Why My Backyard Fence?

When I was a child, neighbors would visit with one another over their backyard fences. There would be a fence on either side and one in the back. These fences were not barriers to keep others out, but rather a means to define one's property. Sharing with a neighbor a smile or perhaps a story, or even a piece of pie was not uncommon. I love people and hope to bring joy and encouragement to my Friends and Neighbors over "MyBackyardFence." And, yes, I now live in the Oregon Outback. Beautiful place.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Safe in the Arms of Prayer

Recently, a local Pastor in our little town was hospitalized due to a very serious motorcycle accident. He was in critical condition, fighting for his life when I received the call from our Church Prayer Chain. As I prayed for Rick, the Lord gave me these words: "Safe in the Arms of Prayer". I began to think of the power of fervent, effectual prayer and the privilege of prayer. Then the thought came to me that the greater truth about prayer is found in Romans 8:34 which tell us that Jesus Himself is interceding for us from the right hand of the Father. That is the reason we are safe. Jesus is the "Arms of Prayer"! He is our Teacher and Example of prayer and prayer's Creator. I don't even have the number to attach to the amount of people who prayed and are praying for Pastor Rick. The whole community has come together to support this much loved man of God. If it all depended on our prayers alone, we might have concern. The fact that Jesus, the Head of the Church, is praying to the Father on his behalf, a mystery in itself, brings the ingredient of perfection into the picture. Rick is now home with his family and they continue to mend in many ways from this extremely trying experience. When we pray, we pray believing for the answer. When we realize we are "safe in the Arms of Prayer", we trust that no matter the answer and we all know there are those times things go differently than we desire, we can trust that we are in fact "safe" because Someone bigger, wiser and all knowing is in charge and has a plan for the future. "All things work together for the good to them that love the Lord and are called according to His purposes." As I shared in my last post, I did a lot of rapid fire praying as a child, teen and young adult but still walked in fear because I had no relationship with the "Arms of Prayer". The enemy of our souls, the devil, would love to keep us in a state of fear and dread. The battlefield is in our minds. As we soak in the Word of God and spend time in prayer and meditation with Jesus, we learn to run into those "Arms" and receive the peace and reassurance that we are indeed safe no matter what comes our way. "God is our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Though it's waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:1 & 2. Rest assured Friends, no matter what you see or hear, God is in control. Let those "Arms" hold you today and every day and watch what His Greatness will accomplish.