CHOOSE: TO ENCOURAGE

Where does encouragement end and self-aggrandizement begin?

Scripture reminds us the importance of doing 3 things in secret; fasting, giving and praying.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:6, KJV)

Certainly "the" closet, or war room as Priscilla Shirer states, is not just a "supply" closet. One doesn't just open the door to ask for "things" but rather to enter into the Lord's presence in order to strengthen one's relationship with Him.

My quandary yesterday was whether to tell someone "important" of my intercession on his behalf. While "lunching" with dear friend, Nancy E. downtown at The Little Tea Shop, Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings, came in.

He was greeted by many folks familiar to him. I, on the other hand, was in no way familiar to him. However, I felt compelled to approach him just to say thanks for  serving in a difficult position and working hard to protect our city. (Jeremiah 29:7)

My commendation was accompanied with a hug and the statement that I pray for him every Saturday. He replied saying, "I need at least 18 thank you hugs a day and I really need and appreciate your prayers."

Did I cross the line of encouragement? I hope not. I do think one's motive is revealed by one's heart attitude. I truly have been thankful for his intervention in so many impending crisis situations. Of course, blogging about it can up the level toward self-aggrandizement so I hope readers will see it as a reminder to choose encouragement----thank those who serve us and maybe even give them a hug.

First of all, then I urge that petitions, prayers and intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. Therefore, I want men everywhere to pray.....(1 Timothy 2:1-2, 8, BSB--emphasis mine)

Then, if you choose to pray for them as well, and choose to encourage by sharing this intercession with another.....well, that's between you and God.

FERVENT

Fervency in one's prayer life is marked by great intensity, along with the ardor of a loving heart.
For me, nothing "ups" the fervency of prayer petitions like the needs of a loved one, especially when they are unable to pray for themselves. That's when Roman 12:12 returns to my prayer radar.

I pray that the suffering saint, undergoing a lengthy surgery, has the strength to be patient in the midst of intense pain with rehab to follow----a time of great affliction. Prayers that she and all of their family can count on the "hope within" to bring them joy.
I, and other prayer warriors, then can step up to the plate and fervently petition the God of the universe for mercy and the continuance of that goodness as He works out His plan on the loved one's behalf.

Be patient in affliction, joyful in hope, fervent in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

Fervent prayer! What a responsibility. What a privilege!

SABBATH SNAPSHOT : "in-TEA-rruptions"

Life Interrupted by Priscilla Shirer is sub-titled Navigating the Unexpected. Isn't that what life all about??? The unexpected! It certainly is at my house---always has been! In fact, I started reading this book 3 years ago and life got in the way of me finishing it. An interruption!

Shirer's book enables the reader to see the "short" book of Jonah in a new light----but with plenty of life-long applications. We could all compile a LONG list. The tele marketer who calls at dinner time. The cell beep indicating a text just as a night of sleep begins. The gal in the grocery line with way more then 10 items, when one is in a hurry to check our her meager 3. The interstate "on-going" construction (think I-40 and Sam Cooper that cause an almost daily reroute.

Too often, I go out of my way to avoid these interruptions---often avoiding even stopping to talk to folks one aisle over in the grocery store. Might I be missing something or someone God has had to cross my path by purposely AVOIDING these interruptions? Interruptions that would slow down my plan. Impede my progress. Get in the way of "my" schedule. 

Like Jonah, am I rarely where God would have me, at the time he wants me there and doing what He wants me to do? (p. 205) I, the reader of Shirer's book and the writer of this blog, am in need of transformation. A God perspective of interruptions.

Interruptions call for submission---submitting to the "divine one." (p. 206) Will I listen for His call and quit "clinging to comforts and entitlements even when I know they are hindering more thatn helping?" (p.209)

LIFE INTERRUPTIONS= DIVINE INTERVENTIONS....as the book jacket states.

An easy read for difficult times.

I actually re-read parts of this book "pre-beach week" so that "my" reading wouldn't "interrupt" Frog and Toad, Olivia, Tikki-Tikki-Tembo and other kiddie beach reads.

Life Interrupted

8/3/11 Isn't that what life is----just one interruption after another. At least of OUR plans and expectations. Thus, when Wynellen gave me this Priscilla Shirer's book Sunday night, it had me at the title. Life Interrupted--Navigating the Unexpected. You see, lately I seem to live in the realm of the unexpected. Just now internet went out and I lost draft of most of this blog. FRUSTRATION!! (Obviously I need this book!)
Just a peek inside to whet your appetite-----I'll blog more when I finish reading it. (if internet connection cooperates)

Page one hooked me as well. ...."would've recognized God's unseen hand in all of it....would've met the frustration or disappointment.....knowing He was behind it all, that this interruption was merely His way of laying a foundation for better things."

...I know I don't want to let one more interruption send me off frantically dodging God's will and missing out on what He's wanting to accomplish in me and through me. I want my life to radiate what happens when God has a person's heart at His full control, when every event or circumstance is simply another way to know Him better and show forth His glory. (Shirer p.13)

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.(Isaiah 64:4)

What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived, the things God has prepared for those who love him (I Corinthians 2:9)

I (you) can't begin to fathom God's goodness as He allows interruptions in life (both mine & yours) but we can be joyfully expectant in our waiting.