Ever get that urge to just stop and pray for someone?  Maybe not to specifically "pray" but for some reason that person pops into mind?  That's not just a coincidence . . . that's Jesus!  He's just made an Appointment for you!

A friend of mine phoned today with a praise report.  She had been to lunch with an unsaved friend.  They discussed my friends new lifestyle choices and her commitment to walking with the Lord and at the end of their time together, her friend asked her to pray for her.  They departed ways and not until later did my friend remember her promise to pray for that friend.  She admitted she had forgotten and stopped right then and there to do so.  After she prayed, she called up her friend and left a message simply stating that she had been praying for her and just wanted her to know.

This friend of mine, whose simple faith is growing by leaps and bounds, told me that her friend had called her to tell her that at that moment that she prayed for her, she was in a deep conversation about the Lord with the gentleman who sat next to her in the airplane upon which they traveled.  He just so happened to be Christian and his words warmed her heart.  As they disembarked the airplane and left to get their luggage, a woman, who was passing out Christian tracks, spotted her and ran right up to her and said, "Jesus loves you!" while she handed her the track!  She admitted that she was amazed at the "coincidence" of these things but my friend and I knew otherwise!

That friend had a very deliberate and specific Appointment set up by the Lord with not only one but three of His children . . .

only He could orchestrate such an event as that!

The word of the Lord tells us in John 4:36-37

Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true.

In the Lord's work of Salvation, we all have our part in accomplishing what He wants for those He loves and is calling to Himself. 

 A simple thing like saying a prayer . . . a simple thing like sharing Jesus with someone on an airplane . . . a simple thing like handing someone a piece of paper at the airport and saying, "Jesus loves you!" . . . a simple thing, a "simple" Divine Appointment, that we show up on time for, and God's plan unfolds majestically like only He can do! 

Sometimes we get to see it and how blessed we are!  Most times we don't and must therefore just trust that there's a greater plan to an Appointment than just showing up . . . there's a miracle waiting!!!

Life is FULL of Divine Appointments . . . Have you made yours?

Every year the Lord gives me a "theme" and a verse that generally guides my life for the next 365 days.  It started once I became the Women's Ministries Director at our church, and although I'm sure He's had them all along, I just recently took notice of them in 2006. 

That year, 2006, was "The Year of Learning" . . . need I say any more about that!?  SO much to learn about myself as a mom, wife, and especially as a leader of about 220 ladies ranging from 18 to 80 something.  I had worked with children and youth before but there's nothing like working with women . . . nothing.  So many views, opinions, experiences, joys, hurts, etc.  I also learned that God brings special, stronger, people to our lives to help us learn what we need to learn and that they don't always get to stay in our lives.  I will miss her and although she's only an arms reach away, my greatest teacher must always be the Lord!

Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (Psalm 86:11)

This past year, 2007, it was "The Year of Growth".  Little did I know that growing meant allowing Jesus to take my daddy home with Him after 32 years of being in a coma . . . little did I know that growing meant falling and busting my front tooth and knowing that I'll have to undergo a 13 month process before I can smile freely again . . . little did I know that growing meant having lost a spiritual father figure in November of 2006, my literal father figure in January of 2007, and now a figurative father figure is battling stage 3 brain cancer as I write this right now.  Have I grown?  I'd like to think so . . . my prayer life has!  How can it not?  I like to think I did better this year as a wife who has grown to love my husband on a whole new level as these other men leave my life and I look to him alone . . . I like to think that I'm a better mommy now that my kids rank #1 over a clean house and an impossible "image" the world (and mostly we) place on ourselves . . . I like to think I've grown as a leader as I allow others to minister in the gifts God gives them and not think I have to do it myself . . . I like to think I've grown as I help others grown even while I feel I'm not grown up yet myself! 

I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. (Isaiah 61:10-11)

So as I sit here, toothless (ha-ha-ha), I must admit that looking back at 2007 . . . I have grown and the Lord has been faithful to His word . . .

Now on to 2008!!!

2008 "Divine Appointments" . . .

I am convinced now more than ever that nothing and no one happens by chance.  God has set up a Divine Appointment whether for 2 seconds or 2 centuries and it is up to us to allow Him to use us to receive the blessing or to be one!  Kind of makes you watch more carefully for what and who comes into your life knowing that there's another opportunity to let the Doctor make a miracle!