SPEED OF TIME

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

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

CELEBRATE LIFE

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

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

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

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

HEAVENLY SUNSHINE

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

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

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

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

TWO DAYS LATER

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

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

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

Fourth of July - WHAT A BANG!

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

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

FATHER'S DAY

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

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

CALLED

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

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

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