Prayers That Availeth Much!

“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5

On May 2nd, 2013, National Day of Prayer, I joined a group of citizens and several pastors from surrounding churches to pray for our great nation. As we stood up to sing our National Anthem something pretty amazing happened. The winds started picking up speed and for a brief moment I wondered if the tent that we were gathered under would be able to withstand the surging gusts. However, at the same time, the stately USA red, white, and blue Flag decided to take center stage and take our minds off the possible collapse of the tent to notice its majestic waving beauty. When we first started to sing the flag hang limp around the pole, but suddenly with each word proceeding forth from our lips the flag came alive as it mounted up stronger and stronger until it stood perpendicular to the ground. It seemed as if it had taken on a life of its own and was showing those of us singing how truly proud it was to be an American Flag. Then, as we sang the final words to the stanza, “O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave,” it seemingly turned to face the crowd and started waving up and down! At first, I thought I was the only one who had noticed this powerful reminder of God’s grace shed upon our country, but when the host Pastor stood to speak he too was taken in awe of the flag’s dramatic performance. It was as if God, the wind, and the flag were making their presence known unto us. After that, what a wonderful time of Prayer we had!

But, as the program continued, I was suddenly reminded of a particular prayer request that I have failed to be faithful. Oh, yes, I have called this need before the Lord on many occasions, but I question both my motives and sincerity. I became acutely aware that if I truly want to see my nation turn around for God then I must sincerely and faithfully start praying for our nation’s current leaders and President. So, I began to pray for genuine salvation to come to our President, his wife, and their daughters. Instead of praying as I have been praying for the past five years, “Lord, do something!” I realized that our President needs to first know God through a personal relationship with Christ Jesus if he is to ever understand the “hearts” and “minds” of the godly citizens who live within our country, as well as how to successfully govern our land. I also realized that for him to call our nation a “Christian” nation that he, himself, will need to fully understand what it means to be a Christian! So, I have committed myself to praying daily for our President’s Salvation through a personal, born-again experience with the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Bible tells of a man who once disregarded Christians and even hunted them down for bounty. But, on the Road to Damascus the Lord shone a Great Light all around him and called him by name. That same man later went on to write more books than any other disciple in the New Testament, and we know him today as the great Apostle Paul. What a major witness would our President become should he, too, come to the Light of Christ!

So, this week, I invite you to join me (if you are not already doing so) in praying for Salvation to come to the White House first through the President, then his wife and daughters, and then to those who surround and advise him. May each one of our nation’s leaders see the Eternal Greatness and Light of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Remember, God Loves You! And, yes, we are a Christian Nation!

Lin T Rollins, Author

Betrayal…Signs of the Time?

Betrayal…Signs of the Second Coming? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
We are most definitely living in peculiar times. I don’t think I have ever heard of so many good people and good families facing such difficult battles and hardships arising from betrayals, deceptions, criticisms, and false or misleading accusations.
It is never Satan’s intentions to build and protect “unity” among the brethren. His goal has always been to “sow seeds of discord” whenever possible; even in the closest of families, friendships, or churches. And, believe me he doesn’t miss an opportunity to do so! He’s always on the prowl to find “someone” who will aid him in his destructive schemes. Sadly, he doesn’t have to look too wide or too far.
Words are powerful and when we are NOT using them to encourage or build up others, we can very easily be using them to tear down and discourage. I have always heard that if a person will speak negatively about someone to you, then they will speak negatively about you to someone. We can all find negative things to say about one another, because we are all human and we all fall short of the Glory of God. In other words, none of us are perfect; no not one.
As Christians, we learn that there are the sins of commission (doing or saying something wrong; or possessing the wrong attitude) and the sins of omission (failing to say or do that which is right, good, or proper). At times, all of us have missed chances and opportunities to do good. And, sadly, we often mess up by saying or doing the wrong thing at the wrong time; as well. But, God gives us “Good News” for such times. He teaches us to “love” one another and to “forgive” one another; exhorting, encouraging, and building up those in the faith. After all, we are family; God’s family.
But, somehow that Biblical principle has gotten lost in the shuffle of modern-day society. I know years ago it was common to hear Christians greet one another as, “Sister So-and-so,” or “Brother So-and-so.” But, that’s considered “old-fashioned” now a days. The book of Titus teaches how the older and younger Christians are to inter-relate one with another; giving honor and respect to the older and caring for the younger by being good examples and teachers of the Faith. However, our society has become so “youth” driven with more and more “novices” in leadership roles that foundational principles such as “honoring” and “respecting” our elders is no longer valued; neither given nor received. How sad. It seems “betrayal” at all levels of life has become the “norm” of our land.
But, in actuality, that is exactly what happened to Christ. He was betrayed by the “kiss” of a friend only hours before he was to be crucified. So, perhaps all of this increased betrayal, deception, and false accusations are simply “signs” of Jesus Christ’s soon return! After all, the Bible does teach us that the “love of many shall wax cold,” and things in general will wax worse and worse the closer to Christ’s return.
So, let us comfort one another with these reminders from God’s Word, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect?” and “Who shall separate us from the Love of God?” Oh, my friend, don’t let the pains from betrayal, rejection, deception, and false accusations get you down and discouraged. You are not alone. Look up! For our redemption draweth nigh!

Remember, God Loves You!
Lin T Rollins, Author

In His Time…

In His Time…

To Everything there is a season, and a purpose under the heaven.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Hurry up; and wait…That’s seems to be the “norm” for most things in life. Oh, how we often want things to happen when, where, and how we desire. But, if you have lived on planet Earth for any reasonable length of time you have learned that getting what you want when you want it rarely occurs. Even in our “instant” micro-second society “good things still come to those who wait.”
Learning how to wait with integrity and dignity is still an admirable quality in one’s life. I know of no one who “waited” on God more earnestly than Abraham and Sarah. After being visited by the Angel of the Lord, Abraham was instructed that Sarah would bring forth a child who would “bless” the entire world. But, after waiting nearly twenty years Sarah’s patience ran out. So, she designed a plan to “help” God out with His promise. Oh, how many times have I tried to help God out! But, God didn’t need Sarah’s help. And, he doesn’t need mine either! Sarah executed her plan, but it didn’t stop God from executing His. At 90 years old, Sarah gave birth to a son just as the Angel of the Lord had said.
Likewise, God wants to bring about His promises into our lives each and every day. But, too many times we get ahead of God and try to “fix” things ourselves. And, just like Sarah we often “inherit” a life-long challenge as a result! The Bible teaches us, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”(Galatians 6:9). Relying on “Patience” is actually carrying out “well doing.” Don’t let the word “patience” fool you. It may sound like a passive action, but in actuality it takes stronger, often more determined self-control, and even greater strength to WAIT than to do anything else! I have learned that I am “doing something” when I am “waiting on God!”
Waiting on God involves “spiritual warfare.” The enemy hates nothing more than to see a Christian waiting on God. He moves in with as many “earthly” solutions and suggestions as he possible can. He taunts and laughs at us while we sit back and wait for God to move in the matter. Far too often, like Sarah, we give in to those suggestions. But, God still “rewards” those who firmly plant their feet into God’s good soil and wait for His harvest!
My friend, I encourage you today that if you are “waiting” for God, keep on keeping on until HE arrives on the scene. God is never too early, but He is never too late! In His Time He’s always Right on Time! Remember, if you’d like to read more articles by Lin T Rollins, go to http://www.breakawaybylintrollins.wordpress.com And, check out Lin’s book, Break Away at http://www.westbowpress.com

Remember, God Loves You!
Lin T Rollins, Author

God’s Peace…

God’s Peace
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

There is a formula to finding daily peace; and it’s not always easy to follow. It requires Faith; and sometimes even Greater Faith. But, without Faith, it is impossible to please God. The Bible teaches us to carry “everything” to God in prayer by Faith; not just some things, but everything. Also, as we pray, there is an attitude of “thanksgiving” (gratefulness) that we are to possess as we present our petitions to God.

Using the above formula, it appears that there are three things that will rob a Christian of God’s Peace that passes all understanding…Lack of Faith, Lack of Prayer, and Lack of Thanksgiving. The Bible teaches, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (or doubting). For he that wavers (doubts) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” Oh, how I can attest to the fact that when my faith is weak and doubts it feels as if I am on a roller coaster of waves! But, the Bible teaches, “We are to walk (live) by faith not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7). The Spiritual realm of life is the exact opposite of the physical realm. In the physical world we walk by sight, but in the Spiritual realm we walk by Faith; “The substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things NOT yet seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). By Faith, we know that “all things work together for the good of those who Love the Lord.” (Romans 8:28) Not that ALL things are good, but by Faith we know that “all” things are working out within our lives according to God’s purpose and plan.

The next part of the formula is Prayer. The Bible teaches us to, “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is simply communication with God. Instead of talking out our problems, needs, and concerns to everyone else, we talk to God about them on a regular, continuous, daily basis. As the old Gospel hymns declares, “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” We may live in a technology-driven society, but there’s never been a greater source of communication than Prayer!

Finally, our formula for Peace teaches us to maintain a heart of “Thanksgiving.” A thankful heart is a grateful and humble heart that places God on the throne of our lives instead of selfish or self-centered motives.
As I get older, I want to guard the Peace of God within my life even greater. Just this past week, I had some developments occur that immediately tried to rob me of Peace. After a day or two being filled with anxieties, the Holy Spirit reminded me of God’s Peace that passes “all” understanding. After I examined my heart, I realized that I was lacking in Faith, Prayer, and Thanksgiving. Once, I entered into my prayer-closet and poured out my heart before God, His Peace took over. Ah, Wonderful Peace! The issue is not resolved, but God is in control and He will bring it to pass according to His will and purpose. Now, I can face the day in God’s Peace.

Author’s Note: Today’s blog is copied from a weekly newspaper article that I write for The Dallas New Era located in Dallas, Georgia.

Remember, God Loves You,
Lin T Rollins, Author

God’s Ways Are Not Man’s Ways

God’s Ways Are Not Man’s Ways…

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8 KJV)

Oh, how careful we must be not to interpret man’s ways as being God’s ways. How often this happens in the life of a believer, even a mature believer at times, who feels rejected and defeated when he or she is not “celebrated” in man’s eyes as desired. Much of the time, God’s ways are private and seen as insignificant in man’s eyes and man’s economy. Did Jesus not say that the widow’s mite (two cents) was far more greater in the Kingdom of God than those who had given much more trying to obtain God’s favor; as well as man’s? The poor widow lady had given from the heart… God’s Ways Are Not Man’s Ways…

Often, even in ministry, man’s ways creep into our lives trying to steal and rob God’s Joy of service by “comparing” and “competing” ones own interpretation of success to ones lack of success….But, who on earth can really tell what is and what is not success in God’s Kingdom? God’s Ways are powerfully different from the world’s views and standards for success…”He who is first shall be last and he who is last shall be first.” (Matthew 20:16)

In this life, most things are measured by quantity and quality…both from a worldly perspective. The pastor who stands before thousands each Sunday is often viewed as being more successful in the ministry as opposed to the pastor who stands before a dozen. The church building that displays beautiful craftsmanship, inside and out, and lavished with modern-day furnishings is viewed more welcoming than the store-front building supplied with unmatched folding chairs and second-hand equipment. But, who is to say which one is far greater in the Kingdom of God? Perhaps, the pastor and members of the store-front church are helping to teach, instruct, nurture, and equip the next Spirit-filled evangelist who will help to guide God’s people to a place of repentance and godly living as opposed to dozens of ministers who will come forth from the larger church only to “tickle” the ears of a lost and dying world.

Sometimes, it’s easier to belong to and hide out in a mega-church because people are simply “received” and “accepted” in whatever lifestyle they choose without true “repentance” unto God…However, there is always the opposite “extreme” where churches adopt legalism, man’s added rules and regulations, in place of Godly “repentance” and true surrender to God’s Lordship in their life through Christ Jesus. Both, extremes are dangerous in the lives of a true believer.

So, how is a person to know and discern God’s Ways from Man’s Ways? “Study, to show thyself approved, a workman that needed not be ashamed.” (II Timothy 2:15). There is actually NO private interpretation of the Bible. The Word itself will bear witness with the Word. When a person can line his or her life up with the Word of God and its teachings as interpreted by the Scripture itself, then he or she can know for certain that they are walking in the ways of God…”Where two or three are gathered in my name so shall I be in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20). God does not place “number” priority as a prerequisite to building his kingdom…After all, he invested his entire ministry into the lives of twelve disciples who would go forth to change the world…the whole world!

Don’t look down or think that your work and efforts for God are futile if they are small. God delights in small things. But, likewise, God is the God of multitudes as 5,000 were born into the Kingdom under the sound preachings of the Apostle Peter. Yet; Paul was called to lead one Philippian jailer to the Lord within the cell walls of a cold, dark prison. God’s Ways Are Not Man’s Ways…God adds and God takes away according to HIS purpose and plan…

So, today, I encourage you to put all of your heart into God’s work and leave the results in HIS hands…Don’t let society or any one discourage you because your work may seem small or insignificant in someone else’s eyes. I admire one of my adult daughter’s spirit who volunteers to watch toddlers in the church’s nursery once a month. Even though she has a great call upon her life to teach the Word of God, she feels her time spent in the nursery once a month serves just as great of purpose; if not greater. I know she prays for these little tots during their time together…After all, she may be entertaining, playing patty-cake, or building a castle made of blocks with the next Billy Graham or Ruth Graham…We can never go wrong investing our lives into the lives of others…God’s Ways Are Not Man’s Ways…Glory Be unto God!

Remember, God Loves You!
Lin T Rollins, Author

The Bible…Lamp Unto My Feet

The Bible…Lamp Unto My Feet…

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

If you live in America, you are most likely aware of the new History Channel series, “The Bible.” For the past three Sunday nights in a row, it has been the number one rated television program watched between the hours of 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Americans are hungry for good entertainment as well as hungry to know more about God. The combination has resulted in a “hit” TV series.

But, wait! Two days ago controversy showed up! It seems that the character playing Satan has a strong physical resemblance and appearance to our nation’s president, Mr. Obama. What?! Naturally, the media is in a frenzy suggesting that the writers and producers of the show deliberately made Satan’s character to look like the President. What?! Are you kidding me?

My first thought on the subject was wondering if Charlton Heston’s portrayal of Moses favored anyone’s uncle or grandfather? Surely, he must have favored someone while in character! Perhaps, not the President of the USA, but someone! And, what about all the men who have played Roman soldiers down through the years nailing Jesus to the cross, do they look like anyone you know? And, I’m pretty certain that one lady who portrayed Mary Magdalene in one of the many versions of Bible movies favored a distant cousin of mine! Stop the presses! These allocations must be investigated!

But, let’s be real…We are talking about the character of Satan looking like President Obama…Mmmm….Coincident…Planned…Coincident…Planned….Mmmm. You decide…I’m sure there are as many answers to that question as there are noses in the world…So, those who love and adore our President are offended. Those who don’t share in his popularity are possibly having a good laugh…Perhaps, we will find other characters creeping in who look like famous people we know…Wait…That would be, oh yea, Actors and Actresses…But, I haven’t seen Tom Cruise or Ryan Reynolds or Sandra Bullock or Meg Ryan or Diane Lane….Mmmm….But, I’ll keep watching just in case! In the meantime, I just hope the “STORY” of the real BIBLE gets across to viewers that GOD is HOLY and GOD LOVES YOU AND ME….

So, the heart of the matter…The next time you put on a church play, production, musical, television program, or even walk down the street make sure you don’t look like one of the nation’s top ranked politicians; especially the President…Sorry, Mr. President…

Author’s Note: What are my personal feelings about the series, “The Bible?” Well, I’m enjoying it, but as with most movies the BOOK is always better!

Remember, God Loves You!
Lin T Rollins, Author

“Bleeding Hearts…”

“Bleeding Hearts…”

Today’s blog is more of a writing from-the-heart piece on a quiet Sunday afternoon. I’m sure some of you can relate

I must confess that I am very overly sensitive at times. It seems that my heart has more bruises and scars than I would ever be able to count or admit. After some of the pains and hurts I have experienced you would think that I would be as tough as nails. Yet, the tears can still come; especially when a matter hits certain emotional chords. However, I didn’t just turn out this way. I have pretty much been this way my entire life.

I can easily recall “crying” just about every Sunday night while watching episodes of Lassie and Timmy! Looking back, my favorite TV shows always involved loving families, “Father Knows Best,” “Andy Griffith,” “Patty Duke,” “The King Family,” and even “Bonanza.” Every showed somehow ended with love, encouragement, support, and understanding within the show’s characters. A “Happy-Ever-After” philosophy and generation. Not very true to life or very realistic.

But, those fictional programs of the 60′s sent out a powerful message and an unreal image of what a “happy,” “loving” family was all about…Quite the opposite of many nonfictional (real) characters found in the Bible where two brothers having opposite views and beliefs resulted in the first committed murder! And, when a wife who could not produce children offered her maid-servant to be her husband’s mistress! Now, there’s “realty” TV for you!

Many doctors and researchers say that some forms of “depression” can be the part of a person’s life where unreal expectations and absolute reality meet. If a person can “deal,” “process,” and “handle the absolute realities in life then they can often escape deep depression. As human beings, We all go through forms of “situational” depression at times when our lives are affected by specific circumstances and situations. But, I am talking about a lifestyle troubled with pangs of depression…The ongoing parts of life where unreal or unmet expectations meet reality on a daily basis…We either choose to climb over the bumps of reality or allow them to climb upon us; and bury us alive!

People who are highly or overly sensitive in certain areas of their lives don’t think or process situations like other non-highly sensitive people do. The non-highly sensitive people quickly adjust and move forward. The highly or overly sensitive person can easily fall into a deep pit of “Woe is me; not again” mentality. I have to admit that I FIGHT my own feelings and emotions a lot of times to overcome those intrusive negative, nagging thoughts. And, I have to admit that some of those battles are tougher and last longer than others. I am grateful that I am aware of this “flaw” in my life, but I also know that I have to fight against it at times just like an addict may have to fight whatever their addiction might be. For me, and to me, it’s just as real.

I thank God for HIS word, time, prayer, and naps when needed to help reduce and overcome these times in my life. Don’t get me wrong…the things that I can get easily depressed over are NOT fiction; they are real…They just hit me a whole lot deeper and hang on a whole lot longer than with other people I know. My poor husband of 39 years has come to understand this about me more in the past few years than ever before. What he once thought was just my being a “witch” was actually my digging deep within to overcome feelings of rejection, insecurities, and fears…You might ask how can a person who claims to be a Christian deal with fears, anxities, and insecurities? Really! Name me one person who doesn’t from time to time! Even John the Baptist before he was to be beheaded sent his disciples to Christ Jesus asking to KNOW for “certain” that HE was truly the CHRIST! Come on, people, if John the Baptist had a moment of doubt and weakness don’t think for a moment you or we can’t, too!

So, so many times I have to climb up from the ground, dust off the dust, wipe away particles from the scratches and bruises, and get back up on my “horse-of-life,” knowing all the time that I will find myself having to repeat the same old process over and over and over again…But, all of this is not bad. People who are sensitive, even overly sensitive people, also see things that other people don’t see or might miss. They may see a “need” in someone else’s life. They may “sense” when a person needs a “pat-on-the-back.” I know I had a situation when I was teaching a group of 8th graders and “sensed” that one of my students was going through a particular difficult time in her life. I even somehow “sensed” that she may be in some type of danger. After wrestling with my “feelings” for a few days, I decided to speak with the school’s counselor about my concerns. As it turned out, the precious, young girl’s uncle had recently moved into her house and was molesting her. That time my “overly-senstive” feelings helped to remove a child from a dangerous environment.

We all have to discover who we are in the LORD and how to “bloom where we are planted” instead of trying to be like everyone else around us…As the Apostle Paul stated, “I am who I am.” Amen. So, to all my “bleeding heart” friends out there who take a lot of grief at times, may God always be your strength and source of courage to face whatever the day may bring…For it is in HIM, and HIM alone, that we find our shelter and refuge in the storms of life and in daily life. Amen.

Remember, God Loves You!
Lin T Rollins, Author