We Are Not Alone!

As Christians we have the holy spirit in us, to guide us and help us to know and hear his direction for our lives and those around us. How many have watched the show "Touched By An Angel"? Often times that is how I see my role as a Christian. I am on a mission for something greater than me, with a understanding that I am just a vessel being used for God's spirit to flow through me to others, who are in need of encouragement, a helping hand, or just a shoulder to lean on. God's hands and feet...

In a small group I recently joined we are learning to listen to God's call on our lives and how he speaks to us. As you may imagine every way is unique to the individual and the setting, as we share personal journeys and stories to encourage and pray for each other.

What it does remind me and encourage me though is that we are not alone. Often times we get caught up in our own bubble and think no one cares, but God's word reminds us that we are never alone, even when no one is around. His spirit resides in us and when we seek him, he is always there. We then have the opportunity to reach out to others in the natural, pointing to Jesus so that he can then speak to them in his spirit.

Many are aware that I have started an outreach in India through the help of colleagues on the ground and support from friends here in the states, with a desire to show them God's love by helping to meet their immediate needs in a very practical way, and point them to Jesus for everlasting life.

 I am asking for prayer for this mission and those who are serving and others who are giving selflessly financially that they will be encouraged and strengthened in their  journey as well, and will grow stronger in their faith, as God's word goes forth in this hill station in Southern India.

Attached is an outreach video to share with others. As you watch, please pass along to your prayer groups and pray each day as we approach Easter, that God's word would fill these people's hearts in a mighty way, in Jesus Name!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gbOutogVVY&feature=youtu.be

That's What Faith Can Do!

During the lenten season of reflection and doing things are little more intentional, a few years back I adopted a more deliberate prayer list. For those of you who use lists, you know it is a tangible way to see your progress. For others who tend to drift, it also helps to give one focus.

I must confess as a kid, I dreaded my dad's list in his little brown book, because I knew that "list" stood between me and the things I wanted to do on Saturday morning. I learned in a very tangible way that the quicker that list was eliminated, the sooner I could play. I cannot say that the quality of work was on my mind either, until I had to redo a few things. Oh the lessons we learn and pass on....

As I started this exercise, it seems that there are more and more people and opportunities that have come to my attention that I can pray for and about. The neat thing is, as I have made this commitment to pray for them daily, the lists is getting longer, but also shorter at the same time, as I see answers to those on my list on a daily basis. It is as if, the more I put down the faster they get answered. WOW! Not that is a faith builder if ever there was one!

For those that are answered, I marked them off and write thank you! It has become a very tangible and daily reminder of God's word and his promises. "You have not because you ask not. In all things with thanksgiving let your requests be know to God". The author and finisher of our faith!

What a blessing we have as Christians to be able to pray and know that we have an advocate with the Father in heaven through Jesus Christ. Are we using that gift that God has so freely given to all of us, for his good and for those around us?

I am reminded through this simple exercise that no matter where we are, or what we do for a living, we come in contact with people everyday that we can pray for. As a result, we have a chance to make a difference in people's lives. The question is are we?

As I continue in my lenten exercise in a very deliberate, intentional manner, my confidence in God's divine provision and blessings grow daily. I encourage you to start your own list, and see if God does not speak to your heart as well, and help make a difference in the lives of people around you.

Song:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1JBSQMkQEo

It's Way Beyond Me!

As others have shared their journeys of trials and hardships and reflecting on my own, I recognize there are good times and bad for us all. What we have as Christians though is a hope and promise that God is working behind the scenes for our good. Valleys are part of our journey in this life, just as rain and sunshine go together, mountain top experiences are followed by valleys.

Through every trial I have learned to see it as God's steering, whether to a better place, or out of harms way. As I look back I am encouraged to keep pressing on, even though I have no idea of what lies ahead, I do know my past is proof of his sovereignty in my life for good.

I reflect today on where I have been and where I am currently. I sit and look at the space I now inhabit compared to where I have lived.  Though I have very little in earthly possessions and opulence in my present surroundings, there is a peace that passes understanding and knowing that I am where I am suppose to be for this moment and doing what I was made for. A sense of fulfillment that only comes from above.

I was taken from my mother's womb, adopted, placed in a Godly home to learn about his love and grace. I had people speak into my life through good and bad times, became a mother, divorced, was poor, rich, in need, blessed beyond measure and through it all, "I have learned to trust in Jesus, I have learned to trust in God, I have learned to depend upon his word." I know the plans I have for you to give you a hope and a future. I knew you before you were born, I took you from your mothers womb. 

Just a few of the many scriptures paraphrased throughout the bible to encourage each of us and strengthen us on our current journey. In reading and reflecting we can see that God is sovereign and is working all things to good to them that are called according to his purpose.

When we turn our lives over to God and allow him to steer our ship, he will take us places we have never dreamed of! Here is a song that resonates with me a lot lately...

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbbIDOtriAA