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 Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 3:37 pm
Sacrificing The Flesh
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1) NIV
The sun rises slowly over the scorching desert. Even though the sun has not yet seen the ground, the earth is already hot. Deathly hot. Movement starts; a child runs ahead of his father, who is about to get the lamb. That special, and pure lamb, who's life will end today.
We look back on those days, when various "barnyard animals," were sacrificed, when we read this verse. We are to be living sacrifices? Those two words together are terribly amusing actually. How can we be living, and be sacrifices? It almost makes you want to look up, and say, hey, um, what?
I do not think God is telling us to walk around living, and try to be sacrifices. Not in the literal respect. Though, it would be funny to see someone try.
As I seriously think about this, it hits me. How often do we try to do things on our own? I think what God is trying to tell us here, is that we need to let go of things in our life. We need to sacrifice the things that hold us back. God in his mercy will give us the strength to do that.
What will you sacrifice?
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Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 12:58 pm
Being Put To The Test
Genesis 22 : 1-2
1. “Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. 2. Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
The day for my test finally came! I was tremendously excited. I had been working for about three months, training, sweating, breaking boards, sparing, and failing before I was ready to test for my yellow belt. Friday afternoon was the big day!
I got all dressed up, wore my white belt, and away I was off to the Karate School to take my test. The test itself involved many different skills. Kicks, punches, and self-defense only to name a few. I had technically been put through the ringer.
Saturday morning came. The moment of truth. Had I passed? I drove to the Karate School, opened the door, and to my surprise, I had passed! It was a real accomplishment for me.
Friends, in the “School of Faith” we all will have occasional tests that God will put us through so that we can know where we are spiritually. A test is something that causes us to soul search our faith and really be sure that the glory of God is number one in our life. Abraham had his share of tests as well, but the sacrifice of his son had to be on the top of the list. Abraham had broken hearts, leaving of family, and many other tests of his faith. Sometimes, he passed and other times he failed. This particular time Abraham passed and gave his son back to God. Tough test huh?
We too are put to the test as Christians. Some of them are small tests to see if we will listen to God and what He has for our lives. Other tests are more extensive and we are really put through the mill to see what we will do. Will we do all for the glory of God, or will we go by the wayside? It seems that so many of us, especially as teenagers are choosing to go by the wayside. What would happen if we all turned into Abraham’s and really sought the glory of God in the tests that we face in our lives? I believe that we could have a faith that is so on fire for the glory of God that our hearts would be ever flowing!
So, how about it? How about the challenge of our faith? Some of you are facing tests of your faith right now, and are looking for the answer. Friends, the answer lies within the life of Abraham. Choose to glorify God, and you will pass every time. May God Be With You
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Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 3:02 pm
Breaking The Fall
But when he saw the wind he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. "You of little faith, He said, "why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:30-31)
This reminds me of how some people, instead of asking for help when they begin sinking deeper and deeper into trouble, keep saying they can do it themselves. Instead of asking for help from God, they sink lower and lower until they hit rock bottom in their troubles, and then they cry out for God to save them. I know, because I do it a lot as well.
I remember when I was learning a new and dangerous gymnastics skill. My coach wouldn't spot me and I would be scared to death of getting hurt. Instead of asking God to help me with the fear of falling and hurting myself, I went ahead and tried the stunt on my own. After my first fearful attempt at doing the trick I decided that doing this with out His help was not a good idea. I panicked in the middle of the trick and landed in an awkward position on the mat. Landing in such a position made me break seven of my toes.
It was so painful to walk for the next couple of weeks! Just think if I had asked for help before I had tried the trick! I probably wouldn't have been in so much pain and I know that I wouldn't have had to battle the fear of being hurt by myself.
Are you like me and sometimes wait until you are in trouble or are hurt before asking God to help with something? Wouldn't it be easier and less painful to ask God for help first thing? When we ask God for help He willingly gives it. He wants to help us, but He also wants us to learn to ask Him for help before we need it.
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Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 4:56 pm
Parents and Discipline
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline." Rev. 3:19
"Be home by 10:00 and no later!"
"Oh, mom, do I have to? All the other kids get to stay out later."
My mom is so strict! I mean she tells me who I can be friends with, how long I can stay out and even exactly what I can and can't do! I mean really! She must think I'm six years old! I just turned sixteen and can drive, but with all her rules, it's amazing she'll even let me out of the driveway.
Have you ever thought this way? Ever wondered why your parents are so strict when it seems the other kids get to do whatever they want to? Why is it you have to be in at 10:00, but your friends get to stay out until 12:00? Why do you have to help around the house, but your friends don't have to do a thing? Why is it you have to get all your homework done before going anywhere, but your friends don't even have to open their books?
It's called love. Your parents love you enough to show you the right way of doing things. God gives parents many examples of this. When the Israelites disobeyed God, they had to wander in the desert for forty years. Just as there were consequences for the Israelites, there are consequences when parents are not obeyed. Sneaking out and going to that party may mean alcohol is served and the police called for underage drinking. Even worse, someone could drive home under the influence of alcohol and have an accident. Parents were teenagers once and know all the things that can happen if rules are broken. They want to protect their children from the consequences. So, if you have a parent who is strict, thank God for them. If your parents are Christians and strict, praise God! They love you and want the best for you.
May God bless each of you.
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Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 7:12 pm
From The Grandstands
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." (Ephesians 1:3-4)
I remember like it was yesterday. My father would sit in the stands, when I played baseball as a kid, and he would yell for me and my team. He would scream, "Whadda say big red, whadda say?" My teams' colors were red. Some of the guys on my team would laugh, but I was proud because I knew that my father was supporting me. I didn't care how ridiculous he looked. I had someone who was backing me up no matter if I struck out or hit a home run (which did not happen too often).
Here we have a letter to a church that needs some encouragement. They are in a culture that is rampant sin and godlessness. They are getting discouraged. However, they received a letter that is just like my father screaming in the stands. Paul has written a letter saying that God was supporting them. Verses 3-11, in the greek, are one sentence. For the sake of time, only 3-4 will be emphasized. God has given them a blessing already because of what Christ had done for them.
Already they have been blessed. That is what God had thought of them. He thought so much of them that he chose to bless them. Before they were ever born, God was in love with them. He had already placed them to a high point, in heaven, with Jesus. It is like they were already there. He had already given them every spiritual blessing. The blessing was already their's. It was not waiting for them. It was already there. The same is true for us.
God is waiting in heaven for us. He has been in love with us since before the creation of the world. That is how much God loves us. We should not let the theology of this passage blind us from seeing that has so much love for us that set us at this high place.
The next time you feel that things are not going well for you. Just remember that God is there cheering you on. He has loved you before he even created the world. Let that be the father in stands that is cheering you on.
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Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2009 10:28 am
My Lover Comes
I stand on my balcony and watch, waiting for my lover to show Himself to me. I long for His fragrance to consume me. The morning and day is worthless and my peace is peace less without His coming to spend time with me. The trees rustle with His coming and my heart beats faster as I hear Him approach. Then He waits.
I see Him and I feel His breeze upon my body. I smell His fragrance as it touches every part of me. His fragrance wraps around me like a blanket, and comforts me. I call to my love to leave His fragrance on me so that others can smell that He has been with me, so they can smell His wonderful smell. He is gentle and refreshing as His fragrance caresses me. My soul longs for Him and I continue to look to wait for just one more glimpse of Him.
Going back inside my house my heart is heavy that He has chosen to stay afar. Back in my house, but longing for him I stand and wait, hoping that He will decide to come to me. My longing eyes look in despair to see Him, to smell His fragrance once more this morning. Once again, the trees rustle and I can see my lover coming. Again, I can smell His fragrance upon the wind. The wind that comes before Him touches me and my heart beats faster. I urge Him to come in so that His fragrance will fill my house. As He comes through the door and passes me, I do not see Him. I am calling out for Him and looking for Him in the wind, but the wind has stopped, and I fear my lover has once again left without coming into me.
A voice comes from inside my dwelling from my love as He says, “My love I am here, inside, for you are beautiful and I cannot stay away, I have come to be with you.” My dwelling fills with His beautiful aroma, His fragrance is captivating. My lover has come to me, to be only with me. Nothing can keep me away from Him, He is mine and I am His, He is in my dwelling…. My lover is beautiful, and nothing can compare to His beauty. His fragrance is all over me and it is sweeter than anything known to me is.
My Challenge to You
Have you ever been so head over hills about someone that you wanted everyone to see you with them? If they wore a fragrance, you wanted to smell that fragrance on your hands after you had been with them. As you knew that you were about to see this person, everything inside you looked for the first sight of them.
Most of us have experienced these feelings for someone before. My question to you is do you feel like that when you are about to spend time with God? Did you know that He feels like that about you every second of each and everyday?
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Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 8:04 pm
Testing Calm Waters
Trust in the Lord with all heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall bring it to pass. (Proverbs 3:5-6) NKJV
Do you ever test the waters of a swimming pool before you jump in, or are you a rebel who jumps in face first? I don’t know, but it could be a hot day and read, “heated pool” on the side, and I’m still going to check to see if it’s cold or not. One thing this Florida boy can’t stand is jumping into cold water.
Let’s say that it happens to be a slightly warmer day than usual, maybe a 110 degrees. A nice cold dip sounds good right? Sure, but its going to have to be really hot, then and only then, will I think about going in if it’s cold. Even when I do get brave, I’ll take the ‘ease-in-method.’ I’ll stick my foot on the step and wait till it becomes numb before I begin to slowly ease the rest of my body in.
When we become Christians, we often test the waters to see if it’s cold or not, even when the Lord puts a ‘heated pool sign’ up in front of our faces. Sometimes you may get the urge to witness to someone but you’re hesitant. The circumstances may have been set up perfectly by the Lord, but we still pass it up trying to convince ourselves that it might not be a good idea.
When we ask the Lord into our hearts, we also ask Him to guide, protect, and watch over us. In return, we are to trust in Him with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. All though sometimes we think we know better, in the long run He’s always right. The next time you feel the call to do something or when your down and looking for a way out, ‘In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will bring it to pass.’
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Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 12:24 pm
The Lord's Eyes
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war. (2 Chronicles 16:9) NIV
Do you remember the Sunday school song. Be Careful Little Eyes What You See. For those of you who don't know it the first verse goes like this; Oh, be careful little eyes what you see, Oh, be careful little eyes what you see, for you Father up above is loving down in love, Oh, be careful little eyes what you see. You then replace eyes for feet, hands. If you want to know the rest of the song email me and let me know.
Today's devotional is exactly on what the song says. God is watching every move we make. He is listening to every thing we say and think.
The verse above is about King Asa. King Asa did not rely on God for the safety of his kingdom. Rather he went to his own resources. God then sent a prophet to Asa to tell him the above words. God was very unhappy with Asa for not trusting in Him. God had an eye on Asa but Asa paid no attention to it. To read the rest of the story look up 2 Chronicles 16.
God may not have physical eyes but He is always watching us. Is there anything that you are doing in your private life just as Asa was that goes against what God has commanded you? Being a Christian involves more than just what other people see; it requires our private lives as well. What would you tell Jesus if He came back at that point in time when in your private life you were disobeying Him? God is always watching us so be careful not only what you do but what you take in.
Secondly, you need to trust God in every area of your life. I know it is hard to do. But pray, talk with a pastor or trusted friend, and fellowship with other believers. This will help. Then when in doubt. The bible is always there for you as well. Ask God for answers, and He will most assuredly give them to you.
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Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 2:52 pm
Finding Our Worth
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10) NLT
This is one of my favorite verses. I have grown up believing that I was worthless. I always knew that I would never be good enough for anyone. I had absolutely no self-esteem. I felt as though everyone around me had given up on me. And then I read that I am God's masterpiece. I'm not just a creation...because creations can go bad...but I am His masterpiece...the one thing he adores most made by His hands.
God goes even farther here to say that not only are we His cherished creation, but he has had a plan for us the whole time. Even before God made you, he knew what you would become. (Ephesians 1:11) He saw all of the mistakes you would make, and all of the joy you would find. He saw all of your failures that you will ever have, yet He still decided to create and love you. Then, He adds that not only did He create you even though he knew you even better than you know yourself, but He has got an amazing plan just for you. He had that picked out long ago too! He knows what He is doing.
The next time it seems as though you are worthless and not good enough for those around you, remember that you are God's priceless masterpiece and that He has a plan just for you. He adores you, brothers and sisters in Christ. Let that love overwhelm you!
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Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 4:03 pm
My Love Life
Song of Solomon 6:3
"I am my beloved's, And my beloved is mine. He feeds
his flock among the lilies." NJKV
Isn't it funny how we make other people sometimes
more important than God? Or how we would rather spend
time with a person than with God? I admit I have done
that. It isn't something that I am proud to say.
Sometimes I wish I couldn't say that. But it is true.
One of the things that I have been learning
recently is that I need to be satisfied with God. I
need to be content with just being with Jesus. As the
verse above says "I am my beloved's," that is what I
truly want to be. I don't want to just say that I am
God's, but I want it to be evident in how I live my
live.
Is that the desire of your heart today? To belong
to God. I belong to God. When I wake up in the morning
I want Jesus to be the first thing on my mind as well
as when I go to bed at night. I want to desire God
more than anything else in this world. Is this your
desire today? Are you getting so hungry for something
more than what you already have? If so turn you whole
life over to God. Not just bits and pieces of your
life but every area of your life including your love
life. Let God be the center of your love life, today.
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Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 11:19 am
Commitment
Commitment
Who What Where When Why How
To be truly committed to the right things in your life will greatly please God and bring you great rewards.
Commitment to God cannot be compromised
Exodus 8:25-29 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said "Go, sacrifice to your God here in the land." But Moses said, "That would not be right.. The sacrifices we offer the Lord our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. And if we offer sacrifices that are detestable in their eyes, will they not stone us? We must take a three day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God, as he commands us."
Pharaoh said, "I will let you go to offer sacrifices to the Lord your God in the desert, but you must not go very far. Now pray for me."
Moses answered, "As soon as I leave you, I will pray to the Lord and tomorrow the flies will leave Pharaoh and his officials and his people. Only be sure that Pharaoh does not act deceitfully again by not letting the people go to offer sacrifices to the Lord."
There is absolutely no doubt about the importance God places on true commitments in our lives. His first demand is a total commitment to Him. This exchange between Moses and Pharaoh is the result of Pharaoh seeking a compromise from Moses to change his commitment to God's requirement for sacrifices. Moses stated firmly that no compromise is possible.
As young men and women, learning the seriousness of making commitments to your family, your school, your friends, your church and to God is a very important lesson. It is a very difficult process that a lot of adults still have not learned so there is no reason to feel discouraged if you are having a hard time making and keeping commitments. Scripture teaches us about commitment not less than 25 times in the New and Old Testaments. Every aspect of your life requires a commitment on your part to some degree. You will encounter times when a very deep commitment is required, such as attending Youth Group meetings or successfully completing a very difficult course in school. If you have a pet that really belongs to you personally, you have a commitment to that pet because that pet will rely on you for everything it needs to stay alive and happy. You have commitments to your friends and especially to your family. God requires that we honor our commitments no matter how large or how small. Our ability to keep commitments determines our ability to keep promises (John 13:37-3 cool .
It is also important that we make our commitments based on the right things because commitments that are based on the wrong things quickly fade (John 12:1 cool . God has made many commitments to us and keeps each and every one of them. Don't you think that He would be pleased if you followed His guidance and instructions when you make commitments to Him, or your friends or your family. All will love and respect you more if you respect and love the commitments you make to them. Your rewards will be many many many many. Do not be afraid to make the right commitments in your life. I commit to each and every one of you each and every day of my life to pray for you, to love you, to respect you and to help you any way I can.
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Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 2:43 pm
When The Storm Rages On
Read Mark Chapters 3-4 *
Peter wipes a drop of sweat off his face as he dips the oar into the still waters of the sea. The boat gently descends into the sunset as another day comes closer to an end. He listens to Matthew and Philip talk about the morning. A smile breaks Peter's face, as Andrew recalls that Jesus, who is fast asleep at the stern, healed the man with the withered hand.
"And the look on the Pharisees' faces was just priceless," Phillip chuckles.
"What a day," Peter thinks to himself, feeling the blister on his heel from the trek to the sea. The multitudes of all different types and from many cities came just to hear the voice of the one we call "Son Of God."
"What a blessing, He has been to us all," Matthew states, "to think that Jesus would ever want something to do with a low down tax collector."
"Like two poor fishermen are any better," Andrew adds, looking over to his brother Peter.
A gentle breeze sweeps over the boat as Peter stokes the waters with oar. A gray cloud emerges out from the top of the mountains. James turns around.
"Looks like a little sprinkle is heading our way, better grab an oar and let's get to the other side before it hits."
As the wind starts to pick up, the beautiful sunset takes cover from the growing darkness of clouds from the horizon. A wave splashes over the side unto Peter's tunic. "Come on guys, let's pick up the pace," Matthew yells. The boat tilts to one side as it gets tossed to and fro with each passing wave. "Everyone stay centered in the boat, try and keep it still," James says.
"We're taking on water," Andrew frantically screams. The rains start to beat down on their faces as the waters become rough. White caps of the waves flood into the boat as a clap of thunder sounds overhead.
"Quick, let's get this water out of here, we're going under." Peter looks around not knowing where the voices are coming from, just doing his best to keep the boat moving. Fear grips every nerve in his body as fate may have found its day for his life.
"Help!" Peter turns around, his brother was hit by a wave and was hanging on to the side of the boat. "Andrew," Matthew yells as another wave throws him back in from the other side. Climbing back onto the boat, Andrew dives over to Jesus. He grabs his shirt and shakes him. "Teacher, don't you care that we are going to DIE!?!?"
Already awake and aware of the situation Jesus rises, and rebukes the wind and the clouds and says to the sea, "peace, be still." He looks around at the disciples, each soaked, scared and in disbelief. Not knowing whether to be thankful or angry, they stand there dazed by the events. The silence was broken, "Why are you so fearful, how is it that you have no faith," Jesus asks.
A silence fell over them. "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him," they thought.
Has there ever been a point when a storm came out of nowhere to flood your life? A time when there seemed to be no hope in sight? Jesus could have sat there and lectured the disciples, or shared with them of how little faith they had, but that would have solved nothing. With the heart that we all want to have, Jesus asked a simple, humbled, question. "Why are you so fearful?"
We are going to go through trials. Times when you want to be on the floor yelling at Jesus asking Him, "Do You Care About Me?" Just remember that He does know what is going on at all times and will never let you take on more water than you can handle. Rejoice that we serve an awesome God. God Bless and Keep The Faith.
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Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 1:55 pm
Pretty High and Tempting
"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Turn and flee from sin." (James 4:7) NKJV
Everyday we come in contact with some pretty tough situations. Times when there isn't anyone to turn to and nobody to stand by your side. Sin stares you right in the face and haunts your every move. It stalks you around every turn and is determined to pin you to a corner so you can't escape. Many of you know exactly what I'm talking about. The other day I came in contact with one of those situations.
My dad came up from Miami to spend the week at Disney which is only about an hour from my house. Sunday was the only day I had off, so I packed my swimming trunks and drove to Mickey's house. I arrived there just in time to stuff myself with some breakfast and jump on a bus to Disney's Blizzard Beach. But, little did I know what lurked behind those snowy gates.
The day went by pretty fast and so did my skin as it turned 4 different shades of red before turning to its purple state that it's in now. Life was great, kids where laughing, parents relaxing, and my dad just staring in awe towards the main attraction. I walked over to where he was standing to gaze with wonder. Off in the distanced gleamed the tall, shadowy, silhouette of the largest, fastest, steepest, water slide in the world. My dad smiled, took me by the arm, and the march to my death began.
The closer we edged to the slide, the more fearful I became. Sweet started rolling down my face as I was gripped with the agony of my fate. As we stepped through the entrance to this suicidal slide, I felt my life come to an end. Then it hit me, the only chance I had was to make a mad dash through the line. There was an opening where I could slip through to the kiddy pool, It just might work. I took a deep breath, said a short prayer and made my last effort to dive through the line to safety. After nearly tripping over every chain and bumping into a really tall hairy man who was having a bad hair day, I was able to make it out.....alive.
Even though the fear of a slide could never compare to some of the things we face every day in our lives, it symbolizes what we as Christians need to do. As Paul tells us, we need to literally turn and run from sin. When we are tempted, or when sin comes to grab our arm, we need to turn the other direction. In God's word it shows us that we will never be tempted more than we can handle. He also tells us that there will never be a situation that we cannot escape. Even though the slide probably wouldn't have killed me, sin can. Not only can it kill you now, it can keep you from eternal life. If you haven't already, ask Jesus into your heart. If you have, realize that there is nothing that you can't do through Jesus Christ, who we all know strengthens us. The next time you get tempted, or threatened with sin, remember Jesus died on the cross so we can stare at even the biggest sins in the world and simply....walk away. God Bless and Keep The Faith!
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Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:29 pm
Why Don't People Like Me?
People don't like me, I have no friends. How many times have you said or thought that. Well, as a mother I know I have heard it time and time again throughout the years as my kids were growing up. Nothing is worse than seeing your child have no friends. Many times you think no one likes you, but that is not the case. The case is that they may not know you, that's all.
When we moved over 1000 miles away from our hometown in Maryland last year or so ago, my boys had to make all new friends, go to a new church and school. Each of my boys were at different maturity levels in their lives. And each one of them have their own different personalities. The two oldest made friends right away and the other didn't make any for a long time. The youngest is 13 and he was shy and not real sure about himself. I encouraged him as much as I could to ask kids over and join a club or anything. He wasn't ready to open up. Once he did he made lots of friends. So if you think you are unlikable then think again, you may not be opening up to let others in.
Now in some cases people may really not like you. Sad to say but we all know someone we may not like a whole lot. What happens when you are the one they don't like? You may need to change some undesirable habit or characteristic you have developed. Nobody likes being around people who constantly criticizes, or one who can't keep a confidence. No one wants to be around those who are stuck up and think they know it all. Take a deep look into yourself and see if you are what you would want for a friend. Take the undesirable habit or characteristic and ask God to change it. We all love those are nice to us and make us feel good about our selves.
If people don't like you or knock you for your stand with Christ consider that an honor. 1stPeter 4:14-16 says, "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler: but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in the name let him glorify God."
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Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 2:26 pm
Praying For Your Church
Colossians 1 9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Are you really praying for your church? There are times that I think that when we pray for our church it may sound like, “God, would you bless my church?” Other times, it comes with utter passion and a need for desperate help and it comes out, (emphasis on God) GOD! Would you bless my church? It just seems that when we come to God in prayer for our churches that we really do not ask Him for the things that we really ought to be asking Him?
What would happen if we prayed like Paul and said, “Lord Jesus, I want to take the promises that you have given us in James, and the promise that you have given us in Colossians, that Paul asked for concerning the little church in Colosse, Lord Jesus, would you extend your grace, knowledge, spiritual wisdom and understanding to our church? Would you help it with division, synicism, gnosticism and the forces of evil that we are battling at the church? Bind us together in one accord? Will you help us to bear fruit in every good work that we do, to grow in knowledge of God. Father will you give us the strength with all power according to his glorious might so that we may have great endurance and never want to give up, and never want to let petty things that bother us cause division among us. Give us patience, and joy. We give you the thanks and the glory for all of these things. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!”
What would happen if we made it our certain point to make that our prayer? I know that with the faith in God that He will begin to answer our prayer and we can begin to see these things happen in our churches. May we begin to pray these things, and take a look at our prayer life and see what God would have for us to really be praying about when it comes to our church instead of our own mamby pamby little prayers that we have been saying for our church, and watch God do a mighty work! May God’s Grace Abound In You And Your Church!
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