Fellow Workers
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with {an attitude of} thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, {as though} seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:2-6
Help me to be steadfast in my praying to you, even to stay awake that I may pray! Fill my life with thanksgiving to you.
I pray for all your servants everywhere that you may open a door for us to proclaim your Word, to declare the now-public secret- Christ crucified, glorified, and coming - and to make the message clear, as we ought to speak.
In the name of Jesus I ask you to fill our lives with your holy life.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Monday, December 26, 2005
Merry Christmas
May God bless you this day with the gifts of His hope, His peace, His joy, His love, and especially His Son.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Put On the New Self
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:15-17
Let Christ's peace rule in our hearts. Let us be at peace in his one body. Fill our hearts and mouths with overflowing thanksgiving. Let Christ's word dwell in us richly. Let us teach and admonish each other in all wisdom. Let us impart grace through the songs flowing from thankfulhearts. May we do everything, whatever it is, in the name of our Lord Jesus.We give thanks to you, our God and Father, through his name. Amen.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:12-13
Merry Christmas.
Let Christ's peace rule in our hearts. Let us be at peace in his one body. Fill our hearts and mouths with overflowing thanksgiving. Let Christ's word dwell in us richly. Let us teach and admonish each other in all wisdom. Let us impart grace through the songs flowing from thankfulhearts. May we do everything, whatever it is, in the name of our Lord Jesus.We give thanks to you, our God and Father, through his name. Amen.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:12-13
Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Fruitful Prayer Life
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10
Prayer is the means by which we relate everything we do to a sovereign, almighty God. It is the process of acknowledging God as having a right to rule in our lives and to be the source of everything we are and have. He is our life, our hope, and our strength, and we owe Him all thanksgiving, and honor, and praise. We keep our total being licked in to God through His Word and by the link called prayer.
Through prayer we confess our sins and receive forgiveness and are cleansed from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Through prayer we reaffirm our position in Christ. Ephesians 1:15-23
Through prayer we take opportunity to give God the thanksgiving He deserves. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Through prayer we know God and become rooted in Him. Ephesians 3:14-21
We must also pray in the name of Jesus. "I will do whatever you ask in my name...You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14:13-14
Praying in Jesus' name means pray in the character and nature of Jesus. According to Romans 8:34, Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us, so, as we pray in His name, our prayers are passed on to the Father.
Our prayers must line up with God's Word. In John 15:7-8, Jesus says, "If you remin in me and my words remain n you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you may bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." If we are praying "in the Spirit" and according to God's Word, then we are in agreement with God.
We must pray according to God's will. In 1 John 5:14, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. As we seek God's kingdom and His righteousness, all the things we need will be given to us. Matthew 6:33 Sometimes this means denying our own desires, asd asking God instead for what we know He wants.
Prayer is, and should be, part of every Christian's life. It is the way we communicate with God, in order to give Him praise and thanksgiving, as well as to confess our sins.
We need to know how to pray..in His name, according to His will, with clean hearts, just as we need to pray with faith that our prayers will be answered and fruit may result.
Prayer is the means by which we relate everything we do to a sovereign, almighty God. It is the process of acknowledging God as having a right to rule in our lives and to be the source of everything we are and have. He is our life, our hope, and our strength, and we owe Him all thanksgiving, and honor, and praise. We keep our total being licked in to God through His Word and by the link called prayer.
Through prayer we confess our sins and receive forgiveness and are cleansed from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Through prayer we reaffirm our position in Christ. Ephesians 1:15-23
Through prayer we take opportunity to give God the thanksgiving He deserves. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Through prayer we know God and become rooted in Him. Ephesians 3:14-21
We must also pray in the name of Jesus. "I will do whatever you ask in my name...You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14:13-14
Praying in Jesus' name means pray in the character and nature of Jesus. According to Romans 8:34, Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us, so, as we pray in His name, our prayers are passed on to the Father.
Our prayers must line up with God's Word. In John 15:7-8, Jesus says, "If you remin in me and my words remain n you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you may bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." If we are praying "in the Spirit" and according to God's Word, then we are in agreement with God.
We must pray according to God's will. In 1 John 5:14, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. As we seek God's kingdom and His righteousness, all the things we need will be given to us. Matthew 6:33 Sometimes this means denying our own desires, asd asking God instead for what we know He wants.
Prayer is, and should be, part of every Christian's life. It is the way we communicate with God, in order to give Him praise and thanksgiving, as well as to confess our sins.
We need to know how to pray..in His name, according to His will, with clean hearts, just as we need to pray with faith that our prayers will be answered and fruit may result.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Salvation
I trust in you for salvation, O LORD! Genesis 49:18
This includes you who were once so far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. Colossians 1:21 - 22
You made salvation possible! Thank you, Father. I am so thankful that in your love you gave up your Son to reconcile us to yourself through his body of flesh offered in death on the cross. You wanted me to be holy and you made it possible!
You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13
But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. Psalms 18:2
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." Psalms 50:23
You have given me the shield of your salvation; your help has made me great. 2 Samuel 22:36
This includes you who were once so far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. Colossians 1:21 - 22
You made salvation possible! Thank you, Father. I am so thankful that in your love you gave up your Son to reconcile us to yourself through his body of flesh offered in death on the cross. You wanted me to be holy and you made it possible!
You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13
But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. Psalms 18:2
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." Psalms 50:23
You have given me the shield of your salvation; your help has made me great. 2 Samuel 22:36
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Psalms 23
The LORD the Shepherd of His People
A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Morning Prayer
"Pray always," St. Paul says in his letter to the Thessalonians. (1 Thessalonians 5,17)
Paul wants prayer to be part of our daily life. But that's not easy. As soon as our eyes open in the morning we're often in a rush. Get ready! Go! And we're off to work or school or gym or travel or the chores of the day.
Morning prayer gets us ready for what the day brings. St Basil, a wise 4th century saint from Asia Minor, said:
"We pray in the morning to give the first stirrings of our minds to God. Before anything else, let the thought of God gladden you."
Begin the day by seeking God's blessing, the saint advises. God meets us in the morning not as a taskmaster, but as a loving presence who strengthens and gladdens us for the day.
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 22
Prayer - and it may be just a short prayer - enables us to begin the day, not alone, but with God. It raises and gladdens our tired spirits that so easily lose their appetite for life. It provides a strengthening grace so that we enter the day, not groaning, but hoping in our Savior and our God.
"Why are you cast down my soul, why groan within me? Hope in God. I will praise him still, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42
And what about living our day wisely? We need wisdom in our words, thoughts, and in the choices we make. Why not ask for the wisdom of God?
"Lord, teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart." Psalm 90
Before going into the day, let's pray.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20
We need Jesus in our midst, so we need to pray together with other believers.
Paul wants prayer to be part of our daily life. But that's not easy. As soon as our eyes open in the morning we're often in a rush. Get ready! Go! And we're off to work or school or gym or travel or the chores of the day.
Morning prayer gets us ready for what the day brings. St Basil, a wise 4th century saint from Asia Minor, said:
"We pray in the morning to give the first stirrings of our minds to God. Before anything else, let the thought of God gladden you."
Begin the day by seeking God's blessing, the saint advises. God meets us in the morning not as a taskmaster, but as a loving presence who strengthens and gladdens us for the day.
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 22
Prayer - and it may be just a short prayer - enables us to begin the day, not alone, but with God. It raises and gladdens our tired spirits that so easily lose their appetite for life. It provides a strengthening grace so that we enter the day, not groaning, but hoping in our Savior and our God.
"Why are you cast down my soul, why groan within me? Hope in God. I will praise him still, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42
And what about living our day wisely? We need wisdom in our words, thoughts, and in the choices we make. Why not ask for the wisdom of God?
"Lord, teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart." Psalm 90
Before going into the day, let's pray.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20
We need Jesus in our midst, so we need to pray together with other believers.
Good Shepherd
Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:7, 9-10
In the sheep pen, the shepherd functioned as a gate, letting the sheep in and protecting them. Jesus is the gate to God's salvation for us. He offers access to safety and security. Christ is our protector. Some people resent that Jesus is the gate, the only way of access to God. But Jesus is God's Son - why should we seek any other way or want to customize a different approach to God?
Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. John 14:6-7
In the sheep pen, the shepherd functioned as a gate, letting the sheep in and protecting them. Jesus is the gate to God's salvation for us. He offers access to safety and security. Christ is our protector. Some people resent that Jesus is the gate, the only way of access to God. But Jesus is God's Son - why should we seek any other way or want to customize a different approach to God?
Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. John 14:6-7
Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalms 100:3
Thank you, God, for providing a sure way to get to you!
Have you taken Christ's offer of life?
Father,
May I never forsake Jesus, who has done so much and given up so much to bring me into your family. Forgive me when I deny my commitment to Him by selfish and weak actions and reactions and please mature me to be more like Him.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Our Helper
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send me in My name. He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26
When Jesus was about to leave His disciples, He told them He would leave behind a Helper - the Holy Spirit - to guide them. To teach them and to bring them remembrance of all He had taugh them. To live inside them. To help us in our weakness. To always point us to Jesus.
Pray that you will learn to rely on God's Spirit to teach you in all things. Pray you will find happiness in abiding in God's Words.
I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD! I will obey your principles. Psalm 119:145
Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. Psalm 119:170
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. Romans 8:26-27
Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it! "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper who will never leave you. John 14:14-16
Dear Holy Father,
Thank you for giving me a Helper. Thank you for giving me your Holy Spirit. Thank you for placing your Holy Spirit within me. Forgive me for not obeying your Words and not abiding in You. Forgive me for not being still, seeking Your Holy Spirit. Father, I ask You to draw me closer to You. Give me the faith to obey You. To ask all things of You.
In Jesus's name we pray,
Amen
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
When Jesus was about to leave His disciples, He told them He would leave behind a Helper - the Holy Spirit - to guide them. To teach them and to bring them remembrance of all He had taugh them. To live inside them. To help us in our weakness. To always point us to Jesus.
Pray that you will learn to rely on God's Spirit to teach you in all things. Pray you will find happiness in abiding in God's Words.
I pray with all my heart; answer me, LORD! I will obey your principles. Psalm 119:145
Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. Psalm 119:170
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. Romans 8:26-27
Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it! "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper who will never leave you. John 14:14-16
Dear Holy Father,
Thank you for giving me a Helper. Thank you for giving me your Holy Spirit. Thank you for placing your Holy Spirit within me. Forgive me for not obeying your Words and not abiding in You. Forgive me for not being still, seeking Your Holy Spirit. Father, I ask You to draw me closer to You. Give me the faith to obey You. To ask all things of You.
In Jesus's name we pray,
Amen
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Rejoice In His Grace
Salvation belongs to the Lord!!! Mark shared his story of how he came to know Jesus through the power of God and His people. Brother Mark Lowenstein is a dear brother! He's wearing an awesome SALVATION "33" t-shirt! Mark's "The NIKE FORMULA" Blog.
Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Thessalonians 5:16-18
Want to know something you can do that will please God? Rejoice in his grace!Pray for others. Give thanks for your blessings. It's simply something that he wants us to do.
Lord please give me the patience to listen, the courage to speak, the honor to follow, and the wisdom to lead. -- Author Unknown
Almighty God,
I am thrilled at the very thought of being your child. Holy Father, please hear my prayer of concern for several people who are on my heart today ... Loving God, thank you so much for the blessings you pour into my life each day.
In Jesus' holy name I pray.
Amen.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
God's Holy Children
Our precious Kayla & her dear friend Angela."For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."- Jeremiah 29:11
For He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:4-5
God wants us as his holy children. That was his plan for us even before the world began. God paid the huge price, the sacrifice of his Son Jesus, for our adoption into his family. God's motive in doing this? His desire and delight in loving us!
You are called to belong, not just believe. We were created by God and for God.
“You are members of God’s very own family, citizens of God’s country, and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19
Even though we are God's holy children, we also need to be aware of what time it is in our world. The evil one still exercises his control over the hearts of many people. God wants us to "redeem the time," making the most of every opportunity we have to touch the lives of others with his grace and to resist the temptation and overcome the opposition of the evil one.
Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
Holy Father,
I am blessed and honored to be one of your adopted children and want to bring you joy in the way I live. Forgive me for the times I have disappointed you or not lived up to what you desire of me. I want my life to be a holy thanksgiving to you for your grace. Give me courage to boldly stand for you and sensitivity to know the best way to bless others according to their needs.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Developing Your Friendship With God
He offers his friendship to the godly. Proverbs 3:32
Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. James 4:8
Question to consider: What practical choices will I make today in order to grow closer to God?
If you want a deeper, more intimate connection with God you must learn to honestly share your feelings with God and trust Him. It takes desire, time, and energy.
I must choose to be honest with God. The first step of building a deeper friendship with God is complete honesty about your faults and your feelings. God doesn’t expect you to be perfect but he insist on complete honesty. Because of God’s grace, Jesus is still friend of sinners. Matthew 11:19
In the Bible, God’s friends were honest with their feelings, often complaining, second-guessing, accusing, and arguing with their Creator. God encouraged it.
Bitterness is the greatest barrier to friendship with God. God always acts in your best interest, even when it is painful and you don’t understand it. Tell God exactly how you feel.
I must choose to obey God in faith. Every time you trust God’s wisdom and do whatever he says, even when you don’t understand it, you deepen your friendship with God. Jesus made it clear that obedience is a condition of intimacy with God. He said, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14
We obey God, not out of duty or fear or compulsion, but because we love Him and trust that he knows what is best for us.
Unbelievers often think Christians obey out of obligations or guilt or fear of punishment, but the opposite is true. Because we have been forgiven and set free, we obey out of love and our obedience brings great joy!
Jesus said, I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in His love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:9-11
True friendship is not passive; it acts. When Jesus asks us to love others, help the needy, share our resources, keep our lives clean, offer forgiveness, and bring others to Him, love motivates us to obey immediately.
God is more pleased when we do small things for Him out of loving obedience. They may be unnoticed by others, but God notices them and considers them acts of worship.
God treasures simple acts of obedience more than our prayers, praise, or offerings. The Bible tells us, “What pleases the Lord more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obedience to his voice? It is better to obey than to sacrifice.” 1 Samuel 15:22
I must choose to value what God values. The more you become God’s friend, the more you will care about the things He cares about, grieve over the things He grieves over, and rejoice over things that bring pleasure to Him.
What does God care about most? The redemption of His people. He wants all His lost children found. That’s the whole reason Jesus came to earth.
The dearest thing to the heart of God is the death of his Son. The second dearest thing is when his children share that news with others. To be friend of God, you must care about all the people around you whom God cares about.
Friends of God tell their friends about God.
I must desire friendship with God more than anything else. David passionately desired to know God above all else. He used the words like longing, yearning, thirsting, and hungering. He craved God.
Your love means more than life to me. Psalm 63:3
Intimate friendship with God is a choice. You must intentionally seek it. Do you really want it – more than anything?
Pray this throughout your day:
“Dear Jesus, more than anything else, I want to get to know you intimately.”
When you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” Jeremiah 9:24
It’s a relationship what will last forever. Paul told Timothy, “Some of these people have missed the most important thing in life – they don’t know God.” 1 Timothy 6:21
Have you been missing out on the most important thing in life? You can do something about it right now. Remember, it’s your choice. You are as close to God as you choose to be.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
How Can You Come Near To God?
Submit yourselves to God. James gives 5 ways:
1) Submit to God. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4: 7 Yield to His authority and will, commit your life to Him and His control, and be willing to follow Him.
2) Resist the devil. Don't allow Satan to entice and tempt you.
3) Wash your hands and purify your hearts, that is, lead a pure life. Be cleansed from sin, replacing your desire to sin with your desire to experience God's purity. Come near to God, and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
4) Grieve and mourn and wail in sincere sorrow for your sins. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. James 4:9 Don't be afraid to express deep heartful sorrow for your sins.
5) Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up! Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up and due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Humbling ourselves means recognizing that our worth comes from God alone. Althought we do not deserve God's favor, He reaches out to us in love and gives us worth and dignity despite our human shortcomings.
We give ourselves to Him, not out of fear or duty, but in love, because He first loved us.
This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10
1) Submit to God. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4: 7 Yield to His authority and will, commit your life to Him and His control, and be willing to follow Him.
2) Resist the devil. Don't allow Satan to entice and tempt you.
3) Wash your hands and purify your hearts, that is, lead a pure life. Be cleansed from sin, replacing your desire to sin with your desire to experience God's purity. Come near to God, and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8
4) Grieve and mourn and wail in sincere sorrow for your sins. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. James 4:9 Don't be afraid to express deep heartful sorrow for your sins.
5) Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up! Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up and due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Humbling ourselves means recognizing that our worth comes from God alone. Althought we do not deserve God's favor, He reaches out to us in love and gives us worth and dignity despite our human shortcomings.
We give ourselves to Him, not out of fear or duty, but in love, because He first loved us.
This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10
Thursday, October 13, 2005
God Chose YOU!
God chose you. He loves you even when you were unlovable. He adopted you into His kingdom. He desires for all who have been chosen by Him to have the traits of their heavenly Father.
Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.
Ephesians 1:4-5
Furthermore, because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as he decided long ago. God's purpose was that we who were the first to trust in Christ should praise our glorious God. Ephesians 1:11-12
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14
Ask God to give you a heart of compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience.
Ask God to give you His strength to bear others and to forgive others.
Ask God to let all the members of your church work together in unity to reach those who are the least and those who are lost.
Dear Father,
You are the God of compassion and kindness. You have loving gentleness and patience toward to your children. Your love and forgiveness toward us is amazing. You are holy. Let our lips always praise You. Thank you for choosing us before the foundation of the world. Thank you for forgiving us when we confess any sins we have brought against You. I ask You to give us the strength to turn away from our sins. To repent of all wrongdoing. Give us the will to forgive others just as you have forgiven us. Let us strive for unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
In Jesus' name we pray..
Amen.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Bible Teaches Us About Prayer
God,
I pray that we will dedicate ourselves to prayer for the 40 Days Of Purpose Campaign. Get us spiritually ready for what You want us to do. We know what without your power, we will labor in vain. Encourage us to saturate these important 40 days in prayer.
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Don't forget to pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to preach about his secret plan – that Christ is also for you Gentiles. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:2-5
Paul encourage us to be consistent in prayer. When he says "devote yourself to prayer," the word devote means "to persist at." It means "to remain at something" or "to cling to something" or "to continually be available for something".
What would it be like if you really devoted yourself to prayer on a daily basis?
What does it means to be "watchful" in prayer?
As we read Scripture, we discover a very crucial reason for devoting ourselves to prayer. Christians have an unspeakable privilege of having immediate and welcome access to God and His power to change things!
In Hebrews 4:14-16, the writer says that because we have so great a high priest, which is Jesus, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Regarding prayer, how and why and when should we approach Christ? What do you think it means to approach God with "boldness"?
As we approach God's throne with boldness, we now "tap into" His unlimited power and resources. The results is that God responds. Our prayers matter.
In Colossians 4:3, Paul says, " And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message." Paul beleived that the intercession and prayers of these beleivers would open doors for the message of Christ.
I pray that we will dedicate ourselves to prayer for the 40 Days Of Purpose Campaign. Get us spiritually ready for what You want us to do. We know what without your power, we will labor in vain. Encourage us to saturate these important 40 days in prayer.
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Don't forget to pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to preach about his secret plan – that Christ is also for you Gentiles. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:2-5
Paul encourage us to be consistent in prayer. When he says "devote yourself to prayer," the word devote means "to persist at." It means "to remain at something" or "to cling to something" or "to continually be available for something".
What would it be like if you really devoted yourself to prayer on a daily basis?
What does it means to be "watchful" in prayer?
As we read Scripture, we discover a very crucial reason for devoting ourselves to prayer. Christians have an unspeakable privilege of having immediate and welcome access to God and His power to change things!
In Hebrews 4:14-16, the writer says that because we have so great a high priest, which is Jesus, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Regarding prayer, how and why and when should we approach Christ? What do you think it means to approach God with "boldness"?
As we approach God's throne with boldness, we now "tap into" His unlimited power and resources. The results is that God responds. Our prayers matter.
In Colossians 4:3, Paul says, " And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message." Paul beleived that the intercession and prayers of these beleivers would open doors for the message of Christ.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Tired Of Praying?
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Colossians 4:2-3
Have you ever grown tired of praying for someone or something? Paul says we should "devote" ourselves to prayers. and be "watchful" in prayer. Our persistence is an expression of our faith that God answers our prayers. Faith
should not die if the answers comes slowly, for the delay may be God's way of working his will in our loves. When you feel tired of praying, know that God is present, always listening, always answering - maybe not in ways you had hoped, but in ways that He knows are best.
The mystery of Christ is Christ's Good News of salvation, the gospel. The whole focus of Paul's life was to tell others about Christ, explaining and preaching this wonderful mystery.
Paul asked for prayer that he could proclaim the Good News about Christ clearly and we can request prayer to do the same. How many people in your life could be touched if you prayed in this way?
Have you ever grown tired of praying for someone or something? Paul says we should "devote" ourselves to prayers. and be "watchful" in prayer. Our persistence is an expression of our faith that God answers our prayers. Faith
should not die if the answers comes slowly, for the delay may be God's way of working his will in our loves. When you feel tired of praying, know that God is present, always listening, always answering - maybe not in ways you had hoped, but in ways that He knows are best.
The mystery of Christ is Christ's Good News of salvation, the gospel. The whole focus of Paul's life was to tell others about Christ, explaining and preaching this wonderful mystery.
Paul asked for prayer that he could proclaim the Good News about Christ clearly and we can request prayer to do the same. How many people in your life could be touched if you prayed in this way?
Friday, September 30, 2005
Honor Jesus' Name: Model His Character
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14
When Jesus says we can ask for anything, we must remember that our asking must be in hi name - that is according to God's character and will. God will not grant contrary to his nature or his will. We cannot use his name as a magic formula to fullfill our selfish desire. We are are sincerely following God and seeing to do his will, then our requests will be in line with what he wants and he will grant them.
When Jesus says we can ask for anything, we must remember that our asking must be in hi name - that is according to God's character and will. God will not grant contrary to his nature or his will. We cannot use his name as a magic formula to fullfill our selfish desire. We are are sincerely following God and seeing to do his will, then our requests will be in line with what he wants and he will grant them.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Surrender To The Cross
The meaning of discipleship...
And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:38-39
Jesus wants us to seriously look into our hearts and surrender those things that hold us back from fully following and serving Him. We know what they are. He comes to us with his nownail-scarred hands and reminds us that He gave up everything to save us. He now wants us to surrender to the Cross the things that hold us back. Let's do it now.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20
Prayer:
Please remove the blindness from my eyes and help me see what keeps me from fully seeing Jesus as my Lord and what I need to do to live fully for him. I now confess the sins to you and ask that you cleanse me and liberate me from Satan's power that binds them to me and holds me back from whole-hearted service to your Son. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus.
In sweet Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2
And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:38-39
Jesus wants us to seriously look into our hearts and surrender those things that hold us back from fully following and serving Him. We know what they are. He comes to us with his nownail-scarred hands and reminds us that He gave up everything to save us. He now wants us to surrender to the Cross the things that hold us back. Let's do it now.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20
Prayer:
Please remove the blindness from my eyes and help me see what keeps me from fully seeing Jesus as my Lord and what I need to do to live fully for him. I now confess the sins to you and ask that you cleanse me and liberate me from Satan's power that binds them to me and holds me back from whole-hearted service to your Son. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus.
In sweet Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Prayer and Bible Study
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2
Pay Attention To God and His Word
I plan to keep on reminding you of these things – even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth. Yes, I believe I should keep on reminding you of these things as long as I live. But the Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that my days here on earth are numbered and I am soon to die. So I will work hard to make these things clear to you. I want you to remember them long after I am gone.
For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendor with our own eyes. And he received honor and glory from God the Father when God's glorious, majestic voice called down from heaven, "This is my beloved Son; I am fully pleased with him." We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain.
Because of that, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. Pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a light shining in a dark place – until the day Christ appears and his brilliant light shines in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God. 2 Peter 1:12-21
While the false teachers claimed prophetic words of a future judgment were made up, the Peter aserts that the prophiets were empowered by the Holy Spirit. ( Jeremiah 20:9) And I can't stop! If I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in!
What is God saying to you about His Word ( the Bible )?
Why do you think it was so important for Peter to emphasize the divine inspiration of God's Word in verses 2 Peter 20:21?
20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves
21or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God.
Pay Attention To God and His Word
I plan to keep on reminding you of these things – even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth. Yes, I believe I should keep on reminding you of these things as long as I live. But the Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that my days here on earth are numbered and I am soon to die. So I will work hard to make these things clear to you. I want you to remember them long after I am gone.
For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendor with our own eyes. And he received honor and glory from God the Father when God's glorious, majestic voice called down from heaven, "This is my beloved Son; I am fully pleased with him." We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain.
Because of that, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. Pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a light shining in a dark place – until the day Christ appears and his brilliant light shines in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God. 2 Peter 1:12-21
While the false teachers claimed prophetic words of a future judgment were made up, the Peter aserts that the prophiets were empowered by the Holy Spirit. ( Jeremiah 20:9) And I can't stop! If I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in!
What is God saying to you about His Word ( the Bible )?
Why do you think it was so important for Peter to emphasize the divine inspiration of God's Word in verses 2 Peter 20:21?
20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves
21or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Prayer Of Commitment
Lord Jesus,
I need you. I realized I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I need your forgiveness. I beleive that you loved me so much that you died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I repent of my sins and put my faith in you as Savior and Lord. Take control of my life and help me to follow you in obedience. I love you Jesus.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
I need you. I realized I am a sinner and I cannot save myself. I need your forgiveness. I beleive that you loved me so much that you died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I repent of my sins and put my faith in you as Savior and Lord. Take control of my life and help me to follow you in obedience. I love you Jesus.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
God's Uniform
Which piece of your team uniform or sports equipment do you consider the most important? What piece, if any, could you do without?
Imagine if your opponents where invisible! How would that alter the competition? What special equipment, might you need to win? The Whole Armor of God!
Paul tells us that our real invisible opponents are invisible. What does this means? Read Ephesians 6:10-20
Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.
And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words as I boldly explain God's secret plan that the Good News is for the Gentiles, too. I am in chains now for preaching this message as God's ambassador. But pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Examine each piece of equipment in this list. How does each item ( helment, shield, etc. ) help the Christian in daily life? What would happen to a Christian if any item were missing?
What is needed for you to put on the full armor of God this week?
Imagine if your opponents where invisible! How would that alter the competition? What special equipment, might you need to win? The Whole Armor of God!
Paul tells us that our real invisible opponents are invisible. What does this means? Read Ephesians 6:10-20
Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.
And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words as I boldly explain God's secret plan that the Good News is for the Gentiles, too. I am in chains now for preaching this message as God's ambassador. But pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Examine each piece of equipment in this list. How does each item ( helment, shield, etc. ) help the Christian in daily life? What would happen to a Christian if any item were missing?
What is needed for you to put on the full armor of God this week?
Friday, September 02, 2005
Share Your Blessings
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
Messages sent by Mark Lowenstein ( deaf minister at Fairfax Church of Christ )
www.fxcc.org/deaf
Thank you, Mark.
Brothers and Sisters,
I want to bring this to your attention that we have a couple of donating opportunities to work on. I am aware of the rising gas price and all other stuff may have put a strain on your wallet but if you're able to make some sacrifices by offering monetary donations for support, that will be just wonderful!! : )
FUNDRAISING FOR CARL MOORE
On Sunday, September 4th and 11th, we will be raising money to help Carl Moore go on his required mission trip to Mexico City in October. Carl needs more than $700 to cover the cost of airfare, lodging and food. So this Sunday and next, we will have two offerings: one offering to the Lord and another offering to help Carl Moore.
FUNDRAISING FOR THE KATRINA VICTIMS
On Sunday, September 18th, we, along with the hearing congregation, children and teens, will be raising money to help with the victims of the Katrina disaster in Louisiana and Mississippi. Murray Sanderson mentioned that we will be working with one of the church in the state (Louisiana/Mississippi) in fundraising to help the victims.
If, for some reason, you're unable to be present for the giving of your support to the two cause, please P.O. mail to me @:
Fairfax Church of Christ
Attn: Mark Lowenstein/Donation
3901 Rugby Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22033
The ladies' will be leaving on their retreat on September 16th through 18th so it would be extremely helpful if you either give the support beforehand or mail it to me. May God bless your giving..
God is drawn to prayers. Prayers releases His blessings into our lives.
"At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need." 2 Corinthians 8:14 (niv)
Messages sent by Mark Lowenstein ( deaf minister at Fairfax Church of Christ )
www.fxcc.org/deaf
Thank you, Mark.
Brothers and Sisters,
I want to bring this to your attention that we have a couple of donating opportunities to work on. I am aware of the rising gas price and all other stuff may have put a strain on your wallet but if you're able to make some sacrifices by offering monetary donations for support, that will be just wonderful!! : )
FUNDRAISING FOR CARL MOORE
On Sunday, September 4th and 11th, we will be raising money to help Carl Moore go on his required mission trip to Mexico City in October. Carl needs more than $700 to cover the cost of airfare, lodging and food. So this Sunday and next, we will have two offerings: one offering to the Lord and another offering to help Carl Moore.
FUNDRAISING FOR THE KATRINA VICTIMS
On Sunday, September 18th, we, along with the hearing congregation, children and teens, will be raising money to help with the victims of the Katrina disaster in Louisiana and Mississippi. Murray Sanderson mentioned that we will be working with one of the church in the state (Louisiana/Mississippi) in fundraising to help the victims.
If, for some reason, you're unable to be present for the giving of your support to the two cause, please P.O. mail to me @:
Fairfax Church of Christ
Attn: Mark Lowenstein/Donation
3901 Rugby Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22033
The ladies' will be leaving on their retreat on September 16th through 18th so it would be extremely helpful if you either give the support beforehand or mail it to me. May God bless your giving..
God is drawn to prayers. Prayers releases His blessings into our lives.
"At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need." 2 Corinthians 8:14 (niv)
Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Acts 10:4
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Elijah Prayed
Elijah was the most famous and dramatic of Israel's prophets.
Elijah Stepped Forward and Prayed : O'Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be done known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant ant have done these things at your command. Answer me, O'Lord, answer me, so these people will know what you, O'Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again." Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 1 Kings 18:36-38
We might wish to do amazing miracles for God, we should instead focus on developing a relationship with him. The real miracle Elijah's life was his very personal relationship with God. And that miracle is available to us.
How is your personal relationship with God?
God will make resources available to us in a creative ways to accomplish His purposes. He will give us the wisdom to raise a family, the courage to take a stand for the truth, or the means to provide help for someone in need. Like Elijah, we can have faith that whatever God commands us to do, He will provide what we need to carry it through.
The Prayer of Faith:
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sign songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned; he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half year. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17:18
The Christian most powerful resources is communion with God through prayer. The results are often greater than we thought were possible. Some people see prayher as a last resort to be tried when all else fails. This approach is backward. Prayer should come first. Because God's power is infinitely greater than ours, it only make sense to rely on it especially because God encourages us to do so. Amen!
Elijah Stepped Forward and Prayed : O'Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be done known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant ant have done these things at your command. Answer me, O'Lord, answer me, so these people will know what you, O'Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again." Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 1 Kings 18:36-38
We might wish to do amazing miracles for God, we should instead focus on developing a relationship with him. The real miracle Elijah's life was his very personal relationship with God. And that miracle is available to us.
How is your personal relationship with God?
God will make resources available to us in a creative ways to accomplish His purposes. He will give us the wisdom to raise a family, the courage to take a stand for the truth, or the means to provide help for someone in need. Like Elijah, we can have faith that whatever God commands us to do, He will provide what we need to carry it through.
The Prayer of Faith:
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sign songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned; he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half year. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17:18
The Christian most powerful resources is communion with God through prayer. The results are often greater than we thought were possible. Some people see prayher as a last resort to be tried when all else fails. This approach is backward. Prayer should come first. Because God's power is infinitely greater than ours, it only make sense to rely on it especially because God encourages us to do so. Amen!
Monday, August 29, 2005
Mustard
Just a Mustard Seed
It is like a tiny mustard seed. Though this is one of the smallest of seeds
Mark 4:31
Jesus replied, "You stubborn, faithless people! How long must I be with you until you believe? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well. Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, "Why couldn't we cast out that demon?" "You didn't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:19-20
Small mindedness is not the worst of things. Smallness in faith is the worst thing. Small mindedness keeps us from seeing the plan of God.
Small in faith means we see little more than what we can pull off ourselves. Jesus had said that he gave his followers authority to cast out demons and cure diseases. The issue is not whether they were capable or had the power. They simply had very small faith. They lost faith that Jesus would do what he said he would do. So many of us lost that faith. Jesus reminds us that it doesn't take alot -- just a mustard seed amount. If that's there, then incubated with faith it becomes powerful and mighty.
Father,
You are glorious and majestic. Your deeds areawesome. I ask you to grow my faith stronger and bolder. Father, I beleive, but help me believe even more. I will seek to serve you trusting in your supply of power and strength. Lord, use me.
In Jesus name I asked.
Amen.
It is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds come and find shelter among its branches. Luke 13:19
It is like a tiny mustard seed. Though this is one of the smallest of seeds
Mark 4:31
Jesus replied, "You stubborn, faithless people! How long must I be with you until you believe? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well. Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, "Why couldn't we cast out that demon?" "You didn't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17:19-20
Small mindedness is not the worst of things. Smallness in faith is the worst thing. Small mindedness keeps us from seeing the plan of God.
Small in faith means we see little more than what we can pull off ourselves. Jesus had said that he gave his followers authority to cast out demons and cure diseases. The issue is not whether they were capable or had the power. They simply had very small faith. They lost faith that Jesus would do what he said he would do. So many of us lost that faith. Jesus reminds us that it doesn't take alot -- just a mustard seed amount. If that's there, then incubated with faith it becomes powerful and mighty.
Father,
You are glorious and majestic. Your deeds areawesome. I ask you to grow my faith stronger and bolder. Father, I beleive, but help me believe even more. I will seek to serve you trusting in your supply of power and strength. Lord, use me.
In Jesus name I asked.
Amen.
It is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds come and find shelter among its branches. Luke 13:19
"Even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed," the Lord answered, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'May God uproot you and throw you into the sea,' and it would obey you! Luke 17:6
Back-To-School Prayer
Parents and children are probably experiencing those Back-to-School jitters today.
Pray.
Pray with your child before bed. In the morning, pray a blessing over your child before she leaves for school —for example:
Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
A family prayer or devotional reading each morning before everyone goes separate ways will draw you together as a family and help you focus on what matters most. Nothing fancy required: some verses, a song, a prayer, a blessing.
Pray.
Pray with your child before bed. In the morning, pray a blessing over your child before she leaves for school —for example:
Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
A family prayer or devotional reading each morning before everyone goes separate ways will draw you together as a family and help you focus on what matters most. Nothing fancy required: some verses, a song, a prayer, a blessing.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Jabez: Remembered for A Prayer Request
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Jabez is remembered for a prayer request than a heroic act. In his prayer, he asked God:
1) Bless him
2) Help him in his work ( "enlarge my terrority")
3) Be with him all he did
4) Keep him from evil and harm.
Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his work. When we pray for God's blessing, we should also pray that he will take his rightful position as Lord over our work, family time, and our recreation. Obeying him in daily responsibilites is heroic living.
Jabez prayed specifically to be protected from harm and pain. We live in a fallen world filled with sin and it is important to ask God to keep us safe from the unavoidable evil that comes our way. But we must also avoid evil motives, desires, and actions that begin with us. Therefore, not only must we seek God's protection from evil, but we must also ask God to guard our thoughts and action. We must begin to utilize his protection by filling our minds with positive thoughts and attitudes.
Jabez is remembered for a prayer request than a heroic act. In his prayer, he asked God:
1) Bless him
2) Help him in his work ( "enlarge my terrority")
3) Be with him all he did
4) Keep him from evil and harm.
Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his work. When we pray for God's blessing, we should also pray that he will take his rightful position as Lord over our work, family time, and our recreation. Obeying him in daily responsibilites is heroic living.
Jabez prayed specifically to be protected from harm and pain. We live in a fallen world filled with sin and it is important to ask God to keep us safe from the unavoidable evil that comes our way. But we must also avoid evil motives, desires, and actions that begin with us. Therefore, not only must we seek God's protection from evil, but we must also ask God to guard our thoughts and action. We must begin to utilize his protection by filling our minds with positive thoughts and attitudes.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Effective Prayer - Ask Him
Effective Prayer
God is our awesome provider. He has given us countless blessings to those who love and seek Him. We often do not come to Him with our needs. We miss His blessings by not seeking His hands, by not asking, or by asking the wrong motives.
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You parents – if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:7-11
The Golden Rule
Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12
If you need wisdom, if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. James 1:5
You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can't possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it. And even when you do ask, you don't get it because your whole motive is wrong – you want only what will give you pleasure. James 4:2-3
Dear Father,
I praise Your holy name. You are worthy to be praised. Your wisdoms abounds. Let everything that has breath on earth praise Your holy name. I thank You for those times when I have cried out to You and You have provided. I thank You that I can do all things through Jesus who strengthens me. Forgive me for the times when I have been in real need and forgotten to call out Your name. Forgive me for those times when I did call Your name and asked for the wrong things because of my own personal desires. Teach me to rely on You for all things. Let me first look to the needs of my family and neighbors before I seek my own needs. Use me to help those in need. Let me always be dependent on you.
In Jesus name I asked.
Amen
God is our awesome provider. He has given us countless blessings to those who love and seek Him. We often do not come to Him with our needs. We miss His blessings by not seeking His hands, by not asking, or by asking the wrong motives.
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You parents – if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:7-11
The Golden Rule
Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12
If you need wisdom, if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. James 1:5
You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can't possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it. And even when you do ask, you don't get it because your whole motive is wrong – you want only what will give you pleasure. James 4:2-3
Dear Father,
I praise Your holy name. You are worthy to be praised. Your wisdoms abounds. Let everything that has breath on earth praise Your holy name. I thank You for those times when I have cried out to You and You have provided. I thank You that I can do all things through Jesus who strengthens me. Forgive me for the times when I have been in real need and forgotten to call out Your name. Forgive me for those times when I did call Your name and asked for the wrong things because of my own personal desires. Teach me to rely on You for all things. Let me first look to the needs of my family and neighbors before I seek my own needs. Use me to help those in need. Let me always be dependent on you.
In Jesus name I asked.
Amen
Give God thanks for all that He has provided. Pray that you will bring every request, every need to our Father.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Blood
The Blood of Christ
This is part of the Lord's Supper I talked about two weeks ago.
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrew 9:22
Why does forgiveness require the shedding of blood? There is no greater symbol of life than blood. Blood keeps us alive. Jesus shed his blood - gave his life - for our sins so that we would not have to experience spiritual death, eternal separation from God. Jesus is the source of life, not death. He gave his own life to pay our sin for us so that we might live. After shedding his blood for us, Christ rose from the grave and proclaimed victory over sin and death.
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrew 9:14
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new convenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me".
1 Corinthians 11:25
How do we remember Christ in the Lord's Supper? By thinking about what he did and why he did it.
This is part of the Lord's Supper I talked about two weeks ago.
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrew 9:22
Why does forgiveness require the shedding of blood? There is no greater symbol of life than blood. Blood keeps us alive. Jesus shed his blood - gave his life - for our sins so that we would not have to experience spiritual death, eternal separation from God. Jesus is the source of life, not death. He gave his own life to pay our sin for us so that we might live. After shedding his blood for us, Christ rose from the grave and proclaimed victory over sin and death.
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrew 9:14
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new convenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me".
1 Corinthians 11:25
How do we remember Christ in the Lord's Supper? By thinking about what he did and why he did it.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Paul's Letter - Examine Yourself
Examine yourself during the Lord's Supper.
http://denniscesone.blogspot.com/2005/04/examine-yourself.html
http://denniscesone.blogspot.com/2005/04/examine-yourself.html
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Try Prayer Power
Try Prayer Power
The Kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:21
Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20
Pray without ceasing. I believe that prayer is sending out of vibrations from one person to another and to God.
Follow ten rules for getting effective results from prayer:
Set aside a few minutes every day. Do not say anything. Simply practice thinking about God. This will make your mind spiritually receptive.
Then pray orally, using simple natural words. Tell God anything that is on your mind. Talk to God in your own language. He understands it.
Pray as you go about the business of the day, on the subway or washing dishes or at your desk. Utilize minute prayers by closing your eyes to shut out the world and concentrating briefly on God’s presence. The more you do this every day, the nearer you will feel God’s presence.
Do not always ask when you pray but instead affirm that God’s blessings are being given. Spend most of your prayers giving thanks and praising Him.
Pray with brief that prayers can reach out and surround your love ones with God’s love and protection.
Never use a negative though in prayer. Only positive thoughts get results.
Always express willingness to accept God’s will. Ask for what you want, but be willing to take what God gives you. It may be better than what you ask for.
Practice the attitude of putting everything in God’s hands. Ask for the ability to do your best and to leave the results confidently to God.
Pray for people you do not like or who have mistreated you. Resentment is blockage number one of spiritual power.
Make a list of people for whom to pray. The more you pray for other people especially those not connected with you, the more prayer results will come back to you.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
In God's Thoughts
God Thinks About You..
For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song. Zephaniah 3:17
Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me! Psalm 139:17-18
What an awesome God we have, a God Whose love is incredible for us. God loves to think about His children. The Word clearly shows how much our God loves and cares for us. God is crazy about us. He has so many precious thoughts toward us that they cannot be counted. He stands over you and rejoices with shouts of joy and singing. God knows you so well. He even knows the number of hairs on your head. He has great plans for you. A wonderful future.
Father,
I thank you for the precious thoughts You have for me. I thank You that You know me even better than I know myself. I seek Your will for my life. Allow me to choose the path You have placed before me. Teach me to love others with Your love. Let all my hope be in You.
I love you,
Amen.
For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song. Zephaniah 3:17
Not even a sparrow, worth only half a penny, can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me! Psalm 139:17-18
What an awesome God we have, a God Whose love is incredible for us. God loves to think about His children. The Word clearly shows how much our God loves and cares for us. God is crazy about us. He has so many precious thoughts toward us that they cannot be counted. He stands over you and rejoices with shouts of joy and singing. God knows you so well. He even knows the number of hairs on your head. He has great plans for you. A wonderful future.
Father,
I thank you for the precious thoughts You have for me. I thank You that You know me even better than I know myself. I seek Your will for my life. Allow me to choose the path You have placed before me. Teach me to love others with Your love. Let all my hope be in You.
I love you,
Amen.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
My Food
Jesus Tells about the Spiritual Harvest
Jesus said:
My food is to do what God wants! He is the one who sent me, and I must finish the work that he gave me to do. You may say that there are still four months until harvest time. But I tell you to look, and you will see that the fields are ripe and ready to harvest. Even now the harvest workers are receiving their reward by gathering a harvest that brings eternal life. Then everyone who planted the seed and everyone who harvests the crop will celebrate together. So the saying proves true, "Some plant the seed, and others harvest the crop." I am sending you to harvest crops in fields where others have done all the hard work. John 4:34-38
The "food" about which Jesus was speaking was his spiritual nourishment. It includes more than Bible study, prayer, and attending church. Spiritual nourishment also comes from doing God's will and helping to bring his work of salvation to completion. We are nourished not only by what we take in, but also by what we give out for God. In John 17:4, Jesus refers to completing God's work on earth.
I have brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you gave me to do.
John 17:4
Jesus said:
My food is to do what God wants! He is the one who sent me, and I must finish the work that he gave me to do. You may say that there are still four months until harvest time. But I tell you to look, and you will see that the fields are ripe and ready to harvest. Even now the harvest workers are receiving their reward by gathering a harvest that brings eternal life. Then everyone who planted the seed and everyone who harvests the crop will celebrate together. So the saying proves true, "Some plant the seed, and others harvest the crop." I am sending you to harvest crops in fields where others have done all the hard work. John 4:34-38
The "food" about which Jesus was speaking was his spiritual nourishment. It includes more than Bible study, prayer, and attending church. Spiritual nourishment also comes from doing God's will and helping to bring his work of salvation to completion. We are nourished not only by what we take in, but also by what we give out for God. In John 17:4, Jesus refers to completing God's work on earth.
I have brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you gave me to do.
John 17:4
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
A Morning Prayer
A Morning Prayer for healing:
Dear Father,
I thank you for creating me in Your image. I praise You that I am fearfully and wonderful made. I confess that You are God that heals, my Great Physican. I ask You to heal my body from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. I pray that You would regenerate every bone, joint, tendon, ligament, tissue, organ, and cell of my body. This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Our praying health experience begins and ends each day with prayers of thanksgiving, prayers for healing, and prayers for petition. Try repeating this prayer daily to experience how the God of the ages will work a miracle in your life. Even if you have never prayed before, God promises that His Word will never return void, but it wil prosper in the thing for which He sends it. We can trust God's promises.
Dear Father,
I thank you for creating me in Your image. I praise You that I am fearfully and wonderful made. I confess that You are God that heals, my Great Physican. I ask You to heal my body from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. I pray that You would regenerate every bone, joint, tendon, ligament, tissue, organ, and cell of my body. This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Our praying health experience begins and ends each day with prayers of thanksgiving, prayers for healing, and prayers for petition. Try repeating this prayer daily to experience how the God of the ages will work a miracle in your life. Even if you have never prayed before, God promises that His Word will never return void, but it wil prosper in the thing for which He sends it. We can trust God's promises.
Friday, July 22, 2005
True Love
God's Will - Perfect LOVE
But I don't need to write to you about the Christian love that should be shown among God's people. For God himself has taught you to love one another. Indeed, your love is already strong toward all the Christians in all of Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we beg you to love them more and more. This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Father,
Don't ever let us disregard you or your Holy Spirit, which you give us. Give us perfect love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let this teaching of yours fill our minds. Let this love among us grow more and more, every day and in every way. May we aspire to live quietly, to mind our own affairs, and to work with our hands or our minds, so that we may be dependent on no one and command the respect of those outside your family. May that respect lead them to listen, to heed, and also to become you rchildren.
In the name of Jesus I ask,
Amen.
God is not interested in our spiritual life. He's interested in our life.
-- John Ortberg
But I don't need to write to you about the Christian love that should be shown among God's people. For God himself has taught you to love one another. Indeed, your love is already strong toward all the Christians in all of Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we beg you to love them more and more. This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Father,
Don't ever let us disregard you or your Holy Spirit, which you give us. Give us perfect love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let this teaching of yours fill our minds. Let this love among us grow more and more, every day and in every way. May we aspire to live quietly, to mind our own affairs, and to work with our hands or our minds, so that we may be dependent on no one and command the respect of those outside your family. May that respect lead them to listen, to heed, and also to become you rchildren.
In the name of Jesus I ask,
Amen.
God is not interested in our spiritual life. He's interested in our life.
-- John Ortberg
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Watch Your Tongue
Then Jesus called to the crowds and said, "Listen to what I say and try to understand. The food that you put into your mouth doesn't make you unclean and unfit to worship God. The bad words that come out of your mouth are what make you unclean. Matthew 15:10-11
Wouldn't it be nice if we could make ourselves pure simply by eating the right things? It is hard to eat the right things. But it's a lot harder for most of us to say and do the right things. We have all sorts of problems with our speech: we say too much, we gossip, we lie, we take the Lord's name in vain, we exaggerate, we distort, we slander, we wound, we curse. The list could go on and on because the tongue can get away from us. Part of the problem is that our mouths often let fly what is unredeemed in our hearts. Another part of the problem is that we don't think about what we are going to say before we speak it. Still another part of the problem is that we do think what we would say to wound, hurt, or get back at someone; then, when we are given the opportunity, we say it. Purity is an ongoing struggle. Jesus is saying don't make it so simple, so external, as just a matter of what you eat.
Father,
Forgive me for wanting a cheap, quick fix to the problems of my heart's purity. I want you to redeem my heart. So I commit today to avoid what can pollute, putrefy, and poison my heart toward you and your children, and I ask for the power of the Spirit to help me with this commmitment.
In Jesus' name I ask.
Amen.
We always thank God that you believed the message we preached. It came from him, and it isn't something made up by humans. You accepted it as God's message, and now he is working in you. 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Wouldn't it be nice if we could make ourselves pure simply by eating the right things? It is hard to eat the right things. But it's a lot harder for most of us to say and do the right things. We have all sorts of problems with our speech: we say too much, we gossip, we lie, we take the Lord's name in vain, we exaggerate, we distort, we slander, we wound, we curse. The list could go on and on because the tongue can get away from us. Part of the problem is that our mouths often let fly what is unredeemed in our hearts. Another part of the problem is that we don't think about what we are going to say before we speak it. Still another part of the problem is that we do think what we would say to wound, hurt, or get back at someone; then, when we are given the opportunity, we say it. Purity is an ongoing struggle. Jesus is saying don't make it so simple, so external, as just a matter of what you eat.
Father,
Forgive me for wanting a cheap, quick fix to the problems of my heart's purity. I want you to redeem my heart. So I commit today to avoid what can pollute, putrefy, and poison my heart toward you and your children, and I ask for the power of the Spirit to help me with this commmitment.
In Jesus' name I ask.
Amen.
We always thank God that you believed the message we preached. It came from him, and it isn't something made up by humans. You accepted it as God's message, and now he is working in you. 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Jesus Prays For Us
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21
Few things are more precious than knowing that Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, thought to pray for us! So often, we read the words of John 17 and study them as a prayer for his apostles in the upper room. But if we look closely at this passage, we also see that Jesus prays for us, those who believe on him because of the apostles' testimony. He wants us to be one! He wants us to live with the same unity, purpose, and character of God that he did.
If we do not, then how will the people of the world know that God sent his Son? How will they know what to believe? How will they find Jesus as their Savior?
Dear Father,
Forgive us and change us and help us see what is most important in our lives as your disciples. Break down the barriers that divide us into different religious groups and help us find unity around the things, and the One, that matter most.
In Jesus'name I ask.
Amen.
Prayer is exhaling the spirit of man and inhaling the spirit of God.
-Edwin Keith
Few things are more precious than knowing that Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, thought to pray for us! So often, we read the words of John 17 and study them as a prayer for his apostles in the upper room. But if we look closely at this passage, we also see that Jesus prays for us, those who believe on him because of the apostles' testimony. He wants us to be one! He wants us to live with the same unity, purpose, and character of God that he did.
If we do not, then how will the people of the world know that God sent his Son? How will they know what to believe? How will they find Jesus as their Savior?
Dear Father,
Forgive us and change us and help us see what is most important in our lives as your disciples. Break down the barriers that divide us into different religious groups and help us find unity around the things, and the One, that matter most.
In Jesus'name I ask.
Amen.
Prayer is exhaling the spirit of man and inhaling the spirit of God.
-Edwin Keith
Monday, July 11, 2005
Burdens - Help Each Other
HELP EACH OTHER: BEARING EACH OTHERS' BURDENS
My friends, you are spiritual. So if someone is trapped in sin, you should gently lead that person back to the right path. But watch out, and don't be tempted yourself. You obey the law of Christ when you offer each other a helping hand.
If you think you are better than others, when you really aren't, you are wrong. Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others. We each must carry our own load.
Share every good thing you have with anyone who teaches you what God has said.
You cannot fool God, so don't make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. Don't get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don't give up. We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord.
Galatians 6:1-10
My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! Amen. Galatians 6:18
Prayer:
Dear Father,
Fill my heart with love for my brothers and sisters in Christ. If someone is overtaken in some wrong deed, help me to assist to bring back that person, in a spirit of gentleness. Let me watch out for myself. Help all of us to bear one another's burdens. Help us not to deceive ourselves, thinking we are something when we are really nothing. Teach each of us to bear our own burdens.
In Jesus name I ask all this and that you will give me a Spirit-filled life.
Amen.
Give me a grateful spirit, a thankful heart. Help me to give thanks in everything. Help me to acknowledge and express the benefits and blessings that I have received from You and others. Protect me from a discontented heart and a murmuring tongue. -Nancy Leigh DeMoss in A Place of Quiet Rest
My friends, you are spiritual. So if someone is trapped in sin, you should gently lead that person back to the right path. But watch out, and don't be tempted yourself. You obey the law of Christ when you offer each other a helping hand.
If you think you are better than others, when you really aren't, you are wrong. Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others. We each must carry our own load.
Share every good thing you have with anyone who teaches you what God has said.
You cannot fool God, so don't make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. Don't get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don't give up. We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord.
Galatians 6:1-10
My friends, I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you! Amen. Galatians 6:18
Prayer:
Dear Father,
Fill my heart with love for my brothers and sisters in Christ. If someone is overtaken in some wrong deed, help me to assist to bring back that person, in a spirit of gentleness. Let me watch out for myself. Help all of us to bear one another's burdens. Help us not to deceive ourselves, thinking we are something when we are really nothing. Teach each of us to bear our own burdens.
In Jesus name I ask all this and that you will give me a Spirit-filled life.
Amen.
Give me a grateful spirit, a thankful heart. Help me to give thanks in everything. Help me to acknowledge and express the benefits and blessings that I have received from You and others. Protect me from a discontented heart and a murmuring tongue. -Nancy Leigh DeMoss in A Place of Quiet Rest
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
"One Anothers"
God's Family
There are 58 "One Anothers" in the Bible that teach us how to treat our brothers and sisters in the family of God.
In God's family we are called to love and care for our fellow members.
Love One Another
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11
Encourage One Another
Leet us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another. Hebrew 10:25
Serve One Another
Serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13
Pray One For Another
Confess your sin to each other and pray for each other. James 5:16
If we walk in the light, as Gos is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
We understand what real love is when we realize that Christ gave His life for us. That means that we must give our lives for other beleivers.
Giving of yourself and putting others first isn't easy but God asks you do it because he did it first. He loves us even thought we are not perfect and his purpose for you is to do the same. Jesus wants you to love real people, not ideal people because there are no perfect people.
Real fellowship means being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus.
There are 58 "One Anothers" in the Bible that teach us how to treat our brothers and sisters in the family of God.
In God's family we are called to love and care for our fellow members.
Love One Another
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11
Encourage One Another
Leet us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another. Hebrew 10:25
Serve One Another
Serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13
Pray One For Another
Confess your sin to each other and pray for each other. James 5:16
If we walk in the light, as Gos is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
We understand what real love is when we realize that Christ gave His life for us. That means that we must give our lives for other beleivers.
Giving of yourself and putting others first isn't easy but God asks you do it because he did it first. He loves us even thought we are not perfect and his purpose for you is to do the same. Jesus wants you to love real people, not ideal people because there are no perfect people.
Real fellowship means being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus.
Monday, July 04, 2005
Grace and Freedom
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV
Christ died to set us free from sin and from a long list of laws and regulations. Christ came to set us free - not free to do whatever we want because that would lead us back into slavery to our selfish desires. Rather, thanks to Christ, we are now free and able to do what was impossible before - to live unselfishly.
Grace and freedom are not a license to sin (Jude 4). In fact, sin enslaves us; sin is addictive (John 8:34). As those for whom the old person of sin has died and been buried with Jesus in baptism, we are not to let sin reign over us or become our master because we have been liberated by grace (Rom. 6:1-14). So let's seek the power of the Holy Spirit to cleanse us (Heb. 9:14) and powerfully liberate us from sin (Rom. 8:10-15). Let's use our freedom to bless and build others up. Let's use our freedom to offer our hearts and lives to the work of God!
Prayer:
Holy Father,
Thank you for freeing me from the guilt and power of sin. Please empower and transform me by your Spirit so that I can leave my sinful past behind and live a life of character and blessing in my family, in my work, in your church, and in your world.
In Jesus' name I ask.
Amen
Christ died to set us free from sin and from a long list of laws and regulations. Christ came to set us free - not free to do whatever we want because that would lead us back into slavery to our selfish desires. Rather, thanks to Christ, we are now free and able to do what was impossible before - to live unselfishly.
Grace and freedom are not a license to sin (Jude 4). In fact, sin enslaves us; sin is addictive (John 8:34). As those for whom the old person of sin has died and been buried with Jesus in baptism, we are not to let sin reign over us or become our master because we have been liberated by grace (Rom. 6:1-14). So let's seek the power of the Holy Spirit to cleanse us (Heb. 9:14) and powerfully liberate us from sin (Rom. 8:10-15). Let's use our freedom to bless and build others up. Let's use our freedom to offer our hearts and lives to the work of God!
Prayer:
Holy Father,
Thank you for freeing me from the guilt and power of sin. Please empower and transform me by your Spirit so that I can leave my sinful past behind and live a life of character and blessing in my family, in my work, in your church, and in your world.
In Jesus' name I ask.
Amen
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Fix Our Eyes On Jesus
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you." John 17:1 (NIV)
John 17 is one of the most moving chapters in all the Bible. Jesus knows he is going to die. He knows he is spending his last few hours before his death with disciples who do not understand what he is about to do and why he is about to do it. Jesus has two key goals in mind as he prepares himself, and his disciples, for their life ahead without him. He wants them to be one so they can remain strong and influence the world for God. He wants what he does to bring glory to the Father.
While he faces humiliation and abandonment, his desire is to bless others. We are going to face hardship. What will be our goal? No wonder we are reminded to fix our eyes on Jesus and follow his example.
Prayer:
Precious Jesus,
I cannot thank you enough for leaving me a powerful example of how to endure life's heaviest burdens. Please make my life a blessing to others and give me courage to serve and to bless even in times that are hard.
In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.
John 17 is one of the most moving chapters in all the Bible. Jesus knows he is going to die. He knows he is spending his last few hours before his death with disciples who do not understand what he is about to do and why he is about to do it. Jesus has two key goals in mind as he prepares himself, and his disciples, for their life ahead without him. He wants them to be one so they can remain strong and influence the world for God. He wants what he does to bring glory to the Father.
While he faces humiliation and abandonment, his desire is to bless others. We are going to face hardship. What will be our goal? No wonder we are reminded to fix our eyes on Jesus and follow his example.
Prayer:
Precious Jesus,
I cannot thank you enough for leaving me a powerful example of how to endure life's heaviest burdens. Please make my life a blessing to others and give me courage to serve and to bless even in times that are hard.
In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.
Friday, June 24, 2005
T.G.I.F.
Thank God I'm Forgiven
Whenever we have ask God to forgive us for sin, we should ask ourselves "have I forgiven the people who have wronged me?"
The key is forgiving others is remembering how much God has forgiven you. Is it difficult for you to forgive someone who has wronged you a little when God has forgiven you so much?
Realizing God's infinite love and forgiveness can help you love and forgive others.
Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. Ephesians 4:32
Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Colossians 3:13
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you. Jesus said: Don't judge others, and God won't judge you. Don't be hard on others, and God won't be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. Luke 6:35-37
If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
Whenever we have ask God to forgive us for sin, we should ask ourselves "have I forgiven the people who have wronged me?"
The key is forgiving others is remembering how much God has forgiven you. Is it difficult for you to forgive someone who has wronged you a little when God has forgiven you so much?
Realizing God's infinite love and forgiveness can help you love and forgive others.
Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. Ephesians 4:32
Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Colossians 3:13
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you. Jesus said: Don't judge others, and God won't judge you. Don't be hard on others, and God won't be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. Luke 6:35-37
If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
Examine Yourselves
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15, NIV
It's time for self-examination.
Paul's Final Advice:
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test. I hope you recognize that we have passed the test and are approved by God.
We pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. We pray this, not to show that our ministry to you has been successful, but because we want you to do right even if we ourselves seem to have failed. Our responsibility is never to oppose the truth, but to stand for the truth at all times. We are glad to be weak, if you are really strong. What we pray for is your restoration to maturity.
I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won't need to deal harshly with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to build you up, not to tear you down.
Paul's Final Greetings
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet each other in Christian love. All the Christians here send you their greetings.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:5-14
Dear Father,
Help me to examine myself, to test myself, to see whether I am holding to my faith. Help me to realize that Jesus Christ is in me. Help me not to do anything wrong, to do nothing against the truth. Help me stand for Christ and for what is right and true. Let my life, my attitude and my actions show constant improvement. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ rest upon me. May you, the God of love and peace, be near me. May the fellowship of your Holy Spirit surround me.
In Jesus name I ask.
Amen
It's time for self-examination.
Paul's Final Advice:
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test. I hope you recognize that we have passed the test and are approved by God.
We pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. We pray this, not to show that our ministry to you has been successful, but because we want you to do right even if we ourselves seem to have failed. Our responsibility is never to oppose the truth, but to stand for the truth at all times. We are glad to be weak, if you are really strong. What we pray for is your restoration to maturity.
I am writing this to you before I come, hoping that I won't need to deal harshly with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to build you up, not to tear you down.
Paul's Final Greetings
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet each other in Christian love. All the Christians here send you their greetings.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:5-14
Dear Father,
Help me to examine myself, to test myself, to see whether I am holding to my faith. Help me to realize that Jesus Christ is in me. Help me not to do anything wrong, to do nothing against the truth. Help me stand for Christ and for what is right and true. Let my life, my attitude and my actions show constant improvement. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ rest upon me. May you, the God of love and peace, be near me. May the fellowship of your Holy Spirit surround me.
In Jesus name I ask.
Amen
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Jesus Prays For Himself
The Prayer of Jesus
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone in all the earth. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to do. And now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. John 17:1-5
From it, we learned that the world is a tremendous battleground where the forces under Satan's power and those under God's authority are at war. Jesus prayed for his disciples, including those of us who follow up today. He prayed that God would keep his chosen beleivers safe from Satan's power, setting them apart and making them pure and holy, uniting them through his truth.
How do we get eternal life? Jesus tells us clearly here - by knowing God the Father himself through his Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ, when we admit our sin and turn away from it, Christ's love lives in us by the Holy Spirit.
Confess your sin..
listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! Nehemiah 1:6
Before Jesus came to earth, he was one with God. At this point when his mission on earth was almost finished, Jesus was asking his Father to restore him to his original place of honor and authority. Jesus resurrection and ascension - and Stephen's dying exclamation ( Acts 7:56 ) - attest that Jesus did return to his exalted at the right hand of God.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knee and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60
Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus the Messiah standing at God's right hand.
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone in all the earth. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to do. And now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. John 17:1-5
From it, we learned that the world is a tremendous battleground where the forces under Satan's power and those under God's authority are at war. Jesus prayed for his disciples, including those of us who follow up today. He prayed that God would keep his chosen beleivers safe from Satan's power, setting them apart and making them pure and holy, uniting them through his truth.
How do we get eternal life? Jesus tells us clearly here - by knowing God the Father himself through his Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ, when we admit our sin and turn away from it, Christ's love lives in us by the Holy Spirit.
Confess your sin..
listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! Nehemiah 1:6
Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Psalm 32:5
But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. Psalm 38:18I have sworn by my own name, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to my name." Isaiah 45:23
For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Roman 10:9
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. James 5:16
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. 1 John 1:9
Before Jesus came to earth, he was one with God. At this point when his mission on earth was almost finished, Jesus was asking his Father to restore him to his original place of honor and authority. Jesus resurrection and ascension - and Stephen's dying exclamation ( Acts 7:56 ) - attest that Jesus did return to his exalted at the right hand of God.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knee and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60
Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus the Messiah standing at God's right hand.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Father's Day Prayer
Father's Day Prayer
Fathers are very special people and gifts from God. This is a special prayer for fathers.
God, bless all the fathers in the world. Guide them to be good role models and loving to all their children. Help them to be a father like You are. Give them grace and patience to handle situations in a loving way.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Thank you for the love you've shown me.
Thank you for setting a good example for me.
Thank you for forgiving me when I did wrong.
Thank you for teaching me the lessons of life.
Thank you for helping me set goals.
Thank you for sharing in my accomplishments.
Thank you for providing for me.
Thank you for making my life easier.
Thank you for being my friend.
Thank you for caring about me.
Thank you for spending time with me.
Thank you for always being there when I need you.
Thank you for everything!
I love you, Dad!
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
Fathers are very special people and gifts from God. This is a special prayer for fathers.
God, bless all the fathers in the world. Guide them to be good role models and loving to all their children. Help them to be a father like You are. Give them grace and patience to handle situations in a loving way.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Thank you for the love you've shown me.
Thank you for setting a good example for me.
Thank you for forgiving me when I did wrong.
Thank you for teaching me the lessons of life.
Thank you for helping me set goals.
Thank you for sharing in my accomplishments.
Thank you for providing for me.
Thank you for making my life easier.
Thank you for being my friend.
Thank you for caring about me.
Thank you for spending time with me.
Thank you for always being there when I need you.
Thank you for everything!
I love you, Dad!
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
Monday, June 13, 2005
In Your Prayer Life
What changes need to be made in your prayer life? How can you make worship a higher priority? Pray from your heart. With reverance.
We can never pray too much if your prayers are honest and sincere. Before you start to pray, make sure you mean what you say. It is not wrong to come to God many times with the same requests - Jesus encourages persistent prayers! But he condemns the shallow repetition of words that are not offered with a sincere heart.
Jesus said to his disciples -
When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.
Notice the order in this prayer. First, Jesus praised God then he made his requests. Praising God first put us in the right frame of mind to tell him about our needs. He made forgiveness the cornerstone of their relationship with God. God has forgiven our sins, we must now forgive those who have wronged us. Persistence in prayer overcomes our insensitivy, not God's. To practice persistence does more to change our hearts and minds than his and it helps us understand and express the intensity of our need. Persistence in prayer helps us recognize God's work.
We can never pray too much if your prayers are honest and sincere. Before you start to pray, make sure you mean what you say. It is not wrong to come to God many times with the same requests - Jesus encourages persistent prayers! But he condemns the shallow repetition of words that are not offered with a sincere heart.
Jesus said to his disciples -
When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.
Notice the order in this prayer. First, Jesus praised God then he made his requests. Praising God first put us in the right frame of mind to tell him about our needs. He made forgiveness the cornerstone of their relationship with God. God has forgiven our sins, we must now forgive those who have wronged us. Persistence in prayer overcomes our insensitivy, not God's. To practice persistence does more to change our hearts and minds than his and it helps us understand and express the intensity of our need. Persistence in prayer helps us recognize God's work.
Pray at home first. Make sure you are spending quality time alone with God daily in your own personal time of worship, prayer and fasting.. Do not allow the Church Prayer Meeting times to be your only time of prayer. Jesus warned us many times about those who love to stand before men and let their prayers be heard. Jesus called them hypocrites.
Enter the prayer room with good thoughts. Words of encouragements. Hope. Faith. Build up each other. Grumbling and complaining can set a bad tone.
Less Talking, More Praying. A prayer gathering is just a time to join together and pray. We have come together in a group to pray. Shared a few God stories filled with thanksgiving and praises. We enter the prayer's room with worship. Thanksgiving and praises. We cannot rush into the room waving our list of requests.
Allow the Holy Spirit to lead. Learn to listen. Learn to ask God to show you what to pray for.
Pray short and sweet. Most recorded prayers of Jesus were very short. If you pray many topics at once, it makes it difficult for others to focus your prayers. That way everyone has a chance to pray along with you.
Simple prayers are fine. Jesus taught us to come to God as little children. God knows our hearts. He wants us to talk to Him as a child would speak to his father.
Pray from your heart. With reverance.
Pray for God's will to be done. Not your will. Stay in His word.
Dear Lord,
I praise you that You are the God who hears and answer our prayers.Thank you that You long to be with us. Thank you for allowing us to come to You in prayer.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen
Friday, May 27, 2005
Only Jesus Knows
My Father has given me authority over everything. No one really knows the Son except the Father, and no one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Matthew 11:27
The New Testament makes strong claims for Jesus. These claims are not just based upon the conclusions of men, but go back to several claims of Jesus. While these claims are most clearly seen in the Gospel of John (the "I Am" statements of Jesus and the emphasis on the Son knowing and doing the Father's will), they occur in the other Gospels as well. In this statement, Jesus is claiming to be the only one to really know the Father and his will. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks as one who has authority, making clear the will of God. As he leaves the earth, he does so with all authority in both the spiritual realm ("in heaven") and in the physical realm ("on earth"). The bottom line for Jesus' followers is what we do in response to Jesus as Lord. What we believe about him and who we believe him to be determine everything of lasting and eternal value in our lives.
Jesus prayed this prayer:
Then Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! Matthew 11:25-26
Dear Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus so I could know you and your will. Your love and kindness in sending him has given me confidence that when I stand before you in judgment, it will be to hear you say, "This is my child, whom I love, and in whom I am well pleased." For this hope, I offer you my praise and my life.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
The New Testament makes strong claims for Jesus. These claims are not just based upon the conclusions of men, but go back to several claims of Jesus. While these claims are most clearly seen in the Gospel of John (the "I Am" statements of Jesus and the emphasis on the Son knowing and doing the Father's will), they occur in the other Gospels as well. In this statement, Jesus is claiming to be the only one to really know the Father and his will. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks as one who has authority, making clear the will of God. As he leaves the earth, he does so with all authority in both the spiritual realm ("in heaven") and in the physical realm ("on earth"). The bottom line for Jesus' followers is what we do in response to Jesus as Lord. What we believe about him and who we believe him to be determine everything of lasting and eternal value in our lives.
Jesus prayed this prayer:
Then Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! Matthew 11:25-26
Dear Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus so I could know you and your will. Your love and kindness in sending him has given me confidence that when I stand before you in judgment, it will be to hear you say, "This is my child, whom I love, and in whom I am well pleased." For this hope, I offer you my praise and my life.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Nothing Should Limit Our Prayer
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25
Falsely imprisoned, Paul and Silas had been beaten and locked in prison. Under such horrible condition, they managed to praise God in hymns and pray to their Father in Heaven. Under this kind of pressure, their faith caught the attention of the other prisoners who listened to them. We need to be reminded that over the years of Christian witness, some of the most effective times of evangelism happened because Christians remained faithful and joyous people despite persecution and harassment. Nothing should limit our prayer and praise. God will use them to reach the hearts of those in the most difficult of places.
When we praise God we are blessed. In praise, God begins to soften our hearts to show us more about His nature. In prayer, God begins to mold our hearts like His. In prayer He reveals Himself to us.
Spend time praising Him. Praise God for all the blessings He had poured out on you and your Church.
For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song. Zephaniah 3:17
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16
Dear Lord,
I pray that you will make me a loving, respected, and forceful witness for Jesus. I ask this not so that I can boast, but so that others can more fully know your grace and come to Jesus to be saved. Thank you for your daily blessings.
In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.
Falsely imprisoned, Paul and Silas had been beaten and locked in prison. Under such horrible condition, they managed to praise God in hymns and pray to their Father in Heaven. Under this kind of pressure, their faith caught the attention of the other prisoners who listened to them. We need to be reminded that over the years of Christian witness, some of the most effective times of evangelism happened because Christians remained faithful and joyous people despite persecution and harassment. Nothing should limit our prayer and praise. God will use them to reach the hearts of those in the most difficult of places.
When we praise God we are blessed. In praise, God begins to soften our hearts to show us more about His nature. In prayer, God begins to mold our hearts like His. In prayer He reveals Himself to us.
Spend time praising Him. Praise God for all the blessings He had poured out on you and your Church.
For the LORD your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song. Zephaniah 3:17
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16
Dear Lord,
I pray that you will make me a loving, respected, and forceful witness for Jesus. I ask this not so that I can boast, but so that others can more fully know your grace and come to Jesus to be saved. Thank you for your daily blessings.
In Jesus name I pray.
Amen.
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