God Bless America

I was down a few days ago because of the sad endings to some of the situations over which I had been praying.  I am on a parallel spiritual journey of my own, and praying for others is helping me to find my own way through my personal concerns.

 

I haven't been so good at prayer... or reading my scriptures...

 

But I have frequently used Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God Day by Day devotional journal to sort of get me back on track.  Many times, I have tape recorded the devotional reading and then added whatever my journal for that day would have been.  Then I can listen to it during those times when I don't feel like reading.

 

I pulled it out last night and this morning to see if I could find something that would "breathe on me".  I bought some AAA batteries and reloaded my digital voice recorder.  It contained my journal entries from June and July of last year, and November and December. 

 

What a blessing it was to listen to those entries again.  They told of the story of the Children of Israel wandering in the desert for 40 years.  God wanted to create in them a heart willing to listen to Him, ready to act on His word and to do His bidding.  He wanted to help cleanse them of rebellion and criticism and hard-heartedness and help them become, truly, His own children, his Chosen people.

 

And that seems to be what hardship can do for us, IF we seek God's hand to shelter and lift and guide us through it.

 

At the end of their wandering, the Children of Israel had to defeat giants before they could rest in the Promised Land.  They were so mighty and victorious that their enemies KNEW that God was with them.

 

I think that is what God would like to create in me... a heart that no longer struggles and resists, one that is pure and devoted and doesn't rebel or doubt. 

 

I searched online today to see if there was a Blackaby journal online, and I stumbled across a marvelous website where they give these daily devotionals to military members for free. 

 

http://www.ndptf.org/military/

 

We believe when people are placing their lives daily in the face of danger that we need to do all we can to bring them assurance that God is watching over them and that they can have courage and peace in their difficult circumstances.

Blackaby Ministries International is proud to stand with the National Day of Prayer in support of the brave men and women serving our nation at home and overseas. Join us as we pray for America's armed forces and the families who stand behind them.
 

So this is one little thing that I can continue to do, to lift my voice in prayer for the protection and encouragement and support of our troops all over the world, but especially for those who are directly in harm's way.  I know that they serve with honor and try to do their best to protect the innocent and the victims and to serve our country.

 

Father, thank you for reminding me that my small, solitary voice is still heard.  Thank you for bringing so much of beauty and peace into the hearts of those who serve in battle.  Thank you for making spiritual readings like Bibles and devotionals available to them.  For many, this is their first chance to know Thee. 

 

We do not fight earthly battles.  We fight "spiritual darkness in high places" and the battle is much bigger than just for Iraq or Afghanistan or any of the other places of war.  Our prayers serve not only to lift our soldiers but to put our own hearts and minds in tune with Thy will, and to bring us into Thy presence.

 

Thank you for leading me to pray for others.  It is helping me to overcome my own wounds and defenses and become one with Thee again.  I praise Thy holy name, in the name of Thy Beloved Son.  Amen.