October 16, 2012

Good morning all-

I'm writing from my hotel room so this post might be a little shorter than others.  I woke up to the wind whistling and hitting my window.  I thought it was hailing, instead it was just our lovely Kansas wind, whipping trees into my window.  Oh, how I love this time of year.  I'm sure it will be fun getting in and out of my car.  Last time the wind was blowing this hard I hit my head on my trunk. 

Yesterday, I wrote about God going before us.  I really believe that.  Even when we can't see Him, He is orchestrating behind the scenes.  Can you imagine being everywhere for everyone?  I can imagine it but boy would it be exhausting.  As I thought about the words Christ provided yesterday I looked at patients walking into doctors offices, people at Walmart (its a big chain in the US) and just people I guess.  They are everywhere, getting into their cars, walking across streets and it made me think of Jesus.  He is everywhere too.  He knows the guy getting into his car, more than likely He's written on His hand.  Interesting right?

Watching the people made me wonder about their circumstances.  I watched an older gentleman fill out papers for his wife and then hand them to her for her signature.  Another man had a leg problem and the doctor had saved him from losing it.  Another had a little girl that was crying because she was sick.  I imagine that each one of these people have stories.  My comfort lies in that Jesus knows their story.  He is surrounding this evil world and He's calling His people to Him.  Like you, I'm wondering where the world is going.  Where is Jesus taking us?  We know we live in the end times but what does that really mean for us and when will He come?  The Bible is specific, no man will know the hour but we can be preparing for it. 

As I was contemplating that, I had a lot of time on the road yesterday, I realized that we must be still in our journey.  Easy to say, hard to follow.  Even the disciples couldn't be still and they were intimate with Jesus.  What did Jesus say to the sea when the wind picked up and almost capsized the boat?  Do you remember?  It's important that we memorize this Scripture.  I sent it to my sister-in-law  who is grieving for the mother she just lost.  At the core of who we are, when life gets tough, we have to be still.  Stillness is the only way we will hear our direction.  I've practiced life two ways, one in shear panic, the other being still.  And I can tell you from experience being still is far nicer than having a panic attack.  Panic only leads to confusion and disallusion.  We need to let God go before us, remain still and pray for our direction.

I leave you with the Scripture that has ministered to my heart many times.  My boat has rocked often and so when I'm floundering I pray this Scripture.  I know Jesus is near but do I trust Him enough to calm my storm?  That's the question we must all ask ourselves.  If we have faith, peace will be there but Jesus must stop the boat from rocking.  Be safe today and wherever you live go outside and see the beauty God created for you and me!

Mark 4:39 NKJV:

     Then He arose and rebuked he wind, and said to the sea, "Peace be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

My prayer today:

O, Lord, thank you for the wind this morning.  It reminds me of Your great presence.  We all desire the ability to look at people and see their story and too love those that are unloveable so that we can be one with You.  I'm not an expert on theology but I want to be an expert on You.  I want to know You intimately and when the wind is whipping me around; I want to be still.  There are people all over the world looking for a Savior, they are crying out to You at home, streets, cars and shopping malls.  You know who they are, their Yours.  Lead us to Your people, give us eyes to see them in their circumstances.  Give us the wisdom to minister to them without judging them and be with us in the storm.  Grant us the peace that is spoken in Scripture and help us be still in all circumstances.  We are Your children and we come before You asking You to lead us to our future.  Be with all of us today and reveal Your heart to us.  We need You!  I thank You for everytime I look at a person and see You.  I know it's not me because my compassion is only so large.  The compassion and feelings I have today come from You and I am grateful.  Lead Your warriors to the people that need You most.  We are like sheep, wandering, asking our Shepherd to guide us and if the wind picks up, please still our hearts.  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...