Going Against the Grain

These days it is hard not to become overwhelmed with sadness as we watch in horror the devastation that is hurting so many precious people. Having social media is a blessing and at the same time a curse. How much easier it would be to not know all the real time news of sorrow around the world. Yet at the same time knowing affords us the opportunity to prayer in real time. I know people are praying around the world for the crisis in Israel and other parts of the Middle East where Christians are being killed and driven out of their homes without mercy. 

I too am praying for these. I love Israel! I support them 100%! I even put an app on my phone that was alerting me of every bomb hitting Israel and I would pray at that moment. (Red Alert-Israel) It became too much. I had to turn the volume down and periodically check to see if new bombs had fallen. It was hard for me to listen to the alerts over and over. Can we even imagine what it is like to live in such a way? I can't. 

Yet I find I am troubled with the call for prayer just being for Israel. Where are the posts asking us to pray for the terrorists and the Palestinians? My prayers are not only for the victims, but for the victimizers. You see I have a personal past with Muslims. I once had a step mom who was muslim, which for a season gave me a muslim family. Of course I was just a teen at the time and really didn't know much of them personally. To my recollection, they were immgrants from Pakistan and very grateful to be in America. They were farmers in Tolleson and seemed as American as me. My stepmom, Amina, kept a Quran on a table in her house, but I never saw her practice Islam. I knew it was not what I was raised to believe, but I never saw any indication of anything radical. 

There came a time in my walk with God that he chose to show me through dreams and visions that the Islamic nation now had an agenda against us and was infiltrating America. This was news to me. In my dreams, I saw them buying our businesses and moving into our neighborhoods. I really didn't know anything about any of this at the time. I was living in the White Mountains. In a place that seemed so unknown to most and kind of tucked away. 

I never dreamed we would be a part of it. However, I began to notice women wearing hijabs and arab men running our gas stations and buying our hotels. It was around this time I began praying for every woman I saw wearing a hijab. I prayed that she would know the love of God and be drawn to Jesus. I continue that habit today. That is one thing about their dress, it identifies them to me. 

Who knows what the future holds. The day came when one of my own girls starting wearing a hajib after marrying a Pakistani Muslim, who was in this country for his education. The two of them moved in with us. A very enlightening experience. My son in law could not even receive love. Love isn't even a part of their world. It is about honor. Even that is so far from how  we would define honor. I learned that he lived in fear. Fear was his motivator and when he failed to live up to all the atrocious rules, he was consumed with fear. Fear of rejection mostly by his family. I observed the pressures that were on him. It was hard to see such bondage and they are indoctrinated from birth with it and the accompanying threats. They know nothing more. It has been their world, just as our peaceful one has been ours. 

All of this interaction with Muslims created in me a heart for them and I have to say that God loves them as much as he loves Israel. He desires for them to be saved from their enemies. He is not playing favorites with one or the other. There is neither jew or gentile. He died for us all. It is on this premise I have been praying for a mighty revival amongst our enemies. I call them enemies because of what the Quran says. I have been referred to as an infidel by one we would call moderate muslim. An infidel is one who in islam is outside of their religion and they must either be converted or killed. There is no other way according to their holy book. They consider us the enemy. Somebody who wants to see us dead is an enemy by any definition.

God loves them! Will you join me in praying for them? They are bound by a powerful enemy who has infiltrated them and has come to kill, steal and destroy what God really wants them to have. These are those who have devoted themselves to death to serve what they believe is a true god. They don't know the truth. It is us who do know that need to stand in the gap. It is us who have been granted authority to come before the throne of grace on their behalf. 

FYI This enemy has now invaded our nation at the highest levels. Who but God can deliver us? Do we hope they will leave on their own accord or even by force? Would that be the best? Or would it be best that they learn of the love of God for them who can break them free from their evil taskmasters? Maybe coming to our country and even into other parts of the world can backfire against the enemy's plan to kill steal and destroy their lives and the lives of others, and abundant life can be theirs. That would truly be the best outcome. 

Together in Chains

Somewhere in the city of Tehran, Iran, Pastor Saeed lay in a hospital room. He is now unshackled, but hasn't been for long and though he has received some care, the surgery he desperately needs to repair injuries still hasn't happened. Most of us would agree we would prefer not to be in a hospital, but for Pastor Saeed this must be a welcome relief from being tortured and neglected in Iran's most horrible and evil prison. For months he has been deeply tortured and has carried unhealed wounds and afflictions in his body. What was his crime? This faithful pastor, who is a US citizen from the state of Idaho, was imprisoned in 2012 for helping to build an orphanage and sharing his faith in Christ. 

His beautiful, loving wife Naghmeh, has led the charge to free her husband. She has worked tirelessly recruiting as many believers as possible, reaching millions through social media, as well as politicians inside and outside the US. It would seem that by this point, the US would put great priority in demanding the freedom of an American citizen, but little has been done in regards to those who have authority to make such things happen. Many have been storming the gates of heaven on his behalf, but what is it accomplishing? Plenty I am sure, but not Saeed's release. I myself have prayed that Saeed, like Paul and the other apostles, would have supernatural experiences leading many to Christ and in my heart I believe that to be true. However, would this be a path Saeed would have chosen for himself? Maybe he would. Maybe he is a better Christian than me as I am certain torture, pain, discomfort, and imprisonment would absolutely not be on my bucket list. 

As I was thinking about my own life the other day, it crossed my mind that God seems to use many troubles in our lives that allow us for a season to be imprisoned. A circumstance in which we feel out of control and unable to change, could be a type of prison. For me eight years ago, I went through a horrible life changing experience and in my mind, not for the better. I lost control of something I never realized was such a gift. My health was robbed in what seemed like an instant. To have one's health is huge. To not have it can change everything. I have a list of all that I have lost during this season. Plenty and somedays I wonder if I will never have it back. I can't accept that I won't and believe God has shown me the day will come I will be set free, but in the meantime, life is unpredictable and mostly a battle. 

I am embarrassed to be in this situation and feel extremely vulnerable. I don't like being out of control and some days, I honestly feel like a little kid who threatens to hold my breath till I pass out if someone doesn't let me out! I can just picture what that would look out. On second thought, let's skip that selfie. 

Prayer after prayer and doing all the quote unquote right things hasn't opened the door. Where is the key Lord and why can't I have it? 

On my birthday I awakened with the thought of maybe today will be a new day and my day of freedom, immediately I heard "wait." "What?!" I exclaimed. I thought, then what is the point of getting out of bed today. Talk about bursting my bubble. After I got over my attitude, I said again as I have many many times before, "I trust you Lord."

When I was younger and thought I was so spiritually enlightened, I know it freaks me out too that I once thought that, I would tell people, quit trying to get out of your troubles and let God have His way in you through them. I wasn't speaking what I didn't know as I had been applying that principle to my own life. Then here is comes: the valley of the shadow of death. To get out has been my constant obsession. To find what will heal and set me free my one desire. 

One day I heard Him say, "fellowship with me in your sufferings." In other words, it is time to embrace this place. It is time to quit expending all your energy on a futile endeavor and see what God is and wants to do. I can think of many great things that have come out of my prison experience so far. One is dependence. The realization I can't even breathe without help. I know to whom I must cling. I have learned grace, when in the past, I was far from it. To hear of another's physical weakness causes such compassion where before it didn't. I pray and fight for those who are also imprisoned through sickness. I have met people and ministered to people I wouldn't have otherwise. I have become exposed to truths I never dreamed. Yet somehow there is something so profound in this fellowshipping with Jesus in this dark place that I have yet to tap into. It is something Paul asked for, though I am pretty sure I had to be forced into. I am here and with eager anticipation awaiting this rich life changing place. Maybe this freedom I long for will be found in the very place I have been begging to have opened up for me. Now wouldn't that beat all! 

Mosaic

Mosaic

I had the amazing privilege of going to Israel in May of 1995. Jesus truly met there beyond my deepest desires. His presence was everywhere and talk about the Bible coming to life. Now when I read a scripture that talks about, say for instance, the Sea of Galilee, I know what it looks like.

Talking about Israel only leads me to share what is on my heart. I saw something about a mosaic on Facebook the other day and it got me to thinking about all the mosaics I saw while on that trip. There are so many Catholic monuments that represent places that are at least believed to be significant to the life of Jesus. Within the walls of these structures are incredible works of art. Many artists have taken tiny pieces of tile, stone or glass to form creations that resemble pictures of events from long ago. That got me to thinking about life. Could it be that our lives are like an unfinished mosaic by the Master Designer Himself?

We can think as we look from day to day that our lives are not really making much of a difference. Are we producing anything out of all this day to day normality? Once in awhile we experience mountain tops, but most of life seems to be lived out in the plains and valleys. Most of life seems a bit insignificant, but what if it is more like a mosaic? What if every event of our lives is a little piece to a beautiful puzzle? That unless each piece is in its place, it would be incomplete. Are all those seemingly senseless events or circumstances or even victories, great and small, all a part of the whole picture? What a comforting thought!

I went to bed the other night meditating on Ephesians 2:10. (For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.) I love how God confirms His Living Word to us. The next morning, He was again speaking to me through a song. Here are the lyrics that blessed me as I listened:

I can see the tears filling Your eyes

And I know where they're coming from

They're coming from a heart that's broken in two

By what you don't see

The person in the mirror

Doesn't look like the magazine

Oh, but when I look at you it's clear to me that...

I can see the fingerprints of God

When I look at you

I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know it's true

You're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

Never has there been and never again

Will there be another you

Fashioned by God's hand

And perfectly planned

To be just who you are

And what He's been creating

Since the first beat of your heart

Is a living breathing priceless work of art and...

Just look at you

You're a wonder in the making

Oh, and God's not through, no

In fact, He's just getting started and…

For God to speak this to me, at this point in my life, holds such meaning. I have been walking in a time that feels like my life is a bit shattered. Broken into what I can now see, are little pieces that can be put into their appropriate places in the working out of His Masterpiece of me. This song has stuck with me and it continues to minister to my heart. To know that all these difficult days are not in vain, offers hope I desperately need. I can rest in His Words, "I have begun this work in you and I will bring it to completion." (my paraphrase)

My Tribute to Mom Rutt

It seemed a random place to move;
that house on Dahlia Street.
But then a mighty storm came through;
and caused us all to meet.

This Christian family called the Rutts;
Were unlike those we'd met before.
They were so in love with Jesus;
We had no idea what God had in store.

God had a plan right from the start;
Of which you, Kathleen would be a part.
We, sisters three would need to know;
the love of Jesus, which you did show.

You opened your home and opened your heart;
to all the neighborhood kids around.
We'd sit on the floor with eagerness;
as your stories of Jesus would abound.

A flannel board with songs and verses;
We would love to sing.
"His banner over me is love" and;
To follow Jesus is the most important thing.

With our mother needing to work;
And our dad now gone;
Sharmon, Lauri and Heidi's life
had seemed to go all wrong.

Great pain then filled our hearts;

And we didn't know what to do.
One special night at the Rutt's we stayed;
And asked Jesus into our heart's we prayed.

Even though hard changes did hit our lives;
And we did seem to stray.
Mom Rutt, you continued to intercede for us;
Until consumed by Jesus we would stay.

The seeds you planted so long ago;
They did not blow away.
They grew and produced a yield of;
Thirty, sixty and hundred fold, even to this day.

My heart rejoices before our King;
For all the love you have shown.
I honor you this day dear Mom;
as our loving Father does from His throne.

Now that so much time has passed;
I can clearly see.
That meeting you that summer's day;
wasn't random after all, but a part of divine destiny.

I'll love you for eternity,

Kelli (Sharmon Samuels) Young

My God Purse

Ok so I confess, I am a gadget geek and lots of those infomercials for items guaranteed to make your life easier, definitely attract me. In fact, I have thought about starting a newspaper column. I would purchase and try out these "if you order in the next 3 minutes you will get not only one for this outrageous price, but two complete sets" and then report to the public whether or not they really work. Of course it is still in the some day stage, as who has the money to invest in all those gadgets.

One night a couple of years ago, the perfect item came on the TV and I knew then that this was indeed the smartest and coolest idea I had seen yet. I am a typical woman in some ways; like when it comes to matching your purse to your outfit. It has appealed to me and I have tried to do it, but after shoving all the items in one purse and into the other, I found this form of typical wasn't for me. That is until I saw the Miche Bag infomercial. I was glued to the set. This intelligent woman had come up with the idea of a lifetime. Instead of taking all your items out of the bag, you simply change the cover of the same base bag. The ideas for the covers are then endless. I loved it the moment I saw it, problem was I didn't have the money to buy it.

Fast forward two years later, when out of the blue I decide today is the day I am buying my Miche Bag. This was just a few weeks ago and I did it even though I still didn't have the money. I was excited the day I ordered it and even more so the day it arrived; complete with four shells. I discovered almost immediately, I needed a couple of accessories to go with it, but that would have to wait.

Two weeks later, payday came again. I briefly contemplated getting my accessories, but I knew it was house payment payday and that probably wasn't wisdom.

I went to Starbucks, had coffee and visited with my pastors. After I came home, I accessed what I needed to get done, since I was gone all morning. First, I would need to check my computer. As I started to open it, I heard the Lord say, "Go to Hallmark and get your accessories."

Um, I am thinking my flesh is talking to me now. "Lord, I can't really do that. I haven't even paid my bills yet and it just isn't a good time to do it with all the work that I need to get done."

"I want you to go to Hallmark and get your accessories."

Ok, I know the Lord's voice and really I don't even want to leave the house. After coming home hot from Starbucks, I was enjoying being in my cool home; yet I somehow felt compelled. "This sure isn't what I would think you would say Lord but ok." I grabbed my new Miche Bag and headed over to Hallmark to pick up my accessories.

I picked up the accessories and thought; I should go over to the card aisle and get an anniversary card for our 30^th anniversary this weekend. It is not unheard of for me to forget to buy a card for such an occasion, so I am thinking I will be ahead of the game on this one.
I head over and started browsing through the cards. One after the other and nothing was really speaking to me. I could see a lady out of the corner of my eye and then before I knew it she was standing right next to me. In another second she had moved to my left side and just starting talking to me about her upcoming wedding on the following day. I congratulated her and we chatted for a few more minutes. I said God bless you and went to the cashier to pay for my three items.

As I stood there handing over my debit card, I heard the Lord again. "Go back and pray for her."

Of course I didn't argue a bit and said, "I will do that right away, Lord." Not. I said, "Lord, I just left her and that would be awkward."

"Go back and pray for her."

This time I picked up my bag and headed straight back to her. "Excuse me, what is your name?" She told me her name and then I asked her if I could pray for her.

To my surprise, she said I was the second person to ask her that in two days. She then asked if she could tell me a story and of course I was eager to hear it. She told me how she had attended a Christian church and had lots of friends until she got divorced. At which time they all abandoned her, and she had been deeply hurt. I apologized and said I was so sorry that had happened to her. Now she had grabbed my neck and was hugging me. I prayed for her, broke off the judgments, asked the Lord to heal her heart and free her to enter into her new union. God was surely present in that aisle of the Hallmark store. I had the opportunity to share how precious she was to Jesus and how much He loved her. We exchanged numbers and then I left.

As I was walking out the store, I marveled at God and how He would use my Miche Bag to get me out so that I could minister to this lady. It made me wonder if He put that desire for this purse in my heart two years ago, knowing that this woman would need ministry on the day before her wedding. I also marveled at how free I had become in Him to allow Him to move me in a totally non religious way. In the past, if I had heard Him speak to me like that, I would have assumed it was the devil tempting me to be irresponsible. I don't live under that legalism anymore and as a result, a woman's heart was touched for eternity. O and I have a really cool story to go with my God purse!

Perpendicular Tombstones

It was a perfect day to be outside. The Arizona sun was shining within the expanse of a beautiful blue sky and the temperatures hovered around the seventies. Every now and then we get to be privy to opportunities that can and are intended to change our lives. This would be one of those days.

Just a few days before, I received a phone call from my dad and he asked me if he could take me somewhere. I asked where and he said it was a surprise. I tried to get him to divulge the whereabouts and he wouldn't budge. He said I would just have to wait and see. I am not really fond of the whole surprise thing, but it wasn't up to me.

So the day arrived. Dad was very prompt and picked me up when he said he would. We chatted a little along the way, but really not much was said. I pondered to myself where he could be taking me. We probably drove close to an hour between where we both lived to the far west side of town. Dad slowed down and as I looked I noticed we were pulling into a cemetery. What? I couldn't believe this was it! I think truthfully I had hoped for a little more. Again I probed and he just drove around until he got to the spot he intended. We got out and walked over to a specific area where many tombstones lay close to one another.

I asked him why he brought me all the way across town to a cemetery. He proceeded to ask me if I wanted to hear a story that to him, was the most Christian story he had ever been told. I was all ears then, because let's just say my father and I don't see totally eye to eye when it comes to spiritual things.

He asked me if I noticed anything unusual about the tombstones. I looked and said yes. I noticed that there was a plot with imbedded tombstones that were all facing east. However, along side of them, lined up perpendicular, were upright tombstones with crosses on them. As I looked at them I realized these tombstones had names of Muslim individuals, even those I had personally known. Now my curiosity had more than piqued. You see my father was once married to a Muslim lady named Amina. She and her family were very close and they got together often. Many times when my sisters and I would go to see our dad, we would attend these family gatherings. I had been privileged to get to know this family and love them. As a believer myself, my heart was very excited to see all the crosses on these tombstones.

Amina's brother Robert, even though he was a Muslim, married a Christian Baptist lady. He agreed to attend church with his wife, although he had to sit on the front row. The pastor was right in front of him. Robert recited his own Islamic prayers as the pastor preached. Now I have known many pastors personally in my day and yet I can't imagine any of them being willing to do what this pastor did. Robert prayed his Islamic prayers loud enough for him to hear and the pastor did nothing! He allowed this man to go on week after week and never said a word to him, but loved him as he loved all who attended. This action caught Robert so off guard, that he made a decision to accept Jesus Christ as his own personal Lord and Savior. He had been so touched by the pastor's unconditional love for him; a type of love that he had never experienced before, that he made a radical decision that would forever change his life and the generations to follow. As a result of this action, Robert became a true lover of Jesus. By the time I met the man as a junior high girl, full of herself, I might add, it was evident my Uncle Bob was a man who lived for Jesus. He hadn't raised his children as he had been raised, but they were raised as Christians. The light and love of Christ was in this family.

In time, Uncle Bob's conversion led to others in his family accepting the gift of Christ's salvation as well. I now stood before these perpendicular tombstones marveling at how the life of one man can impact generations. This precious pastor probably never had the privilege to stand where I stood that day and understand how his decision to accept my Uncle Bob, for who he was, had forever changed the course of history. I know that someday he will know, but for now hopefully my life and the lives of those privy to this story will love as he loved. By the way, my stepmom died young of MS and her tombstone also bears a cross.

Treachery Defeated!

The trail is treacherous this morning. The sun should be shining, but instead darkness reigns in its place. The threat of death surrounds me like hungry wolves hiding in the shadows. They lie in wait for the One who covers me to leave. I find myself sensing death and wonder if I will be devoured, yet I have a Savior who is by my side. I must find my strength not within myself, but within Him. I shall not be devoured, He says to me. I stand up and face my enemy, not because of who I am, for I know in myself I am small and insignificant and not a threat to him. It is because because of the might, power and glory of the One who stands tall and secure and completely confident, that victory is ours. It is in that greatness I am able to not only endure, but to win!!!

By the blood of the Lamb

I have overcome

By the blood of the Lamb

I have victory