When God writes your love story

Hi everyone, my name is Joey and I am a prayer manager at the prayer center. I will love to share my love story to you all today :)

Last Wednesday, the last day of 3 years together with my boyfriend, Alvin, he got down on one knee, under the Brooklyn Bridge, overlook the beautiful sunset of NYC, and he asked me the most beautiful question of all time, "Will you marry me?"

I was in tears, couldn't even say a word, just nodding my head, lol! There were so many things running through my head at that time, all I can think of is, Jesus, You are good, all the time.

To be frank, I went through a lot of broken hearts before I met Alvin. I would spent time feeling sad about my loneliness, cried myself to sleep over boys who do not love me back. Sometime I feel like he was the right person but it was just at the wrong time. I did not understand why God will allow me to be so lonely and broken, yet He promised that He has the best plan for me. However, I did not know that all the while, Jesus wanted me to know that right thing in the wrong time is still a wrong thing.

There's one night when I was crying and praying in the balcony of my dorm in the heart of the city of Malaysia, God gave me a peace to trust in Him. I committed myself to Him, let go completely the pen of my love story to allow Jesus to write one for me. I still remember doubting Him that He will take away my feelings toward a particular someone at that time completely but I promised to keep on trusting.

I committed myself in doing morning devotion early in the morning at the balcony, praying while the sun was rising. I volunteered to help out a missionary from the states who were serving in Malaysia at that time. My heart was occupied by Jesus every day. I was very busy but I was full of joy. I found love and joy that I will never find in an earthly relationship. Little did I realized, I had completely let go of thinking about boy friends or liking someone who will not like me back.

I heard of people saying, "when you stop thinking about dating, that guy will appear". I guess, love is waiting till you are ready, till is right. And I met Alvin. I did not have any feelings towards him at first, we were just friends. I love being with him. He never lead me on emotionally, instead he protected me like how a brother of Christ should protect their sisters in Christ. We are both crazy about Jesus and as times passed by, I started to have strong feeling towards him.

However, the feelings I have is different. There is no scary moment or sadness, it was just pure joy and peace. Even though we knew at that time that we like each other, we decided to wait and pray since he would be going to school in New York while I was in Virginia. Jesus makes things beautiful in its time. This is true! Despite of long distance, my feelings towards Alvin grow stronger each day and finally he asked me to be his girl friend after talking to my parents. As an engineer who loves logic, Alvin is not boring at all. He is so romantic and he makes me fall in love more and more each day. Most importantly, with his leadership in the relationship, we fall in love more and more to our first love, Jesus Christ.

I am thankful for all the blessings from my beloved families and friends. And I am amazed and beyond grateful to my sweet Jesus.

I love this quote from Brooke Fraser, my favorite singer:

I could write a million songs about the way you say my name
I could live a lifetime with you and then do it all again
and like I can't force the sun to rise or hasten summer's start,
neither should I rush my way into your heart

I am glad that I waited for the Lord, and when God writes your love story, He will blow your mind away ;)

Love,

Joey

Watch and pray!

"My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." And Jesus came to His disciples and found them sleeping. And He said to Peter, "So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:38-41

While I was reading this passage today, I was reminded of the importance of watching and praying. Jesus encouraged His disciples to watch and pray with Him before He was taken from them to be crucified. As I read that passage, I wonder, "if Peter had watched and prayed that night, would he still have denied Christ three times? Would Peter had the strength of God to overcome his fear that caused him to deny Christ?"

Ephesians 6:10-12 says, "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can 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 the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." 

After reading these passages, I have to confess that I have depended on my own strength to fight against sin far too often. As a result, I have doubly failed. First, I do not have sufficient strength to fight against sin. Second, I have declared independence from God the moment I depend on my own strength. Instead, I should acknowledge my total dependence on God. In Matthew 26, Jesus did not ask Peter struggle harder in his strength. Instead, He called Peter to watch and pray! Oh how we need to just let our guards down and allow the Spirit to work within us!

1 Corinthians 15:50-57 says, "I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the persishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The string of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! HE gives us Victory through OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

"Father, forgive us when we depend on ourselves for strength. We acknowledge our desperate need for You. Far too often have we depended on ourselves--in our struggle against sin, in our ministry to honor you.. You have said in 1 Peter 4:11 that we should depend on you for strength and for words. Forgive us Father! We let our guards down in Your presence, and acknowledge our total dependency on You! Fill us with the Spirit. Stir within us a sense of dependency on You every moment! Father, we praise You for You give us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Breathe upon us O God! We pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus! Amen!"

Keep Praying!!

If you quit before the call, you'll never get the reward you were intended to have. I recently started working at the Liberty University Prayer Center and realized that the 4-6 hours a week were actually making an impact on my own time. With all of the homework and other groups that I'm involved in, I began to wonder if God had me in the right place. Sadly, I started feeling like maybe I needed to focus on my own needs rather than others- a convicting thought. But today I realized that God has me in the exact place He wants me to be. I received a prayer request and responded with an email and prayer. Surprisingly, the requester asked me if there was anything he/she could pray for me about. I responded and thanked him/her for his/her kind effort! Within 2 hours I received a fantastic email and prayer from him/her that encouraged me beyond what I could have imagined. Breaking down in tears I realized that praying with the Prayer Center team has been more of a blessing than an hindrance as I thought at first. This simple prayer changed my night and my perspective of God's sovereignty. Prayer WORKS as proven by my experience tonight. So I challenge you...Who can you reach out to and pray for today? Take 5 minutes to truly listen to and to pray for someone else's need, not your own. Maybe you're interested in praying for others in the Prayer Center and seeing the change in your own life? If so, stop by/email us and tell us you want to volunteer! Or maybe you need prayer? Let us help by emailing us at prayercenter@liberty.edu, texting us at (434) 515-1854, or coming to visit us on the first floor of dorm 17 on the hill! May God work in your lives as He just worked in mine!

By Liz Kemmerer

Prayer Center Minister

"Showing Appreciation for the Gift of Jesus!"

How easy it is to forget what our Lord Jesus has done for us! When a person does something kind and loving for another, the hope is that it will be appreciated. We appreciate people who display an attitude of gratitude in response to an act of kindness. This response naturally surfaces when a person pauses to reflect on what has been done for them through the selfless generosity of another. How much greater should be our wonder and appreciation at the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. As the holy Son of God Almighty, knowing no sin, yet becoming sin for you and I, so that we might become right with the Father, Jesus came as a selfless, helpless baby! Personally I am grieved to think of the times I flippantly say: "Yes, Jesus loves me", but fail to ponder and truly understand just how deep that love goes. Is it possible I become numb to the depth of His love, has my heart become calloused?  Have I become so self-centered that all I think about is what satisfies me?  "I’m sorry Lord, please forgive me!"

An everyday opportunity to show Jesus my appreciation for His loving actions is through my decisions. I must ask myself: Do I truly believe that there are consequences to ALL of my actions?  Everything I do, say or think does impact my life in some way, either positively or negatively.  If I believe the lie that states, “it’s not hurting anyone” or “it’s only hurting me, so what does it matter?”, then I am sadly mistaken. Everything I do brings about a cause and effect; therefore I want the results of my actions to be beneficial, uplifting, and transforming.  I want to model my life after Jesus Christ, who has impacted the world through His birth, life, death, and resurrection. The effect left on the world has been beneficial, uplifting, and transforming! "Lord, please help me to remember that my everyday choices will have consequences." I must pause and consider what I want the results to be before I choose my actions. Our daily choices could range from small ones which do not need a second thought, all the way to crucial decisions we have considered for weeks that could determine a drastic change of course for the path we are traveling! None-the-less, we are wise to remember that ALL of our choices have consequences!

Would you like to say "Thank You!" to Jesus in a different way this year? Terrific! Pause and give consideration to the potential impact of your thoughts, words or actions...before you turn them loose! Develop the selfless attitude that Jesus modeled for us. Think of others first! Merry Christmas! May this be your year of intentional decision-making.

guest writer: Kathy Voogd

"A Renewed Mind"

We may say a person has an ulterior motive, there are strings attached, they are in it for the money, they have a hidden agenda, it is not what it seems, or it seems too good to be true. We are naturally skeptical people when it comes to changing our mind about someone or something we do not trust. Have you ever attempted to help someone only to have them skeptically turn down your offer? Have you ever doubted a salesman’s pitch as you were determining to make a major purchase? Have you ever needed to change your mind about someone who proved to be more trustworthy than you initially thought? Have you noticed that it is nearly impossible to fully appreciate the value of someone or something until you understand and trust them/it? For this to occur we typically must change the way in which we view them or think about it.

Pastor Fred Luter shared a message in Convocation on Wednesday about “The Importance of Having a Renewed Mind”. Using Philippians 2:5-8, he reminded all of us that we are being tempted to sin every day by the enemy who has many effective tactics in his bag of tricks. The only way we can stand against his attacks is to have a mind like Jesus. With a renewed mind I am capable of realizing the over-whelming value of what Jesus has accomplished for me through His death. My response should be nothing short of sacrificing my life for Him and living every day for His purposes. Just as Jesus humbly chose to become one of us, my choices should be those that make my Father in heaven pleased. A renewed mind allows me to realize that there are consequences connected to every choice I make. The Cross meant suffering and shame for Jesus. With a renewed mind, I am able to reflect on the message of the Cross unlike those whose minds are still darkened. Many of us Christians fail to appreciate how blessed we are to have access to a renewed mind. We attempt life through our own understanding.

So if you are a Christ-follower, yet find your spiritual walk somewhat dry and passionless, you may need to renew your mind. If you will change your mind, Jesus will change your heart. It is a heart problem! Did Jesus have an ulterior motive; does His message seem too good to be true? Until one renews their mind about who He is and what He has done, Jesus cannot be fully appreciated as Lord and Savior! If you want to grow in your worship and appreciation of Jesus Christ, simply learn more about Him through studying the Bible and then meditate on what you learn…”A Renewed Mind”! Spend some time in prayer right now, asking God to help you renew your mind.

"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." Phil. 2:5 NLT

"When God Calls"

Imagine you get a personal phone call from Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. asking you for a favor. Let’s say he asks you to come to his office right away so that he can talk to you about something very important. He tells you not to worry about your class schedule; he can have his secretary take care of that for the rest of the day. He is adamant about needing you there immediately because the window of opportunity is small. Do you drop everything and go? Are you excited about the possibility of sitting in his office and visiting with him about how you can help him? Or do you share with him that you are busy and do not have any free time until tomorrow afternoon? What about simply not showing up at his office and ignoring his request? What if he called you personally every day for a week…would you go meet with him?

Ken Davis brought us a challenge on Monday during Convocation (watch it online if you missed it! Ken Davis). If God clearly and miraculously revealed Himself to you and called on you to do something for Him…how long would it take you obey? We were reminded that God speaks to us every day. When God comes near and speaks to us we are standing on holy ground. God promises to build His Kingdom but He chooses to use our lives to do the work. Moses was a less than capable ordinary guy empowered by an extraordinary God. For every excuse Moses gave as to why he could not do the job, God reminded him that it wasn’t about his abilities…it was all about God’s abilities! “God will never ask you to do anything He hasn’t first prepared you to do.”

God wants us to experience live to its fullest. Full life is directly connected to our level of obedience when God calls. We cannot do our own thing, ignore God’s call, and assume we should enjoy the blessings of being fully alive. How often do we believe we should be given more blessings than we already have? Is God loving when He tells us “NO”? Is it right for God to withhold from me when I refuse to obey His call? Which excuse am I using to ignore God’s call to me? “Who am I?; How should I explain who You are God?; What if they don’t believe me?; What if they won’t listen?; What if they doubt me?; What if…?” God tells us “You can’t…but I can!” Will you trust Him?

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” John 14:21 NLT

"Choosing Friends"

How much thought have you given to choosing friends? Should we be concerned about those we spend great amounts of time with?

• "Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence." (George Washington) 
• "When you choose your friends, don't be short-changed by choosing personality over character." (W. Somerset Maugham) 
• “A good friend will always stab you in the front.” (Oscar Wilde) 
• "Don’t make friends who are comfortable to be with. Make friends who will force you to lever yourself up." (Thomas J. Watson)

Is it true that friends can help make you into more than you are but that they can also break you and prevent you from becoming what you could be? This appears to be a valid consideration for all of us to process.

Is it really possible that the choice of friends made by Amnon, king David's son, is what led to his murder? In 2 Samuel 13 we find the story that our Convocation speaker, Pastor Jentezen Franklin, used to sharpen us with on Wednesday. He has challenged us to reflect on the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right kind of people. Young ladies were challenged to protect themselves from young men who do not have God's ways in mind, and likewise for young men regarding young ladies. How many of us really believe this subject is that critical today? We often do not see ourselves choosing friends that could ever be like Jonadab ("a very shrewd man"). Do we really believe that a choice of friends could lead to our murder (that's pretty drastic isn't it?). Isn't it possible that we could change that person who may be a little rough around the edges, after all we always have fun times when they are around! "I don't think I need to stay away from them, it's not like I will become like them." Aren't we entitled to unbridled fun during this time in life? We can always get serious later, right? Is it realistic for us to to say to someone "I like you, but I love Jesus!", and then put some distance between us and them? Is it OK to be alone for a season...aren't we missing out?

We were reminded by Pastor Franklin, that the enemy always wins the battle when we get on his turf...in the darkness of sin. "Sin is not your friend, but it will disguise itself as such." The problem is that we often do not realize when we are in his house! The solution is to have friends that will warn us! Will you honestly consider the dangers of having the wrong friends? Consider your behavior, have your friends changed you over the last 6 months? Your call.


"A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." Prov. 12:26

"Understanding Prayer = Effective Prayer"

I continue to meet people who honestly admit that they do not fully understand the game of football. Now most of us would be surprised at this revelation, thinking that clearly everyone understands such a well-known popular past-time! Yet the reality is that some people watch the game without: really making sense out of all of the plays or the penalties; knowing what the individual referees are responsible for (why do they need so many?); knowing why there are so many coaches among the players; or why so many players stand around on the sideline dressed in their jerseys, without pads on, but don't look injured! There may also be some confusion about the various rules: is it the knee or elbow on the ground...or both, that stops the play; how many feet need to touch before it is a catch; does a touch-back come out to the 20 or 25 yard line...is that on a punt or kick-off; why can some guys grab with their hands but others try it and get a yellow hankie thrown at them; why do they call a safety when a safety tackles the QB in the end-zone; what about downs, conversions, PAT's, illegal touching?, huddle, snap, flea-flicker, swing-pass; and the list could continue...

I believe that prayer is similar in a way to football. It is easy to listen to it, talk about it, watch it, participate in it, and even like it, without understanding it. When we do not understand something well, we are at a distinct disadvantage when trying to explain it to others, enjoy it fully, engage in it, teach it, lead it, improve it, or simplify it. In other words, what does it take for our prayers to be more effective? Is it possible that many people who pray or those who would like to pray more than they do, might not understand what they should about prayer? Like football, is it simply easier not to ask the questions because we might be embarrassed for not knowing the answer? Could it be though, that the answers would actually lead one to a greater understanding of prayer or football, which would also open up greater enjoyment and appreciation on our part? I imagine the difficulty in recruiting for a class on "Becoming a Better Fan - Understanding Football Better"...would anyone attend? I have discovered that when people hang out with those who truly know the game of football and humbly share what they know, knowledge of the game is passed along, understanding increases, and appreciation for the game grows. Is it possible that it would be the same for prayer? Let's talk about prayer....

His Grace is Enough

Psalm 40

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry,
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock,
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord,
and put their trust in him.

I can almost see the end of the semester coming! Where there will be no more homework, or exams, but Thanksgiving and Christmas! However, the last part of the race is always the hardest one for most of us! I am praying for you readers that we can finish this race strong! I am glad that we can always turn to Jesus when we are weak and tired. I pray that you can find wisdom and strength in Him today :)

His grace is enough!

Praying,
Joey, Prayer Manager

You Are Beautiful

"When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. From one bone, I fashioned you. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone I shaped you, I modeled you, I created you perfectly and beautifully.

Your characteristics are as the rib: strong, yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib-cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.

Support man as the rib-cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken for his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand by him.

You are my perfect one, my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your lips, how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form. Your hands, so gentle to touch. I have caressed your face in your deepest sleep. I have held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you are most like me. Adam walked with me in the cool of the day, yet he was lonely.

Everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you; My holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection, and my support. You are special because you are an extension of me. Man represent my image, woman my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of God.

So man, treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart; the heart of your Father and the heart of her Father. Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness, show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self."

--Jesus Loves You 

As a woman it is normal to want to be beautiful and attractive. Women often seek affection from men. For a long time I struggled to compete with other girls around me, to look better, to feel better. But one day during my time with God, I read Psalm 139:14 where God told me that "Payel, you are fearfully and wonderfully made." I am perfect in His eyes. I am flawless in the eyes of Him who created me. He does not look at my outside, He examines my heart. I don't need to measure up to anybody because God already loves me the way I am. I do not need to be afraid or shy or incomplete because His love and grace is enough for me. I am made complete in Him. I would like to encourage all women who struggle with their image or self-esteem: God loves you the way you are. He has made you in His image and in His likeness, there can't be anything greater than that. No matter what the world says about you, remember your Creator created you flawless and He will be with you until the end of time. You are precious in His sight.

To all the men, love and respect women because God created them for you. God created them to be your helper, your supporter. By loving women, you love God, and by respecting women, you respect God.

True Encouragement

As prayer center ministers, and as Christians, one aspect of our job is to offer encouragement to those suffering during difficult times. For me, it is easy to write a simple prayer message,  to tell someone I will be praying for them, or to share an encouraging Bible verse. Human contact and empathy may even encourage people for a short time. But this passage from AW Tozer convicted me:
 

“For it is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in personal experience they are not the better for having heard the truth. The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts.”
 

People who need encouragement do not need us, they do not need kind words or concerned smiles. They need God. David described this need eloquently, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” (Psalm 42: 1-2) This cry is true of every human—and especially true of those who are enduring hardship and suffering. Although the caring prayer messages are an important part of what we do, the most important part is leading people to Christ. Often, there is little we can say/do towards someone to directly impact this. But there is always one thing we can do—pray. Pray, not just for someone’s request, but pray that they will experience God like never before. This prayer, offered on behalf of the souls of others, is what will make the difference between a “nice ministry” and a powerful one. 

Encouragement During the Storms of Life

Tonight, I would like to share with you one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It is Romans 8:28, 31, 35, 37 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose... And what shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, then who can be against us?... Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

These verses greatly encourage me and I hope you too. It comforts me to know that even through the hardships in this life, God is still there loving us and working for the good of those He loves. Next time you feel overwhelmed or discouraged, I pray that you will remember these words and remember that no matter what God will always be there. He never changes or leaves us. We are not orphans, but rather His children.