Prayer

As I study the book of Colossians, I am struck by the fervor with which Paul prayed. In the third verse, he says, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you." Yet, when Paul wrote this letter to the church at Colossae, he had never met them personally.  He had only heard about them from their pastor, Epaphras. This means that Paul was praying for people he had never met.

I don't know about you, but I have a hard enough time making sure I spend enough time in prayer for the people I do know!

Of course, there are times when I pray for people I don't know personally. Sometimes I pray for the people our missionary friends come in contact with, especially when we receive another e-newsletter from around the globe. I also pray for some of you, my "blogging friends," whenever I read about a particular situation you may be going through. For the most part, though, I go about my days as "busy" as everyone else, trying to squeeze in some quiet time at night when everyone is in bed asleep.

So Paul's words are keeping me awake these days. He prayed. A lot. And for people he didn't even know. I'd like to be more like Paul when it comes to prayer.

Naturally, when I pray there are some names that are first to mind: Jeff, Simone, Brynn, and Parker. I don't think it's possible to pray too much for the people we love most. It's probably not possible to pray too much for anyone. After all, Paul said to "pray continually" (I Thessalonians 5:17).

So I think I'll sign off and go do just that.

Who are you praying for today?

Would You Be A Martyr?

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.” John 15:18-20 NIV

The national news has recently reported about an Iranian pastor who is facing execution for converting others to Christianity and refusing to denounce his Christian faith.

As I read the stories about this pastor, I can't help but wonder would I be willing to die for my faith? This man is just 32 years old, and has two young children. Yet, according to all accounts, he is risking and may in fact lose his life for his faith.

Biblical and historical accounts tell us that John the Baptist, Peter, Thomas, James and most of the apostles were martyred. But as Americans we take for granted the religious freedoms we are given every day.

So today I challenge you with two questions:

1. Would you be willing to give your life for your faith?

2. If it were a crime to be a Christian, would there even be any evidence to prosecute you?

It's something to thing about, isn't it? Pray for the Christians throughout the world today.

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

There's No Place Like Hope

Several weeks ago, the Lord had laid upon my heart one of my co-workers. She was sad and lonely and when probed for answers, she said simply, "I have lost hope." My heart was broken for her and I felt helpless. Though, her name sat on many of the pages of my prayer journal and my heart was poised to intercede on her behalf, she wasn't feeling it. My mouth uttered pleas to the Lord to provide her with just a glimpse of His glory in her life. A smidgen...simply a smidgen. That can't possibly be too much, right?

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

During my moments of quiet solitude with the Lord, he reminded me of my own valley and the way He showed up with distinctive instructions to bring me back to Hope! I was in my twenties, watching my marriage fall apart and desperately seeking God's direction for my life. A youth pastor nights and weekends, I needed additional income as well as benefits to sustain my modest lifestyle. After a particularly harrowing visit to the pharmacy, where I learned how expensive my Chrohn's medication was without benefits, I left the pharmacy with the medication once my parent's charge card was billed. Hurting, embarrassed and fearful, I can honestly say, I was searching for Hope. In between the giant drops of rain, I ran to the car and sat there...for a long time...wondering how I had arrived at this place.

And I cried. And cried. And cried.

As though my prayers were being answered in that very moment, the Lord firmly instructed me to "go to the administration building." My tears ceased and I found myself in a full fledged arguement with the Lord. Which administration building? Why? I did not see how this had anything to do with my situation...and yet, the Lord was offering me HOPE.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

In my flesh, this seemed crazy. However, I knew unequivocally it was the Lord speaking to my heart. He was spending time with me; He was answering my call for help. I was obedient. I went. I was hired for a job that would prepare me for many, many things in my life; all the while He allowed me the benefit of remaining in a ministry position proclaiming His name.

Sometimes, His silence is our answer. Sometimes, His immediate movement of our feet is our answer. Sometimes, there is a waiting period. Regardless of the timing or the answer, HE has complete and total control over the hopeless moments in our lives. HE is the answer.

Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

This is my prayer for my co-worker and for anyone seeking hope. There really is no place like HOPE, that beautiful place of confident expectation. Hope is not boxed in by circumstances or earthly notions...hope is rooted in the surety of Jesus Christ. Be blessed this day as you build your HOPE in HIM!