We had an assignment at work to create a medium for employees to pose questions to our CEO. It was to be a two-way discussion of sorts, but not in real time. The CEO could respond at his leisure. We would need a name for this concept and I put forth the name finally selected – “Virtual Voice.”
Virtual Voice may work wonders for technologically savvy people to question their CEO, but it won’t work with God. It’s got to be real!
We don’t need email; we only need “knee-mail.” We need to talk to Him directly; no middle man, no computer, no remote capability, “just me and Thee.”
Nothing special is required – we can talk to him in the closet, in the car, anywhere we are – he hears us. He knew us before we were born and yet still loves us despite our missteps. Whatever we offer him in prayer; it’s got to be real!
GospeLines Prayer:Father, thank you for keeping it real and for keeping us real with you. Often we mask ourselves pretty well from others, and sometimes even from ourselves. We aren’t very attractive when the mask is removed and we aren’t very pleased with what we see.
Gracious God, help us to know that we needn’t hide from you. We are safe and secure in your love. Help us to become what you say we are – not what the world says. Help us keep it real!
It took me by surprise, but it was a question that only an extremely close friend earns the right to ask after several years of sharing intimate heart talks. "Why do you become angry with God so often?" My flippant response hid the anguish I felt at that moment. After hours of pondering this query in my private prayer time, I think I have an answer.
No one knows me as well as my Father. With Him, I am free to stand toe to toe, and share every feeling without fear of reprisal. There is no hiding jealousy, fear, doubt, selfishness, and even anger from Him. It is in those moments that the Master is best able to discipline me and put me back on the straight path, and I trust Him with the rod of correction.
GospeLines Prayer:Thank you, Father, for being approachable, and for allowing me to be me. I do not pretend to be mature. Even in my weakest hour, show me how to humble myself and submit to wearing the yoke of Godliness with joy and thanksgiving. Amen and amen.
A friend from PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) sent me the following short story.
"I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...
The cast-offs of human society.
I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal.
And I was angry.
"God," I said, "This is terrible! Why don't You do something?"
God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly,
"I have done something," He replied.
"I created you!"
The story is very poignant, especially to animal lovers. Still, as soon as the words crossed my mind, I thought, "What if I only changed three words?"
"I looked at all the hurting people in the world...
The cast-offs of human society.
I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal.
And I was angry.
"God," I said, "This is terrible! Why don't You do something?"
God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly,
"I have done something," He replied.
"I created you!"
It's still very poignant, but now it's also a reminder of one of our Lord's commandments: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 19:19, 22:39 & Mark 12:31). You may say, "I feel their pain and I am truly sorry; but, I can't help everyone in the world." Ok… then change that third word. Change it to country, state, city or neighborhood. Change it to the name of a single person that's hurting. Now the story get's really simple:
"I looked at a hurting person… and I answered my Lord."
GospeLines Prayer:Father, help me to see the hurting around me and to respond as You have given me ability. Fill me with Your Spirit of compassion and love for all of Your creations. But Father, most of all, fill me witha burning desire to do the will of Your Son, my Savior, Jesus, our Messiah and Lord. Amen!
Pastor Ron
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
- Philippians 2:5
As a dying man in a parched desert, we stagger through our lives, starving after that eternal drink which will quench our thirst. Many search for satisfaction in the halls of fame and glory. Some seek to end their hunger in torrid relationships, which are a shame to the Father. Others are lapping greedily at riches and success, hoping to find a solution for their emptiness.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…”
That’s what we are looking for, something that lasts. We pray for an eternal answer because we have tried everything else and saw the folly of our efforts.
GospeLines Prayer:“Father, I have chased broken dreams and hopeless schemes too long. Now I yearn for something permanent. Come to me, O Lord, and touch my soul with your hand of righteousness that I may be filled at last!” Amen and amen.
