The Divine TIME Keeper:
“… I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in high authority so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1,2.
Paul wrote these instructions from prison, when Nero ruled Rome and lit up his garden by making Christians human torches. You can sense Paul’s longing to be out on the road again. But there he was, chained in a filthy, cold stone prison. Paul turned his gaze from his miserable circumstances toward heaven. The result? His broken heart was strengthened. He was the conduit for heaven to invade that dark, forgotten place. Paul prayed for his jailers, and led fellow prisoners to the LORD Jesus … and was later beheaded. It hurts to even think about it, as we sit in our soft armchairs and read his letters. Let us be equally moved by today’s tragedies.
We rarely tell anyone about our personal times of brokenness. It can be caused by severe loss, grief, or deep disappointment. It is intensely personal, overwhelming and painful and yes, universal. Despair can shatter any sense of normalcy. This isolated state, hopefully, is only temporary. It helps one see their weakness and need of rescue. My son David had an interesting observation: “Yes, Mom, without experiencing a broken heart, we all would strut around like little gods?” This is where Yeshua-Jesus comes in; if we are open, He saves us.
“He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.” Isaiah 61:1
The door to our change is forgiveness. God grants us the power to forgive those who cause our brokenness. It is a personal and intricate process of soul searching in the penetrating light of honesty. Ask yourself: “What has been my part in this?” Acknowledge the truth! No more cover-ups. One of the most important keys to change that I have learned is:
1. Stand up; no more excuses.
2. Switch off all evil insinuations against you in Jesus Name. This is mental-thought warfare. Satan loves you to rehearse his will for you. He is mean and cruel and wants suffering to be your lot in life. He is the father of lies, an arch deceiver.
3. Acknowledge whoever and whatever human being has caused the tearing and breaking of your spirit (soul, heart).
4. Take your will BACK from that person.
“My times are in Your Hands.” Psalm 31:15
King David wrote this declaration of trust in God’s sovereignty. Remember to surrender daily control of your future to Him.
“The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Who is listening?
You, of course, understand that Iran is the greatest supporter of terror in the world. Just ask Israelis… who have been recipients of Iranian ballistic missiles plus continuous terror attacks by Iranian proxies: Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Hamas in Gaza. David shot this footage in his bomb shelter during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran last summer. War breaks people.
Iranian ballistic missile hits Tel Aviv, Israel, during the 12-War with Iran.
Iran, a nation held hostage:
Talk about the broken hearted of this world. Last week, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards celebrated 47 years of their total domination of Iran. Tousi TV, out of London and hosted by an Iranian, airs daily live footage from inside Tehran. On the night of the IRCG’s anniversary celebrations, whole blocks of high-rise apartment buildings in Tehran sat blacked out, their occupants inside, for the streets have become ‘killing fields’. All around them, huge fireworks exploded into the night sky, declaring 47 years of the enemy’s victory.
Out of the blackness on this supposed night of celebration, voices cried to heaven. Hundreds of thousands of voices shouted out from their apartment blocks. They cried in defiance: “Freedom, Death to Khomeini! Long live the King and Revolution!”
I believe Heaven heard. The nations seem deaf! It was chilling to listen to millions of imprisoned citizens crying out from their open windows and balconies. The voices rose to such a crescendo that they drowned out the fireworks’ blasts. When we pray, let’s not forget the whimpers of those in isolated prison cells and hospital beds. Insiders say at least 60,000 citizens have been murdered. No girl or woman that goes into an Iranian prison is ever seen again … “But I can do nothing.” You say. Oh yes, you can, you can beseech heaven on behalf of these broken hearted souls, millions of Christians among them. No excuses.
“Therefore, take up the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes you will be able to stand your ground and having done everything: to stand.” Ephesians 6:13
I will close with this unusual clip. God is answering our prayers for Israel. Here is an example of devout Jews in surrender before God. Be encouraged, nothing is too hard for the LORD. Remember, beloved, His ways are not our ways.
Change is here. Embrace it, run with the Holy Spirit. He has your back.
Love from Jay and Meridel Rawlings
Iran protest image: Photo by Artin Bakhan on Unsplash
Image at top: Photo by Elyas Pasban on Unsplash
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