1 Timothy 2:1-3
American Standard Version (ASV)
2 I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men;
2 for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity.
3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
I recently went to a Joyce Meyer Ministries Women's Conference in Saint Louis, MO. I had a great time and the services were very refreshing. The conference began on Thursday and concluded on that following Saturday. I was blessed and refreshed. There must have been close to 20,000 women there. Joyce and her guest brought genuine praise and worship to all of these hungry women. What stood out to me the most was their sincerity and "realness". I've been around church folks all of my life and was raised in a sanctified home with relaxed Baptist on one side and no nonsense Pentecostals on the other side. Needless to say, I know church folks from every angle. So I know the difference between worship and entertainment.
One of the greatest displays there was the prayer wall. I tried to read and touch each prayer that I could reach. I even took a several with me. The need is so great. I've always heard that women can tough the hand of God. I feel myself getting emotional as I recap the conference. Mothers praying for wayward and sick children...Mothers trying to take care of babies born with severe imperfections...Grandmothers raising abandoned grandchildren...Wives dealing with abuse...Single women being approached by other women...Women trying to wait on God for a saved spouse. The notes were detailed and filled with hurt, disappointment, and dispare.
The need is so great. BUT GOD is still here and he loves us. There is a way through the madness.
Another great display was a walk through exhibit. That exhibit was
filled with lies that we tell ourselves; lies that come from the enemy. I
was brought to tears because, many of them described how I felt about
myself. But guess what, I was not alone. Many of my sisters feel the
same way. Everyday we must tell ourselves that God loves us and that we
can take our cares to him in prayer and have faith in Him. Faith in him
alone; not in the government or other people. God does love us.
As an exerciser of faith, we were given a card on which we were to write down all of the negative things we say about ourselves and throw it away. There was/is great significance in that. All of that is garbage, so why keep it in our minds and torment ourselves with it? They are all lies. If they are not lies, God can help and soon they will be things of the past.
The entire center was decorated with picture frames with messages from a loving Father. He loves you and he loves me too.
I could go on and on; but until you seek Him for yourself and allow him to love you with his word; you will not benefit from his love and care. Bad things happen...yes ma'am they do. Sin happens...yes ma'am it will. Family and friends will forsake you...Yes they will. But God is always here for you and he is just a prayer away.
Is there anything I can pray about with you? Feel free to email me.
