How to equip our conscience

Yesterday's post produced some questions.

How can I make sure my conscience will guide me correctly?

How can I build-up my conscience?

Those are great questions and I want to offer 5 ways to build up your

conscience so it will be quick to protect and warn us.

1-Saturate your mind with the Word of God.

It goes without saying..."What goes in is what comes out". The more you saturate ourselves with the way "God Thinks" the more we will think like Him and see the world the way he does. It all begins here. The Scriptures will become your "sphere of influence" if that is what is in your mind.

2-Be quick to apply principles from your study of God's Word.

We learn by application...not just head knowledge. Take what you have read and purposefully look for an opportunity to apply it. God delights in the quick obedience of His children. In Scripture we can see faithful example of quick obedience...Isaiah, Abraham, the disciples. These men heard God and the wasted no time to obey and apply what God had said.

3-When you learn a Biblical truth...don't budge.

Keep absolutes and build on them. Where God has spoken clearly and definitively stand on those principles and DON'T move. Don't try and rationalize your way out ("That can't apply for today"..."Maybe just this one time" or "No one will see") The second we excuse our way out of obedience we have "short circuited" our conscience.

4- Have a plan to get out.

If you find yourself in a situation that will lead to a fall...look for a quick way out. If you make a plan ahead of time, when the need arises for you to "flee" it will be automatic. Practice makes perfection here. As Nike says "Just do it". Your conscience will lead you out once you have established a pattern of escape.

5-Be accountable to another.

Godly friendships are key. If you have a weakness for spending money, let your friend know and ask her to "call-you out" when she sees a leading towards it. Have someone pray for you in these weakness and trials. Often I call friends just to say "pray" when I am facing a difficult decision. Knowing I have someone praying become like a "trigger" to know God is with me and my conscience is made sensitive to that.

Hope that helps everyone. It's a short post today... I have caught that nasty "flu bug" so I am back to bed!

BOOK CLUB UP-DATE:

NEXT WEEK WE START "PRAYING BACKWARDS"

Posts on Monday (MARCH 10TH) will start an overview of the discussion and Chapters. I am really looking forward to it.

Decision-making questions...

I hope yesterday’s post was in someway beneficial to you. All the time we hear “I don’t know if that is God’s will for me” or “I am waiting on God to show me”.

I totally understand that there are some decisions we need to wait and weigh heavily with God's Word…these decisions require prayer and often fasting and very wise counsel.

More often, it is just day-to-day decisions we must make. In these cases we get bogged down and burdened. I freeze or if I move forward there is guilt. Whether we watch TV or do sports on Sunday even worship on Saturday…Christians differ on these issues.
In addition to the “Three Lighthouses” approach to discerning God’s will, I want to suggest a series of questions we can ask ourselves to discern what is God’s will for us.

These questions are taken from a sermon by John MacArthur at his Grace Community Church.

1-Will it be spiritually profitable?
1 Cor 6:12 says “All things are lawful, but not all things are beneficial” Paul here is talking about the things Scripture does not explicitly warn us to keep away from. The warning we receive in Scripture we are to obey. What he is speaking of here, are the “non-moral” issues, the things Scripture is silent about. So, I ask myself the question that Paul is posing right here, will my doing this enhance my spiritual life? Will it cultivate godliness? Will it be profitable to me? Will it be to my spiritual advantage? In other words, I'm not looking at life from the standpoint of--Boy, can I do this and get away with it? I'm looking at life--Can I do this and have it increase my godliness? 1 Cor 14:26 “Let all things be done unto edification”

2- Will it slow me down in my spiritual race?
Paul often refers to his life as a race. (1Cor 9; Hebrews 1:12) We are exhorted to putt off things that would weigh us down. The idea is things that would distract us from finishing the race. It is something that weighs us down, diverts our priorities, takes our attention, sucks our energy, dampens our enthusiasm for the things of God. Often it is more a matter of taking things out of our lives that are draining our energies and dimming our focus. Often we begin our day with a caffeine jolt in the hopes that we get everything in! Then at the end of the day, we see we had no quiet time or time to pray. We have been distracted.

3-Will it bring me into bondage?
This is one we have to be careful about. It is looking at choices from the view is this my weakness? Would this be a crack that the adversary could come in and destroy? I think right away of the wicked temptation that the Internet can be…so many catch just a glimpse of pornography and they are hooked. They think it begins innocently enough and before you know it…you are hooked…in bondage. Marriages are broken, children are seduced and lives are destroyed…all from one innocent look…and then a second…and then….
I think also of prescription drugs…we begin taking them to relieve pain and then many combine and self-prescribe and soon addiction. Sports, cooking…eating can quickly control us. There are many things that can enslave us that come from creation which God designed to be ruled by us. How many people could have avoided the dreadful circumstances they are in, had they just avoided that first inclination.

4-Will this cover-up my sin?
1 Peter 2:16, "Don't use your freedom for a cloak to cover your evil."
Ask yourself, is this really something that benefits me spiritually. Is it for my spiritual profit? Is this something that builds me up? Is this something that is not unnecessary bulk but something helpful? Is this something that will not lead me into bondage? Or am I really cloaking over my evil desire? Look at your motive. Having an excuse to "buy" because of a special event or because "I deserve it" can cover up an addiction to shopping. Lack of hospitality can cover-up the sin of laziness. Eating can deceive us when we are eating to fill an empty void...whether it is lack of time with God or lack of affection. A neglected friend can be a cover-up for a hurt she may have inadvertently committed.

5-Will it violate my conscience?
Our conscience is a very valuable tool that God has designed and given us for protection. We tell our kids all the time, listen quickly to your conscience because if you don’t and you suppress it soon does not function properly. Once in a while, our second daughter will come home from a High School party early and say “They started to drink so I left” Now she was not drinking, but her conscience told her, something could happen here so “get out!” and she listened. Another time a group of band members went on a trip and she said “I don’t think I should go” We supported her insight and found out later that the trip’s highlight was sneaking out and getting drunk. Several kids were put in probation and the band’s next trip was canceled. Her conscious warned her and she responded.

Our conscience when properly guided by the Holy Spirit is a great warning mechanism. We must respond quickly and NOT suppress the thoughts.

In 1984 an Avonca Jet crashed in Spain. As always after a crash like that, investigators study the accident scene looking for the black box. The black box was found and they reconstructed the conversation to determine why the accident happened. When the found the black box and they played it, it showed that several minutes before the plane crashed a computer voice from the plane's automatic warning system told the crew repeatedly "pull up, pull up, pull up, pull up." The pilot sarcastically snapped back "shut up gringo!" and flipped off the switch. Minutes later the plane smashed into the mountain and everybody was killed.

Our conscience often tells us "Get out"..."Don't go there"... how much pain and destruction could we avoid if we listened and obeyed.

Tomorrow a couple more questions to think about.

Making decisions

Making decisions can at times be daunting. This past week I have sought God for wisdom regarding a decision I had to make. As I wrestled with God and my own ideas and emotions it became painfully aware to me, that God gives wisdom to His children. God does not like confusion…He is a God of order and revelation NOT chaos and NOT concealment. His delight is to show Himself to us. Now there are great mysteries about God that He reserves the right to conceal but in regards to our lives He loves showing us the way.
What happens to us is that we hear too many other “voices” and do not have the “ear” to hear His distinct voice.
How does God give wisdom when we are asking for a specific direction? How can we confidently and joyously discern God’s will for our lives? How does God answer our plea for direction?

I have found in the past years three “lighthouses” as I have heard them called. I have come to seek direction by looking for the “lighthouses” There are three distinct ways that light up the way to go. I hope you find these encouraging and maybe even timely…

First: I have to begin with my view and understanding of who God is. He is sovereign. That means He is independent…He rules over His creation…He not only oversees it but actually purposes events so that His Glory may be displayed. There is nothing in my life or yours that God has missed and is playing catch-up! So because He is sovereign and purposeful, I can begin to look at circumstances around me as in His total control. I gain insight as I observe patterns in my life with the perspective that God is at work. I glean from my children…their conversations…my husband and his countenance, his demeanor. I watch situations that are totally out of my control and wonder is this a clearing to walk through? I survey my relationships…are they God-centered or self-centered…is God removing or adding friends? So you begin by looking at circumstances and asking the question… Am I to go this way?

Second: As God is sovereign in all things: circumstances and events-- He is also sovereign in the details. So I begin to look at what am I learning in His Word? What am I reading? Where am I studying? Is God warning me there? Encouraging? Comforting? Telling me to wait? In God’s purposeful sovereignty, He will have me where I need to be in His Word so I am hearing from Him. It is no coincidence that you maybe in a chapter in Scripture which speaks right to you heart. That is God speaking through His word to you. His Word is always relevant and always a revelation.

Third: Because of His sovereignty, I can look at circumstances and gain clarity through studying His Word. And this is where the third “lighthouse” goes. This last “lighthouse” is a peace that surpasses all understanding. Because I know His sovereignty and because His Word is affirming what I see or am experiencing, I have peace that is not dependent on anything physical…just simply in knowing He is guiding me. That peace can not be “mustered-up” or “brought-on” by anything or anyone…it is the peace of God Himself drawing us near to Him. It is the peace that says…”I am in control…do not be anxious for anything”

A word of caution here for all of us…we do have an adversary that can influence circumstances and our own emotions can often deceive us. We need to be careful that all three are present…and the most important “lighthouse” is the Word of God. If we are moved only by circumstances and a temporal peace that is not enough to move confidently. It is only by God’s Grace that we don’t get in bigger trouble! But when we line up the three: Sovereign circumstances, His Word and the peace that surpasses all circumstances, we can move confidently and joyously! God desires for His own to live in a joyous manner…seeking Him.

I hope that encourages you…more on that tomorrow.

The Word...

I went this weekend to a "Casting Crowns" concert...I am trying to get back to the routine of the day...needless to say those of you who know what it is like to get back to "life" understand that it takes a few days to do that...groceries...laundry...Hannah and Josh had no lunch for school so I need to get it to them...So please enjoy this video from the group...tomorrow we can look at "The Word"...
If you 'd like:...take a look back at past posts on prayer...submission...joy or other topics we have covered...(just scroll down the bottom left side) Also there is a new "Verse of the Week" and a new Poll for you to participate in...enjoy!

SMILE IT IS FRIDAY!

As we have been talking so much abour prayers here is a funny little story someone sent me.

A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school.
He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe. So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her. She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway,
it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor girl he knew.
She did this for the whole week.
As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs,
Timmy's little friend noticed the same lady was following
them as she seemed to do every day all week.
Finally she said to Timmy,
'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?
'Timmy nonchalantly replied, '
Yeah, I know who she is.'The little girl said,
'Well, who is she?''That's just Shirley Goodnest,'
Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy.
''Shirley Goodnest? Who is she and why is she following us?
''Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mom makes me pray the 23rd Psalm in my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much.
And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life',
so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!'

Have a great weekend!

Pray always..even "arrow prayers" count

We have looked a some of the prayers in the Bible...by no means are these the only ones. All throughout Scripture we find the God honoring prayers of men and women in very difficult circumstances and in joyous times when their prayers were simply filled with praise and thanksgiving. Scripture tells us to pray...at all times:

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. " Luke 18:1
"I want men [and women] everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer." 1 Timothy 2:8
"Pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44
"Pray continually. " 1 Thessalonians 5:17

There is no doubt that we are called to times when we need to separate ourselves from the distractions of the world and pray. Prayer is talking with God. Prayer is dialogue, not monologue. Prayer is listening as well as speaking to God. Prayer expresses our dependence upon God. It is God’s ordained means for unleashing His power in our lives and in the world around us.
Often we pray spurred on by the moment. Some people call these "arrow prayers"...short prayers through the day "shooting up" to the Throne of Grace in heaven. Often we find ourselves lost for words as we pray and we just kneel there, quietly and let God's Spirit minister to us. We may be driving or busy at home and God's Spirit reminds of us someone...we stop for a moment and pray. We can be in a moment of depair and cry out to God...that is also praying. The disciples showed us that, in one of the shortest prayers in Scripture...

"Then He got into the boat and his disciples followed him.
Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake,
so that the waves swept over the boat.
But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying,
"Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"
Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves,
and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked,
"What kind of man is this?
Even the winds and the waves obey him!" (Mat.8:25).

How often we "feel like we are drowning". The storms of life have swept our emotions and as we look out, all we see are the waves of confusion or disappointment. Our mind is tossed about by winds of emotional anguish...anxiety. ...what is there to do but cry out "Lord, save me! I am going to drown" In this short prayer we have called out to the only one who can calm our fears, change the circumstances (should that be His will) or get in the boat with us and strengthen us. I often think of this passage when I face difficult situations. This storm was a surprise for everyone BUT Christ. He was sleeping...at rest. If you look at a similar passage in Mark 6:45-53 when Jesus sent the Disciples into a boat and another storm broke out. Jesus watched the Disciplines from the top of a mountain...and what did he go to do up there? Pray. I find great comfort in knowing that, as God allows storms in my life. In both these incidents Jesus came in or was there in the boat. Storms are no surprise to God. And Jesus is praying me through and He is even there with me, (in the boat).

Jesus prays for us. He shows us that very truth when He talks to Peter in Luke 22 . Here Jesus is responding to the Disciples discussion about who was the greatest of them. And Jesus says to Peter "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers"
Whenever we begin to think of ourselves to highly, we need to be careful because a fall is soon to come. Jesus knew what was coming for Peter...just as he knew the storm was coming as the disciples got on the boat...and He had already prayed for Peter to come through. It's also interesting to see that Jesus says "Satan has asked to sift you as wheat" Satan's schemes to persecute and destroy God's own have to be approved by God Himself. As I once heard a Pastor say..."satan is God's satan" God has set clear boundaries where he is allowed to work in...and he may not go further. (Job is a good picture of this also)

So what comfort can we draw from this as Christians?
First, arrow prayers go straight to the Throne of Grace. They are quick but powerful!
Second, Jesus is interceding on our behalf. The Father allows the circumstances and Jesus prays for us to persevere and come through so our faith will not fail, but be stronger!
Third, when we come through, we are to encourage one another.
Suffering is never wasted, when we can grow in faith and encourage others.

How can we apply these three thoughts to our lives today?
Pray at all times.
Pray for our children and loved ones to not waste the suffering.
Teach them, when them come through to encourage those who may be going through the same thing. That's part of God's plan for them.
Pray that their faith increases through difficult times.
Praise God for knowing and placing His boundaries on you and them so that the enemy will not prevail!

Arrow prayers are effective prayers...they are our cry out for God's help. We take the right "position" as one in need looking up to the One who can rescue us. It is the lowly calling out to the heavenly.

Next week we will take a look at what to pray when we don't know exactly how to pray.

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Don't forget to take a look at the survey on the left.
And order your book if you want to do the Book Club with us!

A prayer from Daniel...one last thought!

Before we move unto the next prayer I wanted to share what Spurgeon preached about this prayer of Daniel...

"Prayer makes the darkest cloud withdraw,

Prayer mounts the ladder Jacob saw,

Gives exercise to faith and love,

Brings every blessing from above.

Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;

Prayer makes the Christian armour bright;

And Satan trembles when he sees

The weakest saint upon his knees."

He goes on to say...

"The motive is this, "Oh! that God could be glorified,

that Jesus might see the reward of his sufferings!

Oh! that sinners might be saved,

so that God might have new tongues to praise him, new hearts to love him!

Oh! that sin were put an end to,

that the holiness, righteousness, mercy, and power of God might be magnified!"

" This is the way to pray; when thy prayers seek God's glory,

it is God's glory to answer thy prayers.

When thou art sure that God is in the case,

thou art on a good footing.

If thou art praying for that which will greatly glorify him, t

hou mayest rest assured thy prayer will speed.

But if it do not speed, and it be not for his glory,

why, then thou mayest be better content to be without it than with it.

So pray thou, but keep thy bowstring right;

it will be unfit to shoot the arrow of prayer

unless this be thy bowstring,

"God's glory, God's glory"--

this above all; first, last, and midst; the one object of my prayer."

I know we are not used to the "thou" or the "Thy" but read his words to extract the message...when we pray if our focus is the glory of God then our prayers bring forth the glory of God.

If you are interested in reading the full sermon go to http://www.biblebb.com/files/spurgeon/danpat.txt

See you tomorrow!

A humble prayer

Daniel identifies with sinners, Paul identifies with sinners. He said, “I am the chief of sinners”. What are we guilty of? Same thing the Israelites are guilty of:
“We have turned away from your commands and laws”
“We have not listened to your servants the prophets”
“All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you”. “We have sinned against you”
“We have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth”.

This is a seething judgment…all of us can take one of these sentences an apply them to our lives.
But here is redemption….
“The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving,”
What great mercy is this…that even though we have sinned, He has forgiven us.
One thing we always must remember sinnning has a cost.
First there is the consequence of sin. We see that in Israel….as she is judged and punished.

"Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us great disaster.”

The final cost or payment for sin was fully laid on and paid by the Lord Jesus Christ.
God's love for His own does not negate justice. Just as God disciplined Israel, he disciplines His own.
Scripture tells us:
“And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son." Hebrews 12:6

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined?” Hebrew 12:7

“Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness by his father?” Hebrews 12:10

How many of us wish we did not have to discipline our kids? But we know that as we do, we are building godly character in them. The same holds true for God and His children. As He disciplines us, He is building Christ-like character.
Daniel understood that…As Christians we must see that also.
Can you and I see God's discipline in our own lives? How about our children's lives? How often do we want to run as mom's and get our kids out of a situation that they have gotten into? There are great lessons to be learned while we are being disciplined. To avoid them is just to prolong the learning. Instead, what if we prayed like Daniel prayed?
"Oh Lord listen!" Oh Lord forgive!"Oh Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay because your city and your people bear your name!"

Danile saw God's ultimate goal in disciplining His people. When God was done correcting His people, they would gloriously bear His name to all the other nations. God's reputation was as stake here...and when He was done His people would be a testimony to God's power, forgiveness and faithfulness.
Can you and I wait and let God have the time He needs to purify and restore those He is disciplining. Could He be doing that to you or me? Pray for strength that we may learn quickly! That our loved one would learn quickly...so the discipline would last for a while but the result a lifetime!

There is a story of a little boy who found two little cocoons in his backyard. He put them on his desk and day after day he watched for the butterflies to come out. The first one broke free within just a couple of days and when he woke up one morning the butterfly was flying around his room. So he eagerly waited for the second one. One afternoon he saw something within the cocoon breaking out. It was a struggle...it was messy and in his little mind that butterfly needed help. He could see part of the beautiful orange and black wing bent and it appeared crushed. So he took his little knife and gently tried to make a larger opening for the buttrefly to come out. Finally the butterfly broke free but it lay flopping on the desk. Kind of sad looking. He waited and at every attempt the butterfly could not staighten out. It could not fly but instead just flipped flopped from one side to the other.
Later the little boy found out in the process of the butterflies breaking out of the coocon the friction and pressure to get out builds the intricate wings and gives then srtength. By cutting the cocoon, which is where the friction and pressure comes from, the butterfly never developed those strong wings. the pushing its way out of the cocoon is literaly what strengthens the wings into their full measure.
That is what we try and do sometimes. Pull our loved ones out before full maturity. As our children stuggle and break through exerting great faith that pressure they are under is what builds their faith. Daniel understood that for Israel and he prayed in accordance to that.

What a great example to us.

Are you enjoying this look at prayers in the Bible? Which one has impacted you the most? Is there one you would like to cover? Let me know.

Heavenly Father...Just and righteous are your ways always. You dicipline those you love just for a while so we may bless your name. I thank you that your dicipline penetrate the hardest heart...only you can change our hearts. Help us to pray for those we love, whom you may be disciplining...that they would humble themelves and learn quickly. Thank you for your grace that is sufficient to carry us through. Thank you that the fullness of our sin's guilt and punishment fell on our Lord Jesus. Thank you that by His stripes we are healed. I pray for a Godly focus as I am disciplined.
I pray when the time is finished that we, your people would resonate your Glory. That we who bear your name would testify to your loving kindness towards us. You alone are worthy of all our praise. Amen

Tomorrow another look.

A prayer from Daniel's heart to God's

One of the most wonderful gifts we have in Scripture, a part from the revelation of Jesus Christ, is to be able to hear the prayers of godly men and women. Daniel, a prophet of God during the Israel’s captivity in Babylon, gives us a glimpse of a prayer that is rooted in God’s Word and empowered by a deep longing for God’s revered name. It is rooted in God’s promises and literally “holds God at His word”

Daniel’s prayer not only gives us another model of prayer, it again shows us how to pray with a Biblical perspective and motivation while encouraging us to pray God’s promises. Today we are only going to look at the first part of Daniels prayer; Daniel 9:1-14

“In the first year of Darius son of Ahasuerus (a Mede by descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom-in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed:

"O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
"Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. "Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him.”

First thing I notice here is that Daniel’s prayer comes after he has studied the Scriptures. Look what he said , “I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet…” here is great wisdom for us as mothers and wives…hear from God first then pray! How else is God going to speak to us, unless we study and understand what He has already said? Often we pray and put our pettition forth and then we look in God's Word how they will match. What a different perspective that Daniel has. Read and study the Word, THEN gear your prayer in accordance to what God says. Daniel says “he understood from the Scriptures” Specifically, he was reading the book of Jeremiah which told of Israel’s captivity and judgments.
What are you, right now, studying in the Scriptures? What did you read this week? Take those words and pray in that light...put the Word of God over your mind and heart and let it scrutinize you emotions and thoughts. Look at your children under that light. How can you pray this comfort?...How can you warn them? Can you pray softer hearts? A repenting heart? Can you pray one of God's promises for them?

Dr. James Boice in his commentary on Daniel says “Daniel did not have our Bible. But he had some of it, and he studied what he had. Then after he knew what the promises of God given in Scripture were, he prayed about them, asking God to do what he had promised”
Some of us do not have the Biblical understanding that others might, BUT we have enough. It is not that we need more understanding it is that unless we apply and believe what we do know, God can not add more. I have heard over and over, “If I just knew more…” “I just don’t get it and I don’t know how to apply it…or teach it” Let me encourage you that YOU DO KNOW enough. Daniel did not have all the Scriptures but what he had, he studied and pulled out God’s promises and then he pleaded those promises before God. What promises do you know of God? Even if you only know one or two…claim them…pray them…take God at His word and wait on Him fulfill those promises.

Second thing I notice is that after Daniel studied he had the right perspective to pray. Always we begin with a “God-view”. He starts “Great and awesome…” “Who keeps His covenant of love...” Once God’s presence is established he moves into man’s position under God’s Holiness. The only position we can take under God’s eminence is a lowly one. But what I love about Daniel here is not that he sees Israel’s sinful rebellion against God, but it is that he includes himself. He does not say ‘Those people” or “Your people” but he says “we”. If I counted correctly, Daniel uses the inclusive word “we” 11 times…He also uses the word “us” 6 times. He does not see himself as one “above” God’s reproach but one who is a part of His covenant Israel. He did not distance himself from God’s people but rather identifies himself intimately with them through his confession.
How often when I confess sin, do I have a tendency to confess the sins of others or even when I am confessing my sins I do it in a manner that excuses my sin rather than repenting of it? If there is anyone who could have removed himself from this group of “sinners” would be Daniel. Nothing in the Scripture is ever said about Daniel except that he was an example of godly ways. He never compromised. He never forsook God’s ways while living in wicked Babylon for 67 years. Yet here I find him identifying himself with sinful Israel. We need to be careful not to distance ourselves so much from sinners that we become pious. When we pray for our children and husband, let us remember that the same temptations that fall on them fall on us. Their sins are not unknown to us. When we loose sight of that, we can’t plead for them. Personal identification with sinners is what makes God’s grace so magnificent. When we pray for those we love to come to Christ, we can pray “If me, why not them”

Daniel had a clear view of God after he had studied the Scritures. From there he proceeded to a fervent prayer which included God's indictment and just dealings with his people and His promises to bring them out. Each of us as Christians are the temple of the Lord. And it was the Lord in Isaiah 56:7 and then Jesus in the Gospels who said "My house will be a house of prayer" God speaks through His word and we must respond in prayer.


Heavenly Father, You are righteous and Holy. Your glory is expressed all around me. Your Word reveals your character, your promises, your will. I may not understand it all, but I understand enough. Help me to apply your Word to my circumstances. Add to my understanding faith to believe all you have said. I confess my lack of unbelief. I confess my doubts, my fear, my anxiousness. I covet what you have not given me, forgive me. I have been selfish with my time, forgive me. You alone can restore. Give me an undivided heart that I may pursue all of you… that I may stand on your promises for me and my family. I pray for my little one’s restless heart now…bring her peace. I pray for our children’s heart that they may flee evil and not rebel against your Word. Be merciful to them. Thank you for your promises…that if we confess our sins you will forgive and recall them no more. Thank you that you promise that in our weakness your strength is made perfect. Thank you that you comfort us so we may also comfort others. Thank you that you never leave us or forsake us. Amen

Smile it is Friday!

Here is a short little clip...and if any of you want to join the search just follow the instructions. Let me know.

Also take a look at our Poll on the left...take a moment to fill...it is totally anonymous.
We will continue on prayer next week taking a look at Daniel's prayer.
Have a wonderful weekend...be a blessing!

Prayer focused on God's love

Today is Valentine’s Day…A day all of us will try and celebrate with loved ones. Some of us will make a wonderful dinner, others will go out to eat. Chocolate or flowers may well be part of the day…chocolate in this house for sure! Today is a specialday set out to express love towards one another…Can I suggest something totally different? How about a prayer focused on the source of love?….God Himself. God is the one who first expressed love. He is love. He is where love began and flows from. And the Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect expression of love. His life was based on love and our future is secure in His love.

Yesterday we looked at the book of Ephesians. In chapter 1 we found right away a prayer from Paul to the Church at Ephesus asking God to reveal more of His wisdom, more of His hope for their calling and more of His power. As we read just a bit further there is a second prayer. In this one Paul is asking for the Church to discover more of God’s love for them:

“For this reason I kneel before the Father,
From whom His whole family
In heaven and on earth derives its name.
I pray that out of His glorious riches
He may strengthen you with power
Through His Spirit in your inner being
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you being rooted and established in love,
May have power together with all the saints
To grasp how wide and long
And high and deep
Is the love of Christ
And to know this love that surpasses knowledge
That you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Eph. 3:14-19

Here gain Paul begins with the confidence that he can pray because of his relationship to God…the Father. And he can pray with confidence again for these people that he loves because they derive their name “Christians” from Him. God’s people cross the whole creation from heaven to earth…there is only One Father and God’s family lives in both kingdoms, heavenly and earthly.
Then Paul, once he establishes whom he is praying for (God’s family) and to who he is praying (God the Father), he asks that these beloved ones would be strengthened with power derived from His glorious riches. And he asks that this strength, based on His riches, through the Holy Spirit, would be deposited in their inner beings…that means way down deep…their heart and mind and will. Then he says “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts” Paul knows that strengthening comes about by a change in the inner man. As one yields more and more to the Holy Spirit sin decreases and we have more of God’s riches. When we pray this way for our loved ones, we are asking God to “plug them into the full power source”. Notice he is not asking for God to fill them but for THEM to come to the full understanding of what they have. That is why he says in verse 19 “and that they may KNOW”. Paul asks that they may be reminded of this great power that God has given them. And that it may dwell in their hearts. The heart back in this time was the seat of intellect, and being, and affections. It was the whole man not just like we think of the heart today…the seat of emotion. That is why he says “your inner being”.
Then he says…”So that Christ may dwell in your hearts”. You can think of it like this….that they may be strengthen with power, through the Holy Spirit in their inner being so that Christ may “settle down” in you. So Christ would dwell…make a home…have His way…be at ease…in their hearts. That is when the fullness of God’s power is manifested…when Christ is at home in our hearts.

Can you imagine praying this way for our loved ones? That Christ may dwell, be at rest, settle down in their hearts! That’s when they will realize the glorious riches and the power given to them. They won't live a deafeted life. Is that a prayer you need?

Then the second half of his prayer asks God that now once they are “rooted and established in love” (that is because Christ has settled in their hearts…that is the greatest love available to us) that they would grasp “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge” This goes back to what we talked about yesterday….the difference between knowing Christ intellectually and knowing Christ intimately. To know Him intimately you must experience His love. Knowing Him this way surpasses knowledge of Him. So how can we know Him intimately? By knowing how wide (His outstretched bleeding hands) and long ( His pierced feet and bleeding thorny crown) and high and deep (from the pit of the earth to the highest heaven)…that is the Cross. To know Him intimately we must know Him through the cross…that is how the greatest love was expressed. And knowing Him this way surpasses any head, intellectual understanding of Him.
Then Paul finishes by this statement “ that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”. His prayer and desire for these loved ones is that they would be filled with the “full measure “ of God . Christ, the Cross…is the full measure of God! God held nothing back!

Our desire, as we pray this way, is for those we love to live a life that matched the fullness of the Cross. We are all to live not a beggars but with the full power and grasp of the love of Christ. His fullness in full measure given to us in our inner being.

This is a prayer rooted in love….the love of God the Father through His Son.

Heavenly Father…no greater love has ever been expressed that in your Son. Lord Jesus no greater love has ever been demonstrated than your death for us who are undeserving. You express this love with outstretched hands that forgive as far as the East is from the West. Oh! that those I love would know this love! I pray for my friends who are living like paupers…forgetting the richness of this truth. I pray for David and the kids, that their hearts would be filled beyond measure with this great truth. Lord, that you would settle down, be at home in their hearts. That they would live to appropriate the infinite fullness of your power. That they would not feel defeated or overwhelmed but that through your Spirit and by faith, they would face this day with the power and love found in the Cross. That they would know your love in its wonderous fullness...
Amen

A prayer for those who need encouragement

“For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His (calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might “ Ephesians 1:15-19
What is one of the greatest things you can pray for someone? I believe it is for them to know God…not know about him but know him. Many people know my husband, David. He coaches Little League, he is involved in our church, he runs a small company and if I went anywhere in our old home town, lots of people would say they know him. But they really don’t KNOW him like I do. We have spent 28 years together…23 of them married and 5 dating. I KNOW him…I know for example that he loves chicken and dumplings, I know his favorite movie is “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly”. I know when he hit his first home run, what makes him cry, what his secret aspiration is and so many other wonderful details that make David ... David.
The focus of this prayer is the same…in a sort of way…Paul’s greatest desire for the people at the church in Ephesus is for them to “know” Jesus Christ.

He begins this prayer affirming that this prayer is for believers. He says “Having heard of the faith of the Lord Jesus which exists among you”. Being a Christian does not exempt you from suffering, wavering or doubting. It is then, most important, that we come alongside those who maybe weakening and pray for them. When my kids were younger and they were just getting to know God, they had questions…they were very young in their faith. Praying that God would reveal more and more of Himself was a common prayer for me. I still pray that for them. In this prayer Paul is focused on three things: For them to have a fuller knowledge of God, a deeper understanding of their salvation and and awareness of the power available to them to live their calling through the Lord Jesus Christ.
I noticed it says “do not cease giving thanks for you, while mention of you in my prayers”. Some translations say “mentioning you by name”. Paul made this prayer very personal. He knew each recipient of this letter. He prays that “their eyes of their heart may be enlightened” He wants God to open their eyes to see all that has been secured and given to them…hope, riches and power.

First the hope of their calling….hope in Scripture is never “pie-in-the-sky” hope as if it may happen. But hope is always secure and anchored because it is in the work of Jesus Christ. So it is not a “I hope it works out” but instead is I am assured and convinced that this is your calling. God purposed it, brought it about and will achieve it. Would that be a great way to pray for someone who is uncertain of their job, ministry or place in life?
Second is the riches of their inheritance. When we are saved we are adopted into the family of God. All that is the Son’s we partake in. In salvation we become heirs! There is a scope of great blessings God has for us. It may look like we have nothing or we may feel like we have nothing…but our great hope (the work of Jesus Christ) assures us of a wealth of blessings. Some of us may look like paupers but we are co-heirs of God's kingdom! He has given us NOW everything we need for a life that is set apart for Him.

Dr. James Montgomery Boice says “Some critics charge that a concern for what is to come make Christians of little earthly use. The opposite is the case. We know what we are to become and therefore we live differently here. It is the citizens of heaven who make the greatest difference on earth” Expositional Commentary on Ephesians.
Some of the blessings we have know are prayer, Christian fellowship, the study of his Word, worship. But how much more will we have in heaven…we will have the fullness of his Word, the fullness of Him in fellowship and so much more.
Third the power given to those who believe. Just think, that same power that brought Christ out of the grave is the same power that lives in us today! The same power that saves us is the same power that keeps us and sanctifies us and will one day usher us into glory! Most of us live in a “half-empty” mentality…the glass is not even half-full it is overflowing! What an encouraging way to pray for someone feeling defeated and weak...pray for their recharge and power-boost!

What a wonderful triple-tier prayer! More knowledge of him, more understanding of the great blessings here and to come and then more appropriation of His power. That word "power" in the Greek is where we get the word dynamite! We have available to us power to break emotional chains, power to diffuse fear, power to accomplish the work-load for the day, power to face tragedy and power to carry us through suffering.
Praying like this goes right to the source…God Himself. It is not just an intellectual understanding of Him but a personal, lived-out, longed-for and lasting relationship where we can know Him intimately.

Heavenly Father,
You are the source of all wisdom…who is like you? Who spread out His hand and told the waters where to stop? Who placed every star and named it? You are majestic…powerful…all knowing. And Lord Jesus, I pray for Jessy, Hannah, Kaity, Josh and David….that they may know you deeper and deeper. That they may understand fully the joy of their calling and the full equipping you have provided. That they would not grow weary but finish so your great name would be glorified. Give them wisdom beyond their years so that they may walk worthy your calling. Guide them, protect them so that they would be diligent in study and understanding. Give them a longing for heaven and a steadfastness to serve you here on earth. Thank you for them!
Amen

PRAY AT ALL TIMES, FOR ALL PEOPLE, IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

Sorry about not posting yesterday. I was at the BSf Retreat in Jacksonville where 25,000 attended a wonderful weekend of teaching, singing and visiting friends. We got back late Sunday night and yesterday was just a typical Monday...grocery shopping, laundry and planning dinner for everyone. I had "leaders training" at 5:00 which pushed everything early. So the day was full and now I have the family back in order (as only Moms can do!). (If you are not familiar with BSF let me encourage you to find a class in your area. To do so you can go to http://www.bsfinternational.org/ )

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Also thanks for the encouraging words on "Prayer 101". I hope you all will find this look at praying refreshing and that it encourages you to pray more...I know it is already doing that for me.

Have you ever thought of prayer as a privilege? I know we are repeatedly told in Scripture to pray…we are even commanded to do so…but have you ever thought of it as a privilege? It really is…to have access to the Living God is something many don’t have. Since time began, men and women have been raising their voices in the air to Sun-gods, Mother-gods, Mother-earth and so many countless false gods that really their words went up into the air and came flat down! It is only the one true and Living God who can hear the prayers of His people. It is like those old telephone circuits where a woman sat and could hear the voices of hundreds of people but it was not until the connection was made that the people were able to hear and speak to one another. What a privilege it is to speak to God, not only on our behalf but on the behalf of others.

Scripture is full of prayers and we are going to look at many of them. There prayers for spiritual wisdom; Col 1:9-14…

to ask for mercy and grace in time of need: Heb 4:14-16; Ps. 86; Ps 88: Ps 102…

Intercessory prayer : John 17:1-26, Daniel 9:3-16…

Prayer for salvation: Ezekiel 11:19; Ps 85:7; Ps 119:41; Ps 51:12…and prayers of petition. These are just but a few. There is also the “model” prayer that Jesus gave to his disciples when he was teaching them how to pray. This prayer had been recited over and over the centuries…some say it almost as a “mantra” with little thought to the words. Others have made it the prayer of their hearts…

“Our Father, in heaven,
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
As we also forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from the evil one.” Mat 6:9-12

Jesus sets up this prayer in verses 5, 6, and 7, of Matthew by saying “And when you pray…” Here is the command…He does not say to us…”if you pray” or “may you pray” He tells us to pray and then to He tells us “how to pray” verse 8. Isn’t just like our Lord, when he gives a command He gives us clear direction on how to obey the command.

And Jesus begins by saying “Our Father”. We have to acknowledge a relationship with Him. Jesus begins to show us to pray to God you must have a relationship with Him. And this relationship is unlike any other here on earth…it is a Divine relationship…one that supersedes all others. We are told to “love the Lord YOUR God” above all others. It is the first Commandment. This relationship is one of tenderness, closeness, approachability. BUT before we make this relationship more cozy than it ought to be, Jesus says “Hallowed be your name”…there is the perfect balance. Before we get to comfy with our Daddy, let’s remember who He is…hallowed. Yes He is our Father BUT He is also our Creator and the Holy One. There must be a reverence for Him…a sense of awe before His presence. When we “hallow” His name we praise Him above all things. We see His holiness...his separateness from all creation. We see Him in His Glory…as Isaiah saw Him “Seated on the throne, high and exalted and the train of His robe filled the temple.” Isaiah 6:1. Or as Psalm 97:2-6 says “Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne…the mountains melt like wax before the Lord…the heavens proclaim His righteousness” Once again what seems to be a paradox is in complete harmony…Yes we have this loving relationship with The Father BUT He is to be praised...He is Holy. Acknowledging that He is hallowed underscores His supremacy in greatness.

Then Jesus goes on again to lead us in prayer by reminding us it is God’s kingdom which will prevail and if we are His child that should be our desire. He tells us to pray for His kingdom to advance here on earth. “ Thy kingdom come, thy will be done” Again the focus continues to be on God Himself. We delight in His way and desire more than anything for His Glory to be preeminent here on earth. And that leads us to “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. It is not our will but His. Just as He rules the heavens, He rules the earth. We must desire for God’s will to be our will…to exchange the temporal for the Eternal…the flesh for the spiritual.

I noticed that we are half way through this model prayer and our focus has been exclusively on God Himself, His Holiness, His kingdom and His will. It is only with that proper focus that we can then begin to ask for ourselves. Jesus has reminds us to pray for the “bread of Life” before we even can think of any other form of sustenance. When Jesus tells us to pray asking God to “give us our daily bread” we ask for the immediate need...daily…often meal to meal…that is dependency. Sometimes when we ask God for a long term provision it moves us from dependency to independence. It is like the manna which the Israelites received every day and at the end of the day it spoiled and fresh manna was given the next morning. Our focus moves from the spiritual, which we also depend on every moment, to the physical which must also be a seeking daily.

So we move from our vertical relationship (Us towards God) and then the first thing Jesus asks us to do with our horizontal relationships (us towards others) is to forgive. Interesting we could not have this vertical relationship with God as our Father UNLESS we had been forgiven. How else can we have a relationship with anyone unless it also begins there. Jesus says “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors” Forgiveness begins with confession. We confess our sins to God the Father who forgives and we also confess our sins to one another so forgiveness can take place. Notice it is in the past tense…we can’t even pray before we have offered forgiveness or asked for forgiveness. For true prayer to happen we must be sure we have “made it right” with others.
Matthew 5:23 says “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come an offer your gift.” Notice it says “if you know your brother has something against you” It is not if “you have something against someone”…It is our responsibility as children of God to seek forgiveness whenever we know someone may have something against us. Later in this same passage verse 14 Jesus says “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sin, your Father will not forgive your sins.” We saw last week unconfessed sin hinders prayers…unforgiveness is a sin.

Finally Jesus ends the prayer with “And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one”
We tell our children to flee evil and pursue good. It is only through God’s protection can we do that. Oh that we may see the evil one’s schemes and flee! That we may know our weakness and ask God to reinforce them so the evil one would have no means to come in. That we also would see the weakness in our children and pray for God’s strength and power.

Praying this way is God glorifying. Praying this way is God-centered. We begin in the height of heights…the heaven of heavens and move down to the lowly. We understand that our position comes from Him…our dependency is in Him.
Can we ask ourselves the hard question…How often do we pray this way?

Why is the willingness to ask or extend forgiveness an essential part of an effective prayer?

Is there someone in our lives that we must seek out to forgive or ask to be forgiven?
Do we know our own weaknesses? Have we taken them to Christ for protection? Have we done that with our children? Loved ones?

Father in heaven,
Who is like you? Who knows our comings and our goings? You are worthy of all praise and honor. Your majesty fills the earth…your mercy upon me is evident everyday. May your Word go out today to save those lost. May your kingdom advance through me. Show me ways that I may encourage others, warn loved ones, declare your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to those who are perishing. Spend me in ways that would last for eternity. Give me a heart for your divine ways…make your Word present in every thought or utterance so your kingdom would be manifested here.
I pray for your provision. For your Word to be fresh in Jessica’s, Kaity’s, Hannah and Josh’s mind. May they be faithful to obey and flee evil. Replenish me with your Spirit… Give David favor today in his business attempts and work. Bring others around him that he may share your Word.
Forgive me of laziness, when I have trusted men more than you. Forgive me of fear…for that is not of you. Increase my faith so I may be fearless. Show me whom I may have offended and give me a quick heart to humbly go and ask forgiveness.
I pray for your protection over those I love…over those who are being persecuted right now for your name. Grant them rest and peace as they are in the front-line. Help me to know how to pray for the kids…give me special insight into their struggles and expose their hearts so I may seek your power on their behalf. Protect me and this family from the evil one…I am your servant who asks because apart from you I do nothing.
Amen

Tomorrow a look at a prayer of Thanksgiving from Ephesians 1

Prayer 101

What would you do if you had the President of The United States' ear? What if we were able to call him directly and plead our case for economic reform? How about the welfare of our loved ones? World affairs? How quickly would you access him?

There is a story of such a man in Scriptures. He may not have had access to the rulers on earth but he had access to the King of Kings, the Creator. His name was...Moses. He spoke to God directly..."face to face" when he went up the Mountain. He spoke so intimately with God, that God changed him...God's desires and Glory became Moses’ whole life, purpose and prayers. He pleaded, interceded and rejoiced with God. He had complete confidence in God's faithfulness to accomplish all He had purposed for His people. Moses had God's "ear".

In Exodus we also learn that God heard the crying out of the Israelites in bondage (Ex. 3:7).
God hears His people.



This is what prayer is...humbly speaking with God and He hearing us. Hebrews talks about us coming to the “Throne of Grace”...We can enter the Heaven of Heavens with confidence because we are ushered and announced by Christ. Christ gives us access to the Father and prayer is the means of communication with Him.
What does Scripture say about prayer?
The first thing is that we are instructed and admonished to pray.
Paul tells us to “pray without ceasing”. 1 Thess. 5:17
Is. 55:6 tells us:
“Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near”
We are told to “pray everywhere” in 1 Tim 2:8.
Paul exorts us to :
“Be anxious for nothing, BUT in everything BY prayer and supplication WITH thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Emphasis mine.

Prayer is not the end but the means to the end. It is through prayer that we find strength, direction, wisdom and power to persevere. Prayer changes us…it gets us refocused on God. Prayer also takes our eyes of our circumstances and sets them on Christ.

Who can pray?
Everyone can pray, but only when we are in Christ, do we have assurance that God will respond to our prayers.

Ps. 10:17
“Lord you have heard the desires of the humble,
You will prepare their heart,
You will cause Your ear to hear”
In Revelation 5:8, we see a beautiful picture of The Lamb opening the scroll. Those in attendance there have golden bowls filled with incense “which are the prayers of the Saints” We who are in Christ are called saints. Do you ever think that all your prayers for redemption are being stored up in heaven? God hears every one of those prayers and keeps them. The aroma of incense is often a picture of our prayers rising to heaven. (Ps. 141:2) It please God to hear from us...it shows our dependence on Him and our desire for Him


What hinders prayer?
We are told to pray with confidence and boldness but Scripture also tell us to come humbly and cleansed.
David in Psalm 66 recognizes that if he had held sin in his heart God would not have heard him. He needed to confess his sin to God before God would even hear him.
Is.1:15-16 says rebukes the Israelites:
“When you spread your hands
I will hide myself from you
Even though you make many prayers
I will not hear…
Wash yourselves clean,
Put away the evil of your doings…
Cease to do evil,
Learn to do good.
Seek justice
Rebuke the oppressor
Defend the fatherless
Plead for the widow”
Later in 59:2 he once again warns:
“But your iniquities have separated you from God.
And your sins have hidden His face from you.”

Often we hear the question, does God hear the prayers of those who have not put their faith and trust in Christ? I will let Scripture speak for itself.
John 9:31
“Now we know that God does not hear sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God and does His will, He hears him.”

Two thing we understand from this passage: God does not hear sinner. And He hears only worshippers who hear and do his will" What sets apart a true follower/worshipper of God? One who does His will. If Christ's obedience to the Father is what we are to follow, that must be our distinct way of life.


So why do we pray? First, it honors God. Second, prayer is a source of power for growth and perseverance in our spiritual lives. Third, it aligns our mind and will to God's. Prayer is not easy...it takes diligince, purpose and a plan. What more could the enemy want than to keep God's people discouraged, confused and ineffective?

Ravi Zacharias tells a story of a young man fighting in the Koren War. He was with his troop and some of the soldiers were out in an open field. The bullets were flying and many of his friends were wounded. His officer commnaded him to go out to bring back to the shelter the wounded men. The young man looked at his watch. Again, the commander ordered him to go out. He paused and looked at his watch again. A third time he was commanded and this time he looked at his watch and immediately darted out into the open field to retrive his wounded friends. One by one he brought every single wounded soldier back. He weaved his way through bullets to bring the last one in...safely. His commander asked him why he did not move out at the first command? He responded that his mother, before he left, had told him at what hour of the day she would be praying for him and he was waiting for that very minute to begin! Prayer goes before our children, our husbands and our loved ones to seek God's best for them. Prayer often is a protective covering over them...it is our secret weapon against the enemy who wants to destroy. Can we begin this weekend to have a disciplined time for prayer? Let's not forget the preparation for prayer...confession. Let's commit to the three P's...Prepare, Pray and Persevere!

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I am going out of town this weekend and will leave EARLY Friday morning (4:00 a.m.) So I appologize for no post on Friday. I covet your prayers for me and so many others who will be gathering for a BSF Retreat. Pray for safety as we travel and for God's rich equipping.

Praying God's Word

One of the greatest tools we have as moms, wives and friends is to pray for our loved ones. Prayer brings us to the Throne of Grace. Prayer changes hearts...changes lives. In the next few days, we are going to look at prayers in Scripture and how to pray God's Word back to Him. David was a man of prayer...the Psalms depict the fullness of his prayers...he pleaded for forgiveness, comfort and praised God for His faithfulness. Paul's prayers were for believer's growth, sanctification and understanding of the depth of Christ's power. Daniel prayed for God's glory to be revealed in His people. Jesus prayed for us and for the Father to preserve us and strengthen us.

Spurgeon says "Prayer is never futile but powerful. You may not always get what you ask for, but you will always have your need supplied. "
Prayer supplies what we need and satisfies our soul.

Psalm 23 is a beloved Psalm for many. A prayer many of us have recited at times of uncertainty...

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHER ---that's our relationship!
I SHALL NOT BE IN WANT---He is our supplier!
HE MAKES ME LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES---that's the rest He gives!
HE LEADS ME BESIDE QUIET WATERS---that's His refreshment!
HE RESTORES MY SOUL---that's His power!
HE GUIDES ME IN PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS---that's His leading!
FOR HIS NAMESAKE---that's His glory!
EVEN THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH---that's testing!
I WILL FEAR NO EVIL---that's His protection!
FOR YOU ARE WITH ME---that's His faithfulness not to abandon those that are His.
YOUR ROD AND THE STAFF, THEY COMFORT ME ---that's the loving discipline of the Father!
YOU PREPARE A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES---that is Him picking us back up!
YOU ANOINT MY HEAD WITH OIL---that's consecration!
MY CUP OVERFLOWS---that's His abundant love lavished on us!
SURELY GOODNESS AND LOVE WILL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE---that's His promises fullfilled!
I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD---that's the blessing!
FOREVER---that's eternity!

Amen!

A Prayer by John Newton

John Newton is best known for writting one of our most beloved Hymns: "Amazing Grace". There have been countless tears shed while singing this great hymn...I have cried some of those tears. How can someone write such God-glorifying words? How is it possible to capture so much of God in one small hymn? I would have to say the heart of this man is contantly meditating and enjoying God Himself.
I found this prayer recently, and thought here is another insight into this man's heart...his total dependance on God. If this is what he earnestly prayed...then no wonder such praise came from him. It isn't until we get to the end of ourselves that we can see the majesty of God. I believe it is John Piper who said, "God is most satisfied in us when we are most satisfied in Him"

“I asked the Lord that I might grow
in faith and love and every grace;
might more of his salvation know,
and seek, more earnestly, his face.
I thought that in some favoured hour
at once he’d answer my request;
and by his love’s constraining power,
subdue my sins and give me rest.
Instead of this, he made me feel
the hidden evils of my heart,
and let the angry powers of hell
assault my soul in ev’ry part.
‘Lord, why is this?’ I trembling cried,
‘Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?;
‘Tis in this way’ the Lord replied,
‘I answer prayer for grace and faith.
These inward trials I employ
from self and pride to set thee free,
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
‘That thou may’st seek thy ALL in me!”
-- John Newton

THE VALLEY OF VISION : A COLLECTION OF PURITAN PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS

If you have never heard of the Puritans, let me encourage you to get to know who they were...here is just a sample of their God-glorifying thoughts and perspective from the Book : "The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions"
I highly recommend it.

"The Gift of Gifts

O SOURCE OF ALL GOOD,
What shall I render thee for the gift of gifts,
Thine own dear Son, begotten, not created
My redeemer, proxy, surety, substitute
His self-emptying incomprehensible
His infinity of love beyond the heart's grasp.
Herein is wonder of wonders:
He came below to raise me above
Was born like me that I might become like him.

Herein is love:
When I cannot rise to him he draws near on wings on grace
To raise me to himself.

Herein is power:
When Deity and humanity were infinitely apart
He united them in indissoluble unity, the uncreated and the created

Herein is wisdom;
When I was undone, with no will to return to him,
And no intellect to devise recovery,
He came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost,
As man to die my death
To shed satisfying blood on my behalf,
To work out a perfect righteousness for me.

O God, take me in spirit to watchful shepherds,
and enlarge my mind;
Let me hear good tidings of great joy,
And hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore,
My conscience bathed in an ocean of repose,
My eyes lifted to a reconciled Father;
Place me with ox, donkey, camel, goat,
To look with them upon my redeemer's face,
And in him account myself delivered from sin;
Let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child to my heart,
Embrace him with undying faith,
Exulting that he is mine and I am his.
In him thou hast given me so much that heaven can give no more"

Smile it is Friday...

I am not feeling very well today...

bit of a headache.....

So please take time today to go over this wonderful Proverbs 31 woman.

I will keep the questions from yesterday going through the weekend so you can post a comment.

Have a blessed Lord's Day...Rest.

Janet