God is Good
Today is cold, rainy, dreary, and has the potential to become much, much worse. This is the exception because in the south we rarely see ice storms and temperatures in the teens. I am indeed thankful for a warm, cozy home. God is very good to me.
Prayer and Fasting
As I was feeling so thankful, a prayer request came via our prayer team thread, but this one grabbed my heart for I too have experienced the fear and horror of a loved one desiring to end their life; Their feeling like the world would be better off without their presence. So, I worded our prayer and as I did the scripture from Mark 9:29 came to mind. You know the one: “And when He was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, ‘Why could not we cast him (demonic spirit) out?’ And He said unto them, ‘This kind can come forth by nothing but prayer and fasting.’”
I thought to myself, “I will fast today on behalf of this child of God.” (Wasn’t that nice of me? I do hope you sensed my sarcasm!)
Can you not watch for one hour?
Within less than half an hour I was licking the beaters and spatula of a chocolate pound cake. As the still small voice spoke, “What about the fast?” the scripture found in Matthew 26:40 hit me like a sledgehammer. “And He came unto the disciples and found them asleep, and said unto Peter, ‘What, could ye not watch with Me one hour?’”
Watch and Pray
I have often wondered at the lack of concern from the disciples. I mean, Jesus has told them He has a heavy heart, and that He will die! Don’t they care???? Do they love Jesus? What on earth made their eyes so heavy? Wine? Full bellies? What did they do that day that was so taxing physically? Jesus needed them! He had changed their lives and met their every need and now, they cannot meet His ONE request to “watch and pray?”
Conviction
Conviction is hard to swallow and lately, I have had a lot of it. As I study the concept of the Bride of Christ, this lack of love on my part, well let’s just say the mirror being held up by the Holy Spirit is not reflecting anything but selfish. It puts me with the disciples asleep as Jesus agonizes and prays ALONE. He cannot count on me either.
Broken bread and poured out wine
To drive the sledgehammer into my consciousness even harder, I read Oswald Chambers, “I am responsible for others souls. When one suffers, all suffer! I am my brother’s keeper. We are one body and when one suffers, the whole suffers! This is how we become broken bread and poured out wine.”
Chosen Bride
How can I be the Bride of Christ when I cannot even watch and pray one hour? Is my love for Christ based on what He does for me or do I Iove Him for who He is: My Savior. The One who chose me to be His Bride! He makes sure the choice is mine alone. Will I drink fully from the cup He offers or will I refuse because I don’t want to do the one thing He asks of me?
Take Up Your Cross
Who will I serve: Appetite or Others? The decision will affect generations to come! Jesus served me all the way to the cross. This is what He asks of me: “daily take up your cross and follow me.” That’s how He will know I LOVE Him. What are your answers to these pointed questions?
Father,
Forgive my lack of love and commitment to YOU when You have given everything for me.
Lord, thank you for Your incredible, gentle correction. You easily could have sent me away.
Help me be the Bride You desire. I want to be broken and spilled out for You!
In His precious name I ask,
Amen
Yvonne Jones
