Merry Christmas - 12/25/07

To all of you, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. The birth of our saviour Jesus Christ has brought peace and love, compassion and forgiveness, salvation and eternal life. All of these are yours because of your believe in Jesus as the Son of God. What a miracle! And, this miracle happens each and every time the name of Jesus is called upon and claimed as your own personal saviour. Hallelujah, Christ is born indeed! Praise the name of God our Father.
His love to all of you,
Doris

Christian Cliques

A Clergy Spouse spoke to me yesterday about feeling left out. She said there are other clergy spouses in her area who are so cliquish. They seem to be aloof, with an air of superiority or "greater Christian spirit." I talked with her about cliques and how they create a smaller group for those who do not feel comfortable competing in the larger environment, even when the larger group are other Christians. If they can define themselves as the "elite of God" they don't have to interact with those who would taint their perceived position. But remember, the truly "elite of God" - His own son, never set himself off but ate with the sinners and made His friends among the imperfect. Have pity on those who need cliques in order to feel safe in the world. They have a fearful spirit. They are more concerned about how they will be received by others, than they are of bringing the love and peace of a compassionate God and the salvation offered by His son Jesus. Love those, who are in cliques, into the fellowship of Jesus Christ. Pray for them, that their fear will be lifted and their self-absorption will be healed. They are deceived. As someone told me, "But you don't understand, my family is in the upper-class of Christianity." To that I responded, "In Christianity, there is no class system. It is impossible to be in Christianity's upper-class." Again, pray for their delusion of self-greatness and self-importance. They are loved of God, they just don't realize it unless they can exclude others. Bless and forgive them Father, "for they know not what they do."

Peace Came Down and Flooded Our Souls

I know, peace at Christmas time is one of the gifts God sent to us. But we fail to claim the prize. Holiday time can become very hectic. Still, within the glow of God's love is peace and calm. "Oh Father of all there is and ever will be; father of our Lord and Saviour the Christ child, we claim the peace you promised in your Word. Forgive us when we forget the source of our calm and the creator of Love and peace. May we, with your help, bring peace to those around us and to a hurting, chaotic world. We thank you for your gifts and blessings. May your blessing fall down like a gentle rain and quench a dried and parched world. In the name of, and by the power of your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen"

December 4, 2007

Praise God, He is coming again. Christmas is a time when we remember that Jesus is coming again, that He is here and that he lives within each one of us who claim Him as our Saviour. Do we live as if Jesus were alive and the Holy Spirit has taken up a dwelling place in our heart?
Someone recently asked: "How can I get through to people that their Sunday expressions of belief are not lived out during the week?" I tell you. no amount of scolding, preaching, or correcting them will do it.
If you want to help people to change, one has to catch the person doing the desired behavior or using desired language and praise them for their efforts in doing so. "I heard you talking with those men. They were really using 'blue' language weren't they? I so appreciated your sticking to words that are pleasing to God. That really takes dedication in today's society." They will be more likely to strive to use better langauge in the future.
"Oh Father God, we praise your Holy name. It is Holy and should not be misused. May your kingdom dwell in our hearts as it is in Heaven because we want so much to please you with our language and behavior. We pray that you will honor us with your presence as your scripture says you will, for when we are weak, you are strong. Forgive us for past misbehavior and words and we pray we will not be tempted again. We will give you all the praise and glory oh Father. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen"

Alone

Today is Friday, November 30. Sunday is the first day of Advent. Christmas time is the happiest time of the year - a time of promise fulfilled, the birth of the promised Messiah - a time of hope - a time of family. I have talked to many people who are profoundly lonely both during the holidays and throughout the year. Right now, I am talking about women who have chosen to stay home with their children. In order for this to happen, many times their husbands have to work two jobs or long hours to bring in the income needed. Often, these are clergy families or corporate families who move frequently and the families are transplanted once again. While these women are happy with their children and contented in their marriages, they are lonely beyond words to express. Because they are Christian and choose the life they have, they often feel they should not complain and the loneliness they experience is a sign to them that they have not trusted God. My Dear ones, God knows you are lonely. He knows it is hard for you to get out with small children to care for. I pray:
Lord God, Daddy Abba to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I claim your promise of constant abiding with those who believe in you and your son. (Yes, Sweet One, even you and me.) May your the promise of your presence be even stronger for those who are alone. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Call a friend. The positive lift from talking with a friend or family member lasts for hours.
Share days away with others who are stay-at-home moms.
Find a peaceful spot in your yard for meditation and prayer.
Join a daytime church group that provides babysitting. It doesn't have to be your church if yours provide no daytime activities.
Volunteer at a charity.
Talk to me on this blog.
God bless you and deliver you on the other side of loneliness.
Doris

Monday, November 26, 2007

It is the beginning of a new week. Next Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent. As we approach this blessed holiday season, please pray for our troups and our wounded men and women in uniform. They deserve our support and our prayers. The Walter Reed address has flaws since the hospital cannot pass out a large number of cards and cannot give out names of military men and women. I will forward new information as I receive it. For now, we pray: "Oh Lord God, father of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, holy is your name. May your will be done here and in the Mid-East so as to complete your plan of Salvation. We pray that you wrap all military servants in your love and protection and deliver them home to their families, whole and healthy when their work is done. In the name of your precious son, our Saviour, Jesus we pray. Amen

After Thanksgiving

After Thanksgiving we can be full and contented and somewhat lazy. Do not let the day go by without seeking the Lord God, pray for the sick and wounded, and constantly live a life of thanks giving. Our troups are far from home. Their families await a call or a letter. Send a wounded member of the military a Christmas card this season. Send to:
A Recovering American Soldier,
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001
Doris

Prayer Therapy launch

What a wonderful day to launch my blog! It is the day after Thanksgiving and my husband Bill's birthday. I pray that God will lift him up and bless him richly as He has so faithfully done all these years.
I invite all of you to post your prayers and/or prayer requests. I will respond and I invite others to respond as well. This is a positive blog, intended to lift the souls of mankind and deposit them at the throne of God. Please do not respond with negative and/or syber-bullying entries. I will attempt to erase them if posted.
May the Lord God richly bless you and yours.
Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.