Saturday, March 27, 2010

Week #13 from Exodus 15:24-25 is another great example of why it is important to pray when circumstances extend beyond our abilities. Perhaps it is easier for some, to pray when our strength is gone or there is no way for us to achieve the goal. But, we are to pray in all circumstances. Often, God has an opinion or a way or a purpose that we would never consider. Prayer helps us perceive what we have never seen before. Even when we follow what God has directed, not all will agree with us. Please remember that difficulties are useful to our Lord as He "works all things together for good".  (Romans 8:28)
 Please be aware that some folks believe they are on an assignment from the Lord to be critical of others and their work. James 1:2-3 says; Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance..."
Please pick up your new prayer journal at the welcome center for the next quarter. 

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Week #12 from 1 Thessalonians 5:17, is a challenge to ongoing communication with the Living Lord through prayer. Our journey in prayer is much like being constantly in the presence of our redeemer. Knowing that the Lord is with us, experiencing the very things that we encounter is like sharing with a trusted friend the events of the day you participated in together and much more. Pastor Grinder described this continuous prayer as intimacy with God. It is not that we summon God to our situations, we practice His presence. He can bring thoughts and scriptures to our minds and hearts as we seek His input.
Our Lord gave the apostle Paul direction in His missionary effort to share the gospel with the unbelievers. As we listen for His internal voice in our hearts, He can direct our comings and goings. There is such hope as we are consciously aware that Emmanuel is truly with us and has something to say as we share intimacy with the Living God.     

Monday, March 15, 2010

Our prayer booklet for week #11 urges the believer to: "pray in the Spirit on all occasions". The one, who prays in the Spirit about all things, is in touch with the Spirit involving their life's circumstances and encounters with others.

Sincerity with God in prayer is one the most important elements in praying in the Spirit. Praying in this manner isn't about praying in the King James language or praying in perfect English grammar either. It is about seeking the Lord with receptivity to the Holy Spirit as you seek His will. God is pleased to have us seek His opinion and view, upon the things before us.

Ephesians 5:15-18 encourages believers to "make the most of every opportunity". It is obvious to us that alcohol makes our senses dull to life around us. To the contrary, The Holy Spirit sharpens our senses to God and others. We are urged to "be filled with the Spirit" and abstain from the things that would diminish the work of the Holy Spirit.

Oh, how we need the Holy Spirit in our prayer life and on all occasions.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Week #10 of the Prayer Journal, John 16:24 directs the follower of Christ toward the name of Jesus in our prayer. That the name enables the connection with the Father, through the victory of Jesus on the cross.

We will soon be celebrating the death and resurrection of our Lord in special services that are offered, designed to invite our unchurched friends. May our prayers in the name of Jesus, reach the Father and draw souls to salvation according to John 6:44.

Information about the "underground railroad" that was said to liberate as many as 100,000 people between 1810-1850. Railroad terms were used to describe homes and businesses that provided rest and food as; stations and depots. Those that contributed goods or funds were called; stockholders. Those who moved the hopeful escapees were called; conductors.

In the 1970's-1980's a musical phenomenon emerged that was named, "The Soul Train". The obvious connection to the name, claimed to connect the "soul" to the music and cause movement.

Perhaps we might get on board this Easter season, calling on the Name of Jesus for the souls in captivity. Pray that the Father may draw the lost souls to His saving grace and be responsive to our invitation to the special Easter services. Jesus has place such a high value upon the souls of people. May we be motivated to be a "station" or "depot", a "stockholder" or a "conductor" to some captive.