He Raised His Hand

The doors were propped open. The weather was brisk but sunny. The sounds of praise music pouring out of the church to those playing in the park. As we sang each new song, the music filled me up with joy, lifting my spirit which had been beaten down throughout the daily grind of my day to day work week. Other members of the congregation seemed to also be filled with the life giving presence of the Holy Spirit...carrying the burdens away through the joy of music.

I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye just outside of the open door. Standing there was a little boy with down syndrome about 5 years old. He was wearing a red baseball cap and looking directly at me. I stopped singing for a moment and smiled and waved at him. This sweet, happy, adorable little guy continued to watch me and listen to the instruments and the sound of our voices. Then he raised up his arm to the sound of the music. A young innocent little boy could also feel the Spirit of the Lord, inspiring him to raise his arm in praise.

Don't forget that no matter what your facing or going through...the Lord is working behind the scenes. He is seeking to draw you closer to Him. Teaching you to trust and have faith in Him. Do not hinder the Holy Spirit from working in your life. Let go of the things you are clinging to so tightly...the things that are weighing you down. Give them to the Lord, allowing Him the freedom to work all things out for good.

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." Psalm 29:11

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37

NEED HELP WITH YOUR PROBLEM?

Do you find yourself praying and then doubting? Do you feel that the problem you're going through will never get better? I know this has been an issue for me. I'll pray for change and then shortly after continue to talk about the problem in a negative way. I know this is human nature, to mull things over and over again in your mind, praying and then picking right back up where you left off.

I've been feeling very convicted in this area lately. I know that this is not healthy and each time I pray, laying it down at the feet of the Lord, allowing the Holy Spirit to move in the situation, I need to also pray for more trust and faith. Each time I start to talk negatively about the problem, I'm shutting the door on the Holy Spirit. I pray saying," Please help me." I wait for a while and then start to talk about it and worry what's going to happen. I begin to allow the enemy to move instead of the Holy Spirit. Soon I'm saying..."It's taking to long, maybe the Lord didn't hear my prayers or doesn't want to answer, what am I going to do now?" Once this negative self talk starts it sets a strong hold on my mind for the enemy to move in. To fill my head with doubt, lies, hurt, negative thinking and hopelessness. How can I expect the Holy Spirit to work when I'm not trusting? God always hears us. He always wants the best for us...HIS BEST is not necessarily our best.

According to one online website the Bible mentions Trust approximately 243 times. Faith is listed approximately 336 times. Doubt is mentioned approximately 400 times.

I think the Lord definitely knows that each of us struggle with doubt. He knows that this can be an area that trips us up. This can turn us away and head us off onto broken paths. The importance of praying for increased trust and faith (when added together is mentioned 579 times) opens the door for the Holy Spirit to move in and not only work in our lives and our problems, but also help to remove the doubt. It closes the door on the enemy. It sheds new light, peace and favor on the situation. 

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you increase my trust and faith in You. I pray for Your Peace in the waiting. I want to let go of my burdens and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through me today. Please help me to not continue to murmur, grumble and doubt the work you are doing. Help me not to continue to pick up the problem again after I've given it to You. Give me the wisdom to know that Your plan is always better than anything I can do on my own and in my own ability. Help me to walk through the open doors and trust You when the door closes that You have something better in mind for me and my situation. I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Should I?

I walked around, hoping the nagging feeling would disappear. I called my husband, "So what do you think? Should I do it?" He wasn't going to give me the answer I wanted, he just said, "It's your decision. If you feel good about it, do it." My head was screaming, "NO...I want you to say yes, go ahead...it'll be fine." But what I said was, "C'mon, tell me what I should do, is it okay?"

Nope, nothing. He said I had to decide and I already knew how he felt about it. GREAT! I wandered around the store for another hour, walking by the item, walking away from the item, by it, away from it...waiting to feel good about it. While, "No, don't do it," played like a broken record in my mind.

I spent time justifying why it was okay to purchase it. If the item was for me, I wouldn't have any problem walking away (I don't feel the need to buy myself things very often & am fine going without the extras.) But this was for my son. It was a birthday present he's wanted for years. Truth be told, it's a Christmas/Birthday present he's been asking for; for the past 5 years. But we never have an extra $300.00 for a PS3. I wanted to get it for him, so badly, but knew it would put us in a hole. Finally, unable to rid myself of that "feeling" as I circled around one last time, there it was again...I tried to push it away, only to continue to feel increasingly uneasy in my stomach. That was it...I walked out of the store. I didn't have a peace about it and I've definitely learned the importance of listening to the promptings of the Lord; even in the little everyday things like whether to buy something or not. It took some time to get through my own rationalization process and actually make the right decision, but once out of the store, my peace returned.

Today, if you feel the Lord prompting you to walk away from temptation, purchases, a lifestyle, certain decisions, addictions...LISTEN. He has a good and perfect plan for you. Listening to the Holy Spirit's guidance is not only wise, but will save you from future detrimental consequences. Be willing to deny yourself momentary pleasure to find true, lasting, pure happiness. Pray in all things, all decisions and all areas of your life. Let the Lord guide you into all truth...His Wisdom! In doing so, you'll find a Peace like you've never known before. Don't continue to ignore His promptings. God wants the best for you and is trying to guide you in the right direction. Yes, even the little areas!

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." 

Jeremiah 33:3

"Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love." 

2 John 1:3

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." 

Proverbs 3:5

"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?" 

1 Corinthians 3:16

"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."

Romans 8:11

Marie

I'd been crying as I pulled into the CVS parking lot. I took a moment to collect myself, wiped off the streaking mascara and headed toward the door. Sitting directly to the side was Marie, an African-American lady in her mid to late 50's. She had a bandana tied low on her forehead and a colorful crocheted hat over it. She had long, waste length multicolored braids. She'd been hired to collect money for a homeless shelter & sat with her wooden box and sign. As I approached, she grinned, a sparsely toothed smile, and said, "Oh, I love your hair!" I smiled and said, "Thank you. I'll be donating on my way out." She wasn't going to let me off that easy. She asked, "Who does your hair?" "I do," I replied, "I went to cosmetology school when I was younger so I don't ever like to pay anyone else when I know how cheap I can do it myself."

"OH GIRL, you do good work," she shouted. "Now let me show you something," she leaned towards me and whispered, "I aint never showed anybody."  Lifting the corner of her hat, her hair was only an inch long, with the braids woven into a few spots to give the appearance of long hair. "It's all broken off & I'm so ashamed. When I get some money, I'm gonna get it all fixed up nice, ya know. I don't know why I just showed ya and told ya that," she smiled, adding, "My name's Marie, what's yours?" "Lisa and it's nice to meet you Marie." I said as I smiled. "Lisa, can I ask ya for a favor...would you be so kind as to get me a couple of Advil when you go into the store?" Marie said. "Of course," I said. "God, bless ya sista, I have a terrible headache and have been sick," she gratefully replied. "No problem, we're sister's in Christ and glad I can help you," I told her as I headed inside.

I immediately scanned my discount card & surprisingly received a coupon for Advil, half off! I decided to get her some snacks, a Gatorade and a bottle of Omega 3 vitamins (knowing how much they help your health.) I paid and went out and handed her the bag. She said, "I was thinking about what ya said when ya went in the store, and it's true, we are sista's in Christ and you just blessed me. Where ya headed today?" The tears began to well up as I told her I was on my way to drive straight through to Utah to see my dad who was very sick with lung & brain cancer, and didn't have long to live. With true concern she said, "You're driving all that way by yourself? Let me give ya a hug sista."

As I leaned in to be hugged and comforted by Marie, she began to pray for me. She prayed for a safe journey, for the Lord's protection, for peace and that I'd make it in time. She prayed that Christ's Love would overflow in my life and for my dad. There we were, two people from completely different walks of life, Marie had obviously dealt with homelessness, and drug or alcohol addictions, and yet, she cared for me. She reached out to me in my hurt and brokenness. I asked if I could then pray for her. We stood hugging & praying right in front of CVS. People passed by but for me time stood still. I was given a comforting gift, the loving kindness of a stranger. I in turn was able to be used to bless her also. Two sisters in Christ, being filled with the Holy Spirit as we ministered to each others hurt and brokenness. We were brought together through the Love of Jesus Christ; a Love that penetrates all boundaries, and fills the emptiness with comfort.

As I headed toward my car, Marie shouted and waved, "I love ya sista and I'll see ya soon!"

"For the son of man came to seek and save what was lost." 

Luke 19:10 

"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

John 3:8 

Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."

John 5:17

"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Lamentations 3:19-26

Have a Feeling You Just Can't Shake?

"Get up and go over there!"

"GO, she needs you."

I slowly walked out, looking for the person. Unable to see her, I went back inside, but the words seemed to shout in my head over and over. I grabbed a few things to put in my car, a rouse to go out and look around again. I spotted her, talking to another woman, who obviously had the same promptings from the Holy Spirit. I set my things in the car and turned to head back inside.

There it was again, "GO, she needs you."

Now, I need to tell you, I'm not a bold person. I don't feel comfortable walking up to people. I'm fine if they approach me, but it's difficult for me to push myself to make the initial move. It's a fear of rejection or deep seeded insecurity (which I'm working on!) I just feel awkward and uncomfortable.

Unable to shake the voice in my head, I slowly walked over, apologizing for interupting. As I joined in with the two women, I realized that Heavenly Father had a purpose for me. This woman, a sister in Christ, was going through something very difficult, which I had also gone through. We were soon joined by another woman. The three of us, who all had experienced the loss of our siblings, were able to talk, comfort, cry, hug, encourage and pray for this hurting sister.

I'm reminded of some very important points:

1) God uses others to comfort you in your time of need. He never leaves you alone or abondoned, even when He takes something from you.

2) God heals your heart, mind and spirit with His Love. He then uses you and all you've been through and overcome to bless, encourage and give hope to those in the midst of despair.

3) God is mindful of you, your worries, fear, hopes and dreams. His Love is so great that He sacrificed His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ...FOR YOU! He is a Faithful, Loving, Caring God.

Our God is an Awesome God, He Reigns from Heaven Above! 

As you feel the promptings of the Holy Spirit, guiding you, don't ignore it. God has a plan for you. Everything you've been through in your life will be used by Him. His purpose for you is greater than doubt, fear and insecurity. Step up and step out in Faith...someone needs you.

"Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."

Romans 8:14 

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."
2 Corinthians 1:3-5


"Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God."
2 Corinthians 3:4


"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
1 Corinthians 15:58

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 17-18

Let The Storm Rage On

photo & story by: lisa petrarca

I was sitting in church, looking out the window as we sang to the background howl of the wind, palm trees bending sideways, resisting the powerful gusts threatening to uproot them. The ominous dark clouds quickly moving in, smothering the warmth of the sun as it illuminated, trying to shine through, thick droplets quickly followed, beating against the window pane.

I sat enjoying the beautiful worship music...warm, content and full of peace. Thankful to be inside the safe shelter of church, worshiping the Lord. The serenity within brought my attention to the direct contrast raging just outside our doors.

Everyday we are faced with life's storms. Some are short, quick little bursts, while others seem to pound us for months, even years. The Lord has told us that we can have peace even during the storms. We need to learn to rely, trust & depend on Him, through the renewing of our minds. Removing all negative, self-defeating thoughts & words, letting the Holy Spirit guide us into REAL truth.

Each day, pray for the Lord to strengthen & comfort you so that you can feel the life giving safety that only HE can provide. A place where you can sit in perfect Christ like peace, while the storm rages around you. Knowing that your Heavenly Father is watching over you. He will take care of you...learn to trust Him, putting HIM first in your life.

"A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace." 1 Corinthians 7:15

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalm 91:14-16

"If you make the Most High your dwelling - even the Lord, who is my refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:9-12

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

HOW STEEP IS YOUR MOUNTAIN?

story by: lisa petrarca

Life's mountains are steep, climbing them hard, but throughout the journey you're becoming stronger. You're being challenged, stretched, pushed to the limit as you climb each new peak. Once you reach the top, you barely catch your breath, enjoying the beauty...finding moments of peace, then it's time to move on again.

You have more mountains to climb.

Each one more challenging than the last, knowing that you have climbed difficult mountains before and made it through. You forge ahead, strong in this knowledge, you keep striving to achieve your hopes and dreams.

Your mountain of life, given to you by your Heavenly Father, equipped with his son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, enables you to achieve more than you ever dreamed possible if you rely on His strength not your own. Let go of your will and seek His. You will never see the true beauty He has for you...the top of your incredible, glorious mountain, until you allow Him to guide you on the right path. You will begin to grow progressively stronger, filled with a never ending peace even in the midst of trials, confident in the knowledge that the Lord is with you on this journey and He has equipped you with all the tools you need to handle the task before you.

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in His paths."
Micah 4:2

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Matthew 17:20-21

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. And instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed"
Isaiah 55:12-13

What Is My Purpose?

story by: lisa petrarca

When I think about my life and all the things that have happened over the years, I remember wondering over and over again, "Why am I here? What is my purpose?

I always hoped to make a grand contribution...make a difference that matters, be a person that others would say, "She did something great with her life!"

Imagine my surprise when at 44 years old, I realized that I have made a difference, I have a purpose, I can help others.

Each day I'm given opportunities to reach out and either encourage or discourage people. I have a choice. I can make a conscious decision on how I will treat people. I can be a person of great Godly character by making a right choice each step of the way. I can push through my difficulties and reach out to the Lord for help. I can pray for others and be a source of strength and comfort when they need a shoulder to lean on.

I am here for a purpose, I've been assigned a task that is very important. A job not for the faint of heart or the weary.

I can complete my hours each day and know that I've run the race, I've sailed my sea, I've climbed my mountain, I've conquered my fears.

All this has been possible through the Lords loving guidance each morning.

He assigns special people to cross my path. He fills me with His spirit of unconditional love so that I can then go out and be a blessing. That is our purpose, our job, to show the unconditional love of Jesus Christ to everyone we come in contact with.

It's that simple!

Then out of that love will flow your individual gifts and talents. Start at the beginning, start with love and then you'll know you're on the right road to finding your true life purpose.

Love conquers all!

LOVE

And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self -seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-8 & 13

Beyond Embarrassment

story & photo by: lisa petrarca

Driving home from Newport Beach, California, today in a sea of Bentley's, Mercedes Benz, BMW's, Lamborghini's, and Porsche's...a loud, grumbling, rumbling, clanking noise came up along side me. As I turned to see what was causing such a commotion, a rusty spotted, beat up station wagon drove quickly by. It was quite an eye sore and definitely drew attention.

I noticed all the expensive car owners were staring at it in disgust. But the owner didn't seem to notice or mind. It was serving it's purpose, getting him from point A to point B.

I sat waiting for the light to change, thinking about how often we try to blend into our environment and the people around us. We're embarrassed or afraid to stand out or be different. As followers of Christ, that's exactly how we are supposed to be...a light to others, a change from a world filled with stress, hurt and anger.

We can overcome the fear and stand up for what we believe in by showing the unconditional love of Christ through our actions. Reaching out, stepping outside our comfort zone and helping others in need, through prayer, words of encouragement and loving kindness.

We are different because we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. This gift helps us, gives us wisdom, peace and discernment in our time of need. Then we can be used to help others going through similar circumstances.

When you find yourself in a human nature situation...stop, pray and ask the Lord to fill you with HIS peaceful, confident, trustworthy spirit of hope and wisdom. Ask the Lord to use you to be a light in the lives of others. Don't be afraid to stand up and make a difference. We are here to do the Lord's will for our lives (point A) and one day return home to our Heavenly Father to spend time and all eternity in His loving embrace (point B).

Shine His light within you on those around you.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that if yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent It. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed."
Isaiah 55:8-13

Seek Me

"Seek me with all your might, mind and strength. For my way is easy and my burden is light. You have been ever seeing but not perceiving, ever hearing but not understanding. My way is easy and my burden is light, when you seek me with all your heart."

"My sacrifice was given for your freedom. No longer are you to carry your burdens alone. Lay them at my feet and I will remove them from you. Give up your worries and I will take them from your mind. You will no longer carry the things that you've labored with. They are no longer a part of you. I have set the captive free. I am freeing you up to go and do my work. To share my light with the entire world. To set the captives free. To share my love with the world. To show them that they no longer need to depend on their own strength, for I will carry them."

"I will guide their way and keep the enemy at bay. He will no longer be able to control you with his lies. My power and strength is beyond your understanding. I ask you to come to me daily in prayer and I will hear and answer you. I will take in your words and reign blessings down upon you for your faithfulness. I am here, waiting for you to know me, to ask for my wisdom and understanding. Seek me daily and you will find me. My burden is easy. I'm coming soon to set the captives free."

"Trust, seek and get to know me while I still may be found. I am your Lord & Savior, I have come to set you free. Release the burdens on me. I have paid a price for your sins, I have given my blood so that you may walk in newness of life."

"Why are you not taking my gift? It is easy to receive, just believe in me, repent and ask for the Holy Spirit to fill you up each day. Why do you make it so hard? Why do you continue to doubt. Let go! Let go! Let go! I am here to catch you. Release all your worldly desires and seek me, you will find me when you seek me with all your heart. I am here, I am waiting. My love for you is endless, you can't begin to understand it!"

Is That Me?

By: Lisa Petrarca

We recently moved to a home that has mirrored closet doors. I was in the bathroom getting ready the other morning when I heard my husky barking & running around. I peeked around the corner to see what was going on to get her so riled up. She was crouched, face & front paws down with her back end in the air. She was staring at her reflection, ready to attack the new dog in her home.

She ran towards it & swatted at the mirror.

Bam!

As it shook, she ran back towards the bed, running in circles, barking and howling. This continued until it was time for me to leave for work.

I was cracking up...

This became a ritual every morning. I began to wonder, “Is she ever going to realize that it’s her?”

Do you look at yourself in the mirror every morning and then when you leave, forget who you are in Christ? When you head out the door to start the day, do you immediately get irritated at drivers, store clerks, your boss, co-workers, etc?

We are able to rise above our current circumstances. We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. We can be filled with complete peace in the midst of our daily storms. Pray everyday and ask for the Lord to lift the stress and burdens off of you.

Don’t forget who you are!

You are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Colossians 3:12-15, 17

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.