Divine Appointments

He loves His children so much and gives us each day just what we need for that day. 

One afternoon, a young man came to our home to install a new “high-tech” thermostat. Little did I know, or he, it would turn into one of those precious “God moments”. 

As soon as the contractor entered our home, I felt an instant connection with him, and he confirmed that connection within only a few minutes. He was a brother-in Christ. So we enjoyed our faith discussion on and off as he worked. 

After about an hour, he wrapped things up and prepared to leave, and with a deep sigh he added he still had a long trip ahead of him to another customer. He was tired. I felt I needed to ask if I could pray for him before he left. He eagerly accepted and removed his hat. 

I will admit to you that asking to pray for someone is still a bit difficult for me, and it truly is an act of obedience. However, it does seem the more I do it, the easier it becomes, and the more I also begin to see that it’s not so much about my words, but about God speaking through me if I allow Him. He can’t speak through a closed mouth. 

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27) 

The words began to flow out of my mouth with ease, and it actually shocked me a little. I continued until I felt it was time to stop. 

“Amen and amen.”  So it is, and so it shall be. 

I looked up and the young man was wiping his face. He went on to share that the prayer confirmed what he felt the Lord was calling him to do. In addition, it gave him a peace and comfort regarding his life right now. He revealed that he had just lost his wife, the mother of their young children, two months ago to an aneurism, and times were very difficult for them. Now the prayer made sense. Once again, I stood in awe of the goodness and faithfulness of God and how He can use someone as flawed as me to bring a word of encouragement to someone in need.

Making yourself available to God can align you with some of the most awesome experiences.  With God, there are always hidden blessings. Just when I had begun to wonder if I was doing anything, or if I was making any difference at all, God assigned an appointment, giving me a booster shot, so to speak. Glory to God!

Give God permission to use you to comfort others and I promise you, He will provide the opportunities. Ask Him for the desires of His heart and He will give you those desires for your heart. And when He brings it, be obedient, and allow the Spirit of God to minister through you, and you will be blessed indeed. 

"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak." (Col. 4:2-4, KJV)

Stay alert. Keep your eyes open. Watch with eagerness for those opportunities which the Lord brings into your day and often right into your path, even when you least expect it. Fine tune your spirit with prayer and a hunger to fulfill God's will for that day. There is an appointment coming with your name on it.

Lord of Glory, God of all comfort, thank you for Your goodness and lovingkindness. Thank you for the Prince of Peace who guards our hearts and our minds in difficult times. Help us Lord, to receive all that is ours in Christ today, for our specific needs. Use me, Lord, to comfort others as You lead. I give You permission now, in Jesus’ name, Amen and amen.

Paul's Powerful Prayer

It’s been said, “We live forward but understand backwards.” 

For many of us, that means we can look back over our lives and see all the stupid things we’ve done, knowing there is nothing we can do to change history. 

It also gives you the opportunity to look back and see God’s protection, His providence, and His promises specifically and purposefully woven throughout your life even when you were completely unaware. 

I have assigned labels to the seasons of my life, arranged in decades. It gives me a snapshot of my life and demonstrates the sovereignty of God regardless of the stupid decisions I made. 

Showroom Religion

While traveling one weekend, a friend invited me to stay with him and his wife. They lived in a very beautiful home in one of the “large home” regions of that city. Following a tour of the home, I decided to freshen up before dinner in the guest bathroom.

Have you ever been in one of those bathrooms that was so beautiful, you weren't quite sure what to do with yourself?

Atop the rich marble counter was a large silk floral arrangement. Scattered about was an array of antique pictures, a few candles, a tall, slender, and dimly-lit lamp, a frosted glass fragrance mister, and a fancy tissue dispenser and counterpart hand mirror.

Near the sink was an ornate pedestal-style soap dish with a harmonizing blend of beautifully foil-wrapped individual soaps (Was I supposed to actually use one?). A complementary towel ring was close by, holding an ultra-plush crewel lace edged towel and matching washcloth. (Was I supposed to use those?) I turned around to find a matching bath towel perfectly draped over the oil-rubbed bronze towel rack.

With no room on the counter to place my travel bag, I set it on the floor . . .

My relationship with Christ?

"My relationship with Christ? 
Wha-ya-mean? 

~~♥~~

“Tell me about your relationship with Christ?” 

My "relationship" with Christ?  swish . . . swish . . . swish . . . swish . . . 

I could hear my heart beat in my ears.  

The words caught me off guard as the unsuspecting woman seated next to me innocently prodded my empty soul. My failed attempt that afternoon in 1983 at a Christian Women's event haunted me for years to come, as I stumbled through carefully chosen words and actions.

• I've known about Him since I was a child
• Gone to church "most" of my life (when my parents took me) 
• Currently looking for a church (straight up lie) 
• God is good! --- Nod and smile --- He's so good! --- Nod and smile!!  

God's word in Ecclesiastes tells us "There is a time to speak and a time to be silent". (Eccl. 3:7) This is one of those times I should have remained silent and didn't; but then again, I wouldn't have had this story to write today, would I?

The Silent Christian: Is that possible?

“I may not talk about my faith, but I still believe”.

“I don’t have to talk about God to prove that I’m a Christian”.

“I’m a private person, and I prefer to keep my faith private”. 

The Way of Providence

“Walk around the side of the house", my daughter said, "through the gate, to the patio on the back side of the house. Open the grill cover, and there you will find the garage door opener to get into the house."

They were good instructions with explicit directions. I was confident I would have no trouble gaining entrance into their house. The problem was that I found the door opener, not under the grill cover, but rather on the concrete pad UNDER the grill. The opener was not located exactly as she had said; nevertheless, I did eventually get into the house. 

Letter to My Frenemies . . .

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.”

John 15:18

Several years ago, I was given the opportunity by a dear friend and sister-in-Christ to write a faith column in her newspaper. I so enjoyed this and it became a weekly entry which challenged me to come up with something fresh each week. Receiving complimentary remarks and support from several readers, whether on the street, through cards and letters, or through email, I chalked it up to the blessing of living in the Bible Belt.

Don't Settle for Walking Trees

Mark 8:22-25

²²And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to Him a blind man and begged Him to touch him.

²³ And He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when He had spit on his eyes and laid His hands on him, He asked him, “Do you see anything?”

²⁴ And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.”

²⁵ Then Jesus laid His hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.”

All Things for Your Sakes

“For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.” (2 Cor. 4:15)

When my children were young, I remember wanting to protect them of any harm that may come to them. And that was easy… until they learned to crawl! 

Then reality slapped me in the face and I realized that even with my best efforts, I could not shield them from everything.