Thursday, January 14, 2010

Magic Bible


As a pastor. As a friend. As a person. Who doesn't like injustice or suffering or pain or any such ugliness. I've said before, "I wish I had a Magic Bible."

There is no such thing as a Magic Bible. The references to magic in the Bible are negative. Yet. There have been times when faced with a situation or a person I wish I could change, I would make the incongruous statement, "I wish I had a Magic Bible."

Some folks who needed it: I'd whop 'em over the head to straighten 'em out.

Other folks, the kinder type: I'd wave it gently to make everything better.

There is no such thing as a Magic Bible. But wouldn't it be nice if we could straighten folks out or make everything better as we chose?

I've got friends now. Dear people. Suffering. Heartbroken. Hurting. Questioning. Confused. I wish I had Magic Bible. I'd make it all right.

I've got no whopin' needing folks around right now. Just the waving kind. So, heartsick for them, I was thinking this Magic Bible silliness when I was convicted. By someone real. With real power. The Holy Spirit.

"You don't need a Magic Bible. You've got prayer. Pray for God to do something so big, so good, so unbelievable that only He can get the credit."

Alright, then. Let me start with this one:

God, you are Big. You are Love. Will you, please, move. Show us your hand. Demonstrate your power. We don't deserve it. We can't earn it. But you are gracious beyond belief. And merciful past understanding. We love you, Father, and we beg you, please, for your glory. Move. Touch. Heal. Restore. Convict us to pray. Embolden us with courage. Strengthen us to persevere. We are your people. We offer the sacrifices of self. We sing glory & praise to you. You tell us that "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Teach us to be effectual. Fill us to be fervent. And for your glory, by your power, may our prayers much avail. Amen.

4 comments:

lanie said...

Oh Aaron my heart is breaking and I have so many questions. I just don't understand so much of this. A "magic bible" sounds great, but a God as powerful and as loving as the God we have sounds far more "magical" and even more, comforting. Knowing that we have a pastor and church family that continues to pray for us makes us extremely thankful for all of you. This kind of encouragement helps so much to get through each day. I now realize that I need to be reminded of these things on a daily basis during these trials. Thank you for your text today.

Kimberly Parker said...

I love that you mentioned the power of the Holy Spirit.

Indeed, He is the only one with the unexplainable capability to make miraculous change in any situation. Pray. Thanks for your post.

dorothy said...

What a journey we have been on duing the past few months! When i felt the pain the most, you and Melanie came to mind and i knew you both would pray. The Holy Spirit knows what we need the most and how we need the love and prayers of those who will pray -His will be done.He reminded me that He is the God of Mercy and Grace - my grandson did not feel one millisecond of suffering on this earth and never will in heaven! His grace has and will continue to sustain us...His word - His promises - His love for us - tells us that He will. I trust that one day the pain of loss will be less.Thank you both for your prayers...magic bible? nah - WE HAVE JESUS! Our faith is stronger
love to you and yours! dorothy

Yoli said...

Thinking once like that, I was told "Jesus is not the great magician, but the great physician"
Luv it.