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It was a bright, sunny, fall day in Knoxville, TN in 1992 that I stood staring out the window of my doctor’s office at the clear, blue sky and the sloping mountains in the distance, trying to take in what was the worse, most frightening news I thought I could ever hear.   My doctor had just confirmed what was suspected to be a malignant tumor in my colon.  Cancer, I thought.  How could this be happening after all I had just been through with the auto accident where I was nearly killed?  I had survived the accident with residual physical damages to my body, along with the pain and agony of post traumatic stress disorder, but I thought I was really beginning to get back on my feet, now this!  How in the world would I ever be able to tell my children their mother had cancer?  Just the word cancer is frightening… downright scary in fact.

My story has a happy ending though.  The initial shock took some time getting used to, but what is so amazing is that I immediately turned to the Chief Architect of my being.  After all, He had kept me around for some reason.  So I knew that He had not brought me this far to leave me now.  During my many conversations with God, I learned what total submission truly means.  I also learned that some degree of suffering reaps great rewards that bring us to a place where God can truly use us.  You see, I thought that God and I had it “going on,” so to speak, and we did.  All of my life I had been active in church and spiritual in my approach to life in general.  But apparently I was just not quite where He needed me to be. 

 GETTING OVER THE INITIAL SHOCK...

Paul and Peter’s letters to the churches refer to “diverse” circumstances as tests and trials.  So I began to look at my life and my purpose differently.  Through various trials and tests I am now able to “joyfully” see that something good comes from what we consider bad experiences.  I have become more useful to God as an instrument through which I can comfort others and help them move to a “higher level” of usefulness in advancing God’s Kingdom on earth.  I think this is what my cousin has in mind in challenging us to “upgrade our belief systems to a higher level.”  Real suffering leads to total submission (total helplessness, dependent on no one but God) in order to receive all the benefits of God’s love, grace and mercy.  We persevere through trials and sufferings with the knowledge that the purpose is to advance God’s plan for His people.  These are the “thoughts that God has for us.”  When we look at it from this angle we emerge with a strength that cannot be measured.  ^“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”  1 Peter 4:12-13  Think on these things. 

Be eternally blessed as you strengthen your focus on totally submitting yourself to God and the plans He has for you.  Always know that I love you very much.  Please continue to remember the bereaved and families in crisis, our nation and leaders and world peace in your prayers.  abp

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"Comfort ye my people," says the Lord...

The focus of a pastor’s sermon Sunday and this week’s devotionals was dealing with losing loved ones. I thought maybe it was because of Memorial Day, making it a fitting orientation to guide our meditation as we remember and honor those who have fought for our freedom and other loved ones who have gone on to the next season of their lives. Today’s devotional again, addressed finding comfort during times of grief. What is God really trying to remind me of?

I remember when I got those calls, as clearly as if it were yesterday. You know, the ones we always knew will come one day, or at a midnight hour, but dreaded. As a child I just did not think I could live another day if my parents ever died. Well they died, and I am still here. I never gave any thought to losing my sister and brother less than two years apart, but I did and guess what… I am still here. What agonizing, bleeding pain! “I lay down to sleep; I woke again, because the Lord sustained me.” (Matthew 5:4) I found I could and would live after all. Today I received word of the death of a close family friend and I’m still here. Countless others have lost family members and friends, and they and you too, are also still here. Why?

I’ll tell you what I believe. When God allows us to be “still here” it’s because He has a definite purpose and plan for us. It is definitely not because we are any more special than the one He called home. Were it not for the comfort that only God can give, I would never have survived my painful losses. But survive I did and still am. I am daily reminded of why I am still here. God comforted me through the love and caring of friends and family, not so much by what they said, but by their just being the instruments through which I kept being reminded that nothing would ever separate me from the love of God.

God is so clever. He gives us these little “snapshots” or “previews coming attractions,” sometimes called “valleys.” He allows each of us to walk through various experiences (“valleys”) as preparation for something ahead, with His “rod and staff” comforting us. You might call it a “dress rehearsal” to prepare us to step up to the plate when we are needed. Paul puts it this way in addressing the churches at Corinth to help them deal with suffering. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 3-4

So, why am I still here? It’s my turn to share the love. Tomorrow I have to go home and comfort a friend whose heart is hurting from the loss of her brother, another reminder of why I am still here. If somehow, I can only help her and the rest of her family know that God’s grace is sufficient and that His power is made perfect in their weakness, (2 Corinthians 12:9), then I will know even more so why I’m still here.

Remember the Anthony Mills family and all bereaved families at this time, especially disaster victims and always know that I love you. “Comfort ye my people” says the Lord our God.  Arlene
 

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The Week After

April 27, 2011

My goal during the Lenten season was to obtain “new Life.” The journey included many challenges and distractions, so did I actually reach my goal? Did I empty myself of bitterness, and negative thoughts and spirits that were preventing me from being who God intended me to be? Am I perfect now? The answer is a resounding NO! There are still a few cobwebs that surface from time to time, as cobwebs do. But the good news is that I am more conscious of their presence and their clinging nature. I am more aware that like the cobwebs that form in our houses that have to be cleared way on a regular basis, the cobwebs of our souls and spirits have to be cleared on a regular basis. If not, we will become entrapped in webs that stifle my relationship with God. No, I am not perfect. I defy anyone who says he/she is. But I continue to press on toward the goal, which is perfection, (like Christ) in order win the prize with full knowledge and belief that God loves me so much that He will never leave not forsake me. Like Paul, "I am convinced that neither death nor life . . . nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

My daily prayer is that God will use me as an instrument of His peace. So, I have to be willing to empty myself daily of all that hinders me obtaining inner peace and being at peace with others. It’s the simple things that I am learning to perceive more value in. For instance, my mother used to always say, “A soft tongue turns away wrath.” Today’s ODB (odb.org) lesson reminds us to guard our tongues. The very words that we allow to come from our mouths can be a detriment to someone who is already not where they should be spiritually. As Christians we have the power to either turn them on or off. So I am learning how to simply think and pray before I speak. It’s a simple exercise to do, but perfecting it takes practice. “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19) Oh, I still put my foot in my mouth occasionally, but I recognize it as soon as I have done it.

That’s the discerning spirit within which helps me choose to make things right. The trouble with some people is that even though god has graciously given them a discerning spirit to enable them to “make things right,” they allow bitterness, the “cobweb,” to rule, which of course is sin. Do you see why it is so important to do a thorough dusting away of these little “entrapments” daily, no, more to the point, minute by minute?

What kind of progress did you make during this journey? Did you achieve perfection? Or do you have more work to do? I surely do. I have to restock my “cleaning supplies.”

Be blessed today and always know that I love you. Please continue to remember all of our prayer concerns. Oh, yes, remind everybody you talk to that the banquet table is still open. The chef is refilling the serving dishes regularly. He told me that the harvest is plentiful so everything is fresh each day. The only problem is that “the laborers are few” so He has a HELP WANTED sign posted. abp

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The last week had really caused me to tremble as I thought of the Cross and the events leading up to it.  You know I was there, all the way to the Cross and the Great Resurrection.  WOW!  All the way to the Resurrection I followed Him.  It makes my heart so glad to know that I did not have to stay in that place of the dark and gloom of the Cross because Jesus did not stay on the cross or in the grave and is not dead because He rose from the grave with all power in His hands and. because of all of this, He lives!  And because He lives, I live.  You live and we can both face tomorrow.  So, all of my trembling about His crucifixion has subsided.  This is why The Host was having this Big Dinner and invited us to attend, to celebrate The Glorious Resurrection of His Son and to enjoy a very special dessert.  The idea that God loved me so much that He sacrificed the greatest love of His life, His only son, just for me and rose again to fulfill the scriptures to prove He was all that He said he was!  WOW!

The Host had told me it was going to be HUGE, but I just did not know how HUGE.  A lot of very important people would be here.  I did a lot of networking too.  You know I made a lot of excuses at first like, I don’t have anything to wear or I really did not have time to stop what I was doing and go party and mingle with a bunch of people I didn’t really know?  I got there a little late, but I made it.  I went mainly because of WHO THE HOST IS.  He has been so very influential in my life and I felt it was the least I could do to honor His invitation and attend.  See it is because of Him that I am where I am and who I am today.  So I am glad that I attended.  He wanted us all there on time, but late comers were all welcomed with open arms. 

You should have seen the spread.  The banquet table stretched on and on.  There was even s a flowing fountain.  Oh, did I tell you it was FREE too, even though He had spared no expense in preparing this big event?  I wondered who all these so called “important people” would be.  Well, I mean to tell you there were people there you would never believe.  It Just about blew my mind.  He must have invited everybody on the planet.  People were there who had been bed ridden, who I thought had no way of getting there.  There were people who some call “street people,” the lamed, crippled, the depressed and lonely, the mentally and physically disabled, backsliders, criminals, alcoholics and drug addicts were even there.  The homeless and poor, the wealthy and people from different other races, religions and cultures were there. 

I just looked across the room I saw some atheists mingling with some hypocrites and devout Christians and Jews.  I got a glimpse of frightened and anxious people, athletes and movie stars and television personalities, proud and haughty people interacting with the humble in spirit, gamblers, doctors, lawyers and other business people, the jobless and your average “plain Joes.”  And would you believe that even government officials took the time to come?  The dinner must not have been limited to any age group either because I saw old people, young men and women, youth, and little boys and girls.  WOW!  It was so overwhelming that anybody in their right mind could or would ever have thought of entertaining some of these people, let alone that many.  He had not left anybody out it seemed.  But you know, it is written that this time would.  Now I am really a believer!

“… God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  (Philippians 2:9-11)  HMM!  That must be why so many are there.

A lot of us spend our entire lives trying to avoid some of these same people.  Yes, I had wondered if I was really ready for this big event.  I had tried to imagine what everybody’s reaction was going to be when they arrived and saw me, and all great the diversity of guests gathered for Big Dinner.   I thought, “How in the world all these people would fit into one house, let alone get along with each other?”  I was hoping also that everyone would know THE WAY.  THE HOST had sent the directions with the invitation so all anyone had to do was just follow them carefully and they shouldn’t get lost.  As an extra precaution He also included maps and a GPS he so He would always know everyone’s location and be able to get them redirected. 

The answers to all my concerns came when I remembered that God had made plans and provisions for each one of us before we were ever anybody’s idea.  David expressed it best in Psalm 139:13-14, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  He had already assured us that there would definitely be enough room for each one of us in His Father’s house, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  John 14:2-3

The crowd was enormous.  See The Host was very wise.   He included the MENU in each personalized invitation He sent out, and you know how people love to eat.  It simply read, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28  He felt that a FREE MEAL would surely get us all there.  Even though the meal was free, it cost Him everything He had to throw this party because He knew we were well worth it.  That is why.  “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

The crowd continued to gather for a very long time and there was room for many more to come.  I don’t remember seeing you arrive.  Everybody was so hungry and ready to be fed so The Host gave the blessing and fed all who were there?  Were you somewhere in the crowd?  Did I just not see you because there were so many people?  Or are you still trying to find you way?  I surely hope so.  Don’t be too late!

The best part was the DESSERT, “New life with Jesus” YUUUUUUMY!  HALLELUJAH!  CHRIST IS RISEN!  CHIRST IS RISEN INDEED!!!

I’ll let you in on a little secret.  I’m still here.  In fact a lot of the guests are still hanging around.  The dessert was what did it.  There is more of everything left, so if you are in the area, shoot me a text.  If you are still trying to get here and you’re lost or stranded, you have all the contact numbers.  Be blessed today and always and know I love you.  I don’t care how you get here.  Just get here if you can.  And also, remember all the others who are in need of “a big dinner.”  There is a standing invitation. abp

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April 8, 2011

Good Evening,

Most people relate to causes, events or other people.  Whatever our reasons for wanting to be connected, we achieve certain gratification.  Why?  Why am I drawn to certain people and why do I do what I do?  What drives me and sets me in motion as from day to day, even when I don’t feel like moving?  I can come up with good excuses for not doing things I should be doing,  like, “I am not as strong or as young as I used to be, or I don’t know how to do this or that, or somebody else will do it.  What keeps me going, I mean really making me put the “pedal to the metal?”  I know some of you might be saying it’s because I am stubborn.  Maybe I am too stubborn to give in to my weakness from my accident.   But I believe that the ultimate answer to all these questions lies in the fact that we all have a need to be a part of a “greater whole.”  So, we attach ourselves to whoever or whatever satisfies that need.  The important thing is that we make the right decisions to make the right connections and stay focused.

God created each us uniquely with a specific and definite purpose in mind.  Unfortunately, we often gravitate away from His “greater whole.”  This occurs because we lose our (yes, here’s that word again) FOCUS on “Greater Whole” which is the BODY OF CHRIST.  Each member of the BODY, no matter how weak, or how strong,  is of vital importance to the other.  I am always so blessed when I see persons with disabilities who do not allow their disabilities to become handicaps to prevent them living wholesome, joyful lives and serving others.  In fact it makes me feel down right guilty for ever complaining about anything and guilty for not doing more to serve others.  I have to admit that there are times when I feel that I can’t do certain things and feel tempted to not even try.  The point is, where I may be lacking, others are strong, thus enabling us to compliment each other’s gifts to get God’s work done as the true ambassadors we were called to be.  None of us should think any less or more of ourselves than we ought to, because we all have something to offer to the “greater whole” since we are supposed to be a part of it.

Paul expresses it  like this in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.  “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.  For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.  Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.  If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.  And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” that would make it any less part of the body.  If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be?  If the whole body were hearing, where would be the sense of smell be? … The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”  On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this.  But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another.  If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.  Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

Since God has given me the honorable privilege of serving Him through service to others I am certainly going to give it my best shot as I aim for my “new life” in Him.  Gotta “represent” the BODY, you know.

Please remember to continue to remember all of our prayer concerns and be especially blessed today and always and know that I love you.  abp

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April 4, 2011

Good Morning,

April 1^st my young grandson matured to the “ripe young age” of SIX.  He had spent most of his young life just waiting to be SIX.  I’m not sure I remember my sixth birthday, but I do remember turning sixteen.  That is when I got my driver’s license, dated for the first time, graduated from high school, went away from home for the first time to college and met my husband.  During the four years that followed my sixteenth birthday, I really felt like I was “grown.”  I even got married at age nineteen, the summer before my senior year in college.  Can you believe that?  After completing my last year of college (as a “married lady” mind you) and graduating from college, I joined my husband, landed my first job in inner city Cleveland, Ohio, started our family and began to discover what “real” life was all about, what it really meant to be “grown.”  This was when the great rude awakening came.  In no time at all, I admitted that I had a lot more learning and growing up to do to be really prepared and equipped to face the REAL adult world. 

Fifty-one years later I realize that when I thought I had become “grown” at the tender age of sixteen, I had not even begun to tap into what being “grown” was all about.  These days when parents offer children advice they often reply, “I’m grown now.”  (something I never quite had the nerve to say to my parents), even after I was well past, what I called, being “grown.”  As I watched Stevie in his excitement about being SIX, I couldn’t help but reminisce a bit, while also imagining the various stages he would experience during each decade until he would see the number SIX again. The next ten years he could count on his little fingers seemed like an eternity to him now.

I know now that I was also spiritually a neophyte “back in the day” when I thought I had it all together.  Handling life’s tee-bone steaks is hard.  Aside from not being able to afford it, I barley knew what steak tasted like, having grown up in a family with very modest means.  I can’t even remember when I had my first steak now.  As we develop we move from milk to strained baby food, then to junior foods or simple foods from the family table (cut up of mashed up so we could digest them), then to eating what adults eat.  Sometimes we have to go back to the previous stage until we are ready for the next.  When our systems are mature enough, we are able to eat and easily digest solid foods, including tee bone steaks.  This developmental process is perhaps the most important part of God’s masterful plan and design for our bodies, minds and souls as He prepares us to be used by Him.  By the time we reach adulthood we are expected to be able, not only to make proper selections and digest the food and other things we put into our systems, but we are also expected to function as mature adults and not like immature children.  Paul puts it this way.  ”… though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrew 5:12-14.  In other words, we empty ourselves of childish things (the milk and baby food) to make room for the tee bone steaks.  Spiritual maturity must take place in order to live our healthy “new lives” in a way that is pleasing and acceptable to God. 

Then and only then can we light the path for others that leads to Him.  By allowing God to develop each stage of my “digestive system” by emptying myself, I am learning to just take one day at a time and smell the roses along the way, while appreciating the sweet smell of rain, as well as basking in the warmth of sunshine, all the time looking forward to the next SIX in my life, and the next, and the next and the next … How is God preparing you for the next SIX in your life?   How’s your steak?  I love you.  abp

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YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO JOIN THE RACE

TIME:  Today, right now.  PLACE: You are already on the starting line.   COST:  Commitment  to serving God and humbly acknowledging His FORGIVENESS and FAITHFULNESS.

March 30, 2011

Good Morning,

I have been in training now for three weeks, no, all my life, to more realistic.  I began this year’s spring training on Ash Wednesday (March 9) when I invited you to sign up for the “Lenten decathlon” with me.  I say “training” because I feel as if I am in intense training, feeling at times tired, discouraged, in pain and weary, but still maintaining the will to finish the race and win the prize.  (“Train yourself in Godliness,” (1Timothy 4:7), the Bible says.  I am here to tell you that the “obstacle course” and the “training table” leave a lot to be desired.  Nonetheless, I am learning a lot about self discipline and self denial.  Remember Christ’s journey to the Cross?  I thank God, however, that there are “pit stops” along the way so I can relieve myself (of some “stuff”), clinch my thirst (with a fresh sip from “the fountain”) and curb my hunger (with a bite or two of “bread”).  Although the race is very grueling the pit stops allow me to quickly satisfy all my needs at once so I can continue the race without getting too far behind.  I just run to my built-in ATM and enter my PIN and make a quick from  my “bank account” empty and refuel. You know, that savings account I told you that yields such tremendous dividends for times like these?  The dividends alone, however, produce just the right amount of strength and stamina I need to re-energize and refocus on “All things new.”  So, I pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again.  Try it the next time you need a “pit stop” because it is quick and easy and there is no long line to stand in.  You don’t even have to tear open a wrapper and worry about littering and you are on your way again before you know it.  These little breaks really help “when the going gets tough”, to get the “tough going” again.

To survive I have a survival kit which consists of my Bible (I call it my Bankbook/ATM card and road map) and Our Daily Bread and The Upper Room Lenten Guide and devotionals.  So far the workouts have consisted of a daily regimen of: 1) Practicing believing and expecting that God changes me by preparing me to live a “new life” through tests and trials, based on His promises,  so that His purposes in my life might be fulfilled; 2)  Practicing recognizing that God works in my life to bring others, as well as myself, closer to Him (even when I am not aware of His presence) to fulfill His promises (giving of my resources and myself to others, even when I don’t think I can) and 3) Practicing understanding that Christian living must be my top priority because this is how God expects me to respond to His promises if I am to draw closer to Him (even when I make bad decisions or I am disappointed, mistreated or otherwise challenged).

Here’s the thing.  I keep on running, no matter what happens along the way.  Remember how in the movie Forrest Gump, he just kept on running?  When he didn’t know what else to do he just started running.  He physically ran clear across the country and back while others began to follow him.  Many did not know why nor where they were running.  They just joined the race.  Many of his followers found ways to capitalize on their running experience following him, but that is a conversation for another time. 

Why do I run?  I run because God is the NAVIGATOR of my life and I want to live a “new life with Him.  If I don’t keep up I might, no, I will get lost.  I dare not stop or take any detours for fear of getting lost (unless for “pit stops” of course.)  He has brought me too far now.  We have covered some pretty rough terrain, and still encounter stormy weather at times, but we keep on running, TOGETHER.  I really don’t know another route to take to get me where I need to be.  

·       I run because of the HOPE I have in a God who is FAITHFUL to His promises so I want to please Him.  Remember how when we were children we were so anxious to please the adults in our lives and anyone who made promises to us?  I believe God to be a PROMISE KEEPER so I want to learn to praise Him for all and in all that He has in store for me, the good and the bad.  See I know that in my weakness His power is made strong. 

·       I run because I want OTHERS TO BELIEVE His promises.  I cannot hide my light.  I can only see my way if lights are turned on.  The same is true for others.  The hope is that by seeing my light others may also come to glorify God.

What are God’s promises? 

(Jeremiah 31:1-2)  “At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.”  ² This is what the LORD says: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel…”  (v1,2)

 “…⁷ This is what the LORD says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, ‘LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’  ⁸ See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. ⁹ They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, …” (v7-9);

^“This is what the LORD says: “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” declares the LORD. “They will return from the land of the enemy. ¹⁷ So there is hope for your descendants,” declares the LORD…” (v16, 17)

 “…. ²⁵ I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”  (v25)

“… For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”  (v34).

Where will my run lead me?  I believe that by running the race that is set before me I will inherit eternal life, the “new life” that He has promised all who repent and turn to Him.  I believer that if I run my race successfully, if I just persevere and get across the finish line then my living shall not have been in vain because I will have helped make the world a better place where everyone can live together as ONE, with God right in the center and has permanent residence. 

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16  It’s hard to imagine that He loved me just that much every time I think of that Old Rugged Cross, but HE DID! And we were all there, remember?  Remember His last “pit stop?”  It’s so ironic.  Many thought it was His last “pit stop,” but it wasn’t!  He is still running, hoping that we will join the race with Him.  There is so much to be gained.

“In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”   Isaiah 25:9

Be blessed today and always and know that I love you as you join “THE TRAINER” me in the TRAINING ROOM, at THE TRAINING TABLE or out on THE TRACK.  Either way, it’s all good.  Remember all of our prayer concerns.  Be sure to bring these with you.  abp

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March 23, 2011

Good morning,

As I said yesterday, each day we are surrounded by people, things and situations that make it hard to stay focused on God.  As I strive to fast during this season I am often tempted by the distractions of mouth watering aromas or television advertisements of delicious and delectable foods that I so dearly love.  Also, during times of fasting we may feel weak and nervous and our anxiety level is elevated just at the thought of being empty.  The writer of the Upper Room devotional helps to put things into proper perspective this way when we are able to say “no” to these distractions.  “…But this emptiness pleases God. When we empty ourselves for his sake, he can fill us in ways nothing else can. When we make ourselves weak, he is able to make us strong. ... This emptying also reminds us of how Jesus emptied himself of his divine rights and humbled himself when he came to walk with us, and to die on the cross in our place.

There is so much to praise God for in emptiness.  There is such great comfort and joy, especially during stressful times, as I see God working so mightily in and through me and in the lives of others whose lives I touch, as well as those He is allowing to touch my life.  If we as Christians are to grow into the "new life," we must shoulder the weight He keeps adding, whether we like or not, to build strong spiritual muscles, even though we just don't want to strain of carrying any more weight. At times my back just plain hurts. And I know yours does too. But, carry the weight WE CAN, RIGHT?  Why? Because we know what the end results will be for those who persevere. We just have to continue to feed ourselves the wholesome stuff so that we are spiritually nourished with all the essentials we need as we empty ourselves to be ready to lift whatever weights God decides we need to persevere. 

How then do we show our gratitude to God?  We do so by diligently and consistently praising Him.  This is how we demonstrate, yes, even in the midst of distractions, how thankful we are to Him for filling our emptiness not only with Humility and self denial, but also with praise.   “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

 Let us pray the following prayer as we find a way to empty ourselves for those in need of sympathy, healing and comfort, as well as their caregivers are:  The family of Ida Louise Hill, in Jasper, Alabama, Clara Osborne, Joseph M. Peck, Lucy Brabson, Mary K. Haynes, Inez Dunwoody, Billy Parker, Marie McIntyre, James and Betty Toney, Tom and Jean Sheets, Michael and Charlotte Tate, Pat Crippens and others who may be on your hearts.  Prayerfully remember all families in crisis and distress.

Our Father in Heaven, We thank you and we praise you for giving us strength to persevere, for we are weak.  Open our eyes and help us to see this world as you see it.  Help us to look to you when we are tempted to fear emptiness and stand before you expecting your comfort, instead of running from that which we fear, or returning to old habits.

Help us to remember that we can find our strength and fulfillment in you by becoming empty vessels to receive the comfort that only you can give.  Help us reject distractions of messages we hear every day about the fulfillment found in food, riches, sex, and power.  God, be our strength and comfort! We need your peace.  We need you Lord.  We are making space for you in our lives today so that you may meet us in the empty places we have made.  Lord, draw near to us, and fill us until we overflow. Amen

Be blessed today as you offer praise for whatever your circumstance or opportunity for service awaits you today.  Always know that I love you.  abp

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