THE LAST OF THE YEAR - THE FIRST OF THE NEXT

I sit here watching the snow that came down yesterday, a wonderful gift for my son and grandchildren. They came for a post-Christmas lunch with a dusting of white on the ground and were able to sled down Memorial Park Hill by four p.m. They had a ball! And that’s the way the year had gone as well. Some days we’ve had a dusting of joy and a sprinkle of angst while other days there has been an avalanche of sorrow followed by the peace and quiet of a mountain at rest. And, all the while, God has been there comforting and preserving our soul. My prayer for all of you, is that you will see the footprints of the Savor walking with you as you wind down 2009 and embark on the new 2010. Life continues to amaze me as I see His miracles, large and small, fall down like snowflakes and bless my every day. Let us pray:

“Oh loving father God, Holy is your name. We thank you for the miracle of Christmas when you stepped into the physical world and lived as one of us, your children. We pray that we may be aware of your presence in our lives each day so that we might experience a little of Heaven right here on earth. Each day we get to start again and in a few days, we will turn the calendar over to start again. You have blessed us with thousands of do overs and yet we pass on so many opportunities to make things right again. Forgive us for our laziness and our unwillingness to make you the center of our lives. May the new year bring a fresh yearning for you and the simplicity of saying Yes, here I am Lord. Use me. In the name of your precious son, our Lord and savior Jesus, the Christ Child, we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

NO ROOM INN YOUR DAY?

There are four shopping days left ‘til Christmas! I dash around town trying to complete family tasks in preparation for Christmas but can fly right past the manger that awaits the baby Jesus. I could be trite and remind us all that Jesus is the reason for the season. But, there was no room in the Inn for Jesus and his parents over two-thousand years ago and my own yawn at the overused phrase is testimony to the fact I may have left no room for the Christ Child inn my own heart today. Parties and friends, cookie baking and green bean casseroles are all wonderful at Christmas time but if my hurry has taken my focus from the miracle of his birth, I have missed the whole point. Send out the song this very day that Almighty God slept in the hay of a lowly manger in Bethlehem. In all his might and majesty, he came to earth in the form of a helpless human baby for the express purpose of saving me from myself. And, all the angels sang “Alleluia,” the Christ has come! Let us pray:

“Almighty God and father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we sing praises to your glorious name. Alleluia, the long awaited Christ has come! Forgive us for wrapping our minds around the earth expression of Christmas rather than the awesome miracle of the Incarnate Christ. We pray that on this day and the days to come, that we can smell hay in the air, hear angels in song, and feel your love and grace in our hearts. In the name of Jesus Christ our Savior we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Now let’s see, where id I put that paper? I’m going to bake cookies for a cookie exchange with members of a women’s group at church. It’s an easy recipe that starts with a chocolate cake mix. Could it be easier? Then I thought of our preparations for the coming of the Christ child and the two preparations came together, like sweet cookie dough.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees (Prepare your heart with the warmth of prayer,
Bible reading, and the glow of the Christ candle
to make sure Christ is at your base.)

1 large egg (Mix in thankfulness for the life he has giving you.)

1/4 c. water (Remember your baptism, the promise of your edication
to a walk with the Lord.)

1/4 c. oil (Be anointed with oil for service - bringing love to
others.)

1 cup chocolate chips (Share the sweetness of little blessings as you go
about your day.)

Mix all ingredients together. (Share your love, your Christmas spirit, and your
presence with others in your family, your church,
and a broken world.)

Use small ice cream scoop or (Divide your time and energy equally with worship,
large serving spoon on cookie love of God and his son Jesus, and rest for the sheet, makes around 17 cookies the renewal of your soul, your mind, and your
or use small spoon and make body.)
smaller cookies. (Remember, not every cookie worth making,needs
to be baked this year.)

Bake with love for 15 minutes, or until your soul is done in the middle.
Let us pray:

“Dear Father God, you gave us the only gift worth having at Christmas. You gave us your son, Jesus Christ. We take time this season to honor his birth by placing birthday candle on our trees and around our homes. We have one Christmas wish Father. May we be fresh Christmas cookies for those around us. In the precious name of our Lord, your sweet son, Jesus Christ we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

FOLLOW THAT STAR

I crept along behind a lightweight truck that was zigzagging wildly across the road in front of me. The highway was covered with ice with a white dusting of snow on top that hid the danger beneath. I had to drive to a meeting just north of Indianapolis, eighty-nine miles from home. I saw several cars in the ditch but the one behind me caused me more concern. A large semi truck swerved off to the side at an intersection I had just eased through. I had put myself in God’s hands and arrived safely, more than two hours from my safe and dry home.

Our walk with God is similar. When we are called to follow, we know the end destination, but have no idea what we will encounter along the way, neither the dangers nor the blessings. We hesitate and think we will only follow the Lord after we have figured out all the problems and solved the obstacles along the way. Just like the wise men who followed a brilliant star, we are called to follow through our dessert, trusting in God to keep us safe while on our way. Let us all remember during this Christmas season, as Christians, we too are star followers. Let us pray:

“Oh Father God, you hung the stars in place and created the world with the power of your spoken word; Holy is your name. I pray that your presence may come to dwell within us, as your physical presence came to a lowly stable two-thousand years ago, drawing your people to Heaven. Sadness overwhelms us as we see your people turning their backs on you while families, our country, and the world are going through very difficult times. I pray that today, in such a time as this, we may have the courage to follow you. We accept that we will never be perfect people, only obedient travelers. As Star Followers, we gladly accept the baton from the walker ahead of us, not knowing what we will encounter along the way. We eagerly anticipate your blessings and the exquisiteness of your solutions to the problems we will encounter. We put on the comfortable sandals worn by your son, our Savior Jesus, and begin the miracle of walking in Christ’s footsteps, lighted only by your star dust. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

STILL THANKFUL!

I don’t know about you, but I can be memory challenged for all the blessings God pours down on me. I thank him for all he has done one day, then complain when things haven’t gone as I think they should be the next. There’s that “I” word again. With God, it is all about him - his plan, his time, his blessings, not mine. It’s like a birthday or Christmas present. It’s not really a “present” if it isn’t presented to you as a gift, rather than a fulfilling of an order. I must remember to thank God for every detour from my selected path, because that is where God would have me to go. Perhaps someone I don’t even know, who is loved by the Lord, needs a touch from God that I can deliver on his behalf. Is there any greater task, or privilege, than that? May I never be inconvenienced by doing good. I pray that my walk through life will leave blessings in my wake and not white water that could drown another. Let us pray:

“Dear Father God, creator of all good things, I praise your holy name. I ask you to make your home in my heart that I may walk your path, even when I don’t know where I’m going. I thank you for every blessing you have given me, even those blessings of which I am unaware. Sometimes, I refuse to call myself blessed, because your way is not my way. Oh Lord, I ask that my way is your way, for only on that path will I find my way home to you. You are everything lovely, everything holy, everything glorious, everything powerful, for you are everything good, the one true God. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, I pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

COME YE THANKFUL PEOPLE

In case we have been busy or in a coma, we all know that Thursday is Thanksgiving! The big questions is, are we truly thankful? Personally, I am a wobbly wheel on the road of life, at one point careening toward praise to God for all his blessings, and there are many, then veering off the road into an abbess of complaints and pleading for more, more, more. Habits of the heart are what are needed. My ancestors came to this country before the forests were tamed, before roads were laid, and before lamps glowed softly from welcoming windows and fires burned warmly from cabin chimneys. Still, they praised God for all the wonderful things he had done for them. They expected and gave thanks for his love, strength, grace, forgiveness, deliverance, and constant abiding. Christ died for us that we might have life with him, both here and for eternity. And, for many of us, that just isn’t enough! If it isn’t, then we will never have enough, because the definition of enough will always change for the ungrateful heart. Come ye thankful people, come, raise your song of Thanksgiving and praise. We are indeed a blessed people! Let us pray:

“Father God, Creator of all good things, we praise your holy name. We lift our hearts in gratitude for all the wonderful blessings you have given us. We know that heaven will come to earth for each of us when we let you into our heart, learn your ways, and are thankful for all the things you give us. There are no more blessings we could ever want, than a life lived with you. And, it doesn’t cost a thing. Jesus Christ, your son has already paid the price for our belonging to your family. Forgive us when we have been selfish and self-centered, ungrateful and un-giving. All around us are seekers, those who hunger for you, while we sit at a banquet table prepared for your children. We have the gift of food and life for everyone who comes near us on the pathway home. That precious gift is the story of our personal salvation, our witness to what you have done in our lives. Where witnesses take the stand for you, lives are transformed by your grace. Praise your holy name, Father God, for you are our all-in-all, our blessing, our life, our wealth. A life with you is indeed . . . enough. We have been totally filled, piled high and running over with your love, your grace and glory. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

EXISTENTIAL, ESOTERIC, ETERNAL

“Just who do you think you are?” I was eleven years old when my sixth grade teacher asked that question. I had evidently used poor judgement by accepting an invitation to do some filing in the office of my beloved principal, Miss Rose Miller, who looked like a bull dog and had the heart of a saint. Let me tell you, I thought about that question over many years since my teacher first asked it. I wanted to have an answer ready in case I was ever quizzed again.

As a Christian, “Who do you think you are?” is not an existential question. Obviously, I knew that I existed and was totally responsible for my own acts - the main tenant of existentialism. But I’m so much more than that. God has given us free choice, not man, and our existence is not limited to whom we are on this earth. It should also not be an esoteric question, hidden concepts that are intended for and understood by only a few. Knowing who you are is offered to all those who live. My identity is linked at the heart to God and is therefore Eternal. Many years ago, I developed an answer for my sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Haas.

I am a child of the living Father God, inheritor of all he has for his children through the blood of his son Jesus Christ. I am wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, and friend. My place in the family of God is not limited to a few nor is it veiled in geek lingo understood only by those who have mastered the secret vocabulary. No, I am a child of the King and so are you. Just accept it and believe it. And, yes, acceptance precedes a growing belief. More is revealed, raising faith like yeast in bread, to those who accept him. Let us pray:

“Father God, my Abba, my Daddy, holy is your name. I pray that your kingdom may come to dwell within me making you King of my life, so that your will may be done there. I accept the gift of salvation paid for by your son, my Savior Jesus Christ. Today, I ask for your love to so fill and surround me that I may know that I am yours. If anyone should ask, I pray that I can readily say, “I am a child of the King through the blood of his son Jesus Christ.” Yes, Father, I am yours. May I reveal Christ wherever I go so that others may be drawn to you. I give you all the praise and glory. In the name of your son Jesus Christ, and by his power, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

VETERANS OF THE SOUL WARS

As the storm clouds continue to gather, here and abroad, we recognize Wednesday as Veterans Day. All of us thank them for their service and sacrifice. They are all our heros, whether they have been in combat or non combat zones. They were willing to sacrifice their time and plans to serve the rest of us, and some sacrificed their lives in the process. May the Lord God richly bless them and their families.

The storm however, threatens all of us. The darkness is pleased when we choose anything less than the best from our Lord. Shades of gray are still black at the base. Black is the absence of color, devoid of everything bright and beautiful. White is the presence of all color, brilliant and beaming with all that is good. To compromise our beliefs is to choose a gray life, which may lead to no life at all. Knowing what you believe is the helmet for battle, protecting your head from bombardment by false teachings. Knowledge comes from God’s Word, the Bible. Accepting Christ is the breastplate of armor, protecting your heart and soul from piercing by Satan. We are at such as time as this, when we cannot be just weekend warriors for Christ. That leaves five days a week when our backs are not covered by fellow soldiers for Christ; when we have left the field manual for battle, our Bible, in the church pew; and when we ignore the orders from the General, our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Let us take up our sword of righteous and follow the leading light of Jesus in the battle for our very soul. Let us pray:

“Holy, heavenly Father, you are the Captain of my battleship in the war of this world and the next. I humbly accept your leadership and place you at the helm of my life. I ask for your presence in my life, each and every day, so that I may choose the saving daily battle-plan. Forgive me when I have tried to take the lead in navigating my way through life, when I don’t even know the way you are leading. Forgive me when I have refused to see the seriousness of the war front at which I stand. Pretending that the battle is not raging around me will not make it go away, nor will it save my soul from death. Only you have the power to save me from the darkness and my own pretense. Give me your salvation, insight, strength, courage, and power to take my stand at the wall, so that evil will not find a breach where I am stationed. In the name of your precious son, my Savior, Lord and hero, Jesus Christ I pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

YOU ARE MORE THAN THESE

I woke up freezing. The ice storm of last winter had left us without heat,
light, or cable, and broken limbs on many of our beautiful trees. The wonderful willow tree near our back door was the nearly destroyed.

The power company cut out the damaged branches leaving a totem pole. Bill had to cut the remaining wood down. He dropped the tree top to about five feet off the ground, then made a cut all the way around the stump and ran the chain saw down the middle, all in an effort to stop its growth.

But, the life inside the tree would not die. It had been heavily laden, bent, broken, cut down for the fire, injured at its very base and told it would never grow again. Then came the Spring rain, the sun, and the life breath of the living God who created a miracle in that which had been defeated just months before. My dear, dear friends, are we not more than these?

Let us pray:

“Oh Healer of the broken, those cast aside and told they have no worth to mankind, you are greater than our fear, any shame, any voice or opposing force. Holy is your name. May you blow into our hearts like a wind on the sea and set us safely ashore to your vision of our lives, regardless of our circumstances. We pray today for all those in pain of heart, mind, body, or spirit. You can restore us to be the glorious children you intended for us to be, just as the tree came to life again in the Spring. Let today be our Spring and the wind of change be your breath, healing and reclaiming us unto you. Forgive us when we have given up, for we know that is not your nature nor the nature of the life that flows through us. Give us strength and new purpose, fresh energy, and new life, that we may live to your amazing glory. In the precious name of your son, our savior Jesus, we pray. Amen.”

Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine”

CUTTING BEETS

This morning I pealed and cut a huge beet into smaller pieces for cooking. When I finished, I noticed a little red staining on my fingers and I thought, “That’s okay. Beets are a good thing.” Then I thought about the marks I leave on people around me as I go through my day. What counts is the manner in which we talk and deal with people. A Christian attitude should leave permanent marks, but, those marks should bear the shape of the Cross not the whip. Do we stain those around us or color them beautiful? Let us pray:

“Holy Father God, you are beautiful beyond anything we can ever imagine. We pray that we will be able to see you purely when you call us home. And, we ask that others see you when they are with us. You know that we are human and frail and do not shine as brightly as we could. We humbly ask that we leave your mark on all we encounter that they may see you more clearly. Forgive us when we have left blemishes rather than marks of the Lord on others. We ask that you shine through us each day, meeting the needs of those around us as we walk through this life. May we do no harm but always lift up you to our fellow walkers on the path. In the precious name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord, I pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

WHERE THE WILD BIRDS FLY

Do you ever feel booked up, tied down, or ridden hard and put away wet? In a way that is a good thing, a blessing, especially if you’re busy with the Lord’s work. I can’t imagine an unchallenged life of boredom. But, I’ll have to admit, sometimes I wish I could be bored for about ten minutes. What I have forgotten, and perhaps your experience is similar, that I no longer know how to find God’s peace in the midst of life’s chaos. I don’t even have to search far for his gift. All I have to do is calm down and ask. If I believe God will give me peace, it will happen. Remember, God heals those who believe in him. We don’t have to be certain. Yesterday’s Sunday school lesson quoted writer Flannery O’Connor’s description of faith, “You arrive at enough certainty to be able to make your own way, but it is making it in darkness. Don’t expect faith to clear things up for you. It is trust, not certainty.” That is what I pray for myself and for you, enough faith to be able to find peace in the darkest night, or the most stressful day. Let us pray:

“Holy Father, lover of my soul, author of all truth that has been spoken or written, creator of all that has come into being, I praise your holy name. May I walk in your presence and your peace every day of my life, as do the angels in Heaven. I ask for your Holy peace and calm, even though the darkness remains all around me. I thank you and praise you for the night, the lack of clarity, the walks with eyes closed along pathways bathed in wonderful scents, filled with soft pedals to touch, and the amazing song of the wild birds that fly above my head like homing pigeons directing my way home, because then you, my holy God, are there to guide me. Forgive me when I have demanded clarity before faith, since a clear vision is on the other side of life. Then a strong faith never came because the darkness remained. I no longer want to seek certainty, just faith in you. I will try never to whine or grumble to you but will only lift up praises to you, for you do not live in the complaints of your children, but within the praises we sing. To you I will always give honor and glory and praise. In the name of Jesus Christ, your son, my Lord I pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

DAY OF DISCOVERY

This is truly a day to celebrate discovery! We recognize the day of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas as October 12, 1492 on the Julian Calendar and October 21, 1492 in the modern Gregorian calendar. It has been celebrated by all people in the United States, by the Hispanic race, by people in Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Spain, in Uruguay, and Venezuela since the late eighteenth century. Some would have us devalue Columbus’s bringing Western European influences to the New World, claiming the negative effects of merging several races and cultures. Today . . . let us celebrate Discovery!

In 2009 most areas of our planet have been touched by modern man. Perhaps we are finally ready to discover God in unique and wonderful places of our lives; to discover our friends and family whom we have merely brushed by in our daily walk; and to finally get to know ourselves. Since the beginning, the focus has been outward. Maybe now, our attention can turn to the spiritual and the relational. Let us pray:

“Oh Father God, we call you Abba, Daddy, with no awareness of your (and our) true family around us. We are indeed all connected in familial relationship to you here on earth as we will be so attached in Heaven. We have delved into genealogy far enough and deep enough to see the branches reaching out and connecting to generation after generation, growing, branching, and flowering in the world. You told us we all came from one mother, Eve, and one father, Adam and we have accepted that spiritual fact without acknowledging the closeness we have with our brothers and sisters. We pray on this day of celebrating discovery that we can see with new eyes and feel with renewed hearts that we are all one family, living and breathing in unison on this living planet you created for our earthly home. I pray that we discover our sisters and brother and welcome them into your family, the family of God. I pray also that we get to know ourselves better in order to change what offends you and develop the talents that praise you and give you glory. Forgive me when I have turned a blind eye to your children in need. Let me recognize them as my beloved sisters and brothers. Lay on my heart the big and little things I can do to help. You are glorious and we ask to see your glory in others. We praise your name and give all honor to you. In the name of our brother, your son, Jesus we pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

WITH NEW EYES

Wow! Did you know that the sky is as brilliantly blue as the gorgeous marble we see hanging in space from the shuttle window, and that the clouds are hung in the sky on various ribbons of air that stream across the sky? Did you also know that the span of your vision can spread out beyond your central view to include the periphery all around you? I thought I knew, but I didn’t. Some of you know that I had cataract surgery on each eye in the last few weeks. Since then, all of these new visual blessings have flooded my eyes with amazement. My eye doctor tells me I have better than 20/20 vision in my right eye and nearly that in my left. I need little tiny readers for reading. But what really amazes me, is another phenomenon. Many times a day, my thought is, I’d better go get my glasses or I won’t be able to see what I’m doing. I was so blind and dependent on my glasses for so many years, my habits and self-talk tell me I still need them in order to be able to see. That is the lie of my thinking, not the truth of my sight. It seems to me, that may also be how I am with God. The truth of God’s promise is that I can see Him walking with me in every scene of my day and receive his blessing and power in every circumstance of my life. But, the lie of my wayward habits and the constant disbelief of my internal chatter is that I don’t have the proper glasses, the open eyes, to see Him. The truth of this life with Christ is that we can see Him, in fact we DO see Him every day, but we believe the lie of the world that says, Of course you cannot see God. Who do you think you are? The world, however, does not define me, God does. And, He tells me I am His precious child, inheritor of all He has, through His grace and the blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ. If we are going to live in the Kingdom of God, then we have to believe the King, not the lies of the other world. Let us pray:

“Our father God, King of my Kingdom and lover of my soul, you are Holy beyond anything my poor mind can imagine or my physical eyes can see. I ask this very day that you open a special door into your Kingdom where the blind in spirit, like me, can enter. I know with my whole heart, that once inside, my eyes will be open and I will be able to see without the world’s glasses of deception and lies. I have seen with new eyes what color and beauty is in your world and I know that is only a veiled glimpse of Your true glory. I close my eyes now and step through the portal of belief and into your Kingdom! Words cannot express the beauty of your world since your Kingdom is outside of the world’s experience and expression. Thank you, thank you, my God, for opening the eyes of my heart, that I may see you. You are more than all I could have ever imagined. I thank you and praise your Holy name. I pray that I may dwell in your Kingdom forever. In the name of your son, my Savior, Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

ONE SIZE FITS ALL

Isn’t it wonderful that our God is big enough for all of us? Some people believe they know all there is to be known about God and if someone disagrees with them, they believe the other person is therefore wrong. Some denominations are like that. Unless you do as they do, speak as they speak, believe exactly as they believe, you are doomed to wander the face of the earth, separated from our Father. How arrogant and dangerous! It is dangerous for their own soul to claim they have cornered the market on truth and are therefore equal to God. Thankfully, it’s the converse that is true. God is big enough to include all of us, regardless of our quirky, self-serving grandiosity that tricks us into believing that we are the important ones, that we alone know God and the will of God. Just think what the world would be like if we got out of the way and let the true God shine through, not our distorted fantasy of God. Our God is bigger and more wonderful than anything we can hope for or imagine. One true God does fit all. Let us pray:

“Oh loving God, father of our Lord Jesus, you are holy and magnificent, far greater than my mind can grasp. The angels in Heaven know your greatness but I only pretend to know all of you to make myself feel important. No matter how big my mind may try to make you, you are more glorious. You were here before the earth was formed and are outside of time and my ability to know you. You are not like me. You are other. You are . . . God! If I can let go of my need to be the important one, I may become a little like you. Use me, oh God, to be or say what someone needs to experience or hear today. Let me not know when or where, under what circumstances or with whom I am touching so that I may have no reason to boast. Thank you for being big enough to be God of all who seek you. Forgive me when I have kept you small and confined within my God-lives-here box I have kept you in. If I could, I would set you free. But, my self-centered mind cannot figure out how to unlock the box you have willingly lived in because of your love for me. I cannot open the box but I am willing to live in it with you. You are so big, the world inside that box is probably huge and wonderful too, because you are there. When you think I am ready, you will open the box and let me soar to the heavens with you, because you are God. Or, you will create a new Heaven for me inside the four boxy walls, for where you are, that is heaven. For all of who you are and all of who you are that I do not know, I thank you. In the name of your son, my Savior I pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

REMEMBERING

A few minutes ago, I forwarded a wonderful email of a Romanian newspaper columnist’s remembrance of the United States’ tragedy of 9/11 and I started remembering too. Someone told me one time that I dwell on the past because I remember things that were said or have happened. Yet, God has gifted me with remembering only the good, not the bad. He has allowed me to live all of my life, inside out, up and down, backward and forward. Some embarrassing moments of the past have no power over me, because I choose not to reinflict pain upon myself by rehearsing those sad or difficult times. Some people, recall over and over the most minor situations that have hurt them. They have become accustomed to the roll of victim and are afraid to lay it down or don’t know how. From that perspective, I encourage you to recall the good from your lives and lay day the difficult, hurtful memories. Make a list of all the happy times in the past, however long or short it may be. Then, think on those things when pain hijacks your thoughts. Better yet, give the pain to God. Mentally, wrap your pain in a beautiful package, tie it with a bright, colorful ribbon, and lay it at the altar of God. He will see your sadness as a wonderful gift and bless you by releasing you from that pain. Then dwell on that scene. Will you totally forget the hurt? Of course not. But, it will lose its power to bring you suffering and will replace the pain with the joy of having trusted the Lord our God. Let us pray:

“Our loving father, how magnificent is your name. The very utterance of the word, God, can calm our fears, drive out our anger, and heal our pain for those who believe it is so. Oh God and Father, on this very day, I am placing all my pain, anger, and fear in this lovely white box. It is both sturdy and holy, Father, and I know it is strong enough to contain all the bad things of my life. I now put a lid on the top and wrap it tightly with golden ribbon with splashes of flowers and joy. With your power, I can pick up my package, willingly offered, and carry it to the altar of your love and lay it down at your feet. I can feel your blessings falling all around me like diamonds from your treasure of gifts, and know I can turn my eyes toward you and away from the gift I have just given you. How very amazing that you could possibly see my junk as your jewels, but you do. For that mystery, I thank you and give you all praise, glory, and honor. In the precious name of your son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen”

Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

9/11 REMEMBERED - 9/14 WHAT NEXT?

On Friday, most of us remembered the tragedy of 9/11. While many of us didn’t know those who died that day, all of us are linked through citizenship in the freest land on earth. On Saturday, thousands marched on Washington or met in our local communities for the 9/12 Project, a day to let our voices be heard about over spending in government. Now, it is 9/14 - so what? What does all of this mean? It probably has a different meaning for each one of us. What it means to me is that I cannot rest in my omplacent place but must stand up and be counted and have my voice heard too. We can all agree to disagree while respecting each other’s right to speak. Isn’t that amazing?! We all want what we believe is best for us and for the country as a whole. Let us reach out in love and harmony with quiet voices, heavily laden with the cause as we see it, and find solutions to our nation’s needs. Will all needs be met? No. Will all questions find answers? No. That is the process of life in this earthly home. Let us make peace with the questions and complexities, knowing we will not solve all the ills of this life, so that we may find solutions and help to create programs that benefit the greatest number of people. When our neighbor is hungry, let us feed them. When our friend is ill, let us visit them. When those we know are in jail or the prison of their hopeless mind, let us minister to them. But, the key is, let us do and say what we can, when we can. Let us pray:

“Father of all, the rich and the poor, the saint and the sinner, we praise your holy name. May your kingdom come to earth, as has always been your plan, that we may live in love and harmony and in fellowship with others and with you. I pray today to have my eyes opened to the needs of those around me. You have told us that the poor will always be with us, but perhaps we can do something about the hungry who are among us. Show us where we can lift someone out of their poverty and need, and walk with them as they find health and hope. Let us see the reality of what is enough for ourselves so we can give with an extravagantly generous spirit. Forgive me when I have wanted more and more in some effort to make myself more worthy. You alone have made each of us worthy of your love and grace. It all belongs to you, oh Father. Let me never forget that it is only on loan to me. To you I give all praise and glory. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”

Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

SECOND MONDAY

Our Monday morning prayer was not sent out on Monday, because Monday felt like a second Sunday. So now we get to experience a Second Monday on Tuesday. I think God’s forgiveness is like that. He doesn’t give us a chance to redo the previous day. We get a second chance to do differently on the next day. We know that God has laws and many of us rebel against the very word - laws. If the law or rule were, “Thou shall not jump out of a twenty-story window,” we would obey that law because we would understand the consequences of going against the rule. God has given us many rules for our own good that in this present world, we do not understand. Our reaction to those mysteries is often, If I don’t agree, or I don’t see why, or I don’t understand, I don’t see any reason to obey. And that is the very crux of the matter. We are talented adults in the areas of scientific investigation and reason but small children in the realm of the spiritual. And, truth be told, we are infants in the world of science and reason as well. We just don’t have the Spiritual wisdom to know it. Following God’s laws, His rules, His word, His Son, are the keys to Life and Life abundantly lived. The novel I am currently writing is based on a scripture passage pertinent to today’s prayer. Notice, it does not say, “If you agree with my laws, please keep them.”

Proverbs 3: 1-2 My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands, for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.

“Our father God, holy, holy, holy is your name and the name of your son, Jesus. I pray that I can step out of my own way and live within your love as it is and will be in Heaven. I pray that you will bury your laws in my heart this very day, oh Father. I give my understanding over to you, for that is the first step of wisdom for me. I prayer to be able to step into your light and be bathed with your love, washing away childish rebellion and taking on the image of your glory. Forgive me when I have tried to fight you for authority over my life. That is one battle I would never want to win. To you I give all honor and praise and glory, Father. In the name of your precious son, Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

WHO IS YOUR GOD?

Our country has been thrust into a deep chasm of partisan rhetoric. We fall deeper and deeper when we fail to realize that our political beliefs are not our gods. Or are they? If we are children of the God of the ages, the father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then we can only see social issues through the prism of His love and charity. If we hold partisanship as our god, then we view social issues through the eyes of our political leaning. Let us all remember, where there is truth, Truth abides; where there is love, Love abides; and where there is charity, the embodiment of Charity lives and breathes and moves from our heart out across the land. Your political philosophy must not be the framework or principle by which you make your decisions. Your love of Christ and the following of His Way, must be the guiding light by which you view each issue proposed by various parties. Let us pray that God will open the window of our heart that we might become Christian Americans, not the big D or R or I citizens. God is above the petty self-interests of groups and looks for the well being of all of His children. That is the charity that lives in us when we have God at the center of our lives. Let us pray:

“Father God, you are the voice that called life into being and you are the glue that holds us together. I praise your holy name. May your kingdom of pure love and charity come make its home in my heart this very day. I pray that I may see the needs of others and the collective needs of our country through your eyes. May I learn to balance our county’s strength with the needs of the least of those among us. Father, I am not wise enough to make those decisions but you are. May I see all of life through your eyes, oh God and have the courage to follow where you lead. Forgive me, Father, where I have listened to politicians rather than to you and the voice you planted in my heart with the indwelling of your Holy Spirit. Glory and honor, praise and adoration all belong to you, my Father. I give tribute to your Holy name. I pray that these new awakenings may come to my heart through the power of and in the name of Jesus, your son, my savior. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

STRING OF BEADS

During the last month, I have enjoyed making some new necklaces and re-stringing some old, one tiny bead at a time. It occurred to me, that our lives with God are similar. Whether we are new Christians or have walked with God most of our lives, we are tethered to Him, one bead at a time. At the end is half of the toggle that links the string with the opposite end. Our faith is like that clasp, attaching our lives to God. Next comes the crimp that seals the string to the toggle. Our seal is God’s promise and Christ’s teaching that we are His children and therefore inheritors of all God has for His children. Then we string one tiny bead after the other. These small beads are like the events of each day that give us opportunity to trust in Him. At the other end is the crimp that hold us tightly to God. That last crimp that holds the string to the opposite toggle is like are daily prayers, our daily reading of His Word, our moment-to-moment fellowship with Him. The crimp is anchored to the other half of the toggle. That fastener brings our faith, our actions, our beliefs, and our acceptance of being linked to Him into a full circle where the world cannot break in. Every time you, or someone you know, wear a string of beads, let it be a witness to the united of all believers with the Father through the Son. Let us pray:

“Almighty God, author of the promise, the covenant, I bow before your holiness. May I experience your grace and presence as the angels do in Heaven. Today, let me see my life as a full circle, linked to you by each belief I hold, the fullness of my faith, each small thing I do that is in keeping with your will, my obedience to the rhythm of your world where prayer and study are part of a daily melody, and my testimony to you is worn for all to see like a string of beads. Forgive me when I have hidden the brightness of your blessings from others by not speaking out on your behalf and give me courage that I may always acknowledge you. To you, oh Father, I give all praise, glory and honor. In the name of your precious son, Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.”

Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

LET THE EDUCATION BEGIN!

In Huntington, school began last Thursday. Public and private schools, colleges and universities have all begun or will be starting again in a few days or weeks. What about the rest of us? If you want to be able to read well into old age, then . . . READ. If you want to be able to think logically, then exercise logic as you approach tasks. I know that many of us use our feelings to make decisions and that too is necessary in the process. But, we can develop our ability to use logic by implementing processes that use that skill, such as choosing wise counsel from others and plotting the consequences of possible decisions on paper. Doris’ Rule: Deliberately do what you do not naturally do.

More importantly than things of this world, is educating ourselves in things of God. Many Christians are Intuitive/Feeling types who know our Lord as we draw close to Him. But, we are also called to know God by educating ourselves about Him through daily reading His Word, studying His word through trusted Bible studies, and receiving the witness of others through reading inspirational nonfiction and uplifting fiction. With books-on-tape even the busiest person can receive soul food laid out by others for our consumption. Let the Lord speak to you every day of your life that you may grow in wisdom and not wilt into old age (a degeneration that seems to occur at earlier ages with each generation). Let us pray to hear God’s voice in many venues of our lives:

“Oh Loving Father, God of all, I lift up my hands in praise to you, for you are Holy. May I see a glimpse of your glory here in my present life, just as the angels enjoy your pure love and light in Heaven. Give me this day a heart for your Word, that it may be buried deeply in my soul that I may feast on it in times of trial and rest in it in times of rich joy. Take away my scattered nature and lazy streak that prevent me from learning more about you each day. Instill a hunger for knowledge of you that matches my amazing love for you. As I read your word and learn of you, I know my love for you will grow beyond the widest bounds of my imagination. To you I will give all glory and honor, praise and worship for only you deserve such adoration. In the name of Jesus Christ your son, my redeemer and savior I pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

GOD'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY

My friends, I believe we are in a period of economic recovery! Why! Not because my bank account is fatter. Perhaps yours is cash deprived as well. What I think we are recovering is a simplistic way of living in which we respect God’s resources, others and ourselves, and realize our rich economy is in lives saved, not dollars accumulated. I present to you two small concepts recovered from old wisdom: (1) Cell phones are not Kleenex. They don’t have to be thrown away immediately after use. (2) Sneakers are not opera slippers. They don’t have to be made of patent leather and cost more than the week’s groceries or Grandma’s medication.

There can be real joy and satisfaction in seeing how many miles your car can go before it dies of faithful service. Our minivan had 265,782 marathon miles under her hood before she finally limped off to die a noble death. Spend these new days creatively seeking ways to re-use the re-usable, and giving new life, in an altered form, to items worthy of continued service. It would be fun to hear from you regarding ways you’ve saved money by transforming the old into the revived, and thus having money to help a friend or neighbor in need. We honor God when we remember: People are more valuable than things!

Get creative about ways you can save in order to help your church and charities that are in desperate need of money during these tight times. Please, comment on this prayer therapy blog and let me know what you’ve done to inject fresh energy into tired objects, that you’re willing to share with others. I pray that your eyes will be opened to the opportunity buried in the dirt, like flowers sleeping in their bulbs, and ways to grow in a garden that seems to be full of weeds. God can cultivate our lives during this pruning season so we can emerge stronger for service, healthier for endurance, and closer to Him. Let us pray:

“Father, God, you are holy, holy. Just the mention of your sacred name and lives change. Someone can be damned or led to your glory when I speak of you. May your kingdom come to my life, just as it will in Glory, so I may only whisper God as a healing salve to those around me. I ask today, that you open my eyes to all the blessings you have given me. May I not erroneously believe that I deserve more because I am entitled to more things than another. Show me fun and creative ways to reuse what I already have, and share with others what I no longer need. Let me expand into extravagant generosity during these times. I ask that you heal our land so that it is strong enough to bless and support us all. Forgive me when I have been selfish, greedy, and have believed: buying things trumps giving myself and what I can share. I will rejoice in every way you show me how I can serve you by serving others. I will give you all praise and glory. In the name of your son, Jesus, my savior, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

In ancient times, before smog and the bright lights of the city blocked the stars, people in various parts of the world, looked at the sky and “connected the dots.” Today, we call them constellations. Some animals they saw were dogs within Canis Major and Canis Minor. The Internet tells us that the brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. In fact, it is so bright that the ancient Romans thought that the earth received heat from it. In the summer, Sirius, the “dog star,” is in conjunction with the sun and rises and sets with it. “The ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time, from 20 days before the conjunction to 20 days after, dog days, after the dog star.” The dog days of summer occur between early July and early September, or more narrowly, between July 3 and August 11. However broad we identify it, the dog days of summer are often seen as a period of stagnation or inactivity. Are these your dog days, Friend?
Our nation, and indeed the world, is in a period of profound change. We must be alert and actively involved in God’s church and the nation He inspired and designed, to insure that any change is a continuation of the constitutional design for America and not a radical departure. We are evolving as a nation and that can take us down an uncharted path into something we were never intended to be or it can expand and embrace a deeper commitment WITHIN the spirit of the nation that was carved out for us over two-hundred years ago. If we must have our dog days at this time of year, please make them watch dog days, dogs that never sleep, are forever on patrol around the territory we call home, and loudly bark when intruders would attempt to sneak into our land and cause havoc and irreparable damage. Let us pray:

“Dear father God, holy is your name. May your kingdom come to our nation and raise us above politics and strife so that your will may be done for the freedom and benefit of all your people. Like any good watch dog, we ask that the hackles on the back of our neck rise when danger is near. May we hold our ground when you call us to stand-firm and not stand-down. Let us be open to expanding our concept of freedom to include all those who legitimately live within our borders, encouraging them to be the very best they can be, supporting them with our love and walking beside them as they aspire to become who you intended them to be. No one has to be one-down so we can be one-up, for you have created us all equally. You shine your love, grace, and salvation on all of us. I pray that we can radiate your love to all those around us so they are free to find solutions to their own problems, as free people have always done. Forgive us when we have held tightly to what we believe is ours. May our watch dog nature not forget to share with those around us. We don’t have to be forced to love our neighbor as ourselves. We have been a generous people and we pray to return to the spirit of extravagant generosity once again. In the name of Jesus, your son, our savior, the giver of our all-inclusive love, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

SPEED OF TIME

I often marvel about how fast time flies. Then, I have to take council with myself and realize God’s time is always consistent, forever dependable, and infinitely full of the God particle, known by scientists as the Higgs boson or Higgs particle. The physicists who are working with the worlds’ super colliders are looking for just that. They are searching for the very heart of matter, that which holds everything together, and they have nicknamed it the God Particle. And, in my humble opinion, the God particle is also at the very heart of time. Time is full of God and yet, I rush through each nanosecond, each one billionth of a second, and fail to see Him at all because my focus is on what I consider to be important. If I don’t see God at the heart of everything I do and think about, then I’m focused on that which is not of God, and I’ll miss seeing the God particle in every moment of my days. Slow me down Lord, before the world’s impact on my life slows my steps for me, and let me see you in all I do. Let us pray:

“Oh loving father of life, you are at the very heart of all there is and ever will be. You are present in every tiny second of my days, bright shining like the sun. Only you hold me together, Father; holy is your name. I ask you, Lord, to open my eyes gently to your presence. If you must blind me, like Paul, in order to help me to see, so be it. For a chance to glimpse your glory, I willing give all my focus and time to you. Help me to say the words and live the life of love so that others may see you beside me as we walk by. Only you, oh Father, are worthy of praise and I give all glory to you. I am willing to turn my eyes to you and bask in the light of your face each and every moment of my days. May I never ask again, ‘Where has the time gone?’ May I always know, my time is never flittered away when it has been spent with you. Oh what amazing moments await us all, when we spend time with you. I thank you for all there is and am awed by your omnipresence in every particle of it. I give glory to you, oh God, in the name of Jesus Christ, your son. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

CELEBRATE LIFE

A few weeks ago, I sent an announcement of our 50th Wedding Anniversary, requesting that people join us in prayer for families. That is our prayer today. Please pray it again on Saturday. The Announcement read:

In 1958, Bill and I found our soul mate, God’s most precious gift. We were married on July 25, 1959, fifty years ago. Because you, our family and friends, live so far away, we will not meet to talk and laugh and spend time together.
We ask that you join us in prayer on July 25 to pray for families. We are blessed with a loving family and hundreds of friends. But, some are not as fortunate. We pray that those who are hurting, lost, and alone may find a home in the family of God.
We would be privileged if you would visit a shut-in, phone an old friend, or mend a broken relationship on July 25. Take food to a community food bank, drop off a gas card at your church or the Salvation Army, or meet the quiet need of someone around you. What a celebration of fifty years of marriage and service that would be!
Most of all, kiss the ones around you. Tell them that you love them and are proud of them. Forgive the past, love the present, and find hope in the future. God is there, calling you home.
May the Lord’s blessings overflow your soul and fill your shoes.
Bill and Doris Rapp

Some friends and family have begun telling us about the service to others they have planned for the 25th. A Colorado couple donated two Gideon Bibles, friends will deliver food to a community pantry, and another is working at a food distribution center on the 25th. You will all be blessed, we are honored, and God is revealed and praised for your kindness. Let us pray for families:

“Loving God, father of our Lord Jesus Christ and Heavenly father of all who call upon you in faith, holy is your name. May your Holy Spirit dwell within each of us as we pray for all families, near and far. May we all have your strength and wisdom to withstand the evil that is running wildly across our land, attempting to destroy your family. We are not helpless and we need not feel hopeless. We can do something. We can call the lonely, the lost, those in pain, and those who don’t know you into our own families, in our homes and in your church. We know it takes a lot of love, patience, strength, energy, and perseverance. But you, oh God, are the author of love and hope and strength. We recognize that we cannot direct ourselves or do it alone. This is kingdom building and therefore you are sovereign, not us. With your direction and blessing, we ask that you help us gather your children within our hearts and embrace them with your love, so they can find their way home to you. Families are your beautiful creation, oh God, please let us have your discernment and wisdom to speak your words of invitation and love, to those who long to hear the stories, new to their hearts or hiding within their soul. To you, oh God, we will give all praise, honor, and glory. In the precious name of your son, our savior Jesus, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

HEAVENLY SUNSHINE

These are the opening words of the chorus to the wonderful old hymn by George H. Cook, with music by Henry J. Zelley (© 1899 now Public Domain).

Heavenly sunshine, heavenly sunshine, Flooding my soul with glory Divine.
Heavenly sunshine, heavenly sunshine, Hallelujah! Jesus is mine.

Heavenly sunshine floods our soul when we take time to step off the fast track and meet God in the quiet places of the garden. Last Monday and Tuesday, our children gave us a two-night stay in a wonderful Bed and Breakfast in Columbus, Indiana. The stately old home was filled with the grace of days past and the echo of a family’s life in the many antiques that waited in every corner. An added blessing was the garden that surrounded the home. Wide grassy lawns were lifted high by mighty, old trees, and the many flower beds included a rose garden. But, it was the solace, the peace there in the garden, that was so reinvigorating and caused me to remember Heavenly Sunshine. As I have gone about my days since our return home, I receive the blessing of flashes of heavenly light that were rekindled by our few days away. It was not by mistake that Jesus often retreated from the crowds into the sunlight of awareness of God’s blessed presence. Take some time today to bathe in the sunshine that can flood your soul when you step into the light and away from the darkness that can surround us all from time to time. While God is walking with us in the dark times, we need to step into the heavenly sunshine from time to time to remind us that he is there. Some people walk in pain and anger with every step they take. We call them the “walking wounded.” I am telling you that darkness is a choice because sunlight is always waiting just beyond the shadows. Step into the light of God, my friends, and bath in the heavenly sunshine of His presence. Let us pray:

“Oh Father God, your very essence is Light and from that light comes life and healing. Holy is your name. May your sun-filled presence flood my own soul with your glory Devine, just as you fill Heaven with total light. Today, I ask that you come and bring your healing sunshine to every corner and sooth every pain of my life. I know that I do not have to stay in the shadows but sometimes I don’t know how to leave anger and pain behind. Take me gently by your own hand and lead me from darkness into your light where I will find new life. Praise to you, oh God, for the promise of your indwelling Holy Spirit. When I ask that you make your home within my heart, I know you are there. Fear and anger cannot occupy the same space as love and life and light. Today, I choose your light and ask that you cast out darkness. To you, I give all praise and glory Father God. In the name of Jesus Christ, your son and my savior I pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

TWO DAYS LATER

Two days ago we had dramatic flashes of light in the night sky to excite and nourish our eyes, hot dogs and BBQ to fill our bellies, and patriotic speeches and music to please our ears and inspire our hearts. But, what about today? What have we done to make a better place here in our country or help our neighbors? Don’t let the fire of the fourth flicker out to a smoldering ember, not bright enough to do any good, just hot enough to burn a tiny hole in our civil responsibility mantle we put on once a year in which to parade around through town. Freedom and democracy do not come to the lazy and silent. From those who would prefer to stay out of the daily work of citizenship, that same freedom and democracy can be chipped at until it withers away so gradually we don’t even know it’s dying. Continue to be a watcher on the wall, guarding your family and community from those who would like to destroy our society. Let us pray that God will continue to bless our country and give us the courage and energy to stand up for our beliefs.

“Our Father, God, we praise your holy name. We pray that you will continue to make your home in our hearts so that we may see truth around us and deceit when it rears its head. We ask this very day that you will bless our country and allow us to be a blessing to others. Let the world see that freedom and democracy are ideals to be sought after and fought for. Calm this anxious world and bring peace to the hearts of all your people. Give us the courage to stand up for you and your promise of love and freedom for everyone. Let us not seek for an easy way to heal the hurts of our brothers and sisters by throwing money in their path. But, let us have the strength to walk with them as they pull themselves above their circumstances, and hopefully, even above our own. That is true love, to pray that our neighbors and even those who are outside our safe neighborhood may become the very best people they can and receive all the blessings you can possibly bestow on them, to your glory. Forgive us when we help people just enough, but not so much they are elevated above our position in the world. Let your love and light shine brightly on all your children so that you may receive praise and honor and glory from every corner of the world. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.”
Doris

“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

Fourth of July - WHAT A BANG!

The fourth of July is this Saturday. What a great celebration of the freedoms we all enjoy! However, we are at a point in history when we see our freedoms eroding with the intent of leveling the playing field for everyone. However, when we lower the field, we end up with an equal distribution of fewer freedoms, fewer opportunities, and less income, not a chance for all to rise to higher levels of living and greater chances to share more with others, since we will all have less. This is not progress! We, in the United States, still have the choice of making our voices heard this July 4th by attending a Tea Party in your area, speaking out and speaking up on behalf of our Constitution, and singing the praises of the greatest nation which was inspired by God and blessed with his protection. Do not allow others to take our Christian heritage and influence away from our country. We see what is happening in Iraq, suppression of those who would stand for freedom. If we will not stand up here in America, how can we expect those in the Mid-East to stand up in a country whose freedoms are being taken away as rapidly as they were won. Do not be afraid! Stand up, speak up, and let the world know we are still a Christian nation, home of the free, and blessed by God. Let us pray:

“Oh loving Father, God, we praise your name and acknowledge your rule over our lives. May our country never forget that you forged the concepts of freedom and justice on a high mountain at the feet of your servant Moses. Let us not forget that your son, Jesus, brought equality and love to a world consumed by hate and revenge. During this week, leading up to the Celebration of the birth of our Country, we pray that you will reveal your presence and love to everyone, both here and around the world. Remind us of the blessings of our freedom and the urgency for not letting go of even a tiny sliver of your precious gifts. Give us the courage and fire, to not only stand up for the principles of democracy within the founding documents of our country but also for freedoms fought for and won by other people and nations across your world. Forgive us when we have been silent and indifferent as we sat on our couch and watched freedom being sold to the highest bidder, to meet the goals of more, at a lower level of living. Let us find ways to raise others up and set them on higher ground, where they too can experience more of what our country has to offer, not less. To you oh God we will give all praise, honor, and glory. In the name of Jesus, our savior, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

FATHER'S DAY

Yesterday was Father’s Day and I want to remind everyone that every day belongs to our father in Heaven when we are his own children. Some people don’t have fathers they can remember with love and celebration. For those children, young or adult, we as the Family of God can encircle then into our own brood, leaving no one fatherless. No child, of any age, need be without a loving family who is in contact with God’s children. Does it take time, energy, and resources to parent children, our own or those next to the heart of God? Of course it does. But, participation in the family of God is Kingdom building right here on earth. Do I want to be stretched so thinly? No. Do I want to serve God? YES! He will give me the strength, courage, and resources to meet the loving needs of His children. Will I be able to meet everyone’s material needs? No. But, Kingdom building is not about material possessions and that’s not what you have to offer. You are offering the love of God the Father and through that uplifting love, God’s children can find a new hope for their future, and new possibilities will flourish around them. Praise be to God! Let us pray:

“Oh loving father, God of all, father of our Lord Jesus, father of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, and yes, father of even me - holy, holy, holy is your name. To whisper, Come Daddy, Abba, in my heart is to invited you to dwell within me and create a right relationship between you and me. On this very day, Father, let me be part of the telling of your story, the imparting of your message of love, hope, and salvation. Forgive me when I have claimed that I am unworthy, unprepared, and without adequate strength to represent your love here on earth. I am none of these, but you are all and so much more. I am a flawed vessel, carrying the cooling water of your love to those around me. You are the life saving water and will keep filling up this leaky pot with so much love it will spill out all around me as I am on my way, serving you. You will therefore bless even those who remain unaware of my passing but they will quietly blossom in your love. May all glory and honor and praise go to you Father, for you are the water; you are the love. In the name of Jesus, the Christ and my Savior I pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

CALLED

God doesn’t choose great people. The people He chooses reveal a great God!

Yesterday’s Sunday School lesson was based on God’s call to Moses and how inadequate Moses felt. So, God called and provided a spokesperson in his brother Aaron. But, be not mistaken, it was Moses God saw as His leader of the Israelites. God also calls you and me, imperfect as we are. We know from scripture that God will provide helpers along the way and we will not have to walk the way alone. From Jesus Christ, we also get the Holy Spirit to guide us and speak to our soul. Answer yes when you receive the blessing of God’s call. The Lord will provide our needs when we are doing His work. Praise the Lord! Let us pray:

“Oh Holy Father, precious is your name. May your kingdom come and dwell within me for I am willing to be used by you. Today, I ask that you lay on my heart the work you would have me do. I recognize that there are no small jobs. I don’t need to be called to Africa to be in missions and ministry. The harvest is within my own home and community, and is equal in importance to your heart as is any foreign land. Forgive me when I have said no, or I can’t, or later, or I have no time. Let me see the needy ones around me that I may bring your hope and invitation to them. I will give you all praise and glory for only you are worthy. In the name of Jesus, my Savior I pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

GRADUATION DAY

For many high school and college students, this is the season for graduations, as former students begin their real life. My friends, today is as real as it gets! And, today is a commencement, a new beginning, for everyone who awaken each day with opportunity ahead of them. When you postpone living for a hoped-for tomorrow, tomorrow never arrives and today is lost forever to the past, along with the joy, love, presence and favor of God in the present day. If living is saved for the future, beginning never happens and your future never comes, just another tomorrow. The secret of living is to graduate every day to the promises and opportunity the present has to offer. History is unchangeable and the future is illusive and distant God is in the present. Live your new day, every day, with the Lord, in His exquisite presence of His present moment. Let us pray:

“Oh Lord God, sacred and holy is your name. I pray that you come and make your home in my heart this very day, not just tomorrow or some day, but in this very moment. Open my eyes to the beauty of your present moment and the love that can be shared in the now. Your breath is felt in the fresh excitement of today, not the stale air of yesterday or the not-there-yet tomorrow. I pray that you will touch my shoulder today and reveal your presence in the present. Forgive me when my own plans and daydreams have placed me in the future and not in the reality of how I can serve you and love others in each new day I’m given. Let me never forget, I won’t find my completion and identity in what I have, but in how I love. To you, oh God, I give all praise and honor and glory. In the name of, and by the power of, your precious son, Jesus the Christ, I pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

SUMMER!

For many of us, summer begins today! Why? Regardless of your age - school is out! I know . . . summer doesn’t start until June 21, but not to the inner child. We say, “Welcome to summer!” Summer means freedom, more outdoor play, sleeping late, and vacation. To most adults, during times like these, we hardly realize the beauty of the season because we are worried about finances, political decisions, and the attempt at silencing the Christian voice in America. I encourage you to stop stewing about it and make some stew. Throw in a carrot for the politicians - your letter promising to withhold your vote if their radical policies are carried through; a potato with its roots deeply planted in the word of God through regular Bible study, a pound of meat as you lean on the strength of God through faith and prayer, and broth as you seek out a tea party for July’s big opportunity to make your presence visibly known. Add in the spice of your own positive, forgiving, accepting, loving personality, and you have a stew fit for a banquet for the Lord. The key is doing rather than complaining. Look around your corner of God’s kingdom, the flowers are blooming and everything is green again, just as He promised. And, He promised to bless His children who call upon His name and acknowledge Him to the world. On this day, rather than creating negativity all around you, begin to make stew in the beauty of His world, and serve generous portions to those around you. Let us pray:

“Oh Loving Father, you are far more than we know or will ever understand. We cannot hold you in a bottle like our genie in a jug, but you hold us each day in the palm of your hand. Holy is your name. May your Spirit come to my life, so I may experience your Kingdom of God on this very day. I ask that you so fill me with your love and energy, so I move out of my safe place and step into a great new adventure of standing for you within my community and country. Show me opportunities to speak up and speak out, before our voices and your witness, are silenced. Forgive me when I have only repeated the problem but have not stood up and become part of your solution. Mark your paths clearly, for I am blind in this new world that has been thrust on us by the very people we have elected to represent us. You can bring Glory out of chaos, oh Father. In the name of your precious son, Jesus Christ our Savior, I pray for presence in my life, that blessed burst of pure white light that will cleanse our world and save us from our own laziness and lack of watching at the wall. Amen”
Doris.
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

MEMORIAL DAY

Dictionary.reference.com defines memorial as “something designed to preserve the memory of a person or event.” People who stay in a perpetual state of anger, pain, and sadness, choose to remember the negative aspects of a person or situation. They memorialize the dark side of their past Pop psychology call them the walking wounded. The veterans of the heart wars cannot move on, or even reflect on the happy times of the past, because they have only repeated, reviewed, and rehearsed the pain of yesterday rather than the joy that was also present at the time. Those in perpetual pain memorialize their darkest moments, reliving each painful image, and bring the old pain into each and every new day. In order to move on, those who dwell in sadness must make a clear and decisive decision to focus on the happiness that coexisted with the sorrow of the past.

How? Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the Helmet of Salvation. When we put on the full armor of God (10) we can stand firm against the devil’s evil plans (to inflict our mind with pain and rob us of joy). The Helmet (the Crown) of Salvation is the crown worn by the high priest of the temple. Aaron, Moses’ brother, was the first high priest and God made him holy to do the work in the temple. Jesus is our high priest.

The Turban and the Holy Crown (Exodus 28:36-39) http://www.domini.org/tabern/highprst.htm .
“The Turban was made of white fine linen which signified righteous deeds (Revelation 19:8).” With the turban or helmet of the full armor of God, “the emphasis is on our mind, the covering of our thought processes, "taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5) by taking "the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17). Our mind is the big problem.” When we dwell on past pain and injustice we focus on all things rotten in our lives.

“Attached to the Turban and upon the forehead of the high priest was the Crown, a gold plate on which ‘HOLY TO THE LORD’ was engraved.” God made the high priest Holy and pure. “This seal of God is legitimately there on the forehead of our Lord Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. But for us, whom He has also made priests (Revelation 1:5-6), there is a clear indication that we are not just to be outwardly dressed up in Christ; He must transform us, by the renewing of our mind that we may prove the will of God: our sanctification (Romans 12:2 & I Thessalonians 4:3). We need to be renewed in the spirit of our mind, to put on the new man created in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:23-24)!”

When we take on the Helmet of Salvation of Jesus Christ, we take on HIS nature of being HOLY TO THE LORD. We cannot stop our negative thoughts on our own but Christ can when we are willing to give up the pain of the past and give it to God through the blood of the lamb, our high priest, Jesus.

We may not want to lay down our bad thoughts. We may want to continue to punish ourselves and our loved ones around us whom we lash out at in our pain. We may cling to feelings of unfairness, disrespect, and no-one-is-as-perfect-as-me. How do we know we are wallowing in, and memorializing, our own ‘stinkin’ thinkin’? People may actually tell us that we are sounding negative. My uncle Ira said, “When I nearly run into someone with my car, I say, ‘Boy, they sure are a lousy driver.’ When I nearly have a second accident, I say, ‘I’d better watch out for all these bad drivers.’ When I have a third near mishap, I say, ‘I’d better watch out how I’m driving,’ acknowledging it is probably my own fault. When we are bombarded by negative thoughts, and are ready to admit it, we may not be able to overcome those thoughts on our own. Then, we can put on our Helmet of Salvation and turn our negative thinking over to Christ who has been sanctified, and repeat over and over, “HOLY TO THE LORD.” Let us pray:

“Father of life and truth, holy is your name, love is your very nature. May your spirit come to live in my heart this very day so that I may lay down painful thinking at your feet. For this very day, I pray that I may remember to put on your high priest, Jesus’, Helmet of Salvation on which the crown of gold is inscribed, “HOLY UNTO THE LORD.” May my thinking be transformed through Jesus, to Holy thinking, Holy unto you, Father. Forgive me when I have strengthen the hate and anger in my heart from past disappointments by rehearsing them over and over. I am ready to lay all that aside and live my life, and think my thoughts, Holy unto you. I cannot do this on my own but recognize that Jesus, my high priest is worthy of taking on all my negativity and lay it at your alter where it can be burned into a pure ash and smoke, to honor you and to seal the love of my children, family and those I meet. In the name of Jesus your son, my savior and high priest, I pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

LIVE LOVED

I just finished reading Wm. Paul Young’s book, The Shack. Whether you have issues with this novel, the basic premise is that we should live each day knowing that God loves us - live loved.

Today, I had one of those interesting mornings, hanging on the telephone for hours (literally) while I got to the bottom of a charge on my phone bill. The financial lesson learned from all of that was, your phone carrier, ATT in our case, can put a block on third party biller - those lovely darlings who charge your phone for services of which you aren’t even aware. But, what is more important, the soul lesson I learned was an application of living loved. I was frustrated beyond reason as I waited on line for forty minutes only to be accidently cut off when a real person actually spoke to me. As my blood pressure rose, (it’s never good when you can actually feel the pressure in your nose), I made a decision to defuse. I repeated slowly and calmly, over and over, “I am loved. I am loved. I am loved.” I could have saved myself some b. p. points by remembering earlier, that in the grand scheme of life, a little time spent praising God while I waited on the phone line, was far better than welling up with anger. I also did a few isometric exercises of my abdominal muscles and should have an improved figure by the end of the day. Decide to praise rather than rage. Let us pray:

“Oh Father of all the world and everything therein, holy and precious is your name. The name of Lord God, the sweet name of Jesus Christ, Emanuel - God with us - always brings peace to my soul. I ask that you come and make your home in the temple of my soul, for you are the only one who can bring peace and joy to my heart. Forgive me when I have forgotten you and have tried to live each mundane experience on my one. Even the smallest task is better done when you are there loving me, showering me with your peace. I ask that you let me be aware of your love each day, a small glimpse of Glory, that I may rest in you. Give me so much love that it spills out on those around me, bubbling up, tipping over, splashing joy everywhere you send me. I pray that I might live my life loved, and that others might quietly see your love in and through me. I do not need to know whom I’ve touched, only that you touch through me. To you, oh God of Heaven and Earth, I give you all praise and glory. In the name of Jesus, who was the first to live loved, I pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

THE BRUSH OF ANGEL WINGS

It matters not if this picture to the right is computer generated or actually captured on film. What is important is that angels are around us. And, the Holy Spirit does live within our lives when we invite him to make his home with us. From within our soul, he teaches us the truth of God. We were not created to worry or to be in pain. We were created to worship him. When we listen to the voice of God, the cares of the world no longer seem important. Let us enter into the Kingdom of God which has been made open to us by the sacrifice of Jesus. The kingdom of God is at hand. Let us pray:

“Father God, lover of my soul, holy is your name. We invite you to blow your breath into our lives and take up residence within us. Your very own physical breath already fills our lungs and feeds our body. Now we ask that your spiritual essence will come live within us, teaching, loving, protecting our soul. Forgive us when we have run from your shadow, fearing that we will lose ourselves if we were to actually embrace you. For that very purpose we were created, to become a reflection of you. May we forgive others for their weaknesses as you forgive the shortcoming of each of us. May we not be tempted to find self-serving avenues for your blessings but may we seek to serve you and your children with the bounties you bestow on us. For all these miracles of your love we give thanks. May you, not each of us, receive the glory that is yours, oh Father. In the name of your son, and by the power of his name, we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Today is the National Day of Prayer. I know there are many people, lifting up one voice to God, in prayer for our country. God has blessed the United States of America with his love and protection, not so we can be better than other nations, but so we can be an inspiration to other countries. If we are brought down, in a mistaken idea that it will make the people of the world equal, then the whole earth will be populated with mediocre people with minds of dust and feet of clay. If we continue to be the very best people God has created us to be, and make room at the top for all those willing to work to achieve God-pleasing goals, we can be a world of people striving for the excellence God intended, for the betterment of all. Let us pray that we, as God’s people, may humble ourselves before him and seek his will. If it is God’s desire to do so, perhaps he will continue to spread his arms and gather his people to him and bless our country once again with the prosperity of heart and mind and creativity he loves to lavish on his children. Let us pray:

“Oh Father God, author of truth, liberty, law, and love, we humbly come before you with heads bowed low for we recognize our imperfections and pray for your forgiveness. We have been arrogant, believing that you have blessed our country while withholding your blessing to others. We beg your pardon and ask that you bless all people across the world who call upon your name and seek your peace on behalf of all. May your kingdom come to each heart that we may live with you, within the light of your love. May our country prosper again, with a renewed awareness of the responsibility that entails. We know we are to be humble servants of yours, leading all to the fountain that overflows with milk and honey. We pray for answers to our tough questions that we may be, not only guardians for the weak, but uplifters of those who need strength until they can stand with you on their own. We pray that no one be held down in order for us to be lifted up. We pray that there is room at your bountiful table for us all. Bless our country, in spite of ourselves, so that your lighthouse in a world of tumbling waves of pain, may once again send out its beacon of light and love, peace and prosperity. In the name of your blessed son, our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ of the World, we pray. Amen.”

Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

FAMILY

Mothers Day is next Sunday and television programing is emphasizing families this week. I believe God created us to live in permanent families. The postmodern concept of rejecting marriage and family has not strengthened society by making each member independent. It has weakened it. Interdependence, the choice of relying on each other out of our strengths, is what family is about. One of the last lines of the movie, The Family Man, is “I choose us.” Let us all choose family during this week.
Plan a family game night, a togetherness walk, plant a family flower garden, bake cookies together, and shop for a bag of marbles (try the toy department or aquarium supplies) are a few suggestions. The most important addition is family devotional time. If lack of practice makes this uncomfortable for you, then begin slowly. Put a small clear bowl on the kitchen table and your little bag of colored marbles. At each meal, family members take one marble each and place it in the bowl while saying a specific blessing for their family. “God, please bless my family with harmony today.” Keep a little autograph book with each blessing, with the author and date, so you can enjoy re-reading it for years to come. And, every day, pray for each family member.

“Our Father God, you are the creator of families. Holy is your name and holy is the family of God. Some of your children have not grown up in a loving family and for this we grieve with you. May we offer your love and nurturance to them, that they may feel your family around them. For our own family we offer thanks and praise to you, oh God. We know that the only earthly possession we have, that goes with us into eternity, is our family. Remind me of my commitment to family time this week, oh Father, so that our family may be drawn together in love. I need nothing for myself except that each of my family members, which I now call by their name, be lifted up to receive your blessings and love, rich and pilled up, abundant and overflowing. Keep them from harm. Heal them from their pain and deliver them from the world’s hurts. Bring peace and calm, love and laughter, and fists full of joy to their lives. Bless their work and their play, their going out and their coming in and draw them into your presence, oh God. In the name of your son, our savior, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

A NEW DAY

This is a new Monday, in a new week, in a new month on Friday. I remember when our son was ten; he fell out of the neighbor’s hay loft and broke both bones in both arms. While we waited several hours for the orthopedic doctor to come and reset his arms, a nice lady said softly, “Isn’t it nice that God gives us a new day tomorrow.” No matter what had happened yesterday, sinking economy, swine flu, broken hearts, or broken bones, God will give us a new day tomorrow. That is the secret to living a long life: accepting God’s blessing of a new day, every day, letting go of the pain and disappointment of the past, and looking forward to the dawning of that new day. Everything is new and fresh and waiting to bless us. Can we love and trust God enough to accept his amazing gift of a new day? Let us pray:

“Oh beautiful Light of Glory and Creation, God Almighty, holy, holy, holy is your name. May your kingdom of blessedness come upon us and dwell within us, just as the angels in heaven experience your presence. We pray that awareness will dawn on our hearts today, just like day dawns on the morning, that we may know the newness of this hour and rejoice, giving thanks for this new beginning. All has been forgiven, all mistakes have been put behind us, and the blessing of a new life has been given to us by your amazing grace. Forgive us when we have not gratefully accepted your cherished gift of forgiveness and a fresh beginning each and every morning of our life. May we be given a pure and loving heart so that we may forgive those who choose to hold on to the pain of yesterday, and blame us for every slight. We may not be able to change their mind, but we can change our response to their pain and not make it our own. To you, oh Father, God, we give all glory for this daily miracle of new day, a new birth of the soul. In the name of and by the power of your precious son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

A MIGHTY WIND

There is a mighty wind just over the ridge, moving toward us. It is the breath of God, seeking believers as it moves on through toward Glory. I have been aware of a stirring within the church of Jesus Christ, a longing for truth and a return to the values God carved for us all with this own finger. It is for this very day that we are called to take a stand, to hold the ground, to reach out our hand and grasp the finger tip of God. Prepare your heart, your mind, and your soul for the wonderful blessings of God that he is ready to pour out on his people. These stressful financial times are our opportunity to recognize what really has value in our lives. Do not moan about what you do not have, but lift up each blessing you have received, and rejoice. The only things of value are the things of God: his children are your children, his love is your love, his glory will be your glory in Heaven if you have found the secret blessing of life. That secret is that the kingdom of God is already within us when we believe in him. Glory is here and now. Let us pray:

“Oh Father of my soul, holy, holy, holy is your name. I invite your spirit to live within me. Let me recognize your presence each day. Your presence alone makes each day a walk through Glory. May this day be the moment I see you beside me, within me, around me, that you may draw others to yourself through this humble servant. I am willing to gather your flock as I walk along, but shield my awareness as your shepherd, for this earthly personality is not big enough to take on any praise. Forgive me if I have not reflected glory back to you, for all glory, laud and honor are yours, Father God. Blow in like a might wind and touch your people once again. In the name of your precious son, Jesus the Christ, I pray. Amen”
Doris

“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

EASTER MONDAY

My cousin Claudia died last week and we celebrated her HOME COMING on Saturday, the day before Easter. She simply went to bed on Monday evening and woke up in the arms of God. She knew where she was going and wasn’t afraid. Because there was a first Easter, it was possible for her to go home to you, God. It is because of the day after Easter, and the message of the Risen Christ, that Claudia, and you and I, have been introduced to the Christ of the empty tomb and the gift of Salvation, grace, mercy, and eternal life. We are a Resurrection People, an Easter People, the People of Love and Peace. Are we continuing the work of those who spread Christ’s message over the last two thousand years, or have we let the message fall to the ground at our feet where we have stepped on it, stepped over it, and walk on - to where? There would be no where worth going if Jesus Christ didn’t go with us. I pray that you have a safe journey HOME, as you gather the lovelies of God along your way. Let us pray:

“Oh precious Heavenly Father, Holy is your name. May your kingdom of love come and dwell within us, so Heaven may begin in our hearts this day. We ask on this Easter Monday that you accept our gift of service to you. We know that we are not able to draw others to you on our own merit, as if we had something important to say. But you, Father, can speak Eternity through us. We have the awesome responsibility of introducing Salvation to those around us. We know we stumble, so we pray this very day, that you will use our witness and our words, to say exactly what someone needs to hear in order to rest in you, without our even being aware of our gift of the words of Life. Forgive us when we have not spoken out for you or when we have not let you lead in the gathering of others to you. May you shine forth from our lives so others will know that you live. May all glory be yours, oh Father, that your message may not be tarnished by our imperfections. In the name of your own son, our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen”

Doris

Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”

SNOW IN THE SPRING

Today is the day after Palm Sunday, the day that ushers in Holy Week. And yet, here in Indiana, we have snow again. The first snow of winter is usually beautifully fluffy and white and clean. The first snow of spring doesn’t offer the same enjoyment, however, at least not for me. But it is a reminder that this is God’s world, not mine. And Holy Week and Easter are God’s days, not mine. It’s not about white rabbits, chocolate candy, sweet ruffled dresses with large sashes, or shinny new shoes. It’s about the sacrifice of God himself, who walked and taught and healed here on earth in the form of Jesus the Christ. We, as a Christian nation, must turn our hearts to the Lord and praise His holy name for His gifts that brought salvation to us, through the grace, or gift, of God. The Bible tells us that God lives in the praises of His people. When we think of Palm Sunday, praise and worship sum up the day. Let us not forget the meaning of the Easter season this year, to sing His praises and tell of His love. Let us be faithful as God is faithful to us. Let us pray:

“Holy God, father of our Savior Jesus Christ, we lift up our hearts in love to you. Also, we raise our hands, for hearts are often unseen by others, but hands can be counted. We openly worship you as our God through the sacrifice of your son, Jesus. May your kingdom come and dwell in our lives so that Heaven may be experienced in our lives. For such a time as this, oh Father, we want to be counted as your people. Give us courage, hope, and blessed insight into the needs of your people and our blessed nation. Strengthen our resolve to be a free and democratic nation, always seeking the welfare of your people. Forgive us for our greed, selfishness, and lack of empathy for those around us. Pour out your love on us all like the gentle rain from heaven that watered our land all day yesterday. We love you, Lord, and we want to live honorable, Christ-like lives in service to you. “Heaven came down and glory filled” the world two-thousand years ago. May we all be touched by the breath of heaven once again, filling us with your Holy Spirit that we may carry you wherever we go. In the name of your son, our redeemer, Jesus, we pray. Amen”

Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”

PRAYER FOR THOSE UNJUSTLY ACCUSED

Good Morning, on this beautiful day in Spring. However, there are those whose beauty does not shine due to lies told about them and their inability to bring truth to the situation. While we have been talking about praying specifically so that the Lord can answer us with solutions to our precise needs, I won’t identify one lie above another in order to protect their privacy. I encourage you to insert your own needs, and those of your loved ones, into the prayer at the heart symbol, therefore praying with exact needs in mind. My heart goes out to several people who are constantly dealing with the lies of another. You know others who are under the same type of shroud. Come my friends, the Lord knows who they are. Let us flood heaven with our prayers as we lift up the names of our loved ones, who are unjustly accused. Please pass this prayer request on to everyone you know. Let us pray:

“Oh loving father, God, author of truth and love, we praise your holy name. May your kingdom come to dwell in my heart and in the heart of the one unjustly accused ♡, and in the heart and life of the accuser. We pray that you will give strength and hope to those about whom lies have been spoken that hurt, harm, and intend to destroy. Lift them into your light, that they may be above the lies and safely cradled in your loving arms. And, for this time, we also pray earnestly for their accuser. May your truth shine so brightly in their life that you reveal the lies, and the speaker of false witness, for who they are. Cleanse the false words from their heart and tongue, oh Lord. Forgive them and cleanse their soul, for they are surely speaking falsehoods, therefore breaking one of your sacred commandment. Woo to them, oh Father. Let them clearly see their wrong doing so that they can speak truth in the presence of others on behalf of the one who bears the brunt of their lies. May there be no doubt in the accuser’s mind and heart that it is you who calls for truth. For all of these blessings, we thank you, dear Father. And to you we give all praise and glory. In the name of Jesus, your son, our savior we pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”