Extra Ordinary Justice

Today, I had the opportunity to go and support a young man at his court case, a young man who is teaching me to learn something new each day. I felt a little odd being there, but his big smile just draws you in and makes you feel very welcome in a difficult situation.

As I sat in the small court room I felt called to pray, called to open my bible and just be lead by the Lord. Aside from the scripture, I prayed according to something that I saw. I saw many people going about their day. To them this appeared to be another ordinary day at the office, but we came into this room nervous and not fully knowing what to expect.

I prayed for the judge who comes into this room each day hearing the same old story, day in and day out. I asked God to refresh him, to bring him into this court room with a different set of eyes. I asked for him to have eyes of mercy to see this day and this young man as extra-ordinary. I prayed for extraordinary mercy, justice and wisdom from-this day.

I prayed for the lawyer who represents many different people on a daily basis. I asked God to give him a sense that this is no ordinary young man, that he would rise up to be the extraordinary voice for an extraordinary person. That he would come with a sense of integrity, truth and determination.

I prayed for young women next to me, I prayed his mom, I prayed for the people there, but mostly I prayed for him, that he would follow Psalm 1 and delight himself in the Lord and His truth.

I claimed these verses for him today:
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.
1 Peter 3:14b Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened

I do not know exactly what the outcome of today was, but I trust the Lord for it. I trust him to care for it all.

What verses can you claim this day and pray for someone you know?

Fasting to Feasting

It's too bad our days aren't lived on mountaintops. I love mountaintop experiences. I love feeling so close to my Lord and Savior that I could reach out and touch Him. I love the high. However, the reality is that we may not always remain there. But, the good news is that no matter where we are, we can worship him with all our heart, soul and strength on a daily basis.

I learned this in a new way a few weeks back. I was called to fast and after a little over a week, it was ended. It was very sad to me. I mourned my utter dependence and the communion that I was having with Him. To go through each minute of the day calling on His name for strength brought me so close and so attentive to Him and His voice. I didn't want it to end.

I was under the belief that this fast would last for weeks as other fasts have and that it was the denial of food that was bringing me close to Him. In actuality, for me, it was the denial of my own strength, my own plans and just listening to His voice that brought the sweet communion. I was reminded that I am called to be in constant communication, constant dependence on Him to get me through every minute whether fasting or feasting.


So, if we are found on mountaintops in Praise, on our knees, humbly fasting from food, in the valley of depression, anywhere, we can worship Him and worship Him hard. Let this retreat, this fast from worldly and self dependence that we are striving for continue each day. Let the Praise and communication never cease.