Mid-Week Message - Everything is Possible

"Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." Matthew 19:26 (NLT)

Several years ago, the students at the school where I was working had a "jog-a-fun".  This was a yearly fundraiser that brought in funds for items the school would not otherwise be able to afford, such as sports equipment.  Students obtained sponsors that would pay a chosen amount per lap that the student was able to run within a given time.  I will never forget one young boy.  He was not particularly athletically inclined but he wanted so much to run many laps and help his school.  As I watched him, I could tell that he was saying something.  As I moved closer I heard him repeat over and over, "With God, all things are possible."  

It seems that each day is a marathon that must be run.  We get out of bed and encounter the same issues and problems that we had the day before plus whatever new occurrences the day might bring.  If you're like me you find yourself wondering how much more you can humanly manage.  Maybe you have a grouchy boss who is never satisfied.  You may have financial worries that you feel you will never be able to surmount.  Health problems might plague you with bad reports that never seem to end.  Whatever your specific life brings can be overwhelming and lead you to a feeling of utter defeat.  

Just today I was speaking with a friend that felt she had ruined the potential for a job she really wanted because she had water marks on the front of her jacket and didn't notice.  She was horrified and worried that she would be judged by that rather than her skills and abilities.  Even though her interview had gone extremely well, she made up her mind that she had lost the possibility of being hired and sank into despair.  As I tried to console and encourage her these words from Zechariah came to mind, "Not by might nor by power but by my spirit says the Lord."  You see she had spent much time in prayer over this opportunity.  She had repeatedly asked for the Lord to be in control.  When she found the water marks though, she completely forgot about asking Him to orchestrate the day.  I asked her this, "Who was in charge of this day?  Were you or was the Lord?"  

When we ask the Father to take the reins of the situations in our lives, we need to trust that He hears and honors our request.  When we read scripture we see Him accomplish the impossible over and over again.  Seas parting, donkeys talking, people being raised from the dead, healings, and water turning into wine are just a few examples.  My question is this, if God sent His Son Jesus to save our souls, if He went to that extreme to show us how deeply He loves us, why would we ever think that He would be unable to take care of the big things in our lives?  He is Almighty God.  Our mountains are His anthills.  There is nothing too difficult, too complicated, too worrisome or impossible for Him to handle.  

Are you praying about something that is overpowering you?  Are you asking God to take control and to solve a problem?  Then I have a couple of suggestions.  Number one, once you ask Him to take control, lay the problem at His feet and walk away.  Number two, trust Him.  If you care about it, He cares about it and He will never abandon you.  Once He takes control, you can be assured that a solution is coming.  Keep your eyes and ears open because you don't want to miss anything that He might do and keep your heart and mind in the Word and believe.  He is able when we are not.  God bless you. 

Mid-Week Message - Evil Prowls, Prayer a Must

"Be unceasing and persistent in prayer;"  1 Thessalonians 5:17  (AMP)

Today (Tuesday) an unspeakable tragedy took place in Uvalde, Texas.  A teenage young man walked into an elementary school, took aim, and opened fire.  As I write this, they are reporting 19 second, third and fourth grade children have lost their lives, as have 2 adults.  This does not count the shooter, who was killed by law enforcement.  

As the parents who have not yet located their students await news, we are all horrified, and hopefully, lifting them up in our prayers.  In the coming days these mothers and fathers will be planning for the burial of their slain young ones after which they will struggle in grief to come to terms with the smiles they will never again see, the goodnight hugs and kisses that will never again take place, the Christmas stockings that will never again be filled and the futures that have been taken away forever.  

I wish I could write that this is a one time occurrence, however, sadly, it is not.  Our children have been targets for years.  Whether in schools, on the streets or in their own homes, hearing of young lives lost due to violence has become a regular report on the daily news.  

And we ask God why He didn't prevent this from happening.   

Because we were given free will, there will always be those that will choose evil.  They will fail to see the value of human life and will think nothing of stealing life from those who treasure it.  Just as He will not take away my choices, neither will He take away theirs.  When we do anything against His will, when we sin in any way, our actions will affect others.  Unfortunately. this was a sin that ended the lives of precious children and has forever changed the lives of countless others.  

Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  

So, what can we do?  First and foremost, we have to commit to prayer.  This world, its leaders, each and every child and adult, needs to covered by prayer.  The power of going before the Father on our knees is greater than any other power that exists.  Second, we have to be serious about sharing the Gospel.  We must be vocal about the need for Jesus in this world.  Although we may think everyone knows, they don't.  I'm not talking about church-life, I'm talking about a relationship with the risen King of Kings.  

My heart is aching for parents that will not take their children home this evening.  I am beseeching the Comforter to wrap His arms tightly around them and walk with them through all that is coming.  I can't imagine the devastation they are feeling but I know that their Creator knows and cares deeply.  As I lift them up in my time with Him tonight, I lift each of you as well.  

I pray that His goodness, mercy and grace will surround us all.  

Prayer for Those Hurting Financially

God, You know what we’re going through. And we’re thankful You can take the hardest circumstances and turn them around for our good and Your glory.

You can restore all things—so we’re asking You to restore lost jobs, finances, relationships, resources, and hopes.

Show anyone struggling financially that You hold them close, and surround them with people who will help them through this time. Please meet their immediate needs as they trust You for long-term solutions.

Turn fear into faith as Your good plans for them unfold. As they wait on You, renew their hope and give them the courage to dream again. Remind them of their value, and fill them with peace.

Our God, come and do what only You can do.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Mid-Week Message - A Prayer for Inner Strength

Over the past couple of days, I received prayer requests from individuals. There was a common theme to each of theme. They asked for strength. 

For those needing strength, courage and guidance to face their challenges, I offer up this prayer. If you find yourself in need of help, I encourage you to pray this simple prayer.

Dear God,

Please give me the strength to face the day and to see the many blessings that it contains.

Give me the courage to walk on, no matter how long the path or how many turns the road holds.

Guide my thoughts so that I walk in love and peace and with gratitude stamped on my heart.

It is in Your Son's precious and holy name, I pray.

Amen

Power of Prayer - Worried About Things

Heavenly Father, lately I've been so worried about things that are out of my control. Help me to trust that You are working out every little detail in my life and that I have nothing to fear or worry about. In Jesus' most precious and holy name, I pray. Amen.