“I want everyone everywhere to lift innocent hands toward heaven and pray, without being angry or arguing with each other.” (I Timothy 2:8 Contemporary English Version)
On Monday and Tuesday evenings, I have the privilege of doing one-on-one tutoring with my great-grandson. Think about it. How many of us have had such an experience in our lifetime? I haven’t. Actually, I never met my great-grandfather, so I’m amazed at my chance to bond and work on early elementary reading, writing, and arithmetic exercises with my great grandson. I thank God for this privilege and pray my interaction makes a difference in his life.
The bonding that take place in our tutoring ministry has helped establish rapport and has removed any communication barriers or inhibitions that my great-grandson might have had. Let me get to the point. As I was leaving church Sunday, he told me, “Pause!” I complied with his command and then I started walking again. He says it again, “Pause!” He continues giving me this order, merely playing a game. Even when I was ready to go into the restroom he told me to “Pause!” I said I cannot comply at this moment and pleaded with him not to say “Pause” until I came back out!
When I came back out, he was still in the hallway, ready to say, “Pause!” I told him that when I was young, we called it “Freeze” and I explained how we would say, “Freeze solid, no interference.” The latter part of that command meant that even if someone touched you, you could not move.. If the other child just said “Freeze,” as soon as someone touched you, you could move. Back in the day we were creative and came up with all kinds of games in the absence of the technological gadgets that today’s toddlers master better than adults and entertain themselves.
I have to admit, my great-grandson’s word, “Pause!,” stuck with me and inspired me to give you a loving command today using the same word, “Pause!” Are you ready? Well, here we go!
Pause right now and pray! Pause and thank God for allowing you to see another day! Pause and think of His goodness to you! Pause and praise Him for His goodness and mercy! Pause and praise Him for what He is doing to mold you and shape you and help you make continuous progress in your growth as a child of God! Pause and, if necessary, get right with God by confessing your sins, knowing that He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness! Pause and shout aloud, affirming your willingness to be a witness for the Lord, “Use me O Lord, use me!”
One more compassionate command to accompany the loving command to “Pause.” Here it is! “No interference!” Keep praying until you are done this morning! Don’t let anything keep you from pausing for a few minutes to render a powerful prayer to the Lord, seek the guidance of the God of all generations! No interference! Remember to petition Him for help where you need help, strength where you need to be sustained, and courage to fight the good fight of faith! No interference! Ask the Lord to bless your relationships with others and enhance your ability to relate to others, the fact that Christ dwells in you! No interference! Pause! Pray! Proceed when you are finished and have a great Thursday! Be blessed!
“Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or hemming and hawing—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.” (Mark 11:24-25 The Message Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King