Sunday Chronicles # 334 — January 29, 2023
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen'” (Mt. 6:9-13; see also Luke 11:1-4).
Recently I re-read the story of how a wealthy, well-educated woman in an Asian nation found God as her Heavenly Father. In her growing-up years her father, a government official, always took time for her. But after her parents died and her husband divorced her, she felt very much alone even though she had extended family. She returned to a country estate handed down from ancestors and spent much time reclaiming the landscape with flowers. While reading a religious book, she saw a mention of Jesus and became curious to know more about Him.
Secretly acquiring a Bible, she began reading it. That night she dreamed she was having supper with a Man she knew was Jesus. In her dream, He visited with her in her home for two days. As she continued reading the Bible, other dreams followed. Then when talking with a Christian doctor, she said, “I must find God, but I’m confused about your faith. Christians seem to make God so personal.” The doctor replied, “Why don’t you pray to the God you are searching for?” Then she leaned closer and he said, “Talk to Him as if He were your father.”
Even though many fathers in this culture favored their sons, this woman’s father had always welcomed her to come to his office and had been very attentive to her. When the Christian doctor told her to talk to God as she would talk to her father, she understood. As she came closer to her Heavenly Father, she helped others find Him. Eventually it was necessary for her to leave her home country and come to the United States where she shared her spiritual journey in many places.
A news report recently stated that one in three children are growing up in a household without a father present. Also, Friday’s News-Leader (January 27, 2023) has a lengthy article about the Missouri legislative body considering restrictions on “drag” shows. These shows and other media productions introduce young people to the idea that they can choose whether to be male or female. Genesis 1:27 tells us that God created Adam and Eve as male and female. Gender is entirely in God’s control, and misuse of it brings judgment from God. Some parts of our cities are following the sins that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 13:10).
It’s time for people who know our Heavenly Father to enter our prayer closets and plead for Him to send another Spiritual Awakening to our nation. You may think, “But I’m just one. I can’t do much.” Remember the great victories that our Heavenly Father gave to prophets such as Elijah and Elisha. Perhaps those of us who are older have been spared “for such a time as this,” since we’ve experienced God’s great love and power in our lives. Join me in seeking the help of our Heavenly Father who loves us!
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Personal Notes: A wintry day in Springfield, MO, with heavy clouds sometimes spitting a mix of snow or ice. This type of weather, with daily highs around or below freezing, is predicted to last until Wednesday of this week when the high gets above freezing to about 38 or 40. Spring will certainly be welcome when it arrives!
Needless to say, I have not been outside since before Thanksgiving, but have promised my caregiver that I will ride my motorized chair out and sit in the sun as soon the weather moderates and the sun shines. In the meantime, I look forward to getting mail, and it’s a sad day when there isn’t any. Thanks to those who have so faithfully sent cards and encouraging notes. I pray God’s blessings for you. The winter weather has ramped up the arthritis pain, and your prayers are much appreciated. I send you peace and joy from a loving Heavenly Father. jwb
Out of Church Tales 