Prayers gonna pray pray pray

Yesterday was check-up time with my Bible Study Group.  As prayer time began and it was my turn to submit my requests, I first asked if the gals had anything for me.  They kind of looked blankly at me and then I reminded them of how last week I had asked them to write me a prayer.  Realization came to some of their eyes as they suddenly remembered what they had been asked to do but hadn’t.  Well, except for two of the gals who weren’t there last week.  And Kristy.  But I’ll write more about her in a moment.

Saddened but hiding it in humor (my go-to fix) I declined the offer to share my requests since they hadn’t prayed for me last week.  “Why ask if you aren’t going to do your part,” I questioned, with a mock-offended tone and my hands held out in protest.  And then came the responses that made me ashamed of myself.  

“When I drive past your road, I say a prayer for you.  That’s when God brings you to my mind” said one gal, as she explained how writing just wasn’t her thing.  

Kristy--again, I’ll get to her later--smiled at me in camaraderie, because she had done her part.  And then, the sweet gal beside of me, pulls out a sheet of paper, handwritten, from the Book of Colossians, where she had been specifically praying for me as she wrote her conversation to the Lord about me but hadn’t finished it yet.  

Wow.

Did I mention I was humbled?  

Sigh.

Okay, let’s get to Kristy now.  I love this little lady!  She is one of the sweetest souls I have ever met and I weekly delight in how she is growing in the Lord and how her inner light blesses me and so many others.  For example, on Tuesday I received a message from her, with a prayer she had prepared for me from Ephesians 6:10-18.  I was so touched!  We talked back and forth for a few minutes and she let me know that she had received her note from me earlier in the day and how it had come and said what she needed at just the right time.  Don’t you just love when God works that out?!  Me too!

We all have our own ways of praying and lifting each other up.  Mine is mostly through writing while another’s is done through “drive-bys.”  Then there are those who just pray at specific and/or designated times.  Others will only do it when strongly impressed to.  But the kicker here is to pray.  When you can.  Where you can.  How you can.  As often as you can.  For you see, when we talk to Jesus about one another, we have an Advocate Who listens and is able to touch the needs addressed.  We have a Friend Who gives us His whole-hearted attention, whether that be for a minute, a moment, or more.  And the results of these conversations with our Lord can have lasting results and make changes not only in the one we are praying for but in us as we take the time to speak to Him.  

In conclusion, I timed myself yesterday as I was praying for my special person.  Less than three minutes was all it took.  Three minutes to devote to my friend as I mentioned her name to the Father as I prayed I Corinthians 13 over her.  Today I purpose to say that prayer again but pausing more as I consider where she is on her journey, where I wish she was, and how I am going to trust God to see that she completes her race.  I shall look at her paper I created and reflect on those verses throughout the day.  I shall ponder and pray because she is worth this to me.  

As you glance at the meme I posted today, I ask that you consider giving me three minutes of your time.  Repeat the words of scripture or use your own.  Can you imagine what God might do if a few of you lifted me up to Him with these words?  Ol’ Stef might finally get straightened out and be a vessel of glory and honor.  Now that would be something!

You'll get through this!

Good morning!  I hope today is starting off on a positive level for you.

Tell me something:  is there anywhere one should go without having on the full armor of God?  Surely there are some safe places out there where one doesn’t need the battle gear on!  Right?  Church services, for example.  If any place is safe, then being around God’s people, hearing the songs of Zion, and listening to the man of God preach the Word should evoke a sense of security.  And meetings--such as Card Ministry, Bible Studies, or other church-related events:  these places one can definitely forego the battle gear attire, right?  And lastly, one of the most sacred places of all--your home, your sanctuary, where you are with your most trusted friend, involved in a study designed and purposed to bring you closer to becoming more like Christ--is of all places where you should feel guarded.  Right?  Right??

Ahh.  If only.  If only there indeed was a place where the helmet of salvation wasn’t necessary to block those fiery darts of the wicked one as the mind is attacked.  If only the breastplate could be set aside so that one’s heart wasn’t in fear of being pricked, much less broken.  

Steve and I are currently doing the you’ll get through this study by Max Lucado.  The mantra for this study goes as follows:  

You’ll get through this.

It won’t be painless.

It won’t be quick.

But God will use this mess for good.

Don’t be foolish or naïve.

But don’t despair either.

With God’s help, you’ll get through this.

Uh oh.  I already failed.  I was foolish.  I was naive.  

The first lesson we sailed through, congratulating one another on how wise and smart we were for not letting the woes of the world take us down.  Not us!  God had smartened us up to what was really important in life and while we thought this study would be useful as we learned more about how Joseph dealt with the adversities of his own life, we were pretty sure we had a good handle on this.  Especially Steve.  I mean, how hard is it to relate to your brothers betraying you when you are an only child?  He never dealt with the jealousies and pettiness of siblings, much less ever thought they’d sell him out as Joseph’s brother had.  At the end of Session Two, he was ready to move on, wondering if I had gotten anything from it.

Oh boy.

Sigh.

Being careful then--as I’m also trying to be now--I hesitatingly looked over my notes.  A couple of things had stood out to me.  The first was obvious:  being sold out by family members.  Yep:  I have the t-shirt for that one!  The second:  just how much would twenty pieces of silver be equivalent to in today’s market?  Were my siblings basking in their wealth and was it worth the price they paid for putting me into the cistern?  Third:  Max related how when Joseph was found he didn’t have a penny to his name.  This instantly took me back to the check I received from my mother’s estate for--you guessed it!--one cent.  The memories started and were just waiting for me to rehash them, revisit them, and return to the mire.

Okay, here’s where it pays to have ready the shield of faith, “with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).  Remember when I first started today’s blog how I questioned where one might be safe from the attacks of the wily one?  The answer is nowhere, as I relearned this lesson.  As I spoke to Steve of the insights I had, my faith shield was being drawn.  The truth of God’s Word, my position as His child, and my acceptance--no, my belief that regardless of what the world says, my worth is of much more value than any earthly inheritance.  I raised that shield and did not succumb to the lies, the memories, the betrayal.  Woo hoo:  ol’ Stef was indeed growing up in the faith!  

Reflecting further, I spoke of how Max had gone on to declare that not only had Joseph survived what his brothers had done to him, he thrived.  He had a destiny to fulfill, one that could not have been accomplished had he stayed at home.  And like all destinies (said Max), there are at least two common denominators.  The first is that one is God’s child.  Chosen by Him, purchased, and purposed.  The second?  One is God’s child forever.  No chance of being sold or disowned.  I am still a daughter of God.  Forever.  He won’t break His promise to me.  “From birth to hearse” my life on earth is preparing me for an eternity in heaven.  God’s plans for me are out of this world.  

Read that again.  God’s plans for me are out of this world.  Remember what Jesus told His disciples in John 16:33, how they would have tribulation but to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world?  That’s what I am going to do.  I am going to be of good cheer.  I am going to keep my armor handy at all times--especially when involved in things that pertain to church.  Why there?  Because that is where my guard is least down and my defenses can more easily be permeated.  It’s happened before and no doubt, I will be attacked there again.  Ephesians 6:12 states:  “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  Satan tries to make us war with one another--often using our families to inflict the most damage.  

Are we going to let him win, friends, or are we going to fulfill the destiny Christ Jesus has prepared for us?  Keep those defenses up and be alert.  Don’t let him devour you.  I almost did.  By God’s grace and applying His Truths in my life--including in my mind where I am told to captivate my thoughts--I stand today.  And with His help, I purpose to remain upright and not go back to the pit where Satan tried to keep me bound and forsaken.  Who’s with me?

Let’s pray!

Dear Lord,

Whew!  What a lesson for me!  So much of Joseph’s life mirrors my own.  Betrayed, being a dreamer, being imprisoned, forgotten, falsely accused, used to allow others their relationships…

Lord?  You delivered me.  You rescued me from the pits of despair, time and time again.  And during those times, Father, You strengthened me, prepared me, and grew me.  Like Joseph, I learned to control my tongue and although I haven’t mastered it yet, my hope is that it now is more used to build up than to tear down.

As You use those evils for good, my prayer is that I won’t fight, won’t struggle against the lessons You teach.  The striving will end, Father, when You take me home.  Until then, my hope is that my life--when all is said and done--reflects You and what Christ Jesus has done for and in me.  Use me for good is my desire and I ask that You do this for Christ’s sake so that His sacrifice for me was not one done in vain.  Amen.

I Don't Want To Settle For Good Not Great

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  James 1:22

Most of us are familiar with the story of Pinocchio, right?  Jiminy Cricket tells the story of a wish coming true about a puppet becoming a real live boy.  The Blue Fairy visits Geppetto’s workshop during the night and brings Pinocchio to life, but until Pinocchio proves himself to be brave, truthful, and unselfish, he will stay as a puppet.  As the story progresses, we find that Pinocchio has issues with telling the truth, which causes his nose to grow longer each time a lie is told.  It’s a good story on morality and will be the background theme for today’s blog.

Okay, be warned: it’s going to get real here.  Hang on and follow me as I delve into my own issues with truth.  I might need to put my boots on!

The other night I began a writing class.  One of the things that the teacher alluded to was the concept of branding.  For those not familiar with branding, basically it’s a way of marketing yourself.  We all know that everything you read on Facebook is true, right?  Yeah.  But truthfully, many of us take at face value what we read as gospel and often quote it to one another as such.  Much of this is because we are too lazy to investigate for ourselves, preferring to take someone else’s word over things, and believing what is “presented” instead of seeking the validity of it.  I mean honestly, how many times have you seen a headline or meme or portion of a story and immediately accepted it without reading the entire story itself to see what was real versus what was proclaimed?  We’re just so busy that we neglect to seek these statements out for ourselves, so we accept without hesitation what the headlines proclaim.

Therefore, when introducing ourselves to others in print, we can embellish our talents, our skills, and who we are and others will just eat it up.  For instance, our teacher told us he was a renowned traveler, journalist, and so on, making himself sound like he was really something and because it was right there, in black and white for the whole world to see, who was going to question it?  It sounded impressive--HE sounded impressive so, of course, we swallowed it and began to blindly believe whatever words came out of his mouth.  This is branding.

The next day in my Bible Study group, one of my dear friends referred to me as “the favorite aunt.”  We had a new lady join our group and as we were discussing age and kids and grandkids, Kristy told me I was more like everyone’s favorite aunt, rather than an old granny (my words, not hers).  Have I mentioned I just love this girl?!  As I tucked this away to reflect upon later, I wondered about how I was going to brand myself for this new chapter of my life that I am embarking upon.

I like to think I am a pretty nice woman.  Fair.  Able to see both sides of the story before spouting off my opinions about whatever situation has been addressed.  I like to think I have sense, integrity, and the ability to love without being too judgmental.  I like to think that I am modeling Christ in my daily activities and making Him proud of the woman I am endeavoring to be.  Friendly, warm, and someone others are comfortable around.  Yeah, this is me and I have got it going on.

Right.

What about the other night at the restaurant, Stef, when that waitress somehow took an instant disliking to you?  How did that happen?  Where were all of those wonderful traits you just described about yourself when she was attending to you?  Could it be you were projecting an attitude of self-importance and that your needs must be taken care of before anyone else’s?  What was just so special about you that instead of falling all over herself to make sure your every wish was granted she seemed to do all she could to avoid being in your presence?  

Choke.  

Ouch.

Truth.

Sigh.

As he so often does without any falseness in his demeanour, along comes my hubby who is just so much higher than I am.  While I told him of my waitress woes and to not be in a hurry to get our order taken, what does he do but treat the gal with exceptional kindness and compassion?  Oh sure:  he too had had a rough day and suffered harsh words thrown at him.  He could very well have joined in with me in my rant against humanity and how poorly his hard-earned dollars were being wasted at a place that didn’t value and appreciate our presence but instead...instead he made a point of being nice, of asking the lady how her day was, and treating her like the one who needed attending to rather than him being the customer.

I was mortified.  Again.  Just who did I really think I was?  Regardless and sometimes in spite of how others treat me, it is not my place to be rude, to complain, nor to speak badly of them.  Had I not just been writing about how wonderful I was and how great of a representative of Christ Jesus I am?  Yeah.  Epic fail.

With dismay and a heavy sense of regret for this huge lapse, I told Steve I needed something from him.  For each time I even think of getting out of line or thinking of myself more highly than I ought, I asked him to say these words to me:  “Remember who you are.”  And then, if that didn’t get me to instantly straighten up, I told him to say this to me:  “Remember Whose you are.”  Firmly.

How grateful to God I am that each time I fail Him He doesn’t cause a disfigurement, such as the extending of my nose, as per Pinocchio.  How thankful I am to Him that He has earthly examples to show me how to live more like Him and less like the world.  How ashamed I am to call myself His child, His bride, when my actions prove otherwise.  

Sigh.

So, if I was to write a brief brand for myself right now what would it say?  Hmn.  Perhaps this:  Stefanie Hutcheson is a wandering soul on a mission to become more like Christ.  While not there yet, she is learning, growing, and seeking truth through her interactions with others, with her writings, and mostly with the studying of God’s Word as her journey continues.  While she has no awards to prove this, one day a crown will be waiting for her that she may return to her Jesus for His faithfulness in making her worthy through His own righteousness.  

Let’s pray.

Dear Lord, I don’t want to be a hearer of Your Word and think I have it down pat only to go out into the world and disregard the truths You have revealed to me.  I don’t want to attend Bible Study and church services to only walk away unchanged and still doing the things I think are right in my own eyes.  I don’t want to be a hypocrite, writing this blog and encouraging others to be more when I myself am less.  People follow examples, Lord, and You have been the Perfect One.  Help me today--each moment of today and whatever days You allow me--to remember I am Yours.  I am a child of God and the future bride of Christ.  It’s time I started acting like it for it’s a privilege not given to all.  As I strive to achieve this position of honor, I need You every hour, every minute, to help me to remember what price was paid so that I could be Yours.  I fail too often, Lord.  Thank You for tender mercies that allow me more opportunities to get it right the next time.  In Jesus’ name I humbly pray:  amen.

What Is That To You?

What Is That To You?

Good morning!  I want to share with you the concept of my and Steve’s latest Bible Study.  It’s entitled “What Is That To You” and is a result of...well, of me trying to not be such a busybody, always trying to straighten everyone else out, and instead, as Jesus told Peter, to basically mind my own business.  When I do that, when I keep my eyes on Christ, following Him and not checking to see what you are doing (yes you!) then I have time--much more time--to consider the teachings of Christ and to determine what they mean to me.

Obviously, the scriptures are for everyone and yet we are told to work out our own salvation.  Does that mean we are to decide how and when we get saved?  Hardly!  Rather, it means that each of us has our own story of our experience of allowing and receiving Jesus into our lives.  For some it was an earth-shattering event because of the revelation of just how much in need of a Saviour they were.  Others (like me) were saved as a young child and did not know the extreme benefit of having Christ Jesus dwell in us.  The lessons were taught way back when and we believed them, believed what the preachers preached and the Sunday School Teachers taught.  But then, somewhere along the line, our thoughts became questions and we wanted better, deeper answers to the things we’d always believed.  Not that they were necessarily wrong, but...but that more insight was needed, more understanding of the behind-the-scenes action that was taking place.  As I go through different stages of life, I find that some scriptures that I had relied upon for various seasons have become more study-worthy, such as the one pictured above:

When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!”  (John 21:21-22)

Peter, like I so often am, was questioning about what role others are to play in this adventure of life we are all on.  He was more focused on John and what he was doing than he was on himself.  Jesus, however, was more concerned that Peter knew his place, his calling, and his pathway.  Ouch!  Peter must have felt the sting of that rebuke: “What is that to you?”  I know I did.  It’s as though each time I read these verses, Jesus is saying the same thing to me:  Stefanie, what is that to you--that thing you keep observing in others?  What is so important in that soul’s life that it keeps you from doing what I have planned for you, My child?  Keep your eyes on Me, Stef, and don’t worry about others.  Stefanie?  You follow Me!

So, here I am.  Keeping my eyes on the prize ahead for me but prizes aren’t just randomly handed out in God’s kingdom.  Prizes are more like rewards, awards even, for accomplishing specific tasks.  My path isn’t the same one you will trod, nor is yours one that I must walk down.  Oh sure, they will intersect at times and even run along a parallel course.  When they do, I want to be your companion not your competition nor your thorn in the flesh.  I want to keep you encouraged and motivated and inspired to keep walking, to keep standing, and to be still when the time is for you to do such things.  But mostly I want to mind my own business and follow Jesus where He leads me.  I can’t very well do that if I am watching others, now can I?  My eyes must stay on my Saviour!  Even if I could walk in your shoes, they weren’t designed for me.  I have my own pair and they must be broken in, I must be broken in, as I follow our Lord down this road He has prepared for me.  It is pleasant when a companion is travelling beside of me, no doubt, so when our paths do intersect, let’s be teammates and not adversaries.  Life is not a competition:  we all can be winners when we focus on our goals instead of one another.

Let’s pray!

Dear Lord, the lessons You teach aren’t always received joyfully.  Some of the instructions are hard and I often fail on the exam.  I can’t use a cheat sheet, Father, and get by on others’ knowledge.  Some lessons I must learn for myself because I am in a constant state of flux.  What was true and simple in my yesteryears is now sometimes complex and questions arise as to how I am best to deal with the situations in my life today.

Thank You for Your Word, Lord.  So much of it I have read and studied many times in my life but now those words have deeper meanings.  I pay more attention to key phrases and specific word choice in scriptures that in the past I skimmed over or didn’t completely understand--nor take the time to do so.  Also, due to my ever-changing roles in life (wife of a middle-aged husband, grandmother, Mom instead of Momma, blogger, and the different positions within my church that I participate in), my mentality has changed as well.  I’m not a child any longer and I am responsible more than ever for the biblical truths revealed to me concerning my behaviour, my lifestyle, and my representation of You.

Thank You for this new study, Lord, and I am excited to discover the revelations You show me as I take Your Word to my heart as my crazy head examines myself and I contemplate why I believe what I believe and if changes need to be made.  When changes need to be made.  Quicken me, Father?  Help Steve and my pastor and my friends to sharpen me.  “What is that to you?  Follow Me” is the command given.  Oh how I anticipate what these things are to me, Lord Jesus, as my journey with You continues!  May my eyes stay on You is my prayer today.  Keep those squirrels and rabbits at bay, I pray in Your holy and precious name.  Amen.

Day Twenty-Three

I have the distinct pleasure of being a part of a local church, Card Ministry, and a Wednesday morning Bible Study.  I also have an almost daily partner with whom to share a passage or two of scripture with, as well as many acquaintances on Facebook that constantly share encouraging pictures, quotes, and passages of scripture to remind all the day long of what a loving and compassionate Saviour I have.  Yes, I am the special one!  With that being said, how then can I add to the two verses shown in the picture that Jesus’ brother James wrote?  Hmn:  somehow I think we’re about to find out!

Nearly each Sunday and Wednesday evenings, prayer and praise requests are shared before the church service begins.  Pleas for loved ones who are ailing, prayers for family members who are wavering in their faith, and reminders of those in our community who are suffering loss are common.  Praises for the works Jesus is doing in lives, for healing of our members, and sometimes just for a pretty day can often be heard as well.  So, so far we are minding these verses from James.  Let me share them with you again, in case the picture’s writing is too small to see:

And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Confession.  “Confess your sins to one another,” James commands us to do.  But don’t stop there; don’t stop at the first part of the sentence and overlook the latter part.  “Pray for one another.”  

Wait a minute.  I thought we were talking about my sins, my needs, my failures.  Why would I go from confessing things about me to praying for others’ needs?  I’m the one in need of help here.

“That you may be healed.”

Ahh.  I get it.  When I take my eyes off of me, and put my heart into praying for others, I am then more like Jesus.  When I am more like Jesus, I become righteous through Him.  And then the last portion of the verse that says “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” shows what happens when Jesus steps in.  Great power happens.  The version you may be more familiar with says it this way:  “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (KJV).  My prayers become effective rather than just empty thoughts that really haven’t considered the needs of those I may be praying for.  They “avail much” which is just another way of saying that the results are fruitful.  If I’m only praying for myself and whining to others but not giving them due diligence in return, how can Jesus possibly make me better?  After all, isn’t He the One Who denied Himself so that you and I might have life, liberty, and salvation? If He did this for me, shouldn't I be doing it for others as well?

In short, when we have needs, faults, sins and confess them one to another, we are showing our humanity and our need for our Redeemer.  Then, after saying our piece and counting to three, then we start praying one for another, and we see others’ needs for a Redeemer to get them out of the messes they’ve gotten entrenched in.  We realize we’re all in the same boat and without Christ to allow us smooth sailing, then we are helpless and hapless.  By recognizing others before us, we are putting Christ first, as He taught us to.  

God is doing great things in my church.  He’s doing mighty things in my personal walk with Him.  Though I joked to my gals yesterday in BS that apparently they hadn’t been praying enough since my attitude was still a bad one all week, I had to reprimand myself and question:  “Stef, did you pray for them as much as you should have?  Did you speak to God personally on their requests or did you do a lump sum prayer and just throw their needs all together in one big heap and expect God to handle it?”  If I am not going to do my part, how dare I expect anyone else to do hers?  

“That you may be healed.”  Oh Lord, sometimes I feel so very broken.  My body seems to be falling apart and my soul?  Oh my soul, Father!  It’s tattered, bruised, and weak.  As I told Steve the other night when he was once again trying to fix me, I don’t need him to take on that responsibility.  YOU are the Healer, Lord.  But he’s human and it’s his nature--much like mine and those reading this--to want to fix things, to offer helpful solutions, to loan out self-help books and/or offer websites that tell you how to cure/mend/fix/repair and the like.  I mean, aren’t we the wise ones who know so much?  Why listen and then pray with that soul instead of using our vast knowledge and experience to correct those many blights in others?

Yeah, I know why, Lord.  We don’t want to give up control.  We want to appear strong, hip and with it, and yes, we want to save others when clearly this is not our job.  In order for someone to confess his/her faults, there needs to be someone to listen, right?  Help me, I ask, to listen.  To pat comforting taps on an arm.  And then?  Remind me to be quiet except when I then take that soul’s hand in mine and pray to You and let Your power show itself mighty.  That’s my part, Father.  May I remember it and let You do Yours as I step out of the way and watch.  These things I pray in the sweet name of Jesus Christ, my Healer, Redeemer, and Saviour.  Amen.