The Days of Robin Hood

Friday morning I sat on the edge of the bed to pray before starting my day. My thoughts went to those who are poor and destitute – especially dads who can't find a job, and struggle with feelings of self-worth because they can’t provide for their families. Families who suffer from poor nutrition because they can’t afford to buy food. Families who can’t afford dental care or doctor visits.

For those with houses falling apart, who are stuck in poor living conditions. For those who struggle to stay warm because they can’t afford to buy fuel or pay their electric bill.

Children who are bullied and mocked at school because they don’t have nice clothes to wear. Children who go to school hungry, and have a difficult time learning because their stomachs growl. Children who go to bed hungry because Mom couldn’t buy enough groceries to prepare an adequate evening meal.

Scenes from the cartoon movie Robin Hood come to mind: the oppressed of the land—those who are most affected by economic conditions created by heavy-handed government taxation and regulations that stifle business initiatives and jobs.

And I cried. I cried for those who have been forgotten and marginalized, relegated to the trash heap of unimportance.

As I stood in the shower and thanked God for my soothing hot water, I prayed for those who don’t have my comforts, and for those who don’t wish to be homeless, but long for a home to call their own. I prayed that in America’s days to come, good jobs will be created, tax burdens will be lifted, and empty stomachs will be filled.

Let us pray to that end. Let us personally ask God to lead us to someone we can help each day, even if just in a small way, whether it’s sharing our money, food, clothing, whatever. We must demonstrate love by what we do. The members of the Body of Christ can and must make a difference, beginning with a next-door neighbor who may be in need. With each one of us praying and doing our part as God brings people across our path day to day, we will make a difference in the lives of those who hurt. People need that personal touch, that kind word of encouragement that accompanies a monetary gift, a loaf of bread, a coupon, a gift card, or an invitation to dinner. There are so many ways your heart and hands can help someone else.

“’For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?

And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:35-40 (NKJ)

Let’s take personal responsibility, link arms, and be the people of God He has called us to be!

Copyright © 2016 Elaine Beachy

Talking to Trees

In the shower this morning, the scripture from Mark 11:22-24 came to mind: “Have faith in God. For assuredly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

I thought of what prompted those words. It was because the disciples were amazed to see that the fig tree Jesus cursed the day before was now dead. “Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” Jesus answered that ‘whoever’ speaks likewise, will have the same results.

Our country has been on my heart so much lately. As I thought about these scriptures and the current condition of violence in America, the words, “Tree of violence” came to mind. I began to pray: “You tree of violence, I say to you, ‘Be plucked up by the roots and be thrown into the sea, in Jesus’ Name! Every structure, plan, plot, organized effort, every vow, every subversive attempt to destroy our nation’s law and order, be pulled out by the roots and wither away! And may no one ever eat of your fruit again! Close the mouths of the lions, Father! Send out Your angels of peace across America!’”

That tree of violence has many roots, but it shall lose its footing.  

Later, at the kitchen table, I pulled out a chair for Jesus to come fellowship with me. I was praying in the Holy Spirit about these things, when I suddenly became aware of the chair across from me. I sensed that Jesus was praying with me for America!

I began to weep as we prayed together.

Then, still weeping, I spoke to Jesus, “Let’s just bless the Father!” I lifted my hands and worshiped Him.

Then I sensed Him say to me, “Your prayers have been heard; you have what you requested.”

I responded, “May Your Kingdom come, may Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven!”

America, turn your heart toward Home. Amen.

* All scripture from the New King James Translation

Copyright © 2016 Elaine Beachy

2 Chairs + 1 Journal = Peace

I like to pull out a kitchen chair across the table from me and invite Jesus to sit and fellowship with me. I’ve found that personal invitation to Him enriches and strengthens my life, and enhances the closeness I feel with my Lord and Savior. I ask the Holy Spirit to lead me in worship and prayer and conversation with Jesus.

After I pray in the Spirit and read /study the Word, I tell Him what’s on my mind: whether it’s for a solution I need, or sharing feelings of sadness or anger, and I’m brutally honest with myself and with God. For most of my life, I have prayed, “God, always give me a love for the truth, no matter what it is, no matter if it hits me and I need to change my thinking or behavior. I want to live a life based on honesty with You, myself, and others.” He knows my thoughts and feelings anyway, and it keeps me emotionally and mentally healthy as I unload my burdens on Him.

I ask Him, “Jesus, is there anything You want to say to me?” And then I write in my journal our conversation. I hear Him as I am quiet and His thoughts come to me.

The words I wrote down this morning could just as well apply to the Church of Jesus Christ.

Jesus to me: “You honor Me by walking in integrity of heart. I appreciate your love for the truth; you will be kept from deception.

I have heard, and am answering, your prayers for your family. You have decreed Divine Order, and so it shall be established. I will make the crooked places straight, and the rough places a plain. I will strengthen you and uphold you; I will put My words in your mouth, and no one can stand against them. Every high thing shall come down; every stronghold shall be broken in answer to your prayers, and for the sake of My covenant with you.

Righteousness shall be exalted in this land once again. My truth shall occupy the public square, and many shall be turned from giving ear to the devil’s lies, and shall embrace the Truth. Many shall turn to Me and be saved! I rejoice to see the fruit of My suffering! You make my heart glad, and I rejoice because of your holy warrior spirit given by Me, and accepted by you! I will do great things through you—things you do not even know yet. But I keep My word; you will not be disappointed, because you hope in Me!

Do not be distraught over negative things you see and hear, for I am at work in America, in My Church, and in your family. Be at peace, My Sister; I fight for you. The battle is Mine. Wear the shoes of peace I have given you, and stand your ground. Do not be moved off My word, off My promises, for they shall surely come to pass.”

Me: “Thank You, Jesus, for speaking to me, for encouraging me. I put on the shoes of peace, and walk in love and victory, holding high the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God! I am more than a conqueror, because You have already won the battle against the enemy. I stand firmly in Your victory! You are my King forever! You are to be obeyed! Every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall declare that you alone are Lord!”

Copyright © 2016 Elaine Beachy