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Length of Days - Search for Freedom

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him . . ." (Hebrews 5:7-9)

Jesus Christ learned to be obedient to God through his suffering. What do we learn through our suffering? How to whine better? Who to complain to?

When Katy was three years old and Mandi two, Katy whined about something. Immediately, Mandi corrected her with whining lessons. She began at a high pitch and slid down the register an octave with a moanful, "Unhhh."

How are your whining lessons going? Or, are you learning something through the sacrifices you make? Let us pray:

"Father God I lift my hands in praise to you. May your kingdom surround me and fold me into your presence. I ask that I might learn from these difficult times. I know I make sacrifices and more will be asked of me. But, they will mean nothing if I have not learned your lessons. Forgive me when I ignore the caution signs you place in my path. You are trying to bless me with your guidance. May I see them, understand their meaning, and draw truth from them that I can apply in the days and years ahead. In the name of Jesus your son, who made the first and ultimate sacrifice for me, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

PROTECTIVE CUSTODY

"The witness is in protective custody, Ma’am," the TV police detective announced.

When the world pushes in and threatens our safety or sanity, we can ask for PC (protective custody). That is especially true if we are a witness to an important event. Some people have information that must be guarded until an appropriate time for them to revealed it.

Have you been a witness? Do you possess precious information? How can you possibly say no?

Every living person has a story to tell. It is their testimony to what God has done in their lives. Their information is important and they are responsible for keeping it safe until they can pass it to another.

You don’t believe you have a story to tell? You have no witness? You have no information that needs to be guarded? Oh yes you do and it is sad that you don’t believe it too.

Your witness to what God has done in your life is copyrighted material. It is your story and yours alone. Two people may have the same theme to their witness, but no two stories are exactly the same. You are given the awesome job as keeper, or guard of that precious story until you are called on to bear that witness.

Seek the protective custody of God. Your story is precious and should not be thrown out for someone to trample on. Lean on the heart of God and let Him call you to the stand where you can bear witness to His love, His protection and His healing. Let us pray:

"Our Father God we bow before your presence. You are Holy and above all there is. We ask you to let us live in you where there is protective custody from those who might threaten to damage your story that is alive in us. We long to do your will and seek your guidance as you give us our mission and we set our goals. Forgive us when we fail to seek you in our lives then allow your story of our life together to be minimalized. It is more precious than jewels. Give us your protection and your love. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Monday, February 27, 2012

COME TO THE LIGHT

"And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God." (John 3:19-21)

"I already cheated. I gave up snaffelhoovers for Lent but just had to have one yesterday." So how is that going for you? Have you given up some-thing you love and failed to reach out to Jesus Christ? Perhaps your focus on visible sacrifice would be better served with true internal change that can be seen in the light. It is all about the heart, not the image.

Darkness is all around us, as well as within. John does not write that we are to control the darkness. He tells us to take action, do what is true and come to the light. When we dwell in the light, the darkness is not part of our experience. We do not have to understand the darkness and we do not have to control the light. We just choose truth and we will find our rest there in the sunshine of your love. Let us pray:

"Dear Lord and Father of us all, how Holy and lovely you are. May your kingdom come in my life so that your will is done within me. I ask you to shine your light so brightly I cannot help but see the beam. I choose to walk in truth so that I may come to the light of your pure love. Forgive me when I have chosen the darkness where my actions and thoughts cannot be seen, just as I forgive others for their lies against me. May your light shine from me that others may be drawn out of the darkness. In the name of Jesus, your son, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Sunday, February 26, 2012

HAVE YOU BEEN ENTERTAINED TODAY?

"I am bored!" That’s the mantra of many young people.

I would love to be bored for about ten minutes! Then, I’m sorry. I’m much too busy to prattle on about boredom.

Many of our churches have turned into entertainment centers. We look for flash, funny and fun. When, we should be seeking the Christ.

Gather believers around you during this Lenten season. Meet in small groups or gather with us in the On-Line Prayer Therapy Group. But, seek the God of Heaven. You will never be bored again. You will have a life that is meant to be lived abundantly.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:23

Don’t settle for being the shadow of whom you were intended to be. Step into the Light and live. Let us pray:

"Holy Father, lover of my soul, your name is more precious than anything this world has to offer. I ask that I may dwell in your tent and from that Holy sanctuary, serve you. I ask that I may seek truth first, your kingdom, and you will lavish your blessings upon me. Not because I am worthy but because Jesus Christ is. Forgive me when I seek that which humors me and occupies my heart with games. You are all I want. Let me live in you and your word live in me. In the name of Jesus, my Savior, your son, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Saturday, February 25, 2012

MADE TO ORDER

Did you know that you were made to order to God’s specification? He wanted beings with hands to help each other, feet to follow Him and hearts large enough to love the whole world. That is your blueprint.

And, each unit is completely unique. There are no two alike, never have been, never will be. Oh, I know there has been a big buzz about cloning and how the scientists have found a way to make an exact replica of the original individual—two of exactly the same lamb or Larry Long.

 How arrogant can we be? A clone is just a later born twin. The newly born is a completely separate individual. The scientists haven’t created life. They have duplicated the original "order" in body only.

The more amazing thing to me is that we often think we have created God to meets our specifications. We have a made-to-order-God. He asks no more than we are willing to give. He requires us to love only the loveable, and He expects no more than we can dream. We have created him after our own heart. That isn’t a god. That’s our alter-ego!

Oh Beloved, the God of the ages has created us for Himself and we are too egocentric to realize it is He who is the Creator! We would have all that His kingdom has to offer if we could finally get this right! We were made to order for Him! Let us pray:

"Creator God, you are all that is Life and we worship your name. We pray to understand a tiny piece of your kingdom, the corner in which you have placed us. Dear Father God, let this Lent be the season in which we finally get it. You are God and you created us to inherit all that you have for us. It is with great love that you give to your children. Forgive us when we get it all turned around and then inherit only dust, blown in the wind. For you have riches poured out, overflowing, and bathing us with your Glory. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ we pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Friday, February 24, 2012

RIGHT HEART - LEFT FOOT

Romans 7:15 "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." NIV ( 1984)

"Come on. You know I didn’t mean it." Why do I sometimes manage to say what I don’t mean? That seems to be especially true of interactions with adult children. My cousin Claudia gave wise instruction on giving thirty-something kids advice. It could apply to many others.

- When listening to your adult’s plans for themselves and their families, you should be like the bobble head in the back of the car window. Engage your head but not your mouth. Move the chin up and down while maintaining good eye contact to show that you’re listening.

- As they interject something that seems important to you and/or to them, just say "Ah."

- Then, when they have completed their reiteration of their plan, say, "Keep me posted."

Your heart is right but some people never seem to hear the soul, just the mouth. If you smile and use the three-point plan above, you may avoid sticking your left foot in your mouth. The left foot is the closest from the heart.

During Lent, we talked about giving something up. How about giving up being right? Sometimes, you can be right or you can be loving. That doesn’t mean you should lie to people and watch them make serious mistakes. It means we really only know what’s best for us, not for others.

Give advice when asked, then don’t expect them to take it. Just allow your comments to be one of many suggestions. Try giving up being right for Lent. Let us pray:

"God in Heaven and Lord of my life, I praise your Holy name. Open my heart and make a home in my soul that I may know you and serve you. I ask this day that you soften me so that I don’t have to be right, just willing. May I treat your children like the blessed ones they are. Forgive me when I insist on my way, for the only way to Glory, is your Way. Give me insight into knowing what to say when it’s time to talk and when the time of silence is more blessed. In the name of your son, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Thursday, February 23, 2012

PRAYER THERAPY MINISTRY

"But what can I do? I can’t preach or teach." My friends, many people feel that way.

Mission and Ministry have two sides—those who minister through word and those who support them through prayer. Each is equal to the other.

There are no rock stars among those in service to God There is no class system. No one’s ministry is more precious to God than another. To put down another’s ministry is to defame the body of Christ. Quantity is not a measure of success in ministry. Souls are saved by God alone, through the healing power of His Spirit—that is the ministry of the Kingdom.

Let us come before God on the knees of our heart, in prayer for our country and her people. Wherever you live, whatever country claims your citizenship, it is tucked under the all-encompassing wings of God’s Holy angels, when we call upon His name.

Why do we tarry? It’s time to finally go home to God’s family and be a united Christendom as was promised. We must pray for all His children that they may be partakers of all the blessings God has for us. Can you pray for all that is good and righteous and loving for all of God’s Children? Prayer Therapy is a way to find new words to express the thoughts and feelings of the ages. Let us pray:

"God of glory, Lord of Love, we bow before your Holy name. May your kingdom of peace reign in my life. May this Holy Lenten season be a time when we finally take up the work you have for us to do—to fly prayer cover over your people. May we at long last see the importance of prayer and how effective it is in our lives and the lives of those for whom we pray. Forgive us when we see prayer as a childhood charm to chase away the fears of the night. We know that prayer has the power to chase away all darkness and bring forth your light, oh Lord—yet, we will not. Lift us beyond our understanding and into your mystery of prayer. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

ENTER INTO HIS KINGDOM

"What are you giving up for Lent?" We hear that question every Spring. It is a custom to give up something we enjoy, as a sacrifice before Easter, to help remind us of the greater sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

Someone said, "I’m not given up anything for Lent. It’s just another way for me to feel guilty." We don’t have to have negative feelings about ourselves. The idea is to be thankful for all God has done for us, not what we have not done.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the gateway to Lent. We have forty days to get ourselves right with God, to learn of Him and to know ourselves more fully before Easter.

I would like to suggest another type of sacrifice. To live in the presence of God is to stand in the light of pure love. Everything that is not love, must be set aside. For Lent, let us enter into God’s kingdom, His presence, as we shed that which is dark in our lives.

I’m afraid I’m not able to point out your shortcomings. It’s a full-time job just facing my own. But, for these forty days of Lent, you and I may try being honest. For Lent, we may want to give up hate and jealousy. We might let go of anger and resentment. What about laziness and greed? Use the time of Lent to make an inventory of your life and rid yourself of whatever is other than Love, and what is left is fit for the Kingdom of God. Let us pray:

"Father of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, we seek your Holy presence, your precious kingdom. May we open our secret thoughts to you, oh God, knowing that you already know us better than we know ourselves. We ask this day for insight into the chains that bind us to the dark places of our soul and bring us into your Light. Give us a noble heart that we might be brave enough to face the truth about ourselves. Forgive us when we have been lazy and refused to make an honest assessment of our lives. What will be left after the fire of sin has been burned away, is more beautiful and loving than anything we can ever imagine. 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 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

NINE DAYS LEFT

Have you noticed how February is quickly melting into March? And, it’s not even hot!

Have you a plan for the next nine days, so February isn’t an entire loss? God wouldn’t think any of your time with Him is frittered away. But, how have you been spending your days?

I know you have family and work and community commitments. Those all eat away at your time. Or, do they? Isn’t your family the most important people in your life?

One day, the Lord will probably not say, "Did you save the whole world?"

But, His question may be, "What did you do with those I gave you to love?"

Is your job the work God has given you to do? Why not? I heard a Christian speaker say, "God doesn’t care what you do. He cares how you do it." I believe the second part of that is true. God cares very much how you do your job and how you live your life. Do you go into work every day knowing that you have a ministry for Him right there? It doesn’t matter if you flip burgers at a fast food emporium or you are the president of a local bank. What gives the position prestige is your integrity while working there. Are you serving people or are you only serving yourself?

My February 20th second post described our ministry of Prayer Therapy. That job never ceases to be needed by people and loved by God. Pray specifically and God will answer specifically.

The community in which you live also has its own ministry. Are you adding to the betterment of the community, or are you better than the community in which you live? That would be impossible. We are all equal in the eyes of God. You’re no better and you are certainly no worse. Lift your community with your love.

How do you spend your time? Whose love flows from you each day? Let us pray:

"Heavenly Father, we let the precious time you gave us slip through our fingers like days made of dust. Your presence is Holy and yet we choose to live in the past or the future. May we turn our eyes toward you, oh God, not to all that dazzles then fades into shadows. We ask that this is the time in our lives when we cease to waste the time you give us. May we see our family as our link to Heaven, our job as the ministry you have given us for his moment in time, and our community as those we can depend on and those who can depend on us. May we shine your love in all these areas of our lives. Forgive us when we have chosen the world over the kingdom you have created. 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 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Monday, February 20, 2012

OUR PRAYER THERAPY MINISTRY

Hello my friends. I so appreciated your support of my Prayer Therapy Blog. Your faithfulness has truly made it our ministry.

Now, we are ready to launch the ministry beyond ourselves. Prayer groups from all over the world can use the Prayer Therapy process with your help. You just need to share this link with everyone you know for their use.

Also remind your friends to download my eBook, Prayer Therapy Primer, from www.amazon.com or www.bn.com to their computer for less than a U.S. dollar, only $.99. You don’t need an eReader.

Then go to my website, www.dorisgainesrapp.com, and click on Worksheets, a top tab. Print them off for you and your group at no charge.

Our world is in need of prayer. Be faithful to your prayer-life through Prayer Therapy. We can make a difference.

Blessings,
Doris
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

 

 

 

 

 

 

A FULL CUP OF COFFEE

"If I wanted a half cup of coffee, I would have asked for a half cup of coffee." That’s what Daddy would tease if you didn’t fill his coffee cup to the top.

He wasn’t saying I deliberately shorted his cup. He was saying, there is so much more and I’d like to partake of all I can (in his own unique way).

We do the same thing. We don’t even ask for the fullness of His blessings. We don’t expect much from God so we ask Him for a half cup of coffee, not a full one.

Prayer Therapy teaches us to ask specifically, so God can answer specifically. These are the prayers I use in our daily Devotional and Prayer time at www.prayertherapyrapp.blogspot.com. God wants to give us all He has planned for our lives.

Yet, we say, "God couldn’t possible want to bless my day, my work, my family, my life. He knows me too well."

So, we don’t even ask because we know better than God! We need to pray for a full cup if we want to receive a full cup. More beautiful yet, we need to pray for a full cup because he wants to give us abundantly, fully.

If you want to learn the process, you can download Prayer Therapy Primer to your computer or eReader at www.bn.com for only $.99. There are two free worksheets on my website at www.dorisgainesrapp.com. Click on worksheets at the top and print them off.

God wants our cup to overflow with His love. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." Psalms 23:5 (KJV) God is talking about abundant blessings, extravagant generosity, not teaspoons full.

We are to pray specifically for a full cup, even if we don’t think we deserve abundance. Why? If God prepares a table, overflowing with bounty, even in the presence of your enemies, don’t you think he wants us to receive it? He already knows us and knows our need and has prepared a rich blessing. We have to ask for it. Sometimes, when we need healing in body, we actually ask God to bless our shoes and socks. Pray specifically, so God can answer specifically. Let us pray:

"Father God, holy is your name. You are amazing beyond anything I can possibly imagine, for you have loved me before I knew you. Abundant are your blessings and your bountiful table. Teach me to pray as Jesus taught his disciples, that I may ask for what you know I need. Forgive me when I trivialize prayer and spout out a short cliche of meaningless pleading. Accept my prayers as from my heart, that you may heal my heart and soul and make me fit to serve you. In the name of Jesus Christ, your son and my redeemer, I pray. Amen."

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Sunday, February 19, 2012

COME SUNDAY MORNING

Come Sunday morning, where are you? Not your physical location, but where is your soul?

Horatio Spafford wrote the breathtaking words to, It is Will With My Soul,* in 1873 over the spot in the Atlantic that claimed his four daughters in a ship wreck. "Though sorrows like sea billows roll . . . it is well with my soul."

Would we be able to say the same? Do we have a Sunday morning soul every day? Or, like our best clothes, do we take it off and store it after services are over. Let us pray that, come Sunday morning, the Spirit will be buried so deeply within us that our soul will be well, no matter what happens. Let us pray:

"Father of the wind, the storm, and the sea we lift your name in adoration. May your kingdom open its doors and let me come in so that I may learn of you. I ask that you bury your heart within my own, so I may be a reflection of you. I want my soul to be well with you every day of my life. Forgive me when I drift into worldly thinking, for you are not there. Touch me so deeply that I will be recognized by you, no matter the day or the circumstances. In the name of Jesus, your son, I pray. Amen."

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
* In public domain.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

I'M HUNGRY FOR COLOR

I am so tired of brown—brown grass, brown trees, brown bushes—just brown. It’s not that I don’t like the color brown, but there are far more crayons in the box than brown!

I believe we get color deprived in the winter. That deprivation leads to depression or at least the blahs. Many people enjoy an afternoon at the mall during the cold, dark months. I believe they enjoy shopping because of the bright displays. All that color stimulates the brain and gives them a sense of well-being.

How can we bring color into our lives? If you speak to a child at church, the color of their eyes will paint a new swatch on your canvas. When you take food to those who can’t get out in bad weather, their smile will add the yellow of the sun on your painting. As you mentor someone who is out of work, their new job will brush a large swath of powder blue appreciation on your painting. You will get color in your life through the joy you bring others. Let us pray:

"Dear Father of beauty, light and color, amazing is your name. May rainbows of color dazzle our eyes and rain pearls of beauty all around us that we may gather them up and share them with others. We ask on this day in winter that you give us eyes to see past the brown and view the amazing masterpiece you can create with our love and service to others. Forgive us when we complain about the winter from inside warm homes, heated cars, and full bodies. May we share the brightness of your smile with others. By the power of your son, Jesus, we pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/   

Friday, February 17, 2012

DOWNHILL SLEDDING

"Watch out for the tree!" That is a usual warning when the snow flies and sled runners are polished.

At the end of our road is a community park where families come to go sledding. The hill isn’t a mountain but it gives a good thrill on the way down. Once they get to the bottom, the sledder is stopped by hay bales that line the lower limits of the park that ends at a cross street. A fire hydrant is surrounded by more hay as well as the occasional tree along the side. The bales were placed there late in Autumn, long before the first snow of the winter. Downhill sledding can be very safe when the way is prepared, the obstacles are cushioned, and the sledder is aware.

Isn’t that a little like life? It is a spectacular ride! We can’t avoid all things that may be in our path but Jesus has prepared the way, those who have gone before us have left sound advice, and we need to be aware through prayer. Let us pray:

"God of the snow and the hills, we thank you for the thrill of the ride. You have given us lives to live that are full of adventure when we live it fully. How precious are the prints in the snow of Him whom we follow. May we always thank you for your son who walks before us, preparing the way. We thank you that you give us wise ones who can cushion the way if we will listen. Then let us be aware of the good around us and seek truth and wisdom through prayer. Forgive us when we think we are able to do it all on our own. You are our God and Christ is our guide. May we see him at every step along our way. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/   

Thursday, February 16, 2012

THURSDAY'S CHILD HAS FAR TO GO

Where is Thursday’s child going? How far do they have to go? How long will it take them? There are many questions for those of us who like to chart our own course.

The children’s poem, often called Monday’s Child, has an interesting line for Thursday. "Thursday’s child has far to go." The thought of having a long way ahead of us might make us weary. Or, we may be thrilled that we still have a long path before of us.

Some may interpret this as a put-down. "You sure need some improvement. You have a long way to go to make the grade."

Friends, we all have far to go because we will never "arrive." We will never arrive if we think we will attain perfection. Perfection is an attribute of Paradise. We have a long way to go to reach perfection because it is not of this world and we can’t get a visa to travel where it is. We all have a long way to go, but the trip is amazing! Let us pray:

"God of creation and beauty, your love is perfect. You shine above all and fill the world with your light. May I live within the glow of your presence. Today is Thursday and I am one of its children. May I gratefully accept that I have far to go because I will do your will along the way. Forgive me when I grumble about the tasks you give me. To have the privilege of doing your work is amazing beyond anything I can imagine. Let me serve you as a Thursday’s child, with more to do and a ways to go. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/   

If you no longer want to receive these prayers, just send an email.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

THE DAY AFTER LOVE

Today is the day after Valentine’s Day. How quickly did kind, loving words stop in your home? When did an extra smile, a sweet kiss, or a thoughtful gesture fade? Why did you let love slip away?

There are many reasons to celebrate another day of blessings. For me, this is my sister’s birthday. I don’t tell her often enough that I love her, but I do. When I go to her house, it’s like going home.

Is there nothing or no one in your life to love? Bitterness never sweetened the jam; anger never brought flavor to the candy, and jealousy never loved anyone. Let this not be the day after Valentine’s Day, but the first day we choose love. Let us pray:

"God and Father of love, I bow before your blessed presence in our lives. I ask that true love may live within me that I may share it with others. Our world is confused about love right now, Father. May the love I share be understood as coming from you. Forgive me when I sow bitter seeds, for they can only harvest a sour plant. Let me share your sweet love wherever I go. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

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Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

GOD'S VALENTINE

Cupid is loose once more—it’s Valentine’s Day! It’s not the celebration of favored ones who receive the biggest, largest cards, over the less desired who get the smallest or no cards at all. This Valentine is from God.

A valentine is a message, a token or gift of love. The greatest message ever sent is that life is eternal for those who love the Lord. It is lovingly whispered and sometimes shouted through the pages of the Holy Word. We know that God loved us before we knew him.

God’s gift to all of us is his precious son, Jesus. The embodiment of his Love left Glory and walked the dusty roads of Palestine, for our sake. He is a Valentine intended to be shared. His is a love that cannot be confined, or held back. His Love bursts from his children like rays from the brightest sun and floods the area where we walk with light.

Share his Valentine with everyone. Don’t hold it back. Buried love takes on the decay around it. Love is meant to be brought out, passed around, and given away. Let us pray:

"Loving Father, you are all that is pure and loving. Holy is your name. May your Valentine be successfully delivered to those who are willing to receive it. May we live in the Love you provide so that your will may be done. We ask to see your message of love all around us and recognize your gift of Christ as precious beyond words. May we shower our corner of life with the fresh sprinkle of sparkling jewels of hope and promise you give us. And, let us live lives of love this day and every day. 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 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Monday, February 13, 2012

WHOLE GRAIN

Have you noticed how every cereal must be whole grain now? I don’t know anything about the nation’s grain supply, but whole does sound better than partial.

When I was a child, my father took my sister and me, our mother, and Momma’s parents for a ride in the country to see if the recent heavy rains had damaged any of the crops. Grandpa was the silent type so he enjoyed the ride by watching the fields and blue sky.

Grandma was blind in one eye so she sat in the back seat with Mom and Donna, with her "good" side to the window. As we would pass a field of newly wet and nearly drowned plants, Grandma would say, "Those beans look good." Or, "That corn field will have to be replanted"

It was a real mystery to me. How did Grandma know what was planted in the field by looking at the sprouting green plants? She knew, because they were farm people. They had no sons, so she had driven the tractor to till and cultivate while Grandpa did the heavy work. Nothing grew in those fields but whole grain.

Food producing companies spend money removing many nutrients from grain when they refine it into white flour. Then they fortify the flour with a few replacements that have minor benefits. What the farmers grow in their fields sometimes fails to make it to the table in a healthy form.

We do the same thing with the Bread of Life that God gives us in full measure. We shake it out, pull it apart, and then fortify it with our own interpretation of what God really meant to say. We are left with something of little real value and completely unsatisfying.

Think of God’s promises as whole grain. They contain the complete seed. That seed will bring us all the nutrition we need to live abundant lives. All we have to do is accept this bountiful harvest. Let us pray:

"Holy Father God, you are all I need. I pray that your banquet table will include a place for even me. Let me do your will from any position of the table at which you place me. May I accept your whole grain as nourishment for my soul, for your gifts are always complete. Forgive me when I take your promises and turn them into lies by inserting my words in place of yours. I really didn’t understand how precious and holy your bountiful grain of life truly is. May I see the seed and choose the complete life you offer. In the name of Jesus, your son, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Sunday, February 12, 2012

NEW OR RERUNS?

"I don’t want to watch that. It’s a rerun." I often say that.

"I want to watch that program. It was on before but love it." That has been heard too.

To some, God’s Word is a Bible filled with tired old words they’ve heard before and don’t want to hear again. They’re reruns. Others say they know what’s in the Bible, when they have only surfed the chapters. There are a few who say they want nothing to do with the Bible which they have never read. Some, find new and exciting meaning in the wonderful, sacred words God has given us.

I just talked to someone who is discouraged about the life of their church. Why do we defame the body of Christ by speaking ill of his flock? How can the inspired Word of God be anything but a rerun when we no longer have the indwelling spirit to help inspire us to understand?

Is the story of the Living God and his son, Jesus, just a rerun to you or do you find new meaning each time you open your Bible? Is your Holy Book a compilation of stale old material, or the new and fresh heartbeat of the Living God? Let us pray:

"God of glory, God of truth, I sit at the feet of the greatest storyteller there is—stories of truth and love, law and redemption, grace and salvation. Holy is your name—the great Yahweh whose name is too precious speak. May your kingdom come to my life, that I may do your will. Please Father, this very day, fill my soul with your Spirit of Light and Truth and Peace so that I may read your Word with new understanding. Forgive me when I neglect your Word. How can I possibly learn of you, if I do not read of? May your life be alive in me, Father God. In the name of your son, my savior Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Book Trailer:
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/

Also:
http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://doris.gaines.rapp.suite101.com/success-is-possible-in-todays-economy-a402072

Saturday, February 11, 2012

FROZEN OR HOMEMADE?

"Aunt Maud’s pies from the freezer section of your grocery are as good as homemade." In today’s busy world, that is a successful advertising claim.

A woman I know was praised for the slacks and shirt she had made, with the observation. "They’re as good as store-bought."

My friend’s response was, "If they weren’t better than store-bought, I wouldn’t have made them."

It seems our basic values are under attack these days. The "best" preschool is valued more than parents and family rearing their own children. People of faith are to remain silent, for fear their words of love will offend someone. Working hard and earning your own advancements are ridiculed as selfish if you actually make a success of your career.

We are at a crossroads where we have to decide if we are still an independent, adventurous, self-assured people or have we grown lazy and need to be taken care of? The path we choose will influence the future. What legacy do we want to leave?

Get off the couch and participate in life again. Have fun baking bread and fill the house with its perfume. Don’t let others force you to hide your beliefs. Favor self-assurance and don’t wait to be taken care of by those in the main house. Gratefully receive help from family and friends when you need it and stand alone the rest of the time. Serve frozen when you’re in a hurry and save several days a week for family-prepared homemade. That is where the home and your life are created. Let us pray:

"Creator of families, of adventure and joy through work, I lift your name above all names. When I live in you, I find your glory and my home. From there, I seek your will. Give me eyes to see the beauty of being strong and self-reliant. When I follow you, I can lead others along the path that leads us all home. Let me lift up my brothers and sisters that they too might lead. For you await a full army of leader/followers. Strength and success are not bad things in your world, for our success glorifies you. Forgive me when I hold you back from working your miracle in me. I belong to you, willingly and gratefully. In the name of the great Shepherd, Jesus, your son who guides us, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://doris.gaines.rapp.suite101.com/success-is-possible-in-todays-economy-a402072

Friday, February 10, 2012

CROCUSES IN THE SNOW

"I saw a crocus this morning," I heard a lady say last Tuesday as she shook fine snow from her coat.

Explanation? It’s Indiana weather. For those of you on the other side of the world, Indiana weather is more than unpredictable. It’s predictably unpredictable. I think that makes it predicable. Snow in February isn’t surprising but crocuses are.

When we are surprised by God’s miracles, we take him for granted. Oh, I get it. The only real miracles are the giant ones that we receive personally. If we get a small raise, that isn’t a blessing. A blessing, or miracle, would only count if we won a few thousand on a scratch off card through the lottery. For some of us, it would take winning millions to feel blessed. For a few, we’d have to win the largest jackpot ever offered. Then, when we start to spend it, even that wouldn’t be enough for what our imaginations can invent.

God’s blessings are all equal. His miracles are as miraculous as the last, and his children receive his boundless love in the same full measure. Do you see a crocus in the snow and say, "Wow, is Mother Nature all mixed up?" Or do you say, "Thank you Lord. I needed that blessing today." Let us pray:

"Father of the crocus and the snow, holy is your name and great are your blessings. Come, Father, let me live in you and your word live in me, that your will may be done in my life. Let me recognize all of your blessings. Fill my heart so full of your love that a glorious appreciation of life floods my being and shines from my soul. Forgive me when I have rejected a miracle from you because it wasn’t grand enough or it didn’t live up to my own specifications. Any touch of your hand is a miraculous blessing. For all these things and for your largest miracle, your son Jesus, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://doris.gaines.rapp.suite101.com/success-is-possible-in-todays-economy-a402072

Thursday, February 9, 2012

CHOCOLATE: DEPRESSION'S ANTIDOTE

"Where’s the chocolate?"

Do you ever look for chocolate about 10:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.? Actually, for me, chocolate can be enjoyed anytime. It really does give your mood a pick-up late in the morning or afternoon.

The catch is, you only need about two ounces. With Valentine’s Day coming up, a wise man thinks cocoa bean. My new sweatshirt says, "I love chocolate and the man who buys it."

What I’d like to propose, is a little tweaking to the Heart Day shirt. "I love chocolate and my God who created it."

Isn’t He an amazing God?! He even thought of chocolate. Each of us, and every speck of our world, has been created by our God who even thought of chocolate, to raise our mood and give us a sense of well-being. And some people say, creation was an accident of nature, a big bang. Just think of the voice of God calling out your name across the vast, unimaginable void of space. What a sound (a bang) that would have been! And the echo is still faintly heard, every time you bite into a piece of chocolate. Let us pray:

"God of all good things, we lift up your holy name in praise. We thank you that your kingdom has come to those who believe. May your will be done within it. We ask that you bless us with eyes that see your work, with ears that hear love when it’s spoken, and the touch of a friend when we need one. May we always remember your blessings and rehearse what we have, rather than what we do not. May we hear your sweet voice calling our name on the breath of the wind. May we smell your fragrant perfume of love that reminds us you are near. Thank you for all your blessings and gifts, even chocolate. In the name of Jesus our redeemer I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://doris.gaines.rapp.suite101.com/success-is-possible-in-todays-economy-a402072

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Hitch The Bull To The Buggy

Hitch the bull to the buggy! To save your country, would you be able to hitch the bull to the buggy? www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

THOSE WHO WAIT UPON THE LORD

Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." King James

I’ve been a little busy: writing, Facebooking, blogging, websiteing, and tweeting. Please forgive a very personal blog post today but one of the few places I’ve been recently is in my La-Z-Boy with my laptop in front of me. Yes, it takes all of that to promote a book. Some of you received my FB post, blog and tweet on Saturday and Sunday: "Not into football? Rather than a Super Bowl Sunday, have a Super BOOK Sunday. Then I recommended purchase of my eBook. Some did!

Sales aren’t the issue here. Waiting upon the Lord is! I am following a recommend plan for marketing my novel in today’s strange, belt-too-tight book world. During my prayers, the Lord reminds me to just follow, to wait and obey.

I don’t know much about computers. I know even less about Twitter and tweets and Follow and Following, and FB friends and—you get the idea. But, my heart tells me, since I don’t know, the Lord will place others along my path who do.

Sometimes I have thought that "wait upon the Lord" means to serve Him, like a waiter. But, "wait upon the Lord" simply means that—wait. When we don’t know why, or how, we obey the voice that calls in the night, "Come follow me." From that position at the rear, we don’ know why, or how, we just know, "do." My novel may not circulate in my lifetime. That has nothing to do with obedience. I’m on page 49 of writing the second book in the Length of Days series. Why? I only know He has given me a story to tell and I give it to you. It isn’t about me. It’s all about being obedient to Him. Let us pray:

"Father God, you are the author of my life. You are my leader and I wait on my direction from you. I thank you, that you have made waiting and blessed as going, for in both cases we serve you. Hover over my life and fill me with your will, oh God, that your kingdom may come within and around me. Father, I ask that you receive my gift of waiting so that you may be glorified. Let me not grow weary of waiting, for your word has said I will nether grow weary nor will I grow faint. Hallelujah and praise your glorious name. In the power of your son, Jesus, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://doris.gaines.rapp.suite101.com/success-is-possible-in-todays-economy-a402072

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

A TIME-OF-STAYING

There are those who live two or three lives. An illness or accident takes them away and yet God and His medical team bring them back. My cousin has died six times now—I think that number is right. We all know those who have been given a time-of-staying. We don’t how long that will be, but it will be enough. They don’t usually leave this earth when they have completed their task. A life lived well is never done with their job or they have started a new assignment.

Let us live each day like it may be our last. We may not even be aware that we are lingering now. Make sure you fill your moments with love and laughter and praise to God. Then, pray that God will hide the knowledge that it is a time-of-staying. Live every day of your life. Don’t let one second be wasted. A moment burned in waste will never brighten anything. Let us pray:

"Holy Father, Light divine, illuminate this path of mine with your glory and your holiness. I pray that you wrap me in your love that I may live in your kingdom even now. I ask that you show me how to live every day with you. Give me your tasks to do. Whatever they are, I pray to see them as valuable as you do. Forgive me when I belittle the roll you have given me. "It’s not big enough or important enough." I am so sorry that I don’t see the work you would have me do as the miracle it is. Open my eyes to see the part I play in your scheme, at least enough to not neglect the work. For all these things, I will give you the glory. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://doris.gaines.rapp.suite101.com/success-is-possible-in-todays-economy-a402072

Monday, February 6, 2012

THE DAY AFTER THE GAME

When I was about ten, my father barely got home from work late one night during a blizzard. His car slid off the road and he had to walk the last four blocks. He came staggering into the house with icicles dripping from his eyebrows and nose.

The next day, I had plenty to tell my neighbor friends as we dug a snow fort out of a four-foot drift in the back yard. I’ve wondered if the icicles on Daddy face were as long, and the igloo as tall, as I had remembered it. It was such a good water fountain story, I could have remembered it "larger" than it was, in order to participate in the fourth-grade post-blizzard analysis.

What about the Super Bowl game—what has the game done for you today? Some of you will check the score and stand around the water cooler until you can throw in that detail, even though you didn’t watch the whole game. It’s a sign of belonging and acceptance to be able to participate in a post-game analysis.

I think the party atmosphere of yesterday’s game is more important to many than the plays on the field. I had even blogged and tweeted about having a Super BOOK Sunday, rather than football, complete with eBook suggestion. That way, you could be in the room without being a part of the game.

We are social beings and we want to belong and we want to be "in the know." Hopefully, you didn’t go to extremes yesterday. If you weren’t a football fan, I hope you were an avid supporter of family, friends and fun. When you’re out and about today, thank God for all your blessings. The most valuable players at the Super Bowl were the ones in the TV room with you. We are free people, free to love and free to have fun, even in tight times. Celebrate that and thank God for your blessings. If you have forgotten to be thankful, prayer therapy can help. Let’s pray:

"God and father of pig skin, bruised skin, thick skin and thin skin, I praise you and lift your name in reverence. Holy are you, oh God. May your will be done in my life, for only your will makes a complete, fulfilled life. I ask for your blessings to fall on all those I love and even those I tolerate. Sometimes I forget to thank you for them and forget to tell them how valuable they are to me. When I don’t validate them, I rob them of your word, your touch, your love. May I love them to the degree I want to be loved. Lead me away from selfish thoughts and let me see you, all around me. In the name of Jesus, your son, I pray. Amen"

Doris

"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://doris.gaines.rapp.suite101.com/success-is-possible-in-todays-economy-a402072

Sunday, February 5, 2012

TACKLED BY DEPRESSION?

"Let’s all hear it for the gridiron team! It’s Super Bowl Sunday!"

Were any of you surprised by that pronouncement? In fact, it’s played about ninety miles south of here, in Indianapolis.

We won’t go into the Colts’ record of wins and losses this season. But, the camera lens will still be focused on the house that Manning built today.

The only football game I watch during the whole year is the Super Bowl. Okay, "watch" is a loose term. I read, do cross-stitch, or write with my notebook in my lap during the game. As a psychologist, I also know that Super Bowl Sunday is often a day of family violence and Depression.

When we let a game in which men run up and down a field—trying to carry an oblong ball over an end line, or tackle another player who does—drive us into the ground with Depression, don’t you think we’re a little over-involved? You can have fun, yell, cheer, and jump up and down with excitement, but keep you hands off your family! Put some space between you and your spouse and kids, a least just past your own arm’s length.

After the game has been played and won, or lost, depending on whom you were cheering for, Man, let it go! Throwing a two-year-old’s tamper tantrum will only hurt others and/or bring you down and tackle you with Depression. Get your head out of the game and into the game of life, with God as your coach. Prayer Therapy can bring you back to the scrimmage line, so you can play the game with dignity, love, and God’s grace.

Prayer Therapy can help you. You would pray 3x a day for the release of depression. As before, you would wait a few minutes for God to touch you, and then go about the rest of the day, knowing that God heard your prayer. Let us pray:

"God in Heaven who created all, you have the power to reset my broken heart. I praise your holy and precious name. May your word come to live within me so that I may live in you and rest in your kingdom, oh God. I ask this very day, Father, that you deliver me from the pain of Depression and cast those horrible feelings as far from me as your mighty arms can fling them. Forgive me when I forget to ask for your help and healing. I will remember you and your love three times today in this prayer and I will wait upon your promised touch. I know your love will go with me every moment of the day. I pray all these things in the name of, and by the power of, your son Jesus, the great physician. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: For a Super BOOK Sunday, go 2 http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

http://doris.gaines.rapp.suite101.com/success-is-possible-in-todays-economy-a402072

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Who Brings You Down?

"My brother was awful! He hit me and I got into trouble for fighting back. He would steal from Mom’s purse, then say that he saw me take the money. I hate him!" On and on they go, listing the transgressions of a brother they haven’t seen in years.

Another woman cried to anyone who would listen, "My ex-husband was abusive. He not only hit me, he was angry and mean every day of our lives together." That was seventeen-years ago and the woman re-inflicts the painful memories on herself over and over again. Why would anyone do that? Why would she let someone bring her down and drive her into Depression?

Is it possible that she needs to hurt herself? Think about it. If you let someone bring you down, is down where you belong? Are you contributing to your own Depression? If you are a child of God, you should be soaring with the angels.

Let Prayer Therapy help lift you out of Depression caused by bad memories and negative self-talk. Using Prayer Therapy, pray 3x a day for the release of depression. As before, you would wait a few minutes for God to touch you, and then go about the rest of the day, knowing that God heard your prayer. Let us pray:

"God in Heaven who created all, you have the power to reset my broken heart. I praise your holy and precious name. May your word come to live within me so that I may live in you and rest in your kingdom, oh God. I ask this very day, Father, that you deliver me from the pain of Depression and cast those horrible feelings as far from me as your mighty arms can fling them. Forgive me when I forget to ask for your help and healing. I will remember you and your love three times today in this prayer and I will wait upon your promised touch. I know your love will go with me every moment of the day. I pray all these things in the name of, and by the power of, your son Jesus, the great physician. Amen"

Doris

"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com

    http://doris.gaines.rapp.suite101.com/success-is-possible-in-todays-economy-a402072

Friday, February 3, 2012

The Friday Evening Post

This Friday Evening Post  is different from other posts, a different format and a different request. For that, I apologize, but also thank you for your support. You have all be amazing about getting my Prayer Therapy Devotionals and Prayers, literally, all around the world!

This is quite different. I'm asking you to read a new blog too, one I had started a few weeks ago. If you have a moment, please go2 www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com.

Thank you again. The next post you receive from this blogwill be in the Prayer Therapy format.
Blessings,
Doris
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

What Brings You Down?

"The economy is in shambles!" Some people dwell on today’s lowest points. I know that I can be guilty of that too.

When we recognize the limitations of available cash, that’s being realistic. When we are crippled by it, we can slip into Depression.

How many ways can we find to bring ourselves down? When we dwell on what we don’t have rather than what we do, we are charting a path downward. We are making ourselves sad. From that down position, we are weak and feel hopeless. Hopelessness and helplessness never found a job, never repaired their home, never loved their lovelies, and never served the Lord through a testimony of healing.

Go to the Lord and pray for a release from the things that bring you down—release from Depression. Prayer Therapy can help. Pray 3x a day for the release of depression. As before, wait a few minutes for God to touch you, then, as you go about the rest of the day, know that God heard your prayer. Let us pray:

"God in Heaven who created all, you have the power to reset my broken heart. I praise your holy and precious name. May your word come to live within me so that I may live in you and rest in your kingdom, oh God. I ask this very day, Father, that you deliver me from the pain of Depression and cast those horrible feelings as far from me as your mighty arms can fling them. Forgive me when I forget to ask for your help and healing. I will remember you and your love three times today in this prayer and I will wait upon your promised touch. I know your love will go with me every moment of the day. I pray all these things in the name of, and by the power of, your son Jesus, the great physician. Amen"

Doris

"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com http://doris.gaines.rapp.suite101.com/success-is-possible-in-todays-economy-a402072

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Prayer for Release From Depression

"I am exhausted," he said. "I feel like I’m so down, I’ll never get up again. I don’t feel like doing anything. I wish people would just leave me alone."

"Don’t pay any attention to him," his wife complains. "He doesn’t care about any of us."

Is the fellow lazy, grumpy, and/or distant? Well, yes, but it may not be what you think. He may have a severe case of Depression.

We might think of Depression as (1) caused by something outside ourselves. Or, (2) it may be a chemical imbalance within us.

Some Christians are against seeing a Psychologist or Psychiatrist. "All they need to do is pray more and bury themselves in the Word of God."

If the person had diabetes, would they say, "Stop taking that Insulin. Just pray more and read the Bible." No. We know that Diabetes is a chemical imbalance—like Depression.

I have worked with wonderful Christians with archaic ideas of medical needs. When the Depression hits them, their family or friends, they see that medication is a blessing from God, not something to be shunned.

The first type of depression, situational, may be severe enough that medication is prescribed for a short time. In addition, Prayer Therapy can help. You would pray 3x a day for the release of depression. As before, you would wait a few minutes for God to touch you, and then go about the rest of the day, knowing that God heard your prayer. Let us pray:

"God in Heaven who created all, you have the power to reset my broken heart. I praise your holy and precious name. May your word come to live within me so that I may live in you and rest in your kingdom, oh God. I ask this very day, Father, that you deliver me from the pain of Depression and cast those horrible feelings as far from me as your mighty arms can fling them. Forgive me when I forget to ask for your help and healing. I will remember you and your love three times today in this prayer and I will wait upon your promised touch. I know your love will go with me every moment of the day. I pray all these things in the name of, and by the power of, your son Jesus, the great physician. Amen"

Doris

"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

Please pass this link to a friend.

Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com   
http://doris.gaines.rapp.suite101.com/success-is-possible-in-todays-economy-a402072

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

2012 TRANSFORMERS

"Here he comes," they all shout! An Autobot rolls down the road like a Freightline Semi and is transformed into Optimus Prime, chief defender of the people against the Decepticons. The Transformers have arrived to save the day!

According to their storyline, only the Transformers are brave enough and strong enough to intercede on behalf of the people. My friends, there was someone far greater than any machine who came to transform us all. The one who came to turn more lives toward love, peace and salvation, than any story Hollywood can tell, is the one who transforms our hearts.

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV)

"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." With what do you fill your thinking, your mind? Are you being transformed by the world, from a follower of Christ to a follower of Baal? Baal, or a false god, in our culture is anything that distracts us from worshiping the one, true God. Are you sure what you are being transformed into through what your mind dwells on? Let us pray:

"Holy Father, God, you are the only one who can change me from what I have become back to whom you intended me to be. Holy is your name and holy is your spirit that dwells within the heart of those transformed by your word. I ask that you indeed change me and draw me into your loving arms. Forgive me when I allow the things of the world to detract me from you. Transform me now, Father, and let the old me no longer be. In the name of Jesus, the transformer of the world, I pray. Amen"

Doris
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com  

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Contact me at: dorisgainesrapp@gmail.com