iFollow

iPray eVotionals

Greetings!

The gun sounds as the race begins. iPray eVotionals exhorts the runners on the path of a prayerful lifestyle.  It's the glass of water held out around each month's turn.  It's for the runner who can use a quick and easy quench in order to finish strong.  

iFollow 

(Approximate reading time: 9 Minutes) 

iFollow who?

When I say iFollow am I referring to what I do on Twitter?  Am I talking about what I do with the directions that came with my Ikea shelves?  Am I explaining what I did on the hiking trail behind my home?  Maybe it's what I'm doing when I'm really trying to pay attention to a speaker's message.  Are you following me? This world offers so many opportunities to follow, but are they really just opportunities to fumble around in the darkness?  Jesus offers us an opportunity to follow too.   John 8:2 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." As a Christian I am saying that iFollow Jesus Christ.

iFollow the Leader

We all love to play games and few are more universal than Follow the Leader.  We have all played it as kids and as adults we are still playing variations of this classic game.  We see something we like or admire and we follow!  The rules are simple, but no two games are the same.  1. Assign a leader and several followers.  2. The leader starts to do anything that he or she wants.  3. The rest of the players follow, doing exactly what the leader does.  Anyone who doesn't follow exactly is out.  4. When there is only one follower left the game is over and he or she becomes the new leader.  It goes on and on and on and on. Hmm, following someone that is doing whatever they want seems a little like fumbling around in the dark!  Furthermore, the game never ends. I'd rather follow with a purpose. Sometimes, when my husband and I take separate cars to an event I end up following him home afterwards.  He usually rolls down his window and says, "Follow me." I have to keep my eyes on him, stay close in proximity, watch what lane he is in and not let too many cars get between us.  I look for his signals and merge with him.  My husband keeps an eye on me as well, slowing if need be and putting signals on early.  Both of us are driving with an awareness of each other.  Both of us are making decisions that helps us stay together.  If either of us gets distracted or daydreams, then we can get separated.  Unlike Follow the Leader I'm not following just for the fun of it.  I'm following with a purpose to end up at home. Following Jesus is not only fun like the universal game of Follow the Leader, but we follow with a purpose!  We follow Him until He calls us home.

iFollow with reflection

When iFollow without reflection, my following is not so precise. Take Wii for example; the universal gaming system that gets me up and moving.  Stick Michael Jackson's Just Dance in the system and I am ready to rock it!  The dance guides pump me up and as I follow the lead my score increases.  I even break a sweat and seem to periodically break the high score as well.  Oh yeah! The other day I was really rocking it when all of a sudden my son and daughter started bursting out in laughter. "What?"  I said as I bounced up and down with separated legs and my arms grooving to the beat. Between giggles my son told me what, "You look like a gorilla!" "A gorilla?!?"  I exclaimed.  Looking down at the way I was moving I realized that yes, I looked like a dancing gorilla.  I might as well have added a deep, "ooh ooh, aww aww, ooh ooh, (scream!)" because I was for sure doing the gorilla dance. Those guides make it look so easy.  But the TV screen is not a mirror.  As I follow I can't see if I'm really doing it right.  My big time scoring does not reflect how well I'm really following.  I remember a better system from my ballet days as a child.  We danced in front of mirrors!  The mirror helped us correct missteps and awkward angles.  The dance teacher showed us how to do the moves and after watching her we watched our own image copy hers. Following without reflection leads to dancing like a gorilla.  To reflect is to copy, echo, imitate, match, mirror, revert and shine.  If I claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus then I should be reflecting His attributes.  His goodness, kindness, love and humility.  His patience, understanding, honesty and gentleness. First we look to our teacher and our guide and then look at our reflection to make sure it matches.  If I look at Jesus as though I'm looking at a TV screen then I can't see myself.  Jesus wants us to be aware of what kind of reflection we are giving off. Luke 6:40 "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." Jesus is our teacher.  Every move is perfect.  Every word is true.  So perfect.  As I try to get the high score on this Christian dance sometimes I look over to find funny looks and giggles.  I guess that would be my imperfect reflection of perfection.  I may be getting points for effort, but if I keep making the same missteps then I'm probably not seeing the adjustments that need to be made.  Like ballet class, I should be looking at Jesus and then taking a good look in the mirror. Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." I'm sure I'm not the first or last Christian gorilla that has walked the earth.  A mirror reveals if I'm trying too hard or not trying hard enough; bouncing off beat or swinging my arms a bit too much.  As I reflect on God's word and reflect on how I am doing I become a little more precise and an increasingly better reflection.  More humble in moments of fame.  More patient in moments of frustration.  More kind in moments of strife.

iFollow without hesitation

It's amazing how dogs know their masters.  They have an unfaltering respect and a constant desire to please. Our family rescued a cocker spaniel a few years back from the pound.  Yoshi is a perfect fit for our family.  He welcomes daily rubs, treats, walks and play time.  It didn't take long for Yoshi to choose who he was going to follow.  He is my home-shadow.  Everywhere I go he follows.  It's like he has a keen awareness of every move I'm about to make.  Most of my movements have nothing to do with him but without missing a beat if I'm up he is too.  He has a spot to lay down in every corner of the house depending on where I am.  He watches every movement I make and anticipates where I am headed.  Even when Yoshi is asleep, it's like part of his consciousness is awake and knows when I am on the move.  Because of this, Yoshi does not miss a thing.  He is always ready to take a walk, receive a meal and catch a ball. "Every move I make I make in You You make me move Jesus Every breath I take I breathe in You Every step I take I take in You You are my way Jesus Every breath I take I breathe in You Waves of mercy, Waves of grace Everywhere I look, I see your face Your love has captured me Oh my God, This Love How can it be?" -David Ruis Do iFollow like that?  Do my thoughts focus on my master all the time?  When I sense movement, do I get up quickly?  Do iFollow with a keen awareness, with an unfaltering respect and a constant desire to please?

iFollow into the unknown

Have you ever jumped off of a high dive?  Do you remember the first time you stood on the edge of the board, looking down at the pool?  I remember!  In fact, my experience was a lot like Missy's, a little girl I like to write about.  Click the link to find out just how that first jump went:   High Dive (Extra 5 minutes) There have been several times that I have had to stand at a high place and look down at the unknown.  With no way to turn around and no other option but to jump. "Follow me." Questions have swirled around in my head, fighting for my emotions. "Come, Follow me." I have had to close my eyes, trust that God is in control and just jump. "Come, follow me," Jesus said. Following Jesus' lead into the unknown can be scary. Mark 1:17 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." In my opinion there is no greater example of following into the unknown than that of the disciples following Jesus.  (Matthew 4:18-25)  They had jobs and families and yet dropped everything to follow Jesus into a ministry that held the exhilaration of miracles, healings, revelations and teachings that opened their eyes to truth.  There were also lessons that challenged, stretched and changed them.  Not to mention the unimaginable twists and turns of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection which first evoked fear and despair but then hope and joy.  Boy did they have a story to tell!!!  (Read the story first hand in Matthew 10, 14, 17, 18, 24, 26, 27 & 28) I'll never forget the high dive of August 22, 2004.  After the stressful labor and deliver of my son I sat in a hospital bed with a split pelvic bone, without the use of my legs and with a son in the NICU. I stood on the edge looking down at the pool.  How was I going to take care of my 18 month old daughter as well as a newborn from a wheelchair?  My legs were not working, were they ever going to work again?  What on earth just happened? I remember one morning very clearly.  I was awake before the mayhem of constant doctors, updates and x-rays was to begin for the day.  The hospital room was quite. "Come, follow me." I felt God's peace come over me and I knew that no matter what I was about to go through that it was going to be OK because God was in control and by my side.  I took in a deep breath.  "This is the air I breath.  Your Holy Spirit, living in me."  With the words to the song that had been running through my head during my pregnancy it was time to jump.  So I did. I could have never guessed the challenges.  Bound to a wheelchair for months.  One and a half years to walk at a normal pace again.  Five years enduring constant and relentless back pain. I also could have never guessed the blessings.  Being still with my son because there was no place we had to be.  Choosing Joy by racing around the house in a wheelchair with my daughter on my lap cheering me on.  Tasting the sweetness of my husbands loving sacrifice of caring for the kids as well as for me.  Accepting gifts from friends and family when they brought meals to our home, cleaned the house and helped me get from point A to point B.  The beauty of our family becoming a team.  Entrusting my life and my future into God's hands.  Living in His promises. I have a story to tell and every time I do Jesus' promise in Mark 1:17 comes to fruition: "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

iPray 2 Follow

Dear Lord,  iPray... that as we follow we will remember that You are the leader, to keep an eye on our reflection, move quickly without hesitation and just jump when the future is unknown.  In Jesus Name, Amen! Matthew 6:20 "Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." All for HIM MICHELLE FOZOUNMAYEH iPray eVotionals

iPray eVotionals... iHold On iListen iRest iPray in one accord iNeed a Reminder

iFinish Strong iThank God for That iFollow iWork Out iReminisce iPray 4 Protection iPray 4 Purity iSmell a Stain iEmbrace iPraise iLove Deep and Wide iPray 4 Newness iTeeter-Totter

High Dive

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you...

MISSY:

“Watch this one.”  Sherry dove under the water.  Her feet appeared perfectly upright.  Again, a perfect handstand.

Missy’s attempts were not as good as her older sister’s.  Her body would drift to one side and her legs flopped all over the place.  Just getting her hands to stay put on the bottom of the pool was hard enough.  She climbed out and sat on the side of the pool with her legs dangling into the water.  Her younger brother Ralphy had the same trouble but seemed to be more motivated.

Missy was distracted.  She couldn’t stop looking at the kids who were jumping off the high dive.  From the ground it looked fun and exhilarating.  They would come out of the water chatting about how great the jump was.  Most seemed a bit older than she was.  Maybe they were Sherry’s age, or even older.  The excitement of it all attracted Missy’s attention.

Missy looked over her shoulder at her mom getting Candy ready to get in the water.  “Mom, can I jump?”

Without looking up Missy’s mom said, “Yes.”

Missy was shocked.  She didn’t think her mom would let her jump off the high dive.  Her whole body felt a rush of adrenaline as she walked towards the deep end.  Missy walked right past the low dive line and got into the high dive line right behind a big boy with curly red hair.

As she waited Missy noticed another shorter boy further up in the line.  When it was his turn he climbed all the way up, walked out to the edge and then stopped.  Everyone watched and waited.  Other kids started shouting for him to jump.  He just stayed stiff. 

A tall girl behind Missy spoke up, “Don’t wait, just jump!”  Pretty soon he backed up slowly, got back on the latter and started to climb down.  Why would he change his mind?  He climbed all the way up there and all he had to do was just jump and enjoy the journey into the water.  The climb down took longer than the climb up.

After the little boy walked away the tall girl behind Missy tapped her on the shoulder, “He was too scared and too young.  I knew it the moment I saw him start up the latter.”  The big boy with curly red hair glanced over his sholder and gave a knowing nod.  Some other kids chatted about it too.

Soon it was Missy’s turn.  With each step up the latter anticipation grew.  About half way up she glanced down to see how far she had climbed and paused.  Missy didn’t expect for the ground to look so far off.  The view was different from up on the latter.

The tall girl at the bottom of the latter waiting for her turn yelled up to Missy.  “Just follow the that boy in front of you.  Just keep looking up.”  Missy decided to look up as she finished the climb.  

Peeking over the top, Missy could see the big boy with curly red hair jump off.  Missy focused on the board and walked to the edge.  Looking out and around was wonderful.  She felt like such a big girl.  Missy looked down and her entire body froze.  This was a new feeling she was not expecting.  The excitement was not gone but added to it was a dose of nervousness and fear.  Everyone on the ground looked so small.  Her mind started to go places she was not ready for.  

“What if I fall the wrong way?  What if I don’t jump far enough out and I don’t land in the water?  What if I land on my stomach or back?  How will it feel?”  She hadn’t considered any of those things before her climb.  

Missy realized that she had no idea what this experience would really be like.  She noticed the big boy’s red hair in the water as he swam to the side of the pool.  No one warned her of what it would be like once she got out to the edge.  Her mom didn’t seem worried at all when she said that one word; yes.  She looked in the direction of her mom for approval, Missy saw her mom staring up at her with less than a comfortable look on her face.  Missy stood there and wondered if she had made a wise decision to climb on the high dive board. The other children yelled for her to jump.

“Follow him!  You’ll be fine.” She heard the tall girl say.

These kids had been jumping off repeatedly all morning long.  Watching them from the ground Missy could see the joy of the experience.  Then she thought of the little boy that had turned around and did not experience the joy but instead let fear win.  Missy knew she was not like him.  She was not too young.  She was not too scared.  She did not want to climb back down and face the other kids staring at her like they did the little boy.  If she retreated she would never feel the joy of the jump.  She had studied each jumpers expression as they came out of the water telling their jump story.  Missy knew that she wanted to climb out of the pool with the same joy and with a story to tell. 

In a fast moment Missy put all thoughts behind her, closed her eyes as tight as they would close and jumped as far out as she could.

Right away she felt the rush in her stomach.  Her hands wailed around to stay upright as her body whisked to one side.  Missy did not expect the fall to be so fast.  She did not expect to hit the water so hard.  The landing seemed a little awkward as her body sank way down into the deep end of the pool.  It felt fun to let her body drift downward until she realized she needed some air.  Right away she started to swim up.  When she held her breath she had not made sure there was plenty of air in her lungs.   With all her might she swam.  Right when she felt like she couldn’t hold her breath for a second longer she came out and gasped.  Without time to recover she heard voices screaming at her to move.  Missy did not realize that she had to swim to the side quickly to clear a spot for the tall girl.  She was not the fastest swimmer but got going and grabbed the side of the pool.  

That jump was not at all what she thought it would be.  After a moment of recuperating she realized that she was fine.  The whirlwind of thoughts and emotions was tremendous.  So much happened that she didn’t expect, good and bad.  Missy quickly found the ladder and climbed out of the water with her heart pounding and filled with joy.  She did it!  Missy jumped and survived.  Missy did not only recognize the fun parts but was exhilarated at all she had overcome in just a few seconds!  It was not a perfect jump but now that Missy knew what to expect she could not wait to try it again.  

Climb, jump, splash!  Again... and again... and again!  Soon she joined in the reactions all the kids had that were standing in line looking at each jump.  “Whoa, did you see that one?”

Never did the nervous feeling go away right before she lunged off the board.  Every jump was a little different from the one before.  “This time I’ll start with a bigger breath...  This time I’ll jump straighter...  this time I’ll start to swim to the side while I’m still under the water... This time I’ll open my eyes... This time I’ll hold my legs together...”

Later Missy’s mom told her that she couldn’t believe how Missy had just climbed and jumped with no fear, like it was nothing.  

“I mean I had no idea that you wanted to jump off that high dive.” Missy’s mom explained, “I though you were going to jump off the side of the pool but no, you walked over there with those older kids and you were not intimidated!  I’ve got to admit I was nervous at first, but you just jumped without looking back.”

Missy felt good about it.  Maybe Sherry had the best water hand stands but Missy was not afraid to jump off the high dive.  Missy could look back at the entire journey as a whole and marvel at how wonderful it was to experience the high dive.  She had a story to tell!

As time went by Missy became very thankful for that experience!  Thankful that she did not turn around and let fear win.  Thankful for the physical experience of jumping without knowing what to expect.  Thankful that she passed through the waters, coming out with a testimony of survival.  Thankful for her mom, who filled her ears with awe and wonder of what had happened.  Thankful for the tall girl that encouraged her to “follow.”

Missy faced many more “high dives” as she grew older.  She learned to follow Jesus like He was a boy with curly red hair; going before her to show her the way.  Missy stood on many edges, each time she took in a deep breath of God’s presence and his peace.  She learned to trust Him when she felt unsure and scared.  To let go of the what ifs and just jump, knowing that she would have a story to tell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”  

Isaiah 43:2

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Jeremiah 29:11

iWork Out

iPray eVotionals September 2012 The gun sounds as the race begins. iPray eVotionals exhorts the runners on the path of a prayerful lifestyle.  It's the glass of water held out around each month's turn.  It's for the runner who can use a quick and easy quench in order to finish strong.   iWork Out! (Approximate reading time: 11 Minutes)

iWork Out... As a Soccer Mom

This month I am taking the term "soccer mom" to a whole new level.  I have signed up to be an assistant coach for my daughter's U10 soccer team.  I have gone through the training, so my brain has absorbed the know-how to keep our team players strong in spirit, in practice and in the game.  It's time to take this know-how and work it out on the field.

As we head into our 5th week of practices, I have found that adding this new two-day work out has challenged some underdeveloped muscles of mine.  Running and kicking a ball with coordination, passing and relying on other team members while keeping game smart is quite a work out.  The training is what saves me from letting exhaustion win.  My brain, with all it's know-how, keeps me on track and moving forward during practice... not giving my body a chance to complain or an opportunity to give up.  If I'm moving with purpose then the girls are moving forward with purpose as well.  The drills keep their minds in the game, with little time to complain about how hard some of the skills are to master.

Phew, ends up that playing on the field with a team is an extremely different work out then my brisk morning walks.

I'm now a true Soccer Mom!

iWork Out... With Team Spirit

I love how our bodies are a constant reminder of how God has designed our communication to be, with him and with each other.  The human body is a living organism. Each cell in the body is living. A store-front mannequin looks human but has no life. You, on the other hand, are a living person.  At the center of your nervous system your brain controls all conscious actions, like your thoughts, feelings and memories.  It controls all automatic actions like your heartbeat, blood pressure, body temperature and breathing.  The brain governs 'optimum function' of all the body's systems, constantly sending out and receiving messages.  The head gives the orders, the body responds.  As long as the neurology (brain) is communicating appropriately with the physiology (body), we should be operating at 'optimum function'.

The same thing is true with the "body" of Christ.  Together we are not just an organization, but we are a living organism.  We work together with Coach Jesus as the head, constantly sending out His Spirit with messages for all the body parts so together we can operate at 'optimun function'.  This is the oneness we have as being part of the "body" of Christ.

Ephesians 1:22-23 puts it this way, 

"And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."

Every member of the body has life.  1 John 5:12 states, 

"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."

Every member of the body has the Holy Spirit within them.  Romans 8:9 puts it like this, 

"You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ."   

1st Corinthians 6:19 asks us, 

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own."

The "neurological signals" of God's Spirit keeps appropriate communication open between the head and the body.  Romans 8:26 says, 

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."

Romans 15:5-6 encourages team spirit, 

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 1:10 does too, 

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

Now that's true Team Spirit!

iWork Out... With Team Prayers

The practical working out of this oneness we have in Christ is referred to in the Bible as coming together with one accord.  The disciples came together as players on the same team in this way.

First, there was the promise that God would give all the prayers Team Spirit for the "big game."  Coach Jesus had completed his work on earth and was about to ascend into the heavens when he had gathered up His team prayers and gave them His Coach's talk...

Acts 1:8, 

"But you shall receive power, after the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you shall be witnesses to Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth"

Coach Jesus ascended and the team prayers came together...

Acts 1:12-15, 

"Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey.  And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James.  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers....altogether the number of names was about one hundred and twenty..."

The team prayers got ready for their first game...

Acts 2:1, 

"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place..." 

That upper-room remnant was a praying remnant for team prayers! They were engaged in continual "prayer and supplication" during their ten days together.  In addition to the account of the remnant in the upper-room, we are also told that after three thousand were added to their number on the Day of Pentecost, The "big game", they were "continuing daily with one accord" (Acts 2:46). When persecution began, "they lifted up their voice to God with one accord" (4:24). The apostles, through whose hands God performed "many signs and wonders...continued with one accord in Solomon's Porch" in the temple area" (5:12).

Gathering in one accord does not end as the game schedule begins.  Team prayers continue to gather on the field as members of one body.  

To our shame, today's church does far too little of this upper-room kind of team praying.  We tend to go through the motions on our own... sort of as a formality to ask God's stamp of approval on things we have already decided to do. Often it involves little or no sense of our utter need for coaching resources and our inability to complete prays and drills on our own.

Team Prayers are meant to pray together, to be interdependent and supportive.  We have to understand that if God wants us to be in "one accord", then surely the enemy would desire to cause division.  The lie that you don't need others, you can be independent and handle everything on your own is a lie that isolates body parts and breaks down the body function.

Take Thomas for example.  He has quite a soccer leg!  He can kick a ball from here to Timbuktu!  Thomas, who had not been with the other disciples when Coach Jesus appeared to them after his resurrection placed more confidence on his individual game plan instead of working with his team prayers in one accord...

John 20: 24-29, 

"Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord!'  But he said to them, 'Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.'  A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.'  Thomas said to him, 'My Lord and my God!'  Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"

God wants us to be team players.  He gave Paul insight into how "like-minded" can be achieved.  Paul writes about it in Philippians 2,

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross! Do Everything Without Grumbling."

Praying together is the preparation for doing together but far too often, we want to be busy doing our own thing without adequate preparation with our team members.  In the upper room we see prayer first and then God unleashed His power.  Individual gifts and talents are not meant to be developed just to end up alone on a field, facing a fierce adversary.  They are developed for the good of the whole.

These are true Team Prayers!

iWork Out... On the Field

The Greek word for "prayer" in the book of Acts is prosookay, which is the common New Testament term for prayer addressed to God. The word also sometimes refers to a place that was devoted to prayer as well as the act of praying.  That's the getting up and getting on the practice field folks!

Three years ago I felt the need to be in active one accord prayer.  I had many close friends but iPrayed God would show me who might be a good work out buddy for me.  An acquaintance of mine popped into my head.  Hmmm... out of all the people I know?  I approached this acquaintance and asked if she would be willing to work out with me in prayer.  I had no idea that God had been placing on her heart the same thing, that she needed someone to intercede with.  The accountability thing does wonders because before long we set a day, time and space and started working out together... just one hour a week following Coach Jesus' example he gave us in The Lord's Prayer.  Praising Him, confessing sin, thanking Him and then presenting our requests to Him.  Soon Coach Jesus was bringing in more team prayers.  He taught us how to refer to the Coach's manual (God's word) when practices got hard and team prayers needed direction on particular drills.  Our prayer muscles got stronger!

Instead of just brisk walks on our own, we are now on the field with team prayers and team spirit.  Under developed "one accord" prayer muscles have become strong!  Being in line with Coach Jesus' game plan has prepared us for each game.  We now step out with confidence and defeated the devil!  I'll never forget this one game... a friend asked us for support concerning a particular struggle... game on!  Together with this friend, we covered her whole home with scripture-driven prayers...rather than with gossip and popular opinion.  God's power was unleashed!

Stepping onto that field means stepping out of your own personal space.  You do not have to consider yourself a major prayer warrior to get on the field.  At the training to become a soccer coach it was drilled into our head that we do not have to be professional soccer players to be on the soccer field!  We can trust the practice process and drills.  You too can trust the authority of scripture and the Spirit of God.

This is true Field Work! 

iWork Out... As a Praying Christian

iPray... that you will take the term "Praying Christian" to a whole new level!  

iPray... you will step out on the field with team members and team spirit to "work out" not only your body part (Thomas!), but work out the oneness we have in Christ by praying in one accord.  You will find that it is different than a brisk walk in the morning.

iPray... that little by little those praying muscles become stronger and stronger and soon you will be dribbling a ball, stay in your position, passing to other team members, keeping your ears in tune with Coach Jesus and becoming game smart.  

iPray... that your training and practice time will equip you for the games so that when God's spirit is unleashed, when action is to take place, you will be a useful prayer on the field of life!  

iPray... that your, "I'm praying for you" will become, "Can I pray with you?"

As a true Praying Christian... iWork out, iPray uWork out too!

All for HIM,

Michelle Fozounmayeh 

iPray eVotionals

iPray eVotionals... iHold On iListen iRest iPray in one accord iNeed a Reminder

iFinish Strong iThank God for That iFollow iWork Out iReminisce iPray 4 Protection iPray 4 Purity iSmell a Stain iEmbrace iPraise iLove Deep and Wide iPray 4 Newness iTeeter-Totter

iReminisce

iPray eVotional, August 2012

Aproximate reading time: 8 Minutes

iReminisce

Reminiscing... at a Reunion

At my 10 year high school reunion I had a chance to reminisce.  Sitting at a table with fellow classmates we talked about old times, recalling experiences we had shared together.  

“Remember that History teacher that would spit while he talked?  You never wanted to sit in the first three rows!”

“Remember our Friday Pep Rallies?  Our class always won.”

“Remember when we shared a locker for a couple of years and my drama costumes always took up all the space.”

The time has come again.  This month I will be attending my 20 year high school reunion.  Buzz about the event has been floating around for months.  On our class’ Facebook page people are already posting old pictures and asking who is attending.  The link to purchase tickets has been posted several times.  Before committing to going I wondered the same thing as the others.  Is anyone going that I had experiences with?  After all, it’s the shared experiences that connects us and helps us recapture the past.  As soon as I heard that a friend of mine whom I had spent tons of time with during my high school years was coming from New York, I knew I would be attending.

Click click click and the tickets were purchased!

Next I was asked to submit a bio page.  The page needed a picture, some fill-in-the-blank answers and then using only 200 characters I was directed to bring everyone up to date about my life.  As I wrote out a basic over view of my work history and family happenings I chuckled.  If only I really could sum up 20 years with 200 characters.  The thought of it seemed a bit humorous.  The last 20 have shaped me more than the 4.

I found a cute family picture and submitted my page.  All ready for an evening full of pow wowing and chit chatting.  I am going to spend 4 hours reminiscing about 4 years with a printed bio page that sums up the following 20.   Between our shared experiences and comparing bios it should be a full evening of reminiscing.  

Reminiscing... God wants us to

When I searched how many times the word “remember” is used in the Bible (NIV), 231 results came up.  As I read through the list God’s heart was revealed about the act of remembering.  He “remembers” people and situations.  He gives His people signs that helps them “remember” like Noah’s rainbow.  Possibly over 30 times the word “remember” is in reference to recalling what God had done in the past.  After God had parted the mighty Jordan River so that the Israelites could walk across safely on dry land, Joshua was instructed to leave a “reminder” of God’s mighty deed. (Joshua 4)  Years later, when someone asked the meaning of the pile of stones, it was again time to “remember”.  In the Book of Nehemiah the Israelites not only rebuilt the walls in Jerusalem but they also rebuilt their faith with seven “remember” prayers.

Why does God want us to reminisce?  

God knows the hearts of people; He knows us very well. He knows how self-centered and forgetful we are.  We go before Him, saying, "Lord, I need help -- again.”  If we are not asking for something then God knows how rarely we will stop to pray.  If we remember what He has done for us in the past, we will find quick encouragement when needed. If we recall the times that we have called out and He responded, joyful hearts can be restored. If we recollect the times when there was no other hope but God came through, our faith is rekindled. God wants us to remember how He has helped us through challenges, worked out all kinds of difficulties, and has gotten us through thousands of dilemmas.  

Reminiscing... and Prayer

(This next section is meant to be read as an info-commercial. Have fun!)

Have you ever sat down to pray, and you have nothing to say?  

You’ve heard it said that we are a forgetful people, that we are selfish when it is time to pray.  Well now you can leave all of that behind you...

Introducing The Reminiscator 3000!

The Reminiscator 3000 uses state-of-the-art brain wave technology to bring out all God has done for you. 

It’s a proven fact that shared experiences can guide conversations, Biblical studies show 100% success rate in conversing with God by remembering.

God is not an Easter and Christmas God, He is an every moment of your life God and with the Reminiscator 3000 there is plenty to bring to the talking table.

Enjoy more pow-wow energy...

Get lost in chit-ity chat with your Creator...

Marval with the Maker...

With the Reminiscator 3000!

Whether you have recognized God or not,  He has been by your side... The Reminiscator 3000 will open your eyes and your conversations with Him!

If you act now not only will your memories spur conversation but it will also lead to a heart full of gratitude, understanding and humility! And that's not all, as you grow deeper in conversations with your Lord you will find yourself asking questions, listening and hearing answers.   You will begin to lay down burdens, absorb compassion and find passion as well as greater purpose!  But wait theres more!  The Reminiscator 3000 not only helps you remember all God has done for you but it also helps you remember all God has done in the past 3000 plus years!   If that's not enough, the Reminiscator 3000 will help you remember Biblical Truths about WHO God is and HOW to live for Him!

All of that for one low price of FREE!  That’s right, FREE!

  

Don’t think the Reminiscator 3000 can work for you?  

Just listen to these testimonials:

“After denying the Lord 3 times I remembered that Jesus had told me that it would happen.  I felt horrible but it gave us tons to talk about after his resurrection.  Not only did I experience forgiveness but I was asked to go out and ‘feed his sheep’.  The reminiscator 3000 was key!” -Peter

(Read about Peter for real:  Mtt. 26:33-75, John 21:15-25)

“Isaac was my only son so obeying God’s instructions tried my faith.  But when I remembered who God is and how He can do anything I believed that God would either provide a substitute lamb or else raise Isaac from the dead.  Thank you Reminiscator 3000... I remembered!  And God did provided a substitute sacrifice!” -Abraham

(Read about Abraham for real: Heb. 11:17-19, Gen. 22:1-14)

“In a world of great wickedness I remembered God and found grace in His eyes.  My family survived the great flood that wiped out all flesh except those in the ark.  The Reminiscator 3000 helped me stay focus and not slow in building that ark in which God used to save us.” -Noah

(Read about Noah for real: Heb. 11:7, Gen. 6:8-7, 22, 7:1)

“For me, remembering was the key!  For 300 years I remembered to walk with God.  That’s five times longer than most of us have to endure!  God was so impressed with me that he took me up into heaven and I did not see death” -Enoch

(Read about Enoch for real: Heb. 11:5, Gen. 5:22-24)

“The Reminiscator 3000 kept me going!  Remembering the promises He spoke directly to me through a burning bush played a big part in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and right up to the door of the promised land.  Even though it meant that I had to suffer with the people of God who could have used a Reminiscator 3000 for themselves! (Very forgetful bunch).  To this day people all over the world look back and remember what God did at that time.” -Moses

(Read about Moses for real: Heb. 11:24-26)

“Remembering that I would receive in the future a crown of righteousness from God helped me remain faithful and endure many tribulations.” -Paul

(Read about Paul for real: 2Tim. 4:7-8, 2Co. 11:23-38)

“My friend and I were on our way out of Jerusalem talking about what had just happened concerning Jesus.  Our faces were downcast and the resurrected Jesus joined us.  We did not recognize him!  I called Jesus a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all people but did not call Him the Messiah.  We were full of doubt.  Jesus walked silently, just listening as we carried on the conversation but soon He started talking and the Reminiscator 3000 kicked in!  Jesus reminded us that the Christ had to suffer these things and then enter His glory.  Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets He explained to us what was said in all the scriptures concerning Himself.  Our eyes were opened and we recognized Him as The Christ!” -Cleopas

(Read about Cleopas for real: Luke 24:13-35)

So pray with the Reminiscator 3000 TODAY!

Disclaimer:

Reminiscator 3000 is not a real product.  Remembering is a product of recalling things past.  It is free of charge but does require time.  It can be done in an attitude of prayer making it possible to enhance conversation with God.

Reminiscing... Without a Bio

Sometimes I sit before the Lord with nothing to say.  I will probably fill up 4 hours of conversations at my 20 year reunion, but my mind can draw a blank after 4 minutes in prayer.  Maybe I need to sit at a table and reminisce a bit!  

“Lord, you healed me when I was only 3 as the combination of chicken pox and scarlet fever bargained for my life.  I remember the white feather I found as I stepped outside for the first time after getting better.  That was from YOU!  I’m not sure if I was aware of your presence at the time, but you were there!

“College!  I grew up in my thoughts, actions and motivations there.  You healed some deep wounds and taught me how to take responsibility.  You encouraged me when I regretted lousy decisions.  Remember that one situation Lord?  Thank you for Your Grace!  I may have learned my lesson the harder way, but I learned it and I see the blessings from growing up in my faith.

“I feel like you were holding my hand as I adventured into unmarked territory like getting married and becoming the kind of wife you intended me to be.  Or like having kids and becoming a mommy that parents with the same love and truth you parent me with.

“Remember when my pelvic split Lord... When my son was sick... when you answered my prayer as I asked for... when you gently showed me how to turn and go in a new direction... “

Wonderful and meaningful conversations.  I don’t need a bio page to fill in any gaps... because there is not a time where God has not been by my side.  He knows every emotion I have ever felt as a daughter, sister, friend, wife and mom.  From love, compassion, burn out, guiding, learning, giving, rejuvenating and sacrificing.  He knows when I am right and when I am wrong.  He knows my burning questions, “Why did that have to happen?  How did you protect me from that?  Where do I go from here?  Will I ever be able to...?”

Reminiscing always brings me back to God’s heart and the big picture.  Humbled in His presence, it gives us tons to talk about... as well as things to work through.  Reminiscing turns 4 minutes of “I don’t know what to say” into at least 40 minutes if not 4 hours of sweet conversations.

iReminisce, do u?

iPray in Jesus Name that as uPray you will “forget not all His benefits” (From Psalm 103:2) and that you too will reminisce!

All for HIM, 

Michelle Fozounmayeh

iPray eVotionals... iHold On iListen iRest iPray in one accord iNeed a Reminder

iFinish Strong iThank God for That iFollow iWork Out iReminisce iPray 4 Protection iPray 4 Purity iSmell a Stain iEmbrace iPraise iLove Deep and Wide iPray 4 Newness iTeeter-Totter