According to MSN Encyclopedia, Encarta, Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was a missionary in the 5th century who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. It is said that Saint Patrick used the shamrock, because of its three leaves, to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to the Irish people. The shamrock is now the national emblem of Ireland. Legend says that Saint Patrick also drove the snake out of Ireland, but others say, there never were any snakes on the Emerald Isle. Perhaps the snakes were in the form of the serpent who tempted Eve in the garden and merely a descriptive way of remembering the non-Christian practices before the people’s conversion. According to Encarta, “celebrating St. Patrick’s Day has been a tradition in the United States since 1737, when the Charitable Irish Society of Boston organized the first St. Patrick’s Day parade. New York City’s parade began in 1762. St. Patrick's Day was even acknowledged by General George Washington during the American Revolution. In 1780, during the Continental Army’s bitter winter encampment in Morristown, New Jersey, Washington permitted his troops, many of whom were of Irish descent, a holiday on March 17. This event is now known as the St. Patrick's Day Encampment of 1780.” Now, people of many religious beliefs celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
It is said, on March 17th, everyone is Irish, with the wearing of the green which is reminiscent of the glorious lush emerald countryside of Ireland. For Christians, I believe it is a time to think about how many people we have brought to Christ. As I said, since Saint Patrick may have used the shamrock, a three leafed clover, as an object lesson, I would like to encourage us all to wear a shamrock tomorrow on Saint Patrick’s day and tell at least one person that the three leaves of the shamrock can represent the Holy Trinity, continuing to witness to others on behalf of our Lord. Let us pray:
“My loving God, father of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I bow before you, for you are holy. All the angels of heaven sing your praises and I open my heart to hear those songs each day. I ask you to receive my willing heart, oh God, to spread the message of your love, grace, and salvation to all those I meet. Give me the courage to speak out about your Son and the presence of your Holy Spirit in my life, by pointing out the little clover on my lapel. Forgive me when I have not seized the opportunity to speak out for you due to my own reticence. I give my quiet voice to you as well, that you may speak to others without my even being aware. For all your gifts and blessings, I humbly thank you and praise you, for only you are worthy of praise. In the name of, and by the power of, your sweet son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
SPRING FOLLOWS WINTER
After every Winter, a fragrant and lovely Spring follows. A maple tree in our front year is sending out new buds, announcing a refreshed life is beginning. Even the hard rain we had yesterday, that soaked the ground, has filled the streams nearly to overflowing. God is kissing the earth with evidence of his blessings.
If you watch much TV, you know that our country is slipping into panic. While we cannot control Wall Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, or even the little lane we live on, God can be in control of our home and our lives.
These are uncertain times, but we can be positive about God’s love and grace. We can claim His peace and certainty by asking him with a believing heart. Let us pray:
“Dear Abba, Father, your name is like the song of a rushing stream in our ears. May your kingdom come swiftly and find us waiting for you beside the brook. We know that the world has chosen chaos, but we do not depend on the world for our strength and hope. For this day, oh Father, we ask for the peace and calm that you have promised those whose mind is stayed on you. Forgive us when we have shown fear because we know that others look for you in us. We pray that we will always have your face before us and all the peace that shines from your countenance. And, Father, place those in our path who also need peace and freedom from fear. May we say something or do something that will bring peace to them. We pray that we do not know who the one we’ve touched is, when, or under what circumstances it happens, so that we may not be tempted to boast. We pray that you, oh God, will receive all the praise and glory. In the name of Jesus, our Savior we pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
If you watch much TV, you know that our country is slipping into panic. While we cannot control Wall Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, or even the little lane we live on, God can be in control of our home and our lives.
These are uncertain times, but we can be positive about God’s love and grace. We can claim His peace and certainty by asking him with a believing heart. Let us pray:
“Dear Abba, Father, your name is like the song of a rushing stream in our ears. May your kingdom come swiftly and find us waiting for you beside the brook. We know that the world has chosen chaos, but we do not depend on the world for our strength and hope. For this day, oh Father, we ask for the peace and calm that you have promised those whose mind is stayed on you. Forgive us when we have shown fear because we know that others look for you in us. We pray that we will always have your face before us and all the peace that shines from your countenance. And, Father, place those in our path who also need peace and freedom from fear. May we say something or do something that will bring peace to them. We pray that we do not know who the one we’ve touched is, when, or under what circumstances it happens, so that we may not be tempted to boast. We pray that you, oh God, will receive all the praise and glory. In the name of Jesus, our Savior we pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
Monday, March 2, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
With a small amount of pride, I’d like to wish my daughter, Amanda, a Happy Birthday. With six children and nine-and-a-half grandchildren, many months include family birthday celebrations. Only three months ago, the world celebrated the birthday of the king, Jesus Christ. Now, during our recognition of Lent as we approach Easter, we as a nation are moaning under financial uncertainty. What short memories we all have! We praised God for the gift of Salvation through Jesus, only to say, “What are you doing for me now, God?”
We as Christians, do not base out religion on the death of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We base it on the resurrection of the Son of God on Easter Sunday and the promise that Christmas had foretold. Let us celebrate Christ’s birthday every day, with the same hope and promise and expectation that we experience during Advent. Also, we’re not Good Friday People. We are Resurrection, Easter People. Now, I remind you that we also need to live as Advent People, every day - full of joy and peace and light and color and hope and thanksgiving. The birthdays of family and friends can remind us of the precious gift of life, both in this world and the next. Yes, our finances have been rattled at this time. My friends, a great deal of what we think we need, is just fluff with no substance. Use these difficult times to focus on what is real, on helping others. Happiness is not a goal. Happiness is the by-product of the way we live our lives!
Happy Birthday, my friends, for you can be reborn each day, by the power of Jesus’s love that you accept from God and then share with others. Today and every day, is the beginning of a new life for all of us. Live responsibly, as joyous children of the Lord! Let us pray:
“Father, God, Holy, Holy, Holy is your name, not even spoken by our religious ancestors. May your throne be planted firmly on the solid ground of Christ’s promises that we hold in our heart. Oh what joy beyond speaking that we experience when we draw near to you. May your Holy Spirit direct our ways, not only during this time but always. We ask you Father, for your peace and joy. We lift up those who have lost their jobs and fear they will lose their homes. Place those in our path who need reassurance of your love and salvation so that we may be used by you to shine through our humanness and send rays of warmth and love and hope upon them. Forgive us when others only see our whining, our fear, our distrust, and our lack of stewardship of that which you have blessed us. We want to be Advent/Easter People, People of the Way. Give us strength and courage to be used by you, Lord. We don’t even want to know how or when, so that your presence may not be clouded by our pride. Thank you, thank you Father, for your son Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
We as Christians, do not base out religion on the death of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We base it on the resurrection of the Son of God on Easter Sunday and the promise that Christmas had foretold. Let us celebrate Christ’s birthday every day, with the same hope and promise and expectation that we experience during Advent. Also, we’re not Good Friday People. We are Resurrection, Easter People. Now, I remind you that we also need to live as Advent People, every day - full of joy and peace and light and color and hope and thanksgiving. The birthdays of family and friends can remind us of the precious gift of life, both in this world and the next. Yes, our finances have been rattled at this time. My friends, a great deal of what we think we need, is just fluff with no substance. Use these difficult times to focus on what is real, on helping others. Happiness is not a goal. Happiness is the by-product of the way we live our lives!
Happy Birthday, my friends, for you can be reborn each day, by the power of Jesus’s love that you accept from God and then share with others. Today and every day, is the beginning of a new life for all of us. Live responsibly, as joyous children of the Lord! Let us pray:
“Father, God, Holy, Holy, Holy is your name, not even spoken by our religious ancestors. May your throne be planted firmly on the solid ground of Christ’s promises that we hold in our heart. Oh what joy beyond speaking that we experience when we draw near to you. May your Holy Spirit direct our ways, not only during this time but always. We ask you Father, for your peace and joy. We lift up those who have lost their jobs and fear they will lose their homes. Place those in our path who need reassurance of your love and salvation so that we may be used by you to shine through our humanness and send rays of warmth and love and hope upon them. Forgive us when others only see our whining, our fear, our distrust, and our lack of stewardship of that which you have blessed us. We want to be Advent/Easter People, People of the Way. Give us strength and courage to be used by you, Lord. We don’t even want to know how or when, so that your presence may not be clouded by our pride. Thank you, thank you Father, for your son Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
ANSWERED PRAYER
We pray about so many things, on behalf of so many people, in so many circumstances. But, do we stop to thank the Lord for answered prayer? Many times, we don’t even give thanks for the yes answers, and usually never thank him for the no or later responses. Let me tell you about God’s miraculous work in the life of my cousin John as an answer to many prayers.
John had surgery the first of December 2008. He had a very difficult time and didn’t wake up. A few days later, he had a heart attack and cardiac arrest which resulted in irregular brain waves. He later had staph infection, kidney problems, and then an entire body involvement with total bodily systems failure. He didn’t regain consciousness in December or January. Our family, our church, his family and church and many friends and others prayed for John to improve, wake up and gain strength. About the second week in February, John woke up. His doctors said it was a miracle. He will finally be moved out of ICU this week after two and a half months.
Do you tell your family and friends how much you love them while you can? John lives in Ohio so I only see him once or twice a year, but he always says, “I love you.” If you had to Go Home today, would you have said the things you wanted to say? And, when God smiles and warms your life with proof of his existence, as he did in John’s life, do you give thanks, or do you think, “Well, after all that’s God’s job?” Let us remember to give thanks daily for the miracles he has done in our lives and the ones he has given us to love. Can you believe it, God loves even you and me. He wants to be in our lives, listening to and answering our prayers! We are his children and he is a loving father. Let us pray a prayer of thanksgiving:
“Oh Father God, you breathe health into our body and life into our soul. Holy, holy, holy is your name. Your kingdom is at hand when we invite Jesus, your son, to dwell within us and the Holy Spirit takes up residence there. Then, we are truly a temple of your earthly presence, not for our sake or glory, but for yours. We thank you, God, for our answered prayers and seek your forgiveness for our shameful lack of gratitude when we forget to pray a prayer of thanksgiving. You send blessings down all around us like the gentle rain from heaven and soak into our being like moisture on a thirsty land. And still, we do not thank you. Forgive us Father, for we have neglected our worship of you and have limited our prayers to “give me . . .”, or “grant me . . .” with no thought to praising and thanking you. And yet, we know that you live in the praises of your people, for your Word has said it is so. We ask nothing for ourselves today. We just stand with uplifted hands to you, praising you and thanking you for blessing us with love and health and peace and grace and mercy. In the name of Jesus our Savior and Redeemer we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
John had surgery the first of December 2008. He had a very difficult time and didn’t wake up. A few days later, he had a heart attack and cardiac arrest which resulted in irregular brain waves. He later had staph infection, kidney problems, and then an entire body involvement with total bodily systems failure. He didn’t regain consciousness in December or January. Our family, our church, his family and church and many friends and others prayed for John to improve, wake up and gain strength. About the second week in February, John woke up. His doctors said it was a miracle. He will finally be moved out of ICU this week after two and a half months.
Do you tell your family and friends how much you love them while you can? John lives in Ohio so I only see him once or twice a year, but he always says, “I love you.” If you had to Go Home today, would you have said the things you wanted to say? And, when God smiles and warms your life with proof of his existence, as he did in John’s life, do you give thanks, or do you think, “Well, after all that’s God’s job?” Let us remember to give thanks daily for the miracles he has done in our lives and the ones he has given us to love. Can you believe it, God loves even you and me. He wants to be in our lives, listening to and answering our prayers! We are his children and he is a loving father. Let us pray a prayer of thanksgiving:
“Oh Father God, you breathe health into our body and life into our soul. Holy, holy, holy is your name. Your kingdom is at hand when we invite Jesus, your son, to dwell within us and the Holy Spirit takes up residence there. Then, we are truly a temple of your earthly presence, not for our sake or glory, but for yours. We thank you, God, for our answered prayers and seek your forgiveness for our shameful lack of gratitude when we forget to pray a prayer of thanksgiving. You send blessings down all around us like the gentle rain from heaven and soak into our being like moisture on a thirsty land. And still, we do not thank you. Forgive us Father, for we have neglected our worship of you and have limited our prayers to “give me . . .”, or “grant me . . .” with no thought to praising and thanking you. And yet, we know that you live in the praises of your people, for your Word has said it is so. We ask nothing for ourselves today. We just stand with uplifted hands to you, praising you and thanking you for blessing us with love and health and peace and grace and mercy. In the name of Jesus our Savior and Redeemer we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
Monday, February 16, 2009
GOD'S GIFT OF PRESIDENTIAL POWER
Today is Presidents’ Day. We have admiration for some and aggravation for others. However, they were and are our presidents and the office of The President still deserves our respect. The policies of the president of the United States, touch the lives of everyone around the world.
Many of us non-presidential types feel we have no influence, no talent at all, nothing to contribute to the world. My Dear Ones, you most certainly do. You have presidential power to completely change the life of another. In the book of Esther 4:14, she was told: “Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” Sully Sullenberger, the Captain of flight 1549, said he believes that all of his training and experience up to that day last month, were a preparation for landing that airplane on the Hudson River, saving 155 souls - for just such a time as this. You may never know whose life you touch, but you are the one person God has intrusted with the soul of another, to safely land them at the footstool of Our Lord, for just such a time as this. And the good news is, you don’t have to worry about it because it isn’t about you, it’s about God, and His work in your life that will draw others to Him. Praise His name if we don’t know who we have touched. We don’t need to know who, or when, or under what circumstances we are used. We don’t need an earthly reward or recognition for what God has done through us. Just let Him shine and we are all blessed. Let us pray:
“Our loving father, we praise your name and give thanks for your love. We know that we have had a hole in our heart that only you can completely fill. Because of our pain, we know that others experience the same need. With no personal awareness, we pray that this is the day that you use us for your purpose, to call others to you, at such a time as this. Forgive us for thinking that we had to do something, that we had to chose the soul to be saved and the circumstances under which we could be used. We know you provide paths to holiness every day, completely beyond our awareness. Finally, we are willing vessels of your Holy Spirit, bringing you to an ailing world for the building of your kingdom. We just pray, oh Lord, that you receive all the glory and honor. For we know, if we try to claim credit, our arrogance will nullify the entire blessing. May you be lifted up so the soul who looks to us can be brought up out of their despair and shine brightly within the brilliance of your light. In the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
Many of us non-presidential types feel we have no influence, no talent at all, nothing to contribute to the world. My Dear Ones, you most certainly do. You have presidential power to completely change the life of another. In the book of Esther 4:14, she was told: “Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” Sully Sullenberger, the Captain of flight 1549, said he believes that all of his training and experience up to that day last month, were a preparation for landing that airplane on the Hudson River, saving 155 souls - for just such a time as this. You may never know whose life you touch, but you are the one person God has intrusted with the soul of another, to safely land them at the footstool of Our Lord, for just such a time as this. And the good news is, you don’t have to worry about it because it isn’t about you, it’s about God, and His work in your life that will draw others to Him. Praise His name if we don’t know who we have touched. We don’t need to know who, or when, or under what circumstances we are used. We don’t need an earthly reward or recognition for what God has done through us. Just let Him shine and we are all blessed. Let us pray:
“Our loving father, we praise your name and give thanks for your love. We know that we have had a hole in our heart that only you can completely fill. Because of our pain, we know that others experience the same need. With no personal awareness, we pray that this is the day that you use us for your purpose, to call others to you, at such a time as this. Forgive us for thinking that we had to do something, that we had to chose the soul to be saved and the circumstances under which we could be used. We know you provide paths to holiness every day, completely beyond our awareness. Finally, we are willing vessels of your Holy Spirit, bringing you to an ailing world for the building of your kingdom. We just pray, oh Lord, that you receive all the glory and honor. For we know, if we try to claim credit, our arrogance will nullify the entire blessing. May you be lifted up so the soul who looks to us can be brought up out of their despair and shine brightly within the brilliance of your light. In the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
Monday, February 9, 2009
. . . THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE
With Valentines Day next Saturday, our thoughts this week turn to love. Many of us think of Eros, or romantic love, desire, when the middle of February comes around. Dear ones, we cannot completely, wholly love another unless we have agape love, selfless love, the love God has for us. On this Valentines Day, seek out the Lover of your Soul, seek and you will find. Once God has filled your heart, it expands to include so many others. Believe the promises of Christ are for you. Believe that God’s love is . . . for you. Believe that you are His very own. You have to wait no more. You are already His! Let us pray:
“Dear loving Father, you are the one true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the Heavenly Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ. Breathlessly holy is your name. May your Holy Spirit of love come to live in my heart this very day, at this very time. I seek and accept your will for my life and the lives of those I love. This week, oh Father, I think of love. May love be the focus of my life each and every day, not just one. Fill me so full of your agape love that I spill over with kindness, generosity of spirit, and love onto everyone around me, like a fresh mountain stream in the springtime. Forgive me when I have withheld my love and the manifestation of your love as I have walked my daily walk with you. For, where I go, I take you with me. I either carry that love well or I carry it poorly. I claim Jesus’s promises of the indwelling Holy Spirit and invite Love into my heart this day, this week. For these blessings, this anointing, I pray that you receive all the glory. In the name of my savior and King, Jesus, I pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
“Dear loving Father, you are the one true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the Heavenly Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ. Breathlessly holy is your name. May your Holy Spirit of love come to live in my heart this very day, at this very time. I seek and accept your will for my life and the lives of those I love. This week, oh Father, I think of love. May love be the focus of my life each and every day, not just one. Fill me so full of your agape love that I spill over with kindness, generosity of spirit, and love onto everyone around me, like a fresh mountain stream in the springtime. Forgive me when I have withheld my love and the manifestation of your love as I have walked my daily walk with you. For, where I go, I take you with me. I either carry that love well or I carry it poorly. I claim Jesus’s promises of the indwelling Holy Spirit and invite Love into my heart this day, this week. For these blessings, this anointing, I pray that you receive all the glory. In the name of my savior and King, Jesus, I pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
Monday, February 2, 2009
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU
All around me, I receive prayer requests from people going through difficult situations at work, at home, in the community, even in their church. We pray earnestly for their release from these unjust circumstances and for their strength in living each day and seeing the problem through. But, we often forget to pray for the one who does the persecuting. If we pray, just as sincerely, for the one who is making our lives miserable, we all benefit. The persecutor’s heart can change, followed by their behavior, followed by their words - in that order - behavior usually changes before the language does. It’s a win/win situation. Let this week’s prayer be your own Love Dare (term borrowed from a book by that title). I dare you to pray for your adversary, at this time, on this first day of February. Let us pray:
“All mighty God, who parts the sea and raises the dead in body, we pray for those who are dead in heart. May your kingdom be alive in us and in those who persecute us, just as it is in the high Heavens. On this day, at this very time, we pray for the innocent, those who weigh heavy on our hearts, those who live under the thumb of someone else. We lift their pain to you. Give them strength to withstand the world’s deception. Touch their lives so clearly that they know you are there with them. Also, we pray that you forgive their persecutor, their lies and oppressive attitude, that the one dead in heart and spirit may have a life that blossoms with your love. We pray that the offender may be lifted up and receive all the blessings you have in store for them, that they may become the very best them that they can possible be and that they finally walk honestly with you. Forgive us when we have wished them ill, for they are your children too. We lift them up in love, that they may stand before your amazing, precious face. We know that you can transform lives. For these blessings,we pray that you receive all the glory and honor from their transformation. We believe and claim the promises of Christ, that you will be there with us in the deepest pit and that you will forgive and bless the one who placed us or our loved one there, that their heart and soul may be healed. In the name of your son, our redeemed, Jesus, we pray. Amen.”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
“All mighty God, who parts the sea and raises the dead in body, we pray for those who are dead in heart. May your kingdom be alive in us and in those who persecute us, just as it is in the high Heavens. On this day, at this very time, we pray for the innocent, those who weigh heavy on our hearts, those who live under the thumb of someone else. We lift their pain to you. Give them strength to withstand the world’s deception. Touch their lives so clearly that they know you are there with them. Also, we pray that you forgive their persecutor, their lies and oppressive attitude, that the one dead in heart and spirit may have a life that blossoms with your love. We pray that the offender may be lifted up and receive all the blessings you have in store for them, that they may become the very best them that they can possible be and that they finally walk honestly with you. Forgive us when we have wished them ill, for they are your children too. We lift them up in love, that they may stand before your amazing, precious face. We know that you can transform lives. For these blessings,we pray that you receive all the glory and honor from their transformation. We believe and claim the promises of Christ, that you will be there with us in the deepest pit and that you will forgive and bless the one who placed us or our loved one there, that their heart and soul may be healed. In the name of your son, our redeemed, Jesus, we pray. Amen.”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”
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