KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS TO YOURSELF

I was watching the news last night and heard a story about a 3 year old that was cut by a tripod that had fallen on his head. He was injured and Sears had issued a statement said they regretted the accident and that the family was in their "thoughts."

I'm sick of it. Of course with our politically correct obsession and our even more tilt to avoid making any reference to religion at all, we now make statements that say we're thinking about you. I don't know about you but if someone offers me their "thoughts" I just as soon tell them to keep their thoughts to themselves. How about instead, if you really care at all about what I'm trying to go through or deal with, that you offer up some PRAYERS instead. Thinking about someone or a circumstance never changed that situation one bit.

The only hope we can ever have is to PRAY to the One that lives to intercede for us to the Father. That's right we should keep people in our PRAYERS...uh oh...I said it. Why would we think about someone when we can pray to the God that is Sovereign and who is the only one capable to strengthen us when we are weak, to encourage us when we are down, and save us when we are sinners?

Satan "thinks" about us I'm pretty sure. He schemes to work to deceive and tempt us with the things he knows will throw us off of walk with God.

Jesus on the other hand sees us in all of our weakness and brokenness and intercedes for us. We bring our prayers and petitions to His feet and identify ourselves as His follower when we call on His name and He HEARS our prayers and intercedes for us. Can't you just see it now...Jesus saying to the Father, "Dad, Ron is here lifting up his friend who has lost his wife of 31 years. Would you please use Your Spirit to comfort him in this time?" Thanks DAD! Even on the cross as He he was left to die Jesus is praying on our behalf asking the Father to forgive them. He wasn't up there saying, "Father I'm thinking about these people right now."

I know my mom is a prayer warrior...no holes barred prayer warrior. I've been through some really difficult times and challenges in my life. I'm glad she wasn't some limp wristed liberal new age THINKER. I'm so very thankful that she was/is a praying mother. I often wonder what our lives would look like if there was no one earth praying for us? Thank you mom for all of your years of faithful prayer on my behalf...I know it has made a difference on our lives because I know what Jesus does with those petitions and strong arguments!

You just have to call a spade a spade. Pray people. It's not that difficult. If you're afraid or embarrassed or ashamed to also tell people you're praying for them then perhaps it's an indication that you aren't a prayer or that you're just too embarrassed to let them know that you trust in the power of prayer. Step up to the plate and represent the Kingdom in even the smallest of expressions that we may often take for granted...I'm praying for you friends to be bold and courageous and full of the Spirit as you pray!