Thursday, July 21, 2011

Festus and the Power of Prayer

I think that one of the most amazing things in my life has been the privileges that God has brought my way in the wonderful people I’ve been able to meet.  One such person is a man whom I certainly consider my brother.  He is Nigerian and a tremendous prayer warrior.  There are times when I’ve met people like him and felt so blessed that I can hardly believe it.  Africans have played an immense role in my life and a source or tremendous blessing.  If I had not been a part of our church now I’d have never even met these people much less had the honor of calling them my friends and having them pray life changing prayers over my family and I.  Festus is a man exceptional in a sea of amazing people that I’ve known over the years.  He and his wife and children are amazing.  May God bless them richly!  His daughter Joy took a little time to begin to warm up to us however I have great hope for her and the children of these men and women of God.  Generation next must have someone to put faith in them and keep the door to the kingdom of God open…they are the future.

 

Bringing my family abroad always brings this commitment to mind.  I want to invest in my children and have them meet the amazing people I’ve grown to know and love.  One day I was walking with my youngest daughter in this amazing pasture.  Spending time with my children in places like this has been the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever been able to do.  It’s not all about church meetings.  Sometimes time to just talk to them and walk through the streets of a place so far from what’s familiar is the most priceless treasure ever.  I talk to them about spiritual things and just walk and talk with them.  They learn botany by looking at different plants all over the world .  The wonders of God in nature are a delight we enjoy together.  Seeing this with dear friends and family is a salve to the souland it opens us up to each other to communicate on a very high level…this is what makes us grow strong as a family.  The vital component of God in relationship has born great fruit and I’m eternally thankful for it .  The Tain Way and its marvels left us with our breath taken away at times.  It’s not just the land it’s the awareness of God who after all made all this.  Beyond the economic disaster corrupt government has causedbeyond the disasters and suffering there is on this planet we find that we have only now and each other so we should do all we can with the moments we’ve been given…take nothing for granted…see beauty where you canand testify of every single thing you can see God is doing no matter if you audience understands it or not.  Faith comes by hearing the word of God so I do all I can to see and hear what He has to sayand be thankful for what I’ve got right in front of meknowing that the grateful moments we have today strengthen us for the challenges of tomorrow.  Look for the things to be blessed aboutor this could have been just another pasture and a gate and a rusty old horseshoe.  We don’t know what lies even one second ahead of usbut one thing is sure it’s a better thing to be thankful about what’s in front of us then refuse to see anything good no matter what there is out there.  Pondering these things we came to a glorious view of a rainbow…the very evidence of God’s promise.  Find the beautiful in the ordinary…you’ll never regret the change this brings to personal perspective!

13 comments:

  1. words to really ponder and stand upon.. my first thought after reading your post was AMEN..
    its so very important to be thankful not only for that which is about us.. but for each day we are blessed to see.. good or bad.. a thankful heart can climb any mountain..survive any storm.. and rejoice and sing like no other when the rainbows of life appear.. Praise God...and ever so thankful for you my dear friend..
    soft hugs

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  2. God's Kingdom.... given to His creation.

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  3. Wonderful blog Joe, and I do believe that when we are content with just who we are as people alone or together , no more no less we are then the proud owners of what cant be brought . Faith in God, family and good friends always go the distance.
    Loved your photos . They are so peaceful and beautiful . Gods work and he blessed you.
    You my friend are a blessing.
    Have an awesome day.

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  4. Couldn't agree more, Joe, especially concerning children. Watching my daughter explore and learn about the world around her was a priceless privilege!

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  5. Joe, there's always a lesson to be gleaned from your posts. This is very thought provoking and should be headed. We are most blessed.

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  6. A great post Joe.I love the message in the post and the photos are beautiful.

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  7. Some lovely Photo's you have posted of your adventures with your family... You are so blessed Joe I hope you realize this....

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  8. I probably haven't said it this way as yet but I will tell you it's a privelege to know you.

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  9. Beautiful photos and food for thought Joe. You are right.....there is so much beauty all around us, and we ought not take it for granted. We should look at Creation all around us, and then Praise the One and Only Almighty God who made it all.

    I really enjoyed reading your post, and looking at your photos.

    Your children are blessed with a wonderful dad who speaks to them concerning Spiritual things of God. So many children today have never been told about Jesus and it may take a child such as yours to tell them.

    It is always a joy to visit you on your blog. Thank you for all you share from your heart and soul.

    God Bless you and your family.
    Dianne :)

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  10. I want to say something here Joe.
    The way u write here abt ur kids...do u realise that ur kids are lucky ones...With such a wonderful mom and dad?? did uKnow? '
    and we are lucky ones to share the wonderful deep words u write down.
    Tx Joe

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  11. ♫ *´”)
    ,¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) ♫ ♪
    (¸.•´ (¸.• ♫ ♪ I choose to believe that there is still a lot of beauty, kindness, generosity, empathy and hope in this world. Not everything amazing can be seen with our eyes, it is felt from within. Although I must say, I have seen a lot of beautiful people and places through your camera lens and for that, I say thank you. Ialways enjoy your snapshots that seem to allow me to drift off to the far away places where you have been... without high airline prices or the worries of being late for work tomorrow. :)
    There are some people in life that just happen to make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and just live a little better. I think that you have found these people in the friendships that you have formed on your travels. Kudos to you!

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  12. I enjoyed my visit as always my friend. Your photos and verse are inspiring.

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  13. Joe I loved this blog along with so many others of yours. Just talking from the heart. How wonderful to have such special people in your life that mean so much to you. Oh the wonderful scenes you have captured here with your words along with them. I felt like I was walking with you and you were just talking like you do with your children. What a wonderful stroll you took us on. Hugs carrie

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