Living with Praise

Note: Sorry that the daily devotionals have been late recently. We are working on some exciting new things and a integrating a new editor who will be managing updates from now on, so things got a little bit behind. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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Merlin Carothers has held both distinguished and dishonorable titles in his 85 years: AWOL soldier, black marketer, demolition expert, presidential bodyguard, master parachutist, Methodist pastor, army chaplain, civil air patrol pilot. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe, Korea, Vietnam, and the Dominican Republic.

He has jumped out of an airplane 90 times. And yet, he says that discovering the power of praise-filled prayer has been one of the most exciting experiences of his life. He has written over a dozen books that recount hundreds of cases where illnesses have been healed, mental health has been restored, broken relationships have been mended, and other “impossible” situations have resulted in miracles—all through the power of God released through praise to God.

I sat down with Merlin in his San Diego, California, office to discuss his experiences.

Julia Kelly: After you found Jesus, how did you find what you believed God wanted you to do with your life?

Merlin Carothers: I knew the moment I became a Christian that I was called to spread the word—to tell others about God’s love and power. I had no idea how or where or when, but I knew that was what I was supposed to do.

Was there ever a time when it seemed praise wasn’t paying off, but God surprised you?My wife Mary and I had been pastors of a church in California for four years when circumstances forced us to leave. I struggled over that. Why had the Lord led us to work there and then taken it away? How could that have been God’s will? Just a couple of weeks later I got a call from a man who ran a television station in Los Angeles. He said he wanted to do some programs on praise, and he would do them for free. After the first 10 programs, he wanted to do more, until finally we had done 200. I could never have afforded to produce those on my own. God had taken a “bad” situation and worked another of His marvels.

Has your relationship with the Lord changed much as you’ve grown older?I’ve come to realize the grace of God more and more. I always believed, of course, that God forgives, but I didn’t understand how, when we fail Him, that doesn’t cause Him to love us any less. If a wife hurts her husband, he may say he forgives her and truly mean it, but what she did will still be in his mind and he will probably worry that she might do it again. God isn’t like that. When He forgives, He forgets.

How long did it take to learn to put these praise principles into practice?Learning to praise is a lifelong process. I’ve been at it for so many years that it comes a bit more naturally now, but it wasn’t easy at first, because it was such a foreign concept. I had studied the Bible all of my Christian life, but it took me a long time to understand how God kept emphasizing: “Trust that I am working for your good. Don’t ever doubt that or be afraid, and I’ll do above and beyond all you could ask or hope for.” (Romans 8:28; Deuteronomy 31:8; Ephesians 3:20) And He always has!

How have you spent your time since retiring?I’ve retired from being a pastor, but I believe I’m supposed to work for the Lord until the day I die. My hero, John Wesley [1703–1791], did that, and he was nearly 88 when he died. He was up at four o’clock every morning for prayer, then he got on his horse and went out to preach. Now I mainly write. The Lord speaks to me about some topic and says, “This is troubling people, so write about it.” Some of the things I write seem ultra-simple, but those are often the things that touch people the most. Mary says I’ll be writing on the way to the morgue.

What advice would you give to those facing hardships such as job loss, who fear the future?It’s very difficult to talk to people who are in the throes of financial distress. I don’t ever tell them, “I want you to thank the Lord for your distress,” because that would turn anybody off. What I tell them is to first pray that God will take care of them, and then I try to help them believe that He will. Some have asked me if this principle of praise isn’t just another way to talk about the power of positive thinking. Far from it. Praising God for every circumstance does not mean we close our eyes to the difficulties. When we praise God, we thank Him for our situation, not in spite of it. We are not trying to avoid our dilemmas. Rather, Jesus is showing us a way to overcome them.—Merlin Carothers, Prison to Praise

For more inspirational reading by Merlin Carothers visit www.foundationofpraise.org

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Psalm 147:1-2 ESV – Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.

Psalm 136:1-2 ESV – Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;

Psalms 96:1 KJV – O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.

“This Is Good!”

An African folktale

The story is told of an African king and his close friend, who had grown up together. The king’s friend had a habit of looking at every situation positively and remarking, “This is good!”

One day the king went on a hunting expedition, and he gave his friend the job of loading his guns and handing them to him. Apparently the friend did something wrong at some point, because one gun misfired and blew the king’s thumb off.

“This is good!” the king’s friend remarked as usual.

“No, this is not good!” the king replied, and he sent his friend to jail.

About a year later, the king was hunting in an area that he shouldn’t have ventured into. Cannibals captured him and took him to their village. They tied his hands, bound him to a stake in the ground, and stacked firewood around his feet. However, just as they were about to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the king was missing a thumb. The cannibals had a superstition that forbad them from eating anyone who was less than whole, so they untied the king and sent him on his way.

As the king traveled home, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb, and he regretted the way he had treated his friend. He went straight to the jail and released his friend.

“You were right,” the king said. “It was good that my thumb was blown off.” And he proceeded to tell his friend about his brush with death. “I am sorry for sending you to jail for so long,” he said. “That was very bad of me!”

“No,” his friend replied, “this is good!”

“What do you mean, ‘This is good’? How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?”

“If I had not been in jail,” the king’s friend replied, “I would have been with you.”

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Romans 12:21 ESV – Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Psalm 37:3 ESV – Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

Hebrews 13:16 ESV – Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

The Sun Still Shines

As far back as I can remember, I didn’t like cloudy days, especially in wintertime. They seemed endless and without hope, chilling both body and soul.

Still, they are a part of life, so I decided to learn to like them—and now I do. My secret? Actually I have several.

Sometimes I take advantage of those days to bake a cake, cookies, or some other treat to enjoy with my coffee. The entire house smells of freshly brewed coffee and homemade goodies, and that creates a warm, satisfied feeling.

I’ve also learned that I can help brighten the day by what I wear, like a favorite brightly colored sweater or a little extra jewelry.

Most of all I’ve learned to thank God for those days. I’m still not crazy about them, but I have a warm house that doesn’t leak, a cozy bed, food on the table, and someone to enjoy my blessings with.

Not too long ago, I was out on one of those gloomy days. Although it was overcast, I didn’t expect it to actually rain, so hadn’t taken an umbrella. Mid-morning I was 25 blocks from home when I was caught in a downpour. By the time I got home, I was sure I had more water in my clothes and hair than was left in the clouds. A hot shower and lunch put it all behind me, though, and I felt much better.

When I had been caught in the rain, I had prayed for all the people who were at that moment victims of some disaster. Not a disaster like burning the chicken or having their hair dye turn out wrong—I mean a real disaster like being left homeless by an earthquake, with no hot shower, dry clothes, and warm meal to set things right.

When bad weather or some other circumstance has you down, praying for others who have it worse puts things in perspective and does the soul good, like a hot shower warms the body after getting caught in the rain, or the smell of homemade cake lifts the gloom of a dark day. When we remember that we have a very big God who sees and knows everything, who loves us dearly, and who will never let us be tested beyond what He knows we can handle with His help, this lifts the spirit, like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Even when the sky is overcast, the sun is still shining above the clouds. That’s a fact. The clouds might keep us from seeing it, but it’s there, just as round and bright as on any other day. When darkness closes in around us, the sunshine of God’s love is still there, as constant as ever, waiting for just the right moment to dissipate the clouds and warm our souls once again.

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Romans 15:13 ESV – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 8:24 ESV – For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?

Jeremiah 17:7 ESV – Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.

That’s Life!

A prayer of thanksgiving

Jesus, thank You for life and all it involves. When something goes wrong, we often say, “That’s life!” But life is so much more than the little things that don’t turn out the way we wish they had.

Waking up each morning with eyes that see and ears that hear—that’s life!

Talking with a child and catching a glimpse of the world through those innocent eyes—that’s life!

Pausing in the middle of a hectic day to watch a bird soar or a butterfly flit among the flowers—that’s life!

Chatting with an old friend and remembering just how special that friendship is—that’s life!

Receiving an unexpected word of encouragement—that’s life!

Holding a newborn baby and catching his first smile—that’s life!

Walking in nature, taking in its sights and sounds, and breathing that fresh air—that’s life!

Lying down to sleep at night and thanking God for all the blessings that the day brought—that’s life!

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1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV – Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Psalm 7:17 ESV – I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

Psalm 107:1 ESV – Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Prayer Points

1. Please intercede for our Corps family
Bro Koon Hock Sun, Bro Fong Yen Wong, Bro Neoh Ah How

2. Please intercede for up coming events for good weather and fruitful time.
- Penang Open Day

3. Please intercede for one another for good health, spiritual life and families.

4. Continue to intercede for our nation Malaysia - Government, MP's and State's Representative as we celebrate 59th Years of Independence. Pray for the peace and stability of the country.

Announcement

1. Cell Group
Date: 2 Sept 2016 (Fri)
Time: 8pm
Venue: Penang Children's Home Chapel

2. Penang Open Day Coupons and Stall

Date: 10th September 2016
Time: 9am - 2pm
Venue: Penang Children's Home
Note: Please help to sell off the coupon on your hand if possible by end of  Aug 2016.

Once again your help and support is needed in selling the coupons and setting up the stalls. 
Any assistance and volunteer is greatly appreciated. Please look for officer for more information. Thank you.

3. West Malaysia Youth Council
Date: 14-15 Sept 2016 (Wed-Fri)
Venue: Banting Corps
Accommodation: Tudom Hill Resorts
Activities: Lake Crossing Mission & Bamboo Raft Race.
Please register with Corps Officer.

4. Malaysia Day High Praise 2016 (Combine Churches)

Organized By: Christian Federation Malaysia.

Theme: Bridging Malaysia with God Grace & Peace

Date: 16th Sept 2016 (Friday)

Time: 10am - 12noon

Venue: Penang First Assembly of God (MMC)

The Positive Power of Praise

Question: I’ve heard that positive thinking can make all the difference in difficult situations, but sometimes I’m at a loss for things to be positive about. What can I do to get on a positive channel when everything seems to be going wrong?

Answer: When your heart is weighed down with worry, fear, sorrow, or pain, instead of dwelling on your woes, think about Jesus and His love. Count your blessings. If nothing else, you can be grateful for all the other problems you could have but don’t, because God has spared you from them.

Look on the bright side. Think on the good things. Thank God for all He has done. Chase away the dark clouds by letting in the light of God’s Word, prayer, praise, song. Do anything you can to occupy your mind with positive thinking.

If you’re thinking about God’s goodness and putting that in the focal point of your concentration, then this pushes the devil and his doubts and lies and fears out of the way. You can’t be positive and negative at the same time, so fill your mind with the light of praise to God, and it will push the darkness out.

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Psalm 150:6 ESV – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Psalm 30:11 ESV – You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.

Psalm 149:3 ESV – Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!

Perspective Adjustment

During an especially busy time, I had a perspective adjustment that changed my outlook for the better.

I was involved in several major projects, had a huge amount of work to do, and was quite tired—almost exhausted.

The verse that came to mind and changed my attitude about my circumstances was, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” I realized that the long hours of work, the tiredness, and the difficult decisions I faced were all part of my “reasonable service.”

Most of us have responsibilities that are sometimes difficult and trying. We all face situations that are challenging or cost us personally. We all have times when we feel so tired we think we can’t go on.

Some of the great men and women of God, our forefathers in the faith—people like Abraham, Moses, Peter, and Paul, as well as outstanding Christians down through the ages such as David Livingstone and Mother Teresa—made great sacrifices and endured many hardships and sorrows during their lifetimes. They repeatedly suffered poor health, many of them experienced loneliness, some of them struggled with depression, and they sometimes worked years on end without seeing much in the way of results. When we look at our situations from that perspective, it helps to see some of the things we go through in a different light.

The verse that comes right after “present your bodies a living sacrifice” says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That verse applies well to having the right perspective on the sacrifices we make. If we have a realistic and yet also positive, praiseful attitude, it can make a big difference. When our perspective is renewed and realigned with the Lord’s, it does literally transform our life.

So whenever you are tempted to feel that life is too rough, try to look at the sacrifices you have to make through this new perspective. When you do, you can’t help but see things more positively.

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2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV – So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Isaiah 55:8 NIV – For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

1 Peter 5:10 NIV – And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Positive Programming

Most of us battle negative thinking at some point in our lives.

We put ourselves down for real or imagined faults and weaknesses, or we compare ourselves negatively to others. The use of positive statements that you can repeat to yourself is a proven technique for overcoming that negativity.

Our thoughts shape our attitude, our attitude shapes our actions, and our actions help to shape our future. A changed life begins with a change in thinking. The Bible instructs, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” You set that process in motion by filling your mind with godly, positive thoughts. “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things … and the God of peace will be with you.”

The key is believing that what you are affirming is possible, because once you believe that a certain thing is possible, it is. “If you can believe, all things are possible.” It takes practice to focus on the positive, but in time you will see results in a happier, more secure life.

The Bible is filled with positive affirmations. As we learn to apply those to ourselves and everyday situations, we begin to see ourselves and life more as God does, and that is reflected in our thoughts and behavior.

Here are a few examples to get you started. We are all different and have different needs, so choose the ones that seem to apply the most to you, or come up with some of your own.

• Whether or not I feel capable of this task, I am going to do my best and trust Jesus to do the rest. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

• I made a mistake today, but I’m determined to learn from it, get up, and try again. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand” (Psalm 37:23–24).

• Things may not be working out the way I had hoped—at least not yet—but I’m going to keep trusting that God has something good up His sleeve. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

• I may not be perfect, but I’m special to God because He gave me a unique mind, a unique personality, unique abilities, and a unique destiny. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works” (Psalm 139:14).

• Nothing can come between me and God’s love. “I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).

• I have nothing to fear because God is love and He is always with me. “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).

• God wants me to be happy and enjoy life. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

• Today I’m going to think more about others and less about myself, and I’m going to make someone else’s day better. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

• I am not going to give up! I refuse to call it quits! Jesus promised that His strength is there for me as long as I keep trying. “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

• I may not have as much materially as some people, but I have things that matter more—integrity and peace of mind. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

• God wants to guide me through today and help me make the very most of it. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

• God will help me make the right decisions. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

These aren’t mere random, feel-good statements that don’t have any solid foundation. Each is based directly on one of God’s unfailing promises, and what He has promised, He will also perform. With God, there are no limits!

Beware of the Negabugger

Scientists have recently made a fascinating discovery about an unseen and little understood parasite, the negabugger—so called because of the negative effect it has on its human host’s mental and emotional well-being.

It is too small to be seen by the naked eye, yet the symptoms of infection are plainly evident. It lives by attaching itself to the soft membrane of the inner ear. Its tiny buzzing wings vibrate at a frequency undetectable by humans, but which interferes with brain waves and leaves the victim feeling confused and depressed.

These negative vibrations can be difficult to distinguish from one’s own thoughts, and the subject may easily be led to believe the buzz of negative self-talk. In more serious cases of infestation the negabugger can move into the brain of its host to lay its young, breeding thousands of little negabuggers that can quickly become airborne and infect others via negative words uttered by the host.

The negabugger is a serious pest, and treatment should be administered at the first sign of contagion. The negabugger must be dislodged and shaken out of the victim’s ear.

In standard cases, treatment can be self-administered by tilting the head in the direction of the negabugger and hopping vigorously while pounding the opposite side of the head. If it is unclear which ear the negabugger is residing in, apply this technique to both sides of the head to be safe. If more than one negabugger is present, it may be necessary to repeat the process.

In extreme or stubborn cases, the victim may need assistance. If a bop on the head with a pillow fails to dislodge the parasite, it may be necessary to shock it out of hiding. A splash of cold water is nearly always effective. To prevent re-infection, place the subject under headphones and play uplifting music and inspirational readings. Also practice positive self-talk exercises with the subject.

In a clinical study involving my children and young teenager, I have found the prescribed treatment to be quite effective in helping them pull out of bouts of self-pity and other negative emotions.

For example, one day I entered the kitchen to find my then 13-year-old sobbing over a sink of dirty dishes. I sympathized, saying, “I am so sorry you’re not happy. I want you to know how much I love you. In fact, I love you so much that I have to do this. …” Producing a pillow from behind my back, I went to work. My daughter laughed and begged for mercy. Post-treatment, the patient appeared to have made a miraculous recovery.

She returned to washing the dishes, but to my dismay she quickly relapsed. Time for step two. I went for the cold water. She saw it coming, but never thought I would really do it. After a brief chase around the house, I had her cornered and … splash! Even she thought that was funny. A few rounds of laughs, and the dishes were almost done.

As the mother of an emotional teen girl, I have spent many hours reasoning, cajoling, comforting, and praying in various attempts to pull her out of her hormonal bouts of gloom, but lately I have found the negabugger treatment to be even more effective and faster working.

Once the negabugger’s unsuspecting targets are made aware of the danger, they can learn to recognize and take steps to protect themselves from it by not entertaining negative or destructive self-talk. An ounce of awareness is worth a pound of cure. Beware of the negabugger!

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Philippians 4:8 ESV – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Psalm 1:1 ESV – Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.

1 Peter 5:8 ESV – Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

The Aurora Phenomenon 2016 August, Daily Devotionals 2

The aurora borealis, also called the northern lights, is one of the most magical sights of the night sky. When I lived in Iceland, I saw it many times. One memory stands out.

It was February 2009, and I was about to leave Iceland to join another volunteer project in Ireland. I had spent most of the day trying to make arrangements to send my belongings ahead, and it hadn’t gone well. Each phone call to find out customs procedures had ended in frustration.

As the day went on, things seemed to go from bad to worse. Even a walk in the park had ended badly when I tripped and injured my knee. By the evening I was in tears and could hardly make sense of my thoughts. I knew I’d feel better if I could manage to look at things from the bright side, but I couldn’t find anything to be positive about. How could I be thankful when darkness was all around? How could I find something to be thankful for when everyone was telling me why the things I was trying to accomplish wouldn’t work out?

Just then the phone rang. It was a friend calling to tell me that she had heard there would be a magnificent aurora that night. Since I was leaving in a few days, it would probably be my last chance to see one for a while.

I grabbed my coat, called another friend, and off we drove to a spot outside of town, where the city lights wouldn’t diminish the effect. It was colder and windier out there, but the view would make up for that.

As we sat and watched vibrant pinks and greens and blues dance across the night sky, new thoughts came to me. These natural light displays are mostly seen near the poles, where it gets very cold and dark. Getting the best view usually involves some hardship or sacrifice.

In that remote spot, I was surrounded by darkness and cold, but the aurora was at its most brilliant. My overall situation hadn’t changed, but my heart danced to its gentle rhythm. In what seemed like the darkest hour, God had not only lit up my world and given me something to be thankful for, but He had reminded me once more that every dark night has a beautiful view if we will only look up.

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John 1:5 ESV – The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 11:10 ESV – But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.

Luke 1:79 ESV – To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Outrun the Bandits

I grew up in the era of black-and-white television (1950s), when Westerns were the most popular action genre. There were no computer graphics or other hi-tech special effects in shows like The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, andWanted: Dead or Alive—and no cars for the now-obligatory car chase. Instead, the action often peaked when a stagecoach or train was attacked by bandits in black hats (to distinguish them from the white-hatted good guys). Horses pulling a heavy stagecoach didn’t stand a chance of outrunning bandits on horseback, but trains did. As the music reached a crescendo, the tension mounted and the scene alternated between the hero holding the bad guys at bay, the engineer gritting his teeth, and the fireman frantically shoveling coal into the furnace that powered the train’s steam engine. The more coal the fireman could pile on, the hotter the fire and the faster the train would go. As long as there was coal to feed the fire, there was hope.

Our spiritual well-being is a bit like that. When bad things happen, negative thoughts and emotions descend and threaten to undo us. Unless we can escape, they will rob us of the fighting spirit we need to make it through. On our own, we don’t stand any more chance against that negativity than a stagecoach had against outlaws. But faith in God is like a steam engine, far more powerful than mere willpower. We fuel the engine by affirming God’s power and goodness, by thanking Him for the help we know He will give, even before He steps in. The more we do that, the faster and farther we are distanced from the negative.

The next time bad circumstances befall you and negativity closes in, put your faith into action by focusing on God and His unfailing love and help. Stoke the engine. Outrun the bandits.

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Ephesians 6:12 ESV – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV – For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

1 Peter 5:8 ESV – Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

A Quiet Place

This exercise may seem more practical than spiritual, but it is a key to spiritual health and growth.

If there is a quiet, clutter-free space in your home to which you can retreat for moments of prayer or quiet reflection, or if you live in a moderate climate where you can sit outside in the quiet comfort of nature, you have a head start. The average home today is a hub of activity and noise, so finding a spot to spend a few peaceful minutes is a major challenge. Many people simply resign themselves to that situation, but it takes a toll on their spirit. In such an atmosphere it is easy to develop a dullness to the voice of God, because all that noise and confusion drowns Him out. But if you can escape to a quiet, peaceful setting on a regular basis and you use that time to connect with God, you will find your spiritual senses becoming sharper.

You may not be able to soundproof a room, but try at least to find a corner that you can designate your “quiet place,” where you can read, pray, and reflect with little or no disturbance. Make it comfortable, have good light for reading, and stock it with a Bible, other devotional materials, and a notebook and pen for writing down points that come to you in your times of prayer and meditation.

Find the best time in your daily routine to retreat to your quiet place, and make it a habit. Turn off your phone, and begin your quiet time by putting your problems and concerns in God’s capable, loving hands. Enter into God’s presence.

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Exodus 14:14 ESV – The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.

Psalm 4:4 ESV – Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah

Proverbs 29:11 ESV – A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Saved from God Knows What

“Grandma, why do you always pray before you drive?” The question came from my eight-year-old grandson. He and I had been vacationing at the beach with his uncle and cousins, and we were about to start the five-hour drive home in the rain. My two grandsons, who are about the same age and had become inseparable, were traveling with me.

“Driving is the scariest thing I do,” I told him. “I wouldn’t think of driving without praying. I might forget to pray before I cook a meal or write a letter or go for a walk, but I never forget to pray before I drive my car. I really depend on Jesus to protect me and my passengers. You just never know what might happen.”

Our trip was going well and we were making good time, despite the rain. Then, only two miles from home, someone pulled onto the highway immediately in front of us. The driver was going too fast on the rain-slicked roads and lost control of the car, which spun around twice. The scene seemed surreal, like something out of a movie, and I only had time to breathe a silent prayer, flip on my emergency flashers to warn the cars behind me, and brake as forcefully as I could without causing an accident myself. The spinning car came to a halt perpendicular to the traffic, half on the highway and half off. I was upon it in a second or two, and just managed to steer clear of it by inches.

“Boys, did you see that?” I asked when I could breathe again.

“Yes, Grandma,” one of the boys answered. “We could have had a really bad accident! But I know why we didn’t—because you prayed.”

I think Jesus sometimes lets us see the trouble He spares us from to remind us that He’s with us every moment, watching over and protecting us in answer to our prayers. And heaven only knows what troubles He saves us from that we don’t see, whether behind the wheel or all through life. What a wonderful companion, friend, and protector we have in Jesus!

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2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV – But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

2 Samuel 22:3-4 ESV –  My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 46:1 ESV – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Addicted to Prayer

The 19th-century British preacher Charles Spurgeon said something that to me defines the role of a Christian in regard to prayer. “As artists give themselves to their models, and poets to their classical pursuits, so must we addict ourselves to prayer.”

I must admit, though, that at times I have had a hard time maintaining a strong prayer life. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to pray—to the contrary—I just had a hard time sticking to my good intentions. It seemed that whenever I’d try to pray, thoughts would flood my mind and I would quickly find myself embroiled in other things.

I finally decided that I had to get to the core of the matter. Why was I having such a hard time? Was it laziness, a lack of motivation, or difficulty concentrating? It finally dawned on me that it was because praying seems like inaction. I knew in theory that prayer was essential to a Christian life, but in practice, I just didn’t feel it. I’m an action-oriented person, and praying simply didn’t make me feel like I was doing anything substantial.

So I had to change my attitude and see things in a different light. For me, that meant that when I was praying for a sick child, I imagined that I was actually there, cooling that fevered brow. When I prayed for peace in Africa, I pictured myself in the midst of the fighting, begging for it to stop. Visualizing my prayers helped them to come alive. It helped me feel more involved, as if I was “doing” something.

I’ve also found it helpful to start a file where I keep track of the people and situations I pray for, arranged by topic. I regularly add prayer requests that I hear about, promises from the Bible that apply, updates, etc., and I keep track of which prayers have been answered.

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Psalms 55:17 KJV – Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Psalms 118:5 KJV – I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, [and set me] in a large place.

Isaiah 55:6 KJV – Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Prayer Pointers

Variety is the spice of life. This certainly has proven true in my prayer life. Here are a few things that have worked for me at different times.

Prayer list. When I began taking a few minutes every day to pray for others, I simply prayed for whoever came to mind. I soon found, however, that there was almost no end to people and situations that needed divine intervention. To make the most of my prayer time, I needed to get organized, so I started keeping a written list. I don’t have time to pray for every item on my list every day, so I keep track by checking off each item as I pray for it. When I get to the bottom, I start over with another series of checkmarks. I also add new items as new needs arise, and mark items “Done!” when God answers.

Prayer promises. I printed “promise” verses from the Bible—“Ask and it will be given to you,” for example—on small cards. As I pray for each item on my list, I draw a card from the stack and apply that promise.

Meditative prayer. Nowhere am I more aware of God’s love and care than when I walk in nature. As I take in the sights and sounds of His creation, I ask Him to guide my thoughts to people and situations that need my prayers, and then ask Him to take care of them as only He can.

Teaming up. Sometimes I arrange with a friend to spend 10 or 15 minutes praying together. “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask,” Jesus promised, “it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”

Pillow prayer. When I can’t sleep, I focus my thoughts on others and their needs, and pray for God to provide. Or sometimes I count my blessings in the form of short, specific prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness. After a short while, I usually drift off to sleep.

Unloading. When I feel overwhelmed by problems or the task ahead, I sometimes unburden my mind and spirit by imagining each issue as a brick and handing it over to Jesus, in the form of a short prayer.

Variety. When prayer gets ho-hum or routine, I ask Jesus for a new plan or way to pray.

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Romans 8:26 KJV – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Matthew 21:22 KJV – And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Colossians 4:2 KJV – Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Finding Time for Prayer

Question: I realize that prayer is important, and I want to use it to connect with God, but it never seems like I have the time. How can I fit it into an already busy day?

Answer: It takes time to communicate with anyone, including God. There’s no way around it. It’s a mistake, though, to think of time spent in prayer as time that could have been better used to get other things done, because if you take time to pray, you’ll be able to get a lot more done than you would otherwise. It’s an investment, but once you start reaping the benefits, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Here are a few tips to help get you started:

Make a conscious effort. Like forming any new habit, this will take consistent determination. In time, though, you’ll find that you’re remembering to pray more, and forgetting to less.

Make prayer a priority. You always have time for the things you consider most important.

Set aside specific times in your daily routine. If you wait till everything else is taken care of, it will never happen. If you find that one time of day doesn’t work well for you, try another. If you miss your appointed times one day, don’t give up! Try again the next day.

Set attainable goals. It’s not how long you pray that counts, but how earnest and sincere you are and how much you believe your prayers will be answered.

Take advantage of spare moments. You can pray during a coffee break, when stuck in traffic, while waiting for an appointment, while cooking, while taking a shower, while waiting for the baby to drift off to sleep, while walking the dog—almost any time, really.

Pray before starting each new task. “In all your ways acknowledge [God], and He shall direct your paths.” In many cases, a prayer of only a sentence or two is all it takes.

Pray at the first sign of trouble. Ask for clarity of thought, composure, strength, inspiration, or answers—whatever you need at the moment—and God will give it.

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Matthew 6:33 ESV – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:6 ESV – But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

John 15:1-5 ESV – I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

The Parcel

How many times have most parents wanted to buy a toy for their child “just because”? It wasn’t a special occasion or something the child needed or had even asked for—but the parent knew the child would enjoy it and wanted him or her to have it.

I faced such a situation with my 19-month-old son Logan recently. I’m not sure why I had set my heart on getting him a rocking horse. Maybe it was because his favorite video included a scene with children on rocking horses, or maybe it was because every time we went to a nearby toy store the salesperson would invite him to play on one of the display horses, and he never fussed when it was time to go. To tell you the truth, he didn’t seem as attached to that rocking horse as I was, but I couldn’t stop thinking how nice it would be for him to have it.

The problem was that it cost more than I could afford. I tried telling myself that children grow out of toys quickly and that Logan might not even play with it much, but the desire to get him one persisted.

One evening Logan and I were looking at pictures of toys, and there was a rocking horse. On impulse I suggested, “Let’s pray for Jesus to give you a horse like this one.” After a short but sincere prayer, I felt I had done what I could, and I soon forgot about the matter.

A few days later, we got a large parcel from some friends who had said they were going to send some clothes for the children. I had expected a small box, but what came was massive.

I opened the box and started to go through it. Imagine my surprise when I saw, buried under clothes and small toys, a wooden rocking horse that was the perfect size for Logan. I could hardly believe my eyes. Then I remembered our prayer a few days earlier. God had used this incident to inspire our faith.

Every time I see the horse I realize once more how much God loves us—enough to supply not only our needs, but also our wants.

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Hebrews 13:5 ESV – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Philippians 4:19 ESV – And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 23:1 ESV – A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.