"7" Minutes Alone with God

So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure  in  infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses  (2 Corinthians 12:10) Paul, formerly named Saul, is one of my favorite contributors to the Scriptures.  He was a man of diversity: born into a prominent Pharisee family; a Roman by birth; educated by a highly-respected rabbi; and a strict follower of Mosaic Law.  He had it all: good background; the best available education; respect of his peers; a moral reputation. (Philippians 3:4-6). Yet, after meeting Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul’s life did a 180 degree turn, as clearly stated in his letter to the church at Philippi:  What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.  Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence  of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord   (Philippians 3:7-8) Paul’s conversion to Christianity did not come without conseque...

The Lord sees not as man sees;  for man looks on the outward appearance,  but the Lord looks on the heart   (1 Samuel 16:7) A certain woman received a lovely bouquet of three red rosebuds from her husband.  She had not been well and he hoped the flowers would help her feel better, which they did.  The surprise and delight with which she received them was sustained throughout the evening.  The next day, and for many days after, her spirits were lifted each time she looked at his thoughtful gift. She placed the bouquet in a central place in her home where, passing by a number of times each day, she could stop, admire their beauty, and drink deeply of their fragrance. During the first day, one of the buds began to open, and in the days that followed it slowly unfurled its petals, releasing more of its aroma, and revealing its inner beauty.  By the second day, one of the two remaining buds also began to open.  It, too, revealed more of its...

If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves  and pray  and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways,  then  will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14) May 2nd was the date that year for the annual of National Day of Prayer.  For the first time in our area, it was officially being recognized community-wide.  The day began with a Prayer Breakfast hosted by the mayor, and attended by a number of clergymen and lay members.  Following breakfast, churches stayed open throughout the day and early evening so people could come to pray.  It was a meaningful experience for those who participated, and hearts were encouraged by the evidence that prayer still played a vital role in our community.  But among the positive things I remember of that time, one incident still astounds me.  It happened during a planning meeting which took place a few weeks in advance. ...