Bridging the Global "Communication Gap"

 I recall when the power of the “world-wide-web” really hit me.

My church, here in Nashville TN, helped build and supports the Nigerian Christian Institute in Nigeria, West Africa. We have been involved in this ministry since 1986.

The means of communication was as follows:

Our church leadership and minister would make decisions about our support (i.e., building a new dormitory). My minister would send a U.S. Postal Express Mail Letter to the headmaster in Nigeria (asking for cost estimates; type of dormitory needed, construction layout, etc.) Arrival time was approximately 3 weeks.

The headmaster in Nigeria would answer the letter and mail it back, taking another 3 weeks.

Thus, decisions about growth of this ministry were taking about 6-8 weeks at a time.

While on a visit there with my church in 1997, the headmaster’s daughter and I brainstormed about ways we could best help this ministry. (She had attended a Christian college in the U.S. and had returned home to assist the school. I was the Staff Assistant at our church.) The school had just gotten internet access. We realized that we could help “bridge the gap” of communication between the school and the church.

When we returned to the U.S., initially, the routine was: 

She would email me communications from her father, the headmaster. I would print it and deliver to my minister, who would then discuss with our leadership. (Our church did not have internet access at that time.) I would them email a response from my minister back to the headmaster's daughter to deliver to her father. This helped shave response time from 6-8 weeks to approximately 3-4 weeks.

However, when my minister & the headmaster realized they could email each other DIRECTLY and exchange ideas & information – both the headmaster’s daughter & I were quietly eliminated from the equation. We were happy to do so…J

Communication, in the past, that was taking 6-8 weeks – was now happening INSTANTLY. Needless to say, the ministry in Nigeria grew tremendously & rapidly and continues to do so even today.

This highlighted several notions for me. First, communication is powerful and transcends globally. And finally, the world is actually smaller and more connected than we may realize and becoming more so every day...

Answers to Our Prayers

The practice of prayer is so profound that it required a second indepth exploration.

How many of you have actually “prayed on your knees” or “knelt in prayer?” We sing songs about it. We use it in our cliches. Have you actually done it? It’s a position of humility. Prayer is a PRIVATE conversation with you and God.

Most people use this time to ask for things?  Guess What?

GOD is not Santa Claus!  HE is so much bigger than this!

Oftentimes, we don’t like the answer we get.

 Sometimes it is:  Yes

 Sometimes it is:  No

 Sometimes it is:  Not Now.

Regardless, we have to thank HIM anyway and accept the answer.

If the answer is Yes…thankful for answered prayers.

If the answer is No…it may mean that it is not in your best interest or part of God’s Master Plan.

If the answer is Not Now…it may mean “be patient. I have something better in store for you.”

God is your “Most Trusted Confidante’.”

You don’t need to go on a Reality TV show or blast everything on Facebook. God already knows what your prayer is.

HE wants to see your sincerity, your raw honesty, and how “effective & fervent” you are…your persistence in “praying without ceasing.” HE wants to see your faith & patience to wait on Him.

“Prayer” is mentioned 184 times in the Bible. (NKJV)

http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?version=NKJV&search=prayer&searchtype=all&language1=en&spanbegin=1&spanend=73&resultspp=250

A few scriptures include:

Psalm 54:2 - Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth.

Matthew 21:22 - And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Romans 12:12 - rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Philippians 4:6 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Colossians 4:2 - Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

1 Peter 4:7 - But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

Another question I pondered regarding the practice of praying: 

Why collective or group prayer?

James 5:16 (NKJV): “…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (Imagine the power of more than one righteous man?)

2 Corinthians 9:14 - and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.

1 Thessalonians 1:2 - We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

As we all strive to deepen and enhance our prayer life, always keep this poem in mind: 

Prayers Can’t Be Answered Unless They Are Prayed

 – Helen Steiner Rice

A life without purpose is barren indeed;

There can't be a harvest unless you plant seed.

There can't be attainment unless there's a goal;

A man's but a robot unless there's a soul.

If we send no ships out;

No ships will come in.

And unless there's a contest;

Nobody can win.

For games can't be won unless they are played,

and Prayers Can’t Be Answered Unless They Are Prayed!

So whatever is wrong with your life today,

You'll find a solution if you kneel down and pray.

Not just for pleasure, enjoyment and health,

Not just for honors, prestige and wealth.

But pray for a purpose to make life worth living,

And pray for the joy of unselfish giving.

For great is your gladness and rich is your reward,

When you make your life's purpose the choice of the Lord.

True Essence of Prayer

It seems lately that so many people I love, know, and don’t know are all dealing with, what my minister often calls, “the vicissitudes of life.”

Vicissitude is defined as “a favorable or unfavorable event or situation that occurs by chance : a fluctuation of state or condition <thevicissitudes of daily life>” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vicissitude

We are often given the directive to “pray” or “ask for prayer”, especially in times of sickness or unexpected events..

We “Bless Our Food” before meals out of habit. We quote "The Lord’s Prayer,” and “The Serenity Prayer” out of memory. We can quote the 23^rd Psalm because we memorized it in Sunday School, as a child. Oftentimes, the same prayers are repeated over and over again during the Order of Worship on Sunday out of habit and familiarity.

It made me reflect more deeply about prayer, what it is and what it does.

Prayer is defined “(as a petition) to God...in word or thought; a set order of words used in praying; an earnest request or wish;  

(Concise Encyclopedia) explains prayer as:  Silent or spoken petition made to God... Prayer has been practiced in all religions throughout history. Its characteristic postures (bowing the head, kneeling, prostration) and position of the hands (raised, outstretched, clasped) signify an attitude of submission and devotion. Prayer may involve confessions of sin, requests, thanks, praise, offerings of sacrifice, or promises of future acts of devotion. In addition to spontaneous private prayer, most religions have fixed formulas of prayer (e.g., the Lord's Prayer), often recited in group worship. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prayer

Often, during worship, I have grown up hearing this scripture in regards to prayer:

James 5:16 (NKJV) says: “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

I always wondered what the difference is in "just praying" and praying an “effective, fervent prayer.”

Effective is defined as “producing a result that is wanted; starting at a particular time; producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect; impressive, striking; ready for service or action; actual; “  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effective

Fervent is defined as “felt very strongly; having or showing very strong feelings; very hot; glowing; exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling; zealous” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fervent

Therefore, we are to pray with the intent of “producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect, that is ”zealous, felt very strongly and marked by great intensity of feeling.”

Another one is:

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV): “Pray without ceasing,”

Cease is defined as “to stop happening; to end; to stop doing (something); to cause to come to an end especially gradually; no longer continue." The opposite or antonyms are "continue, hang on, persist”  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cease

Basically, this is saying to pray WITHOUT stopping or ending. We are to continue, hang on, & persist.

Oftentimes, we are guilty of just saying “I’ll pray for you” or “please pray for me.” This is not something we should say or do casually.

Let’s make a very conscious decision to be very focused, intense, heart-felt, consistent, and sincere about PRAYER. It is our own personal, continuous conversation with GOD…

“Because You Loved Me…”

We are often reminded of the song sang by Celine Dion in the epic movie Titantic.  Some of the lyrics are:

"You gave me wings and made me fly.

You touched my hand, I could touch the sky.

I lost my faith, you gave it back to me.

You said no star was out of reach.

You stood by me and I stood tall.

I had your love, I had it all.

I'm grateful for each day you gave me.

Maybe, I don't know that much,

But I know this much is true.

I was blessed because,

I was loved by you.

You were my strength when I was weak.

You were my voice when I couldn't speak.

You were my eyes when I couldn't see.

You saw the best there was in me.

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach.

You gave me faith 'cause you believed.

I'm everything I am,

Because you loved me."

http://www.metrolyrics.com/because-you-loved-me-lyrics-celine-dion.html

As I manage health challenges, I am now more empathetic to the care, kindness, and dignity given to others, especially the elderly.

Many often remain silent about their challenges, feeling guilty for asking for or accepting assistance. They say things like,“I didn’t want to be a bother.”

Insincere "caregivers" make excuses for helping their loved ones or others, such as:

“Well, if I don’t, what would people say?”

“I have to. It’s my Christian Duty.”

“Well, I have to. She is my aunt.” (or daughter, mother-in-law, son, friend)

I now understand why some choose to be put into an Assisted Living Center or a Nursing Home. The employees are TRAINED & PAID to take care of them, uphold their dignity, & maintain confidentiality of their private, daily care.

I know that I personally do for others because I love them. Not because I should or have to. I just feel overwhelmed to encourage, motivate, and be kind to others. I have witnessed others doing kind things to other people. They smile and say that they feel "blessed being able to be a blessing to someone else." 

Luke 6:35 (NKJV) says: “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”

The future is uncertain for all of us. However, I do make a personal request:
PLEASE...don’t do anything for me because you feel obligated or that it’s your “Christian Duty”, or you are afraid of what people may say if you don’t. Please do for me…

...BECAUSE YOU LOVE ME…

“Do You Hear Me?”

One of the most valuable skills anyone can learn is Listening. 

Although it is a simple skill, it is very challenging to master it. What I find amazing is that you don't need a college degree or any certification to learn this skill. You just have to be quiet...stop talking...close your mouth...or in the words of my Great Aunt Susie,"Hursh!" (not Hush J)

Listen is defined as: ”to pay attention to someone or something in order to hear what is being said, sung, played, etc.; to hear what someone has said and understand that it is serious, important, or true; to hear something with thoughtful attention; give consideration.”  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listen

We are a society that has a lot to say, but does not listen. Oftentimes, we don’t have time or we are too busy.

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to reply.” – Stephen Covey

I have experienced profound examples of Listening:

Tennessee State Senator Thelma Harper has the uncanny ability to look intently into your eyes when you are talking to her. She gives you her “undivided attention.” Once I wanted to share some personal, good news with her. However, she was speaking with someone else. As I quietly tried to back away, she grabbed my arm – to acknowledge my presence & to let me know she wanted to talk to me—yet, she still maintained eye-contact with the person she was speaking to. I thought this simple gesture was so awe-inspiring..

Dr. David Jones, Jr., my minister, of approximately 1,400 members, is often bombarded with other members wanting to speak with him after our Sunday School Class and before he preaches the next sermon. Oftentimes, I would just pat him on the back to say “Hello” and try to move on. He has the instinctive ability to respond to you – all the while, honoring the person he is still speaking with. He doesn't interrupt you when you are speaking and pauses to think about what you said before responding. I find this to be very profound...

There are others who I now realize, over the years, to be gifted with the art of listening. I am inspired by them.

People want to be acknowledged, affirmed, and validated.

Oprah Winfrey often says that after interviewing over 30,000 people in the last 25+ years & no matter how famous or rich they were, she has come to realize that all people have one basic need and that is VALIDATION. We all need to have the answers to 3 fundamental questions. They are: “Do You SEE ME? Do You HEAR ME? Does What I say MATTER?”

Other powerful quotes to live by include:

• “Speak in such a way that others want to listen to you. Listen in such a way that others want to speak to you.” – unknown

• “The word LISTEN has the same letters as the word SILENT.” – Alfred Brendal

• “Listen to a person when they look at you, not just when they are talking to you.” – Rachel Wolchin

• “The quieter you become the more you can hear.” – unknown

The skill of listening is a very vital one in communicating with the Lord.

The word “listen” is used 146 times in the Bible. (NKJV)  http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=listen&version=NKJV&searchtype=all&startnumber=1

Some verses include:

Deuteronomy 13:18 - because you have listened to the voice of the Lord your God, to keep all His commandments which I command you today,…

Proverbs 19:20 - Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.

Isaiah 21:7 – …And he listened earnestly with great care.

Isaiah 28:23 - Give ear and hear my voice, Listen and hear my speech.

Jeremiah 29:12 - Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

Malachi 3:16 - Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them…;

As I continue to be awakened, enlightened, and have “light-bulb moments” on this journey we call LIFE, I find that listening and wisdom have a lot in common: 

 “Wisdom has 2 parts: Having a lot to say; Not saying it.” – unknown

”I Can See Clearly Now…”

I Can See Clearly Now is a song written and recorded by Johnny Nash. It was released in 1972, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 List.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Can_See_Clearly_Now

Most of us remember it for its optimistic lyrics.

“I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,

I can see all obstacles in my way.

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind,

It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)

Sun-Shiny day.

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone,

All of the bad feelings have disappeared.

Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin for,

It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)

Sun-Shiny day.

Look all around, there’s nothing but blue skies.

Look straight ahead, nothing but blue skies.”

http://www.metrolyrics.com/i-can-see-clearly-now-lyrics-jimmy-cliff.html

For almost every human being, life is about navigating through three stages. Either you are “Entering a Storm”; “In a Storm”; or “Exiting a Storm.” The key is to enjoy the sunshine & the rainbows, particularly before you enter and as you exit.

However, the truly enlightened people learn how to find gratitude, peace, & contentment, even in the midst of life’s storms.

Sometimes, it takes a “storm”, such as health issues, job loss, divorce, death, auto accident, etc., to help you wash away guilt & uncertainty; gain clarity of purpose; & feel grateful & thankful.

I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s closing appeal of remaining steadfast & united to the saints in Jesus Christ in Philippi. In Philippians 4:4-13 (NIV), he tells them:

To Rejoice:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

To Not be Stressed:

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

To be Content:

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

To be Confident:

13 I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4&version=NIV

Personally, I have been in “a storm” for the past year or so, managing an unexpected & devastating (to me) health diagnosis. However, through my faith; supportive family & friends; and an amazing church family; I am beginning to see specks of the rainbow. The “rain has not totally gone”, the “pain has not totally gone”, nor have the “blue skies” totally emerged.

Nevertheless, with my trust in God, I find myself quietly humming:

“It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) Sun-Shiny day…” J

“The Walking Dead”

There is a very popular TV Drama Series called The Walking Dead. It is a science-fiction, horror based on the post-apocalyptic premise of the world being infiltrated by “Zombies.”

A Zombie is“a person who moves very slowly and is not aware of what is happening especially because of being very tired; a dead person who is able to move because of magic according to some religions and in stories, movies, etc.” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zombie

Unfortunately, it is becoming more of a figurative “reality.”

As I continue down my own personal, spiritual journey, I am being awakened daily by new insights, understandings, clarity, and “Ah-Ha” moments.

Since I am forced to “slow-my-roll” due to health challenges, it has afforded me the unique opportunity to observe & “pay attention.”

I see people operating their lives on “automatic pilot.” (This is the mode that airplanes are put in so that they can fly without any assistance from the pilot.)

Their routine is similar to this:  Wake Up – Get Kid off to School – Get to Work – Leave Work – Pick up Kids – Cook Dinner – Get everyone else off to bed – Go to bed…REPEAT…

I find myself looking into sad, empty, lifeless eyes…

I see people ONLY focused on money, material things, status, & what other people think about them.

THEN there are those….who are not "Zombies." They are vibrant & alive.They have a peaceful “aura” about them. They have a "twinkle in their eyes." They are smiling, even when in pain. They are grateful, even when experiencing grief. They live their lives with grace, simplicity, and prayerful expectation. They exhibit pure, unwavering faith in the Lord and His promises. They have a very clear understanding of the hymn, “this world is not my home. I’m just passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.” They live by Romans 12:2 (NKJV): “And do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” They radiate serenity & contentment. They have learned to live in the moment.

Most of us are “asleep.” Yet, others have managed to “wake up.” 

I believe that for most of my life, I have been “dozing off.”  The Lord is allowing Life to nudge me. I am beginning to fully “wake up.” 

Ask Yourself:  Are You...Wide Awake, Slowly-Waking-Up, or Fast Asleep?...

Your Gift of 86,400 Seconds…

We are living in a world that is running amuck. Satan has us believing we are “entitled” to have whatever we want when we want it. We are lacking gratitude and appreciation of the simplest of things.  The world is increasing in selfishness, greed, and pure evil.

I now have a deeper understanding of Psalms 23:4-6 (NKJV):

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil; For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.”

And faith and eager anticipation from the final affirmation:

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord: Forever.”

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2023&version=NKJV

We are all blessed by God way more than any of us deserves…

I saw this quote that says: “GOD gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say ‘Thank You?’ ” – William A. Ward

Here are a few of my "seconds" of THANKS:

THANK YOU…for the pain from this leg cramp at 3:00 a.m. It means I can still feel.

THANK YOU…for this cane and my limping. It means I can still walk.

THANK YOU…for this devastating health diagnosis. It has given me a whole, new perspective on life.

THANK YOU…for waking me up this morning. Many were not allowed this opportunity.

THANK YOU…for Jesus Christ. He has given me a deeper understanding of what LOVE really is.

THANK YOU…for the unpredictable weather. It puts me in awe of your infinite power.

THANK YOU…for the roof over my head; food in my refrigerator; & clothes in my closet. You are providing my basic need of food-clothing-shelter.

THANK YOU…for NOT allowing me to be obsessed with material things. You are reminding me that “this world is not my home.”

THANK YOU…for allowing me to grow older. Many were not afforded this privilege.

THANK YOU…for helping me love people “where they are”…and not where I think they should be.

THANK YOU…for making me aware of my Spiritual Journey & Walk with YOU…and giving me time to figure it out.

THANK YOU…for helping me focus on living “a life well-lived” instead of “the good life.” The next second, minute, hour, day, week, month, or year is not promised.

How are you going to say “Thank You” with your gift of 86,400 seconds today?

“I Want To Know What Love Is…”

I am reminded of the music group Foreigner’s heart-felt song I Want To Know What Love Is. A few of the lyrics are:

"I'm gonna take a little time

A little time to look around me,

I've got nowhere left to hide

It looks like love has finally found me

In my life, there's been heartache and pain

I don't know if I can face it again

I can't stop now, I've traveled so far

To change this lonely life

I wanna know what love is

I want you to show me

I wanna feel what love is

I know you can show me"

http://www.metrolyrics.com/i-want-to-know-what-love-is-lyrics-foreigner.html

We are a planet of human beings longing for the most basic of needs…to be loved.

Love is defined as“a feeling of strong or constant affection for a person; strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests; warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion; unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another; the fatherly concern of God for humankind ;brotherly concern for others; a person's adoration of God;"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/love

The Bible uses the word “love” 500 times. (NKJV).

http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=love&version=NKJV&searchtype=all

Several verses include:

John 3:16 (NKJV): “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

John 13:34 (NKJV): “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NKJV): “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV): “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

We should first, embrace the love that GOD has for us. Secondly, we have to love ourselves, and then we should love one another.

LOVE is an action word…it is something that must be worked on every, single day. It is too fragile to take for granted.

Unfortunately, we say “I Love You” and use the word "Love" very loosely. We have to take LOVE very seriously.
If "I Want to Know What Love Is...," I don't need man to show me. 
Jesus Christ already did...

“I am FLAWED…”

(Just like a scuba diver…I’m going in deep…)

Here goes…

Deeply Inhaling…

This major health diagnosis that I am managing has left me feeling insignificant & “flawed.” I feel like “damaged goods,” a dented can; unwanted property; exposed imperfection.

I am constantly having an internal argument with myself.

The Optimist Says:

You have:

Love for the Lord that bypasses all understanding…

A heart as big as Texas…

An extremely sentimental spirit…

A robust sense of humor…

A profound need to encourage, uplift, & inspire others…

A generous spirit – almost to a fault…

A practical, no-nonsense outlook on life…

The Pessimist says:

You have:

Average looks…

Average style…

Average height & weight…

Average (untrained) singing voice…

Average hair…

Average money-management skills…

An uncertain future, professionally & health-wise…

I am so glad that GOD overrules this entire argument.

He created me. Any preconceived “flaws” I may have, He can use them for good and to do His Will.

1 Corinthians 1:27 (NKJV) says: “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;

There were many people noted in the Bible who had “flaws” and short-comings, that SURRENDERED to God and allowed HIM to use them.

Remember that:

Noah got drunk.

Abraham was too old.

Jacob was a liar.

Joseph was abused.

Moses had a stuttering problem.

Samson had long hair and was a womanizer.

Rahab was a prostitute.

David had an affair and was a murderer.

Jonah ran from GOD.

Peter denied Christ.

Sara was impatient.

Mary was a worrier.

Thomas was a doubter.

Lazarus was dead.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) : “And He said to me,“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

I am going to SURRENDER and allow him to do the same with me.

It’s funny…I have spent almost 50 years of my life thinking, “If GOD really knew how flawed and imperfect I really am…He  wouldn’t love me…”

When in fact…God created me. HE knew me while I was in my mother’s womb. HE has ALWAYS known my thoughts, words, and actions…and LOVES me...anyway.

(Again…just like a scuba diver...)

Floating Back to the Surface…

Deeply Exhaling…