By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith

Yesterday, after reading more about the war initiated by Russian president, Vladimir Putin, I asked God, “How should I pray about this?” The war is non-comprehensive and incalculable. I, like most people, have felt helpless to make a difference.

Immediately, after saying that prayer an image of a vast, white net encircling the globe was seen in my mind’s eye. I knew instantly this worldwide net represented God’s people. People throughout the entire world in whom goodness and truth resides. A huge amount of people on earth want peace and goodness to flourish throughout the earth. The majority, most likely! We are globally present and we are connected! The love of God’s goodness, alive in our consciences, Scriptural truth, and the power of prayer connects us continuously!

Imagine the power we actually have! Now, let’s use our power. Every day—as often as it comes to mind—let’s lift up our hearts and pray as we think of this worldwide “net” of people who want God’s will to win over Putin’s war.

At the time of Christ’s birth, these are the words sang by the angels “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

Pray with me, or pray in your own words.

“In Jesus’ name, we stand against all evil powers that attempt to thwart God’s will for peace and goodwill. God’s will be done, here on this earth which He has created. Satan’s murderous plan is bound and cast out as we speak within the power God has given to His people! Amen.”

This is putting our FAITH to work. The Internet is a tool that is available for sending the message to WEB contacts, as many as you wish. It only takes the investment of a few minutes–and could spread worldwide. 

What we have is God’s people worshiping in churches all over the world seemingly separate like postage-stamps, unable to perceive the vast empowerment of our connectedness through the Holy Spirit of God that is in each and every one of us.

—

What if: Think of the possibility our Father in heaven is wanting us, His children, to break out of our separateness and become united in prayer as a family. Could it be that is when He will to call out the angels and trumpet bearers so He can send His Son. Jesus promised to come again to the earth at His Father’s nod. 2 Peter 3:3, instructs us to know “scoffers will come in the last days walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’ As they point to the fact two thousand years have passed since the Lord’s promise to return a second time. Verse 8, speaks soundly, “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day.” With God “time” does not exist. What is real is stated in verse 9: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Billions upon billions of people within our generation and generations before us for two thousand years have found intimacy with God through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit. As children of God, we can celebrate common truths of Scripture.

The book of John, chapter 1, verses 1-3 and verse 14, tells us who Jesus is.

The book of John, chapter 3, verse 16, tells why Jesus came to the earth.

The book of John, chapter 3, verse 17, shows God’s reason for sending Jesus to the earth.

The book of John, chapter 1, verses 10-13, tells us what makes a person “a child of God.”

The Book of Revelations, Chapter 3, verse 20, confirms the “how” of our hearing God’s call to enter into fellowship with Him:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

Nothing can prevent us Christians from seeing our “connectedness” and lifting their voices in unison!

www.healinglifespain.com

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

In past years, God captured my attention regarding my fears. Huge uncertainties about the future and qualms about the present seem to siphon off much of the peace and joy Jesus called “abundant life.”  It is those “little foxes” of fear that can rock one’s boat–big time!

The other night a dream took me on a tour of the earth. In a unique way, Father God showed me the beauties, the wonders, and the grandeur of this place called “plan-et.”  Within this dream, I am overjoyed with the colors, shapes, and glorious movement seen with God at my elbow.

The scene switches. God and I are sitting in a row boat together. He is rowing while I sit at the stern enjoying. We are in waters that are shallow at times and at other times so deep they seem bottomless. A sort of canyon like atmosphere surrounds us with rock formations to the right and to the left.

The stones are gigantic, exquisitely rich in color with veins of red and gold. The water is transparently clear. God and I are taking time out. I revel in His power to create such majesty in the formations of the earth. We are as one. And I am at peace.

That is until I think of what else is going on in the earth. I could see many “brothers” and “sisters” who did not want to be in God’s boat. Some were playing with destructive forces found in the earth. Some were grasping for power, striving to gain prestige and reverence. Never having found love, some were in a life or death struggle to gain what they considered as the next best thing. Others were making mischief just for the sheer pleasure of it, while thriving on, or ignoring, the sufferings of others. Fear struck my heart as I sat there in the boat with God. But He rowed on, evenly watching my eyes.

Suddenly I realize what folly it is on my part to fear. What, with God so near?  Wasn’t He the Creator?  Had He ceased to be in control?  Could mere humans upset His plan?  Does He not know all?  See all?  Is He not everywhere – always aware?  How can I think for a moment that the Creator can ever be thwarted by mere, finite creatures?

Like a bubble that bursts with the touch of a finger, my fears fled. Now, I see! God is in my boat and He is at the helm! Consciously returning to the truth of His love, I am enveloped with peace. Now, to let peace reign day by day . . . hour by hour. The circumstances about me need not touch this marvelous peace, if I can only keep my thoughts from the “what ifs.”  With my eyes riveted on His, my soul becomes overjoyed in the presence of His company.

Here, I catch the simple truth. Just trust. Just believe the Father’s words through Jesus His Son:  “Fear not … Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”  As my dream nears its end, the Father throws back His head and laughs. I cover my mouth as laughter begins to roll in me. Dare I laugh?  Am I so safe as to laugh in the face of my fears?

Yes, is the resounding answer! I will laugh! I will enjoy the “ride” on this river called life, reveling in the glorious grandeur seen by the eyes—and seen by the Spirit, as God is in my “boat” and He is holding the oars.

Author info. Joy is a Board certified clinical chaplain. She has written four books and many articles to help people get through the hardships of life.   View FREE her children’s book at this site’s home page. Internet analytics show people are reading Joy Le Page Smith’s blogs in up to 32 countries.