Those Attacks

I was reflective yesterday when I read in one of my devotionals, some thoughts on Psalm 22:6. In that verse David describes himself as 'a worm...no man; a reproach...despised.' The writer's focus was on the difficulty we experince in being broken spiritually and the challenges of submission. Don't we all have those times when we want to fight the world especially when we have been wronged. I faced that today, and I don't think I won that battle...in fact I know I did not. I was no worm...I was ready to fight back at what seemed more than reproach. I was mad. I shared my emotions with my sister on MSN messenger and a dear prayer partner of many years. At the end I went back and re-read the devotional.

The writer said in part:"For this reason we are not likely to be broken except at the cross of Jesus. The willingness of Jesus to be broken for us is the all-compelling motive in our being broken too. We see Him willing to have not rights of His own, willing to let men revile Him and not revile again, willing to let men tread on Him and not retaliate or defend Himself. Above all, we see Him broken as He meekly goes to Calvary to become men's scapegoat by bearing their sins in His own body on the Tree. In a pathetic passage in a prophetic psalm, He says, 'I am a worm, and no man' (Psalm 22:6).

Those who have been in tropical lands tell us that there is a big difference between a snake and a worm, when you attempt to strike at them. The snake rears itself up and hisses and tries to strike back--a true picture of self. But a worm offers no resistance, it allows you to do what you like with it, kick it or squash it under your heel--a picture of true brokenness. And Jesus was willing to become just that for us--a worm and no man."

Whoaaa...easy? Hell no! But, it has allowed me to breathe out Daphne and breathe in peace, be more objective and less irrational and relent from a hasty decision which I had already made. Only God by His Spirit and the word could calm my spirit, but I listened. I still do not know what I will do save 'tell Jesus ALL OF MY TROUBLES cause I know he will help me....JESUS ALONE! Friend, life here on earth is not easy, but knowing the Saviour is the only solace we have as we face our storms.

Shalome friends.

A word in season

School is now in high gear. The thrills from summer fun are slipping further and further into the background. All that school demands must become prime focus. I have become strengthened through a renewed and deepened prayer focus. The reality of how helpless I am without God's guidance is apparent now more than ever. The challenges from misconduct of students, poor work attitude, interacting with adults in various capacities are all a part of the reason why I have to 'lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.'


Just a day ago, I was feeling the hurt from some recent developments. As I had my evening devotion, I had the most beautiful and timely reminder, which for me was a word in season. In Psalm 37, there are some commands that reminded me of what I must continue to do if I am relinquishing control to God in the difficult situations.

• Fret not - v 1
• Trust in the Lord - v 3
• Delight thyself also in the Lord - 4
• Commit thy way unto the lord - v 5
• Rest in the Lord - v 7
• Cease from anger - v 8.

How reassuring, but by no means easy. Therein lies however, the keys to letting go and letting God. In those difficult seasons, the times of challenge, the pain, let those verses be a reminder and a word in season.

Peace!

I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof and be glad. O MAGNIFY THE LORD WITH ME and let us EXALT HIS NAME together.

I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:1-4

Comfort and power through prayer

One week ago, I returned from my summer vacation. It was one of the most active ones I have had for quite awhile. I had relatives visiting from the UK and I was chaperone/tour guide. It was a great occasion especially for the teenaged boys who wanted to maximise every opportunity for good Jamaican fun and excitement. For each day I continuously asked for God's protection and guidance. All went well.



However there are three moments that stand out in my mind, and you might have guessed it...the moments when someone said, "Let us pray". I will share them with you.



On the day when my relatives were leaving, just before setting out for the airport, my landlord and his wife stood with us, we joined hands and he prayed. It was so potent and comforting. We gave thanks and asked for continued protection. It reminded me of how incomplete we are without the assurance of knowing we can totally commit every aspect of our lives to God. Nothing is too simple to talk to him about. He is concerned about every area of our lives.



My return flight was an early one, so I would have to leave home about 5:00 am. The night prior to my return, my landlord's wife again met with me and prayed. I felt like God himself was hugging me. I realised also how wonderful to have a good relationship with a landlord who has a relationship with the Master. At the end, I felt really covered and 'sheltered safe within the arms of GOD'.


I had a two hour wait for my connecting flight from Montego Bay, so I had breakfast at the airport. I went to sit at a table where only one person was sitting. He turned out to be a Canadian who was returning from a one week mission trip in Jamaica. We had a very warm converstaion and at the end before he left to board his flight, we (did you guess it?) joined hands and prayed. Whoaa...was it heartwarming. I was really feeling 'prayed up'.


There were no other points in my vacation that were so empowering. I again had the reminder that we need to pray one for another. It is no wonder that the word says we should PRAY WITHOUT CEASING-1 Thess 5:17. Friends, let us remember that God is always listening. He wants us to come into his presence and be revived and refreshed through prayer. Let us maximise the oportunities to pray for each other.


Shalom.

Free and blessed

Me seh me know seh me blessed

Me know seh me blessed

As long as God a fi mi provider

Me know seh me blessed.

This is one of the popular choruses sang in Jamaican church circles and I just love the spunk to it and the cultural flair from the languagae. As I hummed it over and over, I could not help but affirm its truth in my life. Indeed I am blessed and I know unreservedly that God is my Jehovah Jireh!

I have been doing some reflection while on vacation and there are two things that stand out in my mind. While walking down the streets of the town where we are holidaying, we witnessed the public arrest of well dressed gentleman. Initial information suggested shady deals. Then later on while watching television news I saw the results of a failed drug plan that resulted in a helicopter crash and two deaths and the arrest of four others and ilegal drugs.

It reminded me of the many attempts people make to acquire money, albeit not all by legitimate means. In a world where there is the tendency to measure one's worth by their assests, it is easy to be sucked in to shady deals and get rich schemes which can often leave many trapped. Sadly, many christians get lured into these.

Let me remind you though, that material possesions is not the only measure of being blessed. Just the hope we have as christians that one day we will leave this miserable world to reign with Christ, empowers us to accept our lot knowing that we are blessed people. We can also give thanks in all things and accept God's provision in whatever form he provides. We then do not have to watch our backs as Prov 10:22 reminds us 'The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich , and he addeth no sorrow with it'.

So let me encourage you to remain thankful and always have a spirit of gratitude because 1 Timothy 6:6 says 'godliness with contentment is great gain'. Be blessed and stay free from sinful entanglings in a bid to feel blessed.

Shalom

Then and Now

On Sunday afternoon, I faced some complexities that had developed in my life that I never dreamed I would have to be working through. For awhile, I thought about how things had changed, what decisions I have been making and what consequences have arisen. My dominant thought however was what I desired most and what my passion was. This opened up a heightened consciousness of how much we have to battle with, in our christian walk.

In my work with drug addicts, I have watched many struggle through attempts at sobriety and repeated relapses. Many have no family support as their addictive behaviour and subsequent actions have destroyed relationships. Many have had repeated incarcerations and myriad negative life experiences. Thay have lost good jobs, squandered cash, stole and just developed a level of devious thinking that have kept them trapped. Yet despite the pain and obvious loss in so many ways, the cycle of addictive behaviour remains.

With various interventions through rehabilitation and many therapeutic activities some are helped and are experiencing a new lease on life. A converstaion with them will reveal an explanation of what works, how they face cravings, the stucture and activities that serve as a buffer to preventing relapse.

Similarly, I had to look at what works for me in dealing with my complications. The word of the Lord is potent in that regard. My christian walk is not a bed of roses but a life of conscious realisation that I have to put on the whole armour in order to face the wiles of the enemy-Ephesians 6:11-10. It is a relentless battle against the forces of darkness that come to steal kill and destroy, so I cannot venture into paths that my shepherd is not leading.

So what do you do when you face your challenges, failures, setbacks, wrong choices, your addictions and personal demons? Pause and face where you are at. Affirm where you want to go and what you need to do to get there. Never forget you have the power of the word, prayer, other christians and a host of divine interventions that will keep you walking in the path of righteousness.

Stay blessed.

Total Trust!

This morning I woke up singing the song "We'll talk it over." I could only recall a few lines of it so I searched on line and used it along with scripture verses to start my day. It was a comforting reminder that the christian walk is really one of TOTAL TRUST!

Phillipians 4:6-7 says, Be careful for nothing, but IN EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.


The world's crises and conflicts and our own day to day challenges can often overwhelm us, but let us not forget that we have divine favour on our side. We may not understand it all fully, but let's trust God's leading through shadows, heartaches and burdens.


Tho shadows deepen, and my heart bleeds,
I will not question the way He leads;
This side of Heaven we know in part,
I will not question a broken heart.


Chorus
We'll talk it over in the bye and bye.
We'll talk it over, my Lord and I.
I'll ask the reasons - He'll tell me why,
When we talk it over in the bye and bye.


I'll trust His leading, He'll never fail,
Thru darkest tunnels or misty vales.
Obey his bidding and faithful be,
Tho' only one step ahead I see.


I'll hide my heartache behind a smile
And wait for reasons 'til after while.
And tho' He try me, I know I'll find
That all my burdens are silver lined.

He favours me

..."for thou hast found favour with God." Luke 1:30

On Friday last, while driving home and listening to music from a local gospel station, I heard a song being played that captured my thoughts and really began to resonate in my spirit. I recalled the intoduction spoke of a 'tesimony' and the repeated phrase 'God favours me'. I could not recall hearing the song before, but realised I wanted to listen to it some more.

Later on in the evening, I searched for it on youtube and listened to it over and over. I really began to rejoice and worship as I could identify with this testimony in song. My spirit was really refreshed and the Lord reminded me of the experience of Mary when she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. The angel announced the favour of God and following this Mary worshipped through the Magnificat recorded in Luke 1:46-55.

The Magnificat is a wonderful song of worship to one who indeed has favourd us. It was an awesome worship experience for me. But the enemy tried to attack. On my way to church on Sunday, while driving into the parking lot, a lady reversed right into my car, on my side.

I ended up spending the next three hours on processing and police meeting because she refused to take responsibility despite the overwhelming evidence of her being at fault. What did I do? I continued to rejoice knowing that I am still under God's favour. I could rejoice and sing...GOD BLOCKED IT...my life was spared.

Friends, a deep recognition of God's favour allows us to continue trusting, no matter what. Some things may be diffcult but God who 'is mighty hath done to me great things'-Luke 1:49.

The Lord is my Shepherd

Have you ever had the experience of missing your way while travelling? Can you recall the helplessness and overwhelming feeling that seemed to have swallowed you up? Further yet, do you remember the way you felt after the ordeal? Can you now recall what or who placed you back on the right track?

Well, I have recently had some experiences that left me feeling 'lost'. It was disappointment after disappointment. Also in the mix was one situation in which I felt unfairly treated. I was drowning in my emotions and I seemed unable to pull myself from the lingering feeling of anger and hurt. But, the Lord brought back to my spirit through a devotional reading on the life of Joseph, the value of adversity in our lives when we follow him. I also read that when we face closed doors and things which seem to be setbacks, it could be God's way of revealing His purpose in new situations. It could also be His way of preserving us from the traps of the enemy. Still yet it could also be the way God has ordained for us to be closer to Him.

Hallelujah! What sweet reassurance...THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD! There were so many ways

in which my spirit was refreshed and God reminded me that He was leading my life. We will experience those challenges, but when we do, let us not forget who we are and whose we are...the sheep of his pastures, led by the Good Shepherd.

This my heart!

Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers - Seasons

God's timing is important for us as his children. This is a powerful song that speaks to this. In Ecc. 3:11, the word reminds us that God makes things beautiful in his time.

My prayer is that whatever you desire of the Lord, you will trust him totally so that you know and sense by His spirit his timing and his leading. Isaiah 30:21 says-And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee saying, This is the way walk ye in it.

Trust him!

Avalon - God is in Control

We Will Wait

It's Worth the Wait

He makes things beautiful in his time:Ecclesiaites 3:11

The four seasons, day and night, life and death are all reminders of God's timing in the world and in our lives. All is a profound message that no matter who we are or what we have achieved, God has ultimate control in the affairs of men. He spoke and it was done. He commanded and it stood fast. Psalm 33:9

At this season in my life, God is reminding me in a powerful way to wait. Yes friends, wait. When this came to my spirit, I began to reflect on a number of people in the scriptures who waited and what happened as a result.

• Hannah had suffered many things because of her barreness. The Bible in 1 Samuel 1: 1-18 describes her bitterness, tears, mockings, appetite loss and her pouring out of her heart in prayer. When the servant of the Lord spoke to her v 16-18, she changed her countenance and continued to wait.

• Job's account shows us one who suffered death of his children, disesase, loss of property, but said...I WILL WAIT until my change comes, Job 14:14.

• Mary and Martha waited for Jesus to show up when Lazarus was ill. He came four days after he had passed. Their wait had turned to pain, but when Jesus showed up, he brought life-John 11.

What are you waiting on the Lord for? Are you of good courage as admonished in Psalm 27:14? Remember that waiting is not always easy but God has promised that when we do our strength will be renewed, we will mount up with wings as eagles, we will be able to run and walk without fainting or being weary-Isaiah 40:31. So wait I say, on the Lord!

Testimony

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me!



Well...have I disappeared on you all? Oh no! I must confess I have become rather tardy and my time management has not always been at its best. This has allowed me to not post many precious thoughts and I do feel guilty. However, I have not forgotten you all and I know we have communicated in emails and other ways, so blessings have been shared.



I continue to be eternally grateful to you all for your prayers and support. Above all, God has continued to daily load me with benefits. I have seen him fight my battles over and over and over. So often I feel ashamed at how I have intervened, my carnal human nature rising up, but His word reminds me, the battle is the Lord's.



So much has happened since we last shared. I have moved house and God has blessed me with a wonderful apartment and a kindhearted and thoughtful landlady. I am very comfortable and have slept like a baby every night. I also went home for my Easter holidays and that again was very refreshing...spa treatment and all. Teachers' appreciation week was fun. I enjoyed our fun day and won first, second and third place ribbons in three events. I was also voted as the IDEAL TEACHER....To God be the glory! I still work with my clients at the drug rehab and despite various challenges there, I am happy to be able to use my God given skills and abilities in such a meaningful way.




At this point I am happy that I really know the Lord. I do not always sing, pray, worship or serve Him as I should. But my prayer remains...Oh to be like thee. So stay blesssed and continue to trust the Great Shepherd as He leads us along.
Selah!

A Servant's Prayer

Always take time to pray, always take time to pray, Morning and night and right through the day, Always take time a prayer to pray. Always take time to pray, always take time to pray Jesus will drive your troubles away, Always take time to pray.

If you grew up in Sunday School, you may be able to recall this little chorus. We sang it but I am sure that like me, it has not always been that easy and you do not pray as you should. Just recently when faced with a rather mean attack, every fibre in my being said...FIGHT BACK. I struggled to not do so. I also heard God shouting to me in so many ways and like David I finally accepted what I already knew..Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivereth him out of them all - Psalm 34:19.

In the christian walk, the value of prayer can never be over emphasized. That is our moment of intimacy, the time we can pour out the pain, confess our failures and struggles, rejoice and give thanks, travail for a loved one or just sit and allow the spirit to make "groanings that cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26). As I did my devotions this morning, I read this verse that was a potent reminder of what our daily prayer should be. I chose to call it the servant's prayer. Place your name in the blank and pray with me:

Who can discern his errors? forgive my hidden faults. Keep _______________ also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psaalm 19:12-14.

Shalom

You Never Let Go - song by Matt Redman

The comfort is ours in knowing that with God in our lives, there is always hope and we just cannot afford to let go. Hold on friends, through the storm...calm...high..low...God is there and will never let go of you.

Daily Bread

Hey my friends. How was your day? Hope that whatever your experience was, you can find renewed strength from knowing that GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL! I just want to share with you one of my devotional readings...Be Blessed.

"Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread." by Max Lucado

What a statement of trust! Whatever you want me to have is all I want. Some days the plate runs over. God keeps bringing out more food and we keep loosening our belt. A promotion. A privilege. A friendship. A gift. A lifetime of grace. An eternity of joy. There are times when we literally push ourselves back from the table, amazed at God's kindness. "You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup fills with blessing" (Ps. 23:5 MSG).

And then there are those days when, well, when we have to eat our broccoli. Our daily bread could be tears or sorrow or discipline. Our portion may include adversity as well as opportunity.
This verse was on my mind last night during family devotions. I called my daughters to the table and set a plate in front of each. In the center of the table I placed a collection of food: some fruit, some raw vegetables and some Oreo cookies. "Every day," I explained, "God prepares for us a plate of experiences. What kind of plate do you most enjoy?"

The answer was easy. Sara put three cookies on her plate. Some days are like that, aren't they? Some days are "three cookie days." Many are not. Sometimes our plate has nothing but vegetables--twenty-four hours of celery, carrots, and squash. Apparently God knows we need some strength, and though the portion may be hard to swallow, isn't it for our own good? Most days, however, have a bit of it all. Vegetables, which are healthy but dull. Fruit, which tastes better and we enjoy. And even an Oreo, which does little for our nutrition, but a lot for our attitude. All are important and all are from God.

The next time your plate has more broccoli than apple pie, remember who prepared the meal. And the next time your plate has a portion you find hard to swallow, talk to God about it. Jesus did. In the garden of Gethsemane his Father handed him a cup of suffering so sour, so vile, that Jesus handed it back to heaven. "My Father," he prayed, "if it is possible may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matt. 26:39).

Even Jesus was given a portion he found hard to swallow. But with God's help, he did. And with God's help, you can too

Check-up

We are now at the beginning of the second month in this new year. It is a good point at which to look back over January and see how your walk with the Lord has been. I was helped with this through an email that a friend sent me. As you know my prayer for this year is to grow to be more like the Saviour (see my previous blog entry for January 8). So, lets do a check-up together.


I went to the Lord's clinic to have my routine check-up and it was confirmed I was ill.


When Jesus took my blood pressure, He saw I was low on tenderness. When he read my temperature, the thermometer registered 40 degrees of anxiety. He ran an elctrocardiogram and found that I needed several 'love bypasses' since my arteries were blocked with loneliness and could not provide for an empty heart.


I went to orthopedics because I could not walk by my brother's side and I could not hug my friends since I had fractured myself when tripping with envy. He also found I was shortsighted when I could not see beyond the shortcomings of my brothers and sisters. When I complained about deafness, the diagnosis was that I had stopped listening to Jesus' voice talking to me on a daily basis.


For all of that Jesus gave me a free consultation, thanks to his mercifulness. So, my pledge is to, once I leave the clinic, only take the natural remedies He prescribed through His words of truth.

• Every morning take a glassful of gratitude
• When getting to work, take one spoon of peace
• Every hour take one pill of patience, one cup of brotherhood and one glass of humility
• When getting home, take on dose of love
• When getting to bed take two capsules of clear conscience

Do not give in to sadness or desperation for what you are going through today. God knows how you feel...God knows exactly and with perfection what is to happen to you in your life at this precise moment. God's purpose for you is simply perfect. He wants to show you that things that only you can understand by living what you are living, and by being in the place you are now.

May God give you for every storm, a rainbow; for every tear, a smile; for every care, a promise and a blessing in each trial; for every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share; for every sigh, a sweet song and an answer for each prayer.

My prayer is that this check-up and advice will help to guide you as you continue on in your walk with the Lord. It is indeed challenging times so continue to visit the clinic and allow the Great Physician to heal the soul.

Shalom

Not Easily Broken Trailer

New Year Thoughts

Well, it is the year 2009. Like me, I am sure you have heard a lot about themes and resolutions. The beginning of a new year is usually a good time to do some reflection. So, if you have not yet done so, let me encourage you to. Set your goals in a wise and meaningful way and never forget to ask our Divine Father for His guidance and perfect will to be worked out in your life. Let his word be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path, Psalm 119:105.


For me, I have made a song my simple heartfelt prayer. Having refelected, I am able to identify my weakness, my area of struggle, my 'thorn in the flesh' and am using this song as a daily prayer as I face each day:

Oh to be like thee Blessed redeemer

This is my constant longing and prayer

Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures

Jesus thy perfect likeness to wear.

Oh to be like thee, Oh to be like thee

Blessed redeemer pure as thou art

Come in thy sweetness, Come in thy fulness

Stamp thine own image deep on my heart.

Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,

Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,

Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,

Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.

Oh! to be like Thee, lowly in spirit,

Holy and harmless, patient and brave;

Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,

Willing to suffer, others to save.

Oh! to be like Thee, Lord, I am coming,

Now to receive th’ anointing divine;

All that I am and have I am bringing,

Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.

Oh! to be like Thee, while I am pleading,

Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love,

Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,

Fit me for life and Heaven above.

This is where my heart is. For me that is all that matters. It is only as we allow the beauty of Jesus to be seen in our lives that we can really be his hand extended. In our frail humaness, we can't but we know that the enabling and empowering of his Holy Spirit is ours. So, join me as I pray, OH TO BE LIKE THEE.

Shalom