I am convinced of three things:
1. Prayer is powerful.
2. Praying with pure motives is the only way prayer can really be effective.
3. Honesty with God is crucial.
If you haven't heard of the American Pastor Saeed Abedini, please allow me to fill you in. He is an American and servant of Christ who founded an orphanage in Iran. He has been arrested and sentenced to 8 years in prison. Prisons in Iran are not like prisons in the United States. Iranian prisons are harsh and horrible places. Days ago he was transferred to one of the most violent and brutal prisons in all of the world. Saeed has a wife and two children in the United States. Stop and think a moment, what if that was your husband? Alive, but cold, hungry and likely being beaten and tortured. This could go on for eight years, or he could be executed or suffer to death. Can you even fathom the pain and agony his family is going through? Knowing he is alive and hurting and not being able to physically rescue him? Can you even stomach the thought? I can not. It makes me sick just writing about his story.
God brought Saeed's situation to my attention through a newsletter from Sumaritan's purse. I couldn't shake it off. I couldn't read the plea for prayer and think, "oh that's awful" and continue on with my day. I ached for him, and for his family. I prayed, but not fervently. I thought, what can I do? Surely God has a purpose for this man and nothing I pray or ask can change that plan. For some reason though, the Holy Spirit wouldn't let me let it go. Some time went by and I heard about him again. Thousands gathered in Washington DC for a prayer vigil to urge the President (of the US) to bring this up at a meeting he was having with the Iranian president.
Two days ago, his wife painfully announced her husband had been moved to the most brutal prison in Iran. So it would seem God is not hearing prayers. Wouldn't it? I was troubled, deeply. I again folded my hands and said "God, what can I do? Show me how to pray, lead me. Tell me what I can do. Should I share his story on facebook? Should I write about him? What can I do, Lord!"
Today Saeed's wife asked for Christians all around the world to take an hour to pray for Saeed. Can you believe that? That was it! That is what God wanted me to do! That was the way to help Saeed, his family and everyone who Saeed comes in contact with. I was still troubled though, I didn't know what to pray for. I know that Saeed's life whether he be released now, in eight years or is martyred for God is in the hands of our Lord. No matter what God chooses to do, Saeed's suffering will not be in vein. His actions are going to have a big impact on people in Iran, the US and around the world. His story, his life and his suffering will be apart of history. God graciously is allowing me to be apart of that through prayer. You can be apart of this historic time, too. If every Christian were to pray, if all of us where to share his story, imagine the effects it would have! We would not only come together as the body of Christ through prayer but we would be making a huge splash! We would be kicking evil right in the face. We would be standing up for Christ. We can help, maybe not physically but spiritually we can which, is more powerful anyway!
So friends, I urge you to take time to pray for Pastor Saeed Abedini and his wife and children. If you don't know what to pray for, here are a few things to consider:
1. Strength and courage for Saeed to continue to preach the gospel to his fellow prisoners and captors. Ask the Lord to send His angels to be with Saeed and the prisoners in that camp. Pray that the Holy Spirit touch everyone Saeed come's in contact with, including his captors. Pray that they would have open ears to listen and softened hearts so that they might be able to accept God's message of enduring love. Pray that God give strength to Saeed each day, to be able to do what God has for him.
2. Strength for Saeed's wife to continue to proclaim the gospel. How easy would it be for her to throw her hands up and scream at God for not allowing her husband to be released? Instead, she continually praises God and has faith that He will use her husband to teach the guards and prisoners about Jesus. She believes he was moved there to do just that; to proclaim Jesus' good news to people who probably haven't seen day light in who knows how long. They are hurting people, as well as people who have committed horrific crimes. Yet God loves them enough to use Saeed to reach them! Pray that God give her grace, love and strength to make it through each day and be able to care for her children.
3. Ask God to show you what you can do to help Saeed. Ask the Lord to strengthen your prayer life and relationship with Him through this.
4. Pray that Christians world wide would hear Saeed's story and be inspired to pray for him, and make some noise for Jesus! We will not be silenced, Saeed will not be silenced. We will proclaim the name of Jesus until He comes back! Then every mouth will confess that He is God.
In the beginning of this message I said I was sure of three things. First, that prayer is powerful. I wish I could have been there in DC, to see thousands of Christians pray for one man. What an incredible sight that would have been. I was reading through Philipians and while Paul was in chains he said he prayed. He prayed for others and he prayed that he might be able to fulfill his purpose. If Paul thought prayer was important, so should we. Again, I ask you to think about what could happen if all of us prayed for this man and his family? Pray that God receive the glory, lives would be touched and the Lord's plan be fulfilled. Miracles do happen, and God is a good God.
Second, I am sure we must pray with pure motives or our prayers can not be effective. I want Saeed to come home, as I am sure all of us do. Yet, I feel God tugging on my heart. Should I want him to be released more than I want triumph for God and as many lives touched as possible? Do I want God's plan which, is crafted with an eternal perspective or do I want my plan to prevail? I want God's plan to prevail, and I guess I can hope that includes a safe return for Pastor Saeed.
Lastly, be honest with God. I told Him, I don't know what to pray for! He showed me, through reading the bible and through Saeed's wife asking for all Christians to come together in communal prayer. He answered my prayer, because I was honest and had pure motives. I wanted to help, I just didn't know how. He is so gracious and says we can come to His throne with confidence when we pray! Be honest with your Savior.
For more information on Pastor Saeed Abedini and the Be Heard Project please see:
http://beheardproject.com/saeed
Love to you all,
B
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Aloneness is Beautiful
I was reading through the Bible tonight and I have to share a few quick thoughts.
The Bible says that not death, nor life, angels nor demons, the present nor the future-NOTHING in all of creation is able to separate you from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ. I have read that passage several times; I'm pretty sure I even put that verse on my wedding program. This time though, when I read that not even an angel can get in the way of God's love towards me, I experienced a joy that I wish for everyone to experience. Can you fathom that? God the Creator of all things loves me and loves me intensely!
When I read the bible, each time I read a verse I get something different from what I have read. This is only natural because I am experiencing different things in life each time I read. I must have read this last April if I put this on my wedding program! Even then, it did not impact me the way it did tonight. Why? I don't know. The Holy Spirit just hit me with it tonight. Perhaps because I am more focused. I am alone with God with absolutely no distractions (like a wedding). God speaks to me continually through moments like these, in times of being alone.
One on one time with God is powerful. One on one time reading the bible is powerful. Reading the bible is incredibly more impacting than a devotion or watching a sermon on YouTube. I do both of those things too, but they do not nourish me spiritually the way reading the bible does. Reading the bible is gut wrenching and terrifying and wonderful and encouraging and relevant (every single time) and intense. I used to open a little devotion book every morning, read a verse with a supporting paragraph and expect that to last me through out the day. Uhhh no. Not going to happen. I used to want something "quick" because I was busy. Uhhhh no again. I want God in a quick dose and I want Him to work miracles?! No. God wants time with you. Sometimes He is quick. Sometimes, He isn't. I tell you what He is all of the time no matter what or when or for how long: Powerful. He gives you power and speaks to you directly through reading the bible and the Holy Spirit guides you through that process. I physically experience symptoms of the Holy Spirit when I read the bible, too. I sometimes get hot, or have goosebumps or butterflies. The Living God is with me when I open up that book and let Him speak to me. Tonight He told me that I am not alone, I am with the Creator of all. He loves me passionately and nothing in this world or any other world can get in the way of that. I am not sure why He wanted me to know that tonight. Maybe so I would share with others or maybe to prepare me for an upcoming trial. Maybe He just wanted to remind me. I am not sure, but I am glad He did.
If you have never read the bible before I encourage you to pray before opening it. Be totally honest with the Lord and tell Him your questions, fears and reservations. Don't hold back...He's God! He can read your mind anyway! Then ask Him to speak to you through His book. I recommend reading John, Hebrews or Galatians first if you are a first time reader.
The Bible says that not death, nor life, angels nor demons, the present nor the future-NOTHING in all of creation is able to separate you from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ. I have read that passage several times; I'm pretty sure I even put that verse on my wedding program. This time though, when I read that not even an angel can get in the way of God's love towards me, I experienced a joy that I wish for everyone to experience. Can you fathom that? God the Creator of all things loves me and loves me intensely!
When I read the bible, each time I read a verse I get something different from what I have read. This is only natural because I am experiencing different things in life each time I read. I must have read this last April if I put this on my wedding program! Even then, it did not impact me the way it did tonight. Why? I don't know. The Holy Spirit just hit me with it tonight. Perhaps because I am more focused. I am alone with God with absolutely no distractions (like a wedding). God speaks to me continually through moments like these, in times of being alone.
One on one time with God is powerful. One on one time reading the bible is powerful. Reading the bible is incredibly more impacting than a devotion or watching a sermon on YouTube. I do both of those things too, but they do not nourish me spiritually the way reading the bible does. Reading the bible is gut wrenching and terrifying and wonderful and encouraging and relevant (every single time) and intense. I used to open a little devotion book every morning, read a verse with a supporting paragraph and expect that to last me through out the day. Uhhh no. Not going to happen. I used to want something "quick" because I was busy. Uhhhh no again. I want God in a quick dose and I want Him to work miracles?! No. God wants time with you. Sometimes He is quick. Sometimes, He isn't. I tell you what He is all of the time no matter what or when or for how long: Powerful. He gives you power and speaks to you directly through reading the bible and the Holy Spirit guides you through that process. I physically experience symptoms of the Holy Spirit when I read the bible, too. I sometimes get hot, or have goosebumps or butterflies. The Living God is with me when I open up that book and let Him speak to me. Tonight He told me that I am not alone, I am with the Creator of all. He loves me passionately and nothing in this world or any other world can get in the way of that. I am not sure why He wanted me to know that tonight. Maybe so I would share with others or maybe to prepare me for an upcoming trial. Maybe He just wanted to remind me. I am not sure, but I am glad He did.
If you have never read the bible before I encourage you to pray before opening it. Be totally honest with the Lord and tell Him your questions, fears and reservations. Don't hold back...He's God! He can read your mind anyway! Then ask Him to speak to you through His book. I recommend reading John, Hebrews or Galatians first if you are a first time reader.
The "Disabled"
God has given me countless gifts this year but He gave me one in particular that outweigh them all; the privilege of working with people with intellectual disabilities and their families. I learned a few things that I am desperate to share with anyone and everyone I come across!
First though, I should mention that during this experience I was developing my prayer life. That is a fancy way of saying I was talking to God more often, more intensely and more sincerely. I had no idea He was going to answer me in such powerful ways. I asked Him for two things. First, I asked Him to surround me with other believers. Then I asked for understanding of people with intellectual disabilities. Why are they "disabled"? Why are their parents and siblings suffering all around the world as a result of someone with a "disability"? Here is what our truly loving and glorious God shared with me through the most wonderful and inspiring people I have ever had the privilege of meeting.
Maureen is tall and truly beautiful. She has a soft voice but a commanding presence. She is a very successful woman in the worldly sense of the word "successful". She is strong, and has gone through much trouble and suffering. I could tell the first time I met her she was different but I couldn't put my finger on what it was until she shared her story. Then I realized, the Spirit of God is inside of this woman.
She has a son named Brian with severe intellectual disabilities. Maureen explained that her son has heightened senses. His taste is more acute. Sounds are louder and touch is more intense. One night there was a bad storm that lasted several days and it scared him. He couldn't understand the loud wind and pouring rain. I guess there was thunder too, which scares me also! There was nothing Maureen could do for her son to comfort him. She tried to explain to him that it is just a storm and it will pass away. As a result, Brian became afraid of the water. Maureen and her family live on the beach, but Brian never enjoyed the water until one calm day he just plunged in knee deep and looked out at the vast ocean. Maureen said after that moment there was an overwhelming sense of peace for Brian. Peace. Glorious peace. (She told the story much better...but you get the idea.)
Is this not a depiction of our lives? It is a direct reflection of mine. I am just like Brian! I get scared when I am taken out of my comfort zone. I get angry even! When I don't see relief right away I panic. When I don't have a plan I run around wildly trying to find control. Meanwhile God knows exactly what is going on, knows precisely the next step and is just waiting for me to relinquish control and let Him work in my life. The storm is just like the world. The world is loud and completely chaotic. It is scary and dark. Life sometimes feels like a storm, too. Sometimes it seems like the storm will never pass. The water is Jesus who is eternal peace once we step into it. We have to accept His peace and step into His wonderful and saving presence. Brian has learned that storms will pass. Have I? Brian learned that the calm water is beautiful, enriching and wonderful, just like Jesus. Have I? I believe so, but do I do so? Maureen does, and she did. She willingly gave her life to God-and He has already kept His faithful promises to her and is continuing to do so. He is using Maureen, Brian and her family for His glorious purpose. How many of us will die without a sense of purpose? How many of us will live out our lives without completing the mission God gave us?
Maureen does not have an intellectual disability. She has a successful company and earthly duties as a business woman. God has blessed her with wealth with the expectation to share with others, but that is not her purpose. She has a real and true purpose appointed to her by God! God made her the wonderful mommy of sweet Brian, HIS beloved child! He chose her to take care of Brian. Some people in the world believe it is a curse. That is a lie. To be chosen to care for the "least of these" is to care for Jesus Christ himself. God says so! What a gift! Maureen is among the blessed, so do not ever feel sorry for someone who has a child with special needs. That child was created by the Lord. In too many cultures it is believed that parents did something wrong or are being cursed by god if they bear a child with a "disability". My God does not say that. In fact He says this about people with disabilities "Neither man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so the work of God might be displayed in his life" John 9:3
Brian does have an intellectual disability. He does not have success in the worlds eyes. It is hard for him to do things that are so easy for people without a disability. BUT Brian is being used by God to change lives. Brian has a purpose given by our God. Brian is not disabled, he is ABLE through Christ who strengthens him. Brian's life will be used to Glorify God- and isn't that the point of life?
I met so many people with awesome stories like Maureen's. I may write about them all one day! I will never again look at someone with a "disability" and pitty them. I will never again look at the things they can not do. I will always be reminded of what God can and will do through them. So to wrap it all up, I would say God answered my prayers in a much cooler way than I could have every asked for. Amen!
First though, I should mention that during this experience I was developing my prayer life. That is a fancy way of saying I was talking to God more often, more intensely and more sincerely. I had no idea He was going to answer me in such powerful ways. I asked Him for two things. First, I asked Him to surround me with other believers. Then I asked for understanding of people with intellectual disabilities. Why are they "disabled"? Why are their parents and siblings suffering all around the world as a result of someone with a "disability"? Here is what our truly loving and glorious God shared with me through the most wonderful and inspiring people I have ever had the privilege of meeting.
Maureen is tall and truly beautiful. She has a soft voice but a commanding presence. She is a very successful woman in the worldly sense of the word "successful". She is strong, and has gone through much trouble and suffering. I could tell the first time I met her she was different but I couldn't put my finger on what it was until she shared her story. Then I realized, the Spirit of God is inside of this woman.
She has a son named Brian with severe intellectual disabilities. Maureen explained that her son has heightened senses. His taste is more acute. Sounds are louder and touch is more intense. One night there was a bad storm that lasted several days and it scared him. He couldn't understand the loud wind and pouring rain. I guess there was thunder too, which scares me also! There was nothing Maureen could do for her son to comfort him. She tried to explain to him that it is just a storm and it will pass away. As a result, Brian became afraid of the water. Maureen and her family live on the beach, but Brian never enjoyed the water until one calm day he just plunged in knee deep and looked out at the vast ocean. Maureen said after that moment there was an overwhelming sense of peace for Brian. Peace. Glorious peace. (She told the story much better...but you get the idea.)
Is this not a depiction of our lives? It is a direct reflection of mine. I am just like Brian! I get scared when I am taken out of my comfort zone. I get angry even! When I don't see relief right away I panic. When I don't have a plan I run around wildly trying to find control. Meanwhile God knows exactly what is going on, knows precisely the next step and is just waiting for me to relinquish control and let Him work in my life. The storm is just like the world. The world is loud and completely chaotic. It is scary and dark. Life sometimes feels like a storm, too. Sometimes it seems like the storm will never pass. The water is Jesus who is eternal peace once we step into it. We have to accept His peace and step into His wonderful and saving presence. Brian has learned that storms will pass. Have I? Brian learned that the calm water is beautiful, enriching and wonderful, just like Jesus. Have I? I believe so, but do I do so? Maureen does, and she did. She willingly gave her life to God-and He has already kept His faithful promises to her and is continuing to do so. He is using Maureen, Brian and her family for His glorious purpose. How many of us will die without a sense of purpose? How many of us will live out our lives without completing the mission God gave us?
Maureen does not have an intellectual disability. She has a successful company and earthly duties as a business woman. God has blessed her with wealth with the expectation to share with others, but that is not her purpose. She has a real and true purpose appointed to her by God! God made her the wonderful mommy of sweet Brian, HIS beloved child! He chose her to take care of Brian. Some people in the world believe it is a curse. That is a lie. To be chosen to care for the "least of these" is to care for Jesus Christ himself. God says so! What a gift! Maureen is among the blessed, so do not ever feel sorry for someone who has a child with special needs. That child was created by the Lord. In too many cultures it is believed that parents did something wrong or are being cursed by god if they bear a child with a "disability". My God does not say that. In fact He says this about people with disabilities "Neither man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so the work of God might be displayed in his life" John 9:3
Brian does have an intellectual disability. He does not have success in the worlds eyes. It is hard for him to do things that are so easy for people without a disability. BUT Brian is being used by God to change lives. Brian has a purpose given by our God. Brian is not disabled, he is ABLE through Christ who strengthens him. Brian's life will be used to Glorify God- and isn't that the point of life?
I met so many people with awesome stories like Maureen's. I may write about them all one day! I will never again look at someone with a "disability" and pitty them. I will never again look at the things they can not do. I will always be reminded of what God can and will do through them. So to wrap it all up, I would say God answered my prayers in a much cooler way than I could have every asked for. Amen!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Hypocrites, Full Pews & Empty Streets
I have talked to many people who say church isn't for them. They say "I don't like the atmosphere. I don't have time. I don't have to go to church to be a Christian. So-and-so is a hypocrite and they go to church, so I don't want anything to do with it. Church people are self-righteous. I don't like to sing". The list goes on and on!
Then there are those (I have/do fall into this category) who go to church but aren't being the church. There is a huge difference. Going to church, doing bible study, joining a small group, posting cute pictures of bible verses on facebook and downloading a devotion app are all important and contribute to spiritual growth but is that really being the church? Are we being the hands and feet of Jesus? God chose us to be the people He uses to work miracles through, share love with and provide for His children. He is using US to do HIS incredible work! One of my pastors (I go to many different churches) Todd Cook of Sagebrush Community Church said that God does not care about what kind of car we drive. Well, yeah that is an easy concept. Everyone knows that! Then he proceeded to say God cares about how many people we gave a ride...
God must be frustrated with us. We have some who think church is a building of moral people who judge the sinners, self-righteous hypocrites and a bunch of bible thumpers. We let one person, two, maybe even many people turn us off and now we have shut out God. In the words of C.S. Lewis "A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell". The point is; you are loosing out. God's wonderfulness does not depend on whether or not you believe He exists or is a good God. He is no matter what you think. And for those of us who think 'living a good life' by going to church every Sunday, not smoking and tithing a few times is really being the church well, we would be wrong! God wants our heart, He wants us to serve all people and sacrifice everything we are for others.
This situation we find ourselves in would not have been apparent to me had I not tuned into Pastor Todd's message today. So, whether you are hesitant to give church another try or you need to be inspired again to get out of the pews and into the streets pouring out God's love to everyone you meet, I encourage you to change your day (and maybe even your life) by listening to a much wiser and funnier person than me! Tune in at http://www.sagebrush.cc/currentseries. Be prepared for a whole new church experience!
Then there are those (I have/do fall into this category) who go to church but aren't being the church. There is a huge difference. Going to church, doing bible study, joining a small group, posting cute pictures of bible verses on facebook and downloading a devotion app are all important and contribute to spiritual growth but is that really being the church? Are we being the hands and feet of Jesus? God chose us to be the people He uses to work miracles through, share love with and provide for His children. He is using US to do HIS incredible work! One of my pastors (I go to many different churches) Todd Cook of Sagebrush Community Church said that God does not care about what kind of car we drive. Well, yeah that is an easy concept. Everyone knows that! Then he proceeded to say God cares about how many people we gave a ride...
God must be frustrated with us. We have some who think church is a building of moral people who judge the sinners, self-righteous hypocrites and a bunch of bible thumpers. We let one person, two, maybe even many people turn us off and now we have shut out God. In the words of C.S. Lewis "A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell". The point is; you are loosing out. God's wonderfulness does not depend on whether or not you believe He exists or is a good God. He is no matter what you think. And for those of us who think 'living a good life' by going to church every Sunday, not smoking and tithing a few times is really being the church well, we would be wrong! God wants our heart, He wants us to serve all people and sacrifice everything we are for others.
This situation we find ourselves in would not have been apparent to me had I not tuned into Pastor Todd's message today. So, whether you are hesitant to give church another try or you need to be inspired again to get out of the pews and into the streets pouring out God's love to everyone you meet, I encourage you to change your day (and maybe even your life) by listening to a much wiser and funnier person than me! Tune in at http://www.sagebrush.cc/currentseries. Be prepared for a whole new church experience!
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