Before reading my Bible this morning, I scrolled through Facebook. (I’ll pause so all of my pious readers can give a collective gasp.) But I quickly grew weary of the current debate on Facebook: Open up the Government vs. The Risk of the virus is still great. So I opened my bible app and it went directly to Psalm 107. If you read Psalm 107, two themes are repeated throughout:...
The Prayer
Lord, I thank you that you are neither a Republican or a Democrat. You are not American, or Asian, or Italian. You are God of the Universe, a good Father to ALL people regardless of race, ethnicity, or political affiliation. Father, this morning I declare my faith, my hope, my trust is not in any man, nor in any political party. My faith, my hope, my trust is in you...
Pray!
Have you ever been so overwhelmed you couldn’t pray? I get that way sometimes and in the last couple of weeks, I have almost lived there. I’m bombarded with concerns for my children, death of co-workers, empathizing with those who are hurting around me, planning to teach, missing my students, the uncertainty…ugh! I go to pray and don’t even know where to start. This summer, the Lord began to speak...
First Response
David’s life suddenly resembled the lyrics of a country music song. He had been expelled from his homeland. A king sought his life. He had been robbed. His two wives and children were kidnapped. His closest friends talked of stoning him. But David’s response was priceless. He did not complain. He did not blame. He did not wallow in self-pity. He did not question God. David’s first response was to:...
Uncertainty
What do you do when you get news of a possible bad report? The company is downsizing and you may be laid off. The doctor is concerned about your test and you may have a degenerative disease, Your spouse is unhappy and divorce is looming. What do you do in the uncertainty? Fear? Worry? Google? What if you prayed and rested? A man came to Jesus because his son was...
What If?
I teach very bright and inquisitive students. Most of the time it makes for fun and interesting classroom discussions. But sometimes it can be frustrating. The other day, I was introducing a topic, but before I could give them the basics, they started with their, “What if” questions. Finally, out of frustration I said, “Will you please stop ‘what iffing’ me and trust I will teach you what you need...
Heart’s Desire
After reading my daily Bible reading plan this morning, I felt as if I needed more. So I randomly venture to the book of Colossians. As I’m reading, I’m dozing in and out of consciousness with my bible app opened to Colossians. As I was nodding off, I heard the Holy Spirit ask, “Melissa, what is your heart’s desire?” Immediately, I thought of all my prayer requests for my children,...
A Dangerous Prayer
I was driving to work and praying for a situation. “Lord, Open their eyes,” I prayed. And the Lord replied, “What about your eyes?” Let’s be honest. When we pray, “Lord open their eyes so they can see truth.” Don’t we really mean, “Let them see OUR version of the truth”? So the Lord instructed me to pray this dangerous prayer for myself: “Lord, Open my eyes to see any...
Pray for this Generation
I heard some news this week about a dear friend’s child. This friend in many ways, was my example as I was learning to parent my children. So I was saddened to see her child make choices that I’m sure broke her parents’ heart. If I’m honest, the news made me feel a little hopeless. How can we protect our children from this world? That hopelessness turned to anger. Then...
Pray When You Are Too Busy
My to do list is long. More things to do than hours in the day. How will I get it all done? My Martha side wants to make a list to complete my list. My Mary side wants to do a biblical word study on the word peace. If your to do list is long today, calm the war within and pray this with me: “Lord, this is a day...