Word

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 Battle of Attrition

/ Gail Johnson

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37 KJV).

The word attrition means the act of wearing away or the state of being worn away, as by friction; constant wearing down to weaken or destroy (often in the phrase war of attrition) attrition. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/attrition (accessed: March 24, 2015).

Sword of the Spirit Gail Johnson

Sword of the Spirit
Gail Johnson

Attrition will do two things. Either it will work for, or against you. In the case of the oyster, the constant rubbing of an irritant inside the shell eventually produces a pearl. On the other hand, the constant dripping of water wears away the hardest stone.   The difference is the oyster (active) produces something, while the stone (passive) eventually wears away.   The lesson? The longer the battle, the longer and harder we must fight.

The Weapon of Fear

When facing battles, we are often confronted with fear. The fear that we are unable to win. The fear that God doesn’t hear us. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the darkened places. But God did not give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV).

The Greek word for power in 2 Timothy is where we get our word for dynamite, mighty, strength, a miracle itself. (Strong’s Concordance) We have the power through the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to conquer fear. If not conquered, fear can make us forget what God has already done.

And the longer we fight, the weaker our resistance becomes, and fear soon gives way to acquiescence. Acquiescence is acceptance without protest. Our struggles, whether spiritual, physical, financial or emotional become the norm. We define ourselves by what we are going through and not what the Word says about us.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37 KJV).

Conquerors: to vanquish beyond; gain a decisive victory. (Strong’s Concordance) Never give up! Wherever we are, God is there.

The psalmist wrote: If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me (Psalms 139:8-10 KJV).

God is with us! Keep fighting no matter how hard the battle. Be on guard for signs of surrender.

Warning Signs

When we don’t oppose, we settle. We circle the wagons and withdraw. Nothing gets in or out. We separate from fellow-believers. We become more vulnerable to attacks. Soon we become depressed and easily provoked. We become testy in waiting. Our tempers flare hot. We become the product of our circumstances.

Ever been there?

I have. Hindsight is 20-20.

The Solution

Remember His promises. …for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8 KJV).

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1KJV).

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known (1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV).

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33 KJV).

Prayer

Lord, I pray for strength for the weary, health for the sick, salvation for the lost, and freedom for the captive. I know You hear the cries of Your people. Your eyes run to and fro throughout the earth. There is nothing hidden from Thee. Nothing is too hard for Thee. When hearts are overwhelmed, lead us to the Rock. Teach us to rejoice in the midst of our troubles. Help us recall Your past blessings. Remind us that You are omnipresent and there is nothing that can happen to us that doesn’t pass through Your hands. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.