Private prayers

They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter. ” (Luke 24:32-34 NLT)

I am so thankful for a great family and wondeful group of Christian friends. On Monday, I posted on social media the need for prayers for a personal, private matter. Over 80 people either commented or liked the post. I am thankful for those prayers and continue to need them. I am also thankful for those not asking why. Sometimes prayer requests can turn into nothing more than a gossip session. Every one of my friends respected my privacy and just prayed. I ask you to continue to respect that. When and if you see me, it's ok to acknowledge you are praying for me. Please leave it at that. Don't gossip, avoid speculation, but fervently pray for guidance, discernment, and the glory of God revealed through this situation.

I love all of my faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. Please sincerely pray. I love my Lord even through the tough hurdles in life. I have faith in him through all things. If the Lord chooses to teach me through fire and trials, I accept it because he has been faithful throughout my 54 years of life! I know his power. I have seen it. It has been a big part of my life. Praise God for his undying love, his wonderful grace, and magnificent mercy in my life!

Jesus suffered more

He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. (Luke 22:41-44 NLT)

My mind is far away

“‘Yes,’ the king replied, ‘and to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. (Luke 19:26 NLT)

Sometimes I just can't write anything.  My mind is occupied. I need your prayers for a personal matter please! 

My God is still in charge. I love him and need him more today than ever.

The notorious sinner.

Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” (Luke 19:6-8 NLT)

Jesus ministry was so unconventional for the day. Actually, it's even unconventional for TODAY! Jesus made time for "church" , as we all should. But, his ministry was taken to the people and he never hesitated when being a guest of a "notorious sinner". He found the same thing I have found, the notorious of sinners is usually more giving than the most pious of religious "sinners". I really don't even know what a notorious sinner looks like. It might be I would see it when I looked into the mirror.

Yesterday was a wonderful example of that. My CMA family held our annual fundraiser, Run for the Son. I have always been so blessed with the support of our motorcycle community for this ministry. Most of the people that come are great Christian people, but some would be classified as, notorious sinners! I have seen their love show through brighter than most people. Even those that live a life separate from God recognize the power of Jesus through our ministry. I will also say I am completely humbled by Gods blessing on this ministry. We do NOTHING, with out that blessing. I am weak. My Lord is strong. My doubts, my weakness of faith are evident with this event. I worry needlessly over this big event. I am always so worried when we are putting our ministry on display for nonbelievers. I don't want to be the stumbling block for someone not knowing the love of Jesus. I want to share Jesus with a special event like none other. I don't want this to be just another motorcycle ride. So I fret. Needlessly! God always shines through. He did so yesterday, he will do so today, and he has done that through my 54 years of life. 

Dear Lord, forgive my weakness,my lack of faith, and not trusting your infinite wisdom, power, and love. I am humbled to be your servant. I praise your blessings. I praise your presence yesterday for our event. I dedicate myself and our insisted to you again. Thank you Lord. thank you Lord! You are amazing! Amen!

Open our Eyes Lord!

IEvery curse written against us in the Law of Moses has come true. Yet we have refused to seek mercy from the LORD our God by turning from our sins and recognizing his truth. Therefore, the LORD has brought upon us the disaster he prepared. The LORD our God was right to do all of these things, for we did not obey him.

“O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary. “O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy. “O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name.” (Daniel 9:13-14, 17-19 NLT)

It baffles me why more people aren't flocking to the Lord. The times are so perilous. Danger, death, destruction are everywhere. We are seeing the results of our own sinfullness around every corner, within every headline and breaking news event. 

Open our eyes Lord!

Daniel could have been living today, here, in the United States, instead of thousands of years ago. Yes, the Lord could stop it. He won't. He won't until we humble ourselves and come to him. I plead Lord, intervene. Make life better for all. Lord have mercy on us and our rejection of you. Open our eyes Lord to your perfect grace and love. Use me as an instrument to change the world and bring people to you! Amen!