Long Day, Long Road

     Does anyone have some favorite #music that just moves you? I mean...every fiber in your whole being says, "yes!!" and you jump around playing air guitar or pretend to be a rock star? Just for a moment? 

     #Matchbox20 is one of those bands for me. I can hear the saddest news or have the toughest days and Matchbox20 "Long Day" is just one of those songs that helps me to see everything so clearly. 

     Like this #international mess we're in: Hamas, Israel, Russia, Eastern Ukraine, Central America's aid to the U.S., the border patrol.... it's such a hot topic here. 

     My spirit just rages for justice every time the news displays the grief over the people in the #Netherlands and it hurts so much for the widows and orphans who are trying to settle here in the #United States. 

      Then....something hit me today, or rather....someone: 

Paul 

It occurred to me that whenever we feel like we're having a Long Day or we're on a Long Road, it is possible for today's Paul's to turn around. 

Let's pray: Lord Jesus...we are without words. The tragedy that is happening in today's world is astounding. Gaza is hurting so deeply and we ache for our brothers and sisters around the world, even those we don't know. Lord, it is only by your divine help that any of this will be resolved. Father, if it aligns with your will, please, we appeal to you, please Jesus stand in their road. Please stand in their long road of persecuting others and make yourself known to them. We are in desperate need for several transformations of "Paul" to happen to the rebel leaders and to our leaders in powerful positions. Please God, appear to us also, on our long days, that we might be well prepared for you and that we might shine brighter than the darkness in our world today. We love you and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen. 

I Choose to Live, Not Merely Exist

Watching the news this morning, coffee in hand, I felt such a pang of sorrow for our world. With the #MH17 flight tragedy, the border crossing disaster between the U.S. and Mexico, Ukraine and Russia, and the lost girls in Nigeria, I grieved for the loss of life and the grief so many families will be going through and continue to experience. 

Knowing that as soon as we pray in accordance with God's Word and will that we are heard, let's begin praying for these families. 

Lord, thank you for reminding us we are to look after orphans and widows in their distress (James 1:27) and that we will be comforted in our grief (Matthew 5:4). Thank you that you are greater than the world's circumstances and that we cannot imagine what You have in store for those of us who love you. Thank you that you have listened to our cry for help and are working in ways we cannot fathom (Psalm 27:5). Thank you that there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3) and that your hand is upon all of us. Please open a way to provide for these orphaned children and widows of provision and healing. Please make your presence known among the leaders in the East, bringing peace to Hamas and Israel and Palestine. Please raise up a new leader who fears you, reveres you and trusts you; obedient to your direction who will bring peace to Ukraine and Russia. We pray also for the families of MH17, that their legacy of compassion and kindness would not be forgotten. We love you Lord, You are our strength. Amen.