Verses 14-17 "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..."
Paul tells us to stand firm prepared and ready to do battle because we are fully equipped with the armor of God.
The belt of truth holds all the other armor in place; without the belt a warrior would lose all the rest of his protective covering. If the belt of truth is lost then the rest of the armor of God falls off and we are defenseless; the belt of truth is an essential piece of armor.
Paul wants us to speak the truth, to follow the example of Jesus who is the truth. Everything we do and say should be marked by truth. Living by the truth simplifies life; whatever is true we embrace while anything that is not true we reject. If a thought comes into our mind that is not in agreement with God’s word, then we dismiss it. If we have an opportunity to do or say anything that compromises or conflicts with the truth we avoid it. Adopt a simple rule for living: if it is true act upon it, build upon it, make it part of your life; if it is not the truth eliminate it, turn your back on it.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
a. God cleanses us from all unrighteousness and puts the righteousness of Christ upon us.
Putting on the breastplate of righteousness means two important things in our lives.
The breastplate of righteousness puts us in agreement with God about our sin.
We put on the breastplate of righteousness as we confess our sins to God. Confession is not simply saying, “O God I’m sorry.” Some of us are only sorry because we got caught.
Confession comes from the Greek word “homologeo” which is made up of two Greek words: “homo” meaning one or the same, and “logos” meaning word. So literally confession means to speak the same word. We agree with God about our sin; we don’t try to rationalize or make excuses for our sin, but we agree with God and say, “Lord what I have done or said is sin, now come and forgive me; wash me and make me clean again.”
Putting on the breastplate of righteousness does not mean you will never sin again. Rather it means you recognize sin in your life and turn from it immediately; when you sin you are quick to agree with God that He might again clothe you with His righteousness.
Likewise the breastplate of righteousness does not give us an excuse to continue in habitual sin. God wants us to become more and more like Jesus to live in victory over sin.
The breastplate of righteousness protects us from the accuser of the brethren.
If Satan cannot keep you from agreeing with God about your sin, he will try to defeat you by continually reminding you of your sin and unrighteousness. Satan will remind you of your past sin, right up to the point you agreed with God about it and received God’s forgiveness.
When Satan reminds you of your past, that’s the time to remind him of his future. The breastplate of righteousness protects you from Satan’s flaming arrows of accusation. You can continue to agree with God about your sin saying, “I’m forgiven for God has cleansed me of all unrighteousness.”
The breastplate of righteousness protects you form Satan finger pointing; the devil’s indictment holds no authority. Christ has purchased your pardon on the cross of Calvary! Don’t live in continual defeat; agree with God and have victory over your sin, past and present!
-
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Dream Something Beautiful
There was a time when nursing was thought of as a woman's profession and the answer somehow seemed not to satisfy. She had, after all, just returned from a NOW conference.
"You can be anything you want to be," she reminded her daughter. "You can be a lawyer, a surgeon, a banker, president of the country - you can be anything." "Anything?" Lisa asked. "Anything!" her mother smiled. "I know," Lisa said. "I want to be a horse!"
Lisa's dream may need some refinement, but there is plenty of time for that. When do we quit dreaming about the future? When do we resign ourselves to simply replaying dreams from the past?
Maybe her dream needs to mature a bit, but would you rather have the optimism of a five-year-old girl who wants to be a horse, or the pessimism of an adult who says in despair, "I can't be anything at all"?
Teddy Roosevelt said, "Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground." I believe that is the way to make those dreams come true. It begins with looking up and dreaming something beautiful.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Deceived
Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
We are in a battle with Satan, and he would like nothing better than for us to live a life of lies and deceit. The root of our sin nature is from lust, lies, and deception. We need Bible truth alive in us through salvation and we need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We know what the result would be otherwise:
Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
We also know how God would have us prepare for this battle. We can see how the Christian prepares for this spiritual battle in Ephesians 6:10-20.
Satan, has not changed his primary mode of operation since Eden. Jesus provides us a great illustration of the Christian's battle when he speaks to Peter:
Luke 22:31, 32 "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Satan desires to sift each of us, and through his lies and deception and from our participation in lust, lies, and deception, he would turn us away from Christ or destroy our testimony.
1 Timothy 1:18-20 "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."
-We have a battle.
-We need to be prepared.
-We need to avoid being Satan’s tool.
-We can have real victory through Christ.
Ephesians 4:31, 32 "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
We are in a battle with Satan, and he would like nothing better than for us to live a life of lies and deceit. The root of our sin nature is from lust, lies, and deception. We need Bible truth alive in us through salvation and we need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We know what the result would be otherwise:
Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
We also know how God would have us prepare for this battle. We can see how the Christian prepares for this spiritual battle in Ephesians 6:10-20.
Satan, has not changed his primary mode of operation since Eden. Jesus provides us a great illustration of the Christian's battle when he speaks to Peter:
Luke 22:31, 32 "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Satan desires to sift each of us, and through his lies and deception and from our participation in lust, lies, and deception, he would turn us away from Christ or destroy our testimony.
1 Timothy 1:18-20 "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."
-We have a battle.
-We need to be prepared.
-We need to avoid being Satan’s tool.
-We can have real victory through Christ.
Ephesians 4:31, 32 "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Monday, February 25, 2013
What did the bulletin say.
These are funny, embarrassing, hilarious, and…oh, just read them yourself. Enjoy, and share them with someone at your church who needs a good laugh!
-Due to the Rector’s illness, Wednesday’s healing services will be discontinued until further notice.
-The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience.
-On a church bulletin during the minister’s illness: GOD IS GOOD; Dr. Hargreaves is better.
-Applications are now being accepted for 2 year-old nursery workers.
-The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, “Break Forth Into Joy.”
-If you would like to make a donation, fill out a form, enclose a check, and drip in the collection basket.
-Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on “It’s a Terrible Experience.”
ADon’t miss this Saturday’s exhibit by Christian Martian Arts.
-We are grateful for the help of those who cleaned up the grounds around the church building and rector.
-A worm welcome to all who have come today.
ABarbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Nelson’s sermons.
-During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.
-Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
-The ushers will come forward and take our ties and offerings.
-The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Reverend and Mrs. Julius Belzer.
-The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
-Don’t let worry kill you off – let the church help.
-Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person(s) you want remembered.
-Let us join David and Lisa in the celebration of their wedding and bring their happiness to a conclusion.
-Helpers are needed! Please sign up on the information sheep.
-Diana and Don request your presents at their wedding.
-The concert held in Fellowship Hall was a great success. Special thanks are due to the minister’s daughter, who labored the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her.
_The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.
-Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30p.m. Please use the back door.
-The 1991 Spring Council Retreat will be hell May 10 and 11.
-The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession.
-Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
-22 members were present at the church meeting held at the home of Mrs. Marsha Crutchfield last evening. Mrs. Crutchfield and Mrs. Rankin sang a duet, The Lord Knows Why.
-The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.
-At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?”. Come early and listen to our choir practice.
-The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.
-The music for today’s service was all composed by George Friedrich Handel in celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth.
-A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday.
-Today’s Sermon: How Much Can a Man Drink? with hymns from a full choir.
Hymn: “I Love Thee My Ford.”
-Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
-Women’s Luncheon: Each member bring a sandwich. Polly Phillips will give the medication.
-Announcement in the church bulletin for a National PRAYER & FASTING conference: “The cost for attending the Fasting and Prayer conference includes meals.”
-The church will host an evening of fine dining, superb entertainment, and gracious hostility.
-Tuesday at 4PM there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.
- Watchers will meet at 7 p.m. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
-Due to the Rector’s illness, Wednesday’s healing services will be discontinued until further notice.
-The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience.
-On a church bulletin during the minister’s illness: GOD IS GOOD; Dr. Hargreaves is better.
-Applications are now being accepted for 2 year-old nursery workers.
-The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, “Break Forth Into Joy.”
-If you would like to make a donation, fill out a form, enclose a check, and drip in the collection basket.
-Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on “It’s a Terrible Experience.”
ADon’t miss this Saturday’s exhibit by Christian Martian Arts.
-We are grateful for the help of those who cleaned up the grounds around the church building and rector.
-A worm welcome to all who have come today.
ABarbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Nelson’s sermons.
-During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.
-Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
-The ushers will come forward and take our ties and offerings.
-The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Reverend and Mrs. Julius Belzer.
-The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
-Don’t let worry kill you off – let the church help.
-Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person(s) you want remembered.
-Let us join David and Lisa in the celebration of their wedding and bring their happiness to a conclusion.
-Helpers are needed! Please sign up on the information sheep.
-Diana and Don request your presents at their wedding.
-The concert held in Fellowship Hall was a great success. Special thanks are due to the minister’s daughter, who labored the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her.
_The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.
-Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30p.m. Please use the back door.
-The 1991 Spring Council Retreat will be hell May 10 and 11.
-The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession.
-Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
-22 members were present at the church meeting held at the home of Mrs. Marsha Crutchfield last evening. Mrs. Crutchfield and Mrs. Rankin sang a duet, The Lord Knows Why.
-The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.
-At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?”. Come early and listen to our choir practice.
-The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.
-The music for today’s service was all composed by George Friedrich Handel in celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth.
-A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday.
-Today’s Sermon: How Much Can a Man Drink? with hymns from a full choir.
Hymn: “I Love Thee My Ford.”
-Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
-Women’s Luncheon: Each member bring a sandwich. Polly Phillips will give the medication.
-Announcement in the church bulletin for a National PRAYER & FASTING conference: “The cost for attending the Fasting and Prayer conference includes meals.”
-The church will host an evening of fine dining, superb entertainment, and gracious hostility.
-Tuesday at 4PM there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.
- Watchers will meet at 7 p.m. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Tomorrow
James 4:13-17 "Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin."
Sometimes our best plans are not enough. The harder we try the more difficult the way becomes. James is not saying don't plan for tomorrow, just be aware you are not promised tomorrow. Your plan and God's may often be two different things. Tomorrow's not guaranteed so we must do what we can today for today and surrender our will to God for our future.
We must depend on others all of our lives for our tomorrow's. One thing is certain-people will let you down, friends will forsake you, and circumstances can change in a split-second. One day you fell invulnerable and the next day you are wounded. One day on top of the mountain and then the next day the mountain be on top of you. I write this simply to say God is not interested in our arrogance, but our submission. If we seek His way and His will it's much easier to be prepared for tomorrow whether it comes or not.
Man can interfere with God's Will. He's done it through resistance, refusal, and resigning himself to his plan rather than God's. Sometime's it's easier to do that than to yield. But if you know to do good and fail to do it it becomes sin.
Just recently I know of a minister that was doing well for the Lord with a bright future, but because a former member got mad at him and started a bunch of junk on the Internet his future was shredded. All over something that was fabricated out of revenge and not God. He needs prayer today all because somebody wanted their way and didn't get it.
Today is your day. It's also the Lord's Day. Give Him His due and trust Him. Man may let you own, but God won't. Your tomorrow is still in His hand.
Sometimes our best plans are not enough. The harder we try the more difficult the way becomes. James is not saying don't plan for tomorrow, just be aware you are not promised tomorrow. Your plan and God's may often be two different things. Tomorrow's not guaranteed so we must do what we can today for today and surrender our will to God for our future.
We must depend on others all of our lives for our tomorrow's. One thing is certain-people will let you down, friends will forsake you, and circumstances can change in a split-second. One day you fell invulnerable and the next day you are wounded. One day on top of the mountain and then the next day the mountain be on top of you. I write this simply to say God is not interested in our arrogance, but our submission. If we seek His way and His will it's much easier to be prepared for tomorrow whether it comes or not.
Man can interfere with God's Will. He's done it through resistance, refusal, and resigning himself to his plan rather than God's. Sometime's it's easier to do that than to yield. But if you know to do good and fail to do it it becomes sin.
Just recently I know of a minister that was doing well for the Lord with a bright future, but because a former member got mad at him and started a bunch of junk on the Internet his future was shredded. All over something that was fabricated out of revenge and not God. He needs prayer today all because somebody wanted their way and didn't get it.
Today is your day. It's also the Lord's Day. Give Him His due and trust Him. Man may let you own, but God won't. Your tomorrow is still in His hand.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Praying for Restoration
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load."
Galatians 6:1-5 NKJV
It always amazes me how many people attack a person of God who has a weak moment and falls into a trap of the enemy. It's as though these critics have lived a perfect life and never made a mistake in their lives. They've never lied, cheated, lusted, gotten angry, gossiped, or done other things just as bad in their whole life. My answer is, "Huh?"
I find no glory in a fallen comrade of faith whether I agree with them or not.
Satan is a deceiver of the brethren and is seeking all he may devour. What irks me the most and keeps me on my knees are those who say they are Christians but have no mercy unless it applies to them and their family. Everybody else is fair game.
Some people rejoice when they hear of a minister or well-profiled individual fall, but unless you're perfect and will never fall remember it can happen to you. So instead of being curious and trying to figure it out, pray for those that have fallen and restore them if possible. To many are falling and it's time we become catchers of men as well as fishers. Who knows, you might need to be caught one day as well.
Galatians 6:1-5 NKJV
It always amazes me how many people attack a person of God who has a weak moment and falls into a trap of the enemy. It's as though these critics have lived a perfect life and never made a mistake in their lives. They've never lied, cheated, lusted, gotten angry, gossiped, or done other things just as bad in their whole life. My answer is, "Huh?"
I find no glory in a fallen comrade of faith whether I agree with them or not.
Satan is a deceiver of the brethren and is seeking all he may devour. What irks me the most and keeps me on my knees are those who say they are Christians but have no mercy unless it applies to them and their family. Everybody else is fair game.
Some people rejoice when they hear of a minister or well-profiled individual fall, but unless you're perfect and will never fall remember it can happen to you. So instead of being curious and trying to figure it out, pray for those that have fallen and restore them if possible. To many are falling and it's time we become catchers of men as well as fishers. Who knows, you might need to be caught one day as well.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Generational curses
Acts 16:31 "So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
What does the Bible say about breaking generational curses?
The Bible mentions “generational curses” in several places (Exodus 20:5; 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 5:9). God warns that He is “a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.”
It sounds unfair for God to punish children for the sins of their fathers. However, there is more to it than that. The effects of sin are naturally passed down from one generation to the next. When a father has a sinful lifestyle, his children are likely to practice the same sinful lifestyle. Implied in the warning of Exodus 20:5 is the fact that the children will choose to repeat the sins of their fathers. A Jewish Targum specifies that this passage refers to “ungodly fathers” and “rebellious children.” So, it is not unjust for God to punish sin to the third or fourth generation – those generations are committing the same sins their ancestors did.
The cure for a generational curse has always been repentance. When Israel turned from idols to serve the living God, the “curse” was broken and God saved them (Judges 3:9, 15; 1 Samuel 12:10-11). Yes, God promised to visit Israel’s sin upon the third and fourth generations, but in the very next verse He promised that He would show “love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:6). In other words, God’s grace lasts a thousand times longer than His wrath.
For the Christian who is worried about a generational curse, the answer is salvation through Jesus Christ. A Christian is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). How can a child of God still be under God’s curse (Romans 8:1)? The cure for a “generational curse” is repentance of the sin in question, faith in Christ, and a life consecrated to the Lord (Romans 12:1-2).
5 ways to see your household changed and generational curses broken:
-Pray everyday or your family to be saved.
-Take authority over Satan for your loved ones.
-Believe for God to send a move of His Spirit through your family.
-Develop a spirit of worship in your household.
-Praise God from the depths of your heart that salvation is coming to you household.
What does the Bible say about breaking generational curses?
The Bible mentions “generational curses” in several places (Exodus 20:5; 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 5:9). God warns that He is “a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.”
It sounds unfair for God to punish children for the sins of their fathers. However, there is more to it than that. The effects of sin are naturally passed down from one generation to the next. When a father has a sinful lifestyle, his children are likely to practice the same sinful lifestyle. Implied in the warning of Exodus 20:5 is the fact that the children will choose to repeat the sins of their fathers. A Jewish Targum specifies that this passage refers to “ungodly fathers” and “rebellious children.” So, it is not unjust for God to punish sin to the third or fourth generation – those generations are committing the same sins their ancestors did.
The cure for a generational curse has always been repentance. When Israel turned from idols to serve the living God, the “curse” was broken and God saved them (Judges 3:9, 15; 1 Samuel 12:10-11). Yes, God promised to visit Israel’s sin upon the third and fourth generations, but in the very next verse He promised that He would show “love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:6). In other words, God’s grace lasts a thousand times longer than His wrath.
For the Christian who is worried about a generational curse, the answer is salvation through Jesus Christ. A Christian is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). How can a child of God still be under God’s curse (Romans 8:1)? The cure for a “generational curse” is repentance of the sin in question, faith in Christ, and a life consecrated to the Lord (Romans 12:1-2).
5 ways to see your household changed and generational curses broken:
-Pray everyday or your family to be saved.
-Take authority over Satan for your loved ones.
-Believe for God to send a move of His Spirit through your family.
-Develop a spirit of worship in your household.
-Praise God from the depths of your heart that salvation is coming to you household.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Forgive
Jesus spent a great deal of time talking about the importance of forgiving others. He made it clear that forgiveness is to be a characteristic of his followers. So let’s explore what it means to forgive others, the benefits of forgiving and how to forgive.
Roman 12:19 says “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says The Lord."
To forgive means to not seek revenge on the one who has hurt you. It means letting go of the anger we hold inside us and allowing God to deal with him or her as He sees fit. It doesn’t mean excusing a wrong or denying that it ever happened. It means we don’t allow ourselves to be consumed with anger towards the one who has done something to us. Instead of cursing the people who has wrong us, we pray for them. Here are three verses that reflect the attitude of the forgiving heart:
Matthew 5:44 “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
1 Peter 3:9 “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.”
Romans 12:17-21 “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, ‘I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it,’ says the Lord. Instead, do what the Scriptures say: ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you’. Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Ephesians 4:26, 27, 31 “And don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior."
As the verses above tell us, anger gives Satan a foothold in our lives. Anger has a devastating effect on our relationship with God as well as with others. Over time we’ll take our anger out on those around us. It consumes us unless we deal with it.
Jesus passionately taught us to forgive others, to let go, to let him handle it. He wants us to be at peace and for that to happen anger must be replaced with forgiveness.
John 15:15 “Without Me you can do nothing.”
After Jesus taught the apostles about forgiveness (Luke 17:3-5) they said to him, “Give us more faith!” Forgiving is not easy. It takes the strength of God to truly be able to let go. It takes faith and much prayer to say to someone, “I will repay this evil with good. I will not hate you.”
Tips to help you forgive:
- Do not deny that you have been hurt. As we learned, forgiving is not denying.
- Make a decision to forgive others.
- Do not seek revenge or repay evil for evil. Let God handle it in his perfect way.
- Ask Jesus to help you release the anger inside you.
- Pray for a forgiving heart and read what the Bible says about the subject.
- Pray for those who have hurt you.
Roman 12:19 says “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says The Lord."
To forgive means to not seek revenge on the one who has hurt you. It means letting go of the anger we hold inside us and allowing God to deal with him or her as He sees fit. It doesn’t mean excusing a wrong or denying that it ever happened. It means we don’t allow ourselves to be consumed with anger towards the one who has done something to us. Instead of cursing the people who has wrong us, we pray for them. Here are three verses that reflect the attitude of the forgiving heart:
Matthew 5:44 “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
1 Peter 3:9 “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.”
Romans 12:17-21 “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, ‘I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it,’ says the Lord. Instead, do what the Scriptures say: ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you’. Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Ephesians 4:26, 27, 31 “And don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior."
As the verses above tell us, anger gives Satan a foothold in our lives. Anger has a devastating effect on our relationship with God as well as with others. Over time we’ll take our anger out on those around us. It consumes us unless we deal with it.
Jesus passionately taught us to forgive others, to let go, to let him handle it. He wants us to be at peace and for that to happen anger must be replaced with forgiveness.
John 15:15 “Without Me you can do nothing.”
After Jesus taught the apostles about forgiveness (Luke 17:3-5) they said to him, “Give us more faith!” Forgiving is not easy. It takes the strength of God to truly be able to let go. It takes faith and much prayer to say to someone, “I will repay this evil with good. I will not hate you.”
Tips to help you forgive:
- Do not deny that you have been hurt. As we learned, forgiving is not denying.
- Make a decision to forgive others.
- Do not seek revenge or repay evil for evil. Let God handle it in his perfect way.
- Ask Jesus to help you release the anger inside you.
- Pray for a forgiving heart and read what the Bible says about the subject.
- Pray for those who have hurt you.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Everybody needs
Based on over 30 years of psychological counseling and pastoral care, Howard Clinebell believes that humans have seven spiritual hungers in common:
-All people need to experience regularly the healing and empowerment of love – from others, self, and an ultimate source/God.
-Everyone needs to experience renewing times of transcendence – moments that expand us beyond the immediate sensory spheres.
-Everybody needs vital beliefs that give some sense of meaning and hope the midst of losses, tragedies, and failures.
-Every person needs to have values, priorities, and life commitments – usually centered in issues of justice, integrity, and love – that guide us in personally and socially responsible living.
-Each human being needs to discover and develop their inner wisdom, creativity and love of their unique transpersonal/spiritual self.
-All people need a deepening awareness of oneness with other people and with the natural world, the wonderful web of all living things.
-Every human being needs spiritual resources to help heal the painful wounds of grief, guilt, resentment, unforgiveness, self-rejection, and shame. We also need spiritual resources to deepen our experiences of trust, self-esteem, hope, joy and love of life.
Clinebell feels that everybody must pay attention to these needs to feel whole and fulfilled, making spirituality central to human well-being.
John 10:10 sums it all up:
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
Jesus can meet your every need. Why not ask Him and simply believe.
-All people need to experience regularly the healing and empowerment of love – from others, self, and an ultimate source/God.
-Everyone needs to experience renewing times of transcendence – moments that expand us beyond the immediate sensory spheres.
-Everybody needs vital beliefs that give some sense of meaning and hope the midst of losses, tragedies, and failures.
-Every person needs to have values, priorities, and life commitments – usually centered in issues of justice, integrity, and love – that guide us in personally and socially responsible living.
-Each human being needs to discover and develop their inner wisdom, creativity and love of their unique transpersonal/spiritual self.
-All people need a deepening awareness of oneness with other people and with the natural world, the wonderful web of all living things.
-Every human being needs spiritual resources to help heal the painful wounds of grief, guilt, resentment, unforgiveness, self-rejection, and shame. We also need spiritual resources to deepen our experiences of trust, self-esteem, hope, joy and love of life.
Clinebell feels that everybody must pay attention to these needs to feel whole and fulfilled, making spirituality central to human well-being.
John 10:10 sums it all up:
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
Jesus can meet your every need. Why not ask Him and simply believe.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
When The Church Prays
Acts 12:1-4
The first thing that happens when the church prays is that God Hears. This is the heart of the Bible faith. Prayer is not first about us but about a God who hears. Prayer works because God has promised to hear. Cast away any idea of new age spirituality or old fashion paganism where by right methods or magic words will force God to pay attention to us. Quite the opposite! Our God is a willing participant in our prayer meetings. There is no reluctance on his part. If there is any reluctance to prayer, it is on our part, not God’s.
A second thing happens when the church prays. First, God hears. That’s the foundation. Next circumstances are altered. There is something significant about the crisis the early church faced. James had been killed and Peter was arrested. In all likelihood, Peter faced the same fate that James had. So the church prayed. No doubt they had prayed for James, too. And he had died. They knew all prayers are not answered in the manner desired. But that’s God’s decision. So they prayed for Peter. We don’t pray because we know for sure that we are going to get what we asked for. We pray because we want God to make the choice. He has asked us to pray.
A third thing happened when the church prayed. The same thing will likely happen today. Believers were surprised. Maybe there is hope for all of us! Even when we fully believe in the power of prayer, we get surprised. Note how the church reacted. They gathered in a prayer meeting, petitioning the God of heaven for Peter. God heard. An angel was sent. Even Peter was surprised and had to be told by the angel what to do. When Peter went to the praying church after his release, no one wanted to believe the report. Surely, the servant girl was seeing things.
One last thing often happens when the church prays: Opponents Are Confused and Ultimately Defeated. Luke doesn’t really make much of a point of this in Acts. But I think it is no coincidence that he records what he did at the end of chapter 12. Herod the great opponent of the faith meets his maker right after the church had been praying. His was a nasty fate and direct result of his arrogance. I don’t know what the church prayed. They may have prayed for Herod’s removal. They might have asked God to reveal his power to mighty Herod. They surely would have asked God to bring to naught all of the mighty powers aligned against the church. Little did Herod know what he was dealing with when he took on a praying church.
The first thing that happens when the church prays is that God Hears. This is the heart of the Bible faith. Prayer is not first about us but about a God who hears. Prayer works because God has promised to hear. Cast away any idea of new age spirituality or old fashion paganism where by right methods or magic words will force God to pay attention to us. Quite the opposite! Our God is a willing participant in our prayer meetings. There is no reluctance on his part. If there is any reluctance to prayer, it is on our part, not God’s.
A second thing happens when the church prays. First, God hears. That’s the foundation. Next circumstances are altered. There is something significant about the crisis the early church faced. James had been killed and Peter was arrested. In all likelihood, Peter faced the same fate that James had. So the church prayed. No doubt they had prayed for James, too. And he had died. They knew all prayers are not answered in the manner desired. But that’s God’s decision. So they prayed for Peter. We don’t pray because we know for sure that we are going to get what we asked for. We pray because we want God to make the choice. He has asked us to pray.
A third thing happened when the church prayed. The same thing will likely happen today. Believers were surprised. Maybe there is hope for all of us! Even when we fully believe in the power of prayer, we get surprised. Note how the church reacted. They gathered in a prayer meeting, petitioning the God of heaven for Peter. God heard. An angel was sent. Even Peter was surprised and had to be told by the angel what to do. When Peter went to the praying church after his release, no one wanted to believe the report. Surely, the servant girl was seeing things.
One last thing often happens when the church prays: Opponents Are Confused and Ultimately Defeated. Luke doesn’t really make much of a point of this in Acts. But I think it is no coincidence that he records what he did at the end of chapter 12. Herod the great opponent of the faith meets his maker right after the church had been praying. His was a nasty fate and direct result of his arrogance. I don’t know what the church prayed. They may have prayed for Herod’s removal. They might have asked God to reveal his power to mighty Herod. They surely would have asked God to bring to naught all of the mighty powers aligned against the church. Little did Herod know what he was dealing with when he took on a praying church.
Monday, February 18, 2013
It's time for some answers
We started our season of prayer this past Thursday and it will continue thru March 6, 2013. This Wednesday I will be preaching on how to pray for the lost and next Sunday with a focus on praying for your family and breaking generational curses. This is a week we are praying for completed miracles. Join with us as we seek the Lord for a move of His Holy presence among us and the opening of the windows of heaven upon us.
You see, everyday I open the door of my soul expecting God to answer my prayers. Everyday I open it and find my spirit filled with joy. It is so wonderful knowing that God loves us all completely and unconditionally and hears me when I pray. It is so glorious knowing that His love is forever waiting to fill our hearts full to overflowing and ready to meet my need. It saddens me, though, to know that so many people out there refuse delivery of their miracle through their unbelief.
When you open the door of your soul today don’t refuse the miracle He wants to give you. When you see that shining gift of God’s take it into your arms and welcome it into your heart. Then go out and share it with everyone you meet. And always remember that God’s gift is not only guaranteed delivery but also guaranteed to grow in every heart that freely gives it to others.
Truth from the Bible about Answered Prayer
(Isaiah 65:24 KJV)
(24) And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
(Matthew 7:7-8 KJV)
(7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
(Matthew 21:22 KJV)
(22) And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
(Matthew 18:19-20 KJV)
(19) Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. (20) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
(Mark 11:24 KJV)
(24) Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive {them}, and ye shall have {them}.
(John 14:13 KJV)
(13) And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
(John 15:7 KJV)
(7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
(John 16:23 KJV)
(23) And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give {it} you.
(Hebrews 4:16 KJV)
(16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
(Psalms 37:4 KJV)
(4) Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
(Psalms 91:15 KJV)
(15) He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I {will be} with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
(Psalms 145:18-19 KJV)
(18) The Lord {is} nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. (19) He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
(Proverbs 15:29 KJV)
(29) The Lord {is} far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
(Jeremiah 33:3 KJV)
(3) Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
(Matthew 6:6 KJV)
(6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
(1 John 3:22 KJV)
(22) And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
You see, everyday I open the door of my soul expecting God to answer my prayers. Everyday I open it and find my spirit filled with joy. It is so wonderful knowing that God loves us all completely and unconditionally and hears me when I pray. It is so glorious knowing that His love is forever waiting to fill our hearts full to overflowing and ready to meet my need. It saddens me, though, to know that so many people out there refuse delivery of their miracle through their unbelief.
When you open the door of your soul today don’t refuse the miracle He wants to give you. When you see that shining gift of God’s take it into your arms and welcome it into your heart. Then go out and share it with everyone you meet. And always remember that God’s gift is not only guaranteed delivery but also guaranteed to grow in every heart that freely gives it to others.
Truth from the Bible about Answered Prayer
(Isaiah 65:24 KJV)
(24) And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
(Matthew 7:7-8 KJV)
(7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
(Matthew 21:22 KJV)
(22) And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
(Matthew 18:19-20 KJV)
(19) Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. (20) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
(Mark 11:24 KJV)
(24) Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive {them}, and ye shall have {them}.
(John 14:13 KJV)
(13) And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
(John 15:7 KJV)
(7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
(John 16:23 KJV)
(23) And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give {it} you.
(Hebrews 4:16 KJV)
(16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
(Psalms 37:4 KJV)
(4) Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
(Psalms 91:15 KJV)
(15) He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I {will be} with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
(Psalms 145:18-19 KJV)
(18) The Lord {is} nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. (19) He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
(Proverbs 15:29 KJV)
(29) The Lord {is} far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
(Jeremiah 33:3 KJV)
(3) Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
(Matthew 6:6 KJV)
(6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
(1 John 3:22 KJV)
(22) And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Prayer Changes Things
You will understand prayer much better, if you will consider three questions that arise from the well known saying, "Prayer changes things."
The three questions are valid because prayer does change things. If prayer changes nothing, why pray "in everything"? (Php 4:6). God promises that people who pray are far better off than people who don't; things do change for the better through prayer (Jas 4:2-3 and Mtt 7:7-11). Now for the three questions...
-What Things Does Prayer Change?
Prayer changes "all things". If we are to "pray in everything" (Php 4:6) then everything must be capable of being changed by prayer. Prayer helps make "all things" work together for good (Rom 8:26-28).
But "all things" does not mean absolutely everything in the universe but rather "all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2Pe 1:3-4,11). The "life" referred to is eternal life. Prayer does not change things which have no connection with the salvation of souls.
However this doesn't mean that prayer changes only spiritual things. Prayer will certainly change material things when that change has a spiritual benefit. On the other hand, God is not Santa Claus.
Prayer is not for satisfying material lusts and whims, although it is certainly important that we pray for our material needs. In one breath Jesus taught us to pray, "Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses..." The main purpose of prayer, however, is to help make things "turn out for salvation" (Php 1:19).
-How Much Does Prayer Change Things?
Prayer avails "much" (Jas 5:16) But how much is "much" ? If you think, "Not very much", you are mistaken. "Much" is "more than we ask or think" (Eph 3:20). Prayer changes things more than we imagine or comprehend. Prayer changes things for spiritual and eternal purposes which are wonderfully high.
We cannot measure or perceive the changes which prayer makes, so in one sense we cannot answer the question “How much?”
But we do know this: Prayer changes things as much as is necessary to ensure the salvation of our souls. Thus prayer changes things very much indeed!
-In What Manner Does Prayer Change Things?
Sometimes in a miraculous manner —for example when Peter raised Tabitha from death (Acts 9:40).
Sometimes in an extraordinary manner —for example the case of Elijah and the drought (Jas 5:17-18).
But mostly in an ordinary manner —for example when Paul was met by his friends (Acts 28:15-16). We usually experience the changes prayer makes at an ordinary level. If miracles and extraordinary events were commonplace, they would not be extraordinary, would they? God is able to influence the ordinary course of events so that our real needs are satisfied. This does not diminish the power of prayer or the providence of God. In a way, it makes it all the more wonderful and abundant.
The three questions are valid because prayer does change things. If prayer changes nothing, why pray "in everything"? (Php 4:6). God promises that people who pray are far better off than people who don't; things do change for the better through prayer (Jas 4:2-3 and Mtt 7:7-11). Now for the three questions...
-What Things Does Prayer Change?
Prayer changes "all things". If we are to "pray in everything" (Php 4:6) then everything must be capable of being changed by prayer. Prayer helps make "all things" work together for good (Rom 8:26-28).
But "all things" does not mean absolutely everything in the universe but rather "all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2Pe 1:3-4,11). The "life" referred to is eternal life. Prayer does not change things which have no connection with the salvation of souls.
However this doesn't mean that prayer changes only spiritual things. Prayer will certainly change material things when that change has a spiritual benefit. On the other hand, God is not Santa Claus.
Prayer is not for satisfying material lusts and whims, although it is certainly important that we pray for our material needs. In one breath Jesus taught us to pray, "Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses..." The main purpose of prayer, however, is to help make things "turn out for salvation" (Php 1:19).
-How Much Does Prayer Change Things?
Prayer avails "much" (Jas 5:16) But how much is "much" ? If you think, "Not very much", you are mistaken. "Much" is "more than we ask or think" (Eph 3:20). Prayer changes things more than we imagine or comprehend. Prayer changes things for spiritual and eternal purposes which are wonderfully high.
We cannot measure or perceive the changes which prayer makes, so in one sense we cannot answer the question “How much?”
But we do know this: Prayer changes things as much as is necessary to ensure the salvation of our souls. Thus prayer changes things very much indeed!
-In What Manner Does Prayer Change Things?
Sometimes in a miraculous manner —for example when Peter raised Tabitha from death (Acts 9:40).
Sometimes in an extraordinary manner —for example the case of Elijah and the drought (Jas 5:17-18).
But mostly in an ordinary manner —for example when Paul was met by his friends (Acts 28:15-16). We usually experience the changes prayer makes at an ordinary level. If miracles and extraordinary events were commonplace, they would not be extraordinary, would they? God is able to influence the ordinary course of events so that our real needs are satisfied. This does not diminish the power of prayer or the providence of God. In a way, it makes it all the more wonderful and abundant.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Praying for the Lost
The following ideas have been copied from a small pamphlet called "How To Pray For The Lost" which I discovered and have found very useful.
The first thing you need to understand when praying for the lost is that the price has been paid. When Jesus died upon that cross He paid the price for every single sinner on the earth. When you are praying for the lost remember that the price has been paid and make that the starting point for prayer.
Knowing that Christ has paid the price gives us confidence to pay boldly. It is not as if we have to bargain at all. The price is paid - that person rightly belongs to God who has bought them back out of slavery and sin. The technical name for this is "praying on the basis of redemption" or in some circles "praying for the lost in the power of the blood of Jesus" . Stand before God, confident that He wants your friend saved and confident that He has already paid the price for that to happen.
Praying for people to be saved can at times be a very long battle. We need to pray persistently and regularly for those we want to be saved. In Luke 18:1 Jesus makes it clear that persistence pays off and tells us that we ought to "pray and not get weary.."
It pays to be alert to the spiritual state of the unbeliever and to pray appropriately - are they curious about God yet? Are they convicted about their sin? Are they attracted to Jesus? Are they involved in something they would find very difficult to give up if they became a Christian? Pray specifically for where the person is at spiritually so they can take one or two steps closer to faith in God. "Lord you know how Joe finds it hard to believe your Bible - please show him it is true and that it can be relied on..."
Here are some things to pray about winning the lost:
-That God will make them curious about spiritual things. The first hurdle is often sheer apathy with regard to the truth. Pray that God will stir them up to search out the truth about Life, The universe and Everything -for themselves.
-Pray that God will surround your friends with witnessing Christians. Pray that they will feel absolutely surrounded and unable to escape from God. This causes people to consider Christ and the difference between their lives and the lives of true Christians.
-Ask that they may clearly grasp that they are sinful. Unless there is a clear perception of sin there can be no true repentance from sin. They must know that they are in the wrong.
-That God will grant them an almighty thirst for God's Word. That even as unbelievers they will want to read the Bible especially Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah and the Gospels.
-Plead for a clear understanding of Jesus as Savior and Lord. With some of the heresies abroad today Jesus is often misunderstood. Pray that your friends may see Jesus as real and historical and also as divine. Pray that God may clear up any misunderstandings in these areas and be prepared to answer questions. Be clear about Jesus being the only way to a true and favorable relationship with God.
-Intercede for your friends at any points where they are being held under Satan's power. Ask for release from wrong ways and bad influences. Their friends may be a real obstacle to their salvation, pray that they may not give in to them but may instead have the courage to believe in God. There is today an increasing interest in the occult and some people are badly hooked. Pray for their release from this dark addiction so that they may be free to believe.
-Ask for grace toward your friends so that they may develop godly tastes which lead them toward God and salvation. Pray that in everything somehow their tastes will be drawn to that which witnesses to Christ.
The first thing you need to understand when praying for the lost is that the price has been paid. When Jesus died upon that cross He paid the price for every single sinner on the earth. When you are praying for the lost remember that the price has been paid and make that the starting point for prayer.
Knowing that Christ has paid the price gives us confidence to pay boldly. It is not as if we have to bargain at all. The price is paid - that person rightly belongs to God who has bought them back out of slavery and sin. The technical name for this is "praying on the basis of redemption" or in some circles "praying for the lost in the power of the blood of Jesus" . Stand before God, confident that He wants your friend saved and confident that He has already paid the price for that to happen.
Praying for people to be saved can at times be a very long battle. We need to pray persistently and regularly for those we want to be saved. In Luke 18:1 Jesus makes it clear that persistence pays off and tells us that we ought to "pray and not get weary.."
It pays to be alert to the spiritual state of the unbeliever and to pray appropriately - are they curious about God yet? Are they convicted about their sin? Are they attracted to Jesus? Are they involved in something they would find very difficult to give up if they became a Christian? Pray specifically for where the person is at spiritually so they can take one or two steps closer to faith in God. "Lord you know how Joe finds it hard to believe your Bible - please show him it is true and that it can be relied on..."
Here are some things to pray about winning the lost:
-That God will make them curious about spiritual things. The first hurdle is often sheer apathy with regard to the truth. Pray that God will stir them up to search out the truth about Life, The universe and Everything -for themselves.
-Pray that God will surround your friends with witnessing Christians. Pray that they will feel absolutely surrounded and unable to escape from God. This causes people to consider Christ and the difference between their lives and the lives of true Christians.
-Ask that they may clearly grasp that they are sinful. Unless there is a clear perception of sin there can be no true repentance from sin. They must know that they are in the wrong.
-That God will grant them an almighty thirst for God's Word. That even as unbelievers they will want to read the Bible especially Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah and the Gospels.
-Plead for a clear understanding of Jesus as Savior and Lord. With some of the heresies abroad today Jesus is often misunderstood. Pray that your friends may see Jesus as real and historical and also as divine. Pray that God may clear up any misunderstandings in these areas and be prepared to answer questions. Be clear about Jesus being the only way to a true and favorable relationship with God.
-Intercede for your friends at any points where they are being held under Satan's power. Ask for release from wrong ways and bad influences. Their friends may be a real obstacle to their salvation, pray that they may not give in to them but may instead have the courage to believe in God. There is today an increasing interest in the occult and some people are badly hooked. Pray for their release from this dark addiction so that they may be free to believe.
-Ask for grace toward your friends so that they may develop godly tastes which lead them toward God and salvation. Pray that in everything somehow their tastes will be drawn to that which witnesses to Christ.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Why pray?
Why pray?
-Prayer not only establishes a relationship with God, it is vital to maintaining our relationship with Him. To illustrate, two friends who are in constant communion learn about each other, do things together, and share problems with each other. Thus, the key element of prayer is that it establishes a relationship with God. Abraham experienced this in Genesis 18:16-33.
This is evidenced in the life of Jesus. He constantly went before God in prayer to determine God’s will and direction, resist temptation, ask for courage, discover what His Father in heaven would do, offer thanksgiving, pray for others, etc. Matthew 26:36-39 and Mark 14:34-41 describe Jesus being very distressed about His crucifixion. He brings this matter to His Father, seeking His will.
Other Scriptures have Jesus directing believers to pray. Mark 13:33 tells us to watch and pray, for we do not know when the time will come for His return.
Jesus offers thanks before feeding the crowd in Luke 9:16. In John 11:41-45, Jesus thanks God aloud for hearing His prayer for Lazarus “for the sake of all these people standing here, so they will believe you sent me." John chapter 17 describes Jesus interceding in prayer for his disciples and all believers. John 17:20 says, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony.”
-Prayer is recognizing who God is and offering Him glory, honor, and adoration. Examples of this are found throughout the Bible, especially in the Psalms. Jesus illustrates this in the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.
-Prayer is seeking direction from God. In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus talks about asking, seeking, and knocking, “For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.” Jesus encourages us to ask God for things. “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him?”
The Apostles reflected Jesus’ attitude toward prayer and encouraged and commended prayer in their writings. In Philippians 4:6, Paul tells believers to pray for everything with thanksgiving. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul writes, “Keep on praying.” Prayer, for Paul, is the ultimate lifeline for the believer to God. James 1:5-7 says, “If you need wisdom -- if you want to know what God wants you to do -- ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”
-Why pray? Jesus is a prime example of a life lived by prayer that offers relevance, purpose, answers, and most of all, a relationship with God the Father. Jesus prayed wholeheartedly for every move He made, asking God for guidance, leading, and direction. He prayed prayers of thanks, prayers for healing, prayers for His disciples, and prayers for believers present and future.
-Prayer is essential to fellowship with God. Not just to have our prayers answered by God, nor just because the Scriptures tell us to, though that is reason enough. God is the Father of the entire human race, and God cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7) This means the child of God can pray, ask, and cast all his care upon God, his Father. Paul states in Romans 8:15, when we are His children, adopted into His family, we can begin calling him, "Father, dear Father."
Why Pray?
James 5:16 provides another worthwhile answer. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.”
Why pray? God says it makes quite an impact! To borrow a modern catch phrase, "Just Do It!"
-Prayer not only establishes a relationship with God, it is vital to maintaining our relationship with Him. To illustrate, two friends who are in constant communion learn about each other, do things together, and share problems with each other. Thus, the key element of prayer is that it establishes a relationship with God. Abraham experienced this in Genesis 18:16-33.
This is evidenced in the life of Jesus. He constantly went before God in prayer to determine God’s will and direction, resist temptation, ask for courage, discover what His Father in heaven would do, offer thanksgiving, pray for others, etc. Matthew 26:36-39 and Mark 14:34-41 describe Jesus being very distressed about His crucifixion. He brings this matter to His Father, seeking His will.
Other Scriptures have Jesus directing believers to pray. Mark 13:33 tells us to watch and pray, for we do not know when the time will come for His return.
Jesus offers thanks before feeding the crowd in Luke 9:16. In John 11:41-45, Jesus thanks God aloud for hearing His prayer for Lazarus “for the sake of all these people standing here, so they will believe you sent me." John chapter 17 describes Jesus interceding in prayer for his disciples and all believers. John 17:20 says, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony.”
-Prayer is recognizing who God is and offering Him glory, honor, and adoration. Examples of this are found throughout the Bible, especially in the Psalms. Jesus illustrates this in the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.
-Prayer is seeking direction from God. In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus talks about asking, seeking, and knocking, “For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.” Jesus encourages us to ask God for things. “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him?”
The Apostles reflected Jesus’ attitude toward prayer and encouraged and commended prayer in their writings. In Philippians 4:6, Paul tells believers to pray for everything with thanksgiving. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul writes, “Keep on praying.” Prayer, for Paul, is the ultimate lifeline for the believer to God. James 1:5-7 says, “If you need wisdom -- if you want to know what God wants you to do -- ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”
-Why pray? Jesus is a prime example of a life lived by prayer that offers relevance, purpose, answers, and most of all, a relationship with God the Father. Jesus prayed wholeheartedly for every move He made, asking God for guidance, leading, and direction. He prayed prayers of thanks, prayers for healing, prayers for His disciples, and prayers for believers present and future.
-Prayer is essential to fellowship with God. Not just to have our prayers answered by God, nor just because the Scriptures tell us to, though that is reason enough. God is the Father of the entire human race, and God cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7) This means the child of God can pray, ask, and cast all his care upon God, his Father. Paul states in Romans 8:15, when we are His children, adopted into His family, we can begin calling him, "Father, dear Father."
Why Pray?
James 5:16 provides another worthwhile answer. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.”
Why pray? God says it makes quite an impact! To borrow a modern catch phrase, "Just Do It!"
Thursday, February 14, 2013
An article from Charisma Magazine by Jennifer LeClaire
I had to share this today. Receive with the same spirit that it is given.
You’ve surely heard the growing body of prophecies declaring the impending judgment of God on America. Indeed, The Harbinger—a book that many believe holds the secret to America’s not so pleasant future—has remained on the New York Times’ best-seller list for more than a year. Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s prophetic message is resonating with believers and unbelievers alike—and for good reason.
So when Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke stood on the grounds of the Vero Beach Airport proclaiming “All America Shall Be Saved” in early February 2013, the declaration demanded my attention. After all, this is the same German evangelist who declared “All Africa Shall Be Saved” and witnessed more than 55 million African souls make a decision to renounce Islam, witchcraft and other strange gods—and commit to follow Jesus Christ—in just a nine-year period. 55 million souls.
Despite the judgment prophecies, despite the rising gay agenda, despite the increasing persecution against Christianity in the United States, Bonnke made a bold declaration for the devils in Vero Beach and beyond to hear that night: “All America Shall Be Saved.”
As I sat listening with my spiritual ears to Bonnke announcing that the Vero Beach Gospel Fest is the beginning of something greater, tears filled my eyes and hope filled my heart. And when Bonnke said the Holy Spirit spoke to him about going to other cities around the United States and filling stadiums, I began to see prophetically the magnitude of what was unfolding in that very moment.
It’s been prophesied that Florida is a “forerunner state.” John the Baptist was a forerunner—a voice crying in the wilderness who was called to prepare the way of the Lord and make His paths straight (Mark 1:3). And just a few feet in front of me stood one of the most effective soul-winners in church history—in the so-called “forerunner state”—talking about how the Holy Spirit was going to launch him out from here to the nation. Again, declaring “All America Shall Be Saved!”
We know that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Rom. 10:13). But it was clear by the masses that flooded the altar that night—some of them weeping and others falling to their knees in repentance—that many Americans have never heard the simple gospel of Christ. They have seen the picture of the Last Supper hanging up in grandma’s house. They have channel-surfed past TV preachers pontificating on prosperity. They have visited a local church on Christmas and Easter. Yet too many have never heard the pure gospel of Christ.
Could that be because the American church culture largely prizes headcounts over heart change and therefore pushes programs instead of clear gospel presentations? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that we craft every Sunday morning message with a purely evangelistic thrust. Believers need the meat of the Word to grow. But what are these meat-eating believers doing between Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. when the church doors close and the next Sunday morning at 10 a.m. when the church doors open again?
In other words, what are our local churches doing to present the simple gospel of Christ in the neighborhoods in which God has established our congregation? Many are doing great works. But many of us need to break out of the four walls of our air-conditioned building and reach out to the lost and unchurched in the name of Jesus. Too many of us are cozied up in the comfort of our Christian social club in the name of religion. And that’s why Bonnke’s anointed words so penetrated my heart and revived hope in my soul.
For every prophecy about judgment on America, there seems to be another prophecy about a revival, renewal or awakening. The Lord has spoken to me—and many others—about another Great Awakening. Nearly six years ago, He told me it would grow darker before the light shines brightly in this nation again. It has indeed grown darker. I believe it will grow darker still, but the darkness will not overpower the light.
Evangelism brings the light of the gospel to darkened souls who don’t understand what’s truly at stake—their eternal position. Could it be possible that Bonnke’s declarations from a small airport field in Vero Beach could be the spark that sets off a fire of evangelism in this nation? Could it be possible that even as we see signs of God’s discipline upon our nation that the Holy Spirit could begin sweeping from coast to coast in response to years of prayer for revival? Could it be possible that what occurred at the Gospel Fest was a prophetic declaration of God’s will in this hour?
I believe so. I’ve attended a lot of meetings. I’ve listened to a lot of sermons. I’ve witnessed a lot of prayer rallies. But nothing moved me like Bonnke’s declaration of God’s will: “All America Shall Be Saved.” Imagine how the culture would shift if 55 million Americans made a decision for Christ in the next nine years? Lord, show mercy on this nation, stretch out your hand of protection over this land, fill stadiums with lost souls who need to hear the simple gospel, and save souls, in the name of Jesus! Amen.
I agree with this article. How about you.
You’ve surely heard the growing body of prophecies declaring the impending judgment of God on America. Indeed, The Harbinger—a book that many believe holds the secret to America’s not so pleasant future—has remained on the New York Times’ best-seller list for more than a year. Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s prophetic message is resonating with believers and unbelievers alike—and for good reason.
So when Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke stood on the grounds of the Vero Beach Airport proclaiming “All America Shall Be Saved” in early February 2013, the declaration demanded my attention. After all, this is the same German evangelist who declared “All Africa Shall Be Saved” and witnessed more than 55 million African souls make a decision to renounce Islam, witchcraft and other strange gods—and commit to follow Jesus Christ—in just a nine-year period. 55 million souls.
Despite the judgment prophecies, despite the rising gay agenda, despite the increasing persecution against Christianity in the United States, Bonnke made a bold declaration for the devils in Vero Beach and beyond to hear that night: “All America Shall Be Saved.”
As I sat listening with my spiritual ears to Bonnke announcing that the Vero Beach Gospel Fest is the beginning of something greater, tears filled my eyes and hope filled my heart. And when Bonnke said the Holy Spirit spoke to him about going to other cities around the United States and filling stadiums, I began to see prophetically the magnitude of what was unfolding in that very moment.
It’s been prophesied that Florida is a “forerunner state.” John the Baptist was a forerunner—a voice crying in the wilderness who was called to prepare the way of the Lord and make His paths straight (Mark 1:3). And just a few feet in front of me stood one of the most effective soul-winners in church history—in the so-called “forerunner state”—talking about how the Holy Spirit was going to launch him out from here to the nation. Again, declaring “All America Shall Be Saved!”
We know that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Rom. 10:13). But it was clear by the masses that flooded the altar that night—some of them weeping and others falling to their knees in repentance—that many Americans have never heard the simple gospel of Christ. They have seen the picture of the Last Supper hanging up in grandma’s house. They have channel-surfed past TV preachers pontificating on prosperity. They have visited a local church on Christmas and Easter. Yet too many have never heard the pure gospel of Christ.
Could that be because the American church culture largely prizes headcounts over heart change and therefore pushes programs instead of clear gospel presentations? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that we craft every Sunday morning message with a purely evangelistic thrust. Believers need the meat of the Word to grow. But what are these meat-eating believers doing between Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. when the church doors close and the next Sunday morning at 10 a.m. when the church doors open again?
In other words, what are our local churches doing to present the simple gospel of Christ in the neighborhoods in which God has established our congregation? Many are doing great works. But many of us need to break out of the four walls of our air-conditioned building and reach out to the lost and unchurched in the name of Jesus. Too many of us are cozied up in the comfort of our Christian social club in the name of religion. And that’s why Bonnke’s anointed words so penetrated my heart and revived hope in my soul.
For every prophecy about judgment on America, there seems to be another prophecy about a revival, renewal or awakening. The Lord has spoken to me—and many others—about another Great Awakening. Nearly six years ago, He told me it would grow darker before the light shines brightly in this nation again. It has indeed grown darker. I believe it will grow darker still, but the darkness will not overpower the light.
Evangelism brings the light of the gospel to darkened souls who don’t understand what’s truly at stake—their eternal position. Could it be possible that Bonnke’s declarations from a small airport field in Vero Beach could be the spark that sets off a fire of evangelism in this nation? Could it be possible that even as we see signs of God’s discipline upon our nation that the Holy Spirit could begin sweeping from coast to coast in response to years of prayer for revival? Could it be possible that what occurred at the Gospel Fest was a prophetic declaration of God’s will in this hour?
I believe so. I’ve attended a lot of meetings. I’ve listened to a lot of sermons. I’ve witnessed a lot of prayer rallies. But nothing moved me like Bonnke’s declaration of God’s will: “All America Shall Be Saved.” Imagine how the culture would shift if 55 million Americans made a decision for Christ in the next nine years? Lord, show mercy on this nation, stretch out your hand of protection over this land, fill stadiums with lost souls who need to hear the simple gospel, and save souls, in the name of Jesus! Amen.
I agree with this article. How about you.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Lord's Prayer
Doubts and fears must not keep us from prayer. God gives us the invitation, and He wants to hear from us. Here are some principles to keep in mind when we’re tempted to forget that we can tell it all to Him.
Our prayers must be rooted in the confidence that God is compassionate and willing to act on our behalf. His pure love for us can dissolve any insecurity we might feel about placing needs at His feet. We find great reassurance in the promises of His Word. Nothing is too big for God, because God is there, no matter how hard the situation.
We know God has the power to meet any request. We recognize His love and compassion. Yet sometimes we might still hesitate to pray, asking, “Could this great big God really be interested in my problems?” Even a brief look at the desperation surrounding so many in our world only strengthens these concerns. Yet we find great assurance in His promise that all needs take high priority in His eyes and that prayer offers a cure for everyday anxieties.
The Lord’s Prayer is our perfect guide when it comes to communication with our Father. This model prayer brings into focus a wide variety of needs, from physical provision to spiritual guidance. A phrase-by-phrase look at the prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13, helps us better understand how to focus our prayer lives.
-Our Father in heaven-There is a tenderness in God’s invitation that we address Him as “Father.” While formality and reverence are always appropriate, we must remember that prayer is intended to be a personal conversation between Father and child.
-hallowed be your name-This phrase powerfully complements the previous words. God is both our loving Father and our holy, almighty Lord. Imagine the God and Creator of the universe is intimately interested in our lives.
-your kingdom come-We’re called to embrace an eternal perspective when we pray. While very real needs press us, our greater concern must be God’s kingdom priorities.
-your will be done on earth as it is in heaven-This phrase has a twofold meaning: We pray that God’s commands will be obeyed and honored, and we pray that His plans for the world, salvation, and eternity will be accomplished.
-give us today our daily bread-Jesus invites us to trust His ability and willingness to provide for our needs. This phrase also presents us with a challenge to surrender ourselves to God’s care rather than trust our own abilities.
-forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors-Here Jesus moves to our relationships with God and others. When we’ve violated God’s plan for our lives, we must be willing to confess our sins and seek forgiveness. By the same token we also need to ensure that we’re not withholding forgiveness of others for their wrongs against us.
-lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one-Our lives involve real spiritual warfare, and prayer serves a big role in this battle. We must recognize our need for God as well as express a willingness to overcome trials and temptations.
The invitation is clear: Seek God for whatever needs you face.
-If you need healing? James 5:14-16
-If you need financial help? Philippians 4:14-19
-If you need help in a relationship? Psalm 34:18
-If you need direction? Jeremiah 29:11-13
Our prayers must be rooted in the confidence that God is compassionate and willing to act on our behalf. His pure love for us can dissolve any insecurity we might feel about placing needs at His feet. We find great reassurance in the promises of His Word. Nothing is too big for God, because God is there, no matter how hard the situation.
We know God has the power to meet any request. We recognize His love and compassion. Yet sometimes we might still hesitate to pray, asking, “Could this great big God really be interested in my problems?” Even a brief look at the desperation surrounding so many in our world only strengthens these concerns. Yet we find great assurance in His promise that all needs take high priority in His eyes and that prayer offers a cure for everyday anxieties.
The Lord’s Prayer is our perfect guide when it comes to communication with our Father. This model prayer brings into focus a wide variety of needs, from physical provision to spiritual guidance. A phrase-by-phrase look at the prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13, helps us better understand how to focus our prayer lives.
-Our Father in heaven-There is a tenderness in God’s invitation that we address Him as “Father.” While formality and reverence are always appropriate, we must remember that prayer is intended to be a personal conversation between Father and child.
-hallowed be your name-This phrase powerfully complements the previous words. God is both our loving Father and our holy, almighty Lord. Imagine the God and Creator of the universe is intimately interested in our lives.
-your kingdom come-We’re called to embrace an eternal perspective when we pray. While very real needs press us, our greater concern must be God’s kingdom priorities.
-your will be done on earth as it is in heaven-This phrase has a twofold meaning: We pray that God’s commands will be obeyed and honored, and we pray that His plans for the world, salvation, and eternity will be accomplished.
-give us today our daily bread-Jesus invites us to trust His ability and willingness to provide for our needs. This phrase also presents us with a challenge to surrender ourselves to God’s care rather than trust our own abilities.
-forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors-Here Jesus moves to our relationships with God and others. When we’ve violated God’s plan for our lives, we must be willing to confess our sins and seek forgiveness. By the same token we also need to ensure that we’re not withholding forgiveness of others for their wrongs against us.
-lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one-Our lives involve real spiritual warfare, and prayer serves a big role in this battle. We must recognize our need for God as well as express a willingness to overcome trials and temptations.
The invitation is clear: Seek God for whatever needs you face.
-If you need healing? James 5:14-16
-If you need financial help? Philippians 4:14-19
-If you need help in a relationship? Psalm 34:18
-If you need direction? Jeremiah 29:11-13
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
A Season of Prayer-Overcoming Disappointment
The enemy would like us to feel such a depth of disappointment that we never find our way back to the plan God has for us. If he can only convince us to stay stuck in our disappointment, we’ll miss many of our future God appointments. Yes, there are some disappointments that seem so big that we can’t imagine ever being able to move beyond them, but the best way to get over your own broken heart or lost dream is to help others get over theirs. Disappointment is not an end but an opportunity for a divine appointment with God.
The enemy wants you to stay stuck in disappointment. Disappointment is one of the weapons in his arsenal and it has a specific purpose: stopping you. God has incredible plans for you and the enemy would like to keep you from ever experiencing them. God has promised to make all things new and the enemy wants you to lose faith in that promise, and in the rest of God’s promises.
But God’s Word is full of his promises to us, and when we read it, we’re reminded of them.
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord , which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Psalms 121:1-8 KJV
"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." 1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV
Prayer can help you move forward through your disappointment and into God’s promises. When you can’t see anything but the fog of grief, prayer can help clear the way, help you laugh, bring a smile and, like medicine, heal you. Prayer will remind you that while there is still breath in your lungs, there is still hope and the promise of a new day. The psalmist reminds us: “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning” in Psalm 30:5 NKJV.
So just hold on and remember someone is praying for you.
The enemy wants you to stay stuck in disappointment. Disappointment is one of the weapons in his arsenal and it has a specific purpose: stopping you. God has incredible plans for you and the enemy would like to keep you from ever experiencing them. God has promised to make all things new and the enemy wants you to lose faith in that promise, and in the rest of God’s promises.
But God’s Word is full of his promises to us, and when we read it, we’re reminded of them.
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord , which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Psalms 121:1-8 KJV
"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." 1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV
Prayer can help you move forward through your disappointment and into God’s promises. When you can’t see anything but the fog of grief, prayer can help clear the way, help you laugh, bring a smile and, like medicine, heal you. Prayer will remind you that while there is still breath in your lungs, there is still hope and the promise of a new day. The psalmist reminds us: “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning” in Psalm 30:5 NKJV.
So just hold on and remember someone is praying for you.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Our Season of Prayer-Tearing Down The Walls Of Hurt
It hurts to be a pastor. Some of the people you love the most and do the most for walk away from you like you never mattered. They lie about you, they attack your character, they try to ruin your influence, and do everything in their power to make your life miserable. That could be the main reason that pastors in general are in one of the highest risk categories for insurance in the world today. Too much stress, too much hurt, and too much pain will get to you after awhile.
During this season of prayer at DCOG we are believing that walls of hurt will be torn down for pastor throughout our nation. I have been lied to, lied about, had my character assassinated, been criticized, attacked verbally and even physically by people who said they were Christians. That's not a fun thing to deal with. But I had to make a choice-either tear down those walls and keep going forward for Jesus or letting the enemy win and being defeated. I choose the former instead of the latter. I know too many ministers who are bitter at God, people, and the church. I don't want to end up that way. I know too many preacher's wives and children who have been affected by this bitterness.
So Lord my prayer today is based on these four scriptures;
-You are my stronghold.
9:9, 10 "The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You."
-You turn a curse into a blessing
Deuteronomy 23:5 "Nevertheless, the LORD your God was not willing to listen to Balaam, but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the LORD your God loves you."
-You will never leave me.
Hebrews 13:5(b) "For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
-You are always on time.
John 14:18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
During this season of prayer at DCOG we are believing that walls of hurt will be torn down for pastor throughout our nation. I have been lied to, lied about, had my character assassinated, been criticized, attacked verbally and even physically by people who said they were Christians. That's not a fun thing to deal with. But I had to make a choice-either tear down those walls and keep going forward for Jesus or letting the enemy win and being defeated. I choose the former instead of the latter. I know too many ministers who are bitter at God, people, and the church. I don't want to end up that way. I know too many preacher's wives and children who have been affected by this bitterness.
So Lord my prayer today is based on these four scriptures;
-You are my stronghold.
9:9, 10 "The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You."
-You turn a curse into a blessing
Deuteronomy 23:5 "Nevertheless, the LORD your God was not willing to listen to Balaam, but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the LORD your God loves you."
-You will never leave me.
Hebrews 13:5(b) "For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
-You are always on time.
John 14:18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
Sunday, February 10, 2013
On The Verge
So here you are on the brink of stepping further into God's greatness. You are both nervous and excited because you're truly on the verge of a spiritual breakthrough. It's at this precise point, all hell seems to break loose.
You go from nervous excitement and happy expectation into fear. Suddenly you are filled with self-doubt. The choice that seemed so bold and true yesterday suddenly needs to be re-examined. You procrastinate on taking action. You talk your plans over incessantly with your friends, trying to find reassurance, and you pray, pray, pray.
Meanwhile, stuff happens in your life. Your job suddenly becomes unreasonable. There’s an emergency at home involving the plumbing. Your children get in trouble. Your fridge and stove become oddly unreliable. The car starts acting up. You are ready to tear our hair out and just give up because nothing's working right since you declared your breakthrough.
So how does this add up to a spiritual breakthrough?
Living on the verge of a spiritual breakthrough is not a comfortable place to be. It feels messy. You try to straddle old and new areas with absolutely no success and self-doubt makes taking action difficult. What happened to all your excitement? All that expansion has disintegrated into confusion.
Times like these are huge opportunities. When the devil seems to conspire against you immediately after you've decided on a bold new path, you know for sure you're on the right track. On the other side of your discomfort is tremendous growth. All you have to do is take just one more step, usually an “action” step, and suddenly, you find yourself in a new place of supernatural anointing.
Just one more step-what’s yours?
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways. And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord ; and they shall be afraid of thee. And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers to give thee. The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. (Deuteronomy 28:1-14 KJV)
You go from nervous excitement and happy expectation into fear. Suddenly you are filled with self-doubt. The choice that seemed so bold and true yesterday suddenly needs to be re-examined. You procrastinate on taking action. You talk your plans over incessantly with your friends, trying to find reassurance, and you pray, pray, pray.
Meanwhile, stuff happens in your life. Your job suddenly becomes unreasonable. There’s an emergency at home involving the plumbing. Your children get in trouble. Your fridge and stove become oddly unreliable. The car starts acting up. You are ready to tear our hair out and just give up because nothing's working right since you declared your breakthrough.
So how does this add up to a spiritual breakthrough?
Living on the verge of a spiritual breakthrough is not a comfortable place to be. It feels messy. You try to straddle old and new areas with absolutely no success and self-doubt makes taking action difficult. What happened to all your excitement? All that expansion has disintegrated into confusion.
Times like these are huge opportunities. When the devil seems to conspire against you immediately after you've decided on a bold new path, you know for sure you're on the right track. On the other side of your discomfort is tremendous growth. All you have to do is take just one more step, usually an “action” step, and suddenly, you find yourself in a new place of supernatural anointing.
Just one more step-what’s yours?
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways. And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord ; and they shall be afraid of thee. And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers to give thee. The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. (Deuteronomy 28:1-14 KJV)
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Pray
When it comes to spiritual matters, you and I will never know our potential under God until we step out and take risks on the front line of battle. We will never see what power and anointing are possible until we bond with our King and go out in His name to establish His kingdom.
Sitting safely in the shelter of Bible discussions among ourselves or complaining to one another about the horrible state of today’s society, does nothing to unleash the power of God. He meets us in the moment of battle. He energizes us when there is an enemy to be pushed back.
God hears the cries of His people so stir up the faith that is in you-pray.
1. We Need Faith to Have Supernatural Breakthrough in Prayer
If you have faith as small as a mustard seed… (Matthew 17:20).
2. Holiness Will Lead You to Take Risks in Prayer
Without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
3. Thankfulness Will Move God’s Spirit Toward Breakthrough Through Prayer.
Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17-19).
4. Community Will Increase Your Faith in the Supernatural Power Of Prayer.
That you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith (Romans 1:12).
Sitting safely in the shelter of Bible discussions among ourselves or complaining to one another about the horrible state of today’s society, does nothing to unleash the power of God. He meets us in the moment of battle. He energizes us when there is an enemy to be pushed back.
God hears the cries of His people so stir up the faith that is in you-pray.
1. We Need Faith to Have Supernatural Breakthrough in Prayer
If you have faith as small as a mustard seed… (Matthew 17:20).
2. Holiness Will Lead You to Take Risks in Prayer
Without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
3. Thankfulness Will Move God’s Spirit Toward Breakthrough Through Prayer.
Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17-19).
4. Community Will Increase Your Faith in the Supernatural Power Of Prayer.
That you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith (Romans 1:12).
Friday, February 8, 2013
Send The Rain
Joel 2:23-27 "Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed."
The church needs a fresh rain of the Holy Ghost upon it. Prophetically God pronounces what will happen when the fresh latter and former rain are poured out.
1. Notice that God never stopped the rain. It rained moderately, but He promised to send a deluge.
2. The former and the latter rain will bring about an abundance of harvest.
3. It will bring restoration of what has been destroyed and torn down.
4. There will be plenty for everyone to strake of.
5. People will know the blessing of the Lord is upon you and you won't be ashamed to admit it.
Hang on friend, the former and the latter rain are ready to be poured out. Restoration and rejuvenation is about to take place. God is on the verge of doing something big.
The church needs a fresh rain of the Holy Ghost upon it. Prophetically God pronounces what will happen when the fresh latter and former rain are poured out.
1. Notice that God never stopped the rain. It rained moderately, but He promised to send a deluge.
2. The former and the latter rain will bring about an abundance of harvest.
3. It will bring restoration of what has been destroyed and torn down.
4. There will be plenty for everyone to strake of.
5. People will know the blessing of the Lord is upon you and you won't be ashamed to admit it.
Hang on friend, the former and the latter rain are ready to be poured out. Restoration and rejuvenation is about to take place. God is on the verge of doing something big.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Comfort Zones
Comfort zones are invisible barriers that make us feel cozy and secure. Comfort zones develop after we have done things a particular way for a period of time. Unfortunately, they can makes us feel so comfortable, that we never want to change the way we do things. The only people who like change are babies with dirty diapers. Sometimes it’s easier to keep doing the same things over and over again than to make adjustments in our lives.
Two construction workers had taken a lunch break and opened their lunch boxes. One exclaimed, “Oh no, not baloney again. I can’t believe it. I hate it. This is the third time this week I’ve had baloney. I can’t stand it!” The other guy replied, “Why don’t you ask your wife to make you something different?” To which he responded, “I don’t have a wife. I made these myself!”
The fact of the matter is, most of the baloney in our lives we put there ourselves. If we ever want our lives to be any different from the same old baloney we keep serving ourselves, then we must break out of doing the routine!
Comfort zones aren’t all bad. They give us a sense security in our lives, and that’s certainly better than going through life fighting feelings of insecurity.
However, security is like money. It makes a wonderful servant, but a very poor master. Healthy security is found in a loving home, warm friendships, an enjoyable career, and good church relations ,but a different kind of security is found in a prison!
In prison the inmates don’t have to make decisions:
-Worry about house payments.
-Insurance payments.
Where the next meal is coming from.
That’s the reason so many return to a life of crime when released. They want the security they had in the prison. That's the real danger in letting our comfort zones become our prison.
When a crab grows, it breaks out of its hard shell and begins the process of forming a new one.
Its life span is marked by passing through successive shells. The crab grows when it is in-between shells. It will continue to grow as long as it dares to break out of it shell. When it stops breaking through shells, the crab ceases to grow and eventually dies.
Don't allow your comfort zone to become your Spiritual coffin.
Two construction workers had taken a lunch break and opened their lunch boxes. One exclaimed, “Oh no, not baloney again. I can’t believe it. I hate it. This is the third time this week I’ve had baloney. I can’t stand it!” The other guy replied, “Why don’t you ask your wife to make you something different?” To which he responded, “I don’t have a wife. I made these myself!”
The fact of the matter is, most of the baloney in our lives we put there ourselves. If we ever want our lives to be any different from the same old baloney we keep serving ourselves, then we must break out of doing the routine!
Comfort zones aren’t all bad. They give us a sense security in our lives, and that’s certainly better than going through life fighting feelings of insecurity.
However, security is like money. It makes a wonderful servant, but a very poor master. Healthy security is found in a loving home, warm friendships, an enjoyable career, and good church relations ,but a different kind of security is found in a prison!
In prison the inmates don’t have to make decisions:
-Worry about house payments.
-Insurance payments.
Where the next meal is coming from.
That’s the reason so many return to a life of crime when released. They want the security they had in the prison. That's the real danger in letting our comfort zones become our prison.
When a crab grows, it breaks out of its hard shell and begins the process of forming a new one.
Its life span is marked by passing through successive shells. The crab grows when it is in-between shells. It will continue to grow as long as it dares to break out of it shell. When it stops breaking through shells, the crab ceases to grow and eventually dies.
Don't allow your comfort zone to become your Spiritual coffin.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Hold On To God
Prayer means you sometimes just hold on to God. Holding fast is something that we do when we reach for something to grab as we are about to fall. In the daily uncertainties of life and in times of great difficulty, we can hold on to God. When we see ourselves acting in ways that are self-serving, when we are prideful or defensive,we can return to the humility and surrender of being a small child, holding on to God.
When we are uncertain or afraid holding fast to God helps us remember that we are not alone. When we are faced with our powerlessness, our selfishness, our pride or our attempts to control what we cannot control holding fast helps us remember that there is a Power greater than ourselves. Holding fast helps us remember who we are one of God’s loved children.
Sometimes we may feel like a child who thinks they are about to be dropped. We grasp and cling to God out of fear that we will be abandoned or rejected. We forget that God is not like those wounded and distracted humans. We forget that we are secure in God’s arms.
The context for this call to hold fast to God, is the context of love. We are able to ‘hold’ fast to God because God has always been holding us securely. God whispers to us, “I love you. Let’s live in loving relationship. I will show you how. I will hold you while you hold fast to me.”
In order to grab hold of God we will need to open our closed fists and let go of all the things to which we normally cling. We will need to let go of all that we grasp at in an attempt to feel secure. We will need instead to learn to hold fast to the one reality that is our true security–the Love of God which calls to our hearts and souls. This letting go in order to hold on to God is at the heart of our healing. Letting go so we can hold fast sets us free.
When we are uncertain or afraid holding fast to God helps us remember that we are not alone. When we are faced with our powerlessness, our selfishness, our pride or our attempts to control what we cannot control holding fast helps us remember that there is a Power greater than ourselves. Holding fast helps us remember who we are one of God’s loved children.
Sometimes we may feel like a child who thinks they are about to be dropped. We grasp and cling to God out of fear that we will be abandoned or rejected. We forget that God is not like those wounded and distracted humans. We forget that we are secure in God’s arms.
The context for this call to hold fast to God, is the context of love. We are able to ‘hold’ fast to God because God has always been holding us securely. God whispers to us, “I love you. Let’s live in loving relationship. I will show you how. I will hold you while you hold fast to me.”
In order to grab hold of God we will need to open our closed fists and let go of all the things to which we normally cling. We will need to let go of all that we grasp at in an attempt to feel secure. We will need instead to learn to hold fast to the one reality that is our true security–the Love of God which calls to our hearts and souls. This letting go in order to hold on to God is at the heart of our healing. Letting go so we can hold fast sets us free.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Seasons of Prayer
There are seasons for everything. A season is a short period of time, a opportune moment, an hour, or set time period. When we refer to prayer and seasons of prayer we are talking about specific prayer moments, experiences, opportunities, different in their intensity and duration from other kinds of prayer.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance..."
Paul exhorted the church in Ephesus to pray "with all prayer." In his letter to Timothy Paul exhorted Timothy to teach men to pray everywhere… and to pray with supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks.
1 Timothy 2:1 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men..."
Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints..."
1 Timothy 2:8 "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."
There are Seasons of:
-Repentance and brokenness.
-Seeking for knowledge and God' direction.
-All night, praying through, and touching God.
-Praying in the Spirit.
-Pleadings and groaning a not understood.
-Worship and thanksgiving.
How often we miss the best of what God has for us because we did not care enough to seek or search diligently. Pray is a precious gift of God by which we gain access to the Father, and through which we find mercy and grace to help in the time of need. Let us be among those that "Seek his face continually."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance..."
Paul exhorted the church in Ephesus to pray "with all prayer." In his letter to Timothy Paul exhorted Timothy to teach men to pray everywhere… and to pray with supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks.
1 Timothy 2:1 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men..."
Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints..."
1 Timothy 2:8 "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."
There are Seasons of:
-Repentance and brokenness.
-Seeking for knowledge and God' direction.
-All night, praying through, and touching God.
-Praying in the Spirit.
-Pleadings and groaning a not understood.
-Worship and thanksgiving.
How often we miss the best of what God has for us because we did not care enough to seek or search diligently. Pray is a precious gift of God by which we gain access to the Father, and through which we find mercy and grace to help in the time of need. Let us be among those that "Seek his face continually."
Monday, February 4, 2013
A Season of Prayer
A Season of prayer and fasting begins church-wide at DCOG on February 14, to seek God and believe Him for miracles in our lives. We would love for you to also join us as we gather together to pray for the needs of our city, nation, families, and homes.
During this season of prayer and fasting, we seek the Lord in these areas:
-Believing God for answered prayer for our specific needs.
-Declaring our dependence on God in every area of our lives.
-Asking for forgiveness for our sins and the sins of our land.
-Praying for the completion of the Great Commission.
-Inviting the Presence of God in our church and our lives.
-Crying out to God for revival in our generation.
Isaiah 64:7"There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you."
Jeremiah 27:8 "If they are prophets, And if the word of the LORD is with them, then let them intercede with the LORD of hosts."
Ezekiel 22:30 "I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none."
Scripture teaches that we are to have a regular and consistent life of prayer.
Luke 18:1 "... men ought always to pray, and not to faint."
Luke 21:36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always ..."
Acts 6:4 "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer ..."
Ephesians 6:18, 19 "Praying always ..."
Colossians 1:3 "... praying always for you."
Colossians 4:2 "Continue in prayer, and watch ..."
1 Thessalonians 1:2 "always"
Thessalonians 5:17 "without ceasing"
2 Timothy 1:3 "... without ceasing ..."
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33 KJV)
During this season of prayer and fasting, we seek the Lord in these areas:
-Believing God for answered prayer for our specific needs.
-Declaring our dependence on God in every area of our lives.
-Asking for forgiveness for our sins and the sins of our land.
-Praying for the completion of the Great Commission.
-Inviting the Presence of God in our church and our lives.
-Crying out to God for revival in our generation.
Isaiah 64:7"There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you."
Jeremiah 27:8 "If they are prophets, And if the word of the LORD is with them, then let them intercede with the LORD of hosts."
Ezekiel 22:30 "I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none."
Scripture teaches that we are to have a regular and consistent life of prayer.
Luke 18:1 "... men ought always to pray, and not to faint."
Luke 21:36 "Watch ye therefore, and pray always ..."
Acts 6:4 "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer ..."
Ephesians 6:18, 19 "Praying always ..."
Colossians 1:3 "... praying always for you."
Colossians 4:2 "Continue in prayer, and watch ..."
1 Thessalonians 1:2 "always"
Thessalonians 5:17 "without ceasing"
2 Timothy 1:3 "... without ceasing ..."
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33 KJV)
Sunday, February 3, 2013
God's Super Bowl
The San Francisco Forty Niners and the Baltimore Ravens will square off tonight in New Orleans for the World Championship of the NFL. This will be SF's attempt at Ring #6 and Baltimore's at Ring #7. My friends all know who I'm pulling for and they come from California.
What separates a Super Bowl Championship team from the team with the worst record?
-The team that has the greatest desire.
-The team that is the most disciplined.
-The team that has the most determination.
-The team that is willing to practice self-denial.
-The team that possesses the greatest distinction and character.
That team, whoever it may be, will win the Super Bowl!
The Word of God emphasizes all of the winning philosophy of a team in these few scriptures. This is about the Super Bowl of Life.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says,
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Philippians 3:12-14
"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after…I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
-Winners desire something so bad they can taste it.
-Winners discipline themselves to be able to stay on course until the game is over.
-Winners are determined to push through adversity and difficulty.
-Winners know that it's not one above all, but all operating as one.
-Winners know that when the game is on the line they give all that they have within themselves.
In less than 20 hours the game will be over. In the end one team will emerge victorious. A trophy will be awarded, a ring ceremony will be planned for next season, a check will be given to each player for playing in the game, and a MVP will be crowned and go to Disney World. Glory will be bestowed on the heroes of the game, the losers will face the commentators wrath, and one team will have bragging rights for a year.
Yet today a greater game of importance is being played, and you are a key player on the field. You have the opportunity to play for eternal rewards. You can win a prize that will never dim. The outcome is up to you.
What separates a Super Bowl Championship team from the team with the worst record?
-The team that has the greatest desire.
-The team that is the most disciplined.
-The team that has the most determination.
-The team that is willing to practice self-denial.
-The team that possesses the greatest distinction and character.
That team, whoever it may be, will win the Super Bowl!
The Word of God emphasizes all of the winning philosophy of a team in these few scriptures. This is about the Super Bowl of Life.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says,
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Philippians 3:12-14
"Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after…I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
-Winners desire something so bad they can taste it.
-Winners discipline themselves to be able to stay on course until the game is over.
-Winners are determined to push through adversity and difficulty.
-Winners know that it's not one above all, but all operating as one.
-Winners know that when the game is on the line they give all that they have within themselves.
In less than 20 hours the game will be over. In the end one team will emerge victorious. A trophy will be awarded, a ring ceremony will be planned for next season, a check will be given to each player for playing in the game, and a MVP will be crowned and go to Disney World. Glory will be bestowed on the heroes of the game, the losers will face the commentators wrath, and one team will have bragging rights for a year.
Yet today a greater game of importance is being played, and you are a key player on the field. You have the opportunity to play for eternal rewards. You can win a prize that will never dim. The outcome is up to you.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Ask and Expect
Expectation is God's invitation for a miracle. I have come to understand that having no expectation of God's ability in my life is like closing the door in His face. But if on the other hand, I will open the door of my heart with expectation, I will always receive!
There is a difference between routine and expectation. We read about that in Acts 3:1-7:
"Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, 'Look at us.' So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, 'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.' And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength."
This lame man had a routine. Every day he was taken to the gate at the temple to ask for money as people went in to pray. No different than any other day or any other time, he asked of Peter and John as they were entering. The man may not have been initially expecting to receive from them, because it seems his eyes were already focused on others walking up behind. Peter had to say to the lame man, "Look at us." These words got the man's attention and he looked up "expecting to receive something."
We know the man was expecting to receive money because he was a beggar and that's all he knew. He didn't know he could expect anything else or that there was something to help him in his condition. But by expecting, his heart became a door for God to enter and perform a miracle. Ephesians 3:20 says that God "...is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." This man most definitely received exceedingly abundantly above what he asked for or what he thought he was receiving.
This man was accustomed to begging. He had been lame from his mother's womb. But you and I are not beggars! We are believers! How much more should we expect to receive from God? This is why faith is a key to our expectation. Hebrews 11:6 says, "For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." If you have no expectation of God, then how can you receive anything from Him? Some people are misguided into believing that God's sovereignty means that whatever happens happens. Remember, God is sovereign to His Word, but not to circumstances or happenings. If He said it, He will do it, but we must activate expectation.
Some would say according to Matthew 6:8 that the Bible says God already knows the things I have need of before I ask. My response is yes, but He still said to ask and to ask in faith. James 4:2b tells us, "You do not have because you do not ask." Over and over, throughout the Old and New Testament, He says to us, "Ask of Me." The lame man at the gate asked. The amazing thing is because he asked, "expecting to receive" God did above and beyond what the man expected.
What can God do for you and I if we will just ask and expect to receive something? If we are walking uprightly before Him, there is no reason to doubt because we have this promise in 1 John 3:22 "Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." I know you love God and are endeavoring to please Him. So what are you waiting for? Ask and expect to receive!
There is a difference between routine and expectation. We read about that in Acts 3:1-7:
"Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, 'Look at us.' So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, 'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.' And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength."
This lame man had a routine. Every day he was taken to the gate at the temple to ask for money as people went in to pray. No different than any other day or any other time, he asked of Peter and John as they were entering. The man may not have been initially expecting to receive from them, because it seems his eyes were already focused on others walking up behind. Peter had to say to the lame man, "Look at us." These words got the man's attention and he looked up "expecting to receive something."
We know the man was expecting to receive money because he was a beggar and that's all he knew. He didn't know he could expect anything else or that there was something to help him in his condition. But by expecting, his heart became a door for God to enter and perform a miracle. Ephesians 3:20 says that God "...is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." This man most definitely received exceedingly abundantly above what he asked for or what he thought he was receiving.
This man was accustomed to begging. He had been lame from his mother's womb. But you and I are not beggars! We are believers! How much more should we expect to receive from God? This is why faith is a key to our expectation. Hebrews 11:6 says, "For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." If you have no expectation of God, then how can you receive anything from Him? Some people are misguided into believing that God's sovereignty means that whatever happens happens. Remember, God is sovereign to His Word, but not to circumstances or happenings. If He said it, He will do it, but we must activate expectation.
Some would say according to Matthew 6:8 that the Bible says God already knows the things I have need of before I ask. My response is yes, but He still said to ask and to ask in faith. James 4:2b tells us, "You do not have because you do not ask." Over and over, throughout the Old and New Testament, He says to us, "Ask of Me." The lame man at the gate asked. The amazing thing is because he asked, "expecting to receive" God did above and beyond what the man expected.
What can God do for you and I if we will just ask and expect to receive something? If we are walking uprightly before Him, there is no reason to doubt because we have this promise in 1 John 3:22 "Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." I know you love God and are endeavoring to please Him. So what are you waiting for? Ask and expect to receive!
Friday, February 1, 2013
You Can Be Free
God offers help in His Word to break free of the addiction. Some verses in the Bible give warnings as to why you should abstain from certain sins while other verses give encouragement that an addiction can be overcome.
Proverbs 6:26-29 “For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life. Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.”
Proverbs 20:1 “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
Isaiah 5:11 “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!”
Matthew 6:9-13 “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
John 8:36 “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Romans 6:16 “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
Romans 13:14 “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
1 Corinthians 6:18 “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Ephesians 5:18-20 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”
Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
James 1:12-15 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Proverbs 6:26-29 “For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life. Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.”
Proverbs 20:1 “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
Isaiah 5:11 “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!”
Matthew 6:9-13 “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
John 8:36 “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Romans 6:16 “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
Romans 13:14 “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
1 Corinthians 6:18 “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Ephesians 5:18-20 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”
Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
James 1:12-15 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
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