Called

Hymnal Lyrics: ‘We are Called’ 

by David Haas

We are called to act with justice.

We are called to love tenderly.

We are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God.

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The above powerful song lyrics were sung at Mass today, accompanied by a wonderful homily on humility. In the biblical sense, believing Christians are uniquely called to peacefully walk humbly with Jesus. It’s not that they are so good at it, but it is the striving soul that turns to God when they are hurting.

By trying their level best to work for peace, believing Christians frequently forfeit opportunities to strive to preserve their own reputation, avoid having to have the last word, resist the urge to fight back when wronged, and try to restrain from lashing out to others. Instead, they are compelled to turn to God at every turn to restore lost peace, promote comfort, seek protection, and even sublime joy in adversity, despite how they may feel about any given person or circumstance.

No, believing Christians are not destined to become doormats, however, they are compelled to embrace the high road whenever humanly possible. Being a believing Christian is not for the faint of heart, or those looking for the popularity or worldly reward. Actually, being a Christian today sometimes involves being surrounded by hostile or lukewarm souls that chide them for their beliefs. So who will help the inhabitants of this world embrace the way of the Lord with fervor and continuity of faith? For me, the answer is simple: I say, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Himself.

Perhaps you have heard the Christian faith referred to as the “Christian thing.” In a worldly sense, it is very easy for people to dismiss the faith of others and try to compartmentalize others Christian faith. Certainly our culture promotes this in a myriad of creative ways. For it is possible to be a Christian in name only, an experience that is akin to membership in a club rather than being on the road to grow in faith. However, with Jesus, there is continuity in faith that includes a general respect for that which is Godly. A broken heart for what breaks God’s heart. For the fervent believing Christian soul, there is a zeal and kindness that is best expressed through love, compassion and charity poorly understood by the world at large.

That is not to say that believing Christians do not sometimes feel sad, rejected, abandoned, angry, helpless, or complacent in the face of obstacles or difficult circumstances. It is all part of the human condition. Sometimes these feelings bubble up as with anyone challenged with opposition or malice. However, the difference is in how they are process such events over time. Like anyone else, believing Christians naturally, initially look to others for answers and consolation when presented with hurtful, toxic, or difficult people, or challenging situations. The difference is that they are able to eventually move on, by the grace of God, through activated faith, prayer and Holy Scripture, as they seek counsel and comfort in Jesus Christ rather than that of the wolrd.

Adele M. Gill   |   Copyright 2016   |   www.theinspirationcafeblog.blogspot.com

Lost Courage & Rejuvenation in Christ

As you all know, I posted on Monday that I had decided to stop writing The Inspiration Café blog. Because so many of you have contacted me in various ways since then, most with loving messages of encouragement, I want to tell you what transpired that led to that decision.

On Monday, I lost my courage for spreading the Good News and considered not pursuing the publishing of my completed upcoming book after being told, “No one will read it. No one wants to hear your story” by a woman who has never read of a word of my book manuscript. As for my blog, this same ‘friend’ deemed my blog not good enough to reach 2500 or 25,000 people to be a success. There was much more said, but I will spare you the details. The I am saddened that this blog doesn’t reach more people, but that aside, I will reiterate what I have said from the start:

IF MY WRITING CAN HELP ONE PERSON FIND JESUS, IT IS WELL WORTH THE EFFORT.

Yes, on Monday, I temporarily lost my spiritual compass and courage for spreading the Good News in the face of tense discouragement from someone I thought was my friend. When I left lunch, I felt broken and a failure in the eyes of God, inept at best. Looking back, I should have left the table sooner rather than submit myself to such negativity for 2 hours! 

However, with that said, I am learning that the doors that God has opened, no man can close. I have a choice as to whether or not I continue to write my blog, but it is God himself who is the judge and for whom I write. Here is what I have learned, through prayer, and through Scripture, about what is of God and what is not.

The first Scripture reading is what I call my God-given ‘Signature Scripture.’ That is, the one that has propelled me to write both my blog and my book, in prayer with faith-filled abandon:

Acts 26:14-18

We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

¹⁵ “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ¹⁶ ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. ¹⁷ I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them ¹⁸ to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’” 

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Romans 16:17

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”

John 10:10

^“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

^“For we know, brothers and sisters^[b] loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” 

1 Peter 5-8 

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Ephesians 6:10-20 /  The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Matthew 10:14

“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that town.”

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In closing, I thank you all for your support and, through prayer, have reconsidered continuing to write The Inspiration Café by the grace of God for the glory of God. Perhaps this experience will only serve to improve this effort and thereby lead more souls to Jesus Christ.

Copyright  2016  |  Adele M. Gill  |  www.theinspirationcafeblog.net

Everyone Who Asks Receives

Greetings from The Inspiration Cafe!

Everyone Who Asks Receives

By Adele M. Gill

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you. 

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;

And, to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." 

Luke 11:9-10   [NIV]

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Does prayer really change things? I think so, but consider this…

I have a close friend who prays about just about everything. She is very connected to God in prayer, and has had many prayers powerfully answered in miraculous ways. Once I asked her for the reason for her peace and joy, and she did not hesitate: 

"God is the reason for my very being. Everything I have, everything I am, everything I am able to do is because of the love of Jesus."

It is easy to wonder how someone can have such simple faith in this turbulent world. But today's Holy Scripture goes a long way to explain the life-changing power of prayer...In fact, this Bible passage is Jesus' invitation to you and to me to come to Him. There is no need for eloquent words or long explanations. Simply turn to Him with all that you have on your heart and in your mind, all that you are.

Though it is not always easy to pray in times of adversity, I have found it is even harder in good times. The truth is, that we as humans are easily distracted. Distracted by worries, distracted by relationships, distracted by pleasure, distracted by ruminating thoughts, distracted by what our children do and don’t do, and by our own sins, both of commission and omission. Whatever the scenario, we are always on the go, and rarely take the time to stop and ask God for what we need. As Christians, to really discover and possess peace and joy in this life, we need to embrace God’s outstretched hand in prayer, and by so doing, we are entering into a personal relationship with Jesus that is like no other on earth.

Truly, it is vitally important to stop and take a minute to invite Jesus in in good times and bad. Trust me, there is no one who knows you better! He knows when you are reeling from disappointment, and dealing with abandonment issues. He knows when you need healing and comfort. He knows what you need and don't need. He knows about your all your relationships, everything you do and even your unspoken motivations. Unlike anyone else, He knows it all!

Interested in taking the first step to accept Jesus’ invitation? According to this Scripture, here is the prayer pathway suggested in this Scripture to follow when you pray to God for or about something or someone:

1)       “Ask and it will be given to you.” Ask for whatever you need in earnest. No request is too great or too small for God.

2)       “Seek and you will find.” Seek God with all your heart and your failings and misgivings will fall to the wayside as you place your focus on Him rather than your problem(s).

3)        “Knock and the door will be opened to you.” When you seek God with all your heart and mind, you are answering the greatest invitation for all times—God’s call.

The second part of this Bible passage refers to what you can anticipate.

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;

And, to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." 

And what a joy it is when you realize your prayers are heard and answered as only God can! Yes, clearly prayer changes worry to wonder, cynicism to joy, and brokenness to blessings. It can ease any pain and bring healing to the sick, and companionship to the lonely. It can bring light to your days when before you lived in stark darkness.

There are times in life when circumstances and relationships are beyond our control and we feel like we are careening out of control. Give it all to Jesus, for He is the greatest hope the world has ever known. Like someone waiting for you to call, He is there for you just waiting for you to hand over your next “God job” –you know, the thing that keeps you awake at night. 

Accept Jesus’ invitation from today’s Scripture, and your life will never be the same as He will change things for the better for you! He died on the cross for you and me to be present to us for all of eternity!

Adele M. Gill   |   Copyright 2016   |   www.theinspirationcafeblog.net

Truth Famine in the Media Age

^{The Inspiration Cafe Blog}

^{Truth Famine in the Media Age}

^“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

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Like many people, some days I get my news on the run, other days I track down specific stories in my quest for corroborative “truth,” and the gravity of the collective negativity seems all consuming. Yet, in this age of information technology, why is it that finding truth seems like an impossible task? We are, indeed living in what I call the TRUTH FAMINE.

Sometimes it is so easy to get swept up in the tumultuous culture we live in election campaigns, politics, terrorism, urban violence, etc…However, it is extreme folly to think we can truly understand and change this sordid world on our own. We need God’s help to effect positive change in this world. It is noteworthy that the present day media is filled with negativity, half-truths, and extreme political slants. This is making ‘real’ news ever harder to recognize, as we are in the midst of a TRUTH FAMINE in the new media age. So what can ordinary people do to sort out fact from fiction and effect positive change? Perhaps change in this world can best be accomplished by following three simple steps:

1)      Always cross reference your news.

2)      Pray for discernment and specifically for your concerns.

3)      Faithfully read the Bible daily

Some years ago, I stopped watching the news on TV, however, I do admit that I have been known to get my cross referenced daily news updates from a combination of online sources: MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, and of course, one of my favorite global sources, the BBC. The BBC seemingly provides a fresh perspective, as it is external news, generally provided by news sources outside of the US. Yet, these news outlets all seem to permeate our daily lives, and pummel us with a wide array of turbulence and negativity. Just how important is it all anyway, for those who have chosen the Christian life, one of serenity, peace and service to others?

News today is really more like entertaining people’s theories, even gossip, at times. It used to be that news was news. Now it is more often than not pundit’s spinning endless commentary and conspiracy theories from one day to the next. With a smile and a sigh, I often catch myself reveling in the news of the day, and realize that I am looking for truth in all the wrong places. It is at that point that I stop and pray for discernment of God’s divine will.

At a point, it finally dawns on me, and I remember yet again that my only real truth is what matters to my Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Churned up to distraction by the news of the world, I return to prayer again and again, as well as my Bible, for eternal wisdom, the kind of wisdom that is enduring, and that promotes abundant, radiant peace and profound joy from within.

Like it or not, the ways of this world will likely continue on the path of mayhem into the unforeseeable future. Paradoxically, we as Christians, are called to be in the world but not of the world. We are called to step away from worldly drama and havoc, into a life of simplicity. But how can we do that when life is moving so fast and furious for us all? Well, consider this biblical Word, a holy recipe for a sound mind and a humbled soul:

 ^“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

Clearly, as Christians, we are all called by God to find the good in ourselves, others and every circumstance. We are asked to live gratitude-filled lives that look for the good as we seek Jesus in earnest, and seek truth with great fervor, through prayer. Perhaps it is time to put on the biblical armor of God, turn off the daily news, and embrace the great blessings of each new day as we grow in faith-filled simplicity. More walks…More family time…More gardening…More sewing and knitting…More prayer…More daily Bible reading, and More volunteering to help others in need…

There is precious little we can do to change this world, the news and the people in it on our own. But “with God, all things are possible!” [Matthew 19:26]

This is my prayer for you, my friend:

May the peace that surpasses all understanding be with you and yours through these tumultuous times. May you seek the Holy Spirit in all things, and grow in appreciation for the subsequent peace that surpasses understanding. May you come to believe that “the joy of the Lord that is your strength.” [Nehemiah 8:10] May you grow in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Savior of the world. Be not afraid, Jesus is with you and me, and He has overcome the world!

“For if you proclaim with your mouth that Jesus is Lord,                                                                        and that He rose from the dead, you will be saved!”

[Romans 10:9]

Adele M. Gill    |   Copyright 2016   |   Distributed by News Consortium

Orlando: Finding Peace in Tragedy

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." John 14:27

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It is hard to be at peace watching the news these days, especially after seeing the coverage of the Orlando Shooting that just killed 50 innocent people and injured 53 more. As the world seems to be spinning out of control with mayhem, hatred, evil, and increased violence, we may need to have a paradigm shift from fear to faith--consciously, actively working for peace—in our own lives, our communities, and our nation.

The hardest and most difficult truth about the Orlando Shooting is that it could have happened anywhere in the US and the global community, as terrorism defies authority and borders and is fueled by unbridled extreme hatred. So many questions press forward in the aftermath of this heinous crime, the worst shooting in American history, and there are no easy answers. This tragedy surely evokes and provokes anger and fear in all of us. How did this happen in this age with so much American and global vigilance towards terrorism? Could this happen in my own community? It makes us wonder, is there no place that one can go to escape and avoid the throes of hatred and terrorism in these days of radical extremist hatred and ISIS?

“I have told you this so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”  John 16:33

Though unsettled by the violence, we need to look into our own hearts and minds and pray fervently for an outpouring of love and peace in our own personal lives, for love and peace can only come from trusting in Jesus, our Almighty Savior, Protector, and Comforter. In as much as Jesus is Lord and we are not, it is important to leave room for Him to move as He will, as only He can handle the evil we encounter. But this much. And this much I know for sure—

What occurred was not a case of mental illness, but of abject evil gone awry.

Our knee jerk reaction may easily be one of a surge of negative emotions, pressing questions, fear and even hatred for the shooter. Most unsettling, perhaps there may seem to be nowhere to hide from such extreme acts of hatred and terrorism, but there is. For believers and non-believers alike, it is an illusion to think we are in this world all alone. For God is with us, and in earnest prayer, we all need to place this nation, this world squarely in the hands of God! Consider this profound biblical promise:

“He [God] will shelter you with his pinions, and under His wings you may take refuge; his faithfulness is a protecting shield.” Psalm 91:4

It is not our place to judge, but it is our job to love others to the best of our abilities. Faith and fear cannot coexist, and the peace of Jesus Christ transcends all adversity and evil.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

Worry and fear can never touch, quell and/or eradicate hatred and evil, but quiet personal and collective prayer to God, in the name of Jesus Christ, can eliminate them both in the blink of an eye, giving us an unshakable peace. Prayer can also help us more easily identify prejudice, hatred and evil for what they are in ourselves and others, and assist us swiftly to higher ground—to love one another as God’s children. In striving for peace, the Bible tells us we need to pray not only for ourselves, but also, even for our enemies, those we fear, and those who have hurt us. Our peace is only found in Jesus through prayer and reading Holy Scripture:

When you are able to boldly pray for your enemies and those who have hurt you this way, internal and external peace is the end result. When you believe that you are not alone in this world, with Jesus at your side, you are free to love the unlovable—able to concurrently hate the sin, AND love the sinner as Jesus does, with uncommon compassion, paving the way to peace.

Please pray with me now…

Dear Father God,

You are the Alpha, the Omega, the beginning and the end. In You there is no darkness at all. Our nation is in dire trouble, and we need you desperately now. We lay this good nation, the United States of America in Your almighty, healing hands this day. Help us to work tirelessly for peace in our families, our communities and our nation, and purge all hatred from our hearts. Look with favor on your people, Lord, those who seek You in earnest. Give us peace in our days, and joy-filled hearts filled with gratitude in You, and keep us safe from all harm. Amen!

www.theinspirationcafeblog.net

Adele M. Gill     |    June 15, 2016   |     Copyright

Wait Upon the Lord & Renew Your Strength

                                                       Adele's Inspiration Cafe Blog
                                                     www.theinspirationcafeblog.net

             "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength"                                                                   Isaiah 40:31

 

One of my favorite parts of being a Chaplain, is that sometimes I get to visit people who are sick, grieving, or hurting in some way at the hospital, a rehab center, or at home. Several months ago I started visiting a 50 year old woman named Cathy from Manna House, who is in a rehabilitation center who was there because she fell down a flight of stairs and was declared "a quadriplegic." For two full months, she laid in bed without the benefit of regular, daily physical therapy because she was deemed having no rehabilitative potential. This was the scenario the first time I went to visit her as she lay almost motionless in her bed at the rehab facility.

During the first visit with her, she could barely move at all, and even needed help to sip water sitting up in bed. We talked, I prayed with her and laid my hands on her arms and legs for God's holy intervention in the name of Jesus, that He would heal her cervical spine and restore her to full health and movement once again. After we prayed, I started to leave the room but saw something startling and wonderful out of the corner of my eye...

As an old neurology nurse, I recognized that her arms and feet were twitching slightly, clearly a time for celebration, and time for her medical team to begin regular therapy! I turned around and went back into her room to encourage her to talk with her doctor about her progress. You see, twitching is a great sign that the neurons in her arms and legs were activated and firing, which is necessary prior to movement.

Before my second visit, she was able to see her doctor, and told him what was going on, so he ordered one half hour a day of exercise. The second time I visited her, she was sitting up in bed stretching her legs and arms purposefully. "What are you doing?" I asked with a smile. "If they aren't going to exercise me more each day, I'm going to do it myself because I can."

The third time I visited her, she had big news for me. And she met me at the front door sitting up in a wheelchair she was propelling with her feet by herself in the lobby. What a wonderful surprise! Her doctor had recognized her great motivation and significant improvement: "They are sending me to Kernan Rehab. Hospital in Baltimore for three hours a day of physical therapy!!! I'll be there for two to four weeks."  I stood and got teary as she told me the plans for her recovery. All I could think of was, quadriplegic no more, quadriplegic no way! She said her baffled doctor asked her if she'd been spending a lot of time at Church lately...For he knew the Lord's hand was upon her!

So what happened to Cathy to make her go from quadriplegia to this??? Well, I am believing that God heard her impassioned pleas for healing to the cellular level, and those of all her friends and family. She placed her hope in God and will not be disappointed! We are trusting He will complete what He has started in her and she will, by the grace of God, for the glory of God, walk again!!! We will continue to claim full healing for her in the name of Jesus Christ, from whom all blessings flow.

Meanwhile, I can hardly wait to see her again to see her progress in the Lord. This time, I have a special gift to deliver to her from myself and some praying friends. It was handmade with the loving help of my good friends, Donna C. and Pat Grahe.

Special thanks to all who read this and begin praying for Cathy. May you and yours be profoundly blest with all that is good in Jesus' mighty name. Amen!

~ Copyright   |  Adele M. Gill   |  2016 ~

www.theinspirationcafeblog.net