Hebrews 6:13-15 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, ¹⁴ saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”^{[a] 15} And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

I have been really struggling at work.  It is not just the work load right now, yet is is high.  It is the emotional atmosphere.  Because of cuts in the state of Kansas mental health budget, we had to redo the incentive pay structure which went over like a lead balloon and then there was another cut.  When I do supervision with my staff some of them start crying.  They know it was not me, but their lives are financially affected.  Looming is still more uncertainty.  Some of my staff are leaving which makes more work for everyone else and I can't hire.  Less than a month ago, the state bulletin came out with the second cut and I had just hired 2 new staff and changed the job description of another staff and I feel personally responsible.  This only scratches the surface.  We are completely overhauling the treatment modality from each therapist using their own specialized therapy to incorporating a Trauma Systems Therapy and all new paperwork.  More change!  Also some have used our company Short Term Disability policy and I am fighting with HR on how they calculated the staff salary.  My Overland Park office has to move locations in a month and my Wyandotte County office has no 3 desks for 5 staff.  When we look for positives we are clouded by all the negative.

I was moved to this division last July.  I thought by now, things would be better and calmed down but the change has been constant and the pay cuts unexpected.  I just can't emotionally remove myself from their pain and I fear it may get much worse. 

Once a long, long time ago, I remember I was in more more pain than this.  I remember finding a button on the floor of my living room when I thought I couldn't take any more pain. It looked just like the picture above with the rainbow and said God keeps His Promises. I clung to the promise of God.  Lord, I pray for each of my 25 staff.  Right now the future seems scary for them, but God has a perfect answer for each one of them including me.  Help me to wait patiently like Abraham and know that you keep Your promises.   

Time of Need

Hebrews 4:14-16  ¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Dear Lord, I come to you today through Jesus my high priest.  The only way I am able to come to You is because Jesus became the propitiation for my sin. His death, his blood, was shed for me so I can approach the throne of grace.  Lord, I pray for mercy and for Your grace in my time of need.  I need wisdom and your help with my anxiety at work.  I am overwhelmed and overloaded.  Please show me the path You want me to take. 

Slavery

Philemon 1:12  I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. ¹³ I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. ¹⁴ But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. ¹⁵ Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— ¹⁶ no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

How did the Bible handle slavery?  Apparently, the Book of Philemon was used by both Pro-Slavery and Anti-Slavery advocates.  Onesimus was a slave of the man Philemon.  Paul says "no longer as a slave" but in the ancient world, Onesimus has to be sent back instead of just writing a letter and stating to free him. 

Political, social, economic injustice have always been issues of concern for Christians.  The true campaign is  for the hearts of men.  Paul's mission was not to erradicate salvery, but to erradicate us being slaves to sin and accepting Christ as our Lord and Master. Once we are obedient to Christ, our love for others will make all men brothers and bring the social justice to a broken world. 

In the picture above, this American Scuplture went on tour in America and was was seen by over 100,000 people between 1847-1848 .It was also the American centerpiece exhibit at the 1851 World's Fair in the Crystal Palace in London. Notice the cross at the lower left below her chains.    

Be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient..

Titus 3:1-2  Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Growing up in Catholic school, the nuns told us we were to "obey the laws of the land."  As  a teenager I distinctly remember under peer pressure being asked to smoke pot. Sitting with a group of new kids I had just met with my boyfriend Steve, Kevin leaned over and whispered to him if I would smoke pot.  Immediately I heard in my mind,  "we are to obey the laws of the land."  It wasn't because of being a good citizen, it was because of God.  But....peer pressure got the best of me.  Oh how a conscience can become seared.  Honestly, this "pot" was probably some Kansas ditchweed because I didn't feel anything.  I felt guilty but my 14 year old mind started rationalizing.  Here was my conversation....."Well, my dad and all our neighbors drink booze and they act really studpid and booze is legal, this isn't like that at all. This is just a social thing. This is a bad law."   

Well anyway, I laughed out loud when I saw the picture of the little guy getting a ticket. I hope he follows Titus 3 better than I did.    

Fulfill your ministry

2 Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

What is "MY" ministry or ministries?  If I am part of the body of Christ, am I a finger or a toe?  One thing for sure, no matter what part of the body I am, I am needed.  A person can get along without parts of the body, but it works better if all parts are present and doing their intended job. 

When I googled images for the word MINISTRY, there were graphics for so many types, Men's Ministry, Women's Ministry, Youth Ministry, Children's Ministry, Family Ministry, Outreach Ministry, Music Ministry, Media Ministry, Sports Ministry, Racing Ministry....I think whatever we can do, we can find a way to do what Paul states to fulfill your ministry.    See a few of the graphics I found below.

I WILL FAN INTO FLAME

2 Timothy 1:2-7 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. ⁴ Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

 ⁶ For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

This spoke to me on my action on being a Christ follower.  God gave me the Holy Spirit just like on Pentecost as seen as a tounge of fire.  I got a portion or a talent.  It is up to me when the master returns to show him with the One Talent of the Holy Spirit that I increased it.  I didn't hid it, I increased it in my life and in the live of those perishing around me.  God, Bless me with your Holy Spirit and wisdom not to be timid but to have Power, Love and Self Discipline.    

Prayer for our Country

I Timothy 2: 1-5 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Each day I pray for our president and his family, the upcoming elections, our Senate, our House of Representatives, our Supreme Court, judges throughout our land, state leaders, county leaders, city, town and community leaders and our men and women in the military.  I pray for revival in America that we seek God's wisdom in our country.  I will add in that each leader comes to a knowledge of the truth!!  

Give Thanks IN all circumstances...

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

New International Version (NIV)

 ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Ouch!  Right now I have a circumstance I am not thankful for, but I can be thankful IN the circumstance.  There is a difference.  Imagine a tornado has blown away your home.  I can't say I am so grateful for the tornado, but I can say I am grateful IN this circumstance that God's will and glory will be revealed.  Look not at the problem, but at the solution which is God.    

Prayer for Colossae and USA and ME

Colossians 1: 9-10  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
 ¹⁰That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
 
Paul prayed that the people of Colossae to be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.  This is my prayer each day.  I pray the Our Father and pray THY WILL BE DONE IN MY LIFE as it is in heaven.  I also pray for WISDOM, not the world's wisdom but God's wisdom.  When I lean on my own wisdom, I miss the big picture.  I see life in the short term, not in the whole.  God sees this and wants me to trust Him.  I struggle with this daily! We have been living our own lives so long, we don't know how to die to self and live for Christ.  This part of discipleship is a daily act of putting God first in our lives all day long.  Out of 24 hours, how much of "my" time have I given to God? I refuse to answer on the grounds that it WILL incriminate me!  Dear Lord, please fill me with all wisdom and spiritual understanding.  Let this wisdom help me to walk worthy of the Lord, pleasing and being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.    

Quit looking at the problem! God has it covered.

Philipians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always ; again I will say, rejoice ! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

These verses could put me out of business as a therapist.  I deal with broken hearts and broken minds.  But this is the treatment perscription that I need too.  When we use our earthly eyes and our earthly wisdom it is not easy to rejoice.  Paul was telling the Philipians to rejoice while he was in jail in Rome.  He was rejoicing in prison and waiting to be seen for 2 years.  Yet he says to be anxious for nothing.  Boy I know I would be anxious and wanting to GET OUT!! Everything you are anxious about, pray WITH THANKSGIVING!  Once we get it.  Once we have prayed. Once we have thanked God. Now with our spiritual eyes, heart and mind know that God IS IN CONTROL, the PEACE of GOD WHICH SURPASSES ALL COMPREHENSION will guard your hearts and your minds.  This is hard for me.  I want things done my way NOW. 
Not Paul.  He was in Rome for two years.  Paul wrote his letters to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians and Philippians while under this house arrest in Rome. These letters were written around A.D. 60 to 61. Because Paul was under house arrest and imprisoned at the time, his letters have been called his imprisonment or captivity letters. While an earthly wisdom may have wanted to be out preaching and visiting the area churches, little did he know, his imprisonment was exactly what God wanted and was used for thousands of years to believers.  We only see the small view.  God sees the whole picture.   

Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 4: 29-32  Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. 
I do NOT want to grieve God.  When I speak out negative words or unwholesome words, I grieve God.  I want my words to be kind words, tender hearted words, forgiving words.  I have been convicted of this and continue to watch my mouth!!!  I want my tombstone to read "She spoke kind words always."  When I speak against someone I am not only hurting them, but I am hurting the people to whom I speak the words.  My words should be grace to the people to whom I speak.  So, how do I vent my frustration?  I will pray for them instead.  Now I can try and look at being irritated as an opportunity to really change the very thing I am irritated about.  Lord, please bless that driver and keep him safe on I-29! Lord please bless that politician and give him Your wisdom.  Lord, please bless me and remind me how powerful words are and how my words can grieve You or bless You and others.      

Accept this Amazing Prayer!!!!!

Ephesians 3:14-21 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom ^[a]every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, ¹⁶ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the ^[b]saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
 ²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, ²¹ to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations ^[c]forever and ever. Amen.

Drink this in! This prayer is for YOU!  Be strengthened WITH POWER THROUGH HIS SPIRIT!  HE IS ABLE TO DO FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY BEYOND ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK!!!  Wow, I really needed this.  If I could keep this truth, if I could comprhend the breadth, length, height and depth of His LOVE!  Dear Lord Jesus, I accept this prayer.  It is for ALL GENERATIONS!  Thank you for this amazing blessing!!

Daddy!

Galations 4:4-7

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under ^[a]the Law, ⁵ so that He might redeem those who were under ^[b]the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. ⁶ Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” ⁷ Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir ^[c]through God.

I was adopted by a great DADDY!  I had a name my first parents called me, but when I was adopted or born into my new family, my new daddy gave me a new name.  My first name is Beloved, my last name is Daughter of God.  How differently, I would look at life, if I kept this truth in mind each day.  When the mail came, it would be sent to Beloved Daughter of God.  When someone met me for the first time and asked my name, I would say I am Beloved Daughter of God.  When I was waiting for my car at the oil change place and my car was done, I would hear my name Beloved Daughter of God.  Each of us gets this new name or one like it when God sends forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts.  Love you Abba, Daddy, Father.    

Spritual Warfare in My Life

2 Corinthians 10:4-6
for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but ^[a]divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. ⁵ We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, ⁶ and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.

There is a battle going on.  The battle is spiritual.  By love, by prayer, by obedience in what I say and do God is taking EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE.  Lord, help me to surrender to You. Help me to listen to the still small voice and prompting. Forgive me of my selfish ways.  This life is not all about me, but it is all about YOU!!

Aging and Renewing

2 Corinthian 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

I'll admit it, when I look in the mirror, I see my outside shell getting old and I don't like it.  This picutre above speaks to the true reality.  Inwardly I am renewed day by day.  God has given me spiritual dreams since I was a child.  They are dreams of comfort, usually about the death of someone in my family.  After my mother died, I had a lot of sad dreams, but I also had some dreams from God.  In one dream, I was outside in a park and saw this little girl with long brown curly hair skipping and laughing.  I looked at her, and somehow knew it was my mom.  I said "Mom?" She giggled and just said "Yes" and continued to frolick in the park.  I knew in my dream this was her in heaven.  She wasn't old, or sick, but young and carefree in heaven.  I hold on to this when I see my reflection in the mirror, knowing each day I am a day closer to being in heaven, skipping and playing with my mom.