4Women ...for women searching relevance in life

A Prayer for Haiti

Our Heavenly Father

This is Your earth. This is Your world and all the people in it.

Psalm 24:1: The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

We bring to You the people of Haiti.

Your way is one of compassion.

Mark 8:1-3:During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.

Psalm 116:5: The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

The pain and suffering from this earthquake is not of Your Kingdom. Your Kingdom, we have seen through Your Son Jesus, is one of healing, peace and mercy.

Luke 4:16-19: (Jesus) stood to read… "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Matthew 15:30: Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them.

It is Your Kingdom we long for in Haiti.

We ask for Your hand to be on those who are bringing help, to bring it swiftly to those who are injured, to those caught under the rubble, to those who are mourning.

We ask for Your hand to be on those who are providing food and water. The people of Haiti are in poverty – they are hungry and thirsty. We are not asking for riches, we are asking that You will provide their basic needs so that poverty will not drive them to stealing and rioting.

Proverbs 30:8: ...give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

Forgive us when we have abandoned our neighbor, Haiti.

Luke 10:30-32: Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side."

Listen to our cry for help for the people of Haiti, our neighbor, our friends and our families.

We lay our requests before You.

Psalm 5:1-2: Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.

Amen

"Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Corinthians 4:4

As we fathom out this statement, we remember that Christmas is about the birth of a human baby and it is about God coming to live among humanity. Jesus was more than a good man and an historical figure he was God himself. Hebrews 1:3 says: "The Son is… the exact representation of his (God’s) being." John 1:14 CEV says: "The Word became a human being and lived here with us."

This phenomenon may seem far removed from our ordinary lives. But God chose to come into the world in a very ordinary situation and to ordinary people. He chose an ordinary young girl to be the mother of Jesus Christ: "In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man name Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary." Luke 1:26-27

He chose ordinary laborers, shepherds, to be witnesses to the birth: "That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord's glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, "Don't be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David's hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:8-11 CEV

He chose ordinary faithful believers, Simeon and Anna, to be witnesses to the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:25-31 and Luke 2:36-38.

As we celebrate this Christmas, remember that this phenomenon is a holy God coming close to all of us as ordinary human beings.

Have a peaceful Christmas

"God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17

It is God who supplies us with all good things. The concept of "good" and good things has its origin in God because as Genesis 1:1, 31 tell us, it was God who created the heavens and the earth and what he created was good. As 1 Timothy 6:17 above says, God provides these good things in our lives for us to delight in, to take pleasure in and to bring smiles to our faces.

At this time of the year, as people gather to give thanks, the letter to Timothy brings a way of continuing to give thanks to God for what He has richly provided. It says: "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain... Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" 1 Timothy 6:17-18. This act is not only a sharing of wealth but is also a sharing of the enjoyment that this wealth brings.

As sharing and generosity take place, thanksgiving is given to God in two ways. In one way, those of us who are in need receive help which leads to an "overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God" 2 Corinthians 9:12. In the other way, those of us who are generous and share are also participating in the "many expressions" of gratitude to God. Both ways, God is thanked for His rich provisions.

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” Genesis 28:15

God promises that His protection is continual, round-the-clock: “he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he… will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:3-4 His protection gives shelter from dangers that threaten: “the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121:5-6. Right now God is watching over you. His protection is for this moment, day in day out, year to year, wherever and whatever you do in this life and forever. “He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8

But sometimes the protection promised in this Psalm doesn’t seem to equate with what is going on in our lives. Bad things happen. Dangers that threaten do harm us and the people we love. If God is protecting us, why do these things happen? There are no easy answers to this question. Any attempt at an answer can often seem unsatisfactory, flippant, or insincere. Do we then doubt or do we trust God’s protection?

If we doubt, then perhaps we turn our back on trusting God and instead put confidence in our own plans, maybe financial or material, or family and friends and rely on them to protect us from life’s dangers for now and for the future. But are any of them equally as trustworthy as God?

Our trust in God is as the “Maker of heaven and earth.” This “Maker” speaks of capability that is way beyond human power and abilities, and reveals God as supreme ruler of the earth and the universe. “Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord,” says 1 Chronicles 29:11, “and all who live in it” adds Psalm 24:1. Paul introduced God to the people of Athens as: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth… he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:24.

In fact, Psalm 121:2 begins with this knowledge and reminder of God’s qualities: “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” It gives us encouragement that we often need to put our trust in God for our daily lives because there is no one and no thing greater in which to trust.

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." Genesis 28:15

This is one of God's promises to Jacob. Jacob's life was far from perfect. He had tricked his brother and father and was now running for his life. Yet God still made this promise to Jacob. Read about Jacob's life: Genesis 25:22-34 MSG , Genesis 27 MSG.

This promise was not made exclusively to Jacob. God promised to be with and watch over many other people: Joseph, Genesis 48:21, Moses, Exodus 3:12, the Israelites while they were suffering as slaves in Egypt, Exodus 3:16, and while they traveled through the wilderness for forty years, Deuteronomy 2:7, and many others.

Neither is God's promise exclusive to characters of the Old Testament. The birth of Jesus Christ, God Himself, affirmed "God with us", Matthew 1:23. Even though Jesus is no longer present in person He promised that the Holy Spirit, again God Himself, would be with us continually, Matthew 28:20. This He explained before His death as: "Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you... the Spirit, who is with you and will keep on living in you. I won't leave you like orphans." John 14:16-18

If God is with us and watching over us, what does this look like? Jacob took God's involvement to be active, that God would be there in the everyday matters of life even in providing him with the necessities of food and clothing, Genesis 28:20. When life goes smoothly it is perhaps easier to believe that God is with us and watching over us. But when things go wrong, we can question God's whereabouts. Was God with the Israelites throughout their suffering in Egypt Exodus 2:23-24 or did He just eventually show up to help them? It may seem like the latter but when Jacob was considering leaving for Egypt with his family, who would grow in number to be the Israelites, God specifically told Jacob: "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt... I will go down to Egypt with you." Genesis 46:3-4 God promised He would be with them through everything! Therefore, during their slavery and hardship they could cry to God for help because He was there.

God has promised to accompany us in all of life both the mundane everyday details and the entire journey of our life, whether life is smooth or difficult, going well or falling apart - God is there all of the time. When God promised to be with Jacob, He was there with Jacob, even though Jacob's life was at times a shambles. By promising to be with us and watch over us, God is saying: "I will go down with you to _____________" (fill in the blank with your own journey.)

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

Sheep need a shepherd since they are helpless creatures. They require care and protection. They need the provision of what is necessary for their health, their nurture and their protection.

“I am”, says Jesus, “the good shepherd.” The emphasis in this verse is clear in the Greek, the original language, which we lose in the English translation. But it’s like a big emphasis, a “shouting out loud” of the “I” in “I am the good shepherd.” Jesus says: “look to me and trust me, I am not like a hired man who is not a true shepherd, who neglects the sheep particularly at their time of real need.” (John 10:11-13 MSG) Instead, Jesus is the genuine thing.

The emphasis also tells us more about Jesus. By using “I am” Jesus is assigning to himself the same name that God gives Himself in the Old Testament. (Exodus 3:14) Jesus is saying that He too is God! (John 8:58)

Jesus says that we can know without doubt, not only who He is, but that He is genuine and true. What He does for us is beyond that which anyone else can do.

Our helplessness is our sinful state. Regardless of how good we might think we are, our relationship with God is not right and we cannot help doing the wrong thing. Romans 3:23 says “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” There is nothing we can do about our situation: “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” (Romans 5:6)

Not only are we unable to help ourselves but there is peril ahead - “your pension is death” says Romans 6:23 MSG

But the good shepherd, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, God Himself, cares enough to step between that danger and us, taking that peril upon Himself so that we are spared. (Isaiah 53:6)

Celebrate what the Good Shepherd has done for you this Easter.

Romans 3:22-24: “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”

“Lord, apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2

What prompted David, in this Psalm, to declare: “You are my Lord, apart from you I have no good thing”? Life was not going well for David! He was clearly in some kind of danger or trouble and is crying out to God for protection. Psalm 16:1 David knows that it is God who confines his life. It is God who sets the boundaries of his life, whether it is easy or difficult. Psalm 22:19-21 But David, in his despair, trusts God. He clings on to knowing that God is good and whatever course God chooses for David, he trusts Him. David is in immediate need of safety but he looks forward to the future safety of the eternal inheritance that God has promised him. Psalm 16: 5-6 The result is that David knows his situation is not worthy of total distress. He can rest. God has not abandoned him. Psalm 16:9-10 Crying out for help usually comes when we feel helplessly hemmed in by a situation. It is only when we need protection that God can provide a refuge for us. Rightly, we ask God for safekeeping in many different situations in our lives, but the ultimate refuge is the safety of eternal life that God gives us. The inheritance made known to David is the same path of life that God has made known to us. Psalm 16:11, Proverbs 15:24 NLT In the New Testament, the apostle Peter quotes David’s words from this Psalm Acts 2:25-28 when he witnesses that through Jesus Christ we receive a wonderful eternal inheritance.

This is summed up in “A Real Reason for Hope: Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, He has given us new life and a hope that lives on. God has something stored up for you in heaven, where it will never decay or be ruined or disappear. You have faith in God, whose power will protect you until the last day. Then He will save you, just as He has always planned to do. On that day you will be glad, even if you have to go through many hard trials for a while.” 1 Peter 1:3-6 CEV

“O Lord, you… know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.” Psalm 139:1-4 NLT

What sort of feeling do you experience in response to these words? Is it relief, reassurance and comfort or perhaps anxiety, concern and apprehension?

Before you make your decision, consider the Samaritan woman whom Jesus came to meet. John 4:4-26 Jesus revealed to the woman that he knew everything about her. Jesus told her he knew that she had had five husbands and that the current man she was living with was not her husband. John 4:16-18 What was the Samaritan’s woman response? She seemed excited and enthusiastic… “Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" John 4:28-29 But what really motivated her enthusiastic reaction? Was it that Jesus made known his supernatural powers, or was it because Jesus revealed to this woman that he knew much more about her than her five husbands, he knew her as a person – her heart and mind. Her complicated life does not make it obvious that she was searching for Jesus Christ. But at one point in their conversation she says to Jesus, "I know that the Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." And Jesus, the Christ, had come and he sat by the well where she would come and draw water, to let her know that he was the person she was waiting for. Isn’t this why she got excited about “the man who told her everything she ever did”?

Psalm 139CEV begins: “You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me.” Jesus had looked deep into the Samaritan woman’s heart and he knew all about her. Jesus knew she was searching for him.

Psalm 139 ends with: “Look deep into my heart, God, and find out everything I am thinking.” Can we ask God to look deep into our hearts with the same certainty and enthusiasm as the Samaritan woman?

“Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8

What does the Psalm mean when it says, “ our help is in the name of the Lord”? In the earlier verses of this Psalm Israel recounts how God has saved them. When they were fighting for their lives from dangers that were overwhelming them, it was God who saved them.

How do we know that God is sufficient to help us? Because, the Psalm says, God is the Maker of heaven and earth. “Maker” speaks of His power and His ability that is way beyond our own powers and abilities. We cannot create worlds or universes. But God can. As the Maker, or Creator, God is the ultimate ruler of the earth and the universe. “Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord” says1 Chronicles 29:11. Paul introduced God to the people of Athens as: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth… he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:24. God is intimately and constantly involved in this world and its life. Isaiah 42:5

This knowledge or reminder of who God is gives us assurance that we can turn to Him for help. We can rely on His strength.

Proverbs 18:10 says "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." We, in our weakness, can be surrounded and protected by God's strength. What could be better?

The Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth is where we should go for help!

"Where will I find help? It will come from the LORD, who created the heavens and the earth. The LORD is your protector, and he won't go to sleep or let you stumble. The LORD is your protector, there at your right side... You won't be harmed... The LORD will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. The LORD will protect you now and always wherever you go." From Psalm 121

The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God. Suddenly the Lord called out, “Samuel!” “Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?” He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did. 1 Samuel 3:3-5 NLT

“Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before.” 1 Samuel 3:7 NLT

God spoke so clearly to Samuel that he thought it was Eli, the priest, calling him.

When Eli realized that it was God calling Samuel, he was able to give Samuel instructions on what to do. He said to Samuel: “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:9 NLT

Samuel was only a boy so there was probably very good reason for him not realizing it was God speaking to him. Also hearing from God was rare at that time and therefore God’s voice was unexpected. 1 Samuel 3:1

The way in which God spoke to Samuel may seem unusual but it was specific to Samuel’s role as a prophet. “The word of the Lord”, God’s message, came to prophets during Old Testament times who then conveyed these words of God to the people.

The word of the Lord is no longer revealed only to prophets. Now God reveals himself and speaks to us through His son, Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-2: “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.”

What is that message that God reveals through Jesus Christ? That our connection with God, broken by sin, can be restored because “he (Jesus Christ) finished the sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 1:3 MSG) that separates us from God. Romans 3:23-25a

God’s message is for everyone in this world. John 3:16. If you’ve heard God’s voice, you will know that He speaks plainly and clearly. But, to those who do not know the Lord, like Samuel, this may not be so. God speaks clearly but they may not hear clearly. Guide those who don’t yet know God’s voice so they can hear him for themselves.

If you are not familiar with or don’t recognize God’s voice, then take the opportunity to listen.

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

Jesus spoke these comforting words, while hanging on the cross, to the criminal next to him during their crucifixion.

We do not know the crimes of the man crucified with Jesus and it’s hard for us to say whether the cruel death by crucifixion was the justice that he deserved. But this criminal realized that in comparison with Jesus, his punishment was justified. For he realized that Jesus deserved none of what he received. Luke 23:40-41

This criminal spoke differently from others around the cross who taunted Jesus. Luke 23:35-39 His response was belief in Jesus’ innocence, a reverence for God and that this Jesus could do something for him. Luke 23:40-42

Belief is difficult. Paradoxically, the Bible tells us we should accept truths about Jesus like that of a child – simple and open-minded. Mark 10:15

The criminal changed from unbelief Mark 15:32 to belief. His acknowledgment of Jesus was all it took for Jesus to utter these wonderful words: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus emphasized his promise with: it is true, it is a fact, there is no doubt, be assured, because this is the promise to all who believe... We do not know the full meaning of this ideal place called paradise but we do know that Jesus would be there.

For this man, belief in Jesus was the turning point. New life began. His acknowledgment that Jesus was who he claimed to be was enough to remove the judgment of unbelief John 3:18 and enable him to make a fresh start. Romans 8:1 NLT

This is the truth for all who believe in Jesus Christ.

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

Footnote: The Romans reserved crucifixion for criminals who were slaves, rebels, or other despised criminals and enemies. Condemned Roman citizens were usually not crucified. Therefore it was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die.

“… be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” Leviticus 19:2

God wanted His people, the people of Israel, to be holy just like Him! This was His mission for them. He graciously saved the Israelites when they cried out to Him from their terrible slavery in Egypt. Exodus 2:23-25 Exodus 12:51 God promised He would be their God and they would be His people. Exodus 6:7 And as His people, He wanted them to be holy. They were to live differently from the other nations around them. Leviticus 20:26 They were to be distinct from the other nations in the way they lived. Leviticus 20:24 And in their distinctness, they would be a light to the other nations, leading people to the one true God, who wants all people to know Him.

In the same way, God wants us to be perfect like Him. Matthew 5:48 God has graciously saved us from the consequences of sin through His own son, Jesus Christ, dying for us. God is our Father and we are His children. John 1:12 And as His children, we are to live like children of God - to be salt and a light to others:

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 MSG

“You are to give him the name Jesus.” Luke 1:31

The angel told Mary she was to name her baby Jesus. It was likely a common name during that time. So, there was nothing very remarkable about being called Jesus, although its meaning hints at something out of the ordinary. "Jesus" is the Greek version of the name "Joshua," a Hebrew name that means “the Lord saves”. But, the name Jesus didn’t suggest that this baby was actually THE Lord who saves.

However, the angel did go on to reveal to Mary that this baby would be called the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32) because he is the Son of the Most High. This baby Jesus, was not only a perfect human being but was also God. John 1:1 and John 1:14 . God born as one of us, a human being. Colossians 2:9 NLT

But for now, at his birth and the beginning of his childhood, he would be called Jesus. Luke 2:21, Luke 2:43 And so Luke tells the story of a helpless little baby, born into a poor common family in the most demeaning and crudest of birth places. There was no honor for the baby who is divine.

For the Son of God became human, not to display his glory and grandeur, but to be humble and subservient. Mark 10:45 And so his less than modest birth and simple name were fitting for his lowly role on earth; to serve us unto death. Isaiah 53:2-5NLT 2 Corinthians 5:21

This Christmas, will you kneel and worship this Jesus?

“A bruised reed he will not break.” Matthew 12:20a

Although we do not use reeds in a significant way today, we can comprehend that a bruised reed is of no value. It is worthless. Therefore… it ought to be broken off. Likewise, the verse goes on to imply that a smoldering wick is worthless and should be snuffed out. Matthew 12:20a

But Jesus’ message contradicts this view. He will not break a bruised reed nor snuff out a smoldering wick. He does not consider anyone as worthless or of no value. John 3:16-17.

Prior to this phrase, His healing of those who are physically bruised shows Jesus’ compassion for bruised people. Matthew 12:13 and Matthew 12:15. Alongside this, those who are bruised by sin are of significance to Jesus. Luke 19:1-7 and John 8:1-11.

Sin bruises. Sin penetrates our whole being and tarnishes us. Romans 5:12 CEV. And sin blocks our relationship with a Holy God. So, sin, in a sense, needs to be broken off so our relationship with God can be renewed. How can this happen? God has given His own Son as a substitute for us. Romans 5:18 CEV, Romans 5:18 MSG It was Jesus Himself who was broken for us. Jesus took our sin upon Himself so that we might be healed and have a right relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT. Isaiah 53:6-8 NLT

Jesus took on Himself the ultimate suffering for our sin so that we can stand before God as unmarked, not bruised, whole, not broken, people. Romans 6:11

“A bruised reed he will not break.” Can you find comfort and encouragement in this phrase?

What is real love? In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a reveals true, genuine love.

It is true love that we attempt to give and it is true love that we yearn to receive. But we don’t seem to be able to love flawlessly, if we measure our attempts against the 1 Corinthians 13 description of love. Nor do those who attempt to love us do so with the faultless love of 1 Corinthians 13. Our efforts at love and the love we receive can fall short. It can be frustrating, painful and leave us longing and sad.

Paul, in this letter, stresses the importance of love to the Corinthian church, but this love "prescription” is also a reminder of God’s pure and Holy love.

Read these words from 1 Corinthians 13 again, paraphrased as an expression of God’s love:

God’s love is patient.
God’s love is kind.
God’s love does not envy.
God’s love does not boast.
God’s love is not proud.
God’s love is not rude.
God’s love is not self-seeking.
God’s love is not easily angered.
God’s love keeps no record of wrongs.
God’s love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
God’s love always protects.
God’s love always trusts.
God’s love always hopes.
God’s love always perseveres.
God’s love never fails.

God’s fullest expression of His love is shown through His son, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8-9 NLT , Romans 5:8-9 MSG , 1 John 4:9-12 MSG

The Psalmist understands God’s pure love: “Your love is a treasure, and everyone finds shelter in the shadow of your wings”. (Psalm 36:7-8 CEV)

Know that God’s love is sufficient for you and then know: “the LORD delights in those who put their hope in His unfailing love”. Psalm 147

Put your hope in His love.