas.   Do not fret for the day of validation comes and you will see those who mistreated you fall at your feet with the understanding it is you I love.  I will shield you from the Great Tribulation because you were long-suffering so continue to stand vigilant waiting for Me – I will come soon - so no one can take your crown.  For those who remain steadfast to the end of time I will write My God’s name on Him making him or her a citizen in the city of My God – the New Jerusalem. 

God is not a god to be mocked.  He is righteous and true, the One True God.  He lives not to destroy but to redeem a world back to Himself.  It is for each individual to determine the degree of trust they will place in their Creator.  The extent of belief, if at all, will never negate the majesty of the Lord.  Each person, believer of not, will one day fully believe the moment they are face to face with Christ.  It is the desire of the persecuted church to give every possible opportunity to those living outside, not a “Christian” life, but life of a believer of the true church, to know Jesus Christ intimately.  To experience the peace and joy in all circumstances knowing the soul is well, restored back to God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ crucified.  It is my prayer as well.  I believe that persecution is coming to America but not in the way expected.  Given how distracted the church is, when persecution hits America few will recognize the signs because they lack a personal relationship with the Lord they claim to follow nor will believer's notice the transformation complete because they are too wrapped up enjoying life in this world to the fullest.  The bible states “the people perish for lack of knowledge”.  The knowledge of God’s Word, God’s ways and His principles.  It is better to have less of the world and save your soul than to enjoy the pleasures the 21^st century offers and be lost for all eternity. 

                                                           -“It is in serving others I find the greatest joy expressed of my faith in Christ.”

                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE 

     Please PRAY for believers around the world being persecuted for their faith.  Pray that they are able to remain strong and full of courage.  Pray they remain true to the message of Jesus Christ, boldly sharing the gospel of salvation to others in lands where it is illegal to preach Jesus.  Pray for endurance and healing for those who have lost loved ones, are sitting in prison, been wounded and/or constantly dealing with terrorizing hatred in their villages and cities.  Pray they not lose hope and retain the joy of their salvation, that their faith be strengthened.  Jesus promised to intercede when the devil comes to devour, deceive and destroy.  Join Him by praying without ceasing for our brothers and sisters sharing the gospel of Christ at all costs.  Let their choice to follow Jesus, unto death, be a reminder to us to stop “practicing religion” and live out faith in Jesus, for His namesake.  Lift up in prayer those who support the persecuted churches through delivering bibles, audio bibles, medical and hygiene supplies, food and other necessary equipment to volatile and oppressive lands.

      Pray that the hearts of people turn towards Christ and be guided by the Holy Spirit.  The world has become more uncertain than ever.  Matthew 24:6 repeats the words of Christ that tells us in the end times we will hear talk of war and rumors of war.  He goes on to say that we are not to be troubled because these things must come to pass.  People go about their daily lives without assurance, searching for comfort in a world that cannot possibly provide it.  We live in a country where churches sit on every corner.  Lexington Park alone has nearly two dozen churches.  Bibles are sold openly and given freely.  We can pray in public establishments and speak the name of Jesus without fear of persecution.  Let us not take that for granted but use such liberty to live out the gospel to those around us.  Opportunity to know Christ and His word is everywhere.   Opportunity to grow deeper in faith is everywhere. 

      For those in Christ, our confidence comes from knowing God’s redemption plan restores us back to Him.  It is there we find ultimate peace in knowing Jesus brings salvation to all who will receive.   Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life.  Only He can reconcile our hearts back to God.  Seek the Way.  Learn of Truth.  Choose Life.   Please PRAY that people develop a hunger and thirst to know more of Jesus.  Pray hearts open to hear the Good News of God's plan to reconcile all creation back to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  Pray for spiritual growth with the people of America, that they embrace their faith in Jesus, fully trusting in Him.  Pray that those in Christ boldly live out their faith for others to see, a living witness to God’s grace and mercy.  May we all not just believe in Jesus, but believe Him.

     Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or  volunteer service locally within your own community, fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ through service to the poor and neglected people of our country and other regions worldwide.  Voice of the Martyr’s has a link below where you can sign-up for email alerts to receive notification of incidents where members of the persecuted church need prayer.

     RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in. 

    Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in supporting and/or partnering in missions work, locally or globally. 

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Members of the persecuted church:

• endurance, boldness, strength, courage to remain a witness to those persecuting because of faith in Christ

 

Supporters of persecuted church:

• protection and supernatural ways be made open for them to enter volatile countries in order to bring medical and hygiene supplies, food, water, clothing and bibles

 

Persecutors:

• salvation through the faithful testimony of those they torture and martyr

 

Churches of America: 

• reform in ministry, reverence for God's principles and precepts, development of disciples in Christ walking away from worldly ideas, things and practices, become true church of believers reflecting Christ

 

 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT

 

Voice of the Martyr's (VOM):

https://www.persecution.com/

 

iCommit to Pray (VOM prayer line to support persecuted believers):

http://www.icommittopray.com/