Prayer: It's more than talking with God

What is prayer?  

Prayer is...communication; it's a dialogue with God. God talking to you, you talking to God; it is God listening to you and more importantly, us listening to what God has to say. Matt Slick, of CARM.org states "Prayer is the practice of the presence of God. It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is the place of admitting our need, of adopting humility, and claiming dependence upon God. Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian.  Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through the Son of God, Jesus our Lord."  

Why is prayer Important? 

The importance of daily communication through prayer cannot be overestimated. It is so important that it is mentioned over 250 times in Scripture. So why is daily prayer so important? First, daily prayer gives us an opportunity to share all aspects of our lives with God. Second, daily prayer gives us the chance to express our gratitude for the things He provides. Third, daily prayer provides the platform for confessing our sin and asking for help in overcoming that sin. Fourth, daily prayer is an act of worship and obedience. And finally, daily prayer is a way to acknowledge who is really in control of our lives.  

What can Prayer do?

According to blogger, Andrew Brown, prayer is futile. However, he also states that prayer is sometimes the only thing we have to offer some one. Every Monday evening, I attend a Prayer meeting at a local Church of God and we pray for our nation, Israel and each other's needs. It is with this group that I have learned a lot about the power of prayer. 

One of my gifts that I have and really one of my spiritual disciplines is to "stand in the gap." (Ezekiel 22:30). The mighty pray-er Andrew Murray stated "God's giving is inseparably connected with our asking...Only by intercession can that power be brought down from heaven which will enable the Church to conquer the world." Jack Hayford writes "Prayer is essentially a partnership of the redeemed child of God working hand in hand with God toward the realization of His redemptive purposes on earth."  

One prayer can change someone's life. Tonight, I had the opportunity to tell my friend Libby how much I admired her from walking away from her family. You may be thinking "why would you admire someone from walking away from their family?" Libby is the granddaughter of Fred Phelps and was raised in Westboro Baptist Church.  

Cover of Libby's book

As a young woman, my family had the opportunity to attend a veteran's funeral when some picketers came and harassed the family and the mourners over the fact that our veterans were dead. Coming home that evening my parents were telling me about the people who were at the funeral picketing, I was enraged that someone would be happy that someone we loved was dead. My family sadly spoke of the situation, "is there nothing we can do?" I said "We can pray for them." So earlier this year, I heard of a book called Girl on a Wire. It's written by Libby Phelps Alvarez; I was immediately excited that God had somehow intervened in her life to pull her from WBC. You see someone I have never met, had someone praying for them. And it was awesome to share that with her tonight. Now maybe that makes a person sound crazy—like religious nut crazy; but ultimately prayer is a gift and it's one of the best gifts we can give people who know us and those whom we'll never meet. 

How then shall we pray? 

Prayer is so important that many religious orders/denominations dedicate entire books to prayer. I own several and use them on a regular basis—especially those times when I get stuck and I don't know exactly what to say to God. However, great these books are, Jesus' words also teach us to pray. Matthew 6:9-13 contains the Lord's Prayer: "Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day 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 evil.'" 

My personal favorite version of the Lord's Prayer is from the Book of Common Prayer:  

Our Father who art in heaven, 

Hallowed be thy name. 

Thy kingdom come. 

Thy will be done 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread, 

and forgive us our trespasses, 

as we forgive those who trespass against us, 

and lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, 

and the power, and the glory, 

for ever and ever. 

Amen 

Most importantly, when it comes to prayer, pray with thanksgiving, humbleness and sincerity. Take time to listen to God—really listen for God's voice; and then make your petitions known.  

What do you value?

Batter up!

I don't usually write about people I know or rather people who are currently a part of my life and very rarely do I promote other's blogs. This isn't because I am selfish or want readership all to myself, I just rarely think about sharing others blog links. However, tonight I want to change that; I want to tell you all about one of the bravest, amazing young women I know. My friend, and Sunday school student Carly, has been going through a lot this year--it's her senior year of high school--and that brings a ton of pressure with it. So when Carly asked me to come to Senior night at North Iredell High School, I knew I had to be there. Not because I didn't "have a senior night" but because I wanted to watch Carly play a home game, and I see a lot of myself in what she's going through. Since I wasn't able to get off work early to make it to the game--I hauled backside to make it to the middle of the game. I know for a fact, that I pulled in to North Iredell's parking lot during the last inning; then I heard it--the familiar crack of the bat, then the sound of a ball bouncing off my car. Now I didn't get mad, but I will tell you I caught the ball as it rolled off my car and threw it back to the pitcher's mound--yet those details aren't important.

When I realized that the game was over (I saw the girls walking back to the parking lot) I drove home. I got a message from Carly, and she told me they had lost, but that it was okay I wasn't there because I was cheering on my Lady Raiders from a distance. Yet that didn't help, I still felt like I let Carly down. I told her about my car getting hit and I got a text back "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry." Since I see a lot of myself in Carly, I had a feeling that she may have the impression that "if she hadn't of asked me to come, then my car wouldn't have been hit and dented." So I made 100% sure that our Carly knew that that wasn't the case--first I told her "I showed them "old softball players still have it" and "Just so you know, my car getting damaged wasn't your fault--I was at NIHS tonight because I wanted to be." And if I know my friend, this made a lot of difference in how she felt and probably was thinking about things.

I really tell this to say one thing--we go through life putting value on things that don't matter. Yes, I was miffed my car got hit; but my car is of infinite less value than making a difference in someone's life. What I have now is a memory that will last--well as long as my car does...

You can follow Carly and her journey at Finding my Path trust me, you won't regret reading what this young woman has to say--she will encourage and inspire you!

I'm proud of ya, kiddo!

Called by God; Opposed by Man: My Journey into Ministry

Over the past eight months, I have formally been discerning God’s will in my life—where in ministry He wants me. Prior to that, I dabbled with thoughts of ministry, but didn’t feel like I was worthy of being called to ministry. However, I think I should start at the beginning; because that is where my calling to ministry really starts—like all things in this world, it starts with my “Genesis” or Bereshit—my beginning. Psalm 139:14 states that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I can’t imagine a God would create something “fearfully and wonderfully” for it to be wasted.

I have always known that God has a special calling on my life. My parents referred to me as their miracle. When I was younger I didn’t fully understand why they called me a “miracle”. At age 20, I found out that my mom had a Cervical Conization to test for cervical cancer. She explained to me “Rachel, I had a pregnancy test prior to the surgery and it came back negative, so I had the surgery.” Upon returning to the doctor 3 weeks later, my mom would find out that she was indeed pregnant with me and had been the entire time of the surgery. Around 15 weeks, mom would go to Baptist Hospital to have a sonogram and amniocentesis to make sure I was okay—or “normal” as my mom likes to say. 

I was raised in the Southern Baptist tradition. I loved the church and have remained close to many of the families of my youth group. However, due to some hurtful events, my family and I chose to leave the church. It wasn’t until I was in high school that I chose to return to church, I attended Monticello Baptist Church, and enjoyed the church and the people, but felt I didn’t fit in because everyone was a part of a family that attended the church and I was just “Rachel…” In college, I was involved with a Messianic Jewish congregation in Asheville, NC. After college, I moved back home and stopped attending church. With a lot of depression and issues from my youth, I started attending counseling—which did little to help me—instead it continued to frustrate me and aggravate me to the point that I realized it wasn’t helping so I stopped attending counseling sessions. It was around this time, I took up Irish/Scottish fiddle, which did more for my mood than anything.

At 30, I decided to complete my Bachelor’s Degree, and earned a degree in Psychology from Liberty University. Knowing I would need to have a Master’s to become a counselor, I started praying and asking God where I was supposed to go from that point. I felt God impressing me to return to Liberty to attend their Theological Seminary—and to earn a Master of Divinity in Military Chaplaincy. While in seminary, I befriended the Chief Chaplain of the US Navy, RADM Margaret Kibben; RADM Kibben would encourage me to check into all the Chaplain services and find out which branch was best suited for me and the life I wanted to live. I chose the US Navy, and when I went to have my physical completed it was found out I have a hip that is out of place—and I can’t run. Broken, I emailed RADM Kibben, who encouraged me to continue seeking where God would have me serve. I finished my Master’s choosing to go for the lesser degree of a MAR: Biblical Studies. 

In 2015, I was asked to leave a church I loved due to some lies that someone was telling about me after I had followed all the directives and demands that the church put on me to keep me. Heart-broken, I left the church. I would sit in my house at times and just yell at God—I figured if He was the creator, then He was big enough for me to rage at Him and rage I did.

Later in 2015, I was asked by my friend MG to come visit her church. I told her in no uncertain terms would I ever step foot back in a church—and the following week I was there. In 2016, our new Pastor was appointed to us; and during some Sunday school hours I would just sit and chat with him, and we’d talk about the Bible and what certain things meant in the Hebrew and Greek. He would ask me one Sunday “Rachel, do you not think you are called to ministry?” I hadn’t seriously thought about ministry in years, however, I did tell him I did feel the call to ministry, but I didn’t know what that felt like. 

Eventually after a series of events, I would take the plunge and request a visit with him and then my district superintendent and finally I would attend a discernment weekend retreat where I would be psychologically tested and put in a candidacy mentoring group that would be intentional about our calling to ministry. On April 9, 2018, I would meet with my district committee on ordained ministry and would be deferred for a year to complete some further sessions and assessments that the church wanted me to complete. 

I share all of this to say that I never thought that I would be where I am today. I find it really hard to believe that people have a problem with women being ministers. Most of the hurtful things that I have endured have been from women who seek to suppress my ministry and the calling that God has on my life. 

So the question remains, if a woman is called to be a Pastor by God; should “Man” oppose it? 

• Genesis 1 teaches us that male and female participate equally in the image of God. "So God created man [humankind] in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Gen 1:27). But Rachel, what about the whole HELP MATE thing? 

• Genesis 2 reinforces Genesis 1. In Gen 2 woman is the climax, the crowning work of creation. She is created from a rib from Adam's side, to show that she is "to stand by his side as an equal" (Gen 2:21- 22; PP 46). She is man's 'ēzer k'negdô ("helpmeet for him," Gen 2:18 KJV), which in the original does not denote a subordinate helper or assistant. Elsewhere in Scripture it is most often God Himself who is called 'ēzer ("helper") (Exod 18:4; Deut 33:7, 26; Ps 33:20; 70:5; 115:9, 10, 11). The phrase 'ēzer k'negdô in Gen 2 means no less than an equal counterpart, a "partner" (Gen 2:18, 22 NEB). 

• In the Old Testament we see numerous women in leadership roles over men, thus confirming Genesis 1. Witness Deborah (Judges 4 and 5), one of the judges over the people of Israel-- women and men. Witness the leadership role of Miriam (Exod 15:20-21), Huldah (2 Kgs 22:13-14; 2 Chr 34:22-28), Esther, and others (e.g., Exod 38:8; 1 Sam 2:22; 2 Kings 8:1-6; Ps 68:11; Jer 31:22).

• Paul's list of qualifications for elders framed in the masculine gender ("husband of one wife"--literally, "a one-wife husband"--[1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9]) does not exclude women from serving as elders any more than the masculine gender throughout the Ten Commandments (Exod 20; see esp. vs. 17) exempts women from obedience. Rather, these passages are again upholding the Edenic ideal--the principle of monogamy (Gen 2:24). God does not speak directly to the question of the ordination of women in the NT, just as He does not deal directly with the abolition of slavery, with vegetarianism, abstinence from alcohol, and many other issues based on principles set forth "from the beginning." But He has given clear Biblical principles to guide our decision-making.

Many who read this blog, will be angry that I would suggest that Paul’s list is just framed masculine from the language that He used; that is fine. I am not the only one who thinks this way. Ben Witherington—a seminary professor also believes that women should and can be ordained. I know many are thinking—this is abject feminism; truthfully if that is your opinion you are certainly entitled to it. However, I encourage you to really study the writings and what I have shared here tonight. Grab a Hebrew/Greek Lexicon and take a moment and see what the Bible is really saying. It may not change your mind—that is fine; but it may give you a new appreciation for our Lord and savior. 

Christianity: Under Attack?

Typically I shy away from writing political posts because this website it to be for God's glory and His alone. However, after GQ stated earlier this week that the Bible is one of the 21 books you never have to read, well it's time to just say what is on my heart.

Conservative, Orthodox Christianity is under attack! Now, when I say conservative, I don't mean those who unequivocally support Donald Trump; I am not speaking about those who only read conspiracy theorist works and wouldn't know the truth if it walked up and introduced itself to them. No, I am talking about those Christians who hold their beliefs as central to their lives--those who can't live without God every moment and acknowledge Him in everything they do and say. By orthodox, I mean those who take the Bible from cover to cover as the literal, infallible word of God and try to live according to God's ordinances.

Whether writers like Ethan Renoe, wants to admit it or not; we are under attack. Dale Hanson, a blogger for Huffpost states "The reality is that there are few if any places in the world where it is better to be Christian than the U.S., so pretending that being forced to abide by the constitution is somehow a “war” comes off a lot like the spoiled rich kid whose parents won’t upgrade the radio on the new BMW I8 they are buying for his birthday. It just makes you look uninformed, selfish and silly." Well Mr. Hanson I guess I am uninformed, selfish and silly...but you, sir, are no better off than am I. Why? Because throwing jabs at Christians may pay well now; but I've read the book, and I know how this ends for people like you...so I guess that would make you uninformed, selfish and silly.  Sure, the attack may not look like it does in the middle east or in other countries around the world where Christians are persecuted; but does persecution seriously look the same all over the world? Slavery today doesn't look like it did just a little over a 150 years ago; and slavery in the US doesn't look the same today as it does in Africa today. Since that is the case, you can't compare US Christian persecution to persecution in other countries; maybe I can go to a Starbucks and sip a Caramel Macchiato without fear of being attacked for my beliefs...but I certainly can't run a photography business that is based on my religious principles and beliefs without fear of being attacked or sued.

Dr. James Emory White mentions in an article he wrote "there is a growing  pressure to marginalize Christianity and ultimately dominate it by using law to suppress religious freedom.  He cites the following:

• Catholic Charities in Illinois shut down its adoption services rather than place children with same-sex couples (as the state required).
• A Christian counselor was penalized for refusing to advise gay couples. 
• A court clerk in New York was told to issue same-sex marriage licenses despite religious reservations.
• A wedding photographer was sued for refusing to shoot a same-sex wedding."

Even as I write this, my beloved United Methodist Church has a committee set up on trying how to figure out if we can continue to support traditional marriage only; as well as the ordination of homosexuals. Seriously? I know, I know; the excuses abound...times change...we need to change...but what about our motto, Open Hearts...Open Minds...Open Doors.  Seriously? Your entire theology is based on a slogan?

According to recent Pew Research reports, the percentage of Americans who describe themselves as religiously affiliated has shrunk while the percentage describing themselves as unaffiliated has grown from 2007 to 2014. The percentage who say they are “absolutely certain” God exists fell to 63% from 71% during the same time period. This new vigorous secularism has catapulted mockery of Christianity and other forms of religious traditionalism into the mainstream and set a new low for what counts as civil criticism of people’s most-cherished beliefs. In some precincts, the “faith of our fathers” is controversial as never before.

Some of the faithful have paid unexpected prices for their beliefs lately: the teacher in New Jersey suspended for giving a student a Bible; the football coach in Washington placed on leave for saying a prayer on the field at the end of a game; the fire chief in Atlanta fired for self-publishing a book defending Christian moral teaching; the Marine court-martialed for pasting a Bible verse above her desk; and other examples of the new intolerance. Anti-Christian activists hurl smears like “bigot” and “hater” at Americans who hold traditional beliefs about marriage and accuse anti-abortion Christians of waging a supposed “war on women.” Most recently a US Army Chaplain at Fort Bragg was reprimanded for not allowing a same-sex couple attend a marriage retreat--because if he had of, he would have lost his credentials to be a military Chaplain.

So maybe at this point you are asking "What’s a tolerant American to do? First we must understand that red-hot rhetoric about a “war” on Christianity is misbegotten: there is zero equivalence between the horrors of ISIS-led genocide against Christians in the Middle East and what Pope Francis calls the “polite persecution” of believers in the West. (According to Pew, 77% of Americans described themselves as religiously affiliated in 2014, down from 83% in 2007.) Yet we must also acknowledge that when some Americans citizens are fearful of expressing their religious views, something new has snaked its way into the village square: an insidious intolerance for religion that has no place in a country founded on religious freedom."

For me though this isn't just about same-sex marriage. It's not about who our president is or whether you support him or not. This is about true tolerance:

Luckily, even though some insidious intolerance for religion has snaked into my community, my town, my state and even my church; I, as a Christian am not afraid to voice my opinion; it's not that I don't care; believe me I do. However, Proverbs 28:1 states "The wicked flee when no one is pursuing them, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." And Philemon 1:8 "For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right."

Stand Sure...even when you aren't!

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

You know you are doing something right, when Satan blatantly attacks you! Normally, I don't talk about the supernatural battle that we, as christians, are constantly battling; but I will say this--we are in a battle ya'll! (yes, my inner redneck did come out!) 

Years ago when Scottish clans fought with each others they needed special elements that would recognizable on the battle field. Each clan had its war cry that would also have psychological effect on the enemy and help to find members of the clan on the battle field. Similar purpose sometimes was connected with tartans.

* Campbell – Cruachan!
* Bruce – Garg’n Uair Dhuisgear – (“Fierce when rosed”)
* MacLean  – Bas no Beatha – (“Death or Life!”) – to commemorate part of prayer of saint Columba
*Anderson, of which I am a proud member has the cry of "Stand Sure!" 

It is into this cry of Stand Sure that I want to delve. Standing Sure can mean that you have Absolute Resolve or that you are standing firm upon your convictions or even God's Word. I like to say that those of Clan Anderson Stand Sure of our Kin, Kith and Kirk--those who make up our Clan.

This week leading up to my dCom has been very stressful for me, but I have held my own. When I went to work on Wednesday, I was told "Rachel, you are a solid employee and because of that, you are getting a 3% raise at work." This takes my income to a whole new level--and really had me second guessing my calling. I can't lie, it really did. Then on Friday, I was pulled into a room at work and asked to listen to a phone call where the major parts of the call were missing (like when I kept asking the customer to calm down, and let me get a pro) this meeting ended with me being falsely accused. Suddenly, I was heart-broken because now, I am a bad employee--even though I know the truth and told my boss what happened. Later yesterday evening, I ran across a quote that says (paraphrase here) "To escape unjust criticism, you must do nothing and be nothing." Then I get to thinking as I continue my day at work "You are good at this...out of the thousands of phone calls you have taken and the thousands of customers that you have worked with-you can't let ONE get next to you--you've been enough this entire time for your customers and they love you! 

When I came home tonight I saw my Clan Anderson Tartan laying on my bed, I looked at the oak tree and I thought to myself..."Rachel, you gotta Stand Sure!" You know the truth, you know exactly what happened...this is an ATTACK BY THE ENEMY! The people that you think want you to succeed, really just want you to fail...you are being attacked because, YOU are following God!

Exodus 14:13-14 states And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

So this week, I have made the decision to practice "Standing Sure" in the Truth of God's word; and letting the Lord fight for me. Yes, I was wronged; we all are. Yes, I was hurt; we all are. Yes, I feel terrible; but I have a God who cares for me.

“When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

So tonight, as I lay down to say my prayers, I will ask God to preserve my job--and to help me Stand Sure!