Celebrate families on Sunday! Go to my publisher's blog and read the first five pages of PRAYER THERAPY PRIMER. www.danielshousepublishing.blogspot.com.
If you are interested in reading more, you can purchase an eBook copy, for your computer or eReader, at www.bn.com.
Blessings and have a wonderful weekend!
Doris Gaines Rapp
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
THE NOTHIN' MAN
“Nothin’ in my life ever goes my way!” he moaned. I wondered what he could possibly want that he doesn’t already have, that he thinks he needs. It seems the minute we get what we thought we wanted, we either devalue it and want it no more, or we simply raise the bar and want another step higher. To what? Then I thought of that other, sweet fellow, the Muffin Man, and this contrast came to me.
“Oh do you know the nothin’ man, the nothin’ man, the nothin’ man?
Oh do you know the nothin’ man? He lives down Misery Lane.”
In 2 Corinthians 8: 13-15 we are blessed with: “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: ‘He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.’” (In reference to manna gathered in the wilderness.)
Our ministry in life is not to acquire more and more, with an insatiable appetite, never being full. We are to share what we have when we have plenty and allow others in our lives to be generous when we have little, for we never have too little and we never have too much. Let us pray:
“Oh Father, my God, glorious is your name! May your kingdom come in my heart, that I may experience Heaven in my life this very day. I ask that I may see your blessings all around me, like the Mallard duck pair in our back yard yesterday. Why do I miss the gold, while searching for tin? Can it be that I don’t recognize the precious prize when I see it? Let me see truth today, Father! I can search the whole world over and never find the sweetness in my own home. In your heart, we are all equal, from the Bishop to the lady who cleans the bathrooms. Forgive me when I don’t see that or bury that truth in my heart. Let me believe it, Father, so that I may take up the ministry you have for me and press on through life to the glory of glories in Heaven. In the name of Jesus, who left the streets of gold and the privilege of being in your presence, to live with even me, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“Oh do you know the nothin’ man, the nothin’ man, the nothin’ man?
Oh do you know the nothin’ man? He lives down Misery Lane.”
In 2 Corinthians 8: 13-15 we are blessed with: “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: ‘He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.’” (In reference to manna gathered in the wilderness.)
Our ministry in life is not to acquire more and more, with an insatiable appetite, never being full. We are to share what we have when we have plenty and allow others in our lives to be generous when we have little, for we never have too little and we never have too much. Let us pray:
“Oh Father, my God, glorious is your name! May your kingdom come in my heart, that I may experience Heaven in my life this very day. I ask that I may see your blessings all around me, like the Mallard duck pair in our back yard yesterday. Why do I miss the gold, while searching for tin? Can it be that I don’t recognize the precious prize when I see it? Let me see truth today, Father! I can search the whole world over and never find the sweetness in my own home. In your heart, we are all equal, from the Bishop to the lady who cleans the bathrooms. Forgive me when I don’t see that or bury that truth in my heart. Let me believe it, Father, so that I may take up the ministry you have for me and press on through life to the glory of glories in Heaven. In the name of Jesus, who left the streets of gold and the privilege of being in your presence, to live with even me, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, April 25, 2011
WHITE SHOES
I wore white shoes yesterday, Easter Sunday. Why is that important given the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ? The “old rule” was, no white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. Now, we see white and “winter-white” any time of the year. That is the significance of Easter! The old rules of death and hopelessness were wiped away by the blood of Jesus on the cross.
For me, white shoes meant the purity of His sacrifice! The old has been made new, and we, as Christians, can choose to embrace a new life, free from the limitations of the past. We are not to hide our joy, but sing praises to His name. We are to get up and give our testimony, any day, any season! We are to dance in our white shoes, to the glory of God! Let us pray:
“Father God, creator and sustainer of Heaven and earth, Holy is your name! May your kingdom come in your appointed time so that your will may be done here as it is in Heaven above. For this day, may we be bold enough to dance in our white shoes before the world who sees only rules: politically correct pronouncements that try to hush the rejoicing of your children. On this day-two of Resurrection, the day when the new church could have hidden and disbanded, we turn to the resurrected Christ, your Holy son, Father God, as our redeemer and beloved. We sing His praises and dance to the song of the dove, a song of acknowledgment of Him, your blessed son in whom you are well pleased. Forgive us when we have remained silent for fear of ridicule. Silence serves only those who do not believe. Give us courage to sing, for the night is long, and dance, for the way is the path of rejoicing that leads to you. In the precious name of your son, Jesus, the resurrected Lord, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
For me, white shoes meant the purity of His sacrifice! The old has been made new, and we, as Christians, can choose to embrace a new life, free from the limitations of the past. We are not to hide our joy, but sing praises to His name. We are to get up and give our testimony, any day, any season! We are to dance in our white shoes, to the glory of God! Let us pray:
“Father God, creator and sustainer of Heaven and earth, Holy is your name! May your kingdom come in your appointed time so that your will may be done here as it is in Heaven above. For this day, may we be bold enough to dance in our white shoes before the world who sees only rules: politically correct pronouncements that try to hush the rejoicing of your children. On this day-two of Resurrection, the day when the new church could have hidden and disbanded, we turn to the resurrected Christ, your Holy son, Father God, as our redeemer and beloved. We sing His praises and dance to the song of the dove, a song of acknowledgment of Him, your blessed son in whom you are well pleased. Forgive us when we have remained silent for fear of ridicule. Silence serves only those who do not believe. Give us courage to sing, for the night is long, and dance, for the way is the path of rejoicing that leads to you. In the precious name of your son, Jesus, the resurrected Lord, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, April 18, 2011
EVERY WEEK IS HOLY WEEK
If God is love and love is life and life is around and within us, we walk in God with every step we take. If every step is with God, every step is Holy. If each moment is linked by time and never broken, we are walking in Holy Week every day of our lives! Don’t set aside one week for holy walking, make it the first week of a life of service to Him. The path winds and leads us in ways we will never know until we begin the journey. May the Lord God of all bless your Holy Walk and the first day of your Eternal Holy Week. Let us pray:
“Holy Father, Love Divine, light this Holy path of mine. Let me walk this very day, in the precious Jesus Way. Oh Father, may we walk as the angels walk, on paths of our unknowing, in depths of our undoing, along streams made still by you. Jesus made the Holy walk of suffering this week many years ago, but you did not leave him alone. You walked with him; you stayed by him while he suffered then slept; then you raised him to life in you that we might live a life of service here and an eternity of song in Heaven. Forgive us when we try to lead on the path of life, for Life has its own map, written on our heart and sealed in our soul. You are Holy, Holy, Holy and worthy of our praise. May all the glory of this world go to you Father. We pray through the redemption made possible by the passion of your son, Jesus, who leads the Way to glory! Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“Holy Father, Love Divine, light this Holy path of mine. Let me walk this very day, in the precious Jesus Way. Oh Father, may we walk as the angels walk, on paths of our unknowing, in depths of our undoing, along streams made still by you. Jesus made the Holy walk of suffering this week many years ago, but you did not leave him alone. You walked with him; you stayed by him while he suffered then slept; then you raised him to life in you that we might live a life of service here and an eternity of song in Heaven. Forgive us when we try to lead on the path of life, for Life has its own map, written on our heart and sealed in our soul. You are Holy, Holy, Holy and worthy of our praise. May all the glory of this world go to you Father. We pray through the redemption made possible by the passion of your son, Jesus, who leads the Way to glory! Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, April 11, 2011
I Thank MY GOD FOR YOU
Friday’s drive was a beautiful escape from the business we have had. Richard Paul Evans novel, The Walk, entertained us from the CD player. I had read the book a year ago and had just bought the next in his three-book series, Miles to Go, and was glad for the refresher. We were not walking, however. We were driving to the Midwest Missions Distributions Center, just south of Springfield, Illinois, to take the last of the Health Kits for Japan that had been collected by United Methodist Women and their supporters in Indiana. Our Conference president had already taken a full car load over and my husband, Bill, and I delivered the last 187 pounds of tooth paste, wash clothes, and other items to fill the Health Kits. Seventeen-thousand kits had already been packed and loaded and readied for shipping. Our contribution would begin to restock the shelves for the next shipment.
Those of you familiar with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) have helped gather supplies for “flood buckets.” Shelves that stretched to the ceiling were loaded with unglamourous flood buckets, ready for the next flood, hurricane, or other disaster. We walked through the building and viewed the supplies. In my mind I saw the blessed faces of all those who had wrapped band-aids in rubber bands and found just the right size comb to meet the requirements.
I do not know of one person who contributed because “it was expected.” I have never heard anyone say, “What will people think if I don’t do my part?” The kind faces and spirit-filled smiles I envisioned were of folks who gave because the call came forth that there were those in need. Nothing more need be said. For all that you do in the name of Jesus Christ, I thank my God for you. Let us pray:
“Almighty father, the giver of all that is good and right, I praise your holy name. May your kingdom come in the fullness of time and find none of us sleeping. I thank you, Father, for all your humble servants who work unceasingly behind the scenes and not in the light of praise. May they be aware of the vital tasks they do for you. We are all missionaries for the cause of Christ, those who go and preach and teach and heal the wounded body and soul, and those who wait upon you by supporting those who go. Each task is equal in your sight for the goal of both is the same, that the light of Jesus Christ may shine in dark places. I pray that we may see your work before us and embrace it with vigor and love. In the name of Jesus Christ, your son, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Those of you familiar with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) have helped gather supplies for “flood buckets.” Shelves that stretched to the ceiling were loaded with unglamourous flood buckets, ready for the next flood, hurricane, or other disaster. We walked through the building and viewed the supplies. In my mind I saw the blessed faces of all those who had wrapped band-aids in rubber bands and found just the right size comb to meet the requirements.
I do not know of one person who contributed because “it was expected.” I have never heard anyone say, “What will people think if I don’t do my part?” The kind faces and spirit-filled smiles I envisioned were of folks who gave because the call came forth that there were those in need. Nothing more need be said. For all that you do in the name of Jesus Christ, I thank my God for you. Let us pray:
“Almighty father, the giver of all that is good and right, I praise your holy name. May your kingdom come in the fullness of time and find none of us sleeping. I thank you, Father, for all your humble servants who work unceasingly behind the scenes and not in the light of praise. May they be aware of the vital tasks they do for you. We are all missionaries for the cause of Christ, those who go and preach and teach and heal the wounded body and soul, and those who wait upon you by supporting those who go. Each task is equal in your sight for the goal of both is the same, that the light of Jesus Christ may shine in dark places. I pray that we may see your work before us and embrace it with vigor and love. In the name of Jesus Christ, your son, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
PRIDE GOETH BEFORE A FALL . . . Proverbs 16: 18
Those of you who know me well are aware that I can be a daydreamer! I am currently putting together plans to launch LENGTH OF DAYS in October. It is a novel that takes place in 2112. So, I visualize as I plan.
I was thinking how great it would be to present my book on a national television program. Then, the words “close up” came to mind. So, again I thought, maybe I could use pieces of surgical tape to pull my face into a do-it-yourself facelift and then conceal the tape under my hair, thus hiding the fact that I am not a futuristic groupie. Then, the words “close up” crossed my mind again and I saw those tape strips pop loose and my face falls into my lap in front of Oprah or Greta Van Susteren!
Hmm, was that the image of God’s servant, who had written the book He had given me, that He would want the world to see? Not so much! Pride certainly does go before a fall and to avoid those stumbles perhaps I would better represent His family if I lived an honest life in all ways possible. Let us pray:
“Father God, who sees all that we are and loves us anyway, we praise your holy name! You are amazing and I too often want others to think I am the one to be admired. In your kingdom, we are all beautiful and energetic and full of your love and light. Glory be to God! I ask this day that we see you in ourselves. What a close up that would be! May we present You to the world boldly, while ridding ourselves of self-pride. May we act with confidence as we create and carry throughout the endeavors you have for us, for they are not our plans but yours. Give us the courage to speak up, speak out, and speak love to the world around us. Holy are you and your son Jesus, the Christ, in whom we pray. May all praise and glory go to you. I want only to bask in the glory of your light like a day of sunshine on a sandy beach. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
I was thinking how great it would be to present my book on a national television program. Then, the words “close up” came to mind. So, again I thought, maybe I could use pieces of surgical tape to pull my face into a do-it-yourself facelift and then conceal the tape under my hair, thus hiding the fact that I am not a futuristic groupie. Then, the words “close up” crossed my mind again and I saw those tape strips pop loose and my face falls into my lap in front of Oprah or Greta Van Susteren!
Hmm, was that the image of God’s servant, who had written the book He had given me, that He would want the world to see? Not so much! Pride certainly does go before a fall and to avoid those stumbles perhaps I would better represent His family if I lived an honest life in all ways possible. Let us pray:
“Father God, who sees all that we are and loves us anyway, we praise your holy name! You are amazing and I too often want others to think I am the one to be admired. In your kingdom, we are all beautiful and energetic and full of your love and light. Glory be to God! I ask this day that we see you in ourselves. What a close up that would be! May we present You to the world boldly, while ridding ourselves of self-pride. May we act with confidence as we create and carry throughout the endeavors you have for us, for they are not our plans but yours. Give us the courage to speak up, speak out, and speak love to the world around us. Holy are you and your son Jesus, the Christ, in whom we pray. May all praise and glory go to you. I want only to bask in the glory of your light like a day of sunshine on a sandy beach. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, March 28, 2011
BELIEVE IN THE SELF GOD BELIEVES IN
Haven’t you heard Christians say, “Self esteem is a bad thing? You shouldn’t puff yourself up.”
Is it a greater sin to “puff yourself up” or tear yourself down?
I know that God has a perfect image of the me he created. I may be too tall or too short or have a blemish in the world’s eyes, but God sees me with my father’s eyes. Why shouldn’t I?
Do you have dreams and hopes that seem out of reach? “Other” people do wonderful things, go to exciting places, and invest in their well-formed plans–because their hopes and dreams have more value than yours! Is that what you believe? Then you will be forever looking through the window pane of life but never fly away in the colorful balloon.
If you are to love your neighbor as yourself, I pity some neighbors! Those who show no compassion, love, or acceptance to their neighbor, hate themselves even more. We are not to hold ourselves in higher esteem than others, but in equal regard. God believes in each one of us. He is the life that dwells within. We can do no less than to believe in the self God believes in. Let us pray:
“Father God, creator and lover of my soul, I worship you. Holy is your name and the sound of it is music to me. I know your kingdom will come at your calling and I ask that I may pitch my tent at your door so that I might not miss its dawning. I ask that this be the day when all your children wake up to an awareness of the beauty that dwells within them. Your light shines through each one of us who call upon your name. May we see that light as good and ourselves as earthly vessels for that light. Forgive us when we have shamed and rejected the self we are. We are the self you created. Turn us away from self-rebuke and teach us to walk in the light and love that glows from within and without and floods the path on which we walk. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Is it a greater sin to “puff yourself up” or tear yourself down?
I know that God has a perfect image of the me he created. I may be too tall or too short or have a blemish in the world’s eyes, but God sees me with my father’s eyes. Why shouldn’t I?
Do you have dreams and hopes that seem out of reach? “Other” people do wonderful things, go to exciting places, and invest in their well-formed plans–because their hopes and dreams have more value than yours! Is that what you believe? Then you will be forever looking through the window pane of life but never fly away in the colorful balloon.
If you are to love your neighbor as yourself, I pity some neighbors! Those who show no compassion, love, or acceptance to their neighbor, hate themselves even more. We are not to hold ourselves in higher esteem than others, but in equal regard. God believes in each one of us. He is the life that dwells within. We can do no less than to believe in the self God believes in. Let us pray:
“Father God, creator and lover of my soul, I worship you. Holy is your name and the sound of it is music to me. I know your kingdom will come at your calling and I ask that I may pitch my tent at your door so that I might not miss its dawning. I ask that this be the day when all your children wake up to an awareness of the beauty that dwells within them. Your light shines through each one of us who call upon your name. May we see that light as good and ourselves as earthly vessels for that light. Forgive us when we have shamed and rejected the self we are. We are the self you created. Turn us away from self-rebuke and teach us to walk in the light and love that glows from within and without and floods the path on which we walk. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
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