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.
Friday, September 30, 2005
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!
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