Troubled

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me." (John 14:1 NLT) This verse reminds me of the constancy of God's answers to our prayers. We ask and then let the power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ take care of the problem. It maybe issues with health, relationships, or the workplace. Whatever it is, we are to trust in Him. Believing in His strength, our trust will turn into tranquility. 

Plans

Before races volunteers pray beside each race car for its driver. The dangers of racing are well documented with videos and photos of horrific crashes. These events bring that day’s racing to a stop.

Life has “crashes” as well, which cause our schedules to come to a halt. It may be a parent who sits up all night or stays home from work because of a sick child. Your boss calls and tells you to fly to Chicago tomorrow to check on a large account. Maybe you become suddenly ill and are admitted to the hospital. These calamities and detours wreck our plans.

In Jeremiah 29:11 God says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Pray to know God’s plans for your life. It might be the Lord wants you to pray for your pastor daily.

Coffee with God

In 1988, I ran across Bill Hybels' book, Too Busy Not to Pray: Slowing Down to Be with God. Not only does this book have the basics of prayer, but it also speaks about the the value of meeting with Our Maker on a regular basis. My own devotional times with God grew more regular and productive. I noticed my personality mellowed and I gained an optimism of what the Lord had planned for my life.

I recently found a video on the web made by Hybels. This nine minute clip is called Coffee with God. He describes in a clear way what the Lord has done in several lives where they consistently began meeting with God each day. If you struggle with trying to find time to pray and read scripture each day, please enjoy these stories. The link is:
 Coffee with God

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Prayer can happen anywhere. I can hold onto my steering wheel and use it as an altar. At work, I can take a break and fold my hands over the keyboard. The place does not matter, but the fact that I pray continually is important. 

Prayer before a meal is good, but I don't want to stop there. Kneeling beside my bed at night is terrific, but what about the times in between? I want to keep my heart focused on heaven and my thoughts constantly in conversation with Jesus. These are reminders I tell myself each day.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Recently, the cardinals of the Catholic Church chose Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina to become the 266^th pope. The seventy-six-year-old had little to say to the crowd from the balcony on St. Peter’s Basilica. However, Pope Francis, a Jesuit, asked with urgency for the group to pray for him. Those assembled below him complied with silent intercession.

Like the pope, our ministers have a burning desire for their congregation to pray for them. They experience many of the same pressures as Pope Francis. Members of the clergy are expected to be good examples, savvy business managers, terrific counsellors, leaders of their staff, inspiring preachers/teachers and great at home too. As the assembled in the Vatican did, will you silently pray for your pastor?