Tag: prayer

My Bucket List for Saturday

Five Things to Do Before Saturday’s Rapture (Maybe)

Whether or not Mr. Camping has done the math correctly could be possible.  Many things could possibly align and I certainly don’t have enough to figure this out.  So much publicity has been given to Saturday’s projected flight out.  And it definitely intrigues me that, the skeptics and unbelievers are having so much fun over Christians who are slowing down, and even stop in their tracks when they consider the reality of the rapture.

I’ve put down my personal bucket list.  It lists five things I plan to do, immediately.  Now, this is coming from a simple guy, with issues of course.  (To those closest to me– and yes, I am a born-again Christian! Lol.)

1)  Peel off all that blocks me from Jesus’ love and presence.  I want to be prepared to look him in his face without shame.

2)  Step up and begin to pray and praise.  To trust and not to fear. 

3) Draw closer to my wife. I want my children to know my love.  I want to know that they are preparing themselves.

4)  I want to leave behind this blog, notes, my library and Bibles (many contain notes) for anyone left behind who can get to them first.  I know this seems strange, but my strong suit has never been normalcy. Get them while you can.

And finally #5…

5)  Actually, I’m doing it right now.  I want to encourage you, to fortify you in the love and grace of our mutual Savior, Jesus Christ.  I want you to be ready to meet him. I want you to know this for sure. 

Will Jesus rapture his Church this Saturday?  I really can’t tell you that, he may come Friday, or even next Friday (or even next Saturday.)  But we must live with this truth—his return is imminent and soon, and then we should live like it.

I’m signing off, now.  “Here–there–or in the air.”

The Ultimate in Intercession

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

John 17:20, ESV

There is a considerable interest in the last words of a person.  Within them we believe we are hearing words of wisdom and understanding.  Jesus is on his last legs, and he is just waiting until they come and collect him for crucifixion.  He moves directly in this.  He is never caught off guard.  Jesus knows deep-down what is going to happen.

There is an urgency here.  And Jesus starts to pray.  He begins to intercede for his followers. They are like “babes in the woods.”  Because of them, he stands as an intercessor for their safety and all that each might step into.  He loves people, and shows it by his prayer life.

But Jesus reaches.  He not only prays for his disciples, but he extends further.  He starts praying for everyone who will follow him.  He intercedes for you and for me.  This is terribly important to him.  And for us it is a bit astounding.  Jesus prayed for me.  He knew we would come to this place of faith.

When we consider Jesus’ prayer life, we find it to be two things–The first is to be efficient and strong.  The second is to be reaching each believer, whatever generation and whatever culture.  First world, or third world.  He establishes by prayer his victory in the lives of everyone who follows him.

Jesus has the distinct and plain approach of “standing in the gap” for you and me.  It isn’t a long prayer, but it carries a momentum and power that reaches us.  The prayers of Jesus for us are short, but spiritually sweet.  Perhaps, that is the reason you are standing at all!

We live in such grace.  Wherever we look, we should be able to see it.  The new-agers speak of everyone having an aura.  Perhaps a small slice of this carries some truth.  Each of us, as believers, carries a definite presence of something supernatural.  We can’t explain it. But this is real, and authentic.

Join the War

Prayer for Today:

For All Those Who Battle With Mental Illness 

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“God of Peace, give us the courage, patience, and love to walk beside our brothers and sisters who struggle with mental illness.  Comfort the afflicted, and embolden us to preach the truth about this often confusing illness.  Amen.”

 

I’ve been aware the last few months, that I’ve been needed, to be just one of the many voices for Christians who have a serious mental illness. 

My weapons/tools are the Word of God, his presence and our testimonies.  And of course prayer. There are so many in our Churches, and even more who are outside the Church with needs that are being passed by.  We are obligated to serve these for whom Christ died.  They need to be reconciled to their Savior.  We are the only ones who carry this ‘message of reconciliation. Ask the Lord to use you in this capacity.  To be his hands and feet.  To direct you to those he wants to touch. 

My own heart had to be softened, and my mind required an oil change.  It is not an easy thing, to work this out.  My casual Christian life demands a complete overhaul.  I know this for certain, I still need adjustments. 

Please, do pray for me on this particular issue.  I only want to please Him.  I’m very convinced that the shepherding that Jesus brings will bring a wholeness to the lives of those who know emptiness and depression far too intimately.

 

 

Administrative Mumbo Jumbo

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One.  The comments option is being used more and more.  A total of 501 comments have been posted on BB as of today.  This is a wonderful thing as I think of all the effort that this takes.  Each comment is read and thought through.  Sometimes I’ll respond, if it seems the situation needs it.

Two.  Please pray for my mental health.  I have been struggling lately with a lot of confusion.  Its like I’m like everyone else but that my zipper is down. 

Three.  Very important.  I’m praying about bringing on a certain person to help guide these shenanigans.  She has the skills, the mental illness issues all which give her a lot of credibility.  I’m interested in bringing her in for a few months, and posting once a week.  Please pray, ok.