Prayer is Not Passive!

It seems to me that there is much hostility towards the response of prayer. People seem offended and at times, even disgusted, when the call for prayer is made. Yet, as believers, we know that nothing in Heaven will be fulfilled on Earth, unless we call out to God in prayer. 

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land" - 2 Chronicles 7:14

As individuals, a generation and a nation, it seems to be that we have declared war against prayer when it doesn't work for us. But we need to clearly recognize what prayer is and what it is not. Prayer, according to God and His scripture (the manufacturer of prayer) makes it clear that first, we must humble ourselves and then second turn from any wrong doing that we may be practicing. The results of doing both is a miraculous move of God.

From my own personal experiences, and I cannot speak for everyone, my Father instilled in me from my early ages that prayer was a necessity. He would volunteer me to pray in our home, as well as in church. My father surrounded our family with prayer in every opportunity imaginable- weather it be over our homework, over our travels, over our social issues in school, our food, our family... you name it, my Father would lead us in prayer over it. With that being said, I grew up with such a comfort to pray that I don't think I ever considered the honor and privilege that prayer really holds in the life of a true believer.

I remember a sermon my Father once taught and a quote of his that I wrote down in my Bible, many, many years ago. He said, "Prayer is not a tool that we use to change God's mind, it is a gift God uses to change our hearts". That has always stuck with me. You see,  prayer is a gift that God gives us to use, continuously, because He wants us to include Him in all of our affairs. God loves us and wants to be involved in our living. Like any relationship, communication (prayer) is vital. If we expect to see God change things, move things, bring healing, bring salvation, send answers and reveal truths, we must be in prayer... and, even more so, we must make sure that we are praying effectively.
We must check our hearts, to make sure it is lined up with the word of God and that we do not have cherished sin in our lives (Ps. 66:18). We must make sure that what we pray is lined up with God's will, which is His word (John 15:7). We must come with a confidence that we believe that God is able to work His will in our lives, through our faith, prayers and lifestyle that reflect Him (Hebrews 14:16). When we pray, we must be humble, knowing that our God is mighty and sovereign over all (2 Chronicles 7:14).

And when we prayer, we must be prepared for what ever answer we recieve, because an answered prayer is not always a "yes". But we know that all things will work together for our good, according to God's plans for us, if we love Him and stay obedient (Romans 8:28). whatever our plans are...His are much better!
No plan that we could ever hope to come to pass will ever exceed God's plans for us. As children of God, it should be our natural response in every area of our lives: as women, as students, as daughters, wives, friends, sisters, professionals. Prayer should be our first response because we know that God is our first responder! Prayer, like breathing, must become an intricate part of our spiritual and natural lifestyle. Not to manipulate situations to please us, but rather to align our hearts with God to please Him!

 As Jim Cymbala put it, "prayer is the barometer by which one can gauge the spiritual maturity of another". In other words, a Christian who understands their calling, Christ's expectations and who longs to be effective for the Kingdom will invest themselves in prayer- not because they have to, but because they understand that they need to. Prayer is not passive... it is the initiation of spiritual action which is what is truly necessary if we ever hope for any change or direction in our lives, in our families or in our country.
I am not perfect, as no one is. I do not have all the answers, as no one does, but I am now understanding and appreciating prayer in an entirely new way. I am a woman who wants to be a warrior... a prayer warrior! I don't not want my life to be lived silently, but I want to shine like a beacon in the night! God has given us all what we need to shatter sin and evil that haunts this world, but to talk first and pray last is unproductive. We can prayer with confidence while talking with conviction! And this is what we must do! All of us! It is a shame how the church has grown so silent! Where is our courage and our bravery? Where are our shouts around Jericho?

Ladies, you have more power in prayer than you ever will in gossip! We have more power seeking God, then we ever will have seeking comfort. Let's not be afraid to stand up for truth! Let's not be so discouraged that we won't lift up our voices to our God who loves us! We are not here on accident! Our existence in this generation was very calculated and purposeful. Now, you and I must go and put this calling to use. We must be the one who is willing to stand in the gap for those who cannot stand on their own. We must be willing to go into battle for our nation, our unsaved family, friends and for the future. We are each privileged and purposed to do just that, now more than ever! I am a woman on a mission, and I need prayer to accomplish all the hopes and dreams that Christ has instilled in me. Will you join me? Can we do this together?

I thank God for prayer and for the power that is required to operate a sincere prayer life. My prayer for all of you is that you learn the joy of coming to the Father, not only on behalf of yourself, but for others who are relying on the strength of your prayers to get them through. Be used of God, today and each day forward. Remember, He loves you and He is waiting to be invited in our circumstances, struggles and aspirations.

Prayer is not passive. Let's take action, together!
~Pearls

Strength is Evident in the Crisis

 It's the normal assumption that good deeds should be rewarded: Going to college should get you a good job, being respectful should earn you respect, showing yourself friendly should earn you lots of friends. In some cases, this is true. But spiritually thinking, it's honestly when we are doing what is right when wrong comes to pay us a visit! This is why, more and more, we are hearing the buzz that Christianity "doesn't work". No body wants to endure unpleasantries or discomfort. We want a quick fix and the least amount of effort, difficulty or struggle in our lives.  If something seems laborious or tedious, we try to avoid it. It is a debilitating mistake to assume that being  christian means that only blessings lay in store for you and I honestly blame the pulpit. There are so many messages being spewed from sanctuaries that following Christ results in financial abundance, opportunity and continuous prosperity in every endeavor one would seek to pursue. But when we look to scripture, we see that this is simply not the case. Giving our hearts to Jesus is like signing our name for warfare. From the start, we automatically have the victory, in Christ, but my sister, understand there will be hard times ahead.

As a result of the disciples following Jesus, they lost their social standing, their homes, their families and their wealth. Peter, James and John lost their fishing career, Paul lost his political status, Mary lost her good reputation and John the Baptist lost his head! But see, they knew that greater glory was worth the risk. It is my passion not to fall prey to the misconception that problems disappear once I follow Jesus because if I am only following Jesus for what I think I can get out of it, then that is not true Christianity; that is not true devotion.
In our earthy relationships, we are taught to date people who can make us happy, meet our needs, show us a good time and make us feel good about ourselves. And sadly, this perspective has crept into the church, where we then have projected this same expectation on Christ: "If I serve God then He has to bless me and give me the desires of my heart and lead me into my purpose and give me favor and keep me on the mountain top and make a way out of no way for me..."!
My loves, if God does nothing else but just pour His grace and mercy on us, that is more than enough! We must check the motives of our hearts and remember that Jesus suffered for our sakes... is it too much that He expects our willingness to do the same for Him? And if that time ever comes, do we love Him enough to be strong and courageous throughout the storm? Or will we jump ship when the boat feels too rocky? Are we equipping ourselves to fight through faith? Are we strong soldiers or simply spiritual civilians on the sidelines?

It has always been my personal belief that strength is evident in the crisis, not in the oasis. Yes, we

can feel uplifted in church, when the choir sings our song, but what happens in the real life situations? Are we prepared to stand firm in the midst of the fire? Do we posses the courage we need to combat our struggles and win the battles that each day has in store for us? We can declare all we want, but the truth of our hearts beam brightest in the dark.
I am reminded of what my father has always told me, "the mark of a strong relationship is in the arguments. You don't know what type of man you are dealing with until he becomes angry. The actions, words, and attitude that he displays in his anger is the true refection of what is already in his heart". So, the first argument I had with my boyfriend (now husband), he still held my hand and he still opened my door for me; he still kissed me good night and he still said, "Ill call you tomorrow". He was pissed, but still showed love. He could have said, "look, I'm not trying to deal with all of this". He could have jumped ship, especially because that particular argument was my fault! But, he showed strength and courage. It's easier to walk away, because walking away doesn't require any work. In fact, it is selfish and self is only interested in what is minimal effort. Self is seeking the blessing, but not the effort. Self is only wanting what is pleasing to me- never mind you, until I am satisfied. Sadly, we have been so accustomed to holding others in this regard, that it begins to pour out into our relationship with Christ. Instead of fighting for our faith, we walk away in pursuit of our comfort. We can spiritually choose to go A-wall on our salvation because, it's easier. But we have not been called to an easy life in Christ. We have been called to a victorious life! The temptations and distractions of this world seem immense. At times, it doesn't even look possible that we can overcome the trials that so many of us face, but greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4)!

We don't want to suffer or wait. We don't want to practice patience or the integrity that is produced in difficult times. We don't want to be inconvenienced. But all of that is necessary if we ever hope to experience the glory that awaits in Christ! It's easy to do things the easy way, but the results of easy are never long lasting. To walk in purity and truth, kindness and forgiveness, patience and graciousness, in the midst of chaos and unpleasantries... this is true strength and undeniable courage! It is the call of each Christian, as she lives out her daily life and makes her life choices: Do I press on in this storm maintaining the likeness of Christ, or do I find an easy way out and avoid the difficulties?

Self preservation will always be the death of us! It will kill our opportunities to shine like Jesus! It will destroy the seed that God is growing in you and will close the door to the destination of your purpose and calling. Every struggle, trial, dilemma and hardship we endure when we choose to do what pleases the Lord makes us stronger in this life and prepares us for the next. Remember, all suffering is seasonal. It doesn't last forever, but the glory and the rewards that await are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17)! Each season sets our path for the next journey, but through it all, God is there. He is preparing, pruning, growing and digging up all that He desires for us. He is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5)! In order for the flowers to grow, the earth must first be broken. The soil must be turned over, so that the roots will grow deep and produce the garden. But if the earth is unwilling to go through it's season of brokenness, then it will never have the opportunity to display any beauty.
There is so much beauty that God wants to produce in you! But you and I cannot be afraid to sojourn through the war. This is where His word has the platform to truly ring in our hearts and produce the choices, decisions and reactions that are necessary to give Him the Glory- ultimately blessing us in the process! We cannot be afraid to fight in the battle, because we have already won the victory, and freedom is ours, in Christ!

"Thanks be to God! He has given us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ!" ~ 1 Corinthians 15:57

Be Strong and Courageous! Don't avoid the trials or the storm. God is growing a garden and wants to put you on display! Your victory is in Jesus and through Him, you are a champion!

Stay strong, my sisters! And Happy Independence day to you all!
~Pearls

Orlando

7 days ago, our country experienced a massacre of unprecedented degree. 50 people lost their lives, 53 more people were injured beyond just the physicality's that result from wounds of such magnitude. I myself have experienced the pain resulting from loosing a loved one to bullet wounds. The psychological devastation alone is almost unbearable. There is no telling how detrimental these lasting results will be for the individuals who were personally effected. The devastation doesn't end with the yellow tape that lines the walls of Pulse night club: there are mothers who are left to grieve for their children, friends whose only peace comes from saved text messages and memories, co-workers who are left lonely because a colleague's desk is now empty. The sinister aftermath continues to ricochet throughout the city of Orlando, the media and ultimately, our entire country and to be honest, I am left with so many conflicting feelings. Not towards the victims and their families, because, as any healthy human response should be, I am in horror, shock and grief over the loss of life and the hate that fired off into the night without any regard for those dear people. But what confuses me- more so what enrages me, are the disgusting slurs, statuses, comments and articles projecting from the mouths of people who claim that they are representations of Christ.

In our Bible study last week, one of our Pearls emotionally expressed her aggravation towards the

attitudes of "Christians" who used this tragedy as their soap box to belittle, devalue and disrespect the lives that were lost that night. She expressed how frustrated she was to see how ungracious, unkind and how cruel people (yes, even church people) can be. Listening to her and the other girls' reactions to some of the obscene and ruthless comments floating around the media is the true tragedy here, because, based on scripture, those who celebrate the destruction of others are misguided in their efforts of representing who God truly is.

According to 1 John 4:20-21, "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister".
Various translations of this scripture use the term "neighbor" instead of brother and sister and I find this very interesting. It lead me to a conversation that Jesus had with a religious man in Luke chapter 10. This man, with all of his esteem and intellect, wanted to know the way to eternal life. Because of his pride, we wanted to test Jesus. His question was in front of a large crowd and his words were coated in arrogance. So Jesus simply asked him, "What is the greatest commandment?"

To this, the man answered, "to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself". And just who is our neighbor?

Jesus goes on to tell a story of a man who was robbed and beaten. 2 religious people pass him by, avoiding the man because he did not look clean. They could've helped him, but instead, they dismissed his plight. They overlooked his condition and his tragedy, because they were full of pride and misguided in their own evaluation of themselves. Finally, a kind man passed the hurting person and did all that was in his power to help him. He gave the man his own clothes, paid for medical attention and a place for the man to stay and eat.

"Who was the neighbor to the beaten man", Jesus asked the religious man.

The religious man regretfully admitted, "The one who showed him Mercy"

In response to this answer, Jesus says, "go and do likewise".

I am touched by this story because, if we are to truly be who God has called us to be in this world, we have to be loving and love requires mercy. It doesn't matter if we agree or disagree with someone's life choices. Being a Christian is more than words and songs on Sunday; it's a lifestyle rooted in the one ideology that the term "Christian" upholds... being like Christ! It is our calling to be Jesus in the world (1 John 4:17)- to love as he loves us, to help those who are seeking hope and to have mercy when people, whom God loves, are being mistreated and abused. How in the world can we name the name of Christ, but then celebrate when tragedy falls on people who have been made in the image of the God we claim to love?

The derogatory slurs, comments and hateful Facebook statuses that I have encountered in passing, have been offensive and appalling, especially those made by people who have manipulated God's truth to support their own hateful agendas. One preacher in Sacramento, California, went so far as to say that he wished "they" would all have their brains blown up! How grotesque! ... and in the name of God? Who are any of us to misrepresent our Savior in such a way?  Wasn't it God who tells us that His heart breaks whenever anyone suffers? He doesn't want anyone to perish but for all people to know His love and be reunited in relationship with Him (2 Peter 3:9). How then, as scripture states it, can we claim to love God whom we haven't seen, yet hate our neighbor who we clearly see? We have not been called to speak love in one breath and hate with another breath. This is hypocrisy! Remember, "If we speak in tongues of angels, but don't love, we are nothing" (1 Corinthians 13: 1).

Love does not mean that we have to abandon scripture or deny what we believe in, but what love does mean is that we respect and value all human life and celebrate all people because everyone is valuable in the eyes of God! To love is not limited to only people who are like you. In Christ, we have been called to love without limitation and to love our neighbors as ourself (Mark 12: 31). These are God's commands to His church! Time and time again, Jesus emphasized this truth to his disciples and His disciples continued to proclaim these scriptures throughout all the churches of the 1st Century and into this moment. Those were not suggestions! It was not specific only to that time and place, but for all generations who chose to follow in the name of Christ. "Love one another, as I have loved you!" (John 13: 34). To claim that we love God, much less know God personally, but then reject His commandments to love others and to show good to others is only a refection of the lack of understanding and godly wisdom one possess in their heart (1 John 2:3).

I don't want to come across ranting and raving, but please, lets' do better and lets truly strive to love like Jesus! We can disagree on important matters and still maintain kindness, gentleness and respect for others (1 Peter 3: 13-16)!  I hope this is an important reminder to all of us who proclaim Christianity: to treat others out of malice and hate is not love.  And if it's not love, it isn't Christ and if it isn't Christ, then your actions are not of God! Instead of anger and hateful words, our response should be to seek ways in which we can offer hope to those who are hurting, pray for others, be compassionate and ultimately, simply show love and kindness.
"They will know you are Christians by your love" (John 13: 35). So will the REAL Christians please stand up? Where is our love? Where is our grace and our compassion? Even God, Himself, is slow to anger! He is patient and long-suffering with all of us, who by nature are all imperfect. Wasn't it God who wanted to spare Ninevah? Didn't He tell the prophet Jonah that He loved the people, in spite of their choices? Wasn't it God who said the same thing about you and me? How then, can we accept His love for us, but then deny sharing that same love with others? We are no better than anyone. In fact, we are every man- all in need of kindness, mercy and love from the Lord.

I want to end this article with a quote made by Kelly Osbourne... It's a shame that this wasn't proclaimed from the pulpits and Facebook statuses from so called "Christians". It's something to think about...

"The tragedy in Orlando devastated me and reminded me that every moment of our lives is precious. Every human is precious. Love hard. Live gracefully, authentically and with conviction, respect, purpose and compassion."- Kelly Osbourne

Love others and be compassionate. Live gracefully. Be Jesus.

~Pearls