THE HOLY PORTAL

“What did you get for Christmas?” That question is heard everywhere. Did you ever hear the response, “I received the gifts of Hope and Peace!?”

The first precious Christmas gift, given by God to all His children, was the Flame of Love who first stepped through the Holy Portal that leads to the Kingdom of God. Each follower can then place their feet in the prints of the Master, the Holy Guide. Before Jesus was born, there was no way to find the portal or to enter through the Heavenly gate. There had to be a “first traveler,” one who had the key to the kingdom beyond. The Son of God was He and He left the portal open for all of us to follow.

Why would anyone choose a gift of gold over a gift of peace, or power over grace? The gates of Heaven have been unlocked and we can enter when we follow the Lord. This is the day after Christmas. Did yesterday mean anything to us? Let today be the beginning of our new life in Christ, for now we have Hope and Peace! Let us pray:

“Dear Lord of my life, your name is more precious than anything we can ever imagine, because the things of Earth are not the place of your blessings. When you gave your name to your people, you said you are Yahweh, “I am who I am.” You are the Creator of everything that has life. Holy and amazing is your name! We pray for the courage to follow the Master, Jesus, the Christ Child. We ask Him to lead us through the veil that separates life from Life. We will walk in the footsteps of Jesus and come out on the other side, in the Kingdom of Heaven. Forgive us when we near the golden door and then turn away to follow lesser paths that lead nowhere. Lead us once more. Only you deserve our worship, Lord, not shinny things that glitter before us, but He who shines like stars in the darkness. We pray for your clearly marked path, in the name of Jesus, your son. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

RING THOSE CHRISTMAS BELLS!

LUKE 2: 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (NIV)

Today, all the bells in Heaven and in Christendom ring out the news, it is the birthday of the King, our Savior Jesus, the Messiah! What was written by the Apostles tells it all. It is ours to receive or to reject. My dear friends in Christ, please accept the marvelous gift of Salvation God has offered you through His son, Jesus. Glory be to God! Let us pray:

“Father God, it is your Holy day of joy and love! We kneel beside the humble manger of your son, the tiny baby, Jesus. He did not live in the palace we seek, or drive in luxury as we do, or store money in stone buildings rather than in the stomachs and hearts of those in need. All he ever did was show us your face and heart, God, and in so doing, he gave us life eternal! All he ever did . . . and what do we do? . . . very little. Forgive us Father when we so blindly see Christmas through the world’s eyes. May the candles of Advent and the Christ candle of today, shine your truth into our hearts that we may finally know the Christ of Christmas. May that awakened flame ignite the glowing love that never dies and only glows brighter when it is passed on to others. In the name of Jesus, your son, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

FAITH AND OBEDIENCE ON CHRISTMAS EVE (Advent 28)

LUKE 2: 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. (NIV)

Did you watch History Channel’s special on where and when Jesus was probably born? Those discussions are interesting to the left side of the brain’s logic centers. But, faith is not about logic; it’s about belief. Even the Queen’s Official Birthday does not fall on the actual date of her birth but we know she lives. Whether Jesus lived in Nazareth or Bethlehem and whether the shepherd’s were in the fields in one month or another is irrelevant to our belief in Christ Jesus. We know he was born into a family that was obedient to God. Joseph obeyed the law and took his espoused wife to the town of his heritage to be registered for tax. Mary obeyed the Lord God and conceived a child. The passage in Luke 2 is about obedience to God. But, there is no doubt about the birth of Jesus the Christ Child. The evidence is all around us. Two-thousand-years ago baby Jesus was born and the entire world changed! Let us be true to God (obedient) and see how our lives, our world, will change with faith and belief in Him. Let us pray:

“Father God, you sent your son Jesus Christ to earth so we might be freed from our human nature. Holy is He whose earthly father prepared a place for Mary to rest and give birth on this blessed Christmas Eve. The silent night was transformed into angel song and the sky burst forth with the light of a single star. We thank you for Christ, our savior, dear God. May this Holy Christmas Eve be the time we pause to hear the animals breathe, smell the freshness of manger hay, and see the miracle of Christ’s birth all around us. He brought forgiveness over revenge, benevolence over selfishness, and peace of soul over restless seeking. We bow before the Christmas Child who brought hope and redemption to the world. May we be an instrument of His peace and carrier of your infectious love, oh God. In the name of Jesus, the Christmas Child, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

HE LIVED IN HISTORY! (Advent 27)

LUKE 2: 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. (NIV)

Did you ever research your ancestry? My husband and I have. I think his great-great-grandfather must have dropped from a passing spaceship since we haven’t found a record of him. A man who attended a Professional C.E. Seminar I taught said, “I don’t know why people spend time tracing their genealogy. I’m Jewish. I know who my ancestors were. He knows because the People of Israel have a written history. Jesus, the Christ Child of Christmas, is part of that family genealogy, part of that history.

The birth of Christ is not a myth or a fable borrowed from an ancient religion. Jesus lived in a specific time, in a specific place, and was born of a family who had a covenant with the Living God—that they would be his people and he would be their God. If you can begin, in these last few days of Advent, to have a new understanding—Jesus was-what a Christmas blessing that will be! That may seem obvious to many, but to those who struggle with faith, that acceptance will be a miracle that will sooth and heal their soul. If you can find that faith, then you are on your way to believing—Jesus is and will continue to be. Step one in believing the miracles of Christ, is to believe—HE LIVED IN HISTORY! Let us pray:

“God of the ages and Lord of our life, we praise your holy name. Let this be the Christmas Season when many begin to open their eyes and their heart to know the simple fact—It is true! The miracle began with a baby in a lowly manger and has never ceased since that time when angles sang and the sky was brightened by a single star. We ask, during this day as we go about making preparations to celebrate the birth of your son, that your truth may shine through our eyes and touch the heart of one in doubt. Hallelujah the angels sang—“Praise Yah” (YHWH—which is your Holy Name). Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah—praise ye the Lord! It is true! It is true! We pray that we may be a blessing to others in the name of Jesus, your son, who was born, was crucified, rose again and lives! Amen.”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

STRONG IN SPIRIT (Advent 26)

LUKE 1: 80 And the child (John) grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel. (NIV)

Wouldn’t we like to say we’re becoming strong in spirit? Wouldn’t it be a blessing to say our children are becoming strong in the heart of the Lord? We need to look inside our own life and carve away everything that is not of the Spirit and what we have left is the strong spirit we long for.

“Easy for you to say, Doris,” some will mock.

Yes, it is much easier to say than to do. We cannot do it on our own. Let this Advent Season, this Holy Christmas, be the blessed time when we realize that only God within us, the Holy Spirit, can mold us around itself. The more we step out of the way and allow the Spirit to fill us and surround us, the fuller we will be. It isn’t a matter of doing, it is all about allowing. Let us pray:

“God in Heaven and Lord of our soul, we bow before you. This is the Christmas when we want the love of the Christ Child to fill our heart so that your kingdom may live within. Today, we willing let go of the fear that prevents us from giving in to you. We fear we will no longer be in control, or we fear you will not bless us with your indwelling spirit. Yet, that message has been told for thousands of years and still we ask if it is meant for us. Forgive us when we doubt—when we doubt you and ourselves. We don’t have to be attractive, of a certain age, a particular race, height, weight, or intellect. You have called to every one of us down through the ages. May your sweet voice be heard this Christmas Season, not only by us, but by the stranger and the enemy who dwells among us. Even the most hate-filled soul can turn to love-stuffed when Love is shared. In the name of your son Jesus, the Christ Child of the world, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

GUIDE OUR FEET (Advent 25)

LUKE 1: 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (NIV)

Zechariah was blessed by the very presence of the Lord God. All those many years ago, he told us, by the mercy of God, the sun will shine even on those who live in darkness and those who are gravely ill. Why?—in order to guide our feet along the path of peace. Peace in our time is what we all seek. Let God guide our steps this Advent Season and we will find the path that leads to peace. Let us pray:

“Father, Holy God, we recognize you as the only one who deserves praise and glory. May your kingdom come to live in our hearts so that you may guide us along paths that lead to peace. We thank you that your healing sun shines on all of us, even those who live in darkness away from you, and those who are so ill they are near death. If you did not shine your sun on those unfortunate ones, it would not shine on us either. The darkness of night is experienced by everyone. Forgive us when we think we need no leading—we are perfectly capably of navigating our own way through life. How foolish we are, that we would choose the lowlands over the lofty places of your dwelling. May we see the sun and let it guide us into the healing light that leads us home. In the name of your son Jesus, the Christ child, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

YOU, MY CHILD (Advent 24)

LUKE 1: 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins, (NIV)

Zechariah knew whom his son would become, a prophet and the one to prepare the people for the coming of the promised Messiah. Can you imagine—that you might know the future of your child? In Zechariah’s case, his son was to be a servant of The Most High.

What would your child’s life be like today if you were to rear them as cherished children of God who had important tasks to perform for our Heavenly Father? Did you know—they are chosen to complete a unique job for God? They are to be the one and only them that God intended for them to be. May this season of Hope and Promise be a time when we begin to cherish our children, our grandchildren and all little ones in our midst. Like the Christ Child, let Christmas come to each child this year—the Christmas of joy and hope and salvation. Let us pray:

“True and only Father Christmas, we bow before your holy name. May this be the year when everyone comes to know you as Daddy, Abba, whom Jesus revealed you to be. We ask you for eyes to see children in need, ears to hear their cries, and tongues to teach them the real meaning of Christmas, when Love and Forgiveness came to earth. Forgive us when we place our own agenda ahead of your plan. You must cry when we let your chosen sons or daughters slip through the ages because we did not tell them they were cherished and were called to be your servants in whatever way you design. May we fulfill our calling to be a conductor on the heavenly train that will carry all your dearly beloved along on their journey for you and to you. In the name of Jesus, your son, the Holy child the wise men sought, and whom wise men still seek, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

BELIEVE AND REMEMBER (Advent 23)

LUKE 1: 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. (NIV)

Zechariah remembered. He remembered all the blessings and promises the Lord God had bestowed upon the Jewish people and those promises that were yet to come. He remembered. Yes, it was his “job” as a priest to rehearse and repeat the scriptures to the people. But, it seemed to be more than a job. There was reverence in his words and understanding and belief. Do you believe? Do you remember?

God had promised a messiah. He had promised salvation. Had he only promised it to those who lived thousands of years ago? What do you believe? What do you remember? The infant Jesus is not a myth. He is Life and Love that came to earth. He is the very Word of God made manifest. Do you believe? Do you remember? Christmas has nothing to do with presents, except those the Wise Men brought, and has everything to do with the songs the angels sang. Do those word ring in your heart as you go about your day? Do you believe? Do you remember?

For this season of Christmas joy, let us truly believe that God lives and that Jesus was that wee baby in Bethlehem just as the prophets foretold, and that salvation is really ours by the grace of God the Father. Do you believe? Do you remember? Let us pray:

“Holy Father, truth divine, dawn up this heart of mine. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may learn of thee. I ask this day that I may remember all of your promises and that I believe them as a true believer in you and your son. Forgive me when I have forgotten any part of your truth. Let me remember to remember as I take your heart into a hurting and injured world. Holy Father, Love of mine, I choose to remember your promises. In the name of Jesus Christ, your holy son and our savior, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

BELIEVE AND REMEMBER (Advent 23)

LUKE 1: 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. (NIV)

Zechariah remembered. He remembered all the blessings and promises the Lord God had bestowed upon the Jewish people and those promises that were yet to come. He remembered. Yes, it was his “job” as a priest to rehearse and repeat the scriptures to the people. But, it seemed to be more than a job. There was reverence in his words and understanding and belief. Do you believe? Do you remember?

God had promised a messiah. He had promised salvation. Had he only promised it to those who lived thousands of years ago? What do you believe? What do you remember? The infant Jesus is not a myth. He is Life and Love that came to earth. He is the very Word of God made manifest. Do you believe? Do you remember? Christmas has nothing to do with presents, except those the Wise Men brought, and has everything to do with the songs the angels sang. Do those word ring in your heart as you go about your day? Do you believe? Do you remember?

For this season of Christmas joy, let us truly believe that God lives and that Jesus was that wee baby in Bethlehem just as the prophets foretold, and that salvation is really ours by the grace of God the Father. Do you believe? Do you remember? Let us pray:

“Holy Father, truth divine, dawn up this heart of mine. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may learn of thee. I ask this day that I may remember all of your promises and that I believe them as a true believer in you and your son. Forgive me when I have forgotten any part of your truth. Let me remember to remember as I take your heart into a hurting and injured world. Holy Father, Love of mine, I choose to remember your promises. In the name of Jesus Christ, your holy son and our savior, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

PRAISE THE LORD (Advent 22)

LUKE 1: 67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. (NIV)

“You are the luckiest person in the world!” “Oh wow, am I ever glad I followed my hunch.” “I found a lucky penny today. Life should be great!” “I really worked hard. I deserve it.”

Is God the first one you thank for your blessings? Or, is luck the magical particle that makes things happen? Zechariah praised the Lord when his son John was named because he knew that it was the Lord who had bless him and Elizabeth. What do you know? What do you wish? What do people see when they observe your life: a thankful servant, or a self-serving, self-centered me-person? Let us give true thanks during this Christmas Season, for the great gifts of the Lord and the ultimate gift of his son. Let us pray:

“We love you Lord and we lift up your Holy name, for only you are worthy of praise. May your kingdom come to earth this Christmas so that your joy may finally be received by everyone. We live in a time when hate is trying to blot out the Love you sent to earth. We know that hate cannot win if true believers pass on the Love you shared with us. Sometimes we have tried to decide who deserves your Love. None of us do, so all of us do. We are not to choose, for if we do, the keeper at the gate to Heaven may begin to choose who can get in there too. Thank you for the wonderful gift of Love, embodied in the form of the tiny baby of Bethlehem. In the name of the Christ Child we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

A FEELING OF AWE (Advent 21)

LUKE 1: 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him. (NIV)

Are you filled with awe at the works of God in your own life or have you learned to discount them? “Miracle? No . . . I’m sure science can explain it. Don’t tell anyone that God told you to do this or that. People will think you’re crazy.”

The list of reasons to dismiss the Lord could be longer, but it would never be greater than an enumeration of the blessings of God! God touches us every second of every day, but we choose to ignore His marvelous gifts. Like John the Baptist, what would we be if we accepted the glory of God in His whispers, His acts, and His works in our lives? For, if the Lord’s hand is with us, He can do marvelous things in our lives and in the lives of those we touch. Let us pray:

“Father God, you bent low to touch our lives more than two-thousand years ago. And, still you not only draw near to us, your Holy Spirit lives within us when we make our heart receptive to your visitation. We are filled with awe each day when we take the time to see your footsteps walking beside us and feel your love and grace within us. We ask that this Advent season be the year when we no longer plead for your coming but rejoice in your having come. For you are here, Father, you are here! Forgive us when we have not had the faith to recognize you in our lives. Sometimes we feel your miracle is not for us because we are unworthy of your smile, your whisper, your grace. Of course we are. Holiness cannot live in an imperfect life without destroying that life. Father, we willingly ask that all that we were, may be replaced by all that is you, so that we may become a piece of your plan for the world. In the name of Jesus, the infant of whom angels sang, your son and our redeemer, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

TRADITION AND INSPIRATION (Advent 20)

LUKE 1: 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”
61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”
62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. (NIV)

“It’s never been done that way before.” Anyone who has been in the Church for very long has heard that pronouncement. Tradition rules over inspiration. Will we be ready to take the turn in the road that leads to the cause we were intended to serve? Or, will we plod along doing the same old thing, in the same old way, for the same old reason, and miss the glorious life you have for us as a part of your plan? Even Zechariah, a devout priest who followed the letter of the Jewish law down to the naming of his own long awaited son, turned his face toward the light of the living God, and he was set free from him affliction. Let us pray:

“Almighty God, holy is your name. We pray that we may make our home under the wing of your angels and that you make your home deep within our soul. We sometimes must choose between what has been expected of us and what you have inspired us to do. We usually want to please everyone. But, when we please others rather than you, we too are not fulfilled by the blessing you had intended us to receive. May we have the courage to follow along unfamiliar paths and be led by you through the dark valleys and up the bright mountains. Too often, we shuffle along, staring at the dirt beneath our feet. Forgive us when we fail to listen for the coo of the new baby under the star, or hear the songs of angels on the night air. Your music is all around us if we will step out of the mundane, the traditional, and into your inspiring glory. In the name of Jesus, whose birthday we honor, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

TRADITION AND INSPIRATION (Advent 20)

LUKE 1: 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”
61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”
62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. (NIV)

“It’s never been done that way before.” Anyone who has been in the Church for very long has heard that pronouncement. Tradition rules over inspiration. Will we be ready to take the turn in the road that leads to the cause we were intended to serve? Or, will we plod along doing the same old thing, in the same old way, for the same old reason, and miss the glorious life you have for us as a part of your plan? Even Zechariah, a devout priest who followed the letter of the Jewish law down to the naming of his own long awaited son, turned his face toward the light of the living God, and he was set free from him affliction. Let us pray:

“Almighty God, holy is your name. We pray that we may make our home under the wing of your angels and that you make your home deep within our soul. We sometimes must choose between what has been expected of us and what you have inspired us to do. We usually want to please everyone. But, when we please others rather than you, we too are not fulfilled by the blessing you had intended us to receive. May we have the courage to follow along unfamiliar paths and be led by you through the dark valleys and up the bright mountains. Too often, we shuffle along, staring at the dirt beneath our feet. Forgive us when we fail to listen for the coo of the new baby under the star, or hear the songs of angels on the night air. Your music is all around us if we will step out of the mundane, the traditional, and into your inspiring glory. In the name of Jesus, whose birthday we honor, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

SHARE THE JOY (Advent 19)

LUKE 1: 57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. (NIV)

“I am so happy for you!” Do we say that often enough? Do we even think it? Are we truly excited when another is blessed, or do we try to one-up them with our own accomplishment?

When we share in the joy of another’s blessing, we enter into that blessing and are touched as well. I’m afraid I don’t understand selfishness. Add it up: If you share your joy with another and they pass that blessing along, in no time, you are surrounded by love and happiness, increasing your own experience several-fold. It’s a bless/bless situation! Let us pray:

“God of Heaven and Earth, we recognize your sovereignty over our lives. May your royal kingdom come and made us your humble residents. Father, during this blessed season, let us overflow with your abundant joy and love. Show us those who need encouragement and a healing touch. Increase our hearts by the measure of the love we lavish on others, so that we might bring You to those we meet. Forgive us when we have been stingy with the joy you bring us. It is not ours to hold onto. If we try to grasp it in our clutches, our pride of acquisition would only burn a hole in our generous nature. It must be shared. Lead us away from selfishness and toward the great and marvelous joy of giving. In the name of Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

CHRISTMAS LESSONS LEARNED (Advent 18)

Mary’s song continued . . .
LUKE 1: 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble. 53. He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. (NIV)

“Why do I never seem to have enough?” Enough time, enough money, enough appreciation, enough acceptance, enough love, enough Christmas presents under the tree. Some lessons are eternal. Why then does it take an eternity to learn them?

Over two-thousand years ago, Mary told of the glorious works of God. Those stories had been handed down over the ages through the scriptures and stories of the ancestors that went before her. And still, we do not learn the lessons so vital to our life. Let this be the first Christmas we read the great song of Mary, the Magnificat, and let the words change us. Let us believe the consequences for our behavior and our attitude. Let the Christmas lessons be learned. Let us pray:

“Mighty and great and Holy God, may this be the Christmas that you whisper through the sweet music and sparkle brighter than the shiniest tree, so that we might finally take in the lessons of Christmas. Let us not just hear of love and redemption and grace and hope, but let us learn lessons of pride, power, radical generosity, and your awesome steadfastness from generation to generation. Thank you Father for continuing to call to your people down through eons of time. This Christmas, may your message be heard, and not from far off, but heard with the ears of our heart and seen with the eyes of our soul. ‘Hallelujah,’ your angels sang, ‘Praise ye the Lord!’ For you found favor in your servant Mary and trusted her with the life and rearing of your son, our Lord. Hallelujah! May we be trustworthy with the things of Heaven that you give us. In the name of the dear baby who was and is, the Christ, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

OUR OWN MAGNIFICAT (Advent 17)

Mary’s Song
LUKE 1: 46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.

“Oh Elizabeth, stop talking such nonsense.” Is that how Mary responded to her cousin’s experience when she first came into Elizabeth’s home? No, Mary believed all the amazing, nearly impossible things she was told. She was going to be the mother of the long awaited Messiah and rather than scoff, she lifted up praises to God.

How well do we praise the Lord for his abundant blessings during this Advent season? Do we soar to meet God in the heavenly places or do we moan and whine about our circumstances? What is the sound of our Magnificat? Does our soul magnify, show even more clearly, the Lord God of the Universe?
Let us pray:

“Lord of all, Mighty One, holy is your name. We praise you Father for the jewels of joy you heap upon us. It would be impossible for there to be any small blessings when they all come from you. We ask nothing from you today, except the privilege of serving you. We are surrounded by those who cry, who grieve, who are lonely, who need you. Let us be your hands and feet and voice this Advent season. Let us Magnify you among your people and love them into wholeness. Forgive us when we want to focus on ourselves. We know there is no joy in that. Lead us into paths of service. Let every child we see be the Christ Child; let ever woman be Mary, let every dedicated husband and father be Joseph. In the name of Jesus, your son and our redeemer we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

NOT FOR SELF - BUT FOR THEE (Advent 16)

LUKE 1: 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (NIV)

“I am unworthy!” Can’t you hear Elizabeth say something like this? Today, the questions would more likely be, “Why wasn’t I chosen?” Or, “What do I get out of it?”

Can’t we lay “the me particle” aside this Season? Let us be more like Elizabeth during this Holy time. Take abundant joy in the blessing of others and what their shared touch by God will mean to all people. Let this Advent Season be a selfless time. Bury in your heart the sweet message, “It’s not about me.” In place of “me” put Love, for the first Christmas is the day Love came to earth. Rather than “solo,” remember that Christmas is the time when carols first began. Instead of “self” fill your heart with the thought that Christmas is when Life was reborn and a new hope began. Think not of “mine” but know that the birth of Christ is when salvation was made possible for everyone.

To firmly tether the meaning of Christmas to your heart, take a few minutes and write two or three statements about how the coming of the promised Messiah changed the whole world. Redefine the birth of Jesus; rethink what the world gained and lay aside your own personal expectations. Let Christmas come to everyone this year and let it begin with those whom we touch with a smile and a loving heart. Let us pray:

“Holy Father, you are more loving and pure than our finite minds can understand. You set the stars in place and still found it right that we should be gathered unto yourself. Holy is your name. We ask during this Advent Season that you touch our heart so clearly that the meaning of Christmas becomes truth for us. Forgive us when we think of ourselves first and put “me” in Merry rather than the Joy that Christ brought. Let a new thought overtake us, the new understanding that, for the joy that would lie before us, your son Jesus took the form of man and was born to bless the whole world. May we find joy in the realization that you blessed the whole world, and by your grace, you have even included us. In the name of Jesus, your son, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

A VISITATION (Advent 15)

LUKE: 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

Have you ever sang in Sunday services and felt a choir of angels joining you in song from the balcony? What a thrill to feel the brush of angel wings and hear the sweet tones of the celestial choir. Now, think how Elizabeth must have felt when her baby moved inside her at the sound of Mary’s voice. The experience was so profound she was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Don’t let the business of the Christmas season drown out the melodies, the music that you hear from the carolers and the choir that sings from above. The infant Jesus is the only reason for the music, the only source of the exquisite songs. You will be blessed when you stop and listen. Let us pray:

“Holy father of our Lord Jesus Christ, glorious is your name and the sound of your voice as it breathes through the wind and dances on the jingle of Christmas bells. We ask that Christmas may come to everyone this year, Father, not presents and Christmas cookies, but the hope and the promise of salvation. May we hear the song of angels as we walk through each day this Advent Season. Their song is all around us but it will only heal when it is listened for and reverberates in our heart. Forgive us when we put the world’s interpretation of Christmas before the awesome truth of your plan for your children, made possible by the birth of your son. We are so sorry that we forget to remember the glories of Christmas, when we choose the tinsel rather than the gold. We love you Lord and we want to hear your songs this Christmas season. In the name of your son, the Christmas Child, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

SIMPLY BELIEVE (Advent 14)

LUKE 1: 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (NIV)

Why do we make things so hard? Gabriel had spoken to Mary. Mary wondered about her part in God’s plan—not doubted it. So, it was settled. God said it; it was fact. How sure are you of the promises of God? What part do you play in God’s plan? Will you doubt your role, or accept it willingly? Will you believe, or will you choose to turn your back on God and His plan of salvation? Advent Season precedes Christmas. John the Baptist preceded the Messiah. Just think whom you might precede if you stand along the lighted path to heaven, each person passing on the blessed flame to light the heart of another! Let us pray”

“Awesome God, we bow in your presence, for where your spirit is, there you are also. We pray that your Holy Spirit may hover over us and make its home within us, so that we might bring your healing light to someone else. We know that we are not going to illuminate the whole world. That is Christ’s job. We simply hold a candle to light the space on the path that we are called to occupy. Thank you for trusting us with your flame. May we never let it blow out. In the name of the Christmas Child, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

WORDS OF GOD NEVER FAIL (Advent 13

Luke 1: 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” (NIV)

“Well, I don’t know God, that all sounds really preposterous. In my experience . . .”

We would live for eternity on the blessing of God speaking to us. Yet, when it happens, most of us apply logic to explain that which is Holy. When we accept the Lord and walk in His paths, we are like Him. But, my friends, God is not like us! He is Other and only by faith, and not by logic, can we accept the promises of God. You will not be able to sit down in your comfortable chair beside the beautiful Christmas tree with its glowing twinkle lights, and figure out, with logic, the words of God. We try to figure it out, so we are not disappointed by placing our belief in our own understanding of Him. Remember, as Luke said, “For no word from God will ever fail.”

“God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are too awesome to understand. How very foolish we are. How could our minds possibly wrap around the entire knowledge of God? We want control everything, even of you. For this folly, oh God, we ask your forgiveness. We ask that you give us faith that does not require understanding, only eager acceptance. Some would say that the events of Christmas never happened as reported. What believers do know, is that Jesus was born, he lived to teach, to heal, and to show the way to you. We know Jesus died and rose again to show us all that we can be released from our sins and be reconciled with you, God. Details are the arguing points of the world, not the testimony of believers. We can never thank you enough for your son, Jesus, who left the throne of Heaven to be born in humble circumstance, so that we might receive the Holy Spirit to increase our faith and council us from within. Today, we accept that your word will never fail. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

DO NOT BE AFRAID (Advent 12)

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

When Heaven touches earth from time to time and angels speak, they often assure the people by saying, “Do not be afraid.” Can you imagine how you would feel if Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, were to appear and start talking to you? Mary doesn’t question what Gabriel said to her, that she is favored by God, but she is troubled by why the angel would come to such a humble servant as herself. Would you deny the validity of Gabriel’s words, as Zechariah did, or would you, like Mary, be in fear and awe of the power and presence of the emissary of God? Let us pray:

“God of Heaven and earth, we stand in awe of your love, your power, and your grace. We have heard your name spit out and thrown to the ground like hail stones, until the holiness has been beaten out of it. For this grave disrespect we humbly ask your forgiveness. We cannot change the heart of another, but for ourselves, we will try to monitor the words that come from our own mouth. May we always be aware that our words can offend you as well as others. May we have the faith to recognize the angels in our midst and take to heart the message from you that they bring. We pray to have our fear removed and our reverence for you restored. In the name of Jesus, your sweet son, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

GABRIEL TOLD OF THE MESSIAH'S BIRTH (Advent 11)

LUKE 1: 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

“Gabriel, fly off to Never-Never Land. It’s the first star to the right and straight on ‘til morning.” Today, people would more likely believe this pronouncement, than the account in Luke 1. We would rather believe in magic than the work of God in our everyday life!

“What would you do or think if the angel Gabriel came to you and said, “You are chosen by God and he will be with you? Would you immediately believe him or would you rationalize that you heard wrong or you weren’t well and therefore delusional? Perhaps you would say, “Okay guys, the joke is over.”

Do take note of the difference between the response of Zachariah to the conversation with Gabriel we read in verse 18, and the one between the angel and Mary. Do you believe God as he reveals himself along your way, or do you say, “Knock if off Harold?!” Let us pray:

“Father God, who chose the son of an old priest and the son of a young virgin to change the whole world, we bow in your precious presence. May you kingdom come so your will may come to reign in our lives, just as it is in Heaven. We ask for the courage to believe, the strength to sustain that belief when others challenge us, and the discernment to see your work in our lives and answer positively to your call when we waiver between belief and doubt. Forgive us when we have laughed at your calling, assuming you could not have meant us, because we doubt ourselves even more than we doubt you. Give us the faith of Mary to ask questions, but never doubt your presence. In the name of Jesus, the Holy Child of Bethlehem, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

SEEK THE SOURCE IN GOD (Advent 10)

LUKE 1: 23 When his (Zechariah’s) time of service was completed, he returned home.
24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

“I know the source of my great joy,” Elizabeth might have said. She certainly knew she was blessed and, if blessed, whom she would acknowledge and thank.

Funny, when things go wrong in our life we often blame God. “Why did God do this?” Or, “Why did he let that happen?” But, when our joy is fulfilled, we think it is luck, our own hard work, or whatever earthly cause we can imagine. Seek the true source of your blessings and call Him “Amazing . . . Wonderful Counselor . . . Almighty God.” Why would someone deny that God, the creator of the Universe, was working in their own life, making it awesome beyond words to express? Why would they prefer to say, “My life, oh it’s uneventful, the same old everyday stuff?” What if they could say, “My life? I walk each day with God and He blesses my every step? Let me tell you about the time . . . ” Let us pray:

“Almighty God, I lift up your name in praise. Please, let me walk with you as you lead the way forward. Let me begin today to see your hand working in my life so clearly that I find the soft, white feathers of angels’ wings along my path. Forgive me when I forget, or neglect, to give you the credit for all the blessings you lavish on me, from the perfect sunrise, to the radiant glow at the end of the day. Thank you for every precious moment of my life, Father God. In the name of Jesus, the Christ the shepherds sought, I pray. Amen.”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

SIGNS OF GLORY (ADVENT 9)

December 5, 2011
LUKE 1: 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

“I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” my husband, Bill, said as he poured a little water on our granddaughter’s head. Since she is only just shy of fifteen months old, she didn’t say much. While she wasn’t sure about her wet head, she loved her PapPap and liked it when he walked around the church and introduced her to the congregation. Then he took her up toward the altar where she pointed up at the large cross hanging on the wall. Her innocent face beamed as she looked up, then took her little finger and pointed from the cross to her heart as her PapPap had shown her a few months past. She was not able to speak, but the signs she made were her testimony of the presence of God in her young life.

“Oh come on, Doris,” some might say, “she’s just a baby.”

“Yes she is.” She is a baby who is learning to be loved, to give love, and to accept the love of God . . . and she already wears signs of glory on her face.

What telling expressions do we wear? Do we carry the worry of the world, the anger that’s buried within, or the fear that comes with mistrust, on the face we present to others? Or, like Zechariah, who had been told by the angel Gabriel that his son will be the one to precede the Christ, do others see signs that indicate we have seen visions, that we have brushed the face of God? Let us pray:

“Creator God, who brought to life all there is with your loving, mighty words, Holy is your name. We pray that your kingdom may come in your own time and that it may burst into our lives like the dawn of the Beginning. We ask that your love may be so clear in our lives that only that love is seen shining from our face. Consume us with the brilliance of your love, so that all that is not You may be burned away. Forgive us when we doubt, but more important than our needs, shield others from seeing our uncertainty so that they might not lose hope in You. Shine through us, father God, in truth and love. In the name of Jesus, the Christ Child we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

SILENT TESTIMONY (Advent 8)

LUKE 1: 18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

“God, are you sure you want to use me?” How many times have we asked that question, in a variety of ways? Perhaps what we are really saying is, “You have got to be kidding” One, we don’t believe in ourselves. Two, we really don’t want to do the thing God has asked of us. Three, we may only believe in God when he is “up there” and not “in here” . . . in our heart where faith lives. If we do not follow God’s leading, faithfully do what He has asked of us, and then tell all those around us about His work in our lives—our testimony, we too have a silent testimony, just like Zechariah. Another opportunity has been lost to give a first-hand account of the presence of Holy God. Let us pray:

“God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we bow before your Holy name. Let this be the day when we say ‘yes’ to you, so that we become part of your marvelous plan and not a stumbling block for others. Forgive us when we have not had the faith to believe, or the courage to bear witness to what you have done in our life. Take our lives and let us be yours, now and during this Holy season of Christ’s birth. In the name of Jesus, whose birth caused stars to shine in the night sky, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

SECOND FIDDLE (Advent 7 - Saturday)

LUKE 1: 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

“But he ate bugs!” To some children that is all they remember of John the Baptist. To the mature believer, we know who John was. He prepared the way for his cousin, Jesus the Christ.

Sometimes, that’s a problem for us. We want to be the main act, not the warm-up band. But, oh my friends, to be”one-degree” from God is a blessing beyond anything the world has to offer, and more than we can ever imagine in our finite mind. Service to God has no ranking order. Service is service. Will you not serve the Lord today in whatever way He directs? Let us pray:

“God of the universe, Creator of all that is Life, Holy is your name. May your kingdom come in our life this day. We ask you to give us any job you would choose, for we would rather scrub the floors under your table than not be invited to the banquet. Forgive us when we think we deserve recognition. Let only you be seen wherever we go. Give us our own unique task to do for you and let us remember there is no rank in the army of God. We ask all these things in the name of your son Jesus, the Christ Child. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

GREAT IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD (Advent 6)

LUKE 1: 14 He (Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son) will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.

“Would ya rather be great in the sight of the Lord or in the sight of man?” Most blame God for not giving them the desires of their corrupted heart. “If God won’t answer my prayer for prosperity, then I won’t believe any more.” These words are spoken in secret and are not heard by the world. But, they are clearly heard by God.

“Red Rover, Red Rover, send God right over?” No, God is usually they last one chosen to play on our team, when it was his team all along.

LUKE is saying, for us to have great joy and the delight of our heart, we should thank God for all He has given us. The world can give no greater gifts than the gifts of the heart that come only from God. Let us pray:

“Father God, I choose you first in my life. Like Elizabeth and Zechariah, your presence and blessing will be my great joy! Forgive me when I have chosen the bully rather than the strength of my life. For this I am ashamed. May I be your servant in this world, spreading your love and salvation and peace wherever I have been led by you. In the name of Jesus, the Child of the Christmas Star I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

ARE YOU AFRAID?

LUKE 1: 11 “Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” (NIV)

“Do not be afraid,” the angel told Zechariah. Would we fear an emissary from God? Too often, we have told God what to do for us, and we fear nothing, except the dread that he might not “grant our wishes.” Who is the servant in your life today . . . you or God? Let us pray:

“Holy Father, God, you only are worthy of awe. May your presence be felt this day, so clearly that we fear the intensity of your loving presence. Refine us and define us as your people, Dear Lord. Forgive us when we arrogantly give you orders, telling you how you should shape your plan, rather than waiting for you to use us as you would desire. May we walk in your presence this day and bring your peace and love to all those we encounter. In the name Jesus, who came to earth in the form of the infant Christmas child, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

IN FAITHFUL SERVICE (Advent Four)

LUKE 1: 8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. (NIV)

According to Luke, Zechariah served the Lord according to the practices of the priesthood. His division took their turn and then Zechariah was “chosen by lot.” Some would say, “By luck.” Others would say, “By the will of God.” It does not say that Zechariah said, “Well, it’s about time!”

Do we serve faithfully, by the “will of God?” Or, do we get angry and say, “It’s not fair! I haven’t had my turn! I’m better than the others who were chosen!” Serve the Lord faithfully, knowing that our willingness to “wait” while we wait upon the Lord, may be our ultimate joy. Let’s pray:

“Father God, precious is your name above all names. Please, make your home in our lives this very day so that Heaven may “be at hand.” We ask to be of service to you today, this fourth day of Advent. We ask only that we do not know when it happens, with whom it happens, or under what circumstances it happens so that we may not boast. Forgive us when we have been envious of another’s service and let us be of assistance to those who serve, as may be our good work. In the name of, and by the power of, our Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

CAN WE TRULY BELIEVE?

LUKE 1: 5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. (NIV)

Luke placed Jesus in history. Some would choose to believe he never lived. But, Luke tells us not only that he did live and walked among us, as proved by the testimony of those who knew him, he also tells us exactly when he lived. Luke also tells us the part faith plays, in that Zechariah and Elizabeth remained “righteous in the sight of God” in spite of their lack of the family they longed for. It does not say that they blamed God. Let us live this day knowing that Jesus Christ lived and that true faith in God does not demand assurances. Faith is a belief in God in spite of what the world hands us. Let us pray:

“Holy father of Jesus Christ we thank you for your son Jesus and your Holy Word that gives account of all that happened in those days. We pray for faith like Zechariah and Elizabeth, that in spite of what happens or what we do not have, your love makes us complete. In the name of the baby Jesus, your Son and our Savior, who was born, and shared our experience, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

TELL EVERYONE!

LUKE 1: 1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (From Scripture - NIV)

“Let me tell you a wonderful story about my friend,” Mrs. Roberts would begin, or at least that’s how I remembered it. Annette Roberts taught the travels of Paul to her sixth-grade Sunday School class as if she were retelling the marvelous adventures of her best friend.

Luke, in his first four verses, sets the stage for an accurate telling of the birth and life of his friend and Master, Jesus Christ. He says he simply must tell the reader the truth, the accurate account of an event that he researched by talking with those who knew and walked with Jesus, those who could bear first hand witness to the life of Jesus Christ.

How often are you gripped with the awe of passing on to future generations the first hand witness to what Christ has done in your life? Now is the time. Today is the day. Gather your memories while you can and teach them to your children and your grandchildren. For Advent, the time that began yesterday and leads up to Christmas Day, pause each day and remember what God has done for you, by the power of his Son Jesus, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Then, pass on your witness to others. Those who have opposed Jesus cannot win the battle for human hearts if you take the stand in defense of Him whose birth we celebrate at this time. Blessed be the name of Jesus, the Christ child!

Each day during Advent, I will post a short scripture for us to ponder for that day, restating Luke’s account of the events that led up to the birthday of the King of Love. It will be posted here, at www.prayertherapyrapp.blogspot.com. Each Monday, I will continue to post my devotional and prayer therapy prayer as usual. Drop in and be fed. Let us pray:

“Holy father, Abba-Daddy to our Lord and Savior, Jesus, holy is your name and the name of your son. May your presence come and dwell within us this Advent season so that we, like Luke, may be brave enough to bear witness to your great work in our life. Not that we will tell of the gift of great wealth or power you have given us. Those who have no faith can boast of those things. Most of us have few material possessions. When you surround us and move within us with your love that is the greatest miracle of life and the jewel we treasure, and the story we have to tell. On this very day, we ask that you forgive us for all we have done that has put a barrier between us. We ask you to move into this life you have given us, make your presence known, and dwell there as our King. In the precious name of Jesus, your very heart and voice, who came to live on earth and who now dwells within us as the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

THANKFULNESS . . . RADICAL ENOUGHTICITY

“Why do I never have enough?” How many times have you heard that complaint? I’m guilty of saying it myself. If we are striving for enough, we will never get there. The desire for enough metastasises, eating its way into every healthy part of us, until we are consumed with not enough. We are the only ones who can choose to live a life of radical enoughticity.

To live a life of enough is to be thankful for all we have. Even when things go sour, there are still sweet blessings to be counted. It is usually when we believe bad things shouldn’t happen to us, that we launch into our “ain’t it awful theme-song.” When we believe, “I have led a good life and God has no right to punish me,” we find it impossible to be thankful.

God is the creator of life and all that is good within it. When we believe we don’t have enough, it becomes impossible to see what we do have and value it as a blessing. For this week of Thanksgiving, let us begin a life of radical enoughticity. God’s unseen blessings will suddenly fall like precious coins from full, gray clouds. They will overflow our heart and stack up like bricks of gold if we look for blessings and not just “more.” Let us pray:

“Father God, Living Life, embodiment of love, your name is Holy, Holy, Holy. We ask that we may enter into your kingdom and receive your true blessings, which are far above anything we could ever strive for. For this week of Thanksgiving, we ask for the courage to live lives of radical enoughticity. If your blessings are not enough for us, we have been seeking the wrong treasure. For that we beg your forgiveness. Lead us away from the world’s interpretation of success and let us find our joy in you. We thank you for every gift and blessing, no matter how big or small. Blessings from you have no measure. A blessing from you, no matter what, is amazing beyond anything we can imagine! For all these things we say, ‘Thank you Holy One.’ In the name of Jesus Christ, your son, our path to you, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

THE MARTYR WARS

I resigned last week from a committee on which I have enjoyed serving. That hurt deeply. But, I had to listen to another rational, God’s logic. I had become so busy, I couldn’t even get to the grocery, or balance my checkbook, or take care of my own health. I know, your argument is, “Just look at all those ‘my’ words.” But, God puts us in trust over all aspects of our lives, not just service to others. That’s where the martyr wars come in.

It does little good to try to explain to lazy people how busy you are. There is absolutely no frame of reference where an active life is concerned. And, there is no need to try to explain to busy people how overwhelmed you have become. They will try to one-up you on every argument. “Oh I know, I remember when my life was as calm as yours. Last week I was in Timbuktu and all points in between,” as if busy equaled worthy. There is no way to win the martyr wars.

Pray about your time management and then make a decision. You really do not need agreement or validation from anyone else except God. You are the only one who can get control of your health, your family nurturance, your career, and your service to the Lord. True service to Him happens wherever you are, not just in specific high-profile positions.

The Lord blessed me with wonderful, caring people who served on that committee. From different, non-collaborative sources, came a message, uniquely spoken but nevertheless in unison, “I am so sorry you are resigning but I respect your need to lighten your load. May others have the discernment to identify when their plate is full.” Let us pray that each of us recognizes when we are dancing for others and when we are dancing for the Lord.

“Holy Father, Love divine, who created each of us to walk beside you on our way home, we praise your Holy, precious name. May your full kingdom come to live within us that Paradise may be truly at hand. We pray this very day to take on your holiness, that we may be your hands and feet and heart wherever you lead us. We ask not for recognition by man, but that you will recognize our soul and draw us ever closer to you. How we live our lives is so much more important than where we live our lives. We ask for your light to shine in all our dark places so that we may know your will for us, and quietly go about bringing your love to all those we meet. We pray that you will use us to touch others in some way each day. However, we do not want to know when it happens, with whom it happens, or under what circumstances it happens, because all Glory must go to you and not be corrupted by the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and our redeemer-brother we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

ALL THINGS LOCAL

They say, “All politics are local.” I guess I do pay more attention to what’s going on when it affects me personally. But, it seems, most voters pay less attention to what is going on locally than who is running for President.

Tomorrow is election day for local offices. Mayoral candidates will shake as many hands as possible, a legal distance from polling stations. No, this isn’t the “big one.” But as Americans, we have the privilege of deciding for ourselves who will govern us, even in our own neighborhoods. If we give our local vote to others by staying home on what may be a damp, rainy day, we don’t need to shed tears over who wins. If we cannot be trusted with the local vote we could, one day, lose our vote on the national scene.

How is an election relevant to our faith? If you have to ask, you have forgotten who we are and where we came from. In Mark 12:17 we read, “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’ And they were amazed at him.” We know from history, our country and its people belonged to God. Therefore, to vote is to honor the gift God gave us. Let us pray:

“Holy Father, giver of every perfect gift, we praise your holy name. May your kingdom come to dwell among your people here on earth, just as surely as it is experienced in Heaven. Give us this day a longing to be your country again. There are those who say that we are not a Christian nation anymore. How very foolish of those who do not know. If we, the people, are Christian people, part of your family, then we live in a Christian nation because the country is its people. Forgive us for being so lazy that we would allow this Holy City on earth, which you inspired, to fall into self-centered greed. We know that this perfect gift was given to imperfect people. May we rise above our weaknesses in spite of our childish ways, and become your blessed people once again. Guide our feet to where citizens are asked to go, to vote for whomever our heart whispers as worthy. We will give all praise and honor to you, Father. If, whoever is elected, was chosen by a true representation of the people, we will be a blessed nation again. In the name of Jesus, the Christ, our Savior we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

BE-ATTITUDES

“What are you going to be for Halloween?” Every third grader was asked that question last week for this very day. I would like to ask, “What are you going To Be?”

We know that the forms of the verb “to be” are: I am; You are; He/She/It is; We are; You are; They are. From Matthew 5, we read that Jesus gave nine attitudes of the faithful. I will list three here so you can get the flavor of his words. Please read them all in Matthew 5. 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Did you notice? It isn’t Blessed are those who wish to be poor in spirit; Blessed are those who might mourn; or Blessed are those who become meek . . . They already ARE (a form of the verb “to be”).

From Jesus.org we learn that Blessed means: “It is self-contained, meaning that regardless of what is happening to us externally, we can be truly happy internally. We can be genuinely blessed as followers of Jesus Christ.”

To have a Be-Attitude, we must seek first the presence of God and the Holy Spirit in our lives, and the saving power of Jesus Christ, THEN we will have the attitudes of a Christian believer. We never seek first to own the kingdom of heaven, or receive comfort as in free from care, or to inherit the earth. First, we pray for the Christian Be-Attitudes and all else follows. When we have an attitude of being Christian, not speaking Christianity, or faking Christianity, then all these things will be our blessing. No matter what happens to us, we will be happy in the Lord inside. Let us pray:

“Father God, Abba-Daddy to our Savior Jesus, we are amazed by your blessings! We ask this very moment that your Holy Spirit come and make its home in our lives. Fill us to overflowing with your presence that we may Be Christ-filled. Forgive us when we have had the Be-Not attitude of seeking our own best interest first. Today—we choose You. Today—we choose to follow Jesus. Today—we welcome the indwelling Holy Spirit in our lives. Today, we choose a Be-Attitude. For all these blessings, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

TUESDAY - THE OTHER MONDAY

My Monday morning is usually spent in writing my Only-Line Devotional and Prayer. Yesterday, however, I spent the first day of a two-day retreat in Indianapolis with other members of a Christian board of which I am a member. But, the beauty of Mondays, like all beginnings, is that we can begin anywhere. It doesn’t matter what our circumstances are, God gives each of us another beginning. There are as many excuses for not living a life of service to God as there are those of us who give them, but none of it matters. All we have to do is accept the gift of a new day. Let light shine into your new birthday in Christ. Let us pray:

“Father God, we praise your holy name. We pray that this is the day when we begin, begin again, or again and again, so that you may take over our lives as King of Kings. Give us courage for the tasks ahead for we live in difficult times. While we walk through this troubled world, let each of us bring your love, your peace, and your healing to others along the way. Help us love the unloving, care for those who reject our care, and sing songs of praise to you to those who are not ready to listen. May we be able to teach those who believe they know all the stories, love those who think they perfectly love, and forgive those who have not asked for our forgiveness. The path we walk will not be easy, but with you at our side, it will be the way of Love and Life. In the name of Jesus Christ, your son and our redeemer we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

My novel: LENGTH OF DAYS - THE AGE OF SILENCE also an eBook - available at Barnes&Noble.com, Amazon.com, and other outlets.

For information and to view the book trailer, go2
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

SILENTLY SERVE

How many times have you had to say, “I’m sorry, I cannot possibly take on another job?” How many times do you believe you were misunderstood?

Most of us want to make sure everyone knows how busy we are. First, we believe they will surely understand why we have to say, “No.” They won’t. Second, we may secretly want them to realize how important we are. It won’t happen. We are but foot-soldiers in God’s army. The more responsibility we are given, the less people will understand, because we will get farther away from their experience. People tend to measure other people’s work, on the scale of their own value system. When we are doing God’s work, we and God are in it together. God is Other and He is in an “Other” place, a place the world cannot understand. To take on God’s work, is to be misunderstood by the world. Perhaps that is why God speaks to us in secret, because we are to respond in secret and silently serve Him.

Let me remind you of the Secret Prayer I have encouraged many to pray each day. It will be our prayer for today. Let us pray:

“Father God, wholly holy and precious is your name. At the mention of your name, people are drawn into your presence. May your kingdom come to dwell within us, that we may be your servants. We accept that the world will not understand us. We know we must walk our walk on our own and serve in your service as individual warriors for the cause of Christ and your kingdom. We ask to be drawn near to your strength and fellowship when we feel alone in our walk, for no one can take up your cross for us. The task was already fulfilled by Christ. We ask to serve you this very day, by offering to you our silent prayer . . . ‘Father God, I pray that I may say or do the very words or acts that someone needs today, so that I may be your shadow of blessing to someone here on earth. And—I do not want to know when it happens, with whom it happens, or under what circumstances it happens. I do not wear glory well, so I pray that all glory and honor may go to you Father God. May only Christ be seen upon the earth wherever I am sent, for you are pure love, pure healing, and the only giver of true Salvation. Forgive me when I have tried to claim you, when I should have been proclaiming you. In the precious name of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ I pray.’ Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

WHEN GOD KISSES EARTH

They are absolutely beautiful! The trees in the woods have begun to turn orange and crimson, and send golden beams across the fields they border. God has truly kissed the earth with the colors of His Autumn.

Do we leave kisses and blessings when we pass by? Or, do we leave angst and chaos in our wake? I know we live in very difficult times. Some of our friends and loved ones have no job and those who do often put in very long hours. Often, there is no time or energy left for common kindness. When we have that many demands, we are robbing ourselves and others of the joy of living they, and we, deserve.

Why not change this beautiful season into a glorious time of caring? No matter how busy or worried you are, take mini-moments out of each day to close your eyes and see God kiss the earth with love. Everywhere He touches, colors burst forth with vigor, hope and inspiration. Breathe in the freshness of His promise, as he blesses our country with His presence and the dawn of new prosperity. Accept that His definition of prosperousness may not be ours. We are only truly rich when we leave kisses of hope as we pass through. Our kindness can turn the world to gold again. Let us pray:

“Father God, you turn our gray into color and let us enjoy your holy presence. May your kingdom of hope and love come to us this very day. We ask, Father, that you fill us with the brightness and wealth of your Autumn, so that we might pass that rich joy and hope on to other. Forgive us when we get so busy, even doing YOUR work, that we have no time to draw strength from you. Then, we have to admit, that our hard work is for our own purposes, to draw praise and attention to ourselves, not to assist in the building of your kingdom. We ask for the power of your love to forgive those who have attacked our security and have tried to rob us of our hope. Fill us with the gold of your Autumn that we may help to build peace and security in others. May all glory be yours Father. In the precious name of your son, our savior, Jesus, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

GOD'S PEACE OR MAN'S PEACE?

“It isn’t polite to argue about religion! I just want to keep the peace.” Have you ever heard that pronouncement before?

Giving testimony to the glorious work of God in your life is not argumentative. It is bearing witness. When you are sure of the facts and beliefs of His love and grace, your case is presented in love and within the peace God has promised. God’s peace, however, is not the peace that man would demand.

If you deny God, in order to keep man’s peace - “politically correctness” - you are turning your back on God’s peace, in favor of false peace, the rules of which are defined by others. Do you really want to turn over your peace of mind, heart, and soul, to a volatile pack of dogs, seeking only their own share of the meat thrown before them? And, believe me, that “share” is not divided equally. It is grabbed at, fought for, and dishonestly stolen from those who will not speak up for themselves or their God.

Give me God’s peace and I will willingly share it with others. For, it is not mine to possess but to give generously, and it will be replaced abundantly by our God who fills the world with His peace, for those who will claim it. Never argue religion. Gently go about sharing His love and peace with all those around you and He will honor Himself and you. Let us pray:

“Father God, giver and author of peace and love, we bow before your Holy name. May your kingdom of peace come to live within us, so that we may have nothing to share with others but You. Today is a new day. Our old habits have passed and have been selectively forgotten by You, because of your profound grace. We pray that we may discern when the world tries to manipulate us in favor of chaos, rather than seizing your peace. Give us the courage to testify, with quiet confidence, to the healing love you have given us. We acknowledge that people cannot hear us when we shout. Fill us with so much peace and love that it overflows our being and fills all those around us. Forgive us when we have been silent. That silence erodes the tether that links our hearts to yours. Jesus, Savior of our souls, has shown us the way. We ask to walk on the Way with Him. We pray in Jesus’ precious name. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

FLASH! BANG!

“I’ve been hit!” My thoughts raced as I drove down I-69 on Saturday afternoon in a welcomed down pour. I was on my way home from a Christian women’s meeting and felt blessed. Dark clouds had been gathering overhead all day, then the rain hit, fast . . . blinding. Then, it happened. There was a quick, blinding flash outside the car beside me and a simultaneous BANG, followed instantly by a quick “sizz” sound up the driver’s side of the car and window. I knew immediately. I had been struck by lightening!

At home, I jumped out of the car and searched the door and side panels for any evidence of the strike. I saw nothing unusual. I was thankful I had just gotten new tires a few weeks ago. There had been plenty of rubber between me and the bolt from the sky.

I thought about how God had blessed me that day. There had been an inspirational meeting in the morning and early afternoon, and safe passage for me until I reached home again, in spite of the electricity in the air. Just like the rubber grounded me safely to the pavement, God had grounded me safely to Him as well.

Do we make sure our spiritual tires are refreshed each day? Is there a thick layer of prayer power between us and the world? Is the air we breathe, like the thoughts we entertain, pure and holy unto God? We live in a world of thunder bolts and lightening jolts. Let us ride above the road, in the safe round embrace of His grace and love. Let us pray:

“Father God, we hold your name in reverence. For we know, when we call upon your name, blessings rain down on those we name. You are more awesome than we could ever imagine and your name has more power than we will ever know. We take this moment today to thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed on us, the protection you have given to us and our loved ones, and the blessed fellowship you have so generously given. Forgive us when we believe that peace is something we can work toward or acquire on our own. Peace comes when we find our rest in you. In your loving arms, we are protected from the dangers around us. We are not childish enough to believe that bad things will not happen to those who love you. We thank you that you protect our soul from the evil one at all times, until you bring us safely home to you. For all of these blessings, we thank you, and pray for continued rest in the hollow of your hand. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our savior, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

THE HIDING PLACE

On Monday, 6 July 1942, Otto Frank moved himself, his wife and two daughters, Margot and Anne, into a secret apartment above his business in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to escape persecution by the Nazis. My husband and I have walked up the narrow steps behind the bookcase in Mr. Frank’s business. Perhaps you have too. Anne’s story was revealed to the world in A Diary of a Young Girl.

In May 1942, a well-dressed woman approached Casper ten Boom and asked to be hidden, out of the reaches of the Nazi’s that occupied Holland. The story of the Hiding Place was later told by Casper’s daughter, Corrie. Many of us have read the details of their providing a safe haven for “the apple of God’s eye,” as Mr. ten Boom had described his Jewish neighbors.

Where is your hiding place and what are you hiding? Are you providing a safe place for those who are persecuted, those who are ill in body or spirit? Or, are you hiding in your secret place from God?

“I don’t talk about my faith with other people. I might offend someone.” Have you ever heard anyone say those words? I have. Good, faithful church goers have said these and similar words about hiding Christ from their bridge club friends, their ball team, classmates, or other activities outside the stained glass sanctuary of their church.

But remember, we cannot hide from God. And, when we try, as we protect the sensibilities of others, we offend the heart of God. The hiding place is a refuge for the persecuted, not a secret place to store God until we attend church the next time. Make your hiding place a sanctuary for children, battered women, or lonely, bullied young men, not a place to bury your faith until you’re alone in your prayer closet, praying to a God who must be hidden. Let us pray:

“Holy Father, my own true God, I bow before your precious name. I pray that your kingdom may come on earth, where your love is shared with all, at a time of your choosing. For this day, Father, I ask for the courage to open wide the door that leads to my hiding place. May I recognize and embrace those who need refuge, while letting your light and love, that I have buried there, shine for all to see. Forgive me when I have mistakenly protected myself by denying you to the world around me. Give me the strength and insight to see those in need, while revealing your heart to them. I commit myself to being your witness to the world, by testifying to the blessings, both small and large, that you have bestowed on me. I ask that your son, Jesus Christ, walk with me along the way that leads home, and that all glory be given back to you. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

DAWN OF A NEW "NOW"

Isn’t it wonderful that God gives us a new day each morning? The sun comes up. The breezes blow, and all that was is gone and a new “now” has begun.

Yesterday was the tenth anniversary of 911. I doubt there were many people who were not aware of that milestone. Many lives were lost. Many lives were forever altered. And yet, God gave us a new day today, the day after, just as He gave the followers of Jesus a new day after what seemed, at the time, to be the end of Christ’s ministry. But, it wasn’t. In the last two-thousand plus years, the ministry of Jesus Christ has grown to cover the world. All people may not believe in Jesus as the Messiah, but His name is remembered and His offer of salvation and abundant life is still fresh with each new dawn.

We all have our life altering moments, whether it is the birth of a child, the death of a loved one, or the loss of something or someone so important to our lives, it sucks the air out of us. But, when we are open, when we are willing, a new breath is breathed into our lungs and we are whole again, perhaps more complete than we had ever been.

“Now” is not something to be held tightly to. “Now” is to be walked through, like the sweet air we breathe. “Now” is just a gem on a long string that tethers us to God and leads us home. “Now” can never be captured. It is always changing. Learn to enjoy the thrill of waking to a new sunrise each day, a new “now,” an eternal dawn. Nine-eleven happened and should never be forgotten, lest we forget and allow such evil to strike again. But those who were lost will live on in the memory of those who loved them. If you want to truly be of help, research those who fell that day, learn all you can, and become a memory carrier for them, bearing witness to their life, just as you bear witness to the life of Jesus Christ. Not that the fallen are holy, but, they need to be remembered in the consciousness of man. Let us pray:

“Holy Father, creator of each new day and the very essence of each “now” - we bow before your name. May your kingdom of the eternal “now” be born in each of us, so that we may feel the passage of time and know we are moving in and through you. We lift up the names of all those who lived through that horrible day, ten years ago, and ask that you finally show them a new dawn. Seeking a fresh sunrise does not mean forgetting a fallen love, for we take them with us into each new light and they live again through us. Forgive us when we get stuck and can’t let go of disappointment, anger, or a betrayal. When we let go of the hate, we can embrace the light and take our loved ones with us into a brighter day. We pray to see the new dawn and embrace the new “now” this very day. In the name of Jesus Christ, your son, and the one who continues to live through us and we in Him. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

LABOR DAY

“I am just too busy!” How many times have you heard that proclamation? I’ve said it myself. We all work; we all labor. It’s nice to have a day set aside to honor those who work, both in the home, the yard, the community, and in society.

Today, I want us to honor other laborers. I want us to pause and give thanks for those who labor in the fields for the sake of Christ and His church. Not just the pastors and their parsonage families - we lift up all those who are martyred for the Lord, those who speak up and speak out when it’s not popular to do so, and who pray when others say, “It’s not politically correct.” My friends, it will never be correct in the eyes of everyone, for some may never feel comfortable in the presence of the Lord of Love. Today, we honor those who love the Lord so much, it cannot be held back by those who feel that love grow larger than their own heart, and overflow into the lives of those around them, both the family of God and the stranger in their passing.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’" Isaiah 52:7

Let us pray:

“Oh loving Father of us all, we praise your Holy name. We pray that your kingdom may come and set up a community within us, that all those who enter our world where Love is the law, may feel that warm love shine on them as well. Today, we thank you for all those who walk among us and those who have gone before us, who have boldly lifted up your name for all those around them to hear. Listen, my friend, and you will hear the song of Love whisper through the trees and stretch out upon the wind, its sure message heard clearly once again. Your children are turning back to you Father, seeking the path that leads them home. Give us ears to hear blessed souls singing the song of Love as they walk the Way that leads to Life. We know that the music and the path are for everyone. May we gather your loved ones unto you as we pass their way. Forgive us when we have been afraid to speak out for you, passing silently by someone who may never again hear the invitation to join in the song of faith. A voice for you does not have to be loud as long as it can be heard in love. We thank you for those who gave directions to the Path and walked with us when we faltered. May you bless them with Life and Love, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, the One who leads the way to Salvation and peace. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

THE DAY THAT THE RAIN CAME DOWN

Have you seen the news reports? Rain, drought, hurricanes, tornados, floods, earthquakes—they are all part of the world in which we live and they have all occurred in recent days!

We sometimes think these weather events are signs from God or punishment from him. God speaks to us in many ways. He doesn’t have to flood the place to make himself heard. These natural occurrences are our opportunity to praise him for the good that can come at these times: the kindnesses people share and the heroism that is displayed. None of us can speak for God or pretend that he seeks counsel with us to determine how he should treat his children. If you want to see God’s hand in recent events, look for the neighbor who pulled another to safety, the churches that send cleaning supplies and reconstruction help to devastated areas, and the family who made room for others, out of the elements. Watch, there will be people who will take their vacation time to help rebuild homes and plant trees. That is God’s hand at work. And, it is God who gives hope and the promise of a new tomorrow in spite of all that happens. Let us pray:

“Holy Father, creator of the wind, rain and fire, holy is your name and the name of your son Jesus. We pray for your kingdom to come, that your peace may reign. Today, Father, we pray that we might hear your sweet voice and see evidence of your touch as we watch the earthly events unfold. For today, we pray that your people will once again trust one another in this country you have given us, and not let the force of earth-rattling fear control us. Let not the world tell us who we are with the wind of their rhetoric, but let us be defined as the people of God we have always been. Let us not be so greedy, like a wave that eats the sand to spite the shore, that we cannot rebuild our economy, in praise of you. Let us be able, once again, to earn all we can and give all we can with the generosity that has always been a hallmark of your children. Forgive us when we have been afraid and have forgotten to turn to you when the wind howls and the rain comes. You can baptize us in your clean fresh water and let us live hopefully again. In the name of Jesus, your son and our savior, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

PRAYING FOR YOU

I’ve been thinking about you. Professional demands interfered with our usual Monday prayer time. But, I want you to know, I’m thinking about you and praying for you and your loved ones.

There was a senior church member in our church in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico. One Sunday he said, “I visited your home last night and prayed for you.”

“Jules, you weren’t at our house yesterday,” I reminded gently.

“Yes, I was. As I prayed for each of you, in my mind, I saw each one of you, touched you and asked God to bless you.” Wow!

Even though we missed our Monday prayer time, I want you to know I am praying for you too. Every one of us needs the blessings of our Lord. I know because I receive requests for prayer every week. We are either out of work, underemployed, physically sick, going through mental turmoil, have family problems, are lonely and sad, or we know someone who is. That is the nature of living in this world. In the Kingdom of God, we can find healing, peace, encouragement, hope, love, fellowship, rest for our souls, salvation and eternal life! No matter how you are hurting, know that I am praying for you today. Let us pray:

“Holy Father, lover of my soul, I bow before your precious name. I pray this day that, though I live in the world of pain and pressure, I may open the door to your Kingdom and dwell there with dual citizenship. I know I cannot owe my loyalty to the world and to you at the same time. That is not the duality of which I pray. Let me recognize that, while my feet are firmly planted on this soil, I am not soiled by it, for my heart and faith are in you. There are those who are in pain in many aspects of their lives: personal, family relationships, and professional. Your presence lifts the pain and gives us light, even while we walk through darkness. For this light and presence I pray, in the name of, and by the power of Jesus, your son and my redeemer. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.

CRUISE AND PERUSE

“What about this little wooden box?” my granddaughter questioned as she held up a tiny, polished, inlaid object. The children had some money to spend at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI and a careful analysis of all possible choices was necessary to make a decision they could live with. I do mean careful, with serious attention to the amount of time each possibility required.

“That’s a possibility,” I agreed. I watched them cruise the gift shop and peruse each item. That approach makes for good shopping decisions for children, but then I thought of Christians who cruise and peruse their way through life.

For many of us, our religious beliefs are never firmed up. We cruise through the secular world and weigh each rational thought. We select many philosophies and try them on for size for a season. We peruse through the literature of comparative religions and weigh and balance logical philosophies. But, faith is not logical - that’s what makes it faith.

I invite you to carefully peruse the Bible and pour over each chapter and verse. Get inside the strong heros who started as lackluster, ordinary people but God made them giants of faith. Learn of the number of times God has forgiven his people and still we wonder away to cruise on other streets.

My friend, find your path that leads to Life. Cruise the well-marked course that keeps your way straight and true. Peruse in depth the Word of the Lord and know his heart. His plan for you will be revealed each day to those around you, even if you are not aware of his using you for his purposes. Let us pray:

“Holy Father, love and life of all there is, your precious name is above all names. May your kingdom come in our lives that we may walk in your truth and your love. You claimed us for your own even before we knew you. Light our path that we make cruise the way that leads to Life. Place a yearning in our hearts that we may peruse your Holy Word and learn of you. Forgive us when we have placed your blessed presence on a balance scale and weighed your Love against what other philosophies have to offer. If the scale was in favor of the world, then we knew you not. Fill our lives so completely with your Holy Spirit that we have no room for other gods. We love you Lord, and we choose you, out of all the pretty things this world has to offer. You are more beautiful than anything we could ever imagine or have words to express. In the name of Jesus, your son and our redeemer, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp