Help Us, O Lord!

Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 27:7-9, 13

Every time something happens in the world–especially in America–we have this inclination to say, “God bless America” without thinking of the implications–we’re always seeking God, to do for us. We should be offering ourselves to Him and saying, “America Bless God,” but we’ve taken Him out of just about everything.

We’ve taken Him out of our schools–and then we wonder why not many are learning anything worthwhile and certainly students are not learning to think for themselves, but rather they learn how to take tests and disrespect all in authority. Violence increases while learning decreases.

We’ve taken Him out of our local government entities–can’t pray out loud for fear of offending others who don’t believe in Him. And Lord, knows–we don’t want to offend anyone by acknowledging Him who is beholden to no one.

We’ve taken Him out of our homes when we allow government to determine how we raise our children. Not many are willing to risk going to jail in order to discipline an unruly child. And we see the results of that lack of discipline–every day.

We’ve taken Him out of our churches–even though there are some who have maintained the obligatory picture, statue, or posted creed–God is not welcomed into the building because we have decided that what “man” wants is more important and ignore the basic premises of knowing God–loving all and obeying God. And this is why we still have the greatest racial and ethnic segregation–in the churches.

If we don’t want to acknowledge God in the schools, homes, government or churches–what’s left? A flag or a song are not important to God, yet we get offended when people don’t play the game of honoring them. If we can’t say a prayer aloud at a sporting event, why are we honoring a flag–made by the hands of men and machines–or a song written by a man that did not include all mankind? I don’t understand!

And for this reason, I know we’re in trouble and the only person who can turn things around is God. We’re in trouble and until we recognize that no man or woman is going to change things, we’re going to stay on the path the enemy has established, not the path of success that God desires for us. I’m waiting on God, not the debate–to see what He will do for all of mankind.

Help us, O Lord! We need You–involved in every area of our lives on a minute-by-minute basis–and I welcome You in my life–guiding all that I do that honors You. My confidence, is in You, O Lord and I know whatever You desire for us, is what the end will be.

 

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Who You Gonna Call?

And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the LORD
Shall be saved.
For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance,
As the LORD has said,
Among the remnant whom the LORD calls. Joel 2:32 NKJV

When we hear a small child crying, every mother in the vicinity listens as our ears perk up because every mother knows her child’s cry. If the child can talk and we hear, “Mama” we run to save our child from whatever is making them call us. God, our Father, knows the cries of His children and He will respond.

Considering the many gods people worship, I wonder which of them will respond to a plea for help when the people who worship them call on them.

Will Buddha respond to a cry for help?

Will any of the prophets respond to a cry for help?

Will any of the beads, the crosses, the idols that so many worship respond to a cry for help?

Nothing made by the hands of man can respond to a cry for help or anything else. They have no life in them and therefore cannot do anything to save life. The only thing that things can do is what they are manipulated to do by the hands of man.

A car–and so many worship their vehicles–is a non-living entity and can do nothing on its own unless manipulated by a person–someone controlling what it does.

Houses–those structures in which we live and that some people worship–made by the hands of man and have no life of their own–cannot save anyone.

Equipment–made by men and manufactured to save lives–is marvelous when used correctly by men/women and can save lives, but if we simply look at them and call upon them, they will not respond.

When we are in trouble as those were at the time Joel was prophesying as God spoke, we can know there is but One who will respond to our call for help and save us from ourselves–The Lord. And just as a remnant–a handful–were saved then, there will come a time when another remnant–those who refuse to budge from their faith and stance pertaining to The Word of God–will be saved when they call upon the name of The Lord.

Not one person–especially those running for political office has the power to save us–individually or as a nation and they should all stop lying to appease the media and the masses who are gullible enough to believe them.

What this country needs is total reliance and dependence on Jesus Christ–living every day according to The Word of God, seeking His wisdom–constantly and ignoring all the hoopla and loud noises of those who can’t save themselves and certainly cannot save others.

Okay–we still have time to seek God and His wisdom in order to put the right person in the White House–someone who cares about all Americans, not just the rich or 1%, but all who live in the land.

Lord,

You said if we called upon You in the time of need You would save us and deliver us from evil. Right now, I’m calling on You to give us direction and wisdom to select the person who knows You and with whom You have an airtight relationship. Thank You for hearing and responding to this plea for help for the nation. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!

O Give Thanks!

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!” (Psalm 105:1,2 NKJV)

Sometimes, just because we cannot see all that God is doing, we tend to get frustrated and discouraged and forget all the good things He has done. What He has done before, He’ll do again and again and again. We don’t have to see what He’s doing, we just have to believe that He is doing. And with that thought, I have a praise report!

My grandson is in his high school band and I’m a member of the Band Boosters organization–we have to raise money to supplement the band’s needs which are not covered by the school’s budget. Every year, for the past twenty years (this will be year twenty-one), the Band Boosters hosts a Band-O-Rama–a performance by a number of area bands who are using this event as a “dress rehearsal” of sorts for the Band Festival where the bands will be ranked by a panel of judges.

Because of on-going conflict between the out-going president (when they lost the election) and the newly-elected executive board, things had not been shaping up well. Some of the schools we invited, were turning us down for various reasons, but Holy Spirit revealed that they were not pleased with how they were treated last year. This year, I’m chairing this enormous event and discouragement keeps trying to seep in and get in my way, but I know the power of prayer and I believe that my Daddy loves me so much, that He’ll never let me down.

Instead of moping about what is not being done, I just jumped in and started doing whatever I could to make things work. We knew we were running a risk–financially–but we’re determined to move forward. Did I mention that I’m also the new treasurer? I’m looking at the dollars and cents dwindle as I write checks and “I don’t see” how we’re going to make it happen–a positive memorable event, but I didn’t see God working until yesterday.

After a meeting with the food service director seeking their assistance, I went home, determined to keep a stiff upper lip. About five minutes after I got home, I received a phone call from the director and what he tells me leaves me speechless. His boss had decided that not only would they donate items they had given in the past, but the school district had decided to pick up the tab for the items we had purchased from them. I could hardly believe it! This meant a considerable savings to us with our food concession.

I love to praise God and give Him glory for all He does and I did. By the time I got off phone, the director was laughing and calling me “crazy lady.” Yes, Lord, I’m crazy about my Daddy and how good He is! Hallelujah! I quickly emailed the executive board and the band director to let them know and I have a “bear hug” reserved for the business manager.

Glory to God! O give thanks! Wonderful Savior! He is good all the time and all the time, He’s God–all by Himself!

Not to be greedy, we still need donations of a few more items–a couple of tents and a cot, but I’m sure God will provide and as I lay in my bed this morning, thinking of His goodness and thanking Him for speaking to the hearts of people who can help, tears rolled--the magnitude of His love–is always amazing and fills my heart with joy!

O Give Thanks to The Lord For All He Has Done–for the victories He’s already won!

Just in case you’re interested, this year’s Band-O-Rama is Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the Harper Woods High School Football Field in Michigan. If you live in the area, please join us for this all day event and if you don’t, please keeping thanking God for the success of the event so we can continue to support our high school band.

Hear Our Prayers, O Lord!

“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” (Psalm 17:6 NIV)

Father,

We come before You this day,

Seeking Your Wisdom in all we say,

Knowing that You and You alone,

Have the solution to every problem.

Help us O God, to see You in all we do.

Help us to stay on the path You set us upon.

Help us to hear You when You speak.

Help us to understand why we need You in our lives.

Help us to see the need of others and address it.

Help us to keep Your Word as the focus of our living,

And keep our hearts far from the influence of the enemy.

Create in us O God a desire to know You more,

Wanting nothing more than to live a life pleasing to You.

We know Your eyes are in every place,

Seeing the good and the evil.

We know You are not a man that You should lie,

And that You are God and You never change.

Lord, touch bodies and heal and make them whole,

From the crowns of the heads to the soles of the feet,

Every joint and muscle free from pain,

Blood flowing smoothly in every artery and vein,

Pure without infection or disease, every bacteria that is bad,

Reduced to nothing and can harm no one.

Lord, touch our minds with renewed energy and life,

And a willingness to think about all You’ve taught,

So we can what is right before all mankind.

Lord, renew our spirits with a fresh infilling of Yours,

And help us to stay re-charged, energized, ready to spread,

The love You have for us and the glorious Gospel message.

Lord, give us the courage we need to be as bold as a lion,

When confronted with the enemy, and yet as gentle as a lamb,

When teaching and correcting others in all things, You.

Lord, touch our minds and remove everything that keeps us

From hearing and obeying You, all the days of our lives.

Lord, protect those in the military and provide for their families,

Instill in them, new hope and faith in You for the care of their loved ones.

Lord, speak to the hearts of every politician and elected official, guide

Them in all things and remind them to make wise decisions for all people.

Lord, wipe out hatred and bigotry in the hearts of all who hate

And fill them to overflowing with Your love, so none are deceived by Satan,

Who hates–You and all You created.

Lord, in the midst of the storms and trials of life,

Help us stand–firmly, immoveable on Your Word, never swayed,

Never doubting Your intent for mankind and all You have said.

Grant us victory in daylight hours in all we do and peace–

Your peace that surpasses all understanding as we sleep,

Resting, waiting for the light of a new day, ready to enjoy You and

All You do for those who love You in obedience to Your Word.

We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers and

We praise You for there is none like You in all the earth,

You are the only wise God–awesome in all your ways.

All this we ask and receive in Jesus’ name.

Amen!

He Will Help!

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)

When we we’re in need and can’t call a friend,

Who are we going to call upon?

Jesus!

When we can’t see beyond the moment,

Who are we going to call upon?

Jesus!

When our bodies are wracked with pain,

And doctors have given us no hope to gain, relief,

Who are we going to call upon?

Jesus!

When children and grandchildren go astray

From all they were taught, and led away, by evil,

Who are we going to call upon?

Jesus!

When there’s no food in the fridge, the cupboard bare

No money in the bank,  and we sit pulling our hair,

Who are we going to call upon?

Jesus!

When darkness tends to blind hope and light,

And we realize, it is not through our might, change comes

Who are we going to call upon?

Jesus!

There is no other name, by which a man be saved,

With Him, our path of success is already paved,

In Him, through obedience to His Word,

His name is Jesus! He will help!

Help in Every Situation!

“My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!” (Psalm 121:2 NLT)

I know a number of people who are always looking for someone to come to their rescue, when they need help. Some people are gifted to help others–whether with a kind word, encouragement, or comfort–whether with financial contributions, or other tangibles--the gifting comes from The Lord.

When we are in Relationship with God, Holy Spirit speaks and we hear and obey and do what The Lord tells us. It is The Lord speaking to people to “help” others that keeps us going, no matter how dire the situation might be.

Some people think–“God helps those who help themselves” is scriptural when it is not. God never designed us to live independent of Him–He wants us dependent on Him and through Him, He speaks and we obtain the help we need.

When I see suffering in other countries because the leadership in those countries are too greedy to help their own people, I pray that God will give the leaders a heart of compassion. After all, if they are too blinded by their own greed that people starve and die needlessly, the suffering of the people shall be on their heads.

While I admire those in this country who have hearts as large as the universe and who are always giving, I often wonder just how much of what is given is actually reaching those in need. When corrupt leadership smacks its lips and rubs its grubby hands at the mere thought of obtaining more riches through the auspices of the kindhearted, are the needs of the people really served?

I am not against helping those in need and have–with The Lord’s guidance–given far beyond my means to help others, but it is only when I hear The Lord speaks–not the commercials–designed to tug on hearts. I have–with careful observation and through prayer for truth–detected deception in much of the public service announcements. One only needs a discerning spirit to notice.

We have to remember–that it is The Lord–who is our provider and He will also provide for others through us, when He speaks to our hearts. It is He who is our help in every situation and since He is not a respecter of persons, will He not help others who are open to hearing Him?

Lord, in every country, region, state, city,  and village all over this world, speak to the hearts of leaders and create in them a heart of compassion to see to the needs of their people. Let every decision in every situation be a result of direct counsel from You and not dependence by deceptive means. Only You, Lord can change the landscape of every heart and see that no one who loves You, shall be hungry or thirsty or in need of shelter, ever again. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!

The Lord Helps!

“My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2 NASB).

Many people look for help for a variety of situations from various venues. Some people–standing on the street corners look for help from those passing by them. Some people seek help from non-profit organizations. Some people seek help from government agencies. Some seek help from family and friends. And then there are those who know-our help comes from The Lord!

To make this clear, God uses people to help people, but ultimately, it is He who determines who will be used to help those in need. I make this distinction simply because there are some people who pray and do nothing else. And when nothing happens, they get mad at God. For instance, it is absolutely pointless to pray for a job and never apply for one. It is absolutely pointless to pray for a mate and never prepare to be one. It is absolutely ludicrous to pray for anything and not do something. Prayer without action, is a waste of time. We must do something before, and after prayer to see the prayers answered.

THIS DOES NOT NEGATE MIRACLES! I know of too many times when people prayed and God touched hearts to respond to the prayer. But He still used “people” to address the issues for which people prayed.

“We don’t have what we need because we don’t always know how to ask for it.” When we pray, we must believe that God will answer in order for us to receive that for which we prayed in accordance to His will. We cannot ask for foolish things and expect to receive anything from God. “Seek and we shall find. Ask and  that for which we ask, shall be given if we have the faith of a mustard seed to receive it”

Ultimately, all of our needs are met through Christ Jesus (by whatever venue or person He decides to use) and He gives us the desires of our heart when we please Him. All of our help-comes from The Lord–who loves us and will not withhold any good thing from us. Praise Him for His Goodness and be grateful for His Love and Mercy! Praise Him for speaking to the hearts of people who are in a position to be the answer we need. Praise Him just because of who He is–our Help in all things!

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to understand that You are not a man–that You change Your mind about anything You have said. You have promised to meet every need and all of Your promises are Yes and Amen. You have said in Your Word that if we seek the Kingdom of God (come to You) all the things we have need of would be ours. Give us wisdom to understand You clearly and determination to obey You in all things.

Help Me!

Today, O God, I realize more than ever before that I need You to help me.

Help me to understand that it is You who has ordained the events of time from the beginning according to Your divine plan.

Help me to understand that I really cannot do anything without involving You in my plans.

Help me to understand that if my plans and desires do not align with Your plan; I plan in futility.

Help me to understand there are some things/events that will occur that have nothing to do with me and I have no control over them.

Help me to understand that no matter what people say–You are the only person I can totally trust!

Help me to become more like You every day–more loving, more compassionate, more forgiving and more patient with others.

Help me O God to remember Your Word and to apply it in all things so I can receive the results You desire.

Help me to know that no matter what happens–I can know without doubting–You hear and answer prayer and will never allow those who believe in You and live according to Your Word to be left behind in a world of madness.

Help me to stand firm when promoting the Gospel–never deterred by what things look like.

Help me–this day and every day of my life–to always be ready to give You praise–whether I feel like or not!  Hallelujah!

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

Meeting The Needs of Others

When someone you know is in need—what is your response?

Do we first think about whether or not we like the person before we decide to help?

Do we assess our ability to meet the need?

Do we offer encouragement in times of struggle?

Do we refer them to others when we know where help can be accessed?

Whatever we do, we should remember that we never know when it might be us in need. With that in mind, how should we expect others to respond to us?

Whatsoever a man/woman sows, that only is what they can expect in return. Or to simplify this—whatever goes around, comes around. We can only receive what we are willing to give. Open your heart, your mind and sometimes—your wallet. Ask for wisdom in all things and then strive to do whatever is necessary to meet the needs of others.