August 2015 Archives
Asking in Jesus’ Name
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13).
Many use this verse as a way to convince God that He must answer their prayers since they are praying in Jesus’ Name but Scripture is very clear that, if we pray according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14).
God is not obligated to answer every selfish prayer we pray but, as we draw closer to Him, our desire to please Him grows, and that is when our prayers our answered because they are finally in line with His will.
There are some things that we can pray without wondering if it’s His will. For instance, God’s Word says that He is not willing that any should perish but instead desires that all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, we can, in faith, pray for the salvation of our loved ones.
There are times when I feel like it is God’s will to heal a friend or family member. I will then pray wholeheartedly for their healing. Sometimes, even if I’m not sure what God is doing in a person’s life, I will pray for their healing, trusting God to have mercy and hear my plea but knowing that, if He chooses not to answer in the way I desire, He has a greater plan. Faith goes beyond believing my prayer will be answered; it is knowing that God knows what is best and trusting that He is still at work even when I don’t understand.
I have seen God’s hand at work so many times so I suppose it is pretty easy for me to trust the Lord. In spite of what some believe, God still saves, He still heals, He still cares. I don’t know about tomorrow but I know who holds my hand.
Roger Fortner Comes Off the Road
Last week, the McKameys announced that Roger Fortner will be coming off the road to return to the studio. As one who travels a lot, I can understand the wear and tear and the need to eventually switch gears and move in a different direction. Roger has been traveling with this group for 28 years and worked with other groups prior to that so it will be different not seeing him on stage. I wish him the best, though, as he begins this new venture. Please keep Roger and the McKameys in your prayers.
Dealing With Stress
Stress is a killer. Everyone knows it and yet it is so hard to avoid at least some degree of stress. Although everyone deals with it, I think women tend to have a harder time than men do in keeping their emotions under control as they are surrounded by the high demands of life.
I am almost finished reading a book called Women and Stress, and it has been an encouraging reminder that I am not the only one who sometimes feels overwhelmed with things. The important thing is learning how to deal with stress. Although we have real issues that affect us, we still must handle them in a Godly manner.
God doesn’t want His children to be stressed out. Life is stressful but He will give grace if you lean on Him. If it’s a very stressful season for you, take time hourly to be quiet and draw near to Him. He is there with His arms open wide no matter how many times you need a shoulder to cry on.
Give Thanks in Everything
This is a topic I write on a lot but I think it’s largely due to the fact that this is a command Christians tend to forget. Everything happens for a reason. I was reminded of this a couple weeks ago when my plane was delayed. I was really tired and eager to get to my destination but I kept reminding myself that I would rather arrive in one piece than take off in a plane that’s having trouble. Not everyone on that flight seemed to think that way but, for me, it was a good reminder that God is taking care of me, even in frustrating delays.
Regardless of what is going on in my life, I pray that a day never begins or ends without me thanking God for His many blessings on me. He is so faithful, even in the hard times. I am so grateful to Him for His constant watch and care for me.
Book Review: Created & Called
If you are a nurse or are contemplating becoming a nurse, you will like the new book written by Dr. Chelsia Harris: Created & Called. It is full of tips on nursing, reminding caregivers to treat their patients as if they were family. It also talks about the benefits that nurses receive and the blessings that come with taking care of others.
Having spent time with friends and relatives in the hospital recently, I think every nurse should read this book. Many do wonderfully; others seem to forget they are dealing with fellow humans.
One day, you may be that person in pain and suffering. Now is a good time to show love and mercy to others who are struggling with their health.
