When God Says 'No!'

God knows how often I pray for you.  Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.

One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you.  For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.  When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

Romans 1:9-11

Paul desired more than anything to visit Rome.  Why?  So he could teach the Roman Christians and futher spread the Gospel.  Paul desired to do this with all his heart.  Yet, we see in this passage that God DENIED Paul's visit Rome at this time.  At first glance, it's hard to understand why God would deny such a request.  After all, Paul's intentions seem right.  His motivation is unselfish - he's not asking this for himself but for the building up of the faith and spreading the News of Salvation through Jesus Christ.  So why did God tell him "No?"

Consider this, had God granted Paul's visit to Rome at this point in time, Paul wouldn't have written the Book of Romans.  However, because God delayed Paul's visit to Rome, Paul wrote to the Roman Christians the things on his heart.  And this letter he wrote to Roman Christians had much further impact for the cause of Christ than a visit to Rome.  In fact, it had FUTURE impact which continues today!  Paul's writing to the Roman Church became a very important book of the New Testament, encouraging and helping millions of Christians throughout the centuries!  As a result of Paul's delay to visit Rome, countless souls have been given access to the powerful spiritual treasures and truths  contained within the pages of the Book of Romans!  God had a much bigger and better plan than Paul did!  

When we pray about the desires of our heart, we need to understand several things.  First, we need to ensure our prayer is couched in proper motivation.  God doesn't give in to our selfish desires or wants.  So we need to check that our motivation is unselfish.  Second, we need to be wholly surrendered to His will on the matter.  An unsurrendered heart can rise up in discontent, rebellion, and self-pity.  And third, we need not be surprised if God answers in a way we don't understand at the moment.  Our motives may be pure, our hearts may be in line with His will, and our desires may be seemingly good and righteous.  However, God isn't on our time table nor is He limited to our ideas on how to answer.  He is on HIS timing and often answers in ways we NEVER expected!   Has God ever blind-sided you in answering prayer?  He has me - and often!  And in retrospect, His answers have been far better than I ever dreamed possible - AND - His timing was ALWAYS PERFECT! 

God, like any good parent, will and does sometimes say "No!" to our prayer requests.  Perhaps He has recently told you "no" to something that you have greatly desired.  Perhaps, though you are wholly surrendered, you simply don't understand why.  Instead of focusing on why we didn't get our desired answer to prayer, let's step out of His way so that  He can show us the greater reason behind the "No!"  Focus on remaining faithful no matter His answer.  Trust that God has a better purpose and plan.  Let's show Him our trust by expectantly waiting for the greater "Yes"   - without complaint, without question, without doubt, and without acting like a spoiled child!  Challenge yourself to completely trust in HIM, even in the "no."  Remember, God has a much bigger plan than you do - a far better plan!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."  Jeremiah 29:11-12

In His Love, Cathy

My Baby's IN!!!

Well, it's official!  Mathew qualified and was sworn into the USAF this afternoon!!!  Not sure when he'll leave for basic but we are very proud of him!

Mama is still worried, but very proud!  He's excited and so are we!

In His Love, Cathy

God Is...

I'm so thankful that we have a God who isn't defined by mere humans.  He isn't a god limited by our finite ideas of what we think He should be like.  He is real.  He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.  That is He is ALL powerful, ALL knowing, and PRESENT EVERYWHERE.  HE is the ALPHA and OMEGA - the FIRST and the LAST.  The beginning and the end!  (Revelation 22:13)  He is our Creator God. He created the heavens and the earth.  He created life out of nothingness.  He created man in His glorious image.  All things were created BY Him and FOR Him - everything seen and unseen, powers, principalities, rulers, and authorities - He created all! (Colossians 1:16)

Our God is special.  He alone is God.  There are none like Him. (Isaiah 46:9)    None can claim to do what He has done nor can they prophecy the future for He alone holds the future in His hands!  There aren't enough words to describe His breathtaking power and greatness.  He is Jehovah God - "I am that I am" - The Eternal One, The Unchanging One, The Self-Existing One.  He is Jehovah-jireh, the Great Provider.  He is Jehovah-nissi, Our Banner who makes us victorious over the enemy.  He is Jehovah-shalom, the God of peace. 

No, our God isn't a man-made God whom we pull out of our pockets whenever we need a wish granted.  He isn't our lucky charm.  Instead HE is GLORIOUS and RIGHTEOUS.  He is our Savior, our Friend, and our Redeemer.  He is a God who can be trusted no matter what is going on in our lives.  He is a God whose ways are higher than our ways!  (Isaiah 55:8)  He is not a God to be controlled by mere mortals.  He is infinitely greater than what we could ever imagine. 


He is the Great Physician, the Lamb that was Slain, the Lord of Heaven's Armies.  He is compassionate, forgiving, merciful, and full of grace.  He loves us with a perfect love - a love so great that He sent His one and only Son to die for our sins.  He is patient and kind - offering us infinitely many chances to turn to Him.  He is willing that no one should be lost, but desires all to accept Christ.  If only all would respond.  He is full of goodness, perfect in every way. 

Yes, I am thankful that I have a God who is all of this - and so much more. 

In His Love, Cathy

USAF or BUST!

Our oldest son, Matt, has decided to join the Air Force instead of returning to college in the fall.  He's done well in college, but says he's ready to do something more with his life and serve his country.  He has promised his worried Mom that he will finish his college degree while in the Air Force - and the Air Force will pay for it as well as help pay off some of his student loans from his first two years of school.  A wise decision if you ask me:-) 

This morning he leaves for Montgomery for MEPS, which is where he will go through a rigorous medical examination, more evaluations, career counseling, and take his oath.  He's always been very interested in the military - I wonder why?  (He is is father's son!)  The military has been a huge part of both sides of our family - many grandparents, parents, uncles, and cousins have served our country.  These influences I know have made a huge impression on Matt. 

Please be in prayer for Matt today and tomorrow as he travels to Montgomery, AL for MEPS.  Please be in prayer that he passes with flying colors, is accepted into the Air Force, and that this is God's will for his life. 
Pray for his Mama who is having a hard time letting her baby go down this path and that Matt will always walk each day with Jesus Christ!

"The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."   Psalm 121:7-8

Thanks friends!

In His Love, Cathy

Doubt

Don't be an unbeliever, but a believer.

John 20:27

Doubt is ...disbelief, distrust, skepticism, to consider something unlikely.  Doubt can plague us in all aspects of our lives, causing us to question  others, ourselves, and even God.  From a spiritual standpoint, doubt can lead down one of two paths - A relationship with Jesus Christ and the path to deeper faith OR to unbelief.  Questioning what we believe can be healthy when handled appropriately. 

Many see doubt as a crisis of faith, a weakness that defiles the Believer- an undesireable trait for anyone who calls themselves a child of God.  To some, doubt is the Scarlet Letter of a Christian, taboo for the Believer!  However, doubt isn't necessarily bad.  Even Thomas doubted!  "So the other disciples kept telling him, "We have seen the Lord!"  But he said to them, "If I don't see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!"  (John 20:25) 

Doubt can be good.  It may cause us to question our beliefs or cause our faith to waiver.  But, it is in the earnest persuit of answers that God can lead us into the undeniableTruth - affirmed by the Holy Spirit, imprinted upon our hearts, and accompanied by an even greater glimpse into His Holiness.  The new insights and growth we experience as the result of doubt can spur us further into the image of Christ!  But what about when doubt persists?  What do we do if we have earnestly sought the Truth yet still question?  If you are doubting God or His ability to help you, God has provided the resources to turn your doubt into a stronger faith - prayer (The Holy Spirit), the Word of God (The Bible), and the people of God.

Prayer should be our first response when facing doubt. Prayer activates our faith, becoming a barrier to unbelief.  Prayer demonstrates our utter dependence on God as we humbly invite Him to fill us with faith and power.  Faith is the attitude of trust and confidence in our Lord.  Faith is a gift from God.  (Ephesians 2:8,9)  Doubt can be a healthy reminder that we are not self sufficient - prompting our hearts to pray for more faith! God is the source of faith - and that faith can be renewed and strengthened daily at the foot of the cross!  Like the father of the demon possessed boy, we can pray, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"  (See Mark 9:14-29)  Jesus said, "Have faith in God.  I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, "May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen.  But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart."  (Matthew 11:23-24)    So when in doubt, pray it out!  He can replace doubt with faith, for those who are willing!     

Another strategy in strengthening faith is through reading God's Word, the Bible.  Read with the purpose to CHANGE!  Speak the WORD out loud to yourself as you read.  There is power in the spoken Word!  Marinate over it's passages, take time to contemplate the truth encapsulated within.  Roll it over your tongue, savoring it's Truth.  Allow it to permeate into your very being. Meditate over it's pages.  Talk out any thoughts, questions, or ideas that come to mind as you read.  Whenever I encounter a question or doubt about a particular verse, I verbalize it.  Most often, the answer is revealed only moments later in another passage.  I love it when God does this!  Praying the Word aloud also sends doubt, worries, and anxiety scurrying far away.  Utilize the power of God's Word in turning doubt into faith!

Seeking the counsel of mature Christians can also be a tremendous help when we struggle with doubt.  When you share what is going on in your heart with other Believers, you might just be surprised.  Sometimes others have experienced the same doubts yet have found the answer.  So don't feel awkward in asking.  If you are sincerely searching for the Truth, mature Believer's will respect that and will help you - even if they don't know the answers themselves.  Seek out your pastor, a church leader, Bible teacher or other mature Believers for their insight.  It always helps to talk out nagging doubts with others.  Not only can they be a sounding board to help you sort out your thoughts and what you truly believe, but they may just have the answers you are looking for!

Doubt can be a major catalyst into a deeper walk with Christ. Consider doubt as an opportunity for increasing your faith.  And remember, anything is possible in Christ if you believe!

Are you doubting God today?  Are you doubting His ability to help you?  Do you even believe God can help you and wants to help you?  Do you really want His help?  If you know that Jesus Christ is the answer to your every need, then don't let doubt stop you from seeking Him today!     

 In His Love, Cathy

Honoring Our Heavenly Father Today

I am ascending to My Father and your Father -

to My God and your God.

John 20:17

Jesus spoke these words to Mary Magdeline the morning of His resurrection.  During His time on earth, Christ fulfilled so many roles - Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, Shepherd, Prophet, Giver of Life.  But the bottom line of His purpose on this earth was to restore our relationship with the Father.  I wonder, however, if we sometimes become unbalanced in our faith, unconciously focusing more on One of the Persons of the Trinity - the Holy Spirit or the Son, to the negligence of honoring Our Father. 

So today, on Father's Day, I believe that not only should we honor our earthly Fathers, but to renew ourselves in honoring our Heavenly Father as well.  In order to gain an understanding of what it means to have the Lord God as our Father, let us examine a few passages.

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  He is the Creator, the Giver of Life!  "He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs.  He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need."  Acts 17:22-25 
• He determined history!  "From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth.He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.  His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him - though he is not far away from any of us."  Acts 17:26-27
• We owe Him our very existence!  "For in him we live and move and exist.  As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'  Acts 22:28
• God isn't defined by man!  "And since this is true, we shouldn't think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone."  Acts 22:29
• God knows when we forget Him!  "If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread our hands in prayer to foreign gods,God would surely have known it, for he knows the secrets of every heart."  Psalm 44:20-21
• We cannot neglect Our Heavenly Father - He fathered us - we are alive because of Him!  "You neglected the Rock who had fathered you;  you forgot the God who had given you birth."  Deuteronomy 32:18
• We must remember and recognize His Holiness - He is to be revered and honored!  "Who will not fear you, Lord and glorify your Name?  For you alone are holy.  All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous deeds have been revealed."  Revelation 15:4
• Though He is Holy, We can call Him 'Abba,' - Daddy!  "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."  Galatians 4:6

Though I could go on and on about my wonderful Heavenly Father, let me instead leave you with some thoughts.  How is your relationship with Him today?  Are your feelings for Him merely sentimental or do they go much deeper?  Is your relationship with Him too casual, not properly recognizing His Holiness and Righteousness?  Or maybe you have too formal of a relationship, unable to call Him "Abba," Daddy?  Is He your Rock, the One you lean on daily?  Or is He merely a nicety but not a realistic option for you? 

God is the One and Only God.  He is our most wonderful Heavenly Father.  He is our Rock who birthed us and gave us life. He is real!  So today, let us honor Him!

A prayer for today:  "Lord, do not let me forget You!  Jesus came to point us to you, to restore us into a relationship with you!  You love us.  You desire and chase after us!  Please do not let me neglect YOU!  So today, Lord, on Father's Day, may I honor and worship You.  Lead me into a deeper understanding of You, Heavenly Father!  Help me to keep a healthy spiritual balance of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!  Grown me more and more into the image of Your Son so that I may do Your Will!  I love you, Abba!  I praise Your Holy Name!  Thank you for godly men in my life who have pointed to You, my Heavenly Father!  In Jesus Name!  Amen"

In His Love, Cathy