Our family reads a short passage of Scripture each day, and then we share our thoughts about it when we are together.  What I had written in my journal about verses within Galatians 3 prompted the following poem.

 Galatians 3 in Rhyme
God gave Abraham a promise.
Abraham believed what God said.
The agreement, blessing through the Seed,
Required Jesus’ blood to be shed.
Thorough His outpouring at Calvary,
As He became cursed on a cross,
Redemption was given to mankind.
No soul would have to stay lost.
All could inherit God’s Spirit.
The sacred in man would reside.
This blessing God promised to Abraham;
Abraham believed that it would arrive.
The law with its conditions
Cold not impose a command
To hinder the giving of this Gift,
This promise God had planned.
The Law was powerless to keep man
From experiencing what God had said.
Whetting hunger for a Savior,
It created soul-emptiness instead.
Man, realizing how imperfect
His best efforts always would be,
Could look to the Perfect Sacrifice
For hope for eternity.
Just as Abraham was counted righteous
Because he simply believed,
Man’s faith would be the connector
For the Promise he could receive.
Abraham believed what God would do.
Now man believes what God has done
That God provided an inheritance
Through the death of his dear Son.
The blessing for all nations
Funneled through Abraham’s Seed
Is the indwelling Holy Spirit
All men can receive.
Adorned in a robe of righteousness
That the law could not obtain,
Man wears Christ’s identity,
The Seed’s precious, holy name.
Authority and honor is given
Man shares benefits with the Beloved
Not because of giving, but by receiving,
The Promise God sent from above.






 

Why does prayer sometimes feel daunting when it is, in fact, the most awesome privilege?  Perhaps, we've made it so heavenly that it has become out of reach.  While it is true that we are often comfortable with asking God for help, there can be excitement, variety, depth, and dimension added to our prayer time.


Although prayer should be our way of life as we converse with God throughout our day, sometimes we simply  need to spend some set-apart time with Jesus. Our souls just want to enter that secret place with Him.  That’s where intimidation often creeps in.  Not because we don’t want to become more intimate with God, but because we doubt our ability to do so.  “I can’t focus for an extended period of time.”  “I don’t know what to say.”  The self-doubt floods our minds as we look at the slowly ticking second hand on the clock.  In addition, we sometimes have misconceptions. “Prayer is boring.  Who wants to spend time doing nothing but praying?”   At other times, we're completely in a rut as we talk to God about the same issues over and over again. These limitations to our communication with God can be attacked much like eating a steak—one bite at a time.  We’re already used to applying this principle.  Using letters to make words that become sentences and paragraphs.  Using order of operations to dissect an algebraic equation.  Organizing the pots and pans then the junk drawer as we head toward a functional kitchen space.  Why don’t we use that same technique in prayer?  That’s where a prayer wheel comes in handy. 


The prayer wheel was introduced to me as a teenager when I was challenged to spend an hour in prayer. Praying one hour felt impossible, but spending 10-minute increments of time praying different things  felt quite doable.  Sometime later, I became acquainted with the prayer journey.  This takes the same concept and invites people to walk to a different location with each phase of prayer.  Some ideas to incorporate in the prayer wheel or the prayer journey are the following:
Praise and Worship
Repentance
Forgiveness
Petitions, which can be broken into innumerable sub groups (family, nation, military, those bereaved, FB posts, schools, world events.....)
Praying the Word
Praying in the Spirit
Intercession 
Listening
Reading the Word
Journaling
Thanksgiving
Taking action (like writing a card or driving through a hurting neighborhood while praying for those people's pain)
Singing (What comes to mind right now is the hymn "Just A Little Talk With Jesus" because it talks about getting the prayer wheel turning!)

These can be sectioned into uniform increments of time. Or time spent on each part can be varied.  Every idea on the list can be included, other elements added, or only a few of them sprinkled into a prayer session.  These can flavor personal prayer time, or they can be part of a group prayer activity.  They can be structured with one portion accomplished after another, or they can be a conglomeration with different sections repeated throughout the prayer.  

I find the concept of the prayer wheel beneficial even when  I don't adhere to its structure. For example,  I like to spend my mornings with God before other things clutter my day, but right in the middle of talking with Him, I can have the random-est thoughts pop into my head.  Things like, "I wonder who invented mayonnaise.  Why would anyone think to put grease on their sandwich?" My brain works that way.  Quite possibly, I prayed for someone hungry, thought about being hungry, imagined a great sandwich, then had the mayonnaise thought, but just as easily, I could have thought about mayonnaise without any previous provocation.  However, I can discard that thought and re-establish focus by applying one of the prayer options. Yes, it's intentional and purposeful, but the discipline helps me move into a place that's much freer where my conversation with God flows more naturally and where His replies are more easily heard.


So let's pencil in a God appointment on our  calendars, grab a prayer wheel and a Bible, and enjoy some quiet time with Jesus. Who knows where prayer will take us!

See the "Freebies and Fun" section of this website for prayer wheel specifics.

 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24(KJV)

It’s nice to ride the road of life with windows down and radio blaring. Human nature delights in the easy way, and joy riding requires no thoughtful planning, no specified packing, and no specific destination. Frivolous. Fun. Random. The adventure of come-what-will fits snugly against the directionless mindset the Scriptures call “untoward.”

Proverbs 16:25 (ESV) says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”  Then, Proverbs 21:2 (KJV) further explains, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.”   When David asked God to search and try him in Psalm 139, he knew that his soul had the potential to travel a wrong road, that it would be guided by his affections and thoughts.  He’d already experienced the disappointment of wrong choices and learned that left to his own devices, his way would lead him somewhere he wouldn't want to be.  We, too find that our way leads to unplanned endings.  Even directionless ventures have a destination, if only to make a full circle.  Life’s road also has a destination, transitioning us from time to eternity. 

Eternity in either Heaven or hell is both the journey's end and the continuation of life.  Whatever road we have chosen in life determines what we transition to.  The broad path has lots of room for self-navigation.  It is the way that seems right.  Lead by ease, it’s fun, carefree, unencumbered, but it ends in death.  The expectation of walking on golden streets becomes skid marks on life’s highway.  They’re mere remnants left at the precipice of eternal damnation. The too-late realization of having taken the wrong road.  But there’s an everlasting way.  That way isn’t directed by self.  It requires God’s direction.  With His leading, there are no chasms into which to plunge and no tire marks of regrets.  It is a seamless ride, a movement from gravel to freeway as joy sublime lifts this earthly vessel in which the soul rides into the heavens.

No one who parks in front of the pearly gate gasps in surprise.  This is a planned destination.  Just as vacationers save for travel expenses, we have to make the decision that Heaven will be our last stop.  We evaluate the cost. Determining to trust God’s Spirit to direct, we also take responsibility to follow His leading.  For our spiritual man to make a heavenly destination, some forethought is required.  If we physically took to the road without thought about tomorrow, we’d quickly run out of provision.  Similarly, having no concern for the eternal, we can expect to be ill-prepared for the setbacks we encounter. We don’t just meander aimlessly around city streets and expect to arrive at a specific place, we MapQuest or make flight arrangements.  We have a route to follow.  If Heaven is our goal, we need to follow the spiritual travel guide, the Bible. Knowing ahead of time the direction we have set, we don’t set our course by random decisions of what looks good in the moment.  Knowing my expected end, we pack specifically, whether that be Bermuda shorts or a parka.  Heaven is a comfortable climate; therefore we don’t travel with weights and sins.  We choose the simple, unvarnished truth rather than the cluttered accessories of shallow appearances and bring along the currency of prayer and the gospel. Counting the cost means we budget and plan rest stops in anticipation that our need to eat and take potty breaks.  During our spiritual travel, we will need to invest in some things, perhaps giving of our time and means to the hurting. We’ll take those Sabbaths of rest, satisfy our hunger and thirst on the word, and we’ll eliminate some things from life from time to time through personal sacrifice.   We look ahead.  With eager anticipation, we set out on the clearly marked path. It’s narrow, with just enough room for one traveler and the Beloved.  He’s walked this way before and whispers gentle guidance that is in perfect agreement with the roadmap of his word. We find the narrow way freeing. It’s not a directionless joy ride of self-indulgent ease. A peaceful breeze blows; joyful music sounds; anticipation of beyond-the-moment ecstasy builds. This is the way everlasting; it is God’s way. Choosing His path rather than our own, we’ll arrive in high style at our heavenly destination.

John 16:16-24 (KJV) "A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

In John chapter 16, Jesus illustrates some important points about our communication with him.

Jesus told the disciples that he was going away for a while, and they didn’t understand what he was saying.  They wanted to know what he meant.  However, rather than ask him, they asked one another.  So often when we have questions in our lives, we fail to ask the One who has the answers.  Jesus said in vs. 24, “Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full ” (NKJV).  Jesus wants us to have direct communication with Him. We don’t need to rely on books or programs or other people’s opinions to develop our relationship with God.  He likes our voice, our thoughts, and our verbalizations.

We understand the desire for communication. It is disappointing to have a friend who does not return our calls or texts or who gives us a brief nod and basically ignore us the rest of the time.   Communication is important to us-especially when we care about someone.  It’s that way with God.  We can’t consider ourselves a true friend to Him if we basically ignore Him except during crisis moments.  He enjoys being recognized because He cares about us.

Communication is the foundation of relationship, including our spirit relationship with the Almighty. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, our family did not have a telephone, but when I moved away to attend college, one of the first purchases my parents made was a phone.  They wanted to be able to keep in touch with me.  Jesus has given us a Heavenly hotline: prayer.  We can call Him anytime, and in fact, He wants us to do just that.

Jesus died for relationship between God and man.  He wants us to visit with Him, and in the chatting to ask him for things.  This is illustrated in a parent/child relationship.  Asking tells a parent about a child.  It expresses personal tastes and secret desires.  It shows trust, for in the asking there is the unspoken completion to the request… “I know you’ll get it.”  If my son says, “Mom, will you pick me up some whey powder the next time you go to Walmart?” I know that he’s focusing on fitness and trying to build muscle. He shares his desires with me without him-hawing around about it.  He knows that whey is practically in my buggy before I even leave for the store. I’m happy to get it for him.  Now if he had asked for a container of poison, he wouldn’t have asked with confidence because he would have expected an inquisition, which teenage boys typically avoid at all costs.  The same is true of our asking God for things. We can be confident when we ask God for those things we know He is okay with. 1 John 5:14(KJV) “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:”

When a child isn’t forthcoming in making requests, sometimes a parent will initiate the conversation. It’s the reason for Christmas lists and birthday questions.  We want to give to those we love, and we want to give what’s of interest to them. In this chapter of John, Jesus prompts his disciples:  “Ask anything in my name.” 

Matthew 21:22 (KJV) “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

Matthew 7:7-11 JV) “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"

Jesus told the disciples that they were about to experience trouble and pain.  It would be the pain of the crucifixion, but in this conversation with them, Jesus wanted them to know that they could ask for what they needed even in HIs absence.  He explained that they would face things they didn’t understand, but they could talk to God about it.  Their answers would seem slow in coming, but they’d have answers in time. Jesus knew that the disciples would face the sorrow of His death before knowing the joy of His resurrection. They’d have questions.  They wouldn’t understand.  They’d wonder, “Why?” He told them this before they faced their trial so that in the pain and silence, they know they weren’t being ignored. That they weren’t forgotten.  That answers were coming. Jesus explained that a woman in the throes of giving birth is momentarily overshadowed with clouds of anguish, but when the child is born, the pall is cast aside, and suddenly, all is awash in joyful light. Situations in our lives can be similar to the childbirth experience. Relationships can be like the childbirth experience. Communication can be like the childbirth experience.  Like the disciples, we will face times of uncertainty where question marks dangle over our heads.  But we don’t have to keep our questions inside, or look to someone else in confusion.  We can talk to God about those moments, knowing He hears and expecting a response to our need. In fact, when we have already been talking to God about other things, it’s natural to go to him with our trouble as well.  When my mother was living, I called her daily.  Sometimes, we chatted about non-essential things of life, the hum-drum.  But other times, she was my confidant.  I shared my dreams and sorrows with her, or I ranted and raved about some injustice I perceived.  Always she listened.  Sometimes we giggled together; sometimes we wept; sometimes she offered help; sometimes she just listened; sometimes she corrected me.  But always, I could trust her response because of her love.

I can trust God because of His love for me.  I can take everything I am and all that I face to God because He loves me. He cares about what I care about.  He may shine his smile upon me or offer me correction, but He will hear me.  

I want to be heard, I like receiving something I’ve desired, and I enjoy giving a special treat, even if someone has had to wait for the surprise. These are God-qualities.

Communication, interaction, and serving others is how we express love, and God wants to be a participator in a love relationship with us.  He prepares us for that eternal existence where we all our questions will be answered and our communication with Him will be everlasting. He walks with us and talks with us as we encounter the joys and sorrows of life.  We speak directly with Him.  We ask, knowing we will receive.  We share and in the sharing get to know the One who loves us best, and who loves us always. 

                From a dead tree teaming with brown birds, the woodpecker’s resounding thunk, thunk, thunk and bright red head sure got my attention.  In an environment where survival of the fittest is often linked to how well-camouflaged one is, it seemed like this bird held the disadvantage.  His hammering beak echoed through the hollow tree as his fiery head flashed in a blur of vibrancy.  Meanwhile, the ordinary, muted-colored sparrows drew little attention sitting on the tree’s barren branches.  

                Something about this sight pricked my spirit.  Like the woodpecker, Christians aren’t meant to blend in.  Blending in is ordinary, bland, nondescript.  A multi-hued God deserves colorful, bold, blatant worship and loudly-proclaimed commitment to Him.  Sure, it draws the enemy’s attention, but more importantly, it captures God’s attention.  Since God sees the sparrow that falls, He certainly sees the woodpecker in his fearless attack on the tree trunk.  In like manner, God sees we Christians’ blazing vulnerabilities, and He bears us up in His hands and imparts His strength to our weakness.  We can “peck away” at unrighteousness, not because we wear the facade of perfection, but because our trust is in the one who is watching over us.  We can fearlessly stand out against the norm for we aren’t relying on our own efforts to protect us from the enemy nor our own efforts to make an impact on this world.  Our confidence is in the one whom we seek to glorify.  Our methods, oft- labeled unusual or fanatical, are bold expressions of our commitment to Christ and our vibrant love for Him.  We are not ashamed to be His, even if it separates us from the crowd.

                 Being set apart UNTO JESUS is worth it.  When we take a stand for Him, He also takes a stand for us.  When we thump our chests, roll our eyes, give our chins a saucy jut and proudly say, “I’m His!”  Jesus snaps a circle in the air and with an Uncle Sam double-point proclaims in His sing-song, hipster voice, “My ffrrriihheeeend, I’m yours!!" 

                There are times our Christianity requires effort--just like the woodpecker must grip the side of the tree and, while hanging on for dear life, hammer away at the bark.  But there’s a reward for the labor.  We “labor not in vain”; we “abound in the work of the Lord.”  For that diligent red-headed bird, there’s a bug in the hollow tree where he has been tapping away.   Similarly, the Christian who perseveres receives joy unspeakable, peace unexplainable, and blessings untold. Like the woodpecker, Christians see the unseen, go after it, and enjoy a feast while the world perches in uninspired mediocrity and experiences famine.  Our flagrant peculiarities connect us to a life source the world does not understand.  Oh, but if they did, they’d want to be a red-headed-woodpecker Christian, too!

Some Outstanding Stand-Out Ideas
> Bake a plate of cookies for a neighbor.  Include a church invitation with it.  Deliver it with a smile.
> Go for a prayer walk around your neighborhood.
> Spend time with an elderly person in the nursing home
> Touch those who are dirty, smelly, and ugly
> Create care packets in ziplock bags and deliver them to the homeless.
> Invite a neighborhood child or two over for games and icecream
> Read your Bible (gasp) even in public
> Be modest in dress, manner, and behavior
> Vote for Christian leaders
> Say "God bless you,"  "Merry Christmas," and  "Thank you, Jesus"
> Offer to pray for someone who has shared a need.  Pray with them  then or later--just pray.
> Speak well of others.