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Prayer

Oh, God, with anguish of soul we cry out to you. We see death surrounding, closing in, but we battle on. Linda has been nine days now without food and water. Her organs are failing, but she looks into our eyes, she follows the little boy in the room with those brown eyes as he skips and sings, she greets a newcomer with those eyes. She meets our eyes and focuses, she holds our hands. She wipes off the cold drip of water as I sponge a meager offering onto her water-thirsty lips.

But she is failing. Nine days. We need an absolute miracle. We need Lazarus-sized help.

Oh, God, we groan, we cry out, we do not cease from asking: overrule this darkness; intervene for our dear sister whose will is so strong; bring supernatural hydration and nourishment to these failing cells; and MOVE on the hearts of those who refuse to give her basic nutrition. Oh, God, hear your people as we lift these desperate needs to You.

Battles To Win

Pensive moments have been encountered around the table as we process the moment by moment life of a dear friend who has suffered severe brain damage due to a stroke. She lies in a nearby hospital fighting for life. We wrestle in prayer for her healing, and for her chance to live. Helping young people comprehend such a vicissitude is challenging, especially when one has not quite grasped all that is happening oneself.

I spent some time at her bedside last night. Many have faithfully stood there just like me, holding her hand, looking into her eyes, reminding her of their love and His faithfulness. She is surrounded by witnesses of her desire to be well, her will to survive. We persevere in prayer and supplication -- not for her soul. That is a settled matter. Grateful beyond words am I to know of a surety that she will gain eternity with Him -- but for her physical healing.

Pray with us. Linda is her name.

Simple Does It

Showcase -- to display, to place in the public's attention.

Sometimes His intention is merely to showcase who He is within us. The world marvels at titanic talent, extravagant expense, intimidating intelligence, and sizzling style. They love to showcase such things.

He wants to showcase His mercy, His great love and faithfulness, and His glorious salvation. We are His showcase, His display. They see all of that through us.

So when in doubt, shine, Christian, shine. When you feel overlooked, shine His love. Not the brightest crayon in the box today? Showcase His mercy and faithfulness. In need of affirmation? Display His salvation.

Keeping it simple these days, folks. That's all.

KISS

Keep it simple, stupid.

I have always loved the directness of simple thought. Perhaps it's is because I am a bit simple myself. Oh, well. So it may be.

This morning in church we focused on simple things. We talked about the need to simply trust God. When the going gets tough, trust Him. When the answer eludes, trust Him. When the dark hovers and the tunnel is long, trust Him.

I've been up and down a bit lately. Sensing a transition. No, more than sensing -- I'm in the midst of a transition -- and feeling very unsure of where and how it will all end. Now -- finally -- I remember my favorite counsel: KISS. For example: trust Him. Period.

I forgot that simple does me fine. No complex sorting out, no great lengthy expositions. Just plain truth. It rings true, inspires me, and catches the wind in my sails. Others may need a deep understanding, and there is a time and place for that, I am sure. But the bottom line of His truth remains simple enough for a child to grasp. Jesus is that accessible.

Simple enough for even me.