Christ

Someone Is Praying

/ Gail Johnson / 4 Comments

I awoke at 3 a.m. Monday morning, the face of a friend before me. I heard, “Fear not. Be strong. Take courage. You’re not alone. Someone is praying.” Wanting to reach out to this one without invading their space, I decided to share an encouraging word in a picture.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Proverbs 25:11 KJV).

Someone is Praying

Someone is Praying

There are hurting people in this world. They need to know someone cares, even if, they’re not sharing their problems with the world.

Sadly, the first thing we do when we’re in need is circle the wagons and wait it out, especially if we’re in a ministry of helping others. We slap a mask on our face, afraid to let others see our fears, depression, and anything else that isn’t associated with an overcomer.

However, we must be truthful with ourselves and each other. Life isn’t easy. Jesus promised we would have troubles in this life. He also said, “Cheer up, He had overcome the world.” He promised we’re not alone. He’s with us and He gave us a wonderful gift called friendship.

Friends allow us to be ourselves. They see our faults and failures and still love us. Friends keep our secrets. Friends do not “share” our secrets as prayer requests. Friends lovingly correct us when we’re wrong. I’m happy to say I have such friends, who stand by me and pray for me.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

We can do no greater thing than to lay aside part of our day to pray for one another. We may not always know what to pray for, but, the Holy Spirit does (Romans 8:26-27). So will you stand with me—join hands with me—and pray for those in need.

I’ve started my list below. Please feel free to add your request to it. I may not hear your requests, but I promise the One Who answers prayers will, and that’s what matters.

My Prayer List

The leaders of this world
Battle weary soldiers
Military families who wait for loved ones
Caregivers
The child who lives in fear
The people held in human trafficking
The missionary
The hungry (For that child who has eaten nothing but cereal for three days)
The lost
Those dealing with job loss
Those suffering from a debilitating disease
The loss of a loved one

After you have prayed, I urge you to put legs to this prayer and find someone in need and “be” the hands and feet of Christ. Let’s love one another enough to make a difference.

Remember, you are not alone. Someone is praying!

Worthy Of Praise

/ Gail Johnson

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8

Psalms 107 is a song of thanksgiving and an exhortation to testify of the many blessings of God.

  • Deliverance
  • Safety
  • Redemption
  • Healing
  • Guidance
  • Blessings

Spring is a season of renewal. The earth wakes from winter’s nap and burst forth in song.

centerofhiswheel.com

Everywhere I look, I behold the beauty of the Almighty’s hands. I see His handiwork in the heavens and in the earth. I breathe in His fragrance.

My faith is renewed. My spirit, uplifted. A joy like no other fills my soul. Do I have a reason to testify to friends and loved ones?

Yes!

When I read this chapter, I see that everything He promised, He delivered. If He did it then, He’ll do it now. Do I have reason to fret?

No!

From Genesis to Revelation, the writers testify of His faithfulness.

And when I dig past the circumstances, when I push aside the worries, when I call to mind all the times He has seen me through, I can praise His name!

However, praise, like water, will not flow from a dry well. It must be primed. When my mind is filled with clutter, and it seems I have nothing to praise Him for, I look to the cross.

He came looking for me when no one else did. He loved me when no one else did. He helped me when no one else could. He healed my wounds. He guided my steps. He blessed me beyond measure.

centerofhiswheel.com

He alone is worthy of praise.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8

When I praise His name in the midst of my trials, my circumstances change. He lifts me above my sorrows, eases my pain, and gives me strength to face another day.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

 

The Golden Truth

/ Gail Johnson / 5 Comments

For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it (Proverbs 8:11 KJV).

Standing near the water’s edge, she stared at her reflection. A familiar excitement washed over her. Like a fever, it quickly consumed her. She scanned the shoreline, contemplating her choices. Not just, any place would do. No. Her heart burned for perfection. She reached for her pan and waded into the water until she arrived at the determined location.

She inhaled deeply, whispered a prayer, turned the pan perpendicular and plunged it to the bottom. Slowly, as not to lose anything, she lifted the pan from the watery chest and rocked it back and forth, swirling the contents. She smiled. The pan gleamed golden. She collected the precious nuggets and dropped them into a leather repository hanging about her neck.

Searching the waters, she spied a large stone. Absent-mindedly, she pushed the obstruction out of the way, and continued her search for the more easily recognizable pebbles. Yet, her eyes were repeatedly drawn to the discarded stone. She picked it up and rolled it between her thumb and index finger. A golden sliver winked at her. She grinned. It wouldn’t be easy, but it could be done.

On the sandy bank, she unsheathed her knife and began scraping the outer surface. The stone proved impenetrable. Undaunted, she placed it in a vice and reached for her hammer and chisel. Several days and nights passed until finally, the treasure beneath was exposed.

Reflection

The deep things of God are never easily found. Just as a miner spends hours searching for that perfect nugget of gold, it takes patience and often years of searching the Word of God. For wisdom doesn’t depend on me, but God. He reveals Himself to me as I faithfully pursue Him. He chooses the where, when, and how.

Daniel said, “He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.” Daniel 2:22 KJV

If I’m to reach the deeper depths and greater heights, then I must search the Word as if panning for gold. I’m not to be satisfied with shallowness, but wade into the deeper waters and be willing to follow His lead when He places a nugget in front of me.

Paul said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16

If I’m to grow then, I must eat a balanced diet.

Prayer

Lord, help me not to settle for the sweet, sugary offerings so easily obtained, snacking my way through the table you’ve spread for me. Help me partake of the meat of Your Word that I may understand the deeper things You long to share with me.