"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him . . ." (Hebrews 5:7-9)
Jesus Christ learned to be obedient to God through his suffering. What do we learn through our suffering? How to whine better? Who to complain to?
When Katy was three years old and Mandi two, Katy whined about something. Immediately, Mandi corrected her with whining lessons. She began at a high pitch and slid down the register an octave with a moanful, "Unhhh."
How are your whining lessons going? Or, are you learning something through the sacrifices you make? Let us pray:
"Father God I lift my hands in praise to you. May your kingdom surround me and fold me into your presence. I ask that I might learn from these difficult times. I know I make sacrifices and more will be asked of me. But, they will mean nothing if I have not learned your lessons. Forgive me when I ignore the caution signs you place in my path. You are trying to bless me with your guidance. May I see them, understand their meaning, and draw truth from them that I can apply in the days and years ahead. In the name of Jesus your son, who made the first and ultimate sacrifice for me, I pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
PROTECTIVE CUSTODY
"The witness is in protective custody, Ma’am," the TV police detective announced.
When the world pushes in and threatens our safety or sanity, we can ask for PC (protective custody). That is especially true if we are a witness to an important event. Some people have information that must be guarded until an appropriate time for them to revealed it.
Have you been a witness? Do you possess precious information? How can you possibly say no?
Every living person has a story to tell. It is their testimony to what God has done in their lives. Their information is important and they are responsible for keeping it safe until they can pass it to another.
You don’t believe you have a story to tell? You have no witness? You have no information that needs to be guarded? Oh yes you do and it is sad that you don’t believe it too.
Your witness to what God has done in your life is copyrighted material. It is your story and yours alone. Two people may have the same theme to their witness, but no two stories are exactly the same. You are given the awesome job as keeper, or guard of that precious story until you are called on to bear that witness.
Seek the protective custody of God. Your story is precious and should not be thrown out for someone to trample on. Lean on the heart of God and let Him call you to the stand where you can bear witness to His love, His protection and His healing. Let us pray:
"Our Father God we bow before your presence. You are Holy and above all there is. We ask you to let us live in you where there is protective custody from those who might threaten to damage your story that is alive in us. We long to do your will and seek your guidance as you give us our mission and we set our goals. Forgive us when we fail to seek you in our lives then allow your story of our life together to be minimalized. It is more precious than jewels. Give us your protection and your love. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
When the world pushes in and threatens our safety or sanity, we can ask for PC (protective custody). That is especially true if we are a witness to an important event. Some people have information that must be guarded until an appropriate time for them to revealed it.
Have you been a witness? Do you possess precious information? How can you possibly say no?
Every living person has a story to tell. It is their testimony to what God has done in their lives. Their information is important and they are responsible for keeping it safe until they can pass it to another.
You don’t believe you have a story to tell? You have no witness? You have no information that needs to be guarded? Oh yes you do and it is sad that you don’t believe it too.
Your witness to what God has done in your life is copyrighted material. It is your story and yours alone. Two people may have the same theme to their witness, but no two stories are exactly the same. You are given the awesome job as keeper, or guard of that precious story until you are called on to bear that witness.
Seek the protective custody of God. Your story is precious and should not be thrown out for someone to trample on. Lean on the heart of God and let Him call you to the stand where you can bear witness to His love, His protection and His healing. Let us pray:
"Our Father God we bow before your presence. You are Holy and above all there is. We ask you to let us live in you where there is protective custody from those who might threaten to damage your story that is alive in us. We long to do your will and seek your guidance as you give us our mission and we set our goals. Forgive us when we fail to seek you in our lives then allow your story of our life together to be minimalized. It is more precious than jewels. Give us your protection and your love. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
Monday, February 27, 2012
COME TO THE LIGHT
"And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God." (John 3:19-21)
"I already cheated. I gave up snaffelhoovers for Lent but just had to have one yesterday." So how is that going for you? Have you given up some-thing you love and failed to reach out to Jesus Christ? Perhaps your focus on visible sacrifice would be better served with true internal change that can be seen in the light. It is all about the heart, not the image.
Darkness is all around us, as well as within. John does not write that we are to control the darkness. He tells us to take action, do what is true and come to the light. When we dwell in the light, the darkness is not part of our experience. We do not have to understand the darkness and we do not have to control the light. We just choose truth and we will find our rest there in the sunshine of your love. Let us pray:
"Dear Lord and Father of us all, how Holy and lovely you are. May your kingdom come in my life so that your will is done within me. I ask you to shine your light so brightly I cannot help but see the beam. I choose to walk in truth so that I may come to the light of your pure love. Forgive me when I have chosen the darkness where my actions and thoughts cannot be seen, just as I forgive others for their lies against me. May your light shine from me that others may be drawn out of the darkness. In the name of Jesus, your son, I pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
"I already cheated. I gave up snaffelhoovers for Lent but just had to have one yesterday." So how is that going for you? Have you given up some-thing you love and failed to reach out to Jesus Christ? Perhaps your focus on visible sacrifice would be better served with true internal change that can be seen in the light. It is all about the heart, not the image.
Darkness is all around us, as well as within. John does not write that we are to control the darkness. He tells us to take action, do what is true and come to the light. When we dwell in the light, the darkness is not part of our experience. We do not have to understand the darkness and we do not have to control the light. We just choose truth and we will find our rest there in the sunshine of your love. Let us pray:
"Dear Lord and Father of us all, how Holy and lovely you are. May your kingdom come in my life so that your will is done within me. I ask you to shine your light so brightly I cannot help but see the beam. I choose to walk in truth so that I may come to the light of your pure love. Forgive me when I have chosen the darkness where my actions and thoughts cannot be seen, just as I forgive others for their lies against me. May your light shine from me that others may be drawn out of the darkness. In the name of Jesus, your son, I pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
Sunday, February 26, 2012
HAVE YOU BEEN ENTERTAINED TODAY?
"I am bored!" That’s the mantra of many young people.
I would love to be bored for about ten minutes! Then, I’m sorry. I’m much too busy to prattle on about boredom.
Many of our churches have turned into entertainment centers. We look for flash, funny and fun. When, we should be seeking the Christ.
Gather believers around you during this Lenten season. Meet in small groups or gather with us in the On-Line Prayer Therapy Group. But, seek the God of Heaven. You will never be bored again. You will have a life that is meant to be lived abundantly.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:23
Don’t settle for being the shadow of whom you were intended to be. Step into the Light and live. Let us pray:
"Holy Father, lover of my soul, your name is more precious than anything this world has to offer. I ask that I may dwell in your tent and from that Holy sanctuary, serve you. I ask that I may seek truth first, your kingdom, and you will lavish your blessings upon me. Not because I am worthy but because Jesus Christ is. Forgive me when I seek that which humors me and occupies my heart with games. You are all I want. Let me live in you and your word live in me. In the name of Jesus, my Savior, your son, I pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
I would love to be bored for about ten minutes! Then, I’m sorry. I’m much too busy to prattle on about boredom.
Many of our churches have turned into entertainment centers. We look for flash, funny and fun. When, we should be seeking the Christ.
Gather believers around you during this Lenten season. Meet in small groups or gather with us in the On-Line Prayer Therapy Group. But, seek the God of Heaven. You will never be bored again. You will have a life that is meant to be lived abundantly.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:23
Don’t settle for being the shadow of whom you were intended to be. Step into the Light and live. Let us pray:
"Holy Father, lover of my soul, your name is more precious than anything this world has to offer. I ask that I may dwell in your tent and from that Holy sanctuary, serve you. I ask that I may seek truth first, your kingdom, and you will lavish your blessings upon me. Not because I am worthy but because Jesus Christ is. Forgive me when I seek that which humors me and occupies my heart with games. You are all I want. Let me live in you and your word live in me. In the name of Jesus, my Savior, your son, I pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
Saturday, February 25, 2012
MADE TO ORDER
Did you know that you were made to order to God’s specification? He wanted beings with hands to help each other, feet to follow Him and hearts large enough to love the whole world. That is your blueprint.
And, each unit is completely unique. There are no two alike, never have been, never will be. Oh, I know there has been a big buzz about cloning and how the scientists have found a way to make an exact replica of the original individual—two of exactly the same lamb or Larry Long.
How arrogant can we be? A clone is just a later born twin. The newly born is a completely separate individual. The scientists haven’t created life. They have duplicated the original "order" in body only.
The more amazing thing to me is that we often think we have created God to meets our specifications. We have a made-to-order-God. He asks no more than we are willing to give. He requires us to love only the loveable, and He expects no more than we can dream. We have created him after our own heart. That isn’t a god. That’s our alter-ego!
Oh Beloved, the God of the ages has created us for Himself and we are too egocentric to realize it is He who is the Creator! We would have all that His kingdom has to offer if we could finally get this right! We were made to order for Him! Let us pray:
"Creator God, you are all that is Life and we worship your name. We pray to understand a tiny piece of your kingdom, the corner in which you have placed us. Dear Father God, let this Lent be the season in which we finally get it. You are God and you created us to inherit all that you have for us. It is with great love that you give to your children. Forgive us when we get it all turned around and then inherit only dust, blown in the wind. For you have riches poured out, overflowing, and bathing us with your Glory. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ we pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
And, each unit is completely unique. There are no two alike, never have been, never will be. Oh, I know there has been a big buzz about cloning and how the scientists have found a way to make an exact replica of the original individual—two of exactly the same lamb or Larry Long.
How arrogant can we be? A clone is just a later born twin. The newly born is a completely separate individual. The scientists haven’t created life. They have duplicated the original "order" in body only.
The more amazing thing to me is that we often think we have created God to meets our specifications. We have a made-to-order-God. He asks no more than we are willing to give. He requires us to love only the loveable, and He expects no more than we can dream. We have created him after our own heart. That isn’t a god. That’s our alter-ego!
Oh Beloved, the God of the ages has created us for Himself and we are too egocentric to realize it is He who is the Creator! We would have all that His kingdom has to offer if we could finally get this right! We were made to order for Him! Let us pray:
"Creator God, you are all that is Life and we worship your name. We pray to understand a tiny piece of your kingdom, the corner in which you have placed us. Dear Father God, let this Lent be the season in which we finally get it. You are God and you created us to inherit all that you have for us. It is with great love that you give to your children. Forgive us when we get it all turned around and then inherit only dust, blown in the wind. For you have riches poured out, overflowing, and bathing us with your Glory. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ we pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
Friday, February 24, 2012
RIGHT HEART - LEFT FOOT
Romans 7:15 "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." NIV ( 1984)
"Come on. You know I didn’t mean it." Why do I sometimes manage to say what I don’t mean? That seems to be especially true of interactions with adult children. My cousin Claudia gave wise instruction on giving thirty-something kids advice. It could apply to many others.
- When listening to your adult’s plans for themselves and their families, you should be like the bobble head in the back of the car window. Engage your head but not your mouth. Move the chin up and down while maintaining good eye contact to show that you’re listening.
- As they interject something that seems important to you and/or to them, just say "Ah."
- Then, when they have completed their reiteration of their plan, say, "Keep me posted."
Your heart is right but some people never seem to hear the soul, just the mouth. If you smile and use the three-point plan above, you may avoid sticking your left foot in your mouth. The left foot is the closest from the heart.
During Lent, we talked about giving something up. How about giving up being right? Sometimes, you can be right or you can be loving. That doesn’t mean you should lie to people and watch them make serious mistakes. It means we really only know what’s best for us, not for others.
Give advice when asked, then don’t expect them to take it. Just allow your comments to be one of many suggestions. Try giving up being right for Lent. Let us pray:
"God in Heaven and Lord of my life, I praise your Holy name. Open my heart and make a home in my soul that I may know you and serve you. I ask this day that you soften me so that I don’t have to be right, just willing. May I treat your children like the blessed ones they are. Forgive me when I insist on my way, for the only way to Glory, is your Way. Give me insight into knowing what to say when it’s time to talk and when the time of silence is more blessed. In the name of your son, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
"Come on. You know I didn’t mean it." Why do I sometimes manage to say what I don’t mean? That seems to be especially true of interactions with adult children. My cousin Claudia gave wise instruction on giving thirty-something kids advice. It could apply to many others.
- When listening to your adult’s plans for themselves and their families, you should be like the bobble head in the back of the car window. Engage your head but not your mouth. Move the chin up and down while maintaining good eye contact to show that you’re listening.
- As they interject something that seems important to you and/or to them, just say "Ah."
- Then, when they have completed their reiteration of their plan, say, "Keep me posted."
Your heart is right but some people never seem to hear the soul, just the mouth. If you smile and use the three-point plan above, you may avoid sticking your left foot in your mouth. The left foot is the closest from the heart.
During Lent, we talked about giving something up. How about giving up being right? Sometimes, you can be right or you can be loving. That doesn’t mean you should lie to people and watch them make serious mistakes. It means we really only know what’s best for us, not for others.
Give advice when asked, then don’t expect them to take it. Just allow your comments to be one of many suggestions. Try giving up being right for Lent. Let us pray:
"God in Heaven and Lord of my life, I praise your Holy name. Open my heart and make a home in my soul that I may know you and serve you. I ask this day that you soften me so that I don’t have to be right, just willing. May I treat your children like the blessed ones they are. Forgive me when I insist on my way, for the only way to Glory, is your Way. Give me insight into knowing what to say when it’s time to talk and when the time of silence is more blessed. In the name of your son, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
Thursday, February 23, 2012
PRAYER THERAPY MINISTRY
"But what can I do? I can’t preach or teach." My friends, many people feel that way.
Mission and Ministry have two sides—those who minister through word and those who support them through prayer. Each is equal to the other.
There are no rock stars among those in service to God There is no class system. No one’s ministry is more precious to God than another. To put down another’s ministry is to defame the body of Christ. Quantity is not a measure of success in ministry. Souls are saved by God alone, through the healing power of His Spirit—that is the ministry of the Kingdom.
Let us come before God on the knees of our heart, in prayer for our country and her people. Wherever you live, whatever country claims your citizenship, it is tucked under the all-encompassing wings of God’s Holy angels, when we call upon His name.
Why do we tarry? It’s time to finally go home to God’s family and be a united Christendom as was promised. We must pray for all His children that they may be partakers of all the blessings God has for us. Can you pray for all that is good and righteous and loving for all of God’s Children? Prayer Therapy is a way to find new words to express the thoughts and feelings of the ages. Let us pray:
"God of glory, Lord of Love, we bow before your Holy name. May your kingdom of peace reign in my life. May this Holy Lenten season be a time when we finally take up the work you have for us to do—to fly prayer cover over your people. May we at long last see the importance of prayer and how effective it is in our lives and the lives of those for whom we pray. Forgive us when we see prayer as a childhood charm to chase away the fears of the night. We know that prayer has the power to chase away all darkness and bring forth your light, oh Lord—yet, we will not. Lift us beyond our understanding and into your mystery of prayer. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
Mission and Ministry have two sides—those who minister through word and those who support them through prayer. Each is equal to the other.
There are no rock stars among those in service to God There is no class system. No one’s ministry is more precious to God than another. To put down another’s ministry is to defame the body of Christ. Quantity is not a measure of success in ministry. Souls are saved by God alone, through the healing power of His Spirit—that is the ministry of the Kingdom.
Let us come before God on the knees of our heart, in prayer for our country and her people. Wherever you live, whatever country claims your citizenship, it is tucked under the all-encompassing wings of God’s Holy angels, when we call upon His name.
Why do we tarry? It’s time to finally go home to God’s family and be a united Christendom as was promised. We must pray for all His children that they may be partakers of all the blessings God has for us. Can you pray for all that is good and righteous and loving for all of God’s Children? Prayer Therapy is a way to find new words to express the thoughts and feelings of the ages. Let us pray:
"God of glory, Lord of Love, we bow before your Holy name. May your kingdom of peace reign in my life. May this Holy Lenten season be a time when we finally take up the work you have for us to do—to fly prayer cover over your people. May we at long last see the importance of prayer and how effective it is in our lives and the lives of those for whom we pray. Forgive us when we see prayer as a childhood charm to chase away the fears of the night. We know that prayer has the power to chase away all darkness and bring forth your light, oh Lord—yet, we will not. Lift us beyond our understanding and into your mystery of prayer. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen"
Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp
Please pass this link to a friend.
Also: http://www.lengthofdays2112.blogspot.com
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/DorisRapp-1207656-length-ofdays-the-age-silence/
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