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
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