1-19-2010 HELP! HELP!

Help!  Help!   January 19, 2009 ~Denise Grant   A DEA officer stops at a ranch in Texas. He tells the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs." The rancher says, "Okay, but stay out of that field over there," as he points far to the right. The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, "Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me."  Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher.  "See this badge?  This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish - on any land - no questions asked – no answers given.  Have I made myself perfectly clear?" The rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores. A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and looks up to see the DEA officer running for his life - chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull, who happens to weigh as much as most cars. With every step the bull is gaining ground on the officer, and it seems likely that he'll get gored before he reaches safety. The officer is clearly terrified. The rancher throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs, "Your Badge - Your Badge. Show him your Badge!"          Whether we think we have everything under control or secretly admit, we need help – all too often we wait until the last available moment or when we're deep in trouble, to call upon God for help.        Jairus, was a synagogue leader who did not seek Jesus' help until after his young daughter had died. "A ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." Matthew 9:18. When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up." Matthew 9:23-26 NIV   A woman who had a bleeding issue for twelve years, sought to simply touch the edge of Jesus' garment, and in doing so, was instantly and forever healed. Immediately, Jesus turned to her and said, "Take heart daughter, your faith has healed you." Matthew 9:20-22  I find myself pondering why this woman had not sought Jesus' help long before this problem grew into twelve, grueling, out-of-control years?   In this same chapter, Jesus is reluctant to heal two blind men. "When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, ""Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes Lord," they replied. "Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; and their sight was restored."  Matthew 9: 28-30. It wasn't that Jesus didn't want to heal them–he only waited to see how earnest the men were. Not everyone who says they want help really wants it badly enough to do something about it. Jesus may have waited and questioned these men to make their desire and faith stronger. If, in your prayers, it seems as if God is too slow in giving His answer, maybe He is testing you as He did these blind men.   Got a problem today? Do you believe God can help you? Do you really want His help – or do you feel you have it all under control?   These blind men were persistent. They knew Jesus could heal them and they refused to let anything stop them – now that's faith! How's yours? If you believe Jesus Is the answer to your every need, don't let anything or anyone stop you from reaching Him.   We feeble minded humans attempt to manage our own problems until there's neither relief or remedy in sight, before we call out to God for help. In times of desperation – and the bull is quickly gaining momentum– we don't have to worry about the correct way to reach out to God - simply reach out in faith. He will respond.     Father God,        You are only a breath away. At the mere mention of Your name, You are ready, willing, able and present to help. I praise You that You care so much about me that all my problems and difficulties matter to You. Teach me to run to You first with everything believing I can do nothing without You. I love You Jesus. In Your holy name Jesus, Amen. Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands. Life is too short for drama & petty things, so laugh loud and hard, love deeply from the bottom of your heart, and forgive quickly from the depths of your soul.   Live while you are still alive - you may not be tomorrow.   Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity- there may never come another opportunity than right now.   Forgive now those who made you mad and made you cry. Tomorrow, later, & another just may never come.  And Always remember - - "If you're not happy with what you have . . . Just imagine not having it."