Month: April 2015

Power is heady. That said, the Baltimore situation is only one of the many we have experienced over the years. Prayer is not just needed for those who react to injustice, but those who hold the power. We need to pray for the powers that be. Scripture tells us to pray for all men: 1) “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2) for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Timothy, 2:1-2, NLT)

I reiterate, believers are instructed to pray for all men. When Christians unite in prayer for those in leadership, things will change. Everyone in authority is not a believer but that does not mean God cannot or won’t change that person or deter his destructive behavior. The point is that when believers submit to the ultimate authority, God, things happen. Prayer cannot be just limited to those who react to injustice. Prayer for those in leadership is just as critical.

Look to the source. Division and destruction are tools of the enemy. When he keeps people in this state, he can run rampant. His goal is to steal, kill and destroy. When believers find themselves caught up in judging and reacting to what they physically see, check behind the scenes. Destructive behavior is just a physical manifestation of what is going on in a person’s heart. Hurt people hurt people and that includes those who react as well as those in authority. All of us need prayer. Remember: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NLT). There was a saying years back that stated “the greatest thing the devil did was to convince people he did not exist.” Check that. As believers, we cannot forget to look behind the scenes. It is never just about the obvious.

Commitment to the tools believers have at their disposal such as prayer, faith and standing on the Word is essential to our lives and this journey we are on. Let us not respond immediately in judgment but fall to our knees and ask God to deliver. Sometimes there may be something God wants us to pray for specifically. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NLT)

We don’t always know what we need to pray for but God does. Let us unite in prayer and lift our voices to God. What we see is never as obvious as it looks. Remember to check behind the scenes.

Sandra V.

This past Sunday’s message was about forgiveness. Some find it hard to forgive others, some find it a little easier. However, I find that forgiveness is key to not holding on to the negative emotions that hold us hostage. Yes, I know that people hurt our feelings or do very negative things to us in this journey. However, in order to live the abundant life – Jesus came that we might have life and have it to the full – it is very necessary to forgive. Forgiveness is for you first, and when the other person receives your forgiveness or vice versa, the enemy has no room for his schemes of division. Should someone decline to forgive you, it then becomes between them and the Lord.

Why is this point important? Because the Word says so. Believers have their instruction book and it is the Word of God. While we were yet sinners – doing ungodly and unkind things to ourselves and others – Christ forgave us. God saw fit through His love for us to offer reconciliation. Should we be so callous as to not offer the same to others? More important, is learning to forgive ourselves. Many of us stay in the rut of depression and self-condemnation because we refuse to forgive ourselves. Who are we to dismiss God’s forgiveness? We have all fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus died for that, remember. The perfect sacrifice.

This post is about living free in the Lord. We have to choose to walk away from the pettiness of the flesh and the darts of the enemy. The Word tells us to love others as we love ourselves. Many of us find this difficult because we don’t love ourselves. No, I am not talking about ego. I am talking about treat others as you want to be treated. Love others the way you want to be loved. Forgive others because you want to be forgiven.

Didn’t say it was easy. But perfect practice makes perfect. No one is truly perfect, but practicing perfect love moves us past our imperfections.

Talk to you soon!

Sandra V.

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Take That, Rosetta!.”

I realize this post is late; however, I like this challenge and wasn’t able to respond previously. I would choose French. I really love how the language sounds when I hear it. It is a lovely language and sounds really nice when someone is sharing how much they love someone in French. The first I would do with my new linguistics is share how much I love someone.

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Polite Company.”

I sincerely believe that you don’t really get to know a person until you understand to some degree what they believe about life. Religion and politics are two significant areas. While I disagree that discussion is off limits, I do believe there should always be a standard of respect to the discussion. People should accept the “agree to disagree” principle with an open mind. In listening to others you might mess around and find out something that could change your life.