No Fear

 "Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes." Psalm 112:6-8

    Have you ever disturbed a nest of ants and observed their frenzied displeasure? Last week, Satan poked a stick into our family's nest.

    Our daughter called from Texas: "I've an emergency! Please pray." Our granddaughter, Esme, aged two and a half, fell from a second floor window to a bed of river rock below, landing on her back. Our frantic reaction to this news began requests for prayers which were dispatched immediately.

    Meanwhile, in the ambulance, plans were discussed to divert the course to a hospital that specialized in spinal cord injuries when Esme was unresponsive to sensation on her feet. 

    The Bible assures us that God hears our prayers. "I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears...The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." (Psalm 34: 4, 17) We were crying out and He was listening because that little gal wriggled her toes! There was no need for a spinal specialist because the Great Physician gave the diagnosis.

    Scans revealed no fractures, only a mild concussion. A follow up visit proved the sovereignty of God as the baffled doctor stated, "Someone was watching out for this little one!" Today, she is an active as-if-nothing-happened toddler.

    Why is it so important to attend church, especially if there are so many great sermons online? It's because, like those ants, there's unity in the body of Christ. Had this tragedy occurred to an unbeliever, calls to friends and family may incur thoughts and bring assistance, but how much more power is there in the prayers of the righteous being heard by the living God?

    When one of God's children sounds the alarm, an army responds. I thank God and all who prayed.

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3

When Time Stood Still

 "Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge." Psalm 16:1

    On this sunny Saturday, I had just finished devouring the sixteenth Psalm over breakfast when our daughter called. 

    "I've an emergency! I need prayer right away!" she implored.

    At that moment, time stood still as my heart thudded in my ears and tears sprang to my eyes. Though we stay as closely connected as possible given there are 1400 miles between us, the distance at that moment was incredibly palpable. A helpless dread threatened at the door.

    But I serve a risen Savior, One who is active in my day-to-day, so when fear engulfed me, faith took command of the situation. All the basic training I'd ever received at bible study boot camps sprang to life as I hit my knees, rapidly claiming the promises of God as if I were drawing up a battle plan. Memorized verses came from my holster. I initiated waves of communication to the family of God to pray without ceasing. And when the words would not come, the Holy Spirit interceded for me (Romans 8:26). 

    Had I lived in her town, of course I would have gone straight to her, but Jesus, to Whom has been given all authority under heaven, has the power to enter hearts and hospital rooms that would have been closed to me. He was in the ambulance. He directed the physicians. He posted his angels on guard. All hail the power of Jesus' Name!

"I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8

Bend the Knee

 "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." Luke 9:26

    Beneath the brilliant sky of blue, my husband and I attended a track meet to see my sister's grandson compete. As we approached the field, it was easy to spot Mason, tall and blonde. Finding a vantage spot on the fence line opposite the pole vault area, we enjoyed the sunshine watching students from many local school districts competing. 

    Time and again, this student and that one did their best to vault above the bar until finally I saw Mason grasp his pole. I was excited to see how he'd do, but it was what he did prior to his athletic attempt that both thrilled and humbled me.

    He bent on one knee and bowed his head to God in prayer.

    There, in the center of a busy field of activity, time seemed to stop as I saw this young man of fourteen humble himself before his Savior. 

    It caused me to ask how many times have I paused to pray in public areas? Or am I prone to go along with the crowd, not wanting to call attention to Jesus by my actions?

    Though Mason's way was not pharisaical in any way, he introduced Jesus to others who may not know Him by putting his faith into action.

    Whether he won the competition or not became secondary to the victory he claimed on bended knee in an athletic field. He is a winner.

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2: 9-11