Christ, the Light of the World

Posted on November 15, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. — John 8:12

In [Christ] was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. — John 1:4-5)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” — Ephesians 5:8-13

Light is an amazing component of our universe. Nothing in the universe travels faster than the speed of light (Star Trek warp speed notwithstanding!). Special relativity tells us the speed of light is independent of the motion of the observer (that is, to an observer traveling one meter per second slower than the speed of light, an object traveling the speed of light would still appear to be traveling at the speed of light!). Light has a dual nature that has confused physicists until modern times. It behaves as both a wave and as a particle.

Einstein among others showed light consists of “particles” called photons that have energy (but no mass). However, light has many wave-like properties such as refraction (seen, for example, when light bends through a prism). Of course, light enables us to see, and the wavelength at which light radiates determines what color we see. And light (sunlight) enables plants to undergo photosynthesis, which is essential to life (plant, animal, and human) on Earth. From a physical standpoint, then, light is absolute, mysterious, sight-enabling, life-giving, and — without a doubt — wondrous!

From a spiritual standpoint, the Light of the World — Christ — is equally wondrous. Christ is the Light who forms the absolute standard that discerns the thoughts and intentions of the hearts of men. Christ is the Light who is mysterious (1 Timothy 3:16), dual in nature, both human and divine. Christ is the Light who illuminates the spiritual darkness of this world, forcing those who do not know Him to flee back into the shadows and yet enabling those who DO know Him to see and to understand the things of God.  And Christ is the Light who gives us eternal life, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

In the world we live in today, with so many uncertainties and so much evil, Christ is the only answer to the questions of life. Let us turn to Christ, the Light of the World.

This reflection is by Nigel Lee and appeared in Daily Encouragement. Nigel and his wife Laifong live in Chestnut Hill, MA with their son Caleb. Nigel received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Princeton University in 1995, and he has been working at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, since 1998 in the Advanced Sensor Technology Group. Laifong received her Ph.D in molecular biology from Princeton in 2000 and is currently working as a post-doctoral fellow at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: The bow too tensely strung is easily broken — Publilius Syrus

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Sharing Concerns

Posted on November 14, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

As we build this community prayer platform, we ask the Lord to listen to our petitions with full confidence they not only are heard but acted upon by God according to His holy will. These requests are on my prayer list and I hope you consider putting them on yours as you place your petitions before the Lord Sunday.

Approach the throne room and respond with faith and not fear, knowing the promises of God and His mighty hand will hold us through any situation! Sometimes, all it takes is just one prayer to change everything. Something extraordinary happens when two or more agree together in prayer.

What is one of the most important things we should do as Christians? Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints(Ephesians 6:18).

And, so, Lord, we come to You with our petitions, knowing and expecting Your will to be done.

Thoughts and prayers to all worldwide suffering from the consequences of coronavirus flu – and all other strains. Many – many – of the prayer requests are covid-19 related … people diagnosed … people sick … people dying … relatives worried and isolated. We are in this together – in prayer!

Please keep the victims of household abuse in your prayers. Whether it be physical, emotional, sexual or neglect, this time in particular is very horrifying for them to be trapped in a house with their abuser(s) and not being able to escape.

We also need to pray for colorblind peace. Racism will remain a plague until we stop looking at people as black and white, but as human beings created by the same Creator. We pray for new eyes, calmer heads, and softer hearts. 

Special prayer requests have been made for orphanages in Kenya, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and right here in the United States. The need is real.

Financial issues were also high on the prayer lists with millions still out of work. Sustain those who are hurting financially. Give us and them our daily bread.

Natural disasters continue. Keep those in the path of fires and storms safe and focused on You, Lord.

Please pray for Debby as she recovers from surgery.

Bill had rotator cuff surgery. Prayers requested for his recuperation.

Marie, an accompanist at church, is scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery and will be sidelined for at least six weeks. Prayers requested.

Young Luna recently had yet another heart surgery and could use prayers.

Dennis is undergoing some medical tests and can use some prayer.

David had to have surgery due to an infection and could use prayer.

Joyce needs prayer as she prepared for foot surgery to remove three hammertoes.

 Fred asks to be uplifted as he goes for kidney tests.

Keep Andrew in your prayers as he continues to fight the fight. He continues to physically fail, so prayers would be appreciated.

Please pray for Megan who is entering rehab for the third time.

Please pray for Lillie and her family. They are in need of much help from the Lord. He will know the details.

Please continue to pray for Justin who is really struggling.

Please pray for CJ who needs physical replenishment.

Please pray for Pat, a US military veteran struggling with heart issues.

Please pray for Chris who has lung cancer.

Please pray for Fabiano who is four and fighting for his life in the hospital with respiratory issues.

Please pray for Rachel who is struggling mightily, emotionally and spiritually.

Please pray for Hamania, a woman who is struggling with breathing and other health issues.

Please pray for Faith who is fighting ongoing health issues.

Please pray for Nixon who is in rough shape in the hospital.

Please pray for Marie, Cora, and Olga. The Lord will know the details.

Please pray for Vicky who has cervical cancer.

Please pray for Frank who is in the hospital.

Please pray for Andriyana’s health. She was in a car accident two days ago and is in pain as she awaits surgery.

Jeff is going for a physical and is concerned about the health of his lungs. Please pray for normal results and healing.

Please pray for Tosh, 17, who is being tested for either lymphoma or a bad infection.

Tina is completing her Masters of Divinity, Chaplaincy Dec. 18. Pray for God’s provision in ministry.

Please say a prayer for newborn MJ. Her parents have to take her to the hospital next week for x-rays on her head. She may have a life threatening condition, but it’s too early to tell.

Please pray Viviane’s neuropathy does not get worse and she can walk.

Gladys is at the ER with pain. Please pray everything is okay.

Prayers of healing from thyroid cancer for Yvette.

Linda asks for prayer in weight loss. She says she is very, very big despite trying so hard to lose weight. She weigh 264 pounds and struggles to not gain any more.

Please pray for Melanio who is experiencing heart issues.

Please pray for Doron. He suffers from severe daily depression and anxiety. He takes medication but refuses to seek professional help.

Please pray for Hugo. He is in so much of pain. Please make him walk again.

Keep Alice in your prayers. She’s been under the weather for a few weeks now.

There were a host of unspoken prayer requests and we heard of a number of deaths this week. Prayers for their families as they go through this earthly trial. We grieve … heaven rejoices.

We come to You, Lord, because prayer is the least yet the greatest thing we can do for each other. When two or more are gathered in Your name, we confidently know You are with us. What better company can we have? You reign and we trust You! We may be broken and battered but know You heal and quiet the soul. You are the source for all that happens in our lives. We thank You for the progress being made. We thank You for the many blessings we have received this week. Some we unfortunately didn’t notice. Nonetheless, those blessings are ever-present in our lives. We thank You for healing. We thank You for slowing us down. We thank You for providing us our daily needs — no more and no less. We thank You for being with us, listening to us, walking with us on this journey. We thank You for the support of our family and friends … for seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary — sunrises, sunsets, flowers, kids laughing, adventures, good news amid the bad news. We know we can come to You with our concerns and they will be heard. Through Christ all things are possible. We lift up those family members and friends who are battling various physical, emotional, financial, career or spiritual issues and ask not for Your guidance and healing (although that would be welcomed) but to keep reminding us we are not alone in our battles. Specifically we lift up Debby, Bill, Marie, Luna, Dennis, David, Joyce, Fred, Andrew, Megan, Lillie, Justin, CJ, Pat, Chris, Fabiano, Rachel, Hamania, Faith, Nixon, Marie, Cora, Olga, Vicky, Frank, Andriyana, Jeff, Tosh, Tina, MJ, Viviane, Gladys, Yvette, Linda, Melanio, Doron, Hugo, Alice, and all those needing Your healing and guiding touch. We pray for the families of all those You have called home. We grieve … You celebrate. We pray for obedience to Your Will so Your “Son” Light shines through us through the power of the Spirit. And we come to You through the confidence of the words taught by Your Son Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Keep your joys and concerns coming. They have been and will be included during my prayer time and I trust they will be on your lips as well as you approach the altar. All it takes is a couple of keystrokes under the “Contact Me” button on the top bar {or to the right if you’re not a follower yet}. I hope it becomes your best friend as you navigate around the site so we can all be viable prayer warriors. You can also comment or reach me at wisdomfromafather@gmail.com.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: A beginner must look on himself as one setting out to make a garden for his Lord’s pleasure, on most unfruitful soil which abounds in weeds. His majesty roots up the weeds and will put in good plants instead. Let us reckon that this is already done when the soul decides to practice prayer and has begun to do so. – St. Teresa of Avila

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Five Minute Friday — Cancel

Posted on November 13, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Here’s this week’s installment of Five Minute Friday. You might remember the task is to write for five minutes on a specific prompt word. The initiative was started by Lisa-Jo Baker  who thought about writing and how often our perfectionism gets in the way of our words. She figured, why not take five minutes and see what comes out: not a perfect post, not a profound post, just five minutes of focused writing. She turned over the reins to Kate Motaung, where our faithful writers continue to write and share their words with others at our special place at fiveminutefriday.com. Just start at the Community section.

As an extra enticement, I’ve been using testimonials about the group and the exercise from other members as collected in Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Flat compiled by Susan Shipe. This week’s it’s Somer. I encourage you to listen to the words and visit Kate and her wonderful corps of writers … and maybe be inspired to join in!

“Five Minute Fridays is like an open sketch pad for free flowing thoughts, words and life pictures to collide. It is permission to ponder a simple word, play with the word in your mind, and then place it into the framework of your life. Five Minute Fridays is an exercise in creativity, community and courage. Courage to put yourself out there. Even in small ways and have other creative, courageous people uncover life with you. FMF was like entering a creative workshop late on Thursday nights and letting your imagination and memories create the colors you want to recreate and paint ideas to others. FMF is a kaleidoscope of personality and life experiences. One word is the starting point and where does it take everyone? Sometimes you are taken to the exact same places as others and sometimes you smile at the trail others took with the same short word. It is an exercise in variety and diversity of life experience and thought.”

The word prompt this week was CANCEL — appropriate for the times we are currently living in. But I took it a step forward to a time when I do want to see the word CANCEL. The timer has been set, so let’s go …

I dreamed I was taking my last breath. As I exhaled out of this realm, my soul rose  through the celestial skies. I was greeted by a sage angel/saint who handed me a simple, bulging file folder and escorted me down a long hall. At the door, he bowed and directed me to enter.

Inside there was a towering figure, so bright I could hardly see Him although I knew He was the Father. To His right was a younger man I identified immediately as Jesus although He didn’t fit the stereotype etched into my earthly mind. Above Them was a Cloud, a radiant cloud, enveloping both of Them to form one cohesive ultra bright image.

The Father reached out for the file folder and took it. He directed me to turn around as He thumbed through the pages.When I turned I saw my life. I saw the good deeds I had done, but unfortunately I saw the not so good deeds I had done. I heard the curse words. I saw the instances … STOP

… when I fell into earthly traps. I saw my sin, seemingly overpowering the good. I turned back and held my head in shame. The Father had handed the file to His Son. “Do you know My Son?” He asked.

In a whisper I answered, “Yes I do …” but my words were cut off as the Father turned to Jesus. “Do You know this  man?” He asked.

“I do, very well,” He answered.

The Father instructed me to turn around again and look at the diorama of my life. Only this time, there were no sinful actions hidden amongst the good deeds. In fact, there were other new scenes depicted where my life apparently touched someone else’s unbeknowst to me. I saw other lives change. I saw ramifications — positive ramifications — from my thoughts and prayers.

Bewildered at the change in the memory, I turned back as the Father handed me the file folder. What was bulging with years and years of notes was reduced to a single page. On it were two words emblazoned in blood red — DEBT CANCELED.

“Well done, good and faithful servant,” the Father said.”Welcome home,” added Jesus. The Cloud engulfed me in a wave of peace.

That’s the message I want circulated when I do exhale my last earthly breath. DEBT CANCELED.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Love forgives.

 

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You Just Never Know

Posted on November 12, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

It never ceases to amaze me how fast “routines” change, how the ordinary turns into a moment of encouragement, how much everyone needs a friend.

Each morning I send out an uplifting message, sometimes with an inspirational photo or a g-rated cartoon. I’ve been doing that for years, not to preach but to let my family and friends know I am thinking about them, even if for just a moment. The inspirational quote was from former NFL running back Tony Dorsett, “To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.” The meme is attached.

I’ve had feedback over the years. But this morning, I HAD FEEDBACK!

I think for the first time ever, as I started sharing the message, I started receiving multiple messages back. Normally it’s a thumb up or a smiley face or a simple “Thanks.” Today it was actual words from not one, not two, not three, but four friends near and far responding back. At one point, I was engaged in three messenger conversations, almost simultaneously. It seemed I would respond with a “what’s up?” when the laptop would ding with another message from someone else.

The responses focused on their feeling of being alone. For a variety of reasons, they felt alone. For whatever reason, the message hit them where they were at the moment. One said she didn’t feel anyone was there. Another said it was a reminder that we are never alone. Another said she really needed the post today. Yet another thanked me for being a listening ear. Each time, I reached back out to them to, well, just listen … to let them know that I am there with them during the good times and bad times {although I never ask specifics} … to softly preach to them, “You will not walk alone” … to assure them I daily think about them and pray for them … to reinforce the notion they are more than a friend in name only; their names are etched on my heart.

I don’t do it for the platitudes. I do it because of the Light I try to reflect. I know I never walk alone. I want them — and everyone else I come into contact with —  to know they will never walk alone either.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Happiness comes from being who you actually are instead of who you think you are supposed to be. — Shonda Rhimes

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Smile

Posted on November 11, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

One of the misconceptions about being a Christian is non-Christians think we don’t know how to have fun or have a sense of humor. Trust me, if the Big Guy can have a sense of humor when it comes to dealing with us mere mortals, so can we.

The difference for Christians is we don’t have to debase ourselves or others to generate a smile. Laughter at life or ourselves is a gift from God.

Here’s this week’s edition of Midweek Mirth  … so let’s smile a little!

Senior Sentiments

God grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

Now that I’m older, here’s what I’ve discovered: I started out with nothing and I still have most of it.

If all is not lost, where is it?

It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.

I wish the buck stopped here. I sure could use a few.

It’s hard to make a comeback when you haven’t been anywhere in the first place.

If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would have put them on my knees.

When you’re finally holding all the cards, why does everyone else decide to play checkers?

… and now for the bonus …

Robbie’s Move

Used to being the center of attention, Robbie was a little more than jealous of his new baby sister. The parents sat him down and said now that she was getting older, the house was too small and they’d have to move.

“It’s no use.” Robbie said, “She’s crawling good now and she’d probably just follow us.”

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Earth laughs in flowers. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Raise the Curtain! Santa Is in the House

Posted on November 10, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

It’s the day we’ve been waiting for! Okay, maybe not everybody but certainly me. Drumroll please …

I am so proud to reveal the cover of my newest book — Yes There Is a Santa … and I’ve Met Him Personally Many Times.

This is a children’s Christmas book written with extra scoops of love. Yes, There Is a Santa … and I’ve Met Him Personally Many Times is a first-person account detailing my encounters with the jolly old elf written as a Christmas present to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Last Christmas Eve, I had a Facebook Live session with the rugrats, reading the stories to them through the marvels of technology.

There are skeptics out there. There are children wavering on the edge of belief. There are young ones who believe with all their being.

So I tried to answer the question, Is there a Santa Claus?  Yes there is!

I make the claim to a broader audience through the book based on seeing Santa many times throughout my life from a kid on Santa’s lap to telling stories about Santa encounters throughout my life.

I thought about the exercise after Christmas and whether it was worth expanding to a wider general holiday audience. I noticed the live feed drew 121 visitors — slightly larger than my pool of 18 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. I connected with Rebecca Benston, my publisher at Higher Ground Books & Media, for affirmation. In the twinkle of an eye we were off and running.

I really do have to thank Rebecca. She embraced the project, giving it the final edit, suggesting deletions of duplicate or similar stories and additional word bridges to improve story flow, dumbing it down to make it more suitable for a younger audience, finding the right illustrator — Jasmine Olgletree — to break up the  text, and creating the cover. We have one more final sign off to do, momentarily as I write. We hope download the project this week. The Kindle version will drop first and we hope the paperback will be available  around Nov. 15 — just in time for pre-Christmas availability

This tale would fit as a good night reading project in the days leading up to Christmas and is sure to become a staple in any child’s library. And maybe Moms,Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, whoever narrates the book might also remember their encounters  with Santa and recapture a little hope in this season of hope.

BELIEVE

Feel free to re-post, re-tweet, or share!

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Your path is your character defining itself more and more every day. — Jodie Foster

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Your Word

Posted on November 9, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Our Words for the Week reflection again come from Ray Lammie and his Thought for Today program.

Your Word

Isn’t it disappointing when someone says they will do something: get back to you, call you, etc. and they don’t?

When you tell someone you will do something — then do it!

If anything, do it better. Do it sooner than you promised. Others will trust and have faith in you. Be a person of your word. If someone is asking something of you that can’t be done (or you don’t want to do it), then tell them up front. Be honest about it. They may not be happy, but you will keep their respect and your own.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change. — Wayne Dyer

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Silence Fosters Awe

Posted on November 8, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Today’s reflection is from Arthur O. Roberts based on the reading from Zechariah 2:1-5, 10-13

Verse 13 of the Bible reading is the crux of our text. Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because He has roused Himself from His holy dwelling.

A lamentable aspect of our materialistic culture is a diminishment of awe before the Lord. Sometimes it takes a nearby tragedy or storm to make us stand, hand over mouth, awe-stricken before the Lord God Almighty.

The biblical word about silence before the Lord draws upon the third of Zechariah’s eight visions of hope for Judah during its captivity. This vision pictures a people peacefully settled in the “holy land” (the only place in the Bible that term appears). The Zionism depicted here is inclusive, not exclusive. Jews are to be what Abraham envisioned, a people whose faith enables others to find God’s blessing for themselves. The vision portrays God’s presence in the midst of Jerusalem, with all nations reconciled and at peace. No need to survey Jerusalem’s boundaries, the young man in Zechariah’s vision is told, for the Lord will be the wall of fire around it [and] its glory within.

Here is something to shout about … certainly — security plus joyous splendor. When the Holy One appears on the stage of the heart, just as when He entered history at Bethlehem, silence is an appropriate human response.

Picture curtains being pulled just before a major drama or symphony begins. How expectantly the audience waits! This is how silence should be: a holy hush as the King of glory strides on stage. In the words of the text: Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because He has roused Himself from His holy dwelling.

Prayer: Let a quiet hush precede your praise to the Almighty.

Roberts is a prolific Quaker writer who spent many years on the faculty of George Fox College (now George Fox University) after receiving his doctorate from Boston University in 1953. While at the college he was instrumental in researching Quaker historical themes and developing the George Fox College Peace Center. This reflection was part of a devotional series on the theme is silence in The Fruit of the Vine. It is copyrighted by Barclay Press.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up. — Vince Lombardi

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In Our Thoughts and Prayers …

Posted on November 7, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

As we build this community prayer platform, we ask the Lord to listen to our petitions with full confidence they not only are heard but acted upon by God according to His holy will. These requests are on my prayer list and I hope you consider putting them on yours as you place your petitions before the Lord Sunday.

Approach the throne room and respond with faith and not fear, knowing the promises of God and His mighty hand will hold us through any situation! Sometimes, all it takes is just one prayer to change everything. Something extraordinary happens when two or more agree together in prayer.

What is one of the most important things we should do as Christians? Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).

And, so, Lord, we come to You with our petitions, knowing and expecting Your will to be done.

Thoughts and prayers to all worldwide suffering from the consequences of coronavirus flu – and all other strains. Many – many – of the prayer requests are covid-19 related … people diagnosed … people sick … people dying … relatives worried and isolated. We are in this together – in prayer!

Please keep the victims of household abuse in your prayers. Whether it be physical, emotional, sexual or neglect, this time in particular is very horrifying for them to be trapped in a house with their abuser(s) and not being able to escape.

We also need to pray for colorblind peace. Racism will remain a plague until we stop looking at people as black and white, but as human beings created by the same Creator. We pray for new eyes, calmer heads, and softer hearts.

Special prayer requests have been made for orphanages in Kenya, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and right here in the United States. The need is real.

Financial issues were also high on the prayer lists with millions still out of work. Sustain those who are hurting financially. Give us and them our daily bread.

Natural disasters continue. Keep those in the path of fires and storms safe and focused on You, Lord.

We are asked to lift up our political leaders and healing in the nation.

Please pray for Debby as she recovers from surgery.

Bill had rotator cuff surgery. Prayers requested for his recuperation.

Marie, an accompanist at church, is scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery and will be sidelined for at least six weeks. Prayers requested.

Young Luna recently had yet another heart surgery and could use prayers.

David had to have surgery due to an infection and could use prayer.

Joy has been diagnosed with cancer and requests prayers.

Ron is in the hospital with a problem with his esophagus. Prayers are requested.

Lisa left work early not feeling well, and was in pain all day and night Tuesday. She went to the doctor for what she thought was a kidney infection, and ended up with an emergency surgery for a near ruptured appendix. She still has a swollen belly that kind of hurts, but much better.

Keep Andrew in your prayers as he continues to fight the fight. No one in our circle have heard from him in about a week. Last we heard, he was having a really hard time breathing, so prayers would be appreciated.

Tammy is asking for prayer. She had a phone interview for a new job.

Jonah, 10, has nerve pain in his arms, hands, and shoulders. Please pray for him.

Please pray for Debbie who is severely anorexic but currently refusing to get medical treatment.

Please pray for Mura who is seeking the Lord‘s blessing in her employment situation.

Rick is feeling despondent and like he cannot go on with his health and neurological challenges. Please pray for him.

Please pray for Tom, a veteran who has been struggling with multiple health and emotional issues.

Please pray for Debby who is struggling with multiple life threatening ailments, infirmities, and diseases.

Please pray for Mark as he is attempting to start a small business.

Please pray for Sarah who was diagnosed with cancer in September.

Please pray for L. She is a 22 year old young woman who recently relapsed.

Please pray for physical and emotional healing for Joyce.

Please pray for Marisol as she navigates a delicate pregnancy.

Please pray for Victoria who is struggling with anxiety and depression.

Please pray for Lisa who mixed witch hazel and rubbing alcohol together to clean with and it formed a gas that got into her sinuses and lungs.

Sharon is 46 and going through her first ever pregnancy. It’s still very early in the journey, but is listed as high risk, six weeks two days pregnant with triplets. Her HCG levels are not where her doctor wants them to be. She goes back Monday morning for more blood work and an  ultrasound. Please send prayers for healthy, full term triplet babies.

Please pray for Toni Rae who had been admitted to the hospital.

Philip is currently in the seventh day of detox for heroin and just called his family saying he feels the urge to leave treatment. Please pray for peace, sound mind, and the spirit of fear and addiction to leave him.

The inspiration for Heaven Shining Through

Please pray Sharon doesn’t have breast cancer. She is very scared.

Kindly pray for Shalini who has kidney failure and breathing problem with a high level of creatine.

Nova is asking for prayer to control his schizophrenia.

Pray for Blessie’s health. Surgery is scheduled Nov. 26.

Melvin, 96, fell, broke a hip, had surgery and went to rehab. He was readmitted with a seizure and low blood pressure. He could use some prayers.

Cindy is asking for prayers as she battles diabetes.

There were a host of unspoken prayer requests and we heard of a number of deaths this week. Prayers for their families as they go through this earthly trial. We grieve … heaven rejoices.

We come to You, Lord, because prayer is the least yet the greatest thing we can do for each other. When two or more are gathered in Your name, we confidently know You are with us. What better company can we have? You reign and we trust You! We may be broken and battered but know You heal and quiet the soul. You are the source for all that happens in our lives. We thank You for the progress being made. We thank You for the many blessings we have received this week. Some we unfortunately didn’t notice. Nonetheless, those blessings are ever-present in our lives. We thank You for healing. We thank You for slowing us down. We thank You for providing us our daily needs — no more and no less. We thank You for being with us, listening to us, walking with us on this journey. We thank You for the support of our family and friends … for seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary — sunrises, sunsets, flowers, kids laughing, adventures, good news amid the bad news. We know we can come to You with our concerns and they will be heard. Through Christ all things are possible. We lift up those family members and friends who are battling various physical, emotional, financial, career or spiritual issues and ask not for Your guidance and healing (although that would be welcomed) but to keep reminding us we are not alone in our battles. Specifically we lift up Debby, Bill, Marie, Luna, David, Joy, Ron, Lisa, Andrew, Tammy, Jonah, Debbie,  Mura, Rick, Tom, Debby, Mark, Sarah, L, Joyce, Marisol, Victoria, Lisa, Sharon, Shalini, Nova, Blessie, Melvin, Cindy, and all those needing Your healing and guiding touch. We pray for the families of all those You have called home. We grieve … You celebrate. We pray for obedience to Your Will so Your “Son” Light shines through us through the power of the Spirit. And we come to You through the confidence of the words taught by Your Son Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Keep your joys and concerns coming. They have been and will be included during my prayer time and I trust they will be on your lips as well as you approach the altar. All it takes is a couple of keystrokes under the “Contact Me” button on the top bar {or to the right if you’re not a follower yet}. I hope it becomes your best friend as you navigate around the site so we can all be viable prayer warriors. You can also comment or reach me at wisdomfromafather@gmail.com.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that. It is a spiritual transaction with the creator of heaven and earth. — Charles Spurgeon

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Five Minute Friday — Ahead

Posted on November 6, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Here’s this week’s installment of Five Minute Friday.

You might remember the task is to write for five minutes on a specific prompt word. The initiative was started by Lisa-Jo Baker  who thought about writing and how often our perfectionism gets in the way of our words. She figured, why not take five minutes and see what comes out: not a perfect post, not a profound post, just five minutes of focused writing. She turned over the reins to Kate Motaung, where our faithful writers write, and share it with others at her place on Facebook at fiveminutefriday.com beginning with the Community section. It’s free. It’s easy (okay, not always). It’s addictive (in a good way). You should visit and check it out or — better yet — join in the fun of expressing yourself!

As an extra enticement, I’ve been using testimonials about the group and the exercise from other members as collected in Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Flat  compiled by Susan Shipe. This week’s it’s Tara. I encourage you to listen to the words and visit Kate and her wonderful corps of writers … and maybe be inspired to join in!

“The FMF community has blessed me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. These women and men remind me that I have a voice that needs to be heard. I hold this community deep in the depths of my heart.”

This week’s prompt is AHEAD. The timer is set … so here goes. {clock starts now}

Two divergent thoughts crossed my mind with this prompt.

The first meme/saying was simply, “Always plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” But just as quickly, the meme/saying “If you want to make God laugh tell Him about your plans.”

Those of you who know me — really know me –realize I’m more in the latter phrase camp. I’ve been around long enough to know plans can change in an instant — a late meeting, a sniffle, a flat tire, whatever. Just ask my wife {oops, sorry, can’t do that} or kids. They had to suffer through missing daddy and late dinners and changes to plans over the years.

That being said, my lack of planning skills doesn’t mean I’m not prepared. I often tack on Option B or Option C — heck, I have 26 letters to choose from. A twist in the plans doesn’t spell disaster — if offers an opportunity to experience other … STOP

… opportunities, to savor other moments, to see the hand of God in my plans, to witness the extraordinary in the ordinary.

I have no idea what’s ahead personally, professionally or even nationally. But I am sure ready to walk the trail with open eyes, open ears, and an open heart. It reminds me of another meme/phrase — “God is in control.”

Well, that’s what popped into this mind this tough week.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December. — James Barrie

 

 

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