I Got Pulled Over For What...?

It was in that moment, after he walked back to the flashing lights, I was reminded to pray. I didn't want to...I was mad! I mean really, what CHP officer pulls someone over on the freeway for tinted windows? My hubby couldn't believe it. My mother-in-law and 98 year old aunt were sitting quietly in the back seat, a little perplexed by the whole situation. We had just finished a great day at The Flower Gardens and now this!

Let me back up for a minute to the start of my day. It all began with my morning prayer, "Lord, help me to be a light for You today, not my will but Yours. As you bring people in my path, remind me to pray for them. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

During the first part of the day, I prayed for several people as we walked through the beautiful gardens. My joy spilling out in prayer. 

Who know's, I may be the only person praying for them. I know the importance of prayer and I know The Lord has divine appointments for each of us daily. So, with that in mind, am I only called to pray for people during happy times? Or does The Lord want me to also pray for people who cross my path even in difficult ways?

I prayed for the police officer as he sat in his car writing my ticket. It wasn't as heartfelt as my prayers earlier in the day. But I prayed for a hedge of protection around him while he worked. I prayed that if he didn't know Jesus, He would meet the officer right where he's at. I prayed for peace and comfort for him and his family. Then I reluctantly signed my fix-it ticket.

Later I thought, "What if I'd been even bolder? What if I'd stepped completely outside of my situation, choosing to be, KING and KINGDOM focussed?"  What if I'd said, "Do you or any of your family and/or friends need prayer for anything? I send out prayer requests for my church and would love to pray for you." Of course this would have to be said after signing the ticket or it wouldn't be taken as a sincere request.

How powerful would that have been to truly show Christ-like love; not thinking of me, but him? Hmmm...difficult appointments that call me to rise higher, looking to Jesus for HIS WILL in my everyday situation. 
Lessons. Growth. Areas The Lord is asking me to go deeper in my faith and trust. 

I pray that each and every one of you has a deeper encounter with Jesus in the coming days and weeks. I pray you seek Him, He's calling you to be bolder in reaching out to others. You and I are called for more...KING & KINGDOM FOCUSSED. Let Christ be formed in and through you.

But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”~John 5:17

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men"~1 Timothy 2:1

"praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints"~Ephesians 6:18

"Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart"~Luke 18:1

Come Join The Party!

The party was just beginning, white tables & chairs set up near the palm trees. Colorful balloons securely tied around each table. The jumper was pumped up and the entire park appeared to be in party mode. The kids began to excitedly arrive one by one with their parents. It was going to be a wonderful celebration.

I sat in church, surveying the party outside as we began to sing praise music. We lifted our voices in joyful sound, worshiping the Lord: the harmonious sound resonating out the doors, throughout the park. We too were celebrating, honoring the Lord. Lifting up our hearts for our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. We were having a party. There were no balloons, jumpers or physical presents. But we gave something greater...ourselves. We were letting go and trusting Him. We gave our brokenness, fears, loneliness, joy, openness, time, faith, hearts and most importantly...our Love. We are His greatest treasure. He desires a relationship with us. When we celebrate Him; He rejoices. We are His children and He created us for a Love relationship with Him.

Don't allow anything to keep you from spending time celebrating your Savior Jesus Christ, (your past, sins, shame, hurt, fears, addictions, and/or insecurity.) Remember, you are no surprise to Him and for your mistakes and weaknesses, He freely gave His life so you would no longer have to carry the weight and burden of your poor choices. There is complete and utter freedom in His Glory, at the foot of His Throne.

If you've been carrying a heavy load, a burden that's weighing you down, go to a quiet place and pray, ask for forgiveness; ask for help in forgiving yourself. He hears you, and is faithful to answer. He wants you to join in the party, celebrating your new found freedom, joy and life in Christ Jesus. His Love for you is unending!

Hosea 6:3 "Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

Hosea 11:4 "I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them."

 Micah 7:7 "But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." 

Nahum 1:7 "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." 

1 Peter 1:3 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."