Repaired & Clean

When we moved into the house we currently live in, all the windows were in great need of help. I think they were all original to this 1950s ranch-style home. So, we replaced them.

Just recently, we are noticing they just are no longer as good as new. Two windows have broken lift mechanisms. Another is showing damage in the interior from the sun.

So, we went to the local hardware store to see if they carried parts. The clerk said no and added he'd had many requests for replacement parts for that brand. Then, he recommended a different style of window should we decide to replace them. He said this maker gave their windows a lifetime warranty AND would even come fix them if something happened. Of course, the windows we installed had no such warranty.

It made me think, though. Windows are of great importance. Not only do they open to allow fresh air, they are the means by which light enters our homes.

That is, unless they are broken or dirty.

Praying moms, as we come together before the Lord in prayer, we often want to rush right into our requests for our children. But, in order to pray rightly for our children, we need to be sure that our "windows" are in working order and clean. That is why it is a must that prior to coming to the Throne for our children, we come to Him for ourselves in confession and repentance.

Barnes' Notes on the Isaiah 59:2 say that sin rises up like a thick, dark cloud between us and the Lord so that we do not have clear view of Him and His face is hidden from us. Additionally, Lamentations 3:44 tells us that sin results in our path to God being broken so that prayer cannot pass through.

So, when you gather together, remember—first things first. Remind yourselves Who God is and give Him honor with your praises. Then, spend time silently before Him getting your heart windows repaired and cleansed.

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins,

He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].

1 John 1:9 (AMP)

Then—

And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.

1 John 5:14-15 (AMP)

 

The Scariest Place

One of my friends posted a link on Facebook to what might be the scariest place on earth. Check it out: http://www.viralnova.com/dangerous-trail-huashan/.

Personally, having difficulty with heights, I echoed her comment: "no way…no no way."

But, in reality the whole earth is a scary place. We just have to turn on the television or radio, read the newspaper or our Facebook news feed, or just listen to the heart of another person.

However, there's a greater reality. Jesus spoke of that reality to His followers when they called His attention to the beauty of Herod's rendition of the Jewish temple. After telling them that soon every stone of that temple would be thrown down (Matthew 24, Luke 21), He also told them there'd be wars and conflicts—BUT not to be terrified. Instead, He told them to look up and lift up their heads as their redemption would be coming. (Luke 21:28)

That, praying moms, is what we are to do as well. It's a tough thing sending our kids off to school into this scary world. But, Jesus tells us, in essence, not to live in fear. Instead, we are to remember who He is. We are to look up to Him, to keep our heads lifted up. We are to watch and pray. (Luke 21:36)

As another school year begins, keep that greater reality—our redemption—in your focus. Look up. Keep your heads lifted up. Watch and pray.

And as the writer of Hebrews admonished, don't stop meeting together. Instead, keep coming together to pray and encourage each other as followers of Jesus, as mothers of the next generation, especially as we see the signs that our redemption, the return of Christ, draws near. (Hebrews 10:25)

Whenever I am afraid,

I will trust in You.

Psalm 56:3 (NKJV)

Like a Lion

School has already started for many. And for most moms, that would mean sending their child through the doors of a school building away from their presence into the unknown.

We moms do know that the enemy is out there desiring to have and destroy our children. Peter warns us that our enemy is like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Well, did you notice that one four letter word? He is "like" a lion. It doesn't say that he IS a lion.

Moms, remember, you pray to the one who IS the lion. (Revelation 5:5)

When you pray, it might help to picture it this way—

The enemy dressed in lion skin is barring his teeth at your child's face.

But standing over your child, prepared to pounce, is a huge lion growling at your child's adversary.

If I were an artist, I'd draw you a picture, but let the words do that in your mind.

Your fervent righteous prayers joined with those of other moms will work mightily to thwart the plans of the loudmouth counterfeit lion.

Remember James' words? Here is my own paraphrase of James 5:16b.

The earnest, heartfelt, continued prayer of the righteous

make tremendous power available—

the power of the Omnipotent One—

to work wondrous things!

Why Record Our Prayers?

In our culture—well, you could probably say any culture—mothers are so busy. We don't have one track minds. We have minds that are busy thinking ahead and behind—all over the place—so we can keep up with our children and all the other tasks on hand. Our busy thinking often doesn't stop until after the house is dark and everyone else is snoozing away. And often busy thinking doesn't encourage our stopping to bring to mind the wondrous works of the Lord. We're too busy thinking of the next thing.

So, recording our prayers can be a very good thing for most of us. Our prayer sheet/journal becomes written memories that will help us stop to recall the wondrous works of the Lord which reveal He is!

And just the fact that we take time to write down our requests means that when we do that day by day we can't help but then look at what the Lord's hand has worked previously. That gives us hope that He will do the same today and in the future. After all, Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. 

King David wrote these words in Psalm 65:1-2, 5 (NKJ)—

Praise is awaiting You, O God, In Zion;

And to You the vow shall be performed.

O You who hear prayer,

To You all flesh will come.

By awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us,

O God of our salvation,

You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth and of the far-off seas.

Just recently, I met with several praying moms for a Moms in Prayer Potluck Joy Brunch and heard their thanksgiving joys as to how the Lord has heard and answered their prayers. Their words still echo in my mind—and in the Lord's, I am sure!  In fact, did you know the Lord keeps a record when we get together and talk about Him?

Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another;

and the Lord listened and heard it, and

a book of remembrance was written before Him

of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord

and who thought on His name.

Malachi 3:16 (Amplified Bible)

That's how important it is to the Lord for us to speak out loud about His wondrous works. To do that brings us joy and, best of all, is joy to His heart.