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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Core Solution

by Millie Plastaras copyright 7/28/2009

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I
have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Have you ever heard the term "birds eye view"?
Think about this. You are on earth and you take flight
and as you go up in the air the further away from the
ground you rise the broader your view is.
Instead of seeing what is right in front of you,
you can see for miles and miles. It broadens your
vision of the world.

In our lives, our perspective is clouded by WHAT WE SEE.
But beyond what we see is a broader picture. One that
rises above our problems, the view of the world we have
or even the issues we carry.

The Bible says we walk by faith not by sight.
What we see, doesn't mean that there is
not something else on the way or that there is
no solution, or that God did not hear our prayers.
Faith is believing answers are on the way even
when we do not yet see them.

How can we as Christians rise above the daily
perspective we feed ourselves mentally or see in front of us?

The only way is rising above it. We have to take a broader
look at our situation than our mind set about it.

We realize there are things we can do nothing about.
Those burdens have to be left at the feet of God.
There is no compromise on this point. Don't carry
what is heavy, it is counterproductive to getting
anything done that day.

Things we can do something about we need to see
if our perspective of them is blurred by our own clouded
vision. What would Jesus have us do? How do other
people handle similar things that you find inspiring? Is
there a book on it that you can find inspiration or help
with your problem? What can we do to let go and move
on and prosper?

In other words, what are you doing to change your
situation?

Take a step back from your situation for a minute.
Realize the way you have been thinking about it.
Do you dwell in a discouraging negative attitude about your life?
Is your life filled with fear, that you did not recognize before,
but suddenly you realize how many things intimidate you?
Are you allowing the cares of your life to weigh you down?

Are there solutions for this? Absolutely! Can we accomplish
it all at one time? Probably not... but we can start, by
first praying to God, and asking him to show us a different
way to think about our situation and teach us how to
walk above the clouds in our thinking, with a broader
perspective and a heart open to change and teaching.

One step at a time, one day at a time, we can change
not only our mind set, but our goals, our thinking patterns,
and we can address these issues.

It is like a person whose home is cluttered. They cannot
tackle the whole home in one day, most feel overwhelmed.
But they can tackle a drawer at a time, or one desk top at
a time, and make order out chaos. One small step at a time.

Precious friend, are you carrying around more on your
shoulders today than you ought? As I woke up this
morning I heard from my daughter Tammi who is
suffering terribly and during the night had such trouble
breathing. My heart was so heavy for her, and I prayed
and cried out to God. I know I cannot change this for
her, or even fix it. Only God can. But neither can I sit
and let it wear me out.. I have to pray to God, and I have
to keep a wise perspective on it. Just as I do other
troubling situations in my life or the lives of others I know.

What I cannot fix, God is aware of and cares about.

The peace that passes all understanding only comes
from God, and only comes when we trust Him
and place Faith in his abilities, and stop trying to
control everything ourselves, or feel like everything
is out of control. Faith is trusting God has heard
and believing and waiting on that answer.

It may not always be in the form we expect, but God
hears and knows what is best.

What I am saying is... you cannot carry things you were
never meant to carry. Your strength is not in carrying
burdens, but in letting them go and giving them to God.
That frees us up mentally to accomplish something other
than worrying, and being afraid and feeling overwhelmed.

How? One step at a time.

Dear God, today there are many reading this devotion.
Each with a different set of circumstances, problems
and even perspective. Father I ask you to comfort them,
and show them ways they can change their lives. I ask
you remind them daily to come to you first in prayer,
not last. To seek your face. And to fill their heart
and mind with positive, hopeful thoughts, by first
planting that word of God in their spirit that they
might have fresh hope and inspiration daily.
Teach them to stay in your presence till they feel
peace... till they let go of what is bothering them
and upsetting them.

Help them to recognize when they are carrying
burdens, and are weighed down. Help them
to realize this is a puddle of mud mentally weighing
them down, paralyzing them from moving and thriving.
Father teach them to let go and trust you. Teach
them a brand new walk of trust and faith.

Help them to have new ways of thinking and ideas
on how to conquer their own fears, and things
they need to accomplish mentally and physically.
Teach them to set small goals that can be
accomplished and not to give up but have a broader
and strengthened perspective that we can do all
things through Christ, who STRENGTHENS US.

Give us fresh thoughts daily Father God, cleanse
us from anything that is harmful to our thinking
or not pleasing to you.

We lay our burdens at your feet today. Teach
us father, let us be open to change, and growth
and facing our own flaws and shortcomings.

Shine light in our soul
and cast out all darkness. Refresh us, and help
us to rise up and go forth in your strength and
make our life count, by letting go of those things
that weigh us down and receiving relief through
trust in you.

Help us to be a soldier for the Lord,
and not a defeated army mired in muddy waters
of thinking. Let our lives thrive and be free in you.

In Jesus precious name,
Amen.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Planning Ahead in God's Timing

Good Morning Everyone,

Have you ever started a task, and it seemed never ending?
It just seemed no matter how hard you worked, it didn't seem
like it would ever be done? But you persisted, and finally it was.
At the end, it was very gratifying to know you persisted
until you saw that job through. It also encourages you in future
pursuits, to keep working until the job is complete. You are
establishing a mental precident. Its a life changing thing to do.

What about a trip? When you are going someplace the
journey can seem fairly short if you are excited. But if
you are dreading something ahead wow, it can seem
like it is taking forever. You just don't know for sure
what the end result will be.

I am reminded, of how often we tell God how we think
our life should go, when we don't have the ability to
see 10 hours ahead much less 10 years. You see, the
secret is that only God knows what will happen down
the road, and He has the great insight to know what is
best for us.

I cannot think of a better reason to allow Him to be Lord
of our life. He knows how to deal with what we will
be dealing with. He has the perfect answer, and a resting
place when we get weary.

If you cannot see what is coming, if you are worried about
your future, or troubled about your life now, you must
learn that if you want to find peace, you have to stop
trying to control your situation and let go of it through prayer.

1. You may have to go to the Lord 50 times a day, and say
God I need help, this is too big for me. Please take this
from me, and work out your perfect will.

2. The next step is we learn to take our mind off it.

Everytime it comes up, we say, no, I am not going there, I gave it to God.
It will take practice, but it is programming our mind to
think differently.

3. Learn to enjoy what you do have, and quit looking at what
you don't.

4. Make plans for your day, find some useful thing to do.
Make a list, keeping busy really helps.

5. Find someone else to do things for, the best way to
forget your own problems is to do something for someone else.

6. If you are too weary to do any of the last 3, then you need
to go back to step one. :)

It is all a choice. Remember that the next time
you fill your day with worry. Even in the greatest
tragedies, we have a shelter in the storm, who
knows just how to navigate, protect and get us
to the other side of the storm safely.

Faith is believing the answer is on the way, even
when we cannot see anything happening yet.

I love you all dearly, and want you to know,
no matter how great your problems, or pain,
God is greater still.

Love Always
Millie

For the eyes of the Lord run to and from throughout the
whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of
them whose heart is perfect towards Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9

But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you,
and keep you from evil.
2 Thessalonians 3:3

He will keep the feet of His saints, and the wicked shall
be silent in darkness, for by strength shall no man prevail.
1 Samuel 2:9

For He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My
strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly
will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may
rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities,
in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses,
for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

It is only when we let go, that He can take over.







ENVISIONING THE END

Eight-year-old Frank had looked forward for weeks to this particular Saturday because his father had promised to take him fishing if the weather was suitable. There hadn't been any rain for weeks and as Saturday approached, Frank was confident of the fishing trip. But, wouldn't you know it, when Saturday morning dawned, it was raining heavily and it appeared that it would continue all day.

Frank wandered around the house, peering out the windows and grumbling more than a little. "Seems like the Lord would know that it would have been better to have the rain yesterday than today," he complained to his father who was sitting by the fireplace, enjoying a good book. His father tried to explain to Frank how badly the rain was needed, how it would make the flowers grow and bring much needed moisture to the farmers' crops. But Frank was adamant. "It just isn't right," he said over and over.

Then, about three o'clock, the rain stopped. Still time for some fishing, and quickly the gear was loaded and they were off to the lake. Whether it was the rain or some other reason, the fish were biting hungrily and father and son returned with a full string of fine, big fish.

At supper, when some of the fish were ready, Frank's mom asked him to say grace. Frank did - and concluded his prayer by saying, "And, Lord, if I sounded grumpy earlier today it was because I couldn't see far enough ahead."

By James Hewett

Sunday, July 19, 2009

The Long Walk

Good Morning Everyone,

As I read this story today, my heart was struck with the thought,
How far would we go to do something for Jesus.

I remember as a child, having various missionaries come to
our church and tell us about their work in foreign missions,
and the stories always fascinated me and inspired my heart
to do more for God. Often they brought me to tears, and a
longing to make a difference in this world.

I remember often praying God show me where you
want me to go and what you want me to do and I will follow you.

My young heart did not realize the full extent of that commitment.
Sometimes the cares and responsibilities of this life kept me tied
down from those great goals I had longed to achieve. Yet one
day I realized in the small and quiet corners of the day, we can
make a difference in the lives of others, by listening, by encouraging,
by praying for someone or even giving them something to minister
to their needs, whether, food, clothing, or a book to speak to their heart.

But my question to you is, how far are you willing to go to do as God asks?
What if it is inconvenient, are you willing to give up your time, or energy
or even your pride to humble yourself and go do as God asks today?

My friend, this is what it is about. In Romans 12:1-2 it tells us this is
our reasonable service, to make our bodies a living sacrifice to Christ.
Have you done this? Is He really Lord of your life, or a background
figure you call on when you have a need. We are to be new in
Christ, walking with him daily, talking to him and doing his will.

These are questions we all face and must answer, and they are so
vital, because we only have this one life. We are to be his hand
extended to others. My precious friend, take time to pray to God
today, rededicate yourself to Him and ask Him what he would have you
do, and then follow through. Even if the road is long and difficult.
It is what you are called to do, and the rewards are great,
and the people you are called to minister to, may have no one else
listening to God to come to them. What a great responsibility.

Make sure you are really following Him. Someone's soul
may hang in the balance. Someone who desperately needs prayer
today may not get it if you do not do it.

love
millie.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of all
the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies -
presenting all your members and faculties - as a living sacrifice,
holy (devoted , consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your
reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world to its external, superficial
customs. But be transformed (changed) by the entire renewal
of your mind - by its new ideals and its new attitude - so that you may
prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God,
even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect in His
sight for you.
Romans 12:1-2


"A Long Walk"

In a remote village in Central America the word got out among thepeoples of the region that one of the American missionaries that had served this country for many years was about to return to the US to live our the remaining years of her life.The nationals desired to honor her for her years of service with a public time of appreciation. News of the event went to all parts of the country in which the missionary was known to the people.

One very old and very poor man walked to the ceremony over mountainous terrain for 4 days to bring his gift to the missionary.The gift consisted of 2 coconuts, but it was all the man had.

The missionary recognized the man as coming from the remote village in the mountains."Brother, I cannot believe that you would walk so far to present me with this gift," said the missionary to the man.

His response? "Long walk part of gift."

--Author Unknown

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Healing Broken Relationships Part 2

Copyright Millie Plastaras 3/2002

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation,
old things have passed away; behold; all things have
become new. Now all things are of God who has
reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ,
and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world
to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them,
and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-19

We have been discussing how broken relationships
can alter all of our other relationships, as we pick up
qualities that can embitter us, make us defensive,
or build a pattern of avoidance of future relationships.

Basically we become crippled, emotionally and
spiritually. New relationships don't change that
because we are carrying around baggage from the old ones.

It would stand to reason that as Christians we would
want our life to shine as a light, a witness of Jesus
Christ and his teachings for loving others, and forgiveness.
Unconditional. No excuses.
This requires releasing the prideful, clinging to the past
thinking that we as humans tend to practice when we
have been hurt.

Let us look at some positive ways to overcome this
disease of the heart and emotions.

For there to be reconciliation, or a healing in a relationship
we must first of all be willing to sit down and listen.

My husband and I once went to counseling many years
ago, when he was really dealing with some anger issues.
And the counsellor would have each of us say one
sentence about how we were feeling. And the person
we told it to, would have to repeat it back word for word.
At that time, my husband could not repeat it at all. Why?
Because He was not listening. He had closed ears.
And at times, I know I did too. It was amazing to me
that he actually did not hear any word I said, but filtered
it through what he THOUGHT I said.

Imagine the communication problems this causes.
Do you think this problem is happening in your life and
relationships?

This is one of the main downfalls in relationships.
We would rather blame the other person and have them
be at fault, than admit our own faults and work together
to heal the situation. Everyone wants to be right, and no one
wants to be wrong.

If we persist in that kind of reasoning, there can be no
reconciliation.

1. Recognize good communication is key.

Both people must be willing to sit down, and talk, and
open their ears to what is in the other persons heart.
It is not important for you to be right.
It is not important for you to get the last word in.
It is not important for you to feel better than the
other person.
It is not important to cling to what others have done
to us. What is done is done, what will we do to make
today a better day, and this relationship a better one?
Heal it or sit around and be angry and hurt?

2. Recognize the importance of forgiveness in
the eyes of God and in healing your own spirit.

The word of God tells us if we do not forgive others,
God will not forgive us. He considers it that serious!
It would stand to reason that we better take it seriously.

Remember the other person is hurt too, they need healing too,
they are human too, they need love too, they have faults
too. You are both … in need of healing, and must find a
meeting place, where you can talk in a peaceful manner.

3. Recognize the other person's humanness, that they
also have burdens, and pains, and flaws.

Common Ground. A place to meet. We are human and
flawed, let us forgive and stop looking at each other's faults.

We should always try to put ourselves in the other
persons situation or viewpoint. Try to figure out where
they are coming from and see how that might feel if
you were them. This helps us to have more compassion
and understanding, rather than the prideful position that
everything is their fault.

Basically, we are looking beyond their faults, and their
flaws, into their needs and personal desires for their lives.

4. Recognize how you speak to others, and make
it filled with discretion and wisdom.

Use words in your discussion that are not accusatory.
In other words, say I think I understand how you are feeling,
and repeat what you think they are saying. Then tell them
how you are feeling, without telling them how bad you
think they are. Fault finding and finger pointing do not
lead to reconciliation, they lead to anger.

5. Recognize that you need to change yourself.

This is the
only thing you have power over. It is not your job to change,
fix, point the finger at or otherwise judge someone else.
That is God's job. We just need to work on our attitude.


6. Recognize that when you seek healing, and forgiveness,
you are following Jesus concepts.

This should bring
a peace to your spirit, knowing you are humbling yourself,
and seeking to grow spiritually by learning to forgive.
Unconditionally, no excuses.

7. If all else fails get a mediator.

Sometimes when we do all of these things, we find that
we are still at an impasse with this person. Sometimes,
no one is willing to back down. In this particular instance,
a mediator from the church would be scriptural.
Ask someone who is loving and objective to pray with you
and try to help resolve this. Both parties should be willing
to do this. If someone doesn't try to solve the situation,
you will both be in a position of unforgiveness and that
is not healthy. Someone has to be the mature in
the situation. Someone has to have compassion.

8. Set healthy boundaries. Sometimes we need to forgive
but it may not be healthy to be close to that person for a time.

WE must also recognize that sometimes people do
things that are very hurtful and destructive. WE must
still find it within our hearts to forgive them. But we
must also use wisdom, and set boundaries in our
relationship with them. This means we should be loving
and kind to them, but not give them opportunity to take
advantage of us again. We have to set standards
in a loving, gentle manner. We still want Jesus to show
through in the way we treat others.

9.Apologizing is vital.

Even if you feel you might not have
been wrong.
Recognize that you cannot make excuses.
Don't try to justify your actions.
Don't blame the other person.
Accept responsibility for your own actions.
This is how relationships begin to heal.
When people are brave enough to admit their
own faults, rather than feeling the need to point
out everyone else's faults.

Forgiveness starts in the mind, works its way to the
heart, and then, goes to the throne of God,
where we find healing for our own mind, emotions
and spirits.

It is literally a choice.

What choice are you making tonight?
How long are you going to hold on to that hurt?
And is it working for you?

I am sure it is not.
Then you have a choice. Go on in this pain,
or forgive them.

I hope this helps you face your own internal pain
and actually do something about it. You will never
regret it.. you will feel so free and unencumbered in your
spirit... it is a gift.

love always
millie

Monday, July 13, 2009

Healing Broken Relationships Part 1

copyright 9/22/2002
Millie Plastaras

Sometimes in our relationships we run into a situation
that is so hurtful, or strife filled, or we just don't seem
to be able to compromise. When this happens we have
2 ways to go, the right way or the wrong way.

We choose the way of the spirit of offense or a prayerful journey
into wisdom. This is the true test of a Christian, because
it shows the desire to please God and treat others correctly
by following the teachings of Jesus. Which clearly
teaches us to love one another, no matter what.

So today we are going to discuss some of the symptoms
we can experience when our heart turns towards
incorrect decisions about relationships and inner
healing.

When you have heart problems, you go to a cardiologist
so he can give you tests to see what is happening
that is making your heart not work correctly.

When your heart is hurting, we go to the one who
created it, so He can show us how to heal ourselves
and our relationships.

Please read this prayerfully, carefully, with
an open mind, and seek God's wisdom. Because
the day we shut God out, when we get hurt, is the
day the devil gets a foothold in our minds and spirit.
And it mushrooms, and takes root, until it becomes
a root of bitterness and the spirit of offense.

It will thereafter change every relationship,
every decision and every thought you have.

This is your checklist.. if you see these symptoms,
Truly, you must address them, and go to the Lord in
prayer for guidance and wisdom.

1. Pride.

Do I focus on how much I have been wronged?

This is a common problem. We have someone say
something hurtful, or they neglect us, or forget to
include us. Our feelings get hurt and we spend days
rehearsing what was said to us, or what we should have
said to others. Or how we should have told them off.
Or how dare they? Then.. it becomes our focus.
Rather than prayer.

Pride is the downfall of a Christian. Pride comes before
a fall. Pride, does not enhance relationships, or you.
It defeats your purpose in having a servants heart before
God.

2. Faultfinding.

Do I rehearse and look at the faults of others constantly?

Why is it when someone is different from us, we look
at that difference like it makes them a failure or not as
good as us? You see my friends, we were all made different!
This was God's plan. Wow. Why are we fighting it then?
Do we expect everyone to be a clone of us? Do we expect
people to meet our expectations or rescue us? Do we
expect constant attention, or they are not our friends?

This is a sign of immaturity emotionally and spiritually.
And we must learn to accept people wherever they are
emotionally or spiritually. And if we disagree, or are
unhappy with it. We need to be loving and kind and pray
about it. And ask God to give us wisdom about what
WE are doing wrong. Not about fixing the other person.
If the person has been cruel or unkind, we need to pray
for them. Jesus said pray for your enemies. That
takes courage and a servants heart. Not thinking
about me, me, me. But what would Jesus want me to do.

3. Avoidance.

Do I avoid being around people with whom I have conflicts?

This is a human and natural reaction. But it is not healthy.
And so many people do it now, they do not know how
to overcome it. People write each other off as if they
were nothing. AS if their feelings did not count.
We must reach out, love them, and let go of whatever
has hurt us. We have to move on. If we do not move on,
it doesn't hurt the person who hurt us.
IT HURTS US. Make no mistake. You are being
robbed spiritually! You are in slavery to unforgiveness!

4. Silence.

Do I refuse to share my feelings in a healthy way?

Do you shut people out when you have been hurt?
For a time, perhaps that is normal. But I think withdrawing
to pray, seek guidance, or give yourself a bit to cool off
is OK. What is not OK is to withdraw and become reclusive
surrounding yourself with a wall to protect yourself
from getting hurt again.

It's normal to feel hurt for a time when we have been
let down or seen disappointment in the way others treat us.
This is just the reality of life and relationships.
But.. as Christians.. we are to be focusing on the positive,
kind forgiving side of life. Not on holding grudges, and
counting old hurts like stacks of coins. This is so
self defeating. And it keeps us from having one healthy
relationship. We have to learn to move past the hurt
into healing.

Just move on! Don't cling to that which hurts you
and others. Its not a treasure... its a bondage... LET GO!

5. Isolation.

Do I withdraw emotionally?

Almost everyone I know anymore does. This is so
prevalent, that we actually see whole families avoiding
each other forever. My friends, this ought not to be so.
God has called us to a spirit of reconciliation. WE cannot
reach anyone for Christ if we hide every time we get hurt.

WE have to look at the bigger picture. WE have
one life. WE can spend it on licking our wounds,
or we can spend it seeking ways to heal them.
What choice are you making?

6. Unfaithfulness.

Do I share unnecessary information about my opposer?

Do you feel you need to tell others how badly someone
hurt you, so you look better than the offender?
This is really a problem that keeps the relationship from
healing. We go behind someone's back, and talk about
their faults. Yet, hey.. we all have them.
I have at least 22 faults, don't you? Let us rather laugh
about it.. and say.. you know what. I have done things
wrong too. Let us forgive one another, and love each
other while we have time.

7. Hopelessness.

Do I lack faith that God can work in any situation?

Do you give up on people? Do you give up on your
situation? What next? Sit around and feel defeated,
alone and a victim the rest of your days?

What next?
If we give up, there is nothing next! WE have created
an impossible situation in our minds. Our minds
being the spiritual battlefield of our souls.
We must be vigilant about fighting hopelessness.

The next step is poor me, and a feeling of being a
permanent victim in life.

God said we are victorious. And we become that
way by receiving what he has for us. By dwelling
in His presence. By building our faith in Him, by
reading His word, by reading the testimonies of
others and how they have overcome things.
Nothing is impossible with God.

We must walk in faith.
Not in defeat.

8. Resentment.

Do I hold on to my anger until it turns to bitterness?
This can be so common in relationships, and marriages.
When you fight, unless you have the courage to talk
through it, forgive others, you never move on. For the
rest of your days, you stay in the same place emotionally.
Crippled by hurt.

This is not where God called us to be.
And it does not reflect Faith.
It reflects a lack of time spent with Him, growing in Faith.

We cannot allow resentment to become part of our
arsenal to use when people hurt us. It is not important
to resent someone.

It is important to forgive them.
Because.. if we don't we get hurt more, and do not forgive
spiritual life comes to a standstill.

Then things can only get worse.
We must fight this. And fight the spirit of offense that
comes from being hurt.

The Bible tells us to pursue peace, actively.
Are you pursuing peace?
Are you pursuing hurt?

What is your daily agenda?
Be honest.
Who is your master today?
And...wouldn't you love to be healed of all this
pain and hurt?

We will continue this tomorrow.
As we discuss some constructive ways of healing
our relationships.

Spend time in prayer tonight my friends.
God has big plans for you. Allow Him to work in your
heart. Let go of the past. Today is a new day.

WE must be transformed from the ways of the world,
into Godly thinking.

Forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.
I press towards the goal for the prize of the high calling
of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13b, 14

remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last

Sunday, July 05, 2009

He Is Still In Control! Trust!

copyright Millie Plastaras 3/3/2003

My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
I have spoken it,
I will also bring it to pass;
I have purposed it,
I will also do it!
Isaiah 46:10b,11B

Recently our family has faced new challenges,
and from the mail I get, I see many of you out
there are going through your own struggles in
many areas. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed
when it all comes to mind. So when things were
on my mind a lot.. I know I need to pray.

So as I sat praying, and seeking the Lord,
I heard Him say, I am still God.
Do you doubt me, is there anything too hard for me?

I have not changed. I am still in control.
I still am with you when you go through deep waters.
I am still with you in the night watches when illness
closes in and pain overwhelms. I am there with you
even then. I am with you when there is not enough
money to go around, I see your need, and will supply.
There is nothing too hard for me.
No matter what need shall arise, I am there.
I was there before the foundations of the world,
I shall never leave you nor forsake you.

I am still God!

I kept thinking all day about that phrase.
I am still God!

How quickly we tend to forget. We let the cares of
this life, guilt or hurt from the past rob us from the
presence of God, and from enjoying today.

I ask you this my friend, Is He not still God?
What does that mean to you? Is He a 9/11 God you
only pray to in emergencies.. just in case he might answer?
Or do you recognize the God of the Universe who is
all powerful and created all things, yet is mindful of
every hair on your head, and every need you have,
every place you have ever been, every word you have
ever said. Yet his love and mercies are new every
morning. Who else loves you like this?

Are you making God too small?

Fear not, for I have redeemed you,
I have called you by your name.
You are mine!
(hallelujah)
When you pass through the waters, I WILL be with you,
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be
burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I AM the Lord your God.
Isaiah 43:1-3

So why do we forget He is still God.
Why do we try to put Him in a little box
of predictability? Why do we try to control our
own situation? And why do we not seek to
control our thinking?

God is God, nothing is impossible with Him.
His promises are endless to those who seek
His face and do His will..

For the Lord God will help me, therefore I will not
be confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
Isaiah 50:7

God will help us. If we do not feel His provision and
promises, if we feel we are in a desert, we need to
go to prayer. If you pray. And then you are still
and just sit in His presence, He is there. He will
speak to your heart. But you have to be listening.
And you have to be His. In the stillness of those
moments we find refreshing and comfort.
Our Abba Father is on the throne.

Even when we feel utterly alone, and abandoned.
He is there. His mercies are new every morning.
This alone should refresh us! Each day is
bright, clean and new. Yesterday and
it's hurts are gone. Yesterday' s sorrows are gone.
Today is a new day, a new day to seek God,
and see what He can do in our lives.

Do not dwell in the pit of sorrows, or the
anguish of your problems. Do not allow your
head to be downcast. Look unto the clouds.
From whence comes your help.
Your help comes from the Lord God
who made heaven and earth!

Therefore you are my witnesses says the Lord,
That I AM GOD.
Indeed before the day was , I AM HE.
and there is no one who can deliver out of my hand.
I work, and who will reverse it?
Isaiah 43:12-13

My friend. Is He not still God?
Are you trying to make him small, by your
doubting and Fears?
He is almighty God.
Praise Him saints.

He is still on the throne.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary, and
they shall walk and shall not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly
wait for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:26

But if we hope for that we see not,
then we do with patience wait for it. (this is called faith)
Romans 8:25

Hallelujah. He is still God.

JUST TRUST.

remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

The Urgency of Prayer

copyright Millie Plastaras 7/1/2009

Before you read this, let me premise it with this thought:
We are to sharpen one another spiritually. If something
challenges you spiritually to change, and grow, and
recognize your flaws spiritually, it is a help.. to grow
in Christ. We should not neglect such concepts
even if we feel ashamed, or defensive or angry someone
would dare challenge us. A servant of Christ
has to be open to growth, and change.

Recently I was in a chat room, which I rarely am anymore,
and a person I had known for a while inquired as to my health.
Looking back now.. I wonder if it was a polite question
and a honest response was not particularly welcome.

I expressed that I had chronic pain and some other problems,
but that I was in good spirits, and was at peace with my situation.
But then I mentioned my daughter who has developed
some very severe symptoms, and she is in my heart and
prayers constantly. In the last two years she has
developed neurological problems, very unexpectedly,
and at 44 she is now using a walker. Before you stop
reading now.. the point of this whole devotion is how
often we neglect prayer and the need for compassion
for others. Please don't stop reading now.. this is a
timely and important message for us all.

When I asked in the chat if anyone would pray.. out of
36 people fighting over religion...only 2 offered to pray for
my daughter. I repeated it again, and got 1 more offer.
Astounding to me. Here we are fighting about God,
churches and having this need to persuade people
over our "religious" way of thinking and yet we
are neglecting the most basic of our duties. To love
one another as God loves us. Are we our brother's keeper?
Absolutely! We are to be pray for the needs of one another
and carry one another's burdens.

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will
fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

How many of you can say you are carrying anyone
else's burdens for them? My guess is one out of 100.
Honestly. We have become detached, uncaring,
far too busy to be ministering to the personal needs
of one another.. and to be honest.. some don't want
to be bothered and don't want to hear it!! (At this
point, please review your own attitude, and see
where you fit in this)

How many people did you pass by today,
or know were going through something but you were too busy?

Towards the end of conversation, a lady came
in the room, and said why are you always worried?
You should be praying. Here she had just come in,
and honestly, I am not sure she wanted to know the
full scope of what I was talking about. Does anyone?
Does anyone care about those who are hurting
or suffering, or is it too heavy for you to bear?

Was it about me worrying, or having a heart
that is turned in compassion for those whose
suffering I see. My heart is constantly lifting
them in prayer. They need comfort and hope!

What if Christ had felt this way when He was asked
to bear all our filthy sins and diseases and illnesses
upon himself upon the cruel cross? What if he had said "sorry,
I am too busy, you can die in your sins." Sorry, I am too
busy I cannot bear your burdens, or listen to your heartaches.
Sorry, I have to go visit with my disciples.. maybe next week,
make a appointment ok? Let's keep in touch.

Would He have done this? No.. He had a servants heart,
a call from God on his life, and he was obedient unto death.

What are you obedient unto? Who are you putting first in
your life? What is your first priority?

Is this important? ABSOLUTELY. It affects every
area of your life and ever relationship you will
ever have or ever have had.

If our gospel is hid.. it is hid to the lost and dying... and
if you cannot take the time out for them.. your christianity is
in vain. You are not about your Father's business.

It is that simple.

My friends, each of you has burdens, each of you
has heartaches, a past, each of you is lonely, or hurting.
How can we neglect each other and be so busy?
What could be so consuming we would forget about
basic human needs for prayer and compassion.

For any of you who care to know.. this is what
is happening to my daughter.
Click here: YouTube - Bad Episode
This is not her, but it is exactly what she is going through.
If any of you finish this video and are not moved to
compassion I would be shocked. There is suffering
in this world, beyond what anyone should bear.

Let us be about our Father's business, let us love
one another and carry burdens, and pray for each
other daily, and keep a open heart and listening ears
for those in need. How can we do less than the best for
the master?

love
millie