The man shook his head and whispered, “They don’t like me because I sin differently than they do.” He was a member of an unpopular group, disapproved of by “good Christians.” My friend, a sin is a sin, and sinning doesn’t take any real talent. Anyone can do it . . . and we all do. Then why, pray tell, are we more critical of others’ sins than our own?
It seems to me that some TV preachers and a few heading local congregations, gain their popularity by having someone to oppose, their own unique enemy. They don’t rant against everyone who goes against what God lovingly has planned for us. They have their own Professor James Moriarty, who may be just as fictional, an inflated myth of their own making.
Rather than looking for the faults in others and shining a light on their sins, let us get on our knees and beg for God’s forgiveness for the sins that we do. The only hope we as sinner have, comes from the source of all hope, God. Stop criticizing other Christians. That defames the body of Christ. Seek the good in others. God will take care of their sin. Then, at the end of your days, you will have walked in beauty and will have been touched by grace, both yours and those you chose to love rather than criticize. Let us pray:
“My dear and precious Father, God, how purely loving you are. May you surround me like the fragrance of sweet-smelling perfume, that the essence of your being may stay with me wherever I go. Only you can eradicate the stench of sin. Only your grace can cleanse me again. This very day, oh God, wash away my imperfections with your balm of grace and re knit a right spirit within me. Use this flawed servant in any way that pleases you, for I no longer want to be captain of my own soul. The truth is, I never was, for in the kingdom of souls, you are the only master. May I serve you in ways not known to me, so I may not boast or seek any praise. Thank you for using me, dear Lord, and to you I will give all glory and honor and praise. In the name of Jesus, our dear Lord and savior I pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
"Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!"
“Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye,” the town crier would call out the news and proclamations of the day. It was against the law to heckle or deter the crier in any way as they were representative of the crown that was currently on the throne. Who sits on your throne? And, do you even hear the warnings and messages of the crier who represents your king?
A life wasted is one that has been lived serving the wrong monarch. A life squandered is one spent listening to a false crier, an impostor, a perverter of the truth. He dresses in the same red and gold robe, white breeches, black boots and tricorne hat as the representative of the King. He looks so normal and speaks the words we want to hear. So, we choose to believe him. He represents a god we have created and his words are comfortable. But, it is still a lie.
And still he calls, “Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye the people of God.” But, they would not. Will you be part of the generation that turns from false gods, seeks the truth, and returns to the Lord your God? Let us pray:
“Holy Father, Truth divine, let me hear with this heart of mine. Flood my thoughts with your love and grace, and fill my life with your sweet embrace. Give me your words, both true and pure, to heal my wounds, my stain to cure. Forgive my bent for seeking ease, meet me there upon my knees. Give me a heart that hears your voice, and filters out the whole world’s noise. Love divine, oh greater still, the joy of life within your will. Oyez, Oyez, Oyez. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
A life wasted is one that has been lived serving the wrong monarch. A life squandered is one spent listening to a false crier, an impostor, a perverter of the truth. He dresses in the same red and gold robe, white breeches, black boots and tricorne hat as the representative of the King. He looks so normal and speaks the words we want to hear. So, we choose to believe him. He represents a god we have created and his words are comfortable. But, it is still a lie.
And still he calls, “Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye the people of God.” But, they would not. Will you be part of the generation that turns from false gods, seeks the truth, and returns to the Lord your God? Let us pray:
“Holy Father, Truth divine, let me hear with this heart of mine. Flood my thoughts with your love and grace, and fill my life with your sweet embrace. Give me your words, both true and pure, to heal my wounds, my stain to cure. Forgive my bent for seeking ease, meet me there upon my knees. Give me a heart that hears your voice, and filters out the whole world’s noise. Love divine, oh greater still, the joy of life within your will. Oyez, Oyez, Oyez. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Sunday, September 12, 2010
LONGER SHADOWS
One blessing we get from the cooler weather of Autumn is the longer shadows that stretch across the lawn and sneak up under low hanging branches. The leaves have barely begun to change color but the shadows tell - the season is changing.
Why do we refuse to see the signs that God places in our paths? The little devotional book calls them signposts. I think it may be because we no longer look at the little things. They are merely the blur of passing, insignificant details in our fast paced lives. And yet, they are the flutter of angel wings and the brush of His garment as He passes.
Most people are living way beyond their means. If it takes two jobs per parents to support the lifestyle they cannot or will not let go of, they are worshiping the wrong god. The glitter of things that shine, the hum and click of electronic gadgets, the television and computer that dominate their family room, have replaced the very family that lives there. And, God is not a part of that world of things. He lives in the world of love, presence, calm, simplicity, and the world of family. A first step toward an awakened soul that thirsts for God rather than the rich wine of life, is to notice the shadows and enjoy the contrast between the brilliance of His smile and the cool shadow of His peace. Don’t miss the beauty of the day and the sweetness of the shadows by running through life as if there were no end to our days on this beautiful Earth. Real life exists in this very moment but too often it is lived in the preparation and the memory. Let us pray:
“Father God, Holy One, who is and was and ever will be, we praise your holy name. Christ said the Kingdom of God is at hand. You have tried to whisper our name but our music is too loud. You have tried to touch our shoulder but we were running too fast to feel it. Forgive us Lord. Nothing of this world could be so important that we fail to see you waiting in the cool shade of the shadows because we would not slow down and let you in. Give us the courage and desire to slow down so that those around us won’t have to run to keep up and miss the beauty of their lives with you as well. In the name of Jesus our Savior and Lord we pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Why do we refuse to see the signs that God places in our paths? The little devotional book calls them signposts. I think it may be because we no longer look at the little things. They are merely the blur of passing, insignificant details in our fast paced lives. And yet, they are the flutter of angel wings and the brush of His garment as He passes.
Most people are living way beyond their means. If it takes two jobs per parents to support the lifestyle they cannot or will not let go of, they are worshiping the wrong god. The glitter of things that shine, the hum and click of electronic gadgets, the television and computer that dominate their family room, have replaced the very family that lives there. And, God is not a part of that world of things. He lives in the world of love, presence, calm, simplicity, and the world of family. A first step toward an awakened soul that thirsts for God rather than the rich wine of life, is to notice the shadows and enjoy the contrast between the brilliance of His smile and the cool shadow of His peace. Don’t miss the beauty of the day and the sweetness of the shadows by running through life as if there were no end to our days on this beautiful Earth. Real life exists in this very moment but too often it is lived in the preparation and the memory. Let us pray:
“Father God, Holy One, who is and was and ever will be, we praise your holy name. Christ said the Kingdom of God is at hand. You have tried to whisper our name but our music is too loud. You have tried to touch our shoulder but we were running too fast to feel it. Forgive us Lord. Nothing of this world could be so important that we fail to see you waiting in the cool shade of the shadows because we would not slow down and let you in. Give us the courage and desire to slow down so that those around us won’t have to run to keep up and miss the beauty of their lives with you as well. In the name of Jesus our Savior and Lord we pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Sunday, September 5, 2010
GROUNDED AT ZERO
We walked quietly along the sidewalk that borders the sixteen acres of Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan, New York. It is bounded by the West Side Highway, Vesey Street on the north, Liberty Street on the south, and Church Street on the east. I pushed my cell phone between a section of fence and snapped a picture. I hoped to get a glimpse of the progress there.
Across the little side street called Church, St. Paul’s Chapel has stood since its opening in 1766. The events across the street on 9/11 did not disturb a single stone on the chapel George Washington had strolled to on April 30, 1789 following his inauguration as the first president of the United States. Washington’s upholstered chair still stands on the left side of the sanctuary facing the chancel. There is a sense of awe, of standing on hallowed ground all around the site. I wondered about the Holiness at Ground Zero.
Zero is not “nothing” or an empty number. It equals the beginning of something or beginning again. “In the beginning God . . .” God is at the beginning of everything, that’s why it is Holy Ground. At every beginning there is an opportunity to choose, to choose the higher, more holy path.
Our country has been reset at Zero, the beginning. God resides with us there . . . in the beginning, which is why it is Holy. Let us all seize the opportunity to be Second Generation Founding Fathers of this great nation, rededicating ourselves to the principles that have made this the freest nation on earth. Every job counts, every beginning matters, for we are all standing on Holy Ground. Let us pray:
“Father God, we have been reset with a blessed new beginning. Out of the ashes and black dust has risen a people who now know when they are standing on Holy Ground. Lead us into the work of freedom you have called this generation to take up. We may not know what to do or how to do it, but Father, you do, because it is your work. You are at the beginning and we are committed to following your lead. Forgive us when we have been lazy, when we have taken freedom for granted. Give us discernment that we may take the right path that leads our nation back into a right relationship with you. We recommit ourselves to active citizenship and a willingness to participate in this glorious country you have given us. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, your son, our savior, we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
http://www.suite101.com/content/the-world-trade-center-revisited-a282416
http://www.suite101.com/content/fox-news-to-launch-year-long-world-trade-center-series-a282376
(For two articles I wrote Saturday about our trip to Ground Zero and a few pictures that document our experience, follow the links above.)
Across the little side street called Church, St. Paul’s Chapel has stood since its opening in 1766. The events across the street on 9/11 did not disturb a single stone on the chapel George Washington had strolled to on April 30, 1789 following his inauguration as the first president of the United States. Washington’s upholstered chair still stands on the left side of the sanctuary facing the chancel. There is a sense of awe, of standing on hallowed ground all around the site. I wondered about the Holiness at Ground Zero.
Zero is not “nothing” or an empty number. It equals the beginning of something or beginning again. “In the beginning God . . .” God is at the beginning of everything, that’s why it is Holy Ground. At every beginning there is an opportunity to choose, to choose the higher, more holy path.
Our country has been reset at Zero, the beginning. God resides with us there . . . in the beginning, which is why it is Holy. Let us all seize the opportunity to be Second Generation Founding Fathers of this great nation, rededicating ourselves to the principles that have made this the freest nation on earth. Every job counts, every beginning matters, for we are all standing on Holy Ground. Let us pray:
“Father God, we have been reset with a blessed new beginning. Out of the ashes and black dust has risen a people who now know when they are standing on Holy Ground. Lead us into the work of freedom you have called this generation to take up. We may not know what to do or how to do it, but Father, you do, because it is your work. You are at the beginning and we are committed to following your lead. Forgive us when we have been lazy, when we have taken freedom for granted. Give us discernment that we may take the right path that leads our nation back into a right relationship with you. We recommit ourselves to active citizenship and a willingness to participate in this glorious country you have given us. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, your son, our savior, we pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
http://www.suite101.com/content/the-world-trade-center-revisited-a282416
http://www.suite101.com/content/fox-news-to-launch-year-long-world-trade-center-series-a282376
(For two articles I wrote Saturday about our trip to Ground Zero and a few pictures that document our experience, follow the links above.)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
MISDIRECTED DIRECTIONS
As I sat by my window, a familiar yellow bus caught my eye. I could not believe it. Summer’s over, I thought.
On Friday evening, I saw bright red and white Santa Claus decorations in the Cracker Barrel. It must be nearly Christmas. Why is it so hot?!
Summer isn’t over and December 25 is not here. I had misread the signs. How often do we not see the guideposts left for us, jump to conclusions, or wander off on a meander path? Do we miss the rest of the season and tumble down hill into winter before the leaves have even turned on the trees?
Discernment is to see the red and green and interpret the colors as product flooding, not a festive noel. Don’t miss the Autumn because you are deceived by the glitz around you. Don’t miss the simple message of Love, introduced and embodied in the Christ, because the world says, “There’s gotta be more ‒ keep seeking, keep buying, keep longing for what is just around the corner.” The God of Love is at hand, take His in yours. Let us pray:
“Father God, lover of my soul, I praise your Holy name. May your kingdom come to earth this very day and dwell within my heart that I may know you as do the angels in Heaven. I ask for discernment that I may not be deceived by what the world calls truth, beauty, and contentment. Only you know what is true love and a fulfilling life. Forgive me when I have run after the phantom of happiness that masquerades as a glittering prize that will meet the desires of my heart. True happiness is found in serving you, not in meeting my own selfish needs. Let me see the guideposts you place along my path that I may find the beauty in the present day, the joy in loving others, and the path that leads me home. In the name of Jesus, our escort home, I pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
On Friday evening, I saw bright red and white Santa Claus decorations in the Cracker Barrel. It must be nearly Christmas. Why is it so hot?!
Summer isn’t over and December 25 is not here. I had misread the signs. How often do we not see the guideposts left for us, jump to conclusions, or wander off on a meander path? Do we miss the rest of the season and tumble down hill into winter before the leaves have even turned on the trees?
Discernment is to see the red and green and interpret the colors as product flooding, not a festive noel. Don’t miss the Autumn because you are deceived by the glitz around you. Don’t miss the simple message of Love, introduced and embodied in the Christ, because the world says, “There’s gotta be more ‒ keep seeking, keep buying, keep longing for what is just around the corner.” The God of Love is at hand, take His in yours. Let us pray:
“Father God, lover of my soul, I praise your Holy name. May your kingdom come to earth this very day and dwell within my heart that I may know you as do the angels in Heaven. I ask for discernment that I may not be deceived by what the world calls truth, beauty, and contentment. Only you know what is true love and a fulfilling life. Forgive me when I have run after the phantom of happiness that masquerades as a glittering prize that will meet the desires of my heart. True happiness is found in serving you, not in meeting my own selfish needs. Let me see the guideposts you place along my path that I may find the beauty in the present day, the joy in loving others, and the path that leads me home. In the name of Jesus, our escort home, I pray. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Sunday, August 1, 2010
GATHER THE STORIES WHILE YOU CAN
She was sitting in the bright August sun when I passed and paused for a moment. “Hi,” I offered then added, “I’m Doris Rapp.”
“Why Doris Rapp,” she smiled as she always did when I have seen her in the last year, “I remember you,” even though her memory was fading. And I thought, but I never wrote down all of the stories you had told me. One day when we were driving through town together, she told me the history of our little community. “Now the people on this street were mostly of German descent and the street over, they were . . .” How I wish I had written down the stories she had told me that day we were just moving about the city.
Write down all you can, while you can, in any way you can. That is what the disciples did more than 2000 years ago. Do you read their eyewitness account over and over, like love letters from the one who loved you most, the very son of God? Each chapter bears witness to truth of God. Read those stories, those Gospels, like someone is whispering in your ear, telling you, “Come my Beloved, learn of me and I will give you eternal life.” Yet some of us say, “Read the Bible? What am I going to get out of it? You’re kidding, right? You get nothing more and nothing less than eternal life from those old stories that are new every day when they are received in truth and stored in the heart. Gather the stories while you can. Let us pray:
“Our Heavenly Father, you loved us so much you sent your own son to save us from ourselves and the sin that is in the world around us. Holy is your name and the name of your son, Jesus. May your kingdom come and make its home in our heart that we may dwell with you even while we tarry a while. Forgive us when we have failed to gather every story of you that has been given to us, like love sonnets written with the finger of God. May the precious words of each line find their home in our heart and fall from our lips like rose petals, spreading your sweet perfume wherever we go. May all glory and honor go to you, dear Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ our Savior I pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
“Why Doris Rapp,” she smiled as she always did when I have seen her in the last year, “I remember you,” even though her memory was fading. And I thought, but I never wrote down all of the stories you had told me. One day when we were driving through town together, she told me the history of our little community. “Now the people on this street were mostly of German descent and the street over, they were . . .” How I wish I had written down the stories she had told me that day we were just moving about the city.
Write down all you can, while you can, in any way you can. That is what the disciples did more than 2000 years ago. Do you read their eyewitness account over and over, like love letters from the one who loved you most, the very son of God? Each chapter bears witness to truth of God. Read those stories, those Gospels, like someone is whispering in your ear, telling you, “Come my Beloved, learn of me and I will give you eternal life.” Yet some of us say, “Read the Bible? What am I going to get out of it? You’re kidding, right? You get nothing more and nothing less than eternal life from those old stories that are new every day when they are received in truth and stored in the heart. Gather the stories while you can. Let us pray:
“Our Heavenly Father, you loved us so much you sent your own son to save us from ourselves and the sin that is in the world around us. Holy is your name and the name of your son, Jesus. May your kingdom come and make its home in our heart that we may dwell with you even while we tarry a while. Forgive us when we have failed to gather every story of you that has been given to us, like love sonnets written with the finger of God. May the precious words of each line find their home in our heart and fall from our lips like rose petals, spreading your sweet perfume wherever we go. May all glory and honor go to you, dear Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ our Savior I pray. Amen.”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Monday, July 19, 2010
REST FOR THE SOUL
I’m tired today but it’s a good tired. I spent last week at The School of Christian Missions and we walked and talked and listened and prayed and were inspired to continue to do the work of the Lord Jesus. However, we also live in finite bodies with limited energy, limited resources and limited ideas. In talking with one Christian sister, she said, “I feel like I’m not doing enough.”
Each one of us will have to answer that question. We are the only ones who know the private pain of our families and friends who also need our time. My response to her was, “You are doing this work for a season and then you will be given other work to do. The important thing is, we are not called to do it all ourselves.”
We need rest for our body and mind just as Jesus did. Rest for our soul comes when we are called home. While here, we are responsible for resting our body and mind so that we may be renewed and press on. Don’t deny yourself the rest you need. That is egotistical - I am doing the Lord’s work. I don’t need rest. That makes your work more important than the work Jesus did when his physical body walked the hills, healing the sick, fed the multitudes, and preached the salvation of God. He rested. Allow yourself to do the same. Let us pray:
“Holy father God, Lord of all who call upon you, we praise your holy name. We pray that your kingdom may come in your time and that your plan may be completed in this world. We know you have work for us to do while we stop here for a season. You may call us to establish a great cathedral, found a vast network of colleges and hospitals, or save the child who lives next door. We are amazed that the one small soul is equal to the largest mission facility, but it is. You don’t place a value on one work over another. Amazingly, to work for the Lord in the heart of a neighbor is the same as working for the Lord in a foreign land. May we occasionally get a glimpse of you in the eyes of those around us both near and far. Forgive us when we think that only big efforts are worth our efforts. May we realize that big usually means recognition. The only one we want recognized in the work we do - is you. May we pause when we need physical rest and inspiration to press on. We pray for this life of mission in the name of your son, our savior, Jesus Christ. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Each one of us will have to answer that question. We are the only ones who know the private pain of our families and friends who also need our time. My response to her was, “You are doing this work for a season and then you will be given other work to do. The important thing is, we are not called to do it all ourselves.”
We need rest for our body and mind just as Jesus did. Rest for our soul comes when we are called home. While here, we are responsible for resting our body and mind so that we may be renewed and press on. Don’t deny yourself the rest you need. That is egotistical - I am doing the Lord’s work. I don’t need rest. That makes your work more important than the work Jesus did when his physical body walked the hills, healing the sick, fed the multitudes, and preached the salvation of God. He rested. Allow yourself to do the same. Let us pray:
“Holy father God, Lord of all who call upon you, we praise your holy name. We pray that your kingdom may come in your time and that your plan may be completed in this world. We know you have work for us to do while we stop here for a season. You may call us to establish a great cathedral, found a vast network of colleges and hospitals, or save the child who lives next door. We are amazed that the one small soul is equal to the largest mission facility, but it is. You don’t place a value on one work over another. Amazingly, to work for the Lord in the heart of a neighbor is the same as working for the Lord in a foreign land. May we occasionally get a glimpse of you in the eyes of those around us both near and far. Forgive us when we think that only big efforts are worth our efforts. May we realize that big usually means recognition. The only one we want recognized in the work we do - is you. May we pause when we need physical rest and inspiration to press on. We pray for this life of mission in the name of your son, our savior, Jesus Christ. Amen”
Doris
Copyright 2010 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
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