Intercession

I have to admit that I know what "intercession" means, but I usually think of it in terms of Jesus Christ and His role in my prayers.  The way Charles Swindoll describes it, it's what we do when we pray for others.

I needed this chapter today.  It's an answer to my prayers.

With just finishing my college degree, I'm finding myself somewhat lonely.  I'm not sure how to jump back into the social life I left behind and traded for study time.  I feel unworthy of my old friends.  I feel like I ditched them and am not quite sure how to insert myself back into their lives.

Swindoll says, "When we pray for someone, we intercede.  That means we mentally get involved in their world as we deliberately make contact with God on their behalf" (p. 130).  He then shares how we should begin....

He suggests that we keep a card with a list on it with the person's name, and in parentheses, at least one reason why you need to pray for that person.  In the next column over, leave room to write the answers and the date of when your prayer was answered.

Review the list each Sunday, and continually add to it.

From what I understand, all things were created spiritually before they were created temporally.  Maybe that's the case for friendships too.  So grateful for tender mercies--answers to prayers.

Rooting for the underdog

When I was growing up one of my favorite things during the 70's, 80's, and 90's were the made-for-TV movies about ordinary people who made it big, or overcame great odds, Brian's Song, The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, The Miracle Worker, and Orphan Train just for example.  Or how about the 1980 US Olympic hockey dream team that brought a sense of pride and wonder for everyone.

These were just a few of the David and Goliath stories that shaped my view of the world.  But more than that it was the story of a man who had it all; money, prestige, and a place in history.  He made an impression on me not because of all he had, but because he gave it all up to spread the good news.  He endured persecution and finally death for a higher purpose.  Who was this man?  Paul! 

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13 TNIV

I've always been fascinated with Paul's story and his teaching.  The love that he had for sinners and Christians alike.  He held nothing back once he had seen the errors of his Goliath ways.  He became a David, and there's no mistaking the truth in his message.  He became an underdog for Christ.

"The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy." Ecclesiastes 9:11 NLT

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Two Memorable Minutes

I have a place in my house that's just for me....Me and God that is.  It is the place I go to talk to Him.  It's a secret place, and I sneak in there a few times a day to get direction.  At least, that's my goal.

In the morning, I usually have children in my bedroom.  I love that it's the first place they want to come at the start of their day, so I don't shoo them away.  I don't dare sneak into my hiding place then because it wouldn't be secret any more, so I make my bed and then kneel next to it.  Frequently, a child will kneel next to me.

At night, as I get ready for bed, before I pull the covers back and unmake the bed again, I kneel to pray again.  I don't go into my secret place because my husband's in the room, but on those nights when he's not there before me, I do.

When I do get the chance to go to my hideaway, I take pen, paper and flashlight.  It's a wonderful feeling that I have this one place dedicated just for this purpose.  Someday I will use it more often, but for now, its rarity makes it extra special.

Do you have such a place?  Do you go somewhere to spend a few precious moments to pray?

Swindoll, in this section of The Quest for Character, shares that it's depth, not length and makes our communication with God important.  It doesn't matter where or when but just that we take the time to pray to Him.  Every step, even if it is just a baby step, is a step in the right direction.




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Giving with Gusto

For the past 20 weeks we've been studying The Quest for Character, and the focus has been about guarding our heart.  The next 20 weeks we will be studying about giving our heart.  To have well-rounded, or balanced, character it is imperative to open our heart to giving.

Americans are generous.  As a country and individually we give with gusto.  Most of us were taught from a young age that it is better to give than to receive, while others have learned through hardship that giving is a joyful experience.

"Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving]."  2 Corinthians 9:7 AMP

 Do you want to be cheerful giver?

Reflect on God's gifts to you. - It's a wonderful exercise to look back on your life and see God's goodness.  I have had 44 years (yes, that's how old I am) of trials, tears, and fears.  But, God was with me through it all.  He pulled me out of some of the darkest pits, and He used others with "giving with gusto" hearts to bring me to this moment where I can share and give back that love.  At this moment I may be financially poor, but He continually opens doors daily as opportunities for me to give.

Remind yourself of His promises regarding generosity. - God calls us to give without strings.  Only give with the expectation of His promises.

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."  Matthew 6:2-4 NIV

Examine your heart. - Ask yourself:  Is my giving proportionate to my income?  Am I motivated by guilt, or by contagious joy?  If someone else knew the level of my giving to God's work, would I be a model to follow?  Have I prayed about giving, or am I just an impulsive responder?

Trust God to honor consistent generosity. - A few years back when my son needed open-heart surgery, I was fired from my job for taking too many sick days.  I tried to find another job, but because of the uncertainty of my circumstances it was difficult for anyone to hire me.  I went back to my former employer to beg for my job back, but my request was denied.

With feelings of desperation I made my way through the parking lot to my car.  As I was unlocking the door a homeless woman approached me.  She asked if I had any money to spare for a sandwich.  Under a tree a few feet away I saw a baby carriage with her meager belongings.  I asked her about the carriage.  She told me she kept it so she could visit her little girl, who was in foster care, and take her to the park once a week.

Maybe because misery loves company I asked her to tell me her story.  She related a familiar story of abuse from her husband and the inability to give up on their relationship.  How her daughter had gotten in the middle of a fight, and the authorities were called in.  The courts deemed her an unfit mother while she remained with her husband, so the daughter was taken away from her.

Now this woman was struggling with trying to find a job, a place to live, and getting her daughter back.  Even though she had left her husband nobody seemed to believe she was moving on.  Her family just didn't want to take a chance that she wouldn't let him back into her life, so they refused to take her in.

I prayed with her, and knowing I only had 6 dollars in my purse, what remained of my last paycheck, I pulled a 5 dollar bill out and gave it to her.  After asking her if she needed a ride anywhere, I gave her the number to my church.  I told her to contact them, and to tell them I sent her.  Two weeks later I saw her again at a Sunday service.  The next day we went together to a group meeting at a domestic violence center.  The last time I talked to her she had a place to live, was working full time, and the courts were considering letting her have her daughter back.

I do not share that story to brag.  In fact when the woman took that 5 dollar bill my brain was screaming, "What are you doing?  You need that money!"  But my heart was at peace, and God has honored my generosity overwhelmingly.

It breaks my heart to hear so many grumble and complain about who deserves help and who doesn't.  People label giving with terms like "spreading the wealth" or "entitlement programs".  It's a vicious cycle for those truly in need.  NO ONE likes a hand out, but they definitely need a hand up.  Give to your churches with gusto so those in need can go there for help instead of the government.  In the end they will receive so much more than just a hand out.

"Forbid it Lord, that our roots become too firmly attached to this earth, that we should fall in love with things."  Peter Marshall

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Beauty...at a Distance

Some people just look like they have it all, and it's all going their way.

I would bet at one point or another, someone has thought that about you.

When I started my blog, I have to confess, one of my biggest intentions was to knock that idea out of anybody's mind.  I'm as flawed as anyone else.

It's so easy, when we watch others from afar, to think that they are perfect and have no challenges.  As we get closer and come to know people better, it becomes clear that no one is exempt from trials and challenges, and it's those things we can learn and grow from as individuals.

When I wrote this post, things got very quiet on this blog.  I reread it and wondered why.  It may just be that no one had much to say that week, but I have to admit, it gave me pause and made me wonder....Do we, as those who profess to follow Jesus Christ, put ourselves up on a pedestal as well?  Do we deny that we make mistakes?  Do we look at others and condemn them for their mistakes?  Yikes!  I hope that's not the way things are.  If so, maybe it's time we gave ourselves a bit of a break and allowed ourselves to be imperfect.  If we don't face them, we'll never overcome them.

In ourselves, we need to accept who we are and where we are in this journey.  We need to face that we're not perfect and shouldn't be quick to judge those around us.

What is it they say?  Be gentle.  You never know what someone else is going through.  Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

I'd like to add....we must be careful. We never know when we could find ourselves standing in those same shoes. 

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Parental negligence

I think as Christians we tend to be harder on ourselves as parents than anyone.  I know I am.

The Bible gives plenty of instruction on how to raise Godly children, but instead Swindoll in The Quest for Character shares from an article published years ago by the US Chamber of Commerce a list of twelve rules on "How to train your child to be a delinquent."

1. When your kid is still an infant, give him everything he wants.  This way he'll think the world owes him a living when he grows up.
2. When he picks up swearing and off-color jokes, laugh at him, encourage him.  As he grows up, he'll pick up "cuter" phrases that will floor you.
3. Never give him any spiritual training.  Wait until he is twenty-one and let him decide for himself.
4. Avoid using the word wrong.  It will give your child a guilt complex.  You can condition him to believe later, when he is arrested for stealing a car, that society is against him and he is being persecuted.
5. Pick up after him - his books, shoes, and clothes.  Do everything for him so he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility onto others.
6. Let him read all printed matter he can get his hands on...[never think of monitoring his TV programs, *video and computer games].  Sterilize the silverware, but let him feast his mind on garbage.
7. Parents quarrel frequently in his presence.  Then he won't be too surprised when his home is broken later.
8. Satisfy his every craving for food, drink, and comfort.  Every sensual desire must be gratified; denial may lead to harmful frustrations.
9. Give your child all the spending money he wants.  Don't make him earn his own.  Why should he have things as tough as you did?
10. Take his side against neighbors, teachers, and policemen.  They're all against him.
11. When he gets into real trouble, make up excuses for yourself by saying, "I never could do anything with him; he's just a bad seed."
12. Prepare for a life of grief.

Obviously this is very harsh, but tell me you don't see many of these qualities in society today.  Swindoll's book, The Quest for Character,  was written in the '70's, but much of it's content is very relevant today.  We are raising the next generation of Christians.  How is it going with you and your children?

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:5-9

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Quest for Character: Curiosity

Curiosity--the two-edged sword.  In so many ways, we benefit from curiosity; great things are discovered as we probe deeper.  In other ways, we punish ourselves; we overstep the boundaries of safety and find ourselves with the consequences of probing into the wrong areas.

image credit:  http://www.gamasutra.com/

I am, by nature, a curious person.  I ask a lot of questions.  If I don't know the reason why someone wants me to do something or I don't understand or agree with why, I won't do it.  Thus the reason why I rarely, if ever, kept the curfew my parents applied to my life every weekend when I was growing up.  By nature, yes, I'm a rebel but not without a cause.

However, when I do understand something, I will stick to it and do it.  When I see that it benefits my life, I will hold onto it.

This leads to some thoughts I've been having lately.  I got to thinking about all the things I've never tried--even as a curious person. I started wondering why.  Why had I never had the desire to do things "everyone else" is doing?

Swindoll answered that question for me this morning:

"Remove the safety belt of Biblical parameters and curiosity will send our vehicle of learning on a collision course, destined for disaster"  (The Quest for Character, p. 100).

People will say that I live a strict life; that I'm limited by my religious beliefs, but I tend to think differently.  I cling to the boundaries God has set for me because, not only do I find safety in them but, I find my life blessed by them.  My ability to feel Him close is a result of obeying what I've come to understand from Him.


The limits I have chosen to set in my life, because yes, I know I have the choice to accept any or all of them offered, have made my life a joyful journey so far.

image credit: http://www.daily-dabble.com/

Curiosity is a good thing as long as we "Prove all things." and "Hold fast to that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21).



If you would like to participate grab a button and share how God is leading you to be A Woman of Noble Character. This link is open all week, and to all denominations of the Christian faith.