Rayni Risher

Breaking Every Chain

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Chains“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” Acts 16:25-26 MSG

Paul and Silas both lay shackled in a jail cell after being severely beaten and wrongfully imprisoned. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they made a decision to worship God by singing and praying.

God responded to their worship in a powerful way.

Not only were Paul and Silas literally freed from prison but all the other prisoners were loosed from their chains, too. Those who witnessed Paul’s and Silas’ worship – and God breaking the chains – were deeply affected. As a result the jailer and his entire family came to faith that night.

Reading this reminds me that no matter what is happening in my life, I am created to worship God. During good times and difficult times, God is worthy of my praise. Worship is an active response to God’s great love for us.

It also reminds me that worship breaks the chains that are binding us. And other people get to witness God’s powerful response in our life.

Worship establishes divine strongholds in your life and in your city.

I want to encourage you today to worship God even if you don’t feel like it. Just try it and see what happens.

 

 

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Now is the Time to Be Brave

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When I think back over the last 15 years, there have been so, so many times that God has come through for me in my weakness. At this point, it’s almost impossible to doubt that He will come through for me…because He always has.

But I would have never known that kind of faith, assurance, trust and strength in Christ if I hadn’t been weak.

Especially in America where I live, there is a great importance put on doing things in your own power and strength. Whatever you do don’t ever look weak or admit a weakness, for goodness’ sake!

And yet, when we are weak, Christ’s power comes through so strong!

Paul, a hero of the faith who wrote a majority of the New Testament, wasn’t afraid to admit his weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 he wrote, “Each time (God) said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (NLT)

Weakness is actually a good thing because it’s God’s power that works through you. You know you can’t take the credit for it!

That doesn’t mean that we should view ourselves as a victim or be lazy or feel sorry for ourselves. And it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be intentional about working through issues and being strengthened in what Jesus has done for us. We should!

But it does mean that I am happy to lean on God’s strength to supply all my needs, especially in those areas where I often feel weak.

For example, in my physical limitations dealing with many years of chronic health problems; or when I battled through a prolonged period of  intense fear and anxiety; or when I feel ‘in over my head’ with work and ministry opportunities…I lean on God and He always shows up with His strength. Always.

It’s what He does.

In myself, I am often weak. In Christ, I am strong and lean into His “limitless strength” (See Psalm 147). Limitless means “without end, limit, or boundary”. That is the kind of strength God has and that’s what He offers to us.

I don’t know about you, but that is the strength I want to rely upon.

King David, who is described as a man after God’s heart, knew about that limitless strength and continually relied upon God to pour out strength in his weakness, trials and vulnerabilities. David even said to God, “O my Strength, I will watch for You, for You, O God, are my fortress. My God in His steadfast love will meet me…” Psalm 59:9-10 (ESV)

David knew that God was his strength, and that God would meet him with love and protection.

When I see other people being brave, it gives me more courage to be brave. And in turn, others will be encouraged when they see me (and you!) being brave.

Now is the time to follow God and to be all that He has created you to be. Don’t shrink back. Don’t give up. God’s grace is sufficient for you. Rest in His faithfulness and strength even when you feel entirely weak.

What do you need to be brave in today? Where do you need to take a risk, a leap of faith?

Join me in taking that step today. Because now is the time to be brave, knowing that God’s strength will meet us and carry us forward.

“So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

 

 

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Dancing at the Crossroads

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Going through a time of transition can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. Even if it is a fun transition it can cause stress as you manage all the details.

A couple months ago my husband was talking to someone about being at a crossroads in his life. The person mentioned that in Ireland people used to gather at the crossroads in the city to dance. I thought this was interesting so I looked it up to find out more.

“It was a type of social event popular in Ireland up to the mid-20th century, in which people would congregate at the large cleared space of a crossroads to dance; often to the accompaniment of a single accordion.” (Wikipedia)

After reading this I immediately thought, being at a crossroads in life is an invitation to worship God!

Being at a crossroads can feel like a blessing and a curse, can’t it? We can be filled with the excitement of all that is to come but often I think it’s more a time of experiencing waiting, fear, confusion, or fretting about making a decision. Sometimes it’s all of those emotions rolled into one giant emotional roller coaster.

But here’s the thing…either way, it’s a perfect opportunity to worship God!

Why worship?

Two reasons. First, no matter what is happening in our lives, God is worthy of our praise.

Also, worship breaks the chains that are binding us! And other people get to witness God’s powerful response in our life.

I love reading about Paul and Silas in Acts 16. They were in a city sharing the good news about Jesus when some people got mad at them and started accusing them. It quickly escalated to a riot with the local authorities ordering that Paul and Silas be stripped, beaten with rods, and imprisoned.

As they both lay shackled in the jail cell, instead of feeling sorry for themselves, this is what they were doing:

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” (vv 25-26)

Not only were Paul and Silas freed from prison but all the other prisoners were loosed, too! Those who witnessed Paul’s and Silas’ worship–and God breaking the chains–were deeply affected. As a result the jailer and his entire family believed in Jesus.

Just like in this story where God broke off physical chains, worshiping God breaks off the invisible chains of fear, anxiety, doubt, anger, and other negative emotions. And…not only are we set free, but the people around us who witness our worship and God’s response to it get to encounter God as well.

So…

+Are you at a crossroads in your life?

+Are you experiencing a difficult situation where you are tempted to turn from God rather than turn to Him?

I want to encourage you to worship God even if you don’t feel like it. Just try it and see what happens.

Worship isn’t just singing or dancing, it takes on many forms, but even just simple verbal praise to God is powerful.

This is one definition of worship I like as it relates to God:

“Worship is an active response to the character, words and actions of God, initiated by His revelation and enabled by His redemption, whereby the mind is transformed (e.g. belief, repentance), the heart is renewed (e.g. love, trust), and actions are surrendered (e.g. obedience, service), all in accordance with His will and in order to declare His infinite worthiness.” (Theopedia)

Worship is a choice. Always. Some of the times I’ve been most encouraged by God are times when the last thing I wanted to do was worship Him. But as soon as I start making myself thank and praise Him, it always snowballs from there and carries me to a genuine place of peace and encouragement.

Like the psalmist, sometimes we just need to tell ourselves what to do. “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” (Psalm 103:1)

So, when you find yourself at your next crossroads, take a minute to dance!

(photo credit: National University of Ireland in Galway, 1891.)

 

 

 

 

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Hope of Wholeness

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I hear the church bells near my home begin to ring and hope sings out to my heart.

As we celebrate the first week of Advent, I’m reminded that Jesus is not just our hope for eternity, but He is also our hope moment by moment, day to day, no matter what we face. Hope for the mom who is sidelined by depression; hope for the man riddled with guilt and regret; hope for the orphaned child who has been abused. Hope for you and for me.

Jesus.

He is The Hope who was prophesied about for thousands of years…

“The people who walked in darkness 
have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—light! sunbursts of light! … For a child has been born—for us!
 The gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world.
 His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father,
 Prince of Wholeness.
 His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.” Isaiah 9:7-12

He is The Hope who became flesh when His light was born into our darkness…

“The angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12

He is The Hope who reigns over eternity…

“I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: ‘Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone.’ … The Enthroned continued, ‘Look! I’m making everything new.’” Revelation 21:3-5

Even in the midst of our darkest night. Even in the depth of our deepest fear. Even in the wail of our devastating heartache. Even in the shadow of our darkest sin. Jesus reaches out to each one of us and offers us the hope of wholeness. The hope of redemption. The hope of healing. The hope of new life.

Hope sings out. Can you hear it?

 

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