Paul assure us God's mighty weapons - PRAYER, FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, God's WORDS, the Holy Spirit - are powerful and effective.
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. Ephesians 6:13-18
We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ. And we will punish those who remained disobedient after the rest of you became loyal and obedient. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6
We, like Paul, are weak humans, but we do not need to use human plans and methods to win our battles. God's mighty weapons are available to use as we fight against Satan's "strongholds". The Christians must choose whose methods to use, God's or the world's.
These weapons can break down the proud human arguments against God and the walls that Satan builds to keep people from finding God. When dealing with the pride that keeps people from a relationship with Christ, me may be tempted to use our own methods. But nothing can break down these barriers like God's weapons.
God must be the commander in chief even our thoughts must be submitted to his control as we live for him. In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities ( the powerful evil forces of fallen angels headed by Satan, who is a vicious fighter ). To withstand their attacks, we must depend on God's strength and use every piece of his armor.
How can anyone pray on all occasions? One way is to make a quick, brief prayers your habitual response to every situation you meet throughout the day. Another way is to order your life around God's desires and teachings so that your very life becomes a PRAYER. You can make your PRAYER your life and your life a PRAYER while living in a world that needs God's powerful influence. Praying for all saints means praying for all believers in Christ, so pray for the Christians your know and for the church around the world.
Use the power of PRAYER. In any battle, it is essential to really understand your opponent. Keep your eyes open. Use the POWER of PRAYER - I do this not because I am a spiritual giant but because I am desperate. The Bible is clear; it is our duty as Christians to pray regularly and often for and with our saints.
In the end, it will be God's word in your heart that helps him be a light in our dark world.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Thursday, May 11, 2006
God Answers
God Answers A Prayer.
Have you asked God to help you with something this week? What are some of the ways he might answer your prayers.
Abraham's servant asked God for guidance in this very important task. Obviously Eliezer had learned much about faith about God from his master. What are your family members, friends, and associates learning about God from watching you? Be like Abraham, setting an example of dependent faith. And be like Eliezer, asking God for guidance before any venture. He knew the important of having the right heart and he asked God to help him his task.
O LORD, God of my master," he prayed. "Give me success and show kindness to my master, Abraham. Help me to accomplish the purpose of my journey. See, here I am, standing beside this spring, and the young women of the village are coming out to draw water. This is my request. I will ask one of them for a drink. If she says, 'Yes, certainly, and I will water your camels, too!'—let her be the one you have appointed as Isaac's wife. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master." As he was still praying, a young woman named Rebekah arrived with a water jug on her shoulder. Genesis 24:12-15
The man fell down to the ground and worshiped the LORD. "Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master, Abraham," he said. "The LORD has been so kind and faithful to Abraham, for he has led me straight to my master's relatives." Genesis 24:26-27
Have you asked God to help you with something this week? What are some of the ways he might answer your prayers.
Abraham's servant asked God for guidance in this very important task. Obviously Eliezer had learned much about faith about God from his master. What are your family members, friends, and associates learning about God from watching you? Be like Abraham, setting an example of dependent faith. And be like Eliezer, asking God for guidance before any venture. He knew the important of having the right heart and he asked God to help him his task.
O LORD, God of my master," he prayed. "Give me success and show kindness to my master, Abraham. Help me to accomplish the purpose of my journey. See, here I am, standing beside this spring, and the young women of the village are coming out to draw water. This is my request. I will ask one of them for a drink. If she says, 'Yes, certainly, and I will water your camels, too!'—let her be the one you have appointed as Isaac's wife. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master." As he was still praying, a young woman named Rebekah arrived with a water jug on her shoulder. Genesis 24:12-15
The man fell down to the ground and worshiped the LORD. "Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master, Abraham," he said. "The LORD has been so kind and faithful to Abraham, for he has led me straight to my master's relatives." Genesis 24:26-27
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
You Can Pray For Anything
Jesus Says the Disciples Can Pray for Anything.
Then Jesus said to the disciples, "Have faith in God. I assure you that you can say to this mountain, 'May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and your command will be obeyed. All that's required is that you really believe and do not doubt in your heart. Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. Mark 11:22-25
The kind of prayer that moves mountains is prayer for fruitfulness of God's Kingdom. It would seems impossible to move a mountain into the sea, so Jesus used that picture to say that God can do anything. God will answer your prayers, but not as result of your positive attitude. Other conditions must me met:
You must be a believer.
You must not hold a grudge against another person.
You must not pray for selfish motives.
Your requests must be good for the good of God's Kingdom.
To pray effectively, you need faith in God, not faith in the object of your request. If you focus only on your request, you will be left with nothing if your request is refused.
Jesus, our example for prayer, prayed, "Everything is possible for you...Yet not what I will, but what your will" ( Mark 14:36 ). Our prayers are often motivated by own interests and desires. We like to hear that we can have anything. But Jesus prayed with God's interests in mind. When we pray, we should express our desires, but want his will above ours.
Check yourself to see if your prayers focus on your interests or God's.
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2
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.
1Thessalonians 5:16-18
Then Jesus said to the disciples, "Have faith in God. I assure you that you can say to this mountain, 'May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and your command will be obeyed. All that's required is that you really believe and do not doubt in your heart. Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. Mark 11:22-25
The kind of prayer that moves mountains is prayer for fruitfulness of God's Kingdom. It would seems impossible to move a mountain into the sea, so Jesus used that picture to say that God can do anything. God will answer your prayers, but not as result of your positive attitude. Other conditions must me met:
You must be a believer.
You must not hold a grudge against another person.
You must not pray for selfish motives.
Your requests must be good for the good of God's Kingdom.
To pray effectively, you need faith in God, not faith in the object of your request. If you focus only on your request, you will be left with nothing if your request is refused.
Jesus, our example for prayer, prayed, "Everything is possible for you...Yet not what I will, but what your will" ( Mark 14:36 ). Our prayers are often motivated by own interests and desires. We like to hear that we can have anything. But Jesus prayed with God's interests in mind. When we pray, we should express our desires, but want his will above ours.
Check yourself to see if your prayers focus on your interests or God's.
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2
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.
1Thessalonians 5:16-18
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Take Time To Pray
The great people of the earth today are the people who pray - not
those who talk about prayer; nor those who say they believe in prayer;
nor those who can explain about prayer; but those who take time to
pray. -S.D. Gordon
those who talk about prayer; nor those who say they believe in prayer;
nor those who can explain about prayer; but those who take time to
pray. -S.D. Gordon
Knees
Prayer is, and should be, part of every Christian's life. It is how we communicate with God - giving Him praise and thanksgiving, as well as confessing our sins.
"When I get on my knees, God helps me to stand up to anything."
-Anonymous
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father. Ephesians 3:14
I strongly suspect that if we saw all the difference even the tiniest of our prayers make, and all the people these prayers were destined to affect, and all the consequence of those prayers down through the centuries, we would be so paralyzed with awe at the power of prayer that we would be unable to get off our knees for the rest of our lives. -Peter Kreeft
When people become acutely conscious of their weaknesses, it does one of two things to them: it either so unnerves them that they panic, or it drives them to their knees in prayer. Blessed are those who pray when there is no hope. God created the universe out of nothing. He can just as easily save us when we come to nothing. He not only can, but it delights him to do so. -Prayer Devotional Bible (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2004) p.505.-
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
"Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer; support the tottering knees. Have you any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down." John Wesley
Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that {the limb} which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:12-13
When Solomon had finished praying this entire prayer and supplication to the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread toward heaven. 1 Kings 8:54
Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously.
Daniel 6:10
Get on your knees to pray, praise and give thanks. Jesus is Lord.
"When I get on my knees, God helps me to stand up to anything."
-Anonymous
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father. Ephesians 3:14
I strongly suspect that if we saw all the difference even the tiniest of our prayers make, and all the people these prayers were destined to affect, and all the consequence of those prayers down through the centuries, we would be so paralyzed with awe at the power of prayer that we would be unable to get off our knees for the rest of our lives. -Peter Kreeft
When people become acutely conscious of their weaknesses, it does one of two things to them: it either so unnerves them that they panic, or it drives them to their knees in prayer. Blessed are those who pray when there is no hope. God created the universe out of nothing. He can just as easily save us when we come to nothing. He not only can, but it delights him to do so. -Prayer Devotional Bible (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2004) p.505.-
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9
"Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer; support the tottering knees. Have you any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down." John Wesley
Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that {the limb} which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:12-13
When Solomon had finished praying this entire prayer and supplication to the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread toward heaven. 1 Kings 8:54
Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously.
Daniel 6:10
Get on your knees to pray, praise and give thanks. Jesus is Lord.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
OBSERVING THE LORD'S SUPPER
Heartlight.org
Christian Order..
But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you. Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper, for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you. 1 Corinthians 11:17-23
Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29
Dear Father, giver of bread and wine,
When we come together as your family to partake of bread and wine,
let it truly be "the Lord's supper" which we eat. Let there be no
divisions or preferences among us, no putting ourselves first, or
putting our group first. Let there be no divisions between rich and
poor, young and old, dark-skinned or light, white collar or blue
collar. Let no one do anything that would humiliate another. For
"the Lord's supper" is a feast of love and unity.
Cause us to remember what was delivered to us by your apostles,
how the Lord Jesus on the night that he was betrayed took bread,
and having given thanks, broke it, and said, "This is my body which
is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
In the name of Jesus, who is the daily bread and wine of our
lives, I ask. Amen.
Christian Order..
But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you. Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper, for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you. 1 Corinthians 11:17-23
Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29
Dear Father, giver of bread and wine,
When we come together as your family to partake of bread and wine,
let it truly be "the Lord's supper" which we eat. Let there be no
divisions or preferences among us, no putting ourselves first, or
putting our group first. Let there be no divisions between rich and
poor, young and old, dark-skinned or light, white collar or blue
collar. Let no one do anything that would humiliate another. For
"the Lord's supper" is a feast of love and unity.
Cause us to remember what was delivered to us by your apostles,
how the Lord Jesus on the night that he was betrayed took bread,
and having given thanks, broke it, and said, "This is my body which
is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
In the name of Jesus, who is the daily bread and wine of our
lives, I ask. Amen.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Jesus is All the World to Me
Jesus is all the world to me,
My life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day
Without Him I would fall.
When I am sad to Him I go;
No other can cheer me so;
When I am sad He makes me glad:
He's my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me,
My Friend in trials sore;
I go to Him for blessings,
And He gives them o'er and o'er.
He sends the sunshine and the rain;
He sends the harvest's golden grain;
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain:
He's my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me:
I want no better friend;
I trust Him now,
I'll trust Him when Life's fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend,
Beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy:
He's my Friend.
My life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day
Without Him I would fall.
When I am sad to Him I go;
No other can cheer me so;
When I am sad He makes me glad:
He's my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me,
My Friend in trials sore;
I go to Him for blessings,
And He gives them o'er and o'er.
He sends the sunshine and the rain;
He sends the harvest's golden grain;
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain:
He's my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me:
I want no better friend;
I trust Him now,
I'll trust Him when Life's fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend,
Beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy:
He's my Friend.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Prayer Starts With The Relationship
Prayer does not work for you? Then you need to start with the relationship.
God loves you and wants you to experience peace and life, abundant and eternal.
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
God created us in His own image to have an abundant life. God gave us a will and a freedom of choice. We chose to disobey God and go our own willful way. We still make this choice today. This results in separation from God.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
People have tried in several ways to bridge gap between themselves and God.
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:2
Jesus Christ died on the Cross and rose from the grave. He paid the penalty for our sin and bridged the gap between God and people.
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ." 1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." 1 Peter 3:18
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
God has provided the only way. We must trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
I am a sinner. Admit your need.
Repent - Be willing to turn from your sins.
Confess and believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave.
Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit.
Once the relationship is established, you will find that prayer is its natural expression. It is simply speaking and listening to your Heavenly Father. God wants to answer our prayers.
God loves you and wants you to experience peace and life, abundant and eternal.
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
God created us in His own image to have an abundant life. God gave us a will and a freedom of choice. We chose to disobey God and go our own willful way. We still make this choice today. This results in separation from God.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
People have tried in several ways to bridge gap between themselves and God.
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:2
Jesus Christ died on the Cross and rose from the grave. He paid the penalty for our sin and bridged the gap between God and people.
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ." 1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." 1 Peter 3:18
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
God has provided the only way. We must trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
I am a sinner. Admit your need.
Repent - Be willing to turn from your sins.
Confess and believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave.
Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit.
Once the relationship is established, you will find that prayer is its natural expression. It is simply speaking and listening to your Heavenly Father. God wants to answer our prayers.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Pierced For Our Transgressions
Think about this while we take the bread & cup during the Lord's Supper on Sundays..
He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our
iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and
by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6
I don't know how Jesus could stand up under its weight. He had
my sin, your sin, our sin. He allowed it to be placed upon him so
that we would not have to bear the ultimate consequences of it at
all. But in that sacrifice, as horrible as it was, we find
ourselves healed -- cured of the most awful disease a person can
have, a sin-sick soul. He was pierced, crushed, and punished for
our sins. In their place, he has left us his transforming peace and
a place to belong.
Lord,
Let me not forget the cost of your love. Stir in me the constant and
abiding memory of your redemptive grace. Thank you for your love
and mercy.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our
iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and
by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6
I don't know how Jesus could stand up under its weight. He had
my sin, your sin, our sin. He allowed it to be placed upon him so
that we would not have to bear the ultimate consequences of it at
all. But in that sacrifice, as horrible as it was, we find
ourselves healed -- cured of the most awful disease a person can
have, a sin-sick soul. He was pierced, crushed, and punished for
our sins. In their place, he has left us his transforming peace and
a place to belong.
Lord,
Let me not forget the cost of your love. Stir in me the constant and
abiding memory of your redemptive grace. Thank you for your love
and mercy.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Monday, March 27, 2006
Praise God for Ways He Has Acted In Your Life
Psalm 145. As you read each verse decide if you agree with what is expressed. Take those parts of the Psalm that truly represent your thoughts and feelings, and read those parts aloud to God.
A psalm of praise of David.
1 I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
2 I will bless you every day, and I will praise you forever.
3 Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery!
4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts.
5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.
6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness.
7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is kind and merciful, slow to get angry, full of unfailing love.
9 The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
10 All of your works will thank you, LORD, and your faithful followers will bless you.
11 They will talk together about the glory of your kingdom; they will celebrate examples of your power.
12 They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule generation after generation.
The LORD is faithful in all he says; he is gracious in all he does. F108
14 The LORD helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
15 All eyes look to you for help; you give them their food as they need it.
16 When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
18 The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
20 The LORD protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.
21 I will praise the LORD, and everyone on earth will bless his holy name forever and forever.
Use Psalm 145 and specifically praise God for ways he has acted in your life. Pray for Tim Stewart ( Fairfax Church of Christ deaf worship leader ) as he plans our services, and for the many scripture readers, prayer leaders, song leaders, and servers that help us worship each week. Ask God to increase our desire for more of Jesus as we worship together and as we live out our faith during the week.
Thanks to Tim and his team for all they do for Fairfax Church of Christ Deaf Ministry.A psalm of praise of David.
1 I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
2 I will bless you every day, and I will praise you forever.
3 Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery!
4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts.
5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.
6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness.
7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is kind and merciful, slow to get angry, full of unfailing love.
9 The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.
10 All of your works will thank you, LORD, and your faithful followers will bless you.
11 They will talk together about the glory of your kingdom; they will celebrate examples of your power.
12 They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule generation after generation.
The LORD is faithful in all he says; he is gracious in all he does. F108
14 The LORD helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
15 All eyes look to you for help; you give them their food as they need it.
16 When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
18 The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
20 The LORD protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.
21 I will praise the LORD, and everyone on earth will bless his holy name forever and forever.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Hope
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, for he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
Psalm 38:15
For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
Psalm 39:7
And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
Psalm 42:5
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Psalm 71:5
For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.
Psalm 119:81
My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
Psalm 119:114
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
Psalm 119:116
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Psalm 130:5
I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
Lamentations 3:24
The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Philippians 1:20
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
Psalm 38:15
For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
Psalm 39:7
And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
Psalm 42:5
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Psalm 71:5
For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.
Psalm 119:81
My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
Psalm 119:114
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
Psalm 119:116
Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Psalm 130:5
I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
Lamentations 3:24
The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Philippians 1:20
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
PERSONAL PRAYERS
Personal Prayers from Colossians...Christian's most powerful resource is communion with God through prayer.
Lord God, help me to remember to give thanks to You, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in all things and to maintain an attitude of PRAYER. Colossians 1:3
Build in me a strong faith in You and a love for all the saints. Colossians 1:4
Fill me with the knowledge of Your will in all areas of my life. Colossians 1:9
Teach me to walk in a manner worthy of You and to please You in all things. Colossians 1:10
Help me to bear fruit daily in the work I do and increase in the knowledge of You. Colossians 1:10
Help me to be strengthened with Your power that I may have endurance and patience. Colossians 1:11
Help me to always remember that, as a believer, I have been delivered from darkness and brought into the kingdom of Your beloved Son. Colossians 1:13
I pray that You will have first place in everything in my life. Colossians 1:18
Father, I ask You to make my faith strong, stable, and fixed on the truth of the gospel. Colossians 1:23
Please knit my heart together in love with other believers in the body of Christ. Colossians 2:2
Create in me a good discipline and stability of faith in You. Colossians 2:5
Cause me to be firmly established in You, with a heart of gratitude. Colossians 2:7
Thank you, Lord, that through Your Son I have been made complete. Colossians 2:10
Teach me to keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at Your right hand. Colossians 3:1
Help me to focus my thoughts on Your purposes and not on worldy situations. Colossians 3:2
Lord God, help me to remember to give thanks to You, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in all things and to maintain an attitude of PRAYER. Colossians 1:3
Build in me a strong faith in You and a love for all the saints. Colossians 1:4
Fill me with the knowledge of Your will in all areas of my life. Colossians 1:9
Teach me to walk in a manner worthy of You and to please You in all things. Colossians 1:10
Help me to bear fruit daily in the work I do and increase in the knowledge of You. Colossians 1:10
Help me to be strengthened with Your power that I may have endurance and patience. Colossians 1:11
Help me to always remember that, as a believer, I have been delivered from darkness and brought into the kingdom of Your beloved Son. Colossians 1:13
I pray that You will have first place in everything in my life. Colossians 1:18
Father, I ask You to make my faith strong, stable, and fixed on the truth of the gospel. Colossians 1:23
Please knit my heart together in love with other believers in the body of Christ. Colossians 2:2
Create in me a good discipline and stability of faith in You. Colossians 2:5
Cause me to be firmly established in You, with a heart of gratitude. Colossians 2:7
Thank you, Lord, that through Your Son I have been made complete. Colossians 2:10
Teach me to keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at Your right hand. Colossians 3:1
Help me to focus my thoughts on Your purposes and not on worldy situations. Colossians 3:2
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
The Blood of Christ
Without the shedding of blood is no remission. Hebrews 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 and gave his life for our sins so that we would not experience spiritual death, eternal separation from God. Jesus is the source of life, not death. Jesus gave his own life to pay our penalty 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.
...so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28
Jesus is coming back. Are you prepared? Are you waiting?
Cindi's ( artist ) comments:
The picture of Jesus on the cross...I chose to do the final death on the cross as it is the exact position we would have been in if Christ did not die for us. We are all sinners, without Christ we're truly "dead."The striking contrast between the bold red (blood) color and the black background paper is the same as the contrast between life (blood and living in Christ) and death (no life, total darkness, no hope).
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Jesus Prayed at the Garden of Gethsemane
They Didn't Know What to Say!
Again he [Jesus] returned to them and found them sleeping, for they just couldn't keep their eyes open. And they didn't know what to say. Mark 14:40
Sometimes we just fail. Maybe it's because we don't understand the gravity of a behavior. Maybe it is because we are just too weary and distraught to do what we need to do. Maybe it's because we are weak or lazy.
The bottom line is that we are flawed people living in a fallen world. Despite our best intentions, our flesh sometimes triumphs over our faith. I can't think of anything that reminds us of our desperate need for Jesus to be our Savior more than Jesus' closest followers' letting him down in his moment of greatest need. Yet he dies for them and then calls them back to his service.
What a message of grace triumphing over sin, disappointment, failure, and death.
I pray in your name so often to praise, thank, and request things from the Father, that I sometimes forget to thank you for your incomparable love, mercy, and grace to die for us -- to die for me --when I have let you down and hurt you with my failure and sin. Thank you, dear Father, for such a divine plan to deal with human weakness and sin. All praise be to you, and to your Son. Amen.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
My Body
As they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread and asked God's blessing on it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "Take it, for this is my body."
Mark 14:22
For Jesus and his followers, bread was the "staff of life" -- the essence of food and nourishment to people in Jesus' culture in Jesus' day. Jesus had already taught his closest followers that he was the bread of life. (John 6) Now, Jesus was providing these followers with a
way to remember him, his life-giving place in their lives, and the sacrifice he was about to make for them. In addition, he was providing his followers with a way of understanding their role in the world -- they were to be his bodily presence.
When we take of the Lord's Supper on Sunday like the early followers of Jesus did, we do so to remember him and to commit to keep his ministry to the world alive as we pledge to be his Body. We must never take this meal for granted.
Father,
Thank you for leaving us a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice, hislife-giving grace, and our responsibility to keep his memory andministry alive as his Body, the Church. In Jesus name we remembered,
Amen.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Three Times A Day...
Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10
Daniel had a disciplined prayer life. Our prayer are usually interrupted not by threats, but simply by the pressure of our schedules. Do not let pressures or busyness cut into your prayer time. Pray regularly, no matter what, for prayer is your lifeline to God.
Daniel knew how to pray. As he prayed, he fasted, confessed his sins, and pleaded that God would reveal his will. He prayed with complete surrender to God and with complete openess to what God was saying to him. When you pray, do you speak openly to God? Examine your attitude. Talk to God with openness, vulnerability, honestly, and be ready for God's reply.
Are you willing to pray by pouring out your deel feelings to God? What would it take for God to get your attention? Do not wait until you are in a tough situation to learn about prayer.
Prayerfully live out your convictions in everyday life and trust God for the results.
Daniel had a disciplined prayer life. Our prayer are usually interrupted not by threats, but simply by the pressure of our schedules. Do not let pressures or busyness cut into your prayer time. Pray regularly, no matter what, for prayer is your lifeline to God.
Daniel knew how to pray. As he prayed, he fasted, confessed his sins, and pleaded that God would reveal his will. He prayed with complete surrender to God and with complete openess to what God was saying to him. When you pray, do you speak openly to God? Examine your attitude. Talk to God with openness, vulnerability, honestly, and be ready for God's reply.
Are you willing to pray by pouring out your deel feelings to God? What would it take for God to get your attention? Do not wait until you are in a tough situation to learn about prayer.
Prayerfully live out your convictions in everyday life and trust God for the results.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Dedicated Service
A Living Sacrifice...
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
I present my body to you, O Lord, as a living sacrifice. May it be holy and pleasing to you. Let this be my spiritual act of worship constantly, moment by moment, day by day, night by night.
Let me be transformed by the renewing of my mind, so that I may be able to test and approve what your holy will for me is - what is good, pleasing, and perfect.
Teach me to notice others and value them just as you do. I know you loved me when I was not lovable, and redeemed me when I was not worthy. Help me to take my eyes off myself and see others as you see them.
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
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
I present my body to you, O Lord, as a living sacrifice. May it be holy and pleasing to you. Let this be my spiritual act of worship constantly, moment by moment, day by day, night by night.
Let me be transformed by the renewing of my mind, so that I may be able to test and approve what your holy will for me is - what is good, pleasing, and perfect.
Teach me to notice others and value them just as you do. I know you loved me when I was not lovable, and redeemed me when I was not worthy. Help me to take my eyes off myself and see others as you see them.
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
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Search Me
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
Make this verse your prayer. If you ask the Lord to search your heart and your thoughts and to reveal your sin, you will be continuing on God's "way everlasting."
God loves you dearly, and he has called you to be his very own people.May grace and peace be yours from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Happy Valentine's Day to my precious girls - Cindi & Kayla.
Happy Valentine's Day, Mom!
Monday, February 13, 2006
Snow!
Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! Isaiah 65:18It's about time about we have SNOW in Maryland/D.C./Virginia area! It is truly a beautiful sight that the Lord has given us on Sunday. God wanted us to enjoy His creation.
Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everywhere in his kingdom. As for me – I, too, will praise the LORD. Psalms 103:22
Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it. We may receive it gladly, with thankful hearts. 1 Timothy 4:4
We had a good day of bible reading and reading children's bible stories with Cindi and Kayla yesterday morning before we played and shoveled and shoveled and shoveled and shoveled!
Thank you, God, for opening up your heaven to give us the beautiful white snow. God, when's the next blizzard?!
Mark Lowenstein is right - Spring is just around the corner!! :) It's suppose to be near 60 degrees on Thursday & Friday! http://marklowenstein.blogspot.com/2006/02/noreaster.html
The LORD is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. Psalms 145:9
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Have a great week. Pray without ceasing. Please continue to pray for Hazel Taylor.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
To Know and To Love God
What does God wants?
"I don't want your sacrifice - I want your love. I don't want your offering- I want you to know me", says the Lord. Hosea 6:6
Instead of trying to do and say all the right things to make God love you, you need to realize he already loves you. You just need to learn how to love him back. God wants to help you to know him and love him more. All you need to do is ask.
So help me, Father, to know and love you more today.
The first purpose of your life is to know and to love God because that gives God pleasure. The most important thing you can know in life is that God loves you.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness," says the Lord.
Jeremiah 31:3
The most important thing you can do in your life is love him back.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:37-38
God knows everything about you and he still loves you. His deepest desire is for you to know him and love him in return.
God, if I do not get anything done today, help me to know you a little bit better and love you with a little bit more. If, at the end of the day, I know you a little better and I love you a little more, I will have not wasted this day.
"I don't want your sacrifice - I want your love. I don't want your offering- I want you to know me", says the Lord. Hosea 6:6
Instead of trying to do and say all the right things to make God love you, you need to realize he already loves you. You just need to learn how to love him back. God wants to help you to know him and love him more. All you need to do is ask.
So help me, Father, to know and love you more today.
The first purpose of your life is to know and to love God because that gives God pleasure. The most important thing you can know in life is that God loves you.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness," says the Lord.
Jeremiah 31:3
The most important thing you can do in your life is love him back.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:37-38
God knows everything about you and he still loves you. His deepest desire is for you to know him and love him in return.
God, if I do not get anything done today, help me to know you a little bit better and love you with a little bit more. If, at the end of the day, I know you a little better and I love you a little more, I will have not wasted this day.
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